Plainfield Magazine September 2019

MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2019

PHS Football Team Learns Life Lessons On & Off the Field

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READY? BREAK! PHS FOOTBALL TEAM LEARNS LIFE LESSONS ON & OFF THE FIELD Brian Woodard credits his high school coach Jim Kaiser for introducing him to coaching. Woodard was studying engineering at the University of Evansville when Coach Kaiser invited him to help run some youth and pre-season camps. The experience caused Woodard to reevaluate his entire career.

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SEPTEMBER WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott Bailey Roberts

SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne / GoDaddy MSH

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6 Two Chicks Whisky Business Bakery 20 10 Tips: For A Great End Of Summer

Local Couple Whips Up Tasty Treats Barbecue For Every Occasion A Woman's Guide to Mastering Hendricks Civic Theatre Celebrates Menopause 40th Season Ready? Break! PHS Football Team Learns Life Lessons On & Off the Breaking the Stigma & Healing the Broken: Mental Health America of Field Hendricks County is Here to Help Business Spotlight: Mason Jewelers

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Two Chicks Whisky Business Bakery Local Couple Whips Up Tasty Treats For Every Occasion Rhonda & Paige Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / GoDaddy MSH & Darren Boston

Three years ago, Paige Welp, baker extraordinaire, was fielding countless requests from friends and family to bake cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for birthday parties and other special events. She happily complied because she loved the craft. When Rhonda began dating Paige, she encouraged Paige to sell her product. That’s when Paige confided to her now-wife that she had always dreamed of buying a food truck.

“Let’s do a dessert truck,” suggested Rhonda, a probation officer. Paige, a bus driver for the Avon School Corporation, was hesitant because neither of them had a business background. They aligned themselves with experienced folks with great business acumen such as Todd Richwine, a Hendricks County resident and owner of Far-Out Fred’s Food Truck.

“He told us what events to do and not do, and that’s important because if you bake all this product, go to an event, and sell just two things, you’ll lose a lot of money,” Rhonda says.

In 2016, the pair found a 20-year-old industrial truck. To convert it into a food 6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

truck was going to require some cash upfront so they started shopping their dream around to various banks. They were turned down by 18.

“Anytime you say ‘new business,’ banks get nervous,” Rhonda says.

Ultimately, the 19th bank took a chance on the women because the banker owned a food truck himself.

“I believe in you two,” he said.

The women secured their finances, converted their truck, obtained their license and opened Two Chicks Whisky Business Bakery. Within six months they had their investment paid back in full.

One reason for their success is because they dared to be different. Instead of just focusing on one dessert, they ventured into cobblers, pies, brownie blocks and strawberry shortcake.

Paige and Rhonda not only participated in food truck events downtown and on the west side, but they began taking private orders. Over time, their grassroots efforts paid off as word of mouth spread and their business grew. They sold goodies at

various locales, having fun experimenting with recipes. Even their “crazy flavors” hit home runs. For instance, last year a Harry Potter fan asked Paige to create a Butter Beer cupcake. It sold out three days in a row. Another fan favorite is the Fluffernutter (a peanut butter cupcake with marshmallow cream inside).

“We also did a Fruity Pebbles cheesecake and a Maple Bacon cheesecake —both wildly popular,” Rhonda adds.

In fact, it’s the overall sale of cheesecakes that has surprised the women. They thought they would move primarily brownies and cupcakes, but it’s their cheesecake that sells like hotcakes.

Strawberry is big in the summer. Pumpkin and apple flavors do well in the fall, as does the s’mores cupcake. And given that they are the Whisky Chicks, of course they had to conceive of a product to capture their namesake. Behold, the Fireball Whisky Cupcake!

Currently, they have created 54 flavors of cupcakes and more than 20 flavors of cheesecake. And they continually introduce new ones.

The pair balance food truck events with weddings and private parties. They also supply desserts for several restaurants in the area who do not have an in-house baker but want to provide guests with homemade desserts. And the women recently opened their own independent bakery on Main Street in Plainfield.

Both Paige and Rhonda care a great deal about the Hendricks County community.

They do all they can to give back to those who live here. For example, last fall they donated a bunch of desserts to a family so they could sell them at a bake sale and raise money to install a wheelchair ramp in their home for their young son.

“Whenever we catch wind of something where we feel we can help, we do,” Paige says.

For instance, they had a friend who gave birth to a stillborn baby at Hendricks Regional. The friend praised the nursing staff who helped her and her husband navigate the most heart-wrenching experience of their lives. Paige and Rhonda went to the hospital with a basket full of cupcakes and cookies to show their gratitude.

“We pop up every now and then to perform random acts of kindness,” says Rhonda, who notes they also drop into schools to deliver goodies to faculty as a show of appreciation.

They also frequently donate desserts to local firehouses, police departments, military headquarters, recruitment offices, shelters and other area businesses.

It’s hard to believe that the dream of owning a food truck would snowball into a successful business that encompasses weddings, private parties and retail. But they are pleased with how things have progressed, growing slow and steady, which is fine by them considering the fullness of their lives.

Besides their flourishing business and fulltime jobs, together they have five children.

And that doesn’t count Paige’s school bus children, who have given her a sweet nickname.

“They call me The Cupcake Lady!” she says. “You can’t beat that!”

Because their treats are so tasty, that means that sometimes they have to turn away jobs. So, if you know you’d like to hire Two Chicks, it’s wise to plan 3-4 weeks in advance (one year for weddings). Their busiest time of year is typically May and June due to graduations, though between weddings, holidays, birthdays and other special events, they stay plenty busy yearround.

“Our motto is, ‘We don’t want to be the biggest. We want to be the best,’” says

Rhonda, who handles most of the business issues while Paige primarily does the baking. When extra hands are needed in the kitchen, however, Rhonda pitches in, plus calls in reinforcements like Paige’s mom.

“We call mom our third chick,” Paige says.

“She’s the one who taught me how to make crust.”

When they first started the business, they wanted to bring back the days of scratch dessert. So they bake fresh daily and never freeze anything. And customers can taste the fresh goodness.

“The pie crust for cobblers is Paige’s grandmother’s recipe,” says Rhonda, noting the time a customer told them that the blackberry cobbler tasted exactly like his grandmothers.

“You’re doing it right,” he exclaimed, licking his lips and smiling from ear to ear.

Indeed, they are.

Two Chicks Whisky Business Bakery & Cobbler Shop is located 120 E. Main Street in Plainfield. For more information, call 317-698-1287 or visit them online at twochickswhiskybusiness.com.

8 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

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Hendricks Civic Theatre Celebrates 40th Season Writer / Bailey Roberts Photography Provided

Hendricks Civic Theatre, a community staple since 1979, is celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Hendricks Civic Theatre has grown from an idea by Marianne Mowrer in 1979 to the large, all-volunteer organization it is today through the generosity and support of the Hendricks County community through the decades.

The 40th Ruby Anniversary season begins this September and is slated to include “Noises Off," “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Leading Ladies," “I Hate Hamlet,” “Matilda: The Musical" and “Mamma Mia." The season kicks off on September 27 with the comedy “Noises Off,”

directed by Ryan Thompson.

“Noises Off,” dubbed “the funniest farce ever written” is a play within a play, following the frazzled cast rehearsing for their flop of a production called Nothing’s On. Hendricks Civic Theatre keeps each of its six show seasons diverse, including everything from comedies to dramas, musicals to children’s shows, offering something for everyone in the community.

Hendricks Civic Theatre President, Karla Janning, has served as a longtime volunteer and Board Member and is excited for what the 40th anniversary season will bring.

“I would love for the theatre to reach even more people in the community that not only have

never come to see a show but that have always wanted to be a part of community theatre and haven’t,” Janning says.

“We love to have new people join us every year and join our ever-growing community and family.”

Ryan Thompson, Hendricks Civic Theatre Board member and Secretary, hopes that this 40th anniversary season offers “even more people the chance to experience this — either on stage, in the audience or backstage.”

Both Janning and Thompson served as volunteers for various productions before becoming involved with Hendricks Civic Theatre’s

AvonMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 15

Board of Directors. For Janning, volunteering began in 2013 as she supported her two daughters’ interest in the theater. Since then, the entire Janning family has appeared on Hendricks Civic Theatre’s stage in multiple productions and has served behind the scenes for even more.

“We all had such a great experience that I knew this was where I wanted to plant my feet and get back to my love of theatre,” Janning says. “I have never regretted that decision. It truly is our extended family.”

For actor Jeff Sankey, Hendricks Civic Theatre has

also been a family affair. His daughter was in “Beauty and the Beast” in 2017 and he has been in “The Foreigner" and most recently in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.”

Sankey says that Hendricks Civic Theatre’s Rising Star Productions for all youth cast is what originally drew them to Hendricks Civic Theatre.

“Hendricks Civic Theatre is a place where families come together to develop theatre, and theatre, in turn, creates a bigger family,” Sankey says. “I have so many more people in my life now that I have started doing theatre that I would never have met if not for Hendricks Civic Theatre.”

Hendricks Civic Theatre prides itself on its family atmosphere, encouraging everyone to come and “play a role” whether on stage or off stage. Previous experience is not required, and hands-on learning happens with every production. Hendricks Civic Theatre was recently awarded a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission to aid its 2019-2020 season, allowing them to expand their arts education offerings to include workshops, camps and more opportunities for underserved communities. They hope to attract new actors and volunteers, offering them opportunities to get involved

with the theater in new ways and to give them the tools to feel confident both on and off stage.

“I am always amazed at the new talent that we get every year,” Janning adds. “I have loved that especially this last season we welcomed a lot of new faces to our stage. Most of them had never been on stage before and they were amazing.”

Sankey also noted the increased involvement in Hendricks Civic Theatre, “It seems like the interest in each show just continues to grow and there seem to be more and more people who

16 / AVON MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

are interested in auditioning for each show,” Sankey says.

“There seem to be more and more people who are excited about watching them, too.”

Hendricks Civic Theatre has definitely felt the impact of the increase in actors, volunteers and patrons of the shows. Many shows this past season sold out or were at near capacity. Longstreet Playhouse in Maplewood is the home of Hendricks Civic Theatre and is a small, 80-seat theater offering an intimate atmosphere, fully engaging the audience in each production. Hendricks Civic Theatre anticipates continued growth in the next few years

and hopes to continue engaging the community.

Despite having a home theater, Hendricks Civic Theatre regularly rents the auditorium at Avon Middle School South for its larger productions that can’t be accommodated at Longstreet Playhouse. “Noises Off,” the first production of the 2019-2020 season will be at AMSS and run September 27-29 and October 4-6. Their upcoming children’s production of “Matilda: The Musical” will also take place at AMSS in March 2020.

Longtime Board Member Matt Roberts is excited about the future of Hendricks Civic Theatre and this 40th anniversary season.

“My hope for the season is to see us continue on this trajectory and see Hendricks County come together to support Hendricks Civic Theatre and the whole arts community,” Roberts says.

Individuals and businesses can support Hendricks Civic Theatre financially through season sponsorships and program advertising as well as in donations of time and talents. The most valuable donations aren’t monetary.

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mission through volunteering of time, resources, skills or donations,” Roberts says.

“We are always in need of season and show sponsors,” Janning adds. “We are a nonprofit and so without the

support of local businesses and community donors we would not have a season. We also need volunteers that can help with our shows on a regular basis, be it parking cars, being ushers or working concessions.”

There are roles for everyone,

on stage and off stage, and you can sign up to volunteer at hendrickscivic.com. You can also follow Hendricks Civic Theatre on Facebook for information about upcoming shows and further information about the organization and

ways that you can “play a role.”

Hendricks Civic Theatre is located at 4998 North County Road 100 East Danville or you can give them a call at 317-943-3126 for more information.

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Breaking the Stigma & Healing the Broken Mental Health America of Hendricks County is Here to Help Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Director of MHAHC. “Our hope is that creates better mental health later.”

Established in 1953, Mental Health America of Hendricks County (MHAHC) is a non-profit organization that covers education, referral, support, and individual advocacy. They educate between 4,000-6,000 elementary children a year with programs about bullying, prescription drug misuse, tobacco/substance abuse, mood stabilization, organization, and other skills that are important for children to learn in order to improve their overall mental well-being.

MHAHC employs evidence-based best practice programs such as “Kids on the Block” designed for preschool through first-grade students. They also run “Our Child, Our Divorce,” which is ordered for divorcing couples who have children under age 18 that they may learn ways to co-parent without putting their children in the middle.

In addition, they have three trained workers who offer a youth Mental Health First Aid, an 8-hour program.

“Some mental health conditions are based on brain chemistry and cannot be prevented, but some are based on traumatic life events.

If children learn skills early on, then they can utilize those skills to help them deal with what life brings,” says Tammi Jessup, Executive

“It teaches how to recognize potential mental health concerns with kids as well as how to prevent problems,” explains Jessup, noting that they also offer a two-hour Suicide Prevention Class called Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) that’s for all ages, not just youth. Those taking SEPTEMBER 2019

the class learn how to recognize specific signs that indicate someone may be contemplating suicide and teach the best way to approach the person.

“There are ways you shouldn’t phrase things such as, ‘You’re not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?’ because that’s forcing them to feel like they have to reply, ‘no,’” says Jessup.

MHAHC offers QPR training to any interested group for a nominal fee. You don’t have to be affiliated with a school to receive training.

“One of the things Avon did exceptionally well when they were in the grant planning phase for the Lilly Foundation Grant was to gather a large group of people to find out what was needed,” says Jessup.

What they found may astound you.

Elementary school counselors mentioned that they were regularly seeing anxious, depressed, and suicidal children in their offices. Given that there is still a good deal of stigma surrounding mental illness, the organization’s two big pushes currently are suicide prevention and stigma reduction, which, of course, go hand-in-hand.

“I know when I was younger, nobody talked about breast cancer, prostate cancer, domestic violence, or those types of things,” says Jessup. “Once people started talking about them, though, education, prevention, support services—all of that got better because they weren’t hidden topics anymore.”

Jessup maintains that mental health is on the cusp of that shift in acceptance, largely because of celebrities who have been brave enough to share when they have battled a mental health disorder or substance abuse problem. Their transparency about these difficult subjects gives the public permission to tackle them in a public forum, and that’s step one. When celebrities lose hope and take their own lives such as actor Robin Williams, fashion mogul Kate Spade, and chef Anthony Bourdain, though the events are tragic, it opens up the conversation to a subject that is so often considered taboo. It also demonstrates that mental health issues do not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

“People realize that even those folks who seem to have it all can suffer a brain disorder that causes depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or whatever,” says Jessup.

“Getting people to open up is huge.”

According to Jessup, statistics show that, on average, the time between when an individual first starts displaying symptoms of a mental health condition and the time that they first seek treatment is 10 years.

“We don’t do that with other illnesses,” says Jessup. “It’s tragic, really.”

Executive Director, Tammi Jessup

It’s a sobering statistic given that one in four SEPTEMBER 2019

people will have a diagnosable condition in their lives.

“How, in a society, do we keep hiding these issues?” asks Jessup. “How do we not have that [topic] out in the open?”

In addition to education programs, MHAHC also keeps an updated list of providers in the area so that they may help those who struggle to understand the details regarding payment and insurance.

“We’ll go through the list with them and help them narrow down their options,” explains Jessup. “Or if transportation is an issue, we’ll try to help with that, too.”

MHAHC offers two support groups. The Westside Widow Group gathers monthly to share a meal and listen to a featured speaker.

They also offer a weekly support peer group designed for anyone 18 or older who is battling any kind of mental health condition.

Avon 4.75 x 7.125-AUGUST-OUTPUT-080219.pdf 1 Folks are welcome to come alone or bring

along family members.

“I enjoy that support group,” says Jessup.

“Often it’s the best part of my week.”

MHAHC offers individual advocacy, which simply means that if someone with a mental health condition contacts them asking for assistance with any kind of agency, their staff will step in.

home facilities in Hendricks County. Last year they served close to 1,000 people in Hendricks County.

“Someone may need help getting enrolled in the SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] or they may be getting evicted and have no clue what to do or where to turn,” says Jessup. “Whatever the issue, if they’d like me to intercede on their behalf, I will.”

“We have sports teams, church groups, scout programs, library groups, and senior communities who all pitch in to make these soft fleece blankets. It’s a great community effort.”

MHAHC has a long-running holiday program called Gift Lift in which they partner with Hendricks Regional Health to provide chronically mentally ill patients in Hendricks County with items from a wish list they provide. They also collect items such as lotions, slipper socks, calendars, and 8/2/2019 4:37:08 PM lap blankets for those in long-term nursing

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“We decided the lap blankets were the most important thing for those in nursing homes so we made an effort to give two items, plus a blanket, to each resident,” says Jessup.

In short, the MHAHC is all about education, support, advocacy, and service. They also care a great deal about suicide prevention and stigma reduction.

“We are here to help,” says Jessup.

Contact Mental Health America of Hendricks County at 317-272-0027 or visit http://mhahc.com/.

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FOR A GREAT END OF SUMMER BARBECUE Writer / Abigail Hake . Photography Provided

Summer can be a favorite time of the year! With the days heating up and summer getting started, it’s time to prep your grill and send out the invites for your upcoming friendly backyard barbecue! Here are a few tips to help you have a stellar barbecue that will impress your friends and family this outdoor season.

1. READY THE FOOD

It’s fun to have friends over. And it’s even more fun to be able to enjoy time with those friends when they are there. Try to have almost everything done before they arrive, especially the food.

Main course items like hamburgers and hot dogs can be grilled while enjoying a drink and talking with friends outside, but prepare as much beforehand as possible to save your sanity.

2. MAKE IT A POTLUCK

Another way to save yourself some time and peace of mind is to ask a few friends to bring side dishes. Not only will this save you time (and money) but it will also create a great array of offerings for all your friends. Those bringing dishes probably won’t make what you would normally make and it gives your party different options! This is nice to do for those who have food allergies and sensitivities too.

3. D ON’T FORGET THE DETAILS

We all know that we want some easy clean up at the end of a long, hot day. But nothing makes your guests feel more special than the tiny details. Think about trying non-disposable plates and flatware instead. Look for melamine picnic dishes with liners - they are usually inexpensive and are sure to make your backyard barbecue stand out! Then take a quick minute to wrap silverware bundles in napkins. Add a handwritten tag with a fun summer song or the names of your guests. They are sure to love these small details and tell their other friends all about your party.

4. S NACKS, SNACKS, SNACKS

Snacks are super important. Especially if you are going to be cooking the main course once the guests arrive. Make sure to have

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dips and finger foods so everyone can snack while they catch up.

Also, make sure to have foods that are great for being outside.

Cut watermelon, fruits and veggies and chips and salsa are always crowd pleasers and don’t take a lot of effort.

5. T RY A FUN COCKTAIL

Whip up a big batch of Moscow Mules or Sangria for your guests. These easy drinks with easy garnishes still bring a touch of something special, setting your party apart! Offer mocktails or soda and water for those who don’t drink, too. If you are looking for something that can work for both, check out Tailored Toddies.

6. DECORATIONS

Throw up some decorative lights outside. This simple step can really go a long way. And when the sun goes down, you’ll have a beautiful ambiance that is sure to impress your guests! Also, layered tablecloths on the outdoor tables can give a warm feel as well. Just takes your party up a notch and an easy one at that. You can also leave them up all year round!

7. CITRONELLA

We all know mosquitos can really ruin a good thing. Make sure to grab some extra citronella candles for the evening. Not only will they keep those pesky bugs away but they’ll add to the ambiance of your outdoor lighting too! And, just in case, grab a couple different types of bug spray for your guests to use if they’d like.

8. YARD GAMES

There are so many yard games out there to play. Party favorites include Bocce Ball, Cornhole and Giant Jenga and most can be found at your local Target or Walmart. The best thing about all of these is that they are enjoyable to both watch and play. They keep everyone engaged and excited throughout the afternoon or evening!

9. S KIP DESSERTS & MAKE S’MORES

Load up the fire-pit with some logs and take it back to old campfire style. Roast up some S’mores and enjoy! Offer fun extras like peanut butter, Reese’s cups or candied bacon to create some different recipes. Everyone loves sitting around a fire on a cool summer night, especially at the end of a great party.

10. H AVE A BACK-UP PLAN

Listen, we all know that the day we have a big event, we don’t want it to rain. But unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that won’t happen. Don’t break the bank or anything but just make sure you have a plan for if it does start storming in the middle of the party.

This might mean making sure the garage is cleaned out or asking a couple of friends to throw some extra folding chairs in their trunk.

The best part of the day will be being with friends, even if you have to get a little cozy inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

A Woman's Guide to Mastering Menopause Women undergo multiple changes in their lifetime. Some transitions take a toll on the body while others have no side effects, but almost all women experience menopause. Linda Witham, nurse practitioner at Indiana University Health Physicians Women’s Health, offers advice for managing menopause symptoms and when to consult an expert.

“Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone at least 12 months without a menstrual cycle,” Witham says. “Symptoms of menopause may start to appear in a woman’s 40s or 50s. During the transitional years leading up to menopause, the ovaries produce different amounts of hormones than normal.”

Leading up to menopause, women may experience unpredictable periods, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary problems, hormonal and mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

To cope with the symptoms, Witham suggests the following: • Be prepared. Always be prepared for the onset of symptoms.

Dress in layers and carry a bottle of water with you. When spells occur, take slow, easy breaths.

• Pinpoint the triggers. Some women find that hot flashes occur with hot beverages, drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, spicy foods or stress. Knowing what leads to the onset of symptoms can help you stay prepared.

• Communicate with your doctor. For questions or concerns about how your body is changing, including irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your OB/GYN or women’s health specialist.

Keep up with regular wellness visits and ask your primary care doctor about recommended health screening tests. Always seek medical attention if you notice bleeding after menopause.

“Regular fitness activity during menopause can be really beneficial, too,” Witham says. “Movements like aerobic activity, strength training, and stretching can help you relax and keep your mind occupied. Although exercise isn’t proven to reduce menopause symptoms, it can help you maintain a healthy weight, relieve stress and improve quality of life.”

The only way to master menopause is to adapt to your new and changing body, and staying healthy while doing so will make your journey a little bit easier.

SEPTEMBER 2019

PHS Football Team Learns Life Lessons On & Off the Field Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne & PCSC

Brian Woodard credits his high school coach Jim Kaiser for introducing him to coaching. Woodard was studying engineering at the University of Evansville when Coach Kaiser invited him to help run some youth and pre-season camps. The experience caused Woodard to reevaluate his entire career.

“I changed my major to Education soon after that. It’s funny how life takes you in a certain direction,” says Woodard, who started coaching football and teaching biology at Plainfield High School in 1997.

Woodard’s main goal since he started coaching 22 years ago has been to make Plainfield football feel like family.

“That’s been one of my north stars in coaching, especially now when a lot of kids come from broken homes and are experiencing all kinds of struggles outside of school,” Woodard says. “I feel compelled to give them a place where they’re surrounded by people who care.”

Woodard has also been a part of the Red Pride Youth Football Camp for the past 25 years. It’s a camp designed for those in grades 3-8.

“I see these elementary kids at camp and the next thing you know, they’re at my freshman callout meeting,” Woodard says.

“Then in the blink of an eye, it’s four years later and they’re graduating. When those kids come back and say, ‘Thanks, Coach,’ that means a lot.”

Woodard has seen a number of his players go on to do great things. For instance, James Hurst is playing in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Zane Fakes is a Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Indianapolis Colts. Brock Caraboa (Marian), Tom Restivo (UMass), and Mike Brown (high school head coach in Ohio)

PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 25

are all coaching and doing great things at their respective schools.

defensive back,” Woodard says. “Can he put his personal feelings aside for the team?”

“I could talk for hours about all my former players’ successes,” he says. “Honestly, though, my ultimate goal is for them all to become good husbands, good fathers, good employees and good citizens. At some point, you’re going to play your last game of football, and you hope that you’re lucky enough to have a wife and family. Football is just a vehicle for those things that are better in life.”

Then there’s the mental toughness one must possess to show up every day, regardless of your role.

The game of football involves a great deal of mental and physical stamina —perhaps the greatest of which is a player who sacrifices his own personal goals to do what’s best for the team.

“You might have someone who wants to be a wide receiver, but we need him to play

“We rely heavily on what we call our scout team players — those guys who are replicating our opponents every week,” says Woodard, nothing that these are often the younger, less seasoned players.

“To have the courage to go out on that field at 5’5” and 150 pounds, knowing that you’re going to spend 120 minutes getting pushed around and tackled — I have a great amount of respect for those kids,” says Woodard, noting that those are the skills that translate to real life.

“We talk a lot about how football practice

is hard but life is harder,” Woodard says.

“When our players think our coaches are being tough on them, I say, ‘Wait until you get your worst boss.’”

Football is one of those rare sports where players are asked to work their tail ends off even though they may not taste individual glory. Some may never score, touch the ball, or perhaps even step foot on the field.

They may never see their name in the paper or hear it announced over an intercom and yet these kids want to be a part of this rigorous sport.

“You’re asking those guys to sacrifice their own ambitions in order for someone else to be successful because it all revolves around the word ‘team,’” Woodard says. “The idea is that we did it together, and ‘we’ is greater than ‘me.’ I honestly don’t know if there is a better life skill that can be taught. In fact, I

26 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

neld

Plainfield High School Football Calendar

what to bring to the party? what to bring to the party?

Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N ’ AT I T Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N ’ AT I T

think we need more football players in the world to spread this message.”

Despite all the sacrifice, kids relish the lifelong bonds. Tavian Gadia, now a college freshman, played running back for PHS and says that he treasures the relationships he built with his teammates and coaches.

“The trials and tribulations of a football season build some of the strongest bonds and a sense of brotherhood I’ve ever seen,” Gadia says. “I got to know my best friends and many more fantastic people through football, many of which I never would’ve met had it not been for this sport.”

-4886 Senior Jaxsen Spears has made lifelong ain St. memories at PHS thanks to football. m/Plain-eld “Football is the greatest team sport,”

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Spears says. “It’s taught me many life lessons that I’ll carry with me through my future ventures.”

Woodard’s best football memories also revolve around relationships —especially those with his children Blake (15) and Allison (11).

“When they were little, in the summer they would come hang out with me at practice,” Woodard says. “My kids have learned so many lessons just from watching me and the other coaches, not to mention the players.

I love that they’ve been able to grow up around a game I think is the best.”

Coach Brian Woodard

Woodard is not alone in his assessment. All the parents at PHS would agree that nothing tops football. PHS’s Quarterback Club, which is made up of football parents, is run like a booster club. The primary purpose of the group is to address the needs of the players and coaching staff. They not only fundraise but also help organize details for various events such as the summer camps.

For instance, in June the team attended an IU camp in Bloomington. The Quarterback Club gathered Gatorades, energy bars and a 40-pound box of bananas. They also paid for 90 lunches.

“You can’t underestimate the importance of our parents,” Woodard says. “You simply can’t run a program of our size without the support of a parent group like this.”

They also appreciate the fans and the student body.

“Nothing feels better when we come out of the locker room at 6:58 on a Friday night and see our home side with people standing by the fence because the stands are full,” Woodard says. “Playing in that kind of atmosphere is special.”

It’s an image that’s been etched in Woodard’s mind ever since he was young.

“As a player, there’s nothing like Friday night lights,” he says. “To get a chance to play under those lights in front of your friends, family and community — it’s hard to top that atmosphere.”

Coaching Staff

MASON JEWELERS 1822 E Main St Plainfield 317-839-3202 masonjewelersco.com

Writer / Jamie Hergott

Mason Jewelers has been in business since 1957 and will be celebrating its 62nd year of business in September. Owner Scott Mason won’t let the milestone pass without a celebration, kicking off a big September sale by offering 50% off any piece of jewelry in his shop on Thursday, September 19, from 3 to 8 p.m.

Another reason to stop in on the special night is to see Judy Ring, an employee who

recently retired from Mason’s but will be back cash or trade, offering a double value on the trade. for this one special evening.

“The last couple years, we’ve had people lined Mason offers a free lifetime warranty on up outside,” Mason says. “We only do it one any and all pieces of jewelry, including night, and it’s crazy.” estate jewelry. Mason says this, as well as his customer service, is a big draw for customers.

In addition to jewelry and watch repair, Mason Jewelers offers basically anything in “Customer service is the most important jewelry, from custom work to original pieces, thing,” he says. as well as Citizen and Seiko watches. Mason also buys gold, which many jewelry stores Many customers have told him they feel don’t do. In fact, Mason will either buy it with pressured to purchase or fill out credit

PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 29

applications at other jewelry stores because many salespeople work on commission.

as well as other jewelry work on the job from his father. Scott and his brother Steve both attended the Gemological Institute of America. Harold decided to open his second store in Plainfield in 1982. He always told his sons that he felt he needed to have a store for each kid.

“I’d rather just be polite, let them look and help them in any way I can,” Mason adds.

“If they want to buy, they’re going to buy.

It’s much better to let them take their time and be comfortable with their purchase.

My name is on that sign, so I want to keep people as happy as I can.”

Mason works hard to do just that. Most days he can’t get his jewelry work done during business hours, so once he locks the door at 6 p.m., he can still be found at his jewelry bench until even later.

While Mason Jewelers has been in Plainfield since 1982, Mason’s parents started the business back in 1957. His father Harold had just come out of the Air Force and went into watchmaker’s school.

He had a tiny watch bench in his father-inlaw's hardware store in St. Louis where he simply fixed watches. That bench became the humble beginnings of Mason Jewelers.

Harold and his wife, Dorthea, eventually moved to Greencastle, Indiana and opened a watch repair shop. Every time they fixed a watch or two, they’d buy a piece of jewelry to sell. Eventually, this allowed them to expand into an entire store of jewelry.

In his early teens, Mason learned engraving

“I don’t know if that’s actually true or not,” Mason says laughing. “But he was trying to expand so it worked out.”

Steve runs the Greencastle store, and between the two of them, the brothers have 90 years of experience.

Mason also prides himself on his friendly staff, even employing some of his longtime customers. He said it’s important for them to learn about the gems, but he intentionally hires people who have a knack for working with people.

“Friendly is something natural,” Mason says. “You don’t need training in that. The ladies I have hired have been customers who appreciate the jewelry. I just brought them to the other side of the counter, and all of a sudden they’re doing really good because they’re selling something they love.”

In fact, one woman named Carol Middleton has worked on and off for Mason since the 80s.

Her trademark look is lots of shiny jewelry.

She’s made a name for herself in Mason’s store, and there is a specific case designated for any flashy jewelry that is reminiscent of her style.

“It’s called Carol’s Corner,” Mason says. “If anything comes in real flashy, we put it in Carol’s Corner. A lot of people will say hey, let me know if you add anything to Carol’s Corner.

You won’t find that at the big stores.”

Other unique displays include his new silicone ring line as well as men’s wedding bands made from the wood of actual whiskey barrels. His designer, Promezza, is known for their high quality, custom design rings, trademarked with a tiny yellow diamond set on the inside of the band.

Longtime customer Wendy Young loves jewelry and has been a customer of Mason’s as long as she’s been a Plainfield resident, which is 27 years.

“I’ve been in customer service my entire life,” Young says. “Scott is one of the finest managers I’ve ever met.”

Young has made many transactions over the years at Mason’s, remembering in particular one trade she made on a day she was feeling low in life. She had taken in some gold and jewelry to trade in, and she ended up leaving with a gorgeous pear-shaped diamond ring.

30 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

“Needless to say, I was on top of the world after that,” Young says. “He has anything you’d want there. They have the bling, things you can afford, lots of trade pieces, he can order things for you, he has a great estate area. I can go in there in a so-so mood and come out feeling fantastic. He is so friendly and gracious, and his staff is just fantastic.”

Mason loves owning his own jewelry business, and he loves the clientele that comes through his doors.

“It’s really fun because very rarely do people come in here angry or in a bad mood,” Mason says. “Typically they’re in here buying something for someone they love. It’s very easy working with people who are happy.”

Mason Jewelers is located at 1822 E Main St in Plainfield. For more information, visit them online at masonjewelersco.com or give them a call at 317-839-3202.

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