Hendricks County Home Magazine, Volume 1 Issue 4

Home HENDRICKS COUNTY

April 2014

Bless my Blooms!

Spring has finally sprung!...pg 12

Mayberry in the Midwest...pg 7 Preschool provides cooperative learning experience...pg 15 Hanging on to Educational Excellence...pg 17

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FROM THE EDITOR

Hendricks County Home

A Letter from the Publisher Friends, Thanks to all who took time from their incredibly busy schedules to talk with us and tell us their amazing stories.

Hardly a day goes by where we are not met by people filled with optimism and the drive to get things done in order to build a better community.

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FROM THE READERS

Underwear Collection Provides 983 Items to Needy Families in Hendricks County The annual interfaith "Underneath It All, We're All the Same" underwear collection distributed about 900 items last week. The underwear is distributed to those in need by food pantries. In addition to the eight (8) food pantries that accepted underwear for distribution, Sheltering Wings also received items for those they serve. Eighteen (18) churches donated more than 500 items this year. The Kiwanis Club of Danville, Walmart in Avon and Meijer also supported this drive. UUCC purchased the balance of the underwear at discount prices from Hanesbrands, Inc. with the $1,771 received in financial contributions.

Claire-Anne Aikman

Real L ife

317-345-6640

caikman@callcarpenter.com

visit callcarpenter.com/claire-anneaikman

Participating churches were: Abundant Life House of Mercy in Danville, Avon Christian Church, Cornerstone Christian Church in Brownsburg, The Church Of Jesus Christ (Mormons), Danville Friends Church, Hazelwood Christian Church, Hadley Friends Meeting House in Coatesville, Hope United Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, North Salem United Methodist Church, Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Danville, Our Shepherd Lutheran in Avon, Pittsboro Christian Church, Plainfield Friends Meeting House, St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Danville, St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg, Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, St Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield and The Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Danville The fifth annual campaign is scheduled to occur next winter in February and March. Churches interested in participating at that time can obtain further information by contacting Sherry Zerbe at (317) 718-7249 or at szerbe1@earthlink.net.

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FROM THE READERS

59th Annual Event is Huge Success!

Local youth enjoy Easter egg hunt, win prizes at Ellis Park

DANVILLE - The Kiwanis Club of Danville teamed up with Danville Parks & Recreation to host the 59th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ellis Park on Saturday, April 19, drawing a huge crowd and sending children home with candy, smiles, prizes – and in six instances, brand new bicycles.

The Kiwanis Club of Danville stuffed approximately 10,000 plastic Easter eggs with candy and prize coupons and set them out in three age-specific areas of Ellis Park. This year’s event also introduced an

egg hunt for children with special needs. Six lucky kids found grand prize coupons in their Easter eggs and each took home a new bicycle donated by North Salem State Bank and Dawson Family Dentistry.

Those children were: Makiley Cannon of Danville, Lucas Chacon of Avon, Cawood Florence of Danville, Ethan Kight of Avon, Sylvie Thomas of Danville and Allison Tribble of Danville. All of the plastic eggs were donated by Hackleman Auto Collision Repair, and several other local businesses and organizations

joined in sponsoring the event.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Danville is in its 13th year of service and meets every Tuesday at noon at Dave’s All-American Pizza and Eatery in Danville. Anyone is welcome to attend meetings.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

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Hendricks County Home

Bridal Boot Camp 101 Looking your best on your big day

by Alicia Chrapek Getting engaged and preparing for a wedding is one of the happiest, yet most stressful times in a person’s life. The information in this article will help you look and feel beautiful on your special day and prevent you from becoming the dreaded “Bridezilla” (Your bridesmaids can thank me later). Living a balanced life will help to decrease your stress. A balanced life includes working out, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, relieving stress, and working on emotional and spiritual health. Planning ahead will be a key element in staying stress free.

Don’t look at the wedding as being 1 year away and you have all the time in the world. Break down your tasks for that whole year and start planning the important details first. One of those being how you look and feel. Starting early will give you time to figure out what works best for you. The earlier you start, the easier everything will be and the more beautiful and stress free your special day will be.

Stress does not only affect our mental health, it also affects our physical health.

Stress will cause the release of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal gland in response to a stress hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone, a hormone released from the pituitary gland in the brain when the body experiences stress. Increased cortisol levels in your body puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including: • Anxiety

• • • • • •

Depression Digestive Problems Heart Disease Sleep Problems Weight Gain Memory & Concentration Impairment

week that will satisfy your cravings. motivation of a gorgeous wedding approaching to get started, but In addition to eating a healthy having someone to keep you godiet, regular physical exercise can ing through the busy and stressdo wonders for your physical and ful wedding planning process. mental health. It is important to Hire a personal trainer to motivate, remember that you cannot “spot push you, and sculpt your body reduce” body fat. into the best you that you can be.

Your body burns Start a toning or weight loss chala little bit of fat lenge between you and the groom from your entire to be. Join a gym with one of your body all at once. bridesmaids if you live close and Crunches and sit- become workout buddies. If you ups will not burn don’t live close, text each other and fat only in your send pictures to hold each other stomach area. accountable. Make a cool hashtag You need a bal- like #BridalBody2014 or #Weddingance between Workout! Make being healthy and upper body ton- fit something fun and enjoyable! ing to see the definition in your When you are planning all the wedchest, arms, and ding details do not forget to plan back along with ahead and plan time for your health lower body ton- and happiness! Exercise and healthy ing for a huge eating will keep your stress levels calorie burn low and your health at its peak. Get and metabolism active and watch your portion sizes. boost. You can’t Weddings can be expensive. Saving leave out the money is a great way to decrease a cardio work-outs little of the stress that comes along designed to burn with all the planning. Brownsburg fat and calories now has Finer Things Bridal Boualso. A healthy tique that has new and gently used workout plan and bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, diet will do wonders for more than cocktail dresses, flower girl dresses, just your body! Benefits to work- and mother of the bride dresses ing out and eating healthy include: for affordable prices. You can save • Decreasing stress/cortisol levels money purchasing or earn some extra dough selling dresses there.

• Increased confidence • Stronger immune system Alicia Chrapek is a Tri-West High School alum• Healthier, glowing skin Bridal na and a native of Pittsboro. She received her dress ready body Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, • Boosting your metabolism Fitness and Health with a minor in Psychol-

A healthy and nutritious diet will aid in decreasing these risks. Certain foods will help in decreasing cortisol levels such as spinach, citrus fruits, foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, beans and barley, holy basil, micro greens, zinc, and dark chocolate.

Also, portion control is key. A super strict diet of 100% healthy foods is relatively impractical and can lead to binge eating. Try to eat healthy Having a balanced life sounds like 90% of the time. That way you can a great plan, but one of the key still enjoy a meal or two during the components is not just having the

ogy from Purdue University. She's a personal trainer and nutrition counselor at Anytime Fitness of Brownsburg. She can be reached at aliciachrapek@gmail.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Adopting a Minimalist Mantra Simplify your life with these tips

By Susan Young I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “less is more.” In the fashion world, Coco Chanel reminded us to remove one accessory from our wardrobe before we left the house for the perfect look. The minimalist interior design trend has every homeowner in America striving to create clean, organized spaces. Even professional organizing companies and life coaches have emerged to help us de-clutter our homes and lives. The reality is that we are all overwhelmed with “stuff” these days – whether it’s too much work to do or a never-ending home project list. How can we get it all done and find more health, wealth and happiness? The solution may be in finding a way to edit our lives. Here are some suggestions: • Start at Home: If you have too many possessions in your home , and not enough space to store or display them, or even use them properly, it’s time to streamline. While this may take some time, start with a smaller room (such as a junk drawer or your bedroom closet) and work your way toward the larger or more complex rooms. Toss it, recycle it, donate it or sell it, but find a place for it if you are not currently using it or haven’t used it much in the last year. If someone else can find enjoyment out of your treasured item, it’s better than letting it sit unused for years or longer. If you

Limit Work Outings: Do you • family time around the dinner taare finding yourself frequently stuffneed to schedule work luning items in a storage facility or atble, more time for children to fincheons or conference calls evtic, you probably need to edit your ish homework, get better qualery work day, or could you limit belongings. The “remove one item ity sleep, and more. While you them to once or twice a week? before you add a new item“ rule may feel like your child is missof décor ing out, everyone may actually could apply gain something in the process. to nearly Focus on What You Love: Wheanything in nit comes time to make a deciyour home: sion on a project or a purchase, clothing, ask yourself: Will this truly add kids toys, value to my life? If the answer is kitchen no, re-think the decision. If it’s a utensils, task that must be done, some DVDs, etc. consider outsourcing the task If you have to someone who might love it trouble letmore. That’s why we have house ting go cleaning services, landscaping of things companies, interior decorathat have tors, organizers and personal Do you currently block time in a sentimental value, enlist the chefs. Think of outsourcing as your day for important projects? help of a friend or family mema way to simplify your life and Prioritizing your work day may ber with an objective viewpoint. allow someone to help you fokeep you from procrastinating • Go Digital: Start converting cus on what you enjoy most or getting the truly important paper items such as receipts, in life. This sacrifice might be things done. Build in chunks of bills and school papers to digiworth the additional cost in time to do similar tasks, such as tal formats using a home scanorder to take one more thing follow-up phone calls or writing ner or camera to clear additional off of your endless to-do list. correspondences, so your mind clutter. This can save you time doesn’t get side-tracked. Review Life is too short to spend it doing in finding lost items as it helps your daily and weekly goals and thing that you don’t want or need to you keep everything in a censet priorities on activities so you do. Free your mind to enjoy life by tralized location. Process any stay on task throughout the day. doing a little editing of your home incoming papers immediately by filing/scanning them, recy- • Streamline Family Activities: and lifestyle. By learning to live with Do you spend most of your week less, and focusing on what matters cling them or shredding them. shuttling your children to sport- most, you’ll make room for those Use apps such as Evernote to ing practices or after-school ac- important and worthwhile things capture and store your notes tivities? Do the drive-through that you’d “love to do someday.” digitally. You’ll also cut down on restaurants know your order the clutter if you have bills autoSusan Young is a Brownsburg homeownby heart? Perhaps your family er, wife and mother of two young girls, matically sent to you via email would benefit from a more limit- Elaina and Evelyn. When she's not playing so that you do not create exed schedule. Give your children mom or chief household officer, she helps cess paperwork from the start. a choice of one or two extra-cur- small businesses outsource their marketBe vigilant about storing things ricular activities per week, and ing, website management, blogging and electronically rather than putsocial media through her company, Aimstick with them. You’ll find that Fire Marketing. She can be reached at ting them in a file or stuffing pawith the extra time you gain (317) 456-2494 or by visiting her website. pers in a box. Be sure to back up each week, you’ll have more your files as well to avoid loss.

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COMMUNITY

Hendricks County Home

Mayberry in the Midwest “Now here at the Rock we have two rules. Memorize them until you can say them in your sleep. Rule number one: Obey all rules. Rule number two: no writing on the walls.” – Barney Fife, Deputy Sheriff, Mayberry.

Joining us for a conversation about what promises to be one of the biggest, most exciting events in Hendricks County this year were Christine and Brad Borne of the Mayberry Cafe, Laura Parker of the Downtown Danville Partnership, Josh Duke, (Communications Manager) and Sarah Ferguson (Director of Marketing) of Visit Hendricks County.

We asked how the idea came about for the event. Brad said, "We've had the restaurant for 25 years and people have been coming to us, asking us, 'Why don't you do this?' This just sparked an interest in us. We went to the Downtown Danville Partnership and they seemed to enjoy the idea too."

Laura added, "When they came to the Partnership, we talked about how this festival was held in other locations and so they suggested that they visit Westminster, South Carolina to attend their event so the Partnership sent Brad and Christine down there on a fact finding mission. They came back with all kinds of great ideas and information. I think this helped them see how it could fit here."

We asked what the difference between this festival and other festivals might be. Christine quipped, “We have a Mayberry Café – they don’t.” Then she said, “We have a lot of unique twists on it like the Soapbox Derby and the Squad Car Nationals. We are doing a concert at the park. While some of the contests may be similar, we've expanded and added a lot."

Not just an event to benefit the

Mayberry Café, the event will impact the entire downtown and all of the businesses and residents in the area. Brad said, "When we were down there, I went to every store front and everyone said that it impacted them three-times what they usually did." Laura said, "All of the local merchants have been behind it and fully supportive. Everybody will have fun and benefit from it. It is all focused around our downtown and the events are not just downtown... they're also in the park. We are closing three sides of the square so that pedestrians can move all around freely and enjoy all of the store fronts and all of the businesses. There are a lot of activities for everyone to do."

What is going on?

Time Event – SATURDAY MAY 17 7:00 – 9:00 Pancake Breakfast – Danville Fire Department 10:00 Booths Open & Autograph Opportunities 11:00 Mayberry Parade 12:00 Tribute Artist Show on Jefferson Street State 12:30 Let the Contests Begin!

• Miss Mayberry • Barney’s Quick Draw • Trivia Contest • Ernest-T’s Bride • Opie’s Fish Toss • Handcuff Escapades 3:30 Autograph Opportunities 4:00 Tribute Artist Show 7:00 Rodney Dillard & The Dillard band Concert Ellis Part – Tickets available here: Time Event – SUNDAY MAY 18 9:00 Church Service with Rodney Dillard at West Bridge Church 10:00 Booths Open & Autograph Opportunities 12:00 Tribute Artists Show on Jefferson Street State 12:30 Let the Contests Begin!

• Mayberry Whistling Contest • Aunt Bee’s Pie Eating • Floyd’s Barber Shop Shave • Citizen’s Arrest!!

• Goober & Gomer’s Filling Station Pit-Stop 1:00 Mayberry Down Hill Derby 2:00 Autograph Opportunities 3:00 Tribute Artists Show 4:00 Squad Car Nationals in Danville Ellis Park

Christine added, "I think it works in Danville because the theme is so hometown. We are hoping that the festival will have an identity of its own with concerts and the derby and the nationals and those events can continue and grow."

Continuing in the conversation about what makes this event important to the community, Christine said, "It is fun to brag about the area. We are proud of our town and being part of it." She went on to tell us how Mayberry Café presents Tribute Artists Planning information to visitors who might to Attend: ask about other activities, busi- • “The Mayberry Deputy”: David Browning nesses and happenings in the area.

• Floyd: Allen Newsome • Howard Sprague: Jeff Branch • Briscoe Darling: Bob Mundy • Goober: Tim Pettigrew • Enrest-T: Phil Fox • Otis: Kenneth Junkin

www.mayberryinthemidwest.com

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COMMUNITY

Hendricks County Home

Awards Total $1,250 for Two Local Organizations Brownsburg Lions Club Donates to Sheltering Wings and Brownsburg Public Library Summer Reading Fund Brownsburg: The Brownsburg Lions Club fundraising efforts benefitted two local worthy organizations last night. Award checks were donated by President Ray Furner, from the Brownsburg Lions Club to the Sheltering Wings, an organization for abused women and their children, and also to the Brownsburg Public Library Summer Reading Club Fund for fostering reading skills for Brownsburg children over their summer vacations. Accepting a check for $750 was Amy O’Hearn, Executive Assistant to CEO, for Sheltering Wings. Wanda Pearson, Director, and Denise Robinson, Assistant Director, accepted a check for $500 for the Brownsburg Public Library Summer Reading Club Fund.

Amy O’Hearn (left) of Sheltering Wings accepts donation of $750 from Ray Furner, President, of the Brownsburg Lions Club. Sheltering Wings provides help for abused women and children.

Denise Robinson (left) and Wanda Pearson, of the Brownsburg Public Library, receive a donation check of $500 from President Ray Furner of the Brownsburg Lions Club.

The Gift of Prom Local Businesses Give

In a conversation with Jill Werlinger, the dynamo behind Salon 26 in Brownsburg let us in on an act of giving that we found inspirational.

"We were talking in the Salon about how we get girls in here for prom.

I have a couple of stylists who love to do up-dos and gala styles and we were just kicking around ideas and I , 'How can we market to schools?'

I went home and I thought, 'I bet there are some girls who would really like to go to prom that can't... that can't afford to.' So I called six schools and asked for their help. I said, 'You find a girl that deserves to go to her senior prom and let's make it happen.'" Jill Werlinger of Salon 26 in Brownsburg recalled.

Jill told us that she will be working

with at least five schools and a number businesses like Panoony's Pizza and Wings, JBAM Candles, Brownsburg Flower Shop and Deb (Deb Shops) at Metropolis Mall in Plainfield are backing these couple’s entire evenings all through networking this idea. "Today, I talked to Tri-West and I said, 'What does she need?”... Well, she needs her dress and she needs some accessories and her hair and makeup done and she needs flowers and her date needs a tux and they need tickets to go to the prom... So that is what they get. The girl doesn't know anything about it. Tri-West is going to tell the girl to call Salon 26 and make an appointment to get your hair done for prom. She's going to call and she's going to make an appointment and she's going to come in just like any

other guest and we are going to do her hair and her makeup and she is going to go to prom." Jill went on to explain that she wants it to be an experience for the girl and the involvement of the salon will be quiet and subtle. "It will be like someone somewhere made this happen for her and she just gets to go."

Jill told us that she thought she would be doing this again next year and did not see any reason to stop.

If you would like to visit Jill at Salon 26, she can be found at 1024 E Main St, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112. If you would like to help Jill or would like more information on how to contribute, we encourage you to contact her at (317) 858-6105.

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COMMUNITY

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

School of Rock

The Launch Pad: Rock School & Recording Studios

Left: The beautiful old church building on 301 S. Center Street in Plainfield housing The Launch Pad Rock School and Recording Studios. Above: Driven dreamers TJ Hampton (left) and Ryan Freeman (right) who had the audacity to bring a next level idea like a rock school/recording studio to our community. They're probably the coolest guys in Hendricks County that you'll ever get to shake hands with.

“When I think about kids watching a TV show like American Idol or The Voice, then they think, ‘Oh, OK, that’s how you become a musician, you stand in line for eight * hours with 800 people at a convention center and… then you sing your heart out for someone and then they tell you it’s not * good enough.’ Can you imagine? It’s destroying the next generation of musicians! Musicians should go to a yard sale and buy and old * drum set and get in their garage and just suck. And get their friends to come in and they’ll suck, too. And then they’ll * start playing and they’ll have the best time they’ve ever had in their lives and then all of a sudden they’ll become Nirvana. Because that’s exactly what happened with Nirvana.

Just a bunch of guys that had some * old instruments and they got together and started playing some noisy-* *, and they became the biggest band in the world. That can happen again! You don’t need a * computer or the internet or The Voice or American Idol.”

- Dave Grohl (*Expletives removed)

By Dave Giltner Located in the lower floor of the beautiful old church building on 301 S. Center Street in Plainfield, the rockenest place in Plainfield has got to be The Launch Pad – Rock School and recording Studios. We suggest trying The

to shake hands with. We were able to sit down and Talk with TJ Hampton, one of the two driven dreamers who had the audacity to bring a next level idea like a rock school/recording studio to our community. (The other half of the duo is Ryan Freeman.)

Sometimes in life you get lucky enough to meet someone who really loves what they do and who is really passionate about their work – That’s TJ. "We are all about equipping and encouraging artists to find their voice. We really want this to be a place that is a first or a second stop for people to do what they've always dreamed of doing."

to Nashville to meet Ryan who was living down there at the time and we kind of set some ground rules and then 3 days just dreaming.

One of the things we talked about was what we wanted to call it. The launch Pad just kind of stuck," TJ said.

While telling us a little bit about his background, TJ brought up the point, "Lessons... the format, the curLaunch Pad – Rock School and Rericulum - everything... it hasn't really cording Studios instead of hanging changed since the 1940's. Even all out in lines waiting to be on telethe method books that are all still vision. Equipped with everything used were usually first published a kid would need to learn how to in the 40's. So my dream, my vision get up on stage and perform, the was that it could be done so much owners of the successful school are better. It works really well - lots and perhaps the coolest guys in Hen- We started off by asking TJ how lots of people have learned how to dricks County that you’ll ever get to the company got its name. “I went play guitar or drums or whatever

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at their local music store but you usually end up in kind of a really tiny closet with white walls and grey carpet and a florescent light and somebody' is out in the lobby playing Smoke on the Water turned up to 11 on a guitar they can't afford to buy. I wanted to create a space that was really dedicated to the pursuit to becoming a musician without all the distractions."

Recalling the moment that things started to take off for the company TJ said, “When I was getting ready to start this, I remember lying in bed one night with my wife and she knew that the wheels had been turning and I'd really been itching to do something like this and she's like 'You should go for it!' So it's not the kind of thing you really want to go do by yourself. You know, the whole musician community it’s all built on being in that fraternity and with those relationships. It is so much less about who you play in front of or what songs you play and so much more about who you play with. She said, 'Well... Who do you want to do it with?' I said, "Ryan." She said, 'He lives in Nashville... So who else?' I said, 'That's pretty much it.'

She said, 'I guess you need to have a conversation with him then.’...

And that was it. So, I drove down to Nashville that night and I left and I called him from the road. I said, 'Hey - What are you doing?' He said, 'I'm working.' I said, 'When do you get off?' He's like, 'In about 4 hours.' I said, 'That's perfect... I'll be there!' ... and that's how the dream was born.

LOCAL BUSINESS

There are 7 year old girls that come in and sing Hannah Montana songs.

We do some other things, too, like birthday parties. Get 7 or 8 young kids in here and they get to feel like pop stars and make a recording with the fancy headphones on and do that whole thing." "Then the Rock school," he said, "It’s kind of your traditional 30 minutes every week, private lesson format with drums, bass, guitar, piano/keyboard and voice. One-on-one. You'd say, 'I'd like to play the drums (for instance) and then you'd meet with Ryan once a week and have drum lessons." When asked about other instruments, he said, "One of the things we came to realize when we were doing our business planning was that it doesn't make a lot of sense to try to school the schools. If you want to learn how to play the flute or the saxophone and you're in 6th grade, then the state is going to pay for you to do that. The band programs in midwest schools are awesome! Our approach is that we do what they don't do. You could be 15 years old and be the best bass player in 5 counties and there is absolutely nothing for you to do inside of the school system. For someone who is really musically talented or music is really there thing, there is not a lot that that kid can do to get challenged. So, we do something called rock band. That is by invitation but our students that are on the leading edge, that are really excelling are invited to join rock band and it meets for 90 minutes a week and they learn songs like a band There are two sides to the Launch would. There are several perforPad - The rock school and the record- mances throughout the year. They'll ing studio. The recording studio op- go in our studio and make a record." erates like most commercial recording studios. According to TJ, they do These guys figured out a way to "Everything from commercial voice tap into the motivation of their stuover work to blue-grass bands to dents to perform in a genius kind of rappers to rock bands to Karaoke... way. We continued the conversation

and TJ said, "It really grew out of a frustration. I've taught like 400 something people to play the guitar and you meet with them for about a half our every week and then they just have to go home and sit on the edge of their bed and try to figure it out themselves. There's no end game. The only motivator is 'I decided that I want to play the guitar so I should probably practice.' There's no, 'Man! I need to get my butt in gear because...' Now with Rock Band, suddenly there's all of these other musicians that are counting on you and it’s like,

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'Man, I've got a gig coming up in April and I've got to know these 6 songs and really have them down.'"

Do you have a son or daughter that has wanted to be in a band or is looking for a different way to excel in their lives? Then we encourage you to find out more by visiting their Facebook page here, their Instagram here, their Twitter here or their website here. You can reach Ryan and TJ in the real world by calling them at (317) 721-7775 or by emailing them at contact@launchpadindy.com.

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FEATURE

Hendricks County Home

Bless My Blooms!

The Garden Centers of Hendricks County are Open!

By April Westcott Daffodils are blooming! We have finally crossed over into spring. The seasonal flowers are surfacing and the color green has vibrantly returned. Activity is starting to happen in our local garden centers. As you drive by, you can see the rows of trees and flats of annuals beginning to arrive. So often it is easier to stop by our large commercial stores for our quick, discounted landscape plants and supplies instead of making a special trip to a garden center. Our local garden centers provide knowledge, local service and specialties that you simply cannot find in the box stores.

I spent the first beautiful Saturday visiting five local garden centers in Hendricks County. What I discovered was a multitude of specialized products and services that truly make the garden center experience invaluable.

Avon Gardens 6259 E CR 91 N, Avon Avon Gardens is a fantastic place to actually see plants in authentic garden settings. They provide over 3000 plants in the 5-acre natural environment including ornamental trees and a great variety of perennials that you cannot find in commercial stores. The knowledgeable staff has decades of experience.

Their gardens were featured in the Midwest Living Magazine April 2013 and they receive visitors from out-of-state as well as the land-

scape design college programs.

They also have a quaint indoor gift shop as well as amazing selections of creative stones, wind chimes and lawn ornaments. Avon Gardens takes advantage of its amazing gardens by hosting events such as weddings and Girls-NightsOut. “No one leaves until the bride walks down the aisle,� says owner Karen Robbins. According to Karen, people tend to do what is comfortable to them and choose to stay in their own backyards instead of visiting new places. My advice is to take advantage of this gem in the backyard of Avon and the passionate staff and spend an afternoon being inspired by the environment that Avon Gardens has created.

Above: Avon Gardens is a fantastic place to actually see plants in authentic garden settings. They provide over 3000 plants in the 5-acre natural environment including ornamental trees and a great variety of perennials. that you cannot find in commercial stores.

Below: Frazee Gardens has something for the entire family to enjoy. With a large selection of perennials and annuals already in bloom...as well as a large indoor Garden shop that is open all year long.

Frazee Gardens 3480 N St Rd 267, Brownsburg Frazee Gardens was created by Brownsburg Landscape Company in 2008. If you are wanting to stop by a garden center and you are reluctant to because you have your kids with you, Frazee Gardens is the place to stop. They have something there for the entire family to enjoy.

With a large selection of perennials and annuals already in bloom and a hearty selection of foundation plants as well as a large indoor Garden shop that is open all year long.

Frazee specializes in classes for all ages for everything from plant education to fairy garden workshops.

Frazee receives bus tours of visitors on occasion as well as people walking in from the adjacent B&O trail for a few purchases and even carry them off on their bicycles.

Dottie Warner says the personal touch and ability to take time with the customers is important to the

success of the garden centers. Although the garden shop has only been there five years, Brownsburg Landscape has been around for 32 years. The customer service is exceptional and the walk through the seasonal displays and furniture

selections make this a place you will want to stop by several times a year. Don’t just drive by Frazee on a beautiful day, stop in and visit a family friendly and fun garden center. Check out their blogs, newsletters and website as well.

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FEATURE

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Above: Nature's Choice provides sounds and textures that are unique from other garden centers. They have been showcased at the Indiana Flower and Patio Show as a People's Choice winner. The company provides landscape management services as well.

Above: One employee, Karma, says one of the things she loves about the garden center is the high quality of plants and variety of selections that Owner Ryan Denhart and Landscape Designer Brad Vlaeminck demand - like those shown here.

Nature's Choice Landscaping 3760 N St Rd 267, Brownsburg Nature's Choice provides sounds and textures that are unique from other garden centers. The water features and ponds are in full swing.

Nature's Choice sells a variety of pond kits as well as the equipment and chemicals to maintain them and even the koi fish. They have been showcased at the Indiana Flower and Patio Show as a People’s Choice winner. Their selection of 70 different types of rocks and landscape stone is impressive. The retail center boasts bulk sales of materials as well as bagged and a variety of statuary water features.

Owner Chris Johnson encouraged me to return to see the arrival of new plant materials which will envy the vibrant colors of the nice selection of landscape furniture. The company provides installation and landscape management services as well. Their knowledge comes from experience and Nature’s Choice is a great place to visit the fish, listen to the water fall and have a truly unique backyard experience.

Hospital Campus. Butler has been around for 32 years and is still family-owned. They provide all of the local nursery basics as well as landscape and outdoor living installation services. They have recently updated their display space with a sample of their high quality hardscape installation services. It

Country Harmony Garden Centre 721 N Green St, Brownsburg The first thing I noticed when I walked into Country Harmony Garden center was the exceptional smell that came from the already fully stocked selection of annuals and perennials. The colors and variety of textures are amazing. Karma, one of Country Harmony’s handson employees, says one of the things she loves about the garden center is the high quality of plants and variety of selections that Owner Ryan Denhart and Landscape Designer Brad Vlaeminck demand.

Upon observation, she is right. The plant quality is well manicured and hearty. The indoor garden and gift shop also has unique finds that differentiates them from the others.

This is a great one-stop-gift shop for gourmet gifts and indoor plants as well. Add Country Harmony to your errand list on a beautiful day.

Butler's Garden Center 5 Manor Dr, Danville Butler Garden Center is hidden just south of Hendricks Regional

is worth a trip to see the original craftsmanship of their beautiful arbor and living room. Cindy Butler says that their business brings in a lot of return customers but they are excited about how the internet and websites have brought in a new generation of shoppers. They carry hanging plants, vegetables and pre-

Above: Butler Garden Center, hidden just south of the Hendricks Regional Hospital Campus, has been around for 32 years and is still family-owned. With a recently updated display space, they're now able to showcase their high quality hardscape installation services, including pergolas, outdoor fireplaces and patios the the ones show above.

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mixed baskets and pots which are perfect for gift giving. They carry a good selection of trees and custom orders upon request. Be sure to visit Butler Garden Center.

My day visiting garden centers was truly inspiring and I look forward to visiting them often. What was impressive to me was how more than one owner suggested I look at the list on the Hendricks County Visitors Bureau website as well as recommending other local garden centers to visit. This level of community and local support is something that you cannot get in the big box stores. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety in the garden centers. No two locations were alike. This allows for loyalty by neighboring customers to several different centers. I challenge you to stop in to a garden center this spring and make these businesses a part of your outdoor living.

FEATURE Benefits of supporting local garden centers: • Personal attention and passion in service • Knowledge of plant material from lifelong experience • Custom orders and local deliveries • High quality of plant material • Unique variety of plant species and cultivars.

• Variety of specialty gifts and unique garden items • Increased enjoyment of the buying experience • Supporting your local business market April Westcott, ASLA, is an Avon mother of two and a landscape architect working as the Manager of Design and Specifications at Irrigation Design Source in Fishers.

She's a Member-At-Large and National Public Relations Rep for

Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County 95 North Jefferson Street Danville, IN 46122 (317) 745 - 9978

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the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects where she also serves as the Continuing Education Chair.

Question for April? Send them to us at editor@hendrickshome.com.

Above: Rows of succulents line the shelves at Country Harmony Garden Centre in Brownsburg. Right: One of several ponds and water features found at Nature's Choice in Brownsburg.

They sell pond kits and everything needed to service them.

www.uucchc.org

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YOUTH

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A Cooperative Learning Experience Apple House Preschool Cooperative

By Dave Giltner Lasting friendships Now in their 31st year, Apple House Preschool Cooperative started in 1983 in the back of an actual apple house at Danville Episcopal Church. At their current location for 5 years, this is now at least the 4th location of the cooperative due to growth and need.

Do you remember that teacher in school that was easy to connect with and wanted to make learning an adventure? This school has one.

You’ll want to meet Jessica Bartley, the school’s fun, smart and handson teacher. She told us, "The whole philosophy of the co-op is parentteacher-child education... we all work together. So the parents basically own and operate the school.

I am the only employee. There's a board of directors. The board makes the business decisions for the school and then all of the other members help out. They are required to participate in the classroom at least twice a month depending on how many kids are in the class and how many times they rotate through. They also serve on other boards and committees like helping with graduation or the holiday party or fundraising or housekeeping. There are several different areas to serve in. It is a 'cheaper' preschool but you pay for it with your time instead. It is really just being very hands on involved in your child's education. It is a community where we all work together for what is best for the school.”

involved parents when their kids go on to elementary school. All of those parents are still volunteering in those schools now... it just kind of carries through." Jessica told us.

Renee Bowman, mom of both a current and a former student and board president added, “Even now...

I am a Pine Tree parent because that is where Drew (Renee's son) goes to school and I walk in for kindergarten registration - Bam. Three Apple House alumni parents helping out with kindergarten registration. So it teaches how to be a very involved parent in your child's education."

What else is different here?

“We are play based and so you are not going to see kids sitting at tables and doing worksheets.

We practice all of those same skills but we do it all in a hands-on way.

Like today, classifying and sorting - we practiced that by sorting dinosaurs by herbivores, carnivores and putting them in families. That is something that you could have done on a worksheet but we did it in a hands-on way." Jessica said. We asked if children learn better by that approach. Jessica said, "I think yes. I think some like to sit down and do the writing and the worksheets but I think it just reaches a lot of different ways that they process and learn doing it in a hands-on way activates those different types of learning more effectively. If you take parents who are already involved… plus you have a good solid educational start... you put all of that together and you are going to have kids that What happens after Apple succeed as they continue to eleHouse? mentary school… It is also all about “This grooms them to also be those social skills. ‘Look at your

friend’s face. Look at your friend and tell them. We are very focused on the skills like letter recognition and those sorts of things but if you ask teachers what they want kids to be able to do - function with each other. That is what we try to model as adults because we all have to work together. We do not come from the same philosophies or same backgrounds. We are all very different.”

Students at Apple House are ages 2-5. Renee said, "I think what Jessica and what Apple House bring to the table... she's the one teacher. If you start in our Seeds program at two and you go through all three classes, you've had Jessica the whole time. She knows the kids really well."

"Another thing that makes us different than other preschools is that you do not have to be potty trained

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to attend. A lot of preschools require potty training to attend. We can do that because we have 3 adults in the room." Renee said. Because of the high adult to child ratio for the youngest class (the most is 10 children), they are able to accommodate these needs. Even the oldest classes have excellent adult to child ratios (3 adults and 16 children.)

"We are part of ICPC. (Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives.)

That's 10 other co-op preschools in the Indianapolis area. They are our governing body. They set the standards - the ratios that we are talking about. We follow those standards."

Renee said.

Not just crunchy-hippies...

"All I can say is that we have a lot of former teachers that bring their kids here. (The three people being interviewed for this article had 4 degrees in education between them.) They understand the importance of parental involvement and how much more your child gets out of it. I have noticed that in the past 5 years to the shift of working parents when I first started." Jessica mentioned.

Tessa Turnipseed (Apple House mom) told us, "We now have several

dads too. That's important. Stay at home dads or dads with a flexible schedule are in the classroom.�

Each child has a parent, grandparent or other responsible adult who participates in the classroom. All new parents like Tessa go through a 6 hour training at the beginning of the school year called CPT (Child Parent Training) which is broken down into two sessions of 3 hours.

It covers child development, time spent observing the classroom and is completed by a licensed trainer.

Additionally, there are background checks that must be completed by parents. About the process, Tessa added, "I thought it was great. I have

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a bachelors in early childhood education so a lot of it I already knew.

All of that I learned in 4 years was wrapped up into two days of training.

This is great for every new parent."

Renee confided with us and everyone agreed that, "If you are looking for a preschool to get involved with and to make a support network of parent friends, this is a great option."

If you are a parent or guardian of a preschool aged child and would like information, Apple House Preschool Cooperative can be located on Facebook. For more information, you may contact them by phone: (317) 797-5925 or at www.applehousepreschool.com.

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Hanging on to Educational Excellence Avon Outdoor Learning Center

By Dave Giltner

classrooms and getting them outside and giving them a little bit of innovative free-thinking time to explore those concepts deeper, it makes the education that much more meaningful." Ms. Davies told us.

For those who may not know about this incredible place, Avon has a yet another resource that makes it unique. As a school system, Avon has a place where students and teachers can go to learn and connect with the environment that is unlike that of most school systems.

Attached to the back of Maple Elementary are several acres of property with trails, woods, animals, log cabin, a stream with bridges, a doc and a theater built into a hill.

What makes this such a great place isn’t just the beauty even in winter or the connectivity with more than half of the educational facilities which doesn’t require the use a field trip to help kids learn. Those are the tools from which educational excellence is achieved. We spoke with Ms. Jennifer Davies, the educator in charge of the learning center who told us, "For 5 out of the 12 schools in Avon, they can walk here. They don't need to have me at the gate with something ready to go. It could be the math or language arts teacher. It could be the P.E. teacher coming to take the kids on a hike or have an experience to tie in with what they are doing.

For the rest of the community, we are building on what is being covered - having a handle on the curriculum and knowing the teachers."

There are few more beautiful locations inside Avon than the Avon Outdoor Learning Center. "I think the world is a very different place even from when we were growing up. Having been in environmental

education for 18 years now and been around teachers for a long time, even learning is a little bit different. Everything comes to students, young people these days neatly packaged. It is all spoon fed to them. The images and the sounds and the words are all right there and they are coming in rapid succession for the most part.

So I think looking at how stressed out families are these days and how overburdened they are. We like to allow students a chance to step back, take the information that the teachers are covering

in their classrooms and really give it hands on, real world applications so they are using all of their senses to be learning something... to be building that foundation that is going to carry them for the rest of their lives... so that they are informed, they are connected not just to their community and to each other but to the world at large. There are benefits all around by taking what teachers have to cover but in our modern education system, teachers need challenges. By taking what they are covering in the

While the job of any educator is one of courage, persistence and compassion, not many attempt to achieve a deeper level of education with joy in their heart and genuine love for what they do the way Ms. Davies does. One of the biggest problems faced by the learning center is funding. After the failed tax referendum, funding has been slashed and unfortunately that has left Ms. Davies not only in charge of educating the students, organizing and maintain the facilities and the innovative gardens but now fundraising to pay for her own position. In fact, Jennifer works with a team of volunteers including scouting groups and master gardeners to maintain and improve the facilities backed up by the maintenance staff.

Of course, funding affects education. Ms. Davies said, "The assessment piece, especially when we are writing grants‌ that is something that we struggle with but the way we are right now - I am so wrapped up in teaching the classes that want to come out here and raising the

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64% of revenue from local business is reinvested back into our local economy Meanwhile, only 33% of revenue from national chains is reinvested.

funds to keep teaching the classes that assessment has had to be put on the back burner. It is on our list of things we would really like to get to but right now we just don't have the resources to do it. Assessment for us would be a pre-test before students come out here and then some sort of post-information gathering. s a community, Avon is facing some real financial challenges. I am hopeful that and I see signs that the community supports this project enough that the funding will be there and I am willing to put the time into writing grants and pounding the pavement."

Address: 7237 E. US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123 Phone: 317-544-6400 X 6482 Email: olc@avon-schools.org Educational Coordinator: Jennifer Davies Site Coordinator (Volunteer): Carol Ford Like them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter Find them on Instagram

Support your Local Economy

Buy Local Brought to you by your local Hendricks County Small Businesses in partnership with Hendricks County Home Magazine.

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Jameson Camp Camping right here in our own backyard

By Dave Giltner What is 86 years old and located just inside Marion County on Bridgeport Road, sits on 100 acres of magnificent, well managed woods and has fantastic facilities for campers and event space? Jameson Camp obviously. Dan Shipley, Executive Director of the camp and Brent Cummins, Outdoor Education Director talked with us about their incredible facilities and mission.

Dan told us that when the camp started out in 1928, it was for kids that were at risk for tuberculosis.

What was then called The American Tuberculosis Association, later The American Lung Association would have what they called, 'Fresh Air Camps.' The idea was to have kids that were exposed to TB... typically a parent or someone in the family... and get them out to what was then the country. They would stay here for the summer for four weeks and have lots of good food and fresh air.

The idea was that it would help bolster their immune system. We spun off from the American Lung Association and became an independent non-profit camp in the late 1960's."

When asked to tell us more about what the camp does now, Dan said, "We welcome all kids - truly all kids can benefit from coming here.

Primarily we seem to serve kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Three-quarters of our summer campers are living in households that are at poverty level or below.

Almost 90% of our kids receive some kind of subsidy from the camp because of parents that have low

When asked to tell us more about what the camp does now, Dan said, “"We welcome all kids - truly all kids can benefit from coming here.

Primarily we seem to serve kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Three-quarters of our summer campers are living in households that are at poverty level or below.

Almost 90% of our kids receive some kind of subsidy from the camp because of parents that have low income. We also specialize in serving children that may have some other challenges such autism or attention deficit disorders.

A lot of the kids are referred to us from different organizations, homeless shelters as well as foster care programs and therapeutic centers.

We are the only camp that offers a special session for kids impacted by HIV/AIDS. So we bring kids from all over the state and they are here for 8 days. It is a totally free session and they get to have a fun, stigma free

opportunity to be kids and have new of these kids don't. We find, espeexperiences and make new friends." cially growing up in low-income neighborhoods... in some cases Dan told us about some of the ben- they have never had those expeefits of getting kids outdoors and riences. We had a second grade helping kids spend less time living teacher write a thank you note to their lives electronically. "There's a Brent after having come out for a lot of research that has been appear- field trip. Brent said, 'Let's go for a ing in the last few years of the bene- walk in the woods' - three of the kids fits of getting kids outdoors. There's started crying because they had a whole movement called the 'Chil- never been in the woods and their dren and Nature Network' and book only association was scary movies." that helped launch this called, Last Child in the Woods and it sparked a Brent told us that one of the chalslogan 'No child left inside.' It works lenges that they face is the limion the physical and emotional level. tation of field trips. Teachers and It fosters the kids an appreciation principals may be forced by schedfor the outdoors. I mean, if you've uling and budget concerns as well never really had chance as a child to as other factors to limit the number listen to birds sing or to wade in the of field trips that students may atcreek, to watch a heron fishing... We tend‌ sometimes students may take it for granted. Of course kids only go on a single field trip in have had a chance to take a walk a year. He noted that it isn’t that in the woods. Of course kids have teachers and administrators do not had a chance to actually be outside understand the impact and value of and enjoy the outdoors but a lot visiting Jameson Camp but rather

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they are weighing which field trip may in some way assist the students in being able to achieve standards [test scores]. Brent said, "It is about working on those social competencies in an environment where everyone is accepted and you don't have to worry about what kind of shoes you have."

“One way the camp changes the lives of kids over the long-term is through a process of introducing the children to the camp through field trips. Then by encouraging participation in the summer camp programs. From there, they have a Youth

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Leadership Program. That is for ages 13+. "They come once a month for an overnight stay and they do leadership activities here and they do some volunteer work. They are getting ready to go on a mission trip to Alabama. This gives them a chance to see a different side of the United States and to build a sense of community." Brent said. “It’s great watching them reach and surpass their goals, learn something new about the outdoors and about themselves, and just getting to know them, realizing they are our future. Camp creates one of the most original communities on Earth and I love it!”

Not just for kids, the camp is also a retreat center offering a variety of facilities all year round.

They can been seen by visiting the camp or their website.

What can you do to help? You can donate. The website says beautifully, ““Hello, my name is Rhonda and I am the parent of Joshua and Stara! I am so grateful to Jameson Camp, its donors, staff and anyone else that plays a part in making things happen for the camp! Over the years my son Josh has attended he is always excited and has great things to say about his experience! My daughter

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attended for the first time this year and she loved it! Jameson Camp has been a blessing to my family and I pray that you will continue on forever! It starts with you! When you give to Jameson Camp you make a difference for youth – like Joshua and Stara. Every gift at any level makes a significant difference, will be used wisely and is deeply appreciated. We rely upon the generous donations of people like you in order to continue in our mission to enrich the lives of Indiana youth by inspiring them to discover their strengths. There are so many easy ways to give. Your support is crucial!”

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FAMILY

Baby Boom?

By Lynn Clinton that were too hard with babies.

Plus, my husband points out, we’d Sometimes, I be back in diapers and night feedthink I want an- ings. He’s so against it, when he other baby. The goes out of town “for work,” I wonder mostly unoccu- if he’s secretly getting a vasectomy. pied bedroom in our home whis- A baby isn’t something to enter pers “insert crib into lightly. There’s no returns here” specifically or exchanges, I checked. I have to my ovaries. It friends with one child, friends with makes me wonder… how do you six, and neither can tell me how to know when your family is complete? know. My body was made for this, so are my hormones just pressurI have two sons and a stepdaughter ing me? If I had a boy, would I still living with her mother. Am I only want the frilly dresses? Or, should I yearning for another because I don’t go with my plan from my twenties have the baby girl? Is that why it’s and forget kids and just have dogs? worse at the holidays? Not for religious reasons mind you, but be- Lynn Clinton is an Avon woman cause the dresses are so stupid cute who traded her career and stiletand you can only buy so many argyle tos for children and sneakers. She sweaters before you start to weigh almost never looks back. Would out how damaging it would be to you like to read more? Lynn also make your son cross dress just once. writes over on her own blog, Love, Laughs and Lice...Stories from my life.

When the mind wanders past tulle tutus and sequined Uggs (hopefully not together), I start to think about what I’d be sacrificing. Yes, I’d love it, but I also love where my life is now.

I work again which gives me a sense of purpose that (SAHMs look away) I didn’t have as just a mom. The boys are older and we can take vacations

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THIS...

IS LYNN CLINTON'S ARTICLE. SHE'S PRETTY POPULAR. IN FACT, OUR MOST POPULAR ARTICLE LAST ISSUE. MAKING THIS SPACE PRIME ADVERTISING FOR YOUR BUSINESS OH, AND IT'S AT A REASONABLE PRICE.

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Hendricks County's only home magazine.

(317) 609 - 0225 advertising@hendrickshome.com

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Becoming a Better Man by Becoming an Active Dad

By Eric Ivie

company out of my home, I substitute teach for a local school corpoA dad’s role in ration, I run They’re Our Kids, and society is clearly I’m involved in a lot of commudefined: we pro- nity service that benefits children. vide and protect.

And I’m a dad – for all intents and Dads are sup- purposes, a stay-at-home dad. posed to work all day and bring What I described in the first sevhome the ba- eral paragraphs – the part that con while moms handle all of that likely raised your blood preschild-raising nonsense. If there’s a sure a little bit – is exactly the sospider, we’ll kill it. If there’s a threat cial stigma that active dads and to our family’s safety, we’ll shoot it. SAHDs endure on a regular basis.

But other than that, don’t bother us with anything else, like parenting. Dads get a bum rap.

We’re portrayed as buffoons in the Children should be seen and not vast majorheard, and if they’re interrupting ity of popuour manly relaxation routine of sip- lar television ping an adult beverage in front of shows like the TV after a long day at the salt The Simpsons, mine, they shouldn’t be seen, either. Family Guy, Everybody Loves A concept that’s even more for- Raymond and eign to men than being an ac- Modern Famtive dad is that of being a stay-at- ily. How much home dad (SAHD). Stay-at-home parenting do moms are an accepted and val- we see on ued segment of our society, but Duck Dynasty stay-at-home dads are “Mr. Moms” compared to – less of a man than the rest of us. all the horsing around SAHDs are those wimps who are the Robertson dads do durso worthless that they can’t even ing the “work” day while the get a job and support their own moms care for the children? family, so they’re left behind to do women’s work. They’re not At best, TV dads are disinterested real men, and we condescend- and aloof – like Mike Heck in The ingly snort at them to make sure Middle – but for the most part, our they understand their place on society finds humor in how terthe testosterone totem pole. rible dads are at being parents.

difficult to find an active, relatively competent dad in any story told

by Disney. Disney dads are usually absent, dead or nothing more than vehicles of slapstick humor.

kids. In fact, it’s a good thing for kids to see us make mistakes, learn from them, and use those experiences to better ourselves. Kids learn that no one is perfect and that how a person recovers from We only have ourselves to blame a mistake is far more important for our bum rap, though. Dads than avoiding mistakes altogether. are not nearly active enough in our children’s lives, but we emas- Kids stay out of trouble when culate each other if we do any- they’re involved in constructive acthing outside of the social norm. tivities instead of being ignored or neglected by their parents. As ac------------------tive dads, we know exactly what our Dads who get past the social stig- kids are up to, and our kids are much ma and initial discomfort of be- more likely to talk to us about other coming an active parent, however, stuff that’s going on in their lives. soon learn that our kids – and OUR KIDS, if you’re So what have we done here, dads? familiar with By getting involved, we’ve provided They’re Our our kids with a positive male role Kids terminol- model – one that’s drastically differogy – view us ent from what they’ve learned about as rock stars, dads on TV – and we’ve protected which is quite them from negative influences. an ego boost.

After all, that’s our role in sociIn their eyes, ety: we provide and protect. we’re more manly than Danville resident and married father uninvolved of two daughters. Eric worked in the dads. It takes criminal justice system for 18 years a real man before starting his own business, Red to rock a hot Zone Writing, that provides original pink softball shirt in public because content, websites and social media it matches your daughter’s jersey. to small businesses, organizations and niche groups. Eric is also a subIt doesn’t matter if we don’t know stitute teacher with Danville schools, a fouetté from a pirouette in ballet operates They’re Our Kids and is acor what the heck the infield fly rule tive in Kiwanis, the Danville Girls is in baseball. What matters is that Softball Association and the Danville we’re there, supporting our kids, Community Education Foundation. cheering them on, showing them by example that we love them and ------------------Our children receive the that we’re interested in their lives.

Have I offended you yet? same message about dads.

Active dads and SAHDs quickly Allow me to introduce my- Disney has a stranglehold on chil- discover that we don’t have to be self: I own and operate my own dren’s entertainment, and it’s very perfect to be involved with our

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FAMILY

Click the calendar below to go to an interactive version on the Macaroni Kid website.

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CULINARY

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Jaw-Dropping, Mouth Watering, Puff Pastry Pot Pie Contributed By Rachel Ziko

For the Filling Difficulty Level: 2 / 10 Basic crock-pot cooking skills. Some time is required.

Ingredients Carrots Pearl Onions Celery Red Potatoes 4 cups Broth (of choice Veggie/Beef/Chicken, etc.)

1 cup flour 1 deboned rotisserie chicken (or) equal amount of beef roast Salt (to taste) Ground Black Pepper (to taste) Optional Ingredients Mushrooms Fresh Basil Fresh Thyme Garlic Optional Substitutions Additional veggies in place of chicken Tools Crock-pot Sharp Knife (Be careful!)

Cutting Board Measuring cup Whisk Frying pan Time 4-7 hours (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Directions In crock-pot add veggies, spices/herbs and liquid. (If using beef roast add now) Cook 4-6 hours 30 minutes prior to completion, add deboned roasted chicken (shredded or cubed into Âź inch pieces.)

In a frying pan, add flour. Turn on to medium heat Slowly pour in liquid (broth from crock-pot) into flour and whisk together until smooth and runny.

Brown contents, making sure to stir constantly. (This stage is simply browning the roux for flavor.)

Pour roux into crock-pot and thicken contents.

Putting it all together (1) Take the serving bowl and cut out the puff pastry dough by turning bowl over the sheet and using it as a guide for the knife.

(2) Bake the puff pastry according to the directions provided (3) Pour contents of pot-pie filling into serving bowl.

(4) Cover with baked puff pastry for an elegant and delicious potpie.

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Jaw-Dropping, Mouth Watering, Puff Pastry Pot Pie Contributed By Rachel Ziko

For the topper - Puff Pastry Dough

Store bought can of course be used for convenience but if you are the kind of person who loves to cook from scratch or always wanted to know how to make it yourself, then this is for you.

Difficulty Level: 6 / 10 This does require some skill and practice but results will impress.

This does require patience and time.

Ingredients for dough ball 1 ½ cups bread flour 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons salt ½ cup butter or non-hydrogenated stick margarine (do not replace with tub margarine) cut into ½ inch pieces Option: replace regular butter with vegan non-hydrogenated butter for the vegan in your house 1 cup ice cold water 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice Option: powdered or finely ground spices appropriate for the dish being served Ingredients for butter square 1 ¼ cups butter or non-hydrogenated stick margarine (not tub margarine), cut into ¼ inch pieces and cold (do not replace with tub margarine) (Option – replace regular butter with vegan non-hydrogenated butter for the vegan in your house) ¼ cup shortening (may replace with vegan shortening) or store bought shortening (½ stick), cut into ¼ inch pieces, cold ¼ cup all-purpose flour Tools Measuring cups/spoons Spatula Rolling pin Plastic wrap Parchment paper/Wax Paper Stand mixer (we love KitchenAid) Makes 1 15” x 20” sheet that freezes beautifully for up to 2 months Time Approximately 1 ½ hours – 2 hours total – Time varies by skill and practice and ambient temperature

Directions Tip: Wait until dough is finished to heat your oven in order to keep the kitchen temperature down, making the process easier.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

The Butter Square Add the 1 ¼ cups butter pieces, the half stick of shortening pieces, ¼ cup allpurpose flour.

Mix on lowest setting until blended.

Place the mixture on a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap and shape to a 6 inch square.

Wrap the butter square and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Add bread flour and all-purpose flour and salt to your stand mixer’s mixing bowl. Use the paddle attachment.

Add butter and combine until a somewhat sticky dough forms and butter is incorporated. Scrape the sides as needed.

Add lemon juice into water and stir.

Slowly add lemon water into the dough.

If the dough does not ball because it is too wet, slowly add in all-purpose flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough balls up nicely.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

(Optional) Add savory spices to the dry mix like oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper or other spices that work with the type of pot pie you are making for an added layer of flavor. Caution – use an easy touch when altering the recipe with spices as that may change the amount of water needed.

The envelope Lightly flour a working surface. Don’t forget to coat your rolling pin.

Roll out a 12” square – keep the dough as square as possible.

Place the butter square diagonally in the center of the larger dough square.

Fold the corners of the dough over the butter so that the butter is no longer visible. Pinch the dough ends together to seal. Be careful not to tear the dough.

Turning the dough Gently use a rolling pin to tamp down the dough and working it, starting from the center and then towards the ends until the square becomes bigger. Carefully roll the dough out to 14 inches square. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Fold the dough in three times like a letter. This is called as a turn.

Now turn the dough 180 degrees and fold it in three folds again so it turns into a square. (The 2nd turn) Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill the butter down again.

Repeat these steps 3 more times so you have a total of 6 turns.

When ready to use, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-18 minutes, checking at 12 minutes. The pastry should rise and become golden brown.

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ARTS

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28

Gallery on the Square "The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." - Aristotle

By Dave Giltner Sincere, interesting, knowledgeable and gripping – This is how we would explain our conversation with Sloan Shockley, President of Hendricks County Arts Council.

Gallery on the Square located in beautiful downtown Danville is supported by, created and sponsored by the Hendricks County Arts Council.

Sloan said, "The council was formed in 2004. Our mission is to support all of the arts and the artists in Hendricks County. We seek to help the symphony, the theater, dance, local musicians and fine artists and sculptors and potters... all of the arts. We try to embrace each and every one of them on their own platform. We are continuing to grown and evolve in being able to sustain all of those.

The Gallery on the Square is the visual leg to a point - offering local artists a place to come and exhibit their work for sale. This is a cooperative gallery so each member pays a monthly fee of $65 per month. They are required to work in the gallery as well. We do not have any paid staff so they run the gallery for a time.

We are dependent on the member artists. Our board is all volunteer."

Sloan continued, “We are supported by member's fees and by sales as we get a percent of artist's sales (10%) and any events that the gallery may have or fundraising event and donations. It takes a lot to operate this facility and keep it open. We also have classroom facilities that are available for rent. We rent it out for art classes but also for individuals.

We've rented it out for bridal showers, for baby showers and Confection

Delights next door will hold choco- of large tables. Let me check at the late tastings here in the gallery." gallery and see if anyone is booked in that space.' They can just come in When discussing the rental of the and work in that space." She said. event space, Sloan told us that the space may be rented for as little What is different about Gallery on as $10 an hour. So for those look- the Square from other galleries? ing to have an excellent venue for their next meeting or gathering, "We are 100% all handmade works. few locations boast such reason- We don't buy any commercial items able rates with such fantastic am- to sell in here or anything of that biance that are easier to find, park nature nor are the artists allowed or are more centrally located in to display anything commercially Hendricks County. "You can have a purchased. The closest thing we meeting here. I think we can com- have to that is artists will pay to fortably seat 20-25 depending on have greeting cards printed of their seating arrangements. We do have works but other than that, it has to tables available and a side set up be 100% handmade by the artists." for food that people use for a buf- When asked about upcycled items, fet in the back. We have a handicap Sloan responded, "We have some of accessible restroom. It makes for a that. We are very fortunate to have unique meeting space. We really en- the Junk Fairy here. We love that. courage artists who are more than We would love to have upcycled/ welcome to hang out and work on recycled items in here. We would their own work if they are need- love to see some young artists ing a space. 'Today I need a couple come in and bring some work and

get involved with what is going on."

What

about

the

future?

"I see us expanding. I would love for us to outgrow the space to where we don't have enough room for classrooms... that we have to find another space for that. I am not sure that there would be room here on the square, especially not at the current location. We certainly have room to expand in this facility a little more. My wish and my goal for the gallery is just to embrace artists from all over the county that create all different types of work. I'd like to see more sculptors in here. I want this to become a destination place.

We try to hit all price points, quality, and unique pieces of work with artists that are dedicated to their medium. We can have special exhibits and invite visiting artists to come - a real resource for art in the county."

ARTS

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29

Handmade Market Farmer's Market and Art go hand in hand with new addition

By Dave Giltner "Buy local - it is a mix of art and produce. It is right across the square from the gallery in Downtown Danville on Washington Street. It will be the 2nd Saturday of May, June, July and August between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm." Moon Stumpp, the event's creator told us. "We try to stay close to the gallery because they have restrooms, water and Wi-Fi - a lot of artists may need the Wi-Fi for credit card processing."

"Not just art - anything hand made.

There are upcycled things - there's jewelry. There's a phenomenal glass artist coming. There's a basket maker coming. Everything from traditional art to fine art to craft. If you hand make it - you're welcome. It’s not just a selling venue but also networking for the artists. It also helps new artists set up with artists beside them because we are friendly."

We asked Moon what was the inspiration for the Handmade Market. She said, "I couldn't understand why it wasn't here. I mean, every place I've ever lived or when we go on vacation... art and farmer's markets go hand-in-hand. You combine that with Visit Hendricks County’s Second Saturday...

The Arts Council has their hub right there. You put all of that together... Why aren't we doing something here?"

"It provides entertainment.

Most of the artists will be demoing. You'll also get to actually have time to talk to the artists. So one side is farmer's market and the other side is handmade market. If you walk over on a nice Saturday day - you get to sit down and chat with them. You get to see local artists doing their thing. This takes the art to the

people" Moon said. "You can buy are people and art is for everyone. from them too" she kidded. "Yes It doesn't make any difference if it is - things are for sale but it is more fine art oil or crochet pot-holders." than just a selling venue. It is to get people to understand that artists Photo courtesy Danville Handmade Market

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SENIOR LIVING

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30

The Gathering Together

“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.”

- Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

By Dave Giltner These words may not be the inspiration for Rita Fiorentino, a hospice nurse from San Francisco, California, that has opened her home up to many since coming here in 2001 but the sentiment of winding up where we need to be couldn’t be more appropriate.

The Gathering Together, an innovative idea in compassion which sprang from Rita’s mind took shape upon her arrival and purchase of the residence at 147 North Center Street, Plainfield. She decided to take her own home and allow others in as they approach the ends of their lives. Not just a place for the terminally ill, The Gathering Together is a place for friends and family to be with their loved ones… a place where one can sit vigil, rest, eat, stay, talk, reminisce and care. Rita said, “I just saw a need for some extra help and care at the end of life for families who had people who were dying and sometimes towards the end, it gets a little bit too hard. There's just more to it physically and mentally and spiritually... there's just a lot.”

Operating completely from donations, contributions and money from her own pocket, Rita, through The Gathering Together, has been able to ease the burden of caring for the loved ones of many. In our conversation, it was explained that lifting the weight of physical care off of the minds of families allows for deeper and more compassionate, attentive final moments. Third party hospice care companies come in to do the bathing and physical care

and medication for the patient while Rita and her volunteer staff work to provide a location – a home like atmosphere for the patient and their loved ones.

ferent people who come. The biggest thing for me is the home health agent who comes and gives a bath every day which is really a blessing. They are so good at it. They are wonderful, wonderful people.

"So when they come, they are usu- We work with all of the hospitals ally on hospice. I'd say about 99% and all of the hospices." Rita said. of the time... Hospice provides a nurse that does an assessment and If you are someone who is looking for they are under the care of a doctor. a volunteer opportunity in a beautiThen they have a social worker who ful location and for a great cause, comes and chaplain and these dif- then we suggest learning more. "We

are always looking for volunteers.

We have a form to fill out with the waiver. When we have volunteers that want to come and take care of patients, it is hard to say 'Okay... you can come every Tuesday from 10 to 2 because we don't always have patients. We need someone to manage a volunteer program with things for people to do when they volunteer here." Rita told us.

Of course, donations are also welcome and can be given here.

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COMMUNITY

hendrickshome.com | April 2014

Hendricks County Home

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To join in the conversation please register to: Time:

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HISTORY

hendrickshome.com | April 2014

32

There is Something Missing Central Normal College

By Dave Giltner

how welcomed he would be. He got a tremendous reception here.

That something? The college itself. A lot of the people really wanted Perhaps you heard of it and per- him to move the school here." haps you haven’t but once upon a time, in the not so distant past, We wondered where the college Hendricks County once hosted may have been located. Phyllis its own school of higher learn- said, "Just before you go over the ing – Central Normal College. crest of the hill over off of Wayne Street, by where the gymnasium Once again we found our way to the and the police headquarters are, Hendricks County Historical Muse- the city government - those are um and were able to speak with the the only buildings left." John addmuseum’s own treasure, Mrs. Phyllis ed, "The drinking fountain that Parsons and to her husband, the ex- used to be out front was a little ceedingly knowledgeable Hendricks building that was open and had County Historian, Mr. John Parsons. four pillars on it. That was a building that I can always remember."

"It was what we would call a college today. Back in that day, they John said, "I think one of the more just called it a "normal" school. Its interesting facts about the Cenprimary function was to train teach- tral Normal College was that at ers - like Ball State was a teacher's one time, they had more teachcollege and Indiana State was a ers teaching in Indiana than all of teacher's college. This one started the other colleges and universities in Ladoga, Indiana. It went through in the state.” He pointed out that various forms for about 5 or 6 years. many of the documents were availThey decided that it was not go- able through the brilliant archiving ing to be able to make it in Ladoga project he’s working on to make so they packed everything up and public photos and documents that brought it to Danville." John told us, the museum had in its possession.

“The fella that was actually head of They can be found by clicking here. the college at that time, the normal There are hundreds of records and school... he came here to Danville photos which go back from the and kind of put feelers out to see 1870’s and through into the 1950’s.

Phyllis explained, "Harper - the man that started it. A lot of people say that he stole it from Ladoga. He didn't steal the school. He owned the school. He started it - he owned it. Back in those days, you decided that this area needs some education so you started your own school and you got people to subscribe to it or people to pay into it to go.

But you actually owned it. So when he decided to move it to Danville because they didn't have enough space for the students and weren't willing to build more buildings, he was moving his own stuff. They did pick up and move in the middle of the night but they didn't want any trouble. We don't think of colleges that way now because they are not run that way but it was his."

In 1951, the Governor tried to help them raise money to keep the institution running but there was too much financial indebtedness and they couldn't keep it going. I remember the banner across 36 where they were trying to raise money.

When asked what caused the school to fail, John said, "I have never read what precisely took place. The Episcopal Church took it over and then named it Canterbury. That hap-

pened in 1946 I believe. There're people around but none of them have been familiar with why they took it over. The governor at that time when he saw that it was going to be closed if they didn't come up with some funding - he did put his name on it and try to assist in fundraising." The research doesn't appear to indicate an exact cause (yet) to the closure except that there was a debt in the neighborhood of $100,000 which the college may have been unable to pay... a difficult thing to imagine by today's standards.

More information and an exhibit can be found by visiting the museum. Hours of Operation: Saturday 11am – 3pm. Unfortunately for our community, the museum is in need of volunteers to assist in operating additional hours. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you may contact Phyllis Parsons or call them at 317-745-4784. Like many of our amazing non-profit resources here in Hendricks County, the museum accepts donations to aid in its operational expenses. If you would like to contribute, visit this page for additional instructions or visit them in person and bring your donation.

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hendrickshome.com | April 2014

DINING OUT

Hendricks County Home

Scotty's Brewhouse

Scott Wise's latest expansion brings him to Hendricks County

By Dave Giltner If you were unaware that Brownsburg just landed a great restaurant, Scotty's Brewhouse, then welcome back from your trip to Mars. Now that you don't have to eat freeze dried rations, the first thing you should do is go check out the new Scotty's. First question answered - is there really a Scotty? Indeed there is. Our friend, Scott Wise, owner of Scotty's Brewhouse and man behind the name took a few minutes to chat with us and give us a little insight into this newly opened Hendricks County hit.

Of all of the places in Hendricks County - Why Brownsburg?

"I have areas where of the State [and elsewhere] where I have a visions where I'd want to see us go but I am the kind of guy that never says no to an opportunity. I think as an entrepreneur you've got to look at every deal and give it a fair shake." This explains why Scott and Richard Sutton, owner of the previous restaurant at that location were able to make Scotty's work at the Brownsburg location. "I knew that the west-side would be a potentially good market for us. After I saw it and saw the proximity to the interstate, meeting the people in Brownsburg... I went to some of the town meetings and spoke at one of the schools. That's how I do my research. I don't use a big company to tell me how many people go by a traffic light. I can kind of do it from my gut. I know what my concept is and once I know and meet the people in the town and get a feeling for that. Once I make my gut de-

cision, then I look for other things. I let the big guys do the research for me. Like when I see a Starbucks in an area, then I know that this place has my kind of demographic. It’s got my traffic count... they made a good decision so it must be good for me."

What they’ve got: We recommend that you check out the menu on their website but if you don’t have time for that, then you can always grab the .pdf version of the full menu here. You’ll be pleased to see something a little different than the big chains. Scott told us that what makes his place different was fresh, local ingredients.

That’s right, real food from local people… like Farm-Raised Turkey and Beef from their brilliant Remixed, Remastered Build-Your-Own Burger page. What else? According to Scott, they also change up their menu to keep things fresh and interesting. He said, “Most people fear change. They kind of get set in their ways. But I'm kind of a guy that I get bored easily so I constantly shake up our menu. I think we are one of the only restaurants out there that has embraced the gluten free trend and really jumped on board. We've introduced it into our kid's menu too. Because we are a small company, we can make changes. We watch what is happening in the industry.

Using local farms and local produce and being a company like us with only 9 restaurants, we can stay unique and true to our community."

Scott told us about how his life had changed after the birth of his children and again after a life threatening illness he’d suffered 3 or 4 years ago. He said,

Scotty's Brewhouse's latest location (shown above) is in Brownsburg at 251 W. Northfield Drive - the former home of Hurricane Grill & Wings. Photo courtesy Scotty's Brewhouse.

"I almost died from a brain infection. It changed my whole outlook on life and business. I thought, 'I'm not just going to be a guy that sells burgers and fries and is out for a profit.' I want the people that work for me when they leave, I want them to say, 'That guy made a difference in my life a little bit... made me care a little more or reconnect with a family member and forgive.'

I think those are the kind of things that people don't see that we do.

We've got this whole kind of vision/ mission statement within our company. I ask all of my employees to donate their time in some sort of philanthropic cause every 90 days.

We offer something in our company every 30 days where we go out and reach out... I find something every month that I do. We offer that to our employees and I think that they jump on board and do these things.

There's no marketing to it. I'm not

Brownsburg Brewhouse 251 W. Northfield Drive Brownsburg, IN 46112 (317)-852-5151

Dining Hours

Open daily at 11am Serving $5 appetizers (available in-store only) 9pm - close Sun - Thurs.

10pm - close Fri. and Sat. Bar Open 'Til Last Call

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hendrickshome.com | April 2014

trying to do this so more people eat my food. I do it because I believe that where I am in this business or where God has put me... uses me to stretch out my hands and give back a little bit. Now that I've made it to where I am and if I can stand on a soapbox and collect canned goods at a greater rate than a single mom and pop restaurant because I've got 9 locations and I can really grab all of this stuff, then I do that. Those are the parts of the company that a lot of people don't see. That is what creates the magic of who we are."

In our conversation, Scott mentioned how important the employees were to the company. Some company’s pay this lip service but Scotty’s appears to be a little different. "There are things that we do that are hard to place a specific value to. We care about our employees.

DINING OUT

We have trips that we take them on. We give them yearly awards.

We created a Helping House Fund that employees can contribute to where if anybody falls on hardships and can't make rent or we've had people that have had children pass away, we've had all kinds of different things that we let them take a draw from that account - no questions asked. Little things like that."

Hendricks County Home

Scott Wise is the President and CEO of Scotty's Brewhouse. Founded in 1996, Scotty's Brownsburg location marks number 7 in the restaurant's locations statewide with several more opening in the near future. In 2011, Scott took it one step further by starting his own brewing operation - Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co. Above: The interior of the new Brownsburg location, formerly Hurricane Wings.

Photos Courtesy Scotty's Brewhouse.

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hendrickshome.com | April 2014

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hendricks County Home

Accessorizing: 7 Do's and Don'ts

By J.D. Nesbitt Accessories are the spice of life, at least in the world of interior design.

A few, well-chosen pieces add the finishing touches that transform a room from so-so to spectacular. Herewith, a few simple suggestions to guide you on the path to perfection: Don’t Over Coordinate If the slipcovers already match the drapes and you find a lamp cast in the same charming pattern, should you invest in it at once? The short answer is no. Designer looks are defined by the juxtaposition of the ordinary with the unexpected.

Successful accessories comple- Do Try Something Different ment your décor without vanishing into the interior landscape. If you believe that area rugs should always match exactly or photoDo Choose Unusual Pieces graphs be displayed in identical frames, try to free yourself from It probably shouldn’t be taxidermy, your preconceived notions of what but a single, eye-catching accessory constitutes interior design. Mix it can elevate a room and stimulate up by pairing mismatched pieces conversation. Think of a compelling that work together in color or style. sculpture or an unusual architectural element like a vintage chan- Don’t Create a Museum delier. Rooms with clean lines and simple furnishings are better suit- While it’s perfectly all right to alter ed to dramatic effects, since they the look of your rooms from one to are less likely to be overwhelmed the other, dramatic changes in overby a unique, striking piece. all style can be jarring. Accessories are ideal for creating a design moDon’t Go Crazy! tif that subtly repeats itself. A single echoing element, whether it is patJust as three simple jewel-toned tern, color, texture or subject, adds art glasses arranged in a deep win- polish and helps design flow seamdowsill will charm your visitors, 30 lessly from one room to the next. will make them fear for your sanity. Many people discover an ob- Do Embrace Your Personal Style ject they love and then collect it obsessively. Practice moderation in The ultimate goal of design is to all things. Remember that the goal enhance living spaces, with the key is to accessorize, not accumulate. word being “living.” You’ll be hap-

pier if you’re surrounded by objects that remind you of the things you love. Choose accessories that reflect your individuality. Create a stunning wall hanging with a surfboard or display vintage couture on a dressmaker’s form. Your home should be all about you.

Don’t Follow Trends As your mother would say, “If everyone else bought zebra striped lamp shades, would you buy them too?”

Resist the urge to redecorate with every passing whim. Fashions change so quickly that if you attempt to follow them you’ll never have time to enjoy the beautiful home you have created. Choose wisely and choose once, always feeling free to embrace any new ideas that you truly love.

J.D. Nesbitt is the Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer at Brownsburg residential interior design firm, Aesthete Designs. J.D. can be reached at (317)286-3521 or at info@aesthetedesigns.com.

A few, well-chosen pieces add the finishing touches that transform a room from so-so to spectacular. Remember that the goal is to accessorize, not accumulate. You'll be happier if you're surrounded by objects that remind you of the things you love.

Find your path.

Come join us!

Credo Discussion 9:00 am Sunday Services 10:00 am Coffee & Conversation 11:15 am Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County 95 North Jefferson Street Danville, IN 46122 (317) 745 - 9978

www.uucchc.org