Hendricks County Home Magazine, Volume 1 Issue 2

Home HENDRICKS COUNTY

February 2014

Family Promise

of Hendricks County How a community responds to homelessness...pg 11

Surviving winter, but at what cost?...pg 11 Snow days and two hour delays, a calculated risk...pg 24

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

Hendricks County Home

A letter from the Publisher

Looking to

buy or sell a home?

FROM THE EDITOR

Friends, I want to thank you for the overwhelming support and response to our inaugural issue. We have received thousands of hits on the various articles we presented. Special thanks to our contributing writers: Dr. William Eiler, Lynn Clinton, Alicia Chrapek and the entire Thomas family.

We hope you enjoy this month's issue and share it with your friends, colleagues and families.

This month, we had the extraordinary privilege of meeting with a number of people taking charge of important issues facing us as a community. We thought it appropriate to focus on issues of social justice and compassion and welcome your comments and responses to these articles.

Should you have a suggestion for an article, we encourage you to contact us at info@hendrickshome.com or by calling (317) 609-0225.

We encourage everyone to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and to visit the website.

Call Claire-Anne!

She continually works hard to help her clients acheive their goals.

If you would like to join our growing list of advertisers and reach Hendricks County and other Central Indiana readers with your message, then please contact us at advertising@hendrickshome.com, visit our advertising page for details or complete this easy form.

Dave Giltner Publisher

Claire-Anne Aikman

Real L ife

317-345-6640

caikman@callcarpenter.com

visit callcarpenter.com/claire-anneaikman

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FROM THE READERS

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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My Son's Special Hand I enjoyed your story about Sam and his special hand! My son, Dietz, age 16, also has a "special hand", and that is what we call it as well.

Dietz's hand looks just like Sam's!

his colleague who is involved in the making and research of these Robohands. He had just finished his 5th prototype of this hand and had never actually tried it on a person actually missing their hand. He had several hands made and ready to send to three different young boys whom he had never met. He claimed it to be "divine intervention" that we walked into his lab that day. Dietz put on his hand and he was able to pick up objects and manipulate it like a real hand. I was overwhelmed and the professor was over the moon with excitement!

I am intrigued about the Robohand I am seeing in the photo.

Dietz recently had a hand that looks just like that made for him by a professor at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. I am wondering if this is where Sam's Robohand is from. Due to "legal issues", Dietz is not able to have his hand yet, but we are very excited about it and hopeful for other kids with missing hands to be able to benefit from this exciting, Fast forwarding...One week later, new and affordable technology! we were at our scheduled appointment at Shriners Hospital in ChicaIt was quite ironic that we ran go with this professor at our side. into this prof at Creighton. Dietz We had arranged for him to come was actually on a college visit to with us to show the staff there Creighton with an interest in the his hand. He was able to present Dept of Exercise Science, so we his hand which he calls it a mewere meeting with the head of chanical hand to the doctors and the department. He was telling us prosthetic specialists at Shriners. about exciting research one of his colleagues was doing and handed It is this professor's hope that us a research abstract detailing he can get his technology using this research. I glanced down at 3D printing to a company with a the abstract and saw a picture of mission such as Shriners that will a young boy missing his hand just take this and run with it, making like Dietz. Obviously this piqued hands available to kids throughour interest at which point Dietz out the world, but not jack up the showed the professor his special cost to families. His cost to make hand which he had not noticed. his mechanical hand was around The professor was flabbergasted $60 and it looks just like the and immediately took us to meet hand I am seeing in the picture.

In a weeks time from when we were at Creighton and to our appointment at Shriners where we met up with him again, he had made Dietz his own hand and it fit perfectly! It looks identical to the hand in this picture.

Best wishes to you and your darling son Sam! We have found that living life missing a limb has actually been a blessing to our son and to us. We have met so many wonderful people on this journey, and Dietz has shown us and the world that two hands really are overrated! He has found nothing that he hasn't been able to conquer! I look forward to hearing more from you!

Lori Meyer

MLK Event Success Thanks so much for your coverage interesting society. And a stronger, of the MLK Day Multicultural Din- more diverse Hendricks County! ner. As one of the organizers for the event, I can honestly say that it Sam Carman, Chair exceeded even our expectations.

Hendricks County Having so many people come toAlliance for Diversity gether from so many different cultures and backgrounds to share a meal and an evening of conversation was a richly rewarding experience. Yes, we all have differences of culture, background and lifestyle; and we should celebrate those differences for what they are - the fabric of a stronger more

America's only Hendricks County.

Hendricks County's only home magazine.

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

HEALTH & FITNESS

Dark Chocolate: The Lesser Evil 3. Reduce risk of diabetes by reguSo your favorite Valentine's Day lating your body's recipe calls for chocolate as an insulin sensitivity. ingredient. But which type should you choose to make those treats 4. Reduce the as healthy as possible? Making risks of stroke the healthiest choice and watch- and heart attack ing the portion size will not only by lowering LDL allow you to enjoy the good- or "bad" cholesies, but also reap some health terol and increasbenefits, too. When comparing ing HDL or "good" the difference between white, c h o l e s t e r o l . milk, and dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is the clear cut choice 5. Protect nerves from injury and for a healthy Valentine's Day. inflammation.

by Alicia Chrapek

vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy and looking great!

One dark chocolate bar (1.5oz) will add about 190 calories to your daily total, so make sure to balance that out by cutting back on calories somewhere else or getting in an intense sweat session at the gym. It is recommended that you not consume more White chocolate is the least 6. Protect the skin from oxida- than three ounces of chocolate healthy of the three choices be- tive damage from UV radiation. per day to avoid weight gain. cause it contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter, milk and 7. Increase satiety, the feeling In order to burn 190 calories at sugar. Milk chocolate does have of being full. The cocoa and fat the gym you could do 20 minsome cocoa solids in it but still content will contribute to feeling utes of vigorous biking, you could contains mostly added fats and full for a longer period of time. do 30 minutes of circuit training, sugars. The great news is dark or you could briskly walk for 40 chocolate does have health ben- 8. Heighten mood, not only by the minutes. The benefit to using efits! Dark chocolate's main ingre- satisfaction of eating and enjoying fitness as a way to counterbaldient is cocoa solids. The cocoa chocolate, but also chemically, too. ance the extra calories is havsolids contain bioflavanols that ing most of the main benefits in have antioxidant effects that re- When you are going to make that common with dark chocolate. duce cell damage. By reducing holiday dessert or picking out Valcell damage your body is less entine's chocolates, choose the Check out some of my favorite susceptible to illness and dis- dark chocolate with cocoa content recipes by visiting the links below! ease. The important thing to keep of 65 percent or higher. Chocoin mind is that dark chocolate lates with a lower content of cocoa No Bake Chocolate Cranberry is still relatively high in calories solids will not carry the benefits Thumbprints from fat and sugar and over con- with it that you get from dark chocsumption can contribute to weight olate. You can easily substitute Dark Chocolate Blueberry gain and negate the benefits. dark chocolate in place of milk, or Protein Spinach Smoothie white chocolate. Dark chocolate Main Benefits: also goes great with fruits such as Alicia Chrapek is a Tri-West High School strawberries or blueberries. You alumna and a native of Pittsboro. She received her Bachelor of Science in Di1. Maintains healthy brain funccould even melt dark chocolate etics and Nutrition, Fitness and Health tion by improving blood vessel in a saucepan and use it to dip with a minor in Psychology from Purdue function. strawberries into for a romantic University. She's a personal trainer and dessert to be shared with a loved nutrition counselor at Anytime Fitness 2. Lowers blood pressure risk by one. Adding fruit to your Valen- of Brownsburg. She can be reached at aliciachrapek@gmail.com improving vascular function. tine's Day treats adds even more

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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Pinterest Ideas for the Home

By Susan Young Perhaps you have visited the social media site Pinterest, but weren't aware of the wealth of information it can offer you for your home projects. As a Brownsburg homeowner and mom of two young girls, I find myself perusing Pinterest regularly when I need ideas or a more creative solution to a problem. To begin, simply create an account, start searching or following other accounts, and "pin" your favorite ideas by category. I thought I'd share with you a few examples of how I've used Pinterest to help make my life easier at home to help you get started: Design & Decorating Ideas If you are looking for inspiration on how to decorate a room in your home, simply type in a search term into Pinterest (just like you would do on a Google search), and find examples of rooms that fit your style, or products you'd love to buy. Do you want to decorate with turquoise, for example?

Simply type "turquoise" into the search term on Pinterest, and beautiful photos and ideas will appear on your screen. Whether you are a DIYer or plan to hire an interior designer to complete your room, having some design ideas in hand will help you make your next project more successful. Last fall, for example, my husband & I wanted to renovate the bathrooms in our house with some new lighting and tile backsplashes. We also sought to improve upon the builder-plain mirrors that came with the house. Using Pinterest, I discovered a solution to paint

some useful ideas for your home. cartoon-character-themed parties. Pinterest had plenty of ideas Holidays, Parties & on party decorations, food, acEntertainment tivities and favors for each theme.

I love searching Pinterest for holiday decorating, recipes and craft Recipes ideas. This past fall, I found sev- Pinterest is also a great source for eral fun ways to decorate pump- new recipes to try. Seasonal recikins and create displays both pes are great, but you can also inside and outside my home. I simply type in "apple muffins", "kids lunch ideas" or "healthy chicken dinners" and find plenty of options, with photos as well as user comments on how the dishes tasted. My latest Pinterest project has been to prepare-ahead 20+ Home Organizing crock pot freezer meals for famDo you have too ily dinners this winter. Of course, much disorder and Pinterest had many recipes and no clue how to oroptions for me, making it easy ganize items in for me to plan ahead for my groyour home? Pintercery shopping trip and weekend est probably has prep work. Now I never have to your solution. For I typed "kids art organization" into Pinterest and found some great ask myself what I'm fixing for dinexample, my two organizing solutions. Photo courtesy Pinterest. ner. With Pinterest, you can find girls love to create art of all sorts. However, we had even found ideas for creating my a new way to prepare a family art supplies scattered all over our children's Halloween costumes: favorite, or find a meal that uses kitchen table, in closets, and in they went as a snowy owl and leftover ingredients you have on bins throughout our house. I typed squirrel. (After much effort to hand. Beware: Searching on this in "kids art organization" into Pin- complete the costumes, however, site for recipes will make you terest and found some great orga- I decided that next year we will hungry! But your family will thank nizing solutions. One of the ideas return to store-bought costumes!) you for all of the delicious new I implemented was creating an There are so many beautiful pho- dishes that they get to taste-test. art closet, using an over-the-door tos and blog posts linked from shoe organizer. This storage solu- Pinterest for holiday and enter- The above examples are just a tion houses all of the girls' pencils, taining. Simply create a folder, few of the things you can find on markers, stamps, stickers, paints label it, and begin "pinning" your Pinterest. The more you use Pinand other supplies. I also read ideas to share with others. I have terest, the more you can benefit that I could use an old canvas also used Pinterest almost ex- from the inspiration and advice book shelf and magazine storage clusively when searching ideas of people from all over the world containers to store coloring books for themed birthday parties for for improving your home life. and workbooks. We still have a lot my daughters. It's like having a Susan Young is a Brownsburg homeowner, of art supplies, but at least they party planner in your back pocket! wife and mother of two young girls, Elaina and When she's not playing mom or chief are neater and more accessible Some of my themed parties have Evelyn. household officer, she helps small businesses for the kids. With Pinterest, nearly included a "Pink" themed party, outsource their marketing, website management, and social media through her comany topic on organization -- from an under-the-sea art party, a pi- blogging pany, AimFire Marketing. She can be reached toys to kitchen clutter -- will result in rate party and of course several at (317) 456-2494 or by visiting her website. and frame the existing mirrors rather than remove and replace them. Several blogs linked from Pinterest showed before and after photos as well as instructions on how to install the frames.

One of my next projects involves making some additions to our basement space, and dividing it into separate entertainment and workout zones. I plan to use Pinterest for ideas on this project as well.

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Hendricks County Home

Forget the Heart, Love is the Brain!

by Dr. William Eiler "...love actually is all around." That is said in the opening lines of one of my favorite movies of all time; Love Actually. I know, I know it's a chick flick, but it got me thinking.

Is love actually all around and if so, why? Being a behavioral neuroscientist, I immediately wondered what was going on in the brain of all the star crossed lovers out there. This is what I found.

First, love actually is all around. A survey was conducted across 166 contemporary societies all around the world and it was found that 147 showed clear evidence of romantic love. What about the other 19 you ask. Well, come to find out, the anthropologist weren't asking the right questions. So, having found no evidence against romantic love existing in these 19 cultures, the researchers ruled love to be universal. So, love has to be something we can all feel, right? That means there has to be some biological basis for it.

That brings me to the second bread crumb - the brain, not the heart, as the true center of love.

Romantic love breeds a whole host of odd, often embarrassing physiological, psychological and behavioral responses.

Things such as an increased pitter-patter of the heart, that annoying flushing of the face that makes you look and feel like you just ate a whole ghost pepper, and the butterflies in your stomach that instantly bring to mind Wayne's World's Garth saying, "If you are going to spew, spew into this". In addition to the more

physiological effects of romantic love, there are the psychological ones as well. I'm talking about the increased attention you bestow on your beloved, like thinking you see them everywhere. This is coupled with a near stalker like obsessive thinking about them, increased emotional dependency (if they leave me I will die), and increased energy. All these psychological changes beget behavioral responses. These are often manifested in teenage girls as the repeated writing of their new "married" name...Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, ad infinitum. While in the more artsy, these psychological effects become badly written poetry filled with simile (this one has been around for a while, don't believe me, read the 10th century Song of Songs).

All of these things, the ubiquitous nature of love, the biological, psychological and behavioral manifestations all point to the brain as the seat of love. At its simplest, the brain is a messy soup of electrical potentials and chemical release. And all of the tenets of love described above seem to be driven by such things, in the brain. But what specifically causes these things to happen and what parts of the brain

are

controlling

such

things? way it would if you were faceto-face with a hungry zombie.

Let's first talk about the chemicals that lead to many of the behaviors The second brain chemical inand feelings we term as love. The volved in love is dopamine. Dofirst we will talk about is a chemi- pamine is often regarded as the cal found in the brain and circu- "pleasure" chemical. When dolating throughout the body known pamine is released in the brain, as norepinephrine. We have this you (and those cute little lab rats) chemical to thank for those pesky feel a sense of euphoria and pleasure. After all it is, in part, this chemical that is responsible for the addictive qualities of nearly every drug abused by man. So, Robert Palmer wasn't far off with his 1985 hit "Addicted to Love".

Love, or at least its effect on neurochemistry, is quite like an addiction. Just like cocaine, being in the presence of your sweetie can produce increased release of dopamine in the brain giving you the warm fuzzies, and just like taking away a coke addict's stash, removing your dearest from you can lead to a sense of despair as dopamine levels plummet. Now obviously we don't stray down the same path of addiction towards a person we love like crack adphysiological effects that we ex- dicts do. Well, unless you are a perience when we are around our bit crazed, John Hinkley Jr., I'm cutie pie, such as an increased looking at you buddy. Instead, it heart rate that leads to that pitter- is thought that this initial euphoric patter, increased blood flow to "push" of love helps to encourage your head and face that give you us to move ahead with the chalthat splotchy, red "glow", and an lenges of a long-term relationship. emptying of the blood from your digestive system that makes you So we have established what feel like your lunch is making a brain chemicals can lead to the return visit. Yep, you can thank feeling of love, but can we see norepinephrine for that and its exactly where in the brain this activation of the sympathetic is taking place? Why yes, yes nervous system, better known we can. And we have, using as the fight-or-flight response. a method known as functional It's kind of comforting to know magnetic resonance imaging or that the body reacts to looking at fMRI for short. This technique that special girl/guy in the same uses very powerful magnets to

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determine which areas of the brain are "turned on" at a specific time. So how do we use this to look for love? Well, simple really. You show a person pictures of the one they love. While they are looking at a picture of their beloved you compare their brain activity to their activity when they are shown a picture of a random person. When this comparison is made, two areas of the brain show greater activation; the ventral tegmental area and the caudate. What does that prove and what are those places anyhow?

Well the ventral tegmental area is the area of the brain that controls dopamine release to other parts of the brain, so increased activity of this part of the brain likely means greater dopamine and a great feeling of pleasantness when seeing their beloved than a stranger. The caudate is

HEALTH & NUTRITION

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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one part of the brain the ventral tegmental area of the brain releases dopamine in. The caudate also directs goal related behavior and in this case may represent rewards and goals in the complex behavioral state that is love.

So when it comes to love, all the heart does is beat a little faster.

It's that 3 pound, grayish-pink gelatinous mass resting snuggly in your skull that gives us what we call "love". So here is my suggestion; next year for Valentine's Day we all give out candy brains instead of candy hearts.

Dr. William Eiler is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the IU School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, studying obesity through the use of human neuroimaging. In his spare time he is a huge Sci-Fi and Lego geek. He is also an official for three local Indianapolis roller derby teams; Naptown Roller Girls, Circle City Derby Girls and the Race City Rebels. Questions? Contact us at: info@hendrickshome.com

CIVICS

Community Grant Program Deadline Nears Hendricks County Solid Waste Management Community Grant Program Application Deadline is February 28th MEDIA RELEASE (February 10, 2014)

or for projects that divert waste from landfills (by reducing, reusing and recycling) or that ensure the proper disThe Hendricks County Solid Waste posal of hazardous or problem wastes.

Management District is once again The grant awards are scheduled to seeking grant applications from local be announced by March 31, 2014. organizations interested in undertaking recycling, waste reduction or reuse Each applying organization is eligible projects. The deadline for the submis- to receive up to $5,000. Grant awards sion of grant applications is February will be based upon the scope of the 28, 2014. The grant program encour- proposed program or project, the images local organizations to carry out pact the program or project will have projects that further the Solid Waste and how well the undertaking furthers District's mission of promoting recycling, the goals of the District. Places of waste reduction and responsible waste worship, schools, charities, service management within Hendricks County. organizations and units of local government are encouraged to apply.

For the spring grant round, the District has again set aside $10,000 to award Past grant winners have included to not-for-profit and tax-exempt or- towns, a local library, schools, parks ganizations in Hendricks County that departments and social services orgabegin a new or expanded program nizations. Many of the organizations

that are awarded grants use the funds to purchase recycling bins to begin new recycling programs or expand existing programs. Grant funds have also been used to purchase outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic or to purchase durable dinnerware to eliminate use of disposable plates and flatware. Since 2006, the District has awarded over $155,000 through the Community Grants Program.

Lenn Detwiler, the District's Executive Director said, "The District's grant program continues to be a great way to inspire local organizations to think differently about the waste they produce. Grant award winners ultimately implement changes that reduce the amount of waste they generate or provide education and hands-on experience to the individuals that they impact." The Grant Program Guidelines document (which includes

examples of approvable projects) and the Grant Application are available on the District's website at www.HendricksSolidWaste.com.

For questions or a hardcopy of the above mentioned paperwork please contact Lenn Detwiler at 858-6070 or via email at: Ldetwiler@HendricksSolidWaste.com.

Lenn Detwiler Executive Director Phone: (317) 858-6070 Fax: (317) 858-6071

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

CHARITY

Hendricks County Home

Under, Where?

Addressing a hidden poverty.

What is it?

Talking about "Underneath It All, We're All the Same," an interfaith collation and distribution effort in Hendricks County that attempts to provide foundation garments to those in need, activist and friend of Hendricks County Home, Sherry Zerbe, said that it is an unaddressed need for many. Sadly, many people are forced to make difficult financial decisions which result in not purchasing lower priority necessities. Underwear may be eliminated from the list when the options are eating or clothing.

She noted that many times, when generous people contribute to clothing drives, underwear (socks, undershirts, boxers, briefs, bras and panties) are forgotten and may not be available at thrift stores. According to Sherry, bras are especially overlooked but desperately needed due to their relatively high cost. Many times, children in financially struggling families will have threadbare and torn underwear, revealed to peers during sports and gym. Once this is uncovered, the child may experience humiliation. She said, "This is a hidden sign of poverty."

A Community Effort As a work of the interfaith community here in Hendricks County, many congregations have taken up the calling to help alleviate this issue. By working together to help the less fortunate, yet another bridge is built between those of differing faiths and strengthening the ties that bind us all together as a community. According to Sherry, "Several area stores, such

as Meijer, Target and Wal-Mart have participated. Area organization that have provided support are: The Kiwanis Club of Danville and Preceptor Alpha Omicron Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Additionally, Hendricks County Fairgrounds allows placement of a collection box in the lobby."

How to Participate The "Underneath It All, We're All the Same" participating partners and collection points are available to take both new items and monetary donations. The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County collects, sorts and counts donated items and takes the donated money to purchase additional underwear at discounted prices from Hanesbrands,Inc. Packages of undergarments are distributed to Hendricks County food pantries, clothes closets and Sheltering Wings.

Churches are requested to have checks payable to UUCC. A congregation informs UUCC when their campaign is completed and arrangements are made for both items and monetary contributions to be collected by UUCC. UUCC sorts/counts donated underwear and then purchases with financial contributions needed additional items from Hanesbrands, Inc. This company allows purchase of these items at discount.

UUCC then prepares packages of undergarments for distribution to the food pantries, clothes closets and Sheltering Wings.

"Other organizations, such as

Family Promise, are welcome to request underwear. Delivery of these items is made in early April in time for spring sport," she said.

This is a particularly great cause that allows local residents to help a program that directly benefits the needy in Hendricks County. Since underwear is such a needed commodity overlooked by many who participate in clothing drives, but so desperately needed, it's an amazing opportunity to fill such a need. For many, underwear isn't given a second thought. Imagine if you had none to wear and consider how that would affect your life.

Dates: February 1 - March 16, 2014 Item Pick-Up: Please contact Sherry Zerbe to arrange for pick-up no later than March 17th.

(317) 718-7249 szerbe1@earthlink.net Make Checks Payable to: UUCC (Unitarian Universalist Community Church) c/o Sherry Zerbe 1190 Shinnecock Crest Avon, IN 46123

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

A Better Way to Live...

A More Ethical Way to Run a Business

By Dave Giltner

mean, we have stools for a reason. None of the other art galleries have stools around their counters.

People hang out here for hours at a time, cracking up, talking about what's going on in their lives."

Small business owner and buy local supporter, Melissa Blackshear, took time to meet with us recently to discuss her business, Finer Things, located at 1032 East Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Melissa used to work in the mortgage industry. When we asked Legendary for the great music her how she got to this point, that plays throughout the store, she told us that a friend's parents few places can boast a better vibe asked her to take some flowers than here. That is part of what is from her garden for a 50th wedmissing in many retail places, ding anniversary. She arranged chains and big box stores. Me- the flowers and everyone loved lissa shared with us her perspec- them. She'd never considered tive, "A locally owned business, that before. She took some small business is as organic as classes on floral arranging and you can get. If you're all about started doing weddings on the non-GMO and eating organic, side. Some of her clients came then this, retail shopping wise, is to her home for various occaorganic. This is where we started sions and parties and then she as a county. This is what we got was asked to do some decorataway from and got in trouble with. ing. She knew that after 9/11 she We had crashes of major com- wasn't cut out for corporate world panies that left people out on any longer. While going to school, the street. Horrible things! ... In she developed a business plan my business plan you can do the as part of her classwork, which right thing and still be successful. allowed her to have it reviewed It doesn't cost you to do the right by professionals and academics. thing - you only benefit from it."

Now officially in business since When reflecting about what June 19th, 2012, the long-term makes Finer Things great, vintage plan for the store is to expand style sodas from family bottlers into a larger space with artists came up. Melissa said, "It's about producing their work on-site, in the humanity of what goes on studio spaces. What makes Finer here. That's the best part. That's Things different? Melissa says, what the artwork is. It's a reflec- "We focus on the Midwest but partion of what the people are going ticularly Indiana but without being through, good or bad. But then it an artist's co-op. Our artists don't became a place that a lot of people usually compete with one another visited. I laugh because I say we in mediums and styles. We stage have group therapy half the time. with vintage. It's eclectic - more It's true - there's lots of laughter. I eclectic than most places and it's

laid back. Its family, friends - its a guy in overalls friendly. Everyone, no matter what their economic status, should be able to have an original piece of art of some type. Everybody deserves to have something unique."

The store is simply a must see, an ever changing and evolving shop offering an incredible array of gifts, art and one-of-a-kind pieces, Finer Things is a great place to stop by for a visit to make someone's day on a special occasion or for adding a lively bit of art or jewelry to your own life. Handcrafted furniture by master craftsmen (not repainted/reupholstered), handpainted porcelain, wall and decorative art in a number of media and styles; containers and serving ware; home accessories (including quilts, pillows, rugs and lamps); Indiana gourmet food and honey products (including chocolate, caramel, BBQ, hot, salsas, queso, chili, peanut butter, honey sticks, soaps, honey, flavored popcorn, elixirs, soda and cake); stationary and gifts (including pens, journals, greeting cards, photography, books, bookmarks, paper, watercolors, magnets, key chains, pencil boxes, business card/notecard holders, CDs by Indiana musicians, purses, scarves, ties, fabric bags, jewelry, walking sticks, clothing) and countless curiosities and pieces your are sure to talk about.

One of the coolest features that you'll find around are the art classes. Prices and classes vary but

visit their Facebook page for more information on what is available. Melissa noted that with a reservation of 4 or more people, she will schedule a class.

Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:30 pm Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 7:30 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

INTEREST

Hendricks County Home

Laundry Sucks! | The impending revolution You are probably like many Americans.

You've been up late working until dawn after you've put the kids to bed. You've not been able to see Downton Abbey or Game of Thrones or American Idol or whatever in about two seasons. You only see pictures of your spouse on Facebook because you never have time to sit down with each other because you are both working every waking hour and the only reason you know that you are still married is because there is a lump in the bed that steals all the blankets. When you get up in the morning with about 5 hours of sleep in two days, you go to the closet and when you open the door and flip on the light you realize that you have nothing clean to wear. Yoga pants and a nacho stained football jersey it is!

The Problem: There is sorting, and loading and unloading and drying and cleaning the dryer vent and choosing detergents and dryer sheets and fabric softener and now there are perfume crystals. There is the hauling it around the house (if you are lucky enough to have

a washer and dryer in your home) and the folding and the hanging and the baskets and the putting things away and the mating of the socks and the cleaning out the pockets and the picking the temperatures and the inevitable dime that manages to find its way into the dryer which can only be found by touch when you are taking the clothes out of the dryer and the dime is 900 degrees.

Our Accomplishments: On July 20th, 1969 in the Sea of Tranquility, the US managed to land 2 men on the moon. The amount of computing power that was used to make this incredible event in human history happen could today be dwarfed by the average hearing aid. In fact, the iPhone 5 has the computing power enough to launch the average 1950's household into an Orwellian alien invasion panic and have its user burned at the stake for witchcraft. Automobiles are using radar and laser detection systems to avoid collision and will parallel park themselves. I can let my dog out into the yard without any visible fencing and a special collar will tell my dog when

he/she has gone too far without my even being involved. Automated systems will alert retailers of theft at exit points throughout the store. Out of my pocket, I can pull out a device that I can use to make phone calls to anywhere on the planet and while using the phone feature, I can turn off and on a water faucet 60 miles away with the touch of my finger. There is a gigantic tunnel that goes under the ocean between England and France. I cannot readily purchase a machine that washes, dries, folds and hangs my laundry.

time spent on the chore - this would save Americans 3,880,240,000 hours each year. In a world with a motorized ice cream cone and a self-twirling spaghetti fork, an all-in-one laundry machine which folds and hangs clothes appears to be an elephant in the room.

What can I do?

Stand up, brothers and sisters and join the revolution. Please sign the petition we have created to urge Dyson, Inc., the manufacturer of the Dyson vacuum cleaner to research, design, manufacture and distribute a laundry machine.

We believe that only the inventors of a machine that harnesses the power of a cyclone could free us from billions of hours of laundry labor. Every hour that goes by without your overwhelming support is another hour countless millions must wash, dry, fold and put away their own laundry.

Why is this important?

The average family of 4 does 8 loads of laundry per week. If each household only spent a total of 1 hour doing all of those loads of laundry then, with the estimated 114,800,000 households there are in the U.S., there would be an estimated 5,969,600,000 hours of laundry done in the US each year.

The majority of this time is spent in the processing of the laundry Visit this link to take action now!

- the moving from the washer to the dryer and the folding/hanging. Share with your friends to Estimating that to be 65% of the make a change in the world!

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

FEATURE

Hendricks County Home

Family Promise of Hendricks County How a community responds to homelessness.

By Dave Giltner "Was I always going to be here?

No I was not. I was going to be homeless at one time, a taxi driver, a truck driver, or any kind of job that would get me a crust of bread.

You never know what's going to happen." - Morgan Freeman.

now." In our conversation, Mike repeatedly advocated that the key is in developing systems. In this case, systems are being created while the problem of homelessness is still manageable, allowing expansion and growth to be matched with the county. A handful of Hendricks County residents recognized that homelessness here to be an issue that we, as a community have the power to address - thus, Family Promise.

Yah...but what about HERE in Hendricks County?

There is a word in the English language - "Dickensian". It's used to describe conditions of tragic squalor and poverty - a word that is inconceivable to many in Central Indiana. "That only happens to 'those' people in 'those' places.

Just because we are not faced with that very often does not mean that it does not exist. Just because there are not soot covered orphans panhandling in the streets, tattered and in rags as there may have been in Dickens' London does not diminish the re- Who is homeless in Hendricks ality of that there is in fact suffer- County? ing even if we are unaware of it. "It can take lots of forms - there's no one form that you would even We interviewed Brownsburg resi- notice. These are families that ofdent and volunteer, Dr. Michael ten times have kids in school. Kids Hartley (Mike) to help us under- ride the bus, they're dropped off. stand the fight against homeless- Maybe they're staying at a motel ness here in Hendricks County and or at a friend's place or whatever. the role that Family Promise will You wouldn't even notice it. Someplay in helping vulnerable families. times it takes the form of a family living in their van outside in the Mike recalled, "The first question Walmart parking lot," Mike said. was, 'Do we even have homeless families in Hendricks County?'" Impact?

The answer turns out to be yes. In What is the impact of homelessfact, in Hendricks County, accord- ness in our community - does it ing to the Family Promise web- matter that our friends and neighsite, "Approximately 370 school bors are living this way? Mike aged children are homeless right thought so. He pointed out that

we are diminished as a society by allowing these problems, problems with solutions, to continue unchecked. Charles Dickens corroborated this point and in Oliver Twist wrote, "Bleak, dark, and piercing cold, it was a night for the well-housed and fed to draw round the bright fire, and thank God they were at home; and for the homeless starving wretch to lay him down and die. Many hunger-worn outcasts close their

in something that they think is important. It's a major issue. It's not just homeless centered - it's community centered. It's - let's all get together and find a way to tackle this issue. This is an attempt to do that," Mike said.

eyes in our bare streets at such times, who, let their crimes have been what they may, can hardly open them in a more bitter world."

A Choice?

Some might argue that homelessness is a choice. In fact, in our research for this article, we found this to be a somewhat common belief. Is homelessness a choice? That's a difficult position to take when the average age of a homeless person is...9 years old. Half of the women and children that are homeless are so because they are escaping domestic violence. 16% of Americans (50,704,000 people) live below the poverty threshold in the United States according to the US Census Bureau - Extreme poverty means living on less than $2.00 per day (less than $1,000 per year) - 1,500,000 US households.

Goal "We want to help homeless families in a location of a state where there is just not much help to offer.

In doing so, our goal is not only to help those individuals but to break the cycle for them. That is such a key component. It's different than charity or a status quo - sustaining shelter where maybe some things are being addressed. But these are intensive attempts at breaking that cycle. I think that it is also a way to provide a pathway for the community to get involved

Lazy?

The Washington Post article, "Five myths about America's homeless" from 2011 states, "According to a 2002 national study by the Urban Institute, about 45 percent of homeless adults had worked in the past 30 days - only 14 percentage points lower than the employment rate for the general population last month. The number of working homeless would probably be even higher if "off the books" work was included. Whether scavenging for scrap metal or staffing shelters, many homeless people adopt ingenious ways to subsist."

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Mike had this to say: " Homelessness isn't the result of a single choice but is the result of multiple complex issues.

People (often) like on some level, often quietly, to see someone get their just reward or comeuppance. And that current widely held model is the heart of why we still have homelessness.

See - people abstractly want to help. I think a poll of 1000 would yield near 100% agreement that homelessness is an important issue, but often there are other sides of us that revel in some sort of "justice" or "they had it coming" model to make sense of the world and occurrences around us. Rather than get to know a specific situation of homelessness, we often will abstractly assume that they probably had it coming so that we can rest easier at night and not feel a sense of responsibility for that situation.

It allows our minds to let it go.

(Again) see - a sense of responsibility that lingers on someone's heart but is done nothing about, causes feelings of guilt among other bad feelings. It feels better to be able to not have those issues, like homelessness, constantly on our hearts, and so seeing the world through that "justice" lens is convenient for our brains.

But, just because the world works that way, doesn't mean it's the healthiest way to view this issue.

It also doesn't mean that we have to scrap our entire sense of justice, either. But perhaps it's better, in this situation, to not give much weight to the question of whether the homeless choose to be homeless but instead acknowledge that, as with anything in life, choices are made and some of

FEATURE those choices may have played a and called for help. Someone on role in a person's homelessness. board peered at him scornfully and shouted back, 'Get a boat!'

The real issue/question here is: Again, perhaps we should not be "'why do we, individually and so surprised then by the high level as a society, often feel it's ok to of suicidal thoughts, attempts and simply assume that many home- completions among the homeless. less just choose their fate' as a An article from Homelessness starting point for deciding as to Hub discussing mental health whether we should help". Society and suicide states suicide rates really needs to examine this issue are significantly higher among the because it spans well beyond a homeless than the rest of socirole in just homelessness, and is ety - 22%-46% having attempted part of why our world is still bro- and up to 61% thinking about it. ken today. An individual person needs to examine their heart on What's the solution and how this issue. If they find themselves does it work? comfortable and separate from 1. There are program spots for up the issue, through the model of to 2,000 people a year through "they had it coming", then getting their churches and directly at active in helping by tapping into the center itself. Each congrethat other sense inside them, that gational host will have up to 50 homelessness is an important is- volunteer spots a week - between sue to tackle, might help diminish dinners, lunches, staying the the "justice" component and put night - all required volunteers. it into a healthier perspective. To facilitate, we need more systems. 2. The typical family is referred Again, I think local is better (but to Family Promise through an doesn't necessarily have to be) organization such as the Red to allow people to practice this. Cross, United Way, Cummins BeThese systems act as societal en- havioral Health Systems, school zymes by facilitating that change within individuals. Without these enzymes, the amount of energy to bring about that change within our individual and collective hearts is, perhaps, insurmountable. The result? Nothing changes. With these systems, the amount of needed energy and work to make that change is significantly smaller. That's why we need more systems like this."

Perhaps this is also captured by the author, Daniel Quinn when he wrote wryly, "A castaway in the sea was going down for the third time when he caught sight of a passing ship. Gathering his last strength, he waved frantically

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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systems or the like. Mike said, "we will get a call at our facility which will be a fairly small place - maybe a strip mall or a house. We will be open 24/7. There will be a full time executive director and some part-time people and one of those people would pick up the phone."

3. A brief but thorough screening process takes place for things like active substance abuse issues, violent felonies and other factors. Mike noted that this helps insure the safety of the volunteers and staff members and affirmed that while of course assistance is needed for those people who may be screened out of the program, Family Promise is not yet set up to assist those with needs of that nature.

4. If accepted into the program, the family is immediately taken that day. Some of their effects are stored at the day center and then the rest of the family and their belongings are taken to the host church.

Hendricks County Home

FEATURE

5. Each family is hosted by a particular congregation for a week at a time while in the program. They are provided bedding and storage as well as meals and a measure of privacy.

8. They (the family) then go through the program. This is an intensive process of connecting them to the various resources which are going to get them the help that they need in order to break the cycle of homelessness.

9. The process takes between 4-6 weeks on average.

10. The program ends when the family has long term housing.

Mike pointed out, "There may be things that we may not be able to solve during a 30 to 45 day window. If they never graduated from high school...we are not

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64% of revenue from local business is reinvested back into your local economy

6. Kids are taken to school and picked up daily.

7. The adults spend their time at the day center working with the staff.

Mike said, "A host congregation for the week - their responsibility starts on Sunday. On Sunday evening, a van and a trailer (driven by a volunteer) will bring the effects and belongings of how every many families we have in the program at that time (a maximum of 14 individuals) 3-5 families and they will drop off at the host congregation on Sunday evening. Volunteers will be waiting at the church to set everything up. What that means is each family will have its own space - it doesn't have to have 4 walls but a little bit of privacy. It will have cots for sleeping, maybe some pictures, maybe a dresser..."

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

Meanwhile, only 33% of revenue from national chains is reinvested.

going to get that done in 30 to 45 days."

The goal w o u l d then be to help them get to those resources which are going to get them to where they need to go in that regard while finding housing solutions which work for their family.

This is a great way to make a big difference in the lives of your neighbors. If you or your congregation would like to get involved, then you can call (317) 296-FPHC(3742).

Visit their website(www.familypromisehendrickscounty.org) - Sign up for their email list here or email them(info@familypromisehendrickscounty.org). Feel free to contact us here at Hendricks County Home (317) 609-0225 and we will get you in touch with someone who can assist you.

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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FAMILY

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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They're Our Kids A resource for families across Hendricks County government agencies, librar- can go to North West Hendricks ies, parks and recreation, sports School page and have a link to all In a world that complicates and leagues and youth organizations. the schools, the State Dept. of Eddivides, few efforts make better ucation reports on the activities in progress for Hendricks County Easy to find on Facebook, They're their communities, libraries...That residents to easily navigate the Our Kids updates frequently with sort of information. We wanted to menagerie of websites and links great, must see information and organize it so that it was easy for and contacts than this site. Eric content. One recent article, a people to learn about the school Ivie and Hendricks County Home cautionary tale of good behavior systems and about the commusat down to discuss They're in social media article titled, The nity...getting information about Our Kids, a local organization Perils of Expressing Anger on the place they're living or the which serves as an asset to Social Media should simply not place they're thinking of living." the community day and night. be missed especially by parents attempting to teach their children The effort is funded by gifts and Started by Eric Ivie, Gus Pearcy, good lessons on how to behave grants through the Hendricks Richard Sutton and Jan Currier in public. Parents and families are County Community Foundation. back in 2006, They're Our Kids also presented with lots of great While not terribly expensive to opserves as a consolidated resource activities and cool places to visit erate, They're Our Kids is mainto Hendricks County families. Eric throughout the county, making the tained through the time and talent told Hendricks County Home that site an even more versatile tool. of its volunteers. Where's the fupart of the inspiration for this site ture at? Perhaps through gifts and was the fact that even as an in- Not to leave anyone out and rec- revenue from subtle website advolved parent who actively looked ognizing the how fast the county vertising, Eric said that he would for resources, there were new, im- is growing, They're Our Kids at- like to see the site offer scholarportant and informative sites that tempts to provide great informa- ships to at risk youth who are lookhe didn't know existed. He wants tion to families of both new and ing for a second chance at life. to aggregate all of these resources longtime residents. Eric says, together - A one stop site which "We wanted someone to say Always looking to improve, Eric links easily to Avon, Brownsburg, "You know what? I am think- would like to ask those that have Danville, Mill Creek, North West ing about moving to Pittsboro. great links to tools, websites, soHendricks, Plainfield as well What are the school systems like cial media or other important or as private and home schools, there?" So with one click, they interesting information and content to please contact him so that this information can be shared.

If you would like to contact They're Our Kids, do so here or email eric@redzonewriting.com.

By Dave Giltner

Started by Eric Ivie, Gus Pearcy, Richard Sutton and Jan Currier back in 2006, They're Our Kids serves as a consolidated resource to Hendricks County families.

One, recent article, a cautionary tale of good behavior in social media article titled, The Perils of Expressing Anger on Social Media should simply not be missed, especially by parents.

Eric Ivie - a freelance writer and owner of Red Zone Writing, an excellent, local company producing high quality, affordable and original content and editing services. Eric currently serves as Lt. Governor of the Circle City division of Kiwanis, Danville Community Education Foundation, coach and member of the board of the Danville Girls' Softball Eric Ivie and his two daughters, Natalie and Association and runs They're Our Kids. Gabby. Photos courtesy They're Our Kids.

FAMILY

Hendricks County Home

I Love My Son

By Lynn Clinton I'm working in my office listening to my son getting tutored in the kitchen. So, basically I am working to earn the money to pay someone to teach my child after my child has spent a solid eight hours in school. While that sounds like he should be good after eight full hours of school, he needs the additional help with math and reading.

Here's the kicker...

My son is only in second grade.

It is a slap in the face when you come to the realization that life isn't going to be easy for your child. There's no rhyme or reason for it. Trust me, I have a need to find answers and solutions to everything, and this has no easy answer. I'm an avid reader, my degree is in English Literature for Shakespeare's sake, and my son isn't a good reader? He struggles. In second grade. God, or Sylvan Learning Center, help us when he hits middle school!

It's a hard pill to swallow when you learn that your child isn't going to be great at everything right off the bat. He or she may not be the next top model,

and they probably aren't the next Peyton Manning or Michael Jordan (he was the basketball superstar before Lebron, for you younger folks out there). And, they might not even be brain surgeons either. His life won't be effortless like every parent hopes.

He'll struggle. He may suffer. He won't make millions of dollars and buy me a house someday that has more bathrooms than people living in it. Bummer, I know.

he can buckle down and do the work to figure it out. That might be an even better lesson in the long run.

Lynn Clinton is an Avon woman who traded her career and stilettos for children and sneakers. She almost never looks back. Would you like to read more? Lynn also writes over on her own blog, Love, Laughs and Lice...Stories from my life.

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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THIS...

IS LYNN CLINTON'S ARTICLE. SHE'S PRETTY POPULAR.

As I listen to my son working with his tutor, struggling with double digit subtraction, I do know this.

My son will know how to work.

He will not shy away from a fight because he is learning at a young age that nothing good comes easily. Peyton Manning and Michael Jordan missed more throws and shots than they made when they first started, and they put the time in to become exceptional. Brain surgeons don't start out performing craniotomies, they work up to that (we hope!!!). Even supermodels need to work hard to keep up their heroine addictions to maintain those sleek figures.

Success is work, and while my son might not be able to spout off his math facts like I wish he could,

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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CULINARY

Hendricks County Home

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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15 Minute Sausage Gravy Like the kind your grandma used to make

Difficulty Level: 3 / 10 Ingredients

1 1lb package of mild pork sausage 1 1/2 - 2 cups of all-purpose flour (naturally white wheat flour is acceptable) 1 tablespoon black pepper (ground) 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper.

1 quart of 2% homogenized milk.

(Note: adjust seasoning to taste) (Note: If you buy higher fat content sausage or make your own then you will need to adjust the amount of flour you use - the higher the fat content, the greater the flour) (Note: Adjust the milk for desired thickness - the amount listed should create a thick gravy as for biscuits - adding additional milk will thin the gravy.)

Tools

Measuring cups/spoons Spatula Large frying pan or Teflon coated pot

Directions

stir until the gravy has reached the Tip: Have your oven preheated desired thickness. and place your biscuits in the oven when you begin to make the gravy (10) Once the gravy is thick enough, remove from heat and serve immeso that they will be ready at about diately. the same time as the gravy.

[Tip: to avoid lumpy gravy, be sure to (1) Stir constantly and (2) use cold (1) Pre-heat your cooking pan. We milk recommend (esp. for beginners)

(2) (3)

Serves 4-6

(4)

Time

Approximately 15 minutes total - time varies by skill and practice

(5) (6)

(7) (8)

(9)

that you use a large pot as your pan. This will keep splashing to a minimum and help keep your cooking surface clean. Also, as indicated in the notes, this will allow you to add additional milk to thin the gravy if desired or for reconstituting cold gravy.

Add sausage to the pan - also add salt and spices.

Break up the sausage while cooking into desired size. For a rustic, authentic texture leave some larger and some smaller.

Brown and cook the sausage completely. This step is critical as pork must be cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. This step should allow the fat in the sausage to be rendered completely.

Turn to medium high heat.

Add in the flour, you will need likely not less than 1 1/2 cups - keep an additional cup ready to add.

Once added, immediately begin incorporating the flour, coating all of the sausage. Stir regularly. At this stage, the flour should completely absorb the rendered fat from the sausage. The mixture should look somewhat like powder coated sand, pebbles and rocks. This is the roux.

[Tip: If your roux looks too glossy, add flour 1/4 cup at a time and reincorporate.]

Continue to brown for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to keep the mixture from burning.

While continuing to stir continually and thoroughly, add the quart of milk.

[Note: This will appear to be very liquid - do not worry. Keep stirring] As you stir, be sure to stir the edges and from the bottom. You will begin to feel the milk thicken. Continue to

Optional For a richer gravy, use half and half or cream to substitute half of the milk.

Hendricks County Home

CULINARY

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

Vegan Sausage Gravy

Vegan Biscuits

A kinder, gentler breakfast food

Delicious, soft and fluffy

Difficulty Level: 5 / 10

Difficulty Level: 4 / 10

This recipe is the exquisite handiwork of our friend, Wade Wingler, from indyveganfamily.com and is used with their permission. The original may be found here. We highly recommend following this blog - you will not be disappointed.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Two medium yellow onions, chopped Three medium to large cloves of fresh garlic, minced 1 cup of TVP (texturized vegetable protein) reconstituted in 1 cup water 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 2 cups vegetable broth 1/2 cup flour 4 Tablespoons Tamari Soy Sauce 2 teaspoons liquid smoke Ground sage to taste Ground thyme to taste Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Tools

Measuring cups/spoons Spatula Large frying pan or Teflon coated pot 4 Cup bowl TVP (textured vegetable protein) Colander

Serves 4-6

Time

Approximately 45 minutes total - time varies by skill and practice

Directions

(1) Add 1 cup water to 1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein) and let sit for 15-30 minutes or until all water is completely absorbed (2) Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and soft.

(3) While sauteing onions and garlic, mix vegetable broth with flour and stir until no lumps (4) remain.

Drain most of the liquid from the beans and (5) place beans in blender Add cooked onions, garlic and residual oil to (6) blender along with vegetable broth (7) Blend until very smooth (8) Pour mixture back into still-warm skillet (9) Add TVP to skillet Add salt, black pepper, sage, and thyme to taste and simmer (periodically stirring) for 5-10 more minutes until desired consistency Serve over biscuits with Vegan buttery spread.

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2 cups all-purpose flour (naturally white wheat flour is acceptable) 1/4 cup (same flour) for dusting 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/2 finely chopped ripe avocado - very cold 1 cup soy milk (almond/cashew milk acceptable substitutes) 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Tools

Measuring cups/spoons Spatula Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowl Biscuit cutter (Optional - juice glass or pie/pizza wheel)

Serves 4-6

Time

Approximately 20 minutes total - time varies by skill and practice

Directions

(1) Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to soy milk. Stir and leave sit.

(2) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

(3) In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

(4) Cut in the finely chopped avocado until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

[Note - this step can be performed in a food processor by carefully pulsing - DO NOT over process as this will not result in a fluffy biscuit] (5) Stir milk/vinegar mixture and then gradually stir it in until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.

(6) Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead 15 to 20 times. Pat or roll dough out to 1 inch thick. Cut biscuits with a large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used.

[Note - this process may be improved by allowing the dough to rest for 5 minutes while covered in the mixing bowl with a wet cloth or wrap.

[Optional - attempt to create a square with the dough and use pizza/pie wheel to cut into squares] (7) Brush off the excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.

(8) Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.

Eat immediately.

Hendricks County Home

PEOPLE

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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Heating Our Homes Surviving winter...but at what cost?

By Dave Giltner We spoke with local Central Indiana resident, Lynn Jettpace who shared with us the story of her recent propane bill. We learned of this story when we read a recent social media post by her that read, "Propane bill just arrived. $2,095.92 to heat our house to sixty degrees. I am gobsmacked."

We must confess...so were we.

Lynn went on to say, "It's not the first time. We live in a 100 year old Victorian with 12 foot ceilings... and it's old and leaky. We cover the windows with plastic. We seal up with caulk. We had them add a layer of insulation when we put siding on...that helped a tiny bit.

But basically, we have to close off a couple of rooms to heat the living space. We have space heaters in the bedrooms. We just got used to living in 60 degrees and you know, we have sweaters, we have blankets. But it is kind of offensive to spend that kind of money to still be cold. A lot of years we will lock in the price at the beginning of the year but this year, we weren't able to do that. This winter, I think the first fill up was $1,800.00, the second fill up was $1,100.00 and this one is almost $2,100.00."

Is Lynn's story unusual? Clearly not. In a recent letter to customers, ProPane Incorporated President and CEO, Jerry Sheridan wrote, "According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the demand for propane was at the highest record level during

this past November and December. This followed by extreme cold in late December and early January, impacting the majority of the nation...I apologize for any frustration or inconvenience you may have experienced due to the unusually high demand this winter. I would like to assure you that we are the best positioned propane company with more resources and supply points than any other propane delivery company. We take our responsibility for your safety and service needs very seriously and we thank you for your patience during these difficult weather conditions."

This checks out with EIA website data which shows starting around 10/14/2013 prices rising from $2.063 per gallon to the price on 02/03/2014 of $4.265 per gallon, more than doubling. In fact, the previous high price point was on 01/23/2012 at $2.668 per gallon.

These price increases in conjunction with the winter weather emergency that has been called have given the Indiana State Attorney General's office the green light to investigate and pursue claims of price gouging, a serious matter which allows for penalties and civil recourse.

We contacted ProPane Incorporated to discuss the matter. We received a response from Mr. Simon Bowman, Manager - Investor Relations and Treasury with UGI/ Amerigas located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania where our questions were forwarded. While we are pleased with the quick response

we received and acknowledgment of our inquiry, we must confess our moderate disappointment at the strong aftertaste of corporate spin that the reply left in our mouths. We were unable to reach Mr. Bowman by phone for additional comment. "A lot of years, we will lock in the price at the beginning of the year but this year we weren't able to do that. This

The letter we re- winter, I think the first fill up was $1,800.00, the second ceived states: fill up was $1,100.00 and this one is almost $2,100.00." rail, barge and transports that "AmeriGas delivers propane to is working hard to get propane over 2 million customers in all 50 where it is needed as quickly as states. We are currently rationing possible. (There is only so much deliveries to customers in a select capacity to move product..and few service territories. Unfortu- when demand is high, that canately we cannot comment on pacity is constrained and costs supply/pricing in local areas as the increase. Just one example... situation changes by the day. Nev- we have to drive farther to get ertheless, we are working hard to the product, and often wait in alleviate these supply issues and line with other trucks to do so.) ensure that all of our customers Third, high demand for proare taken care of. AmeriGas's pane over the past month due size, purchasing power, supply to colder temperatures in many and logistics team, and our fleet parts of the country than we of long-haul transports enable us have seen in recent years. (This to quickly get propane supply to becomes a simple law of ecothe areas currently in need. Our nomics - supply vs. demand.) goal is to ensure that everyone stays warm and safe this winter. Our #1 priority is to make sure we On pricing, there are three ma- have adequate supply to meet the jor factors combining to cre- needs of our customers. We enate high prices at this time. courage customers to take advanFirst, wholesale prices of propane tage of automatic delivery and a are up more than 50% versus variety of payment plans to ensure this same period last year. (This they have fuel when they need it is the price we pay to buy the and help control propane costs." fuel on behalf of our customers.)

Second, transportation costs Unfortunately, we received no are also up dramatically due to additional replies from Mr. Bowa strained system of pipelines, man with additional information.

Hendricks County Home

The State of Indiana has some resources and information to assist those struggling with heating expenses. That information can be found here.

We spoke with Communications Manager Natalie M. Derrickson with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission who had this specific advice to offer.

PEOPLE

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

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For a general list of jurisdiction coverage, please click here.

There are three ways to file a complaint with the IURC: 1. Complete an online complaint form.

2. Call the IURC Consumer Affairs line at 1-800-851-4268.

1. If a customer is having Office hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 trouble paying their util- p.m., Monday through Friday ity bill, they should call 211 or (EST/EDT) visit www.connect2help.org.

3. File a formal petition with the 2. Utilities should attempt to IURC. provide consistent service regardless of weather. However, To learn more about resolving weather may impact the ability an issue with a utility, click here. to transport various types of fuel.

This checks out with EIA website data which shows starting around 10/14/2013 prices rising from $2.063 per gallon to the price on 02/03/2014 of $4.265 per gallon, more than doubling. In fact, the previous high price point was on 01/23/2012 at $2.668 per gallon.

3. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the Indiana Regulatory Commission (IURC) is required by state statute to make decisions that balance the interests of all parties to ensure utilities provide adequate and reliable service at reasonable prices.

4. The IURC's Consumer Affairs Division provides dispute resolution services for customers of jurisdictional utilities. The type of issues handled by the Consumer Affairs Division includes: extension of service and credits, deposits, billing, termination of service, customer rights, and utility responsibilities. However, prior to initiating a complaint with their office, they strongly advise customers to first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the utility provider. !. While the IURC accepts utility-related complaints, it is important to note that there are areas outside their jurisdiction.

In a recent letter to customers, ProPane Incorporated President and CEO, Jerry Sheridan wrote, "According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the demand for propane was at the highest record level duringthis past November and December.

This followed by extreme cold in late December and early January, impacting the majority of the nation...I apologize for any frustration or inconvenience you may have experienced due to the unusually high demand this winter... We take our responsibility for your safety and service needs very seriously and we thank you for your patience during these difficult weather conditions."

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PEOPLE

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Discrimination Is the boogeyman in our closet?

By Dave Giltner A 53 Year Old Echo In a February 25th, 1961 article from the Milwaukee Journal titled, "Discrimination Hurts Us All," Spencer Poku-Kankam from Ghana is quoted as saying, "When we experience discrimination, we wonder if this is the civilization we are supposed to copy. We cannot present America as the champion of democracy when we return to our countries because of our experiences in race discrimination." The article goes on to say, "We have moral reasons for ending discrimination. They are buttressed by a selfish reason - we must validate our contention before the world that our way of life offers more to mankind than does Red totalitarianism."

Discrimination - according to Webster, entered our vocabulary in 1648. 365 years later, the word stirs feelings of anger and resentment, cries for justice and demonstrates our ongoing debate in this country about who we want to be as a people. Not simply a matter of racism, xenophobia and homophobia, other groups experience discrimination as well. Religious minorities, women, those suffering from obesity, children, rehabilitated former criminals, the elderly, the handicapped and the poor are all victims of bias and frequently disfavored.

Thou Shalt Not Marry Proponents of the extremely controversial HJR6, then renamed HJR3 proposed amendment

to the Indiana constitution which would permanently enshrine discrimination for Hoosiers demonstrates our unfortunate ability as a society to find minority groups to marginalize. This amendment, though itself revised at the last moment now only to reemphasize that LGBTQ couples will not be allowed to marry those of their choosing, illustrates the point that while time passes and great strides are made, we have not fully unburdened ourselves of actively discriminating against other members of our community. With roughly half of the population in Indiana for mar- an AP survey done in 2011, 52 riage equality, legislative activ- percent of non-Hispanic whites exity such as this only serves to pit pressed anti-Hispanic attitudes."

Hoosiers against one another.

A Little Birdie Told Me Clearly, name calling and slurs Survey Says...

Does racism still exist? Some are not tolerated though, right? might say no - racism is dead, Prejudice and her twin sister Igevidenced by the 2008 election norance reared their ugly heads and subsequent 2012 reelec- the night of Super Bowl XLVIII tion of the first black President when during a commercial by of the United States. But is this Coke which offered a beautiful true? Is racism defunct? Statisti- rendition of America the Beautical evidence is difficult to find for ful sung in multiple languages.

Indiana; however, the Southern Tweets such as, "I am no longer Poverty Law Center notes In- drinking Coke because they used diana as having 20 active hate terrorists in their commercials. groups. (See the map here.) Ac- #TeamPepsi", "Coke loses my recording to NBC News, a 2012 As- spect for putting a gay couple in sociated Press survey found that the video. I couldn't give a [OMITin fact, racism had increase in the TED SLUR] about the Spanish United States since the election song" and most egregiously, of Barack Obama in 2008 citing "That Coke commercial sucked. that "In all, 51 percent of Ameri- Mexicans, terrorists, jews, and cans now express explicit anti- [OMITTED SLUR] are not 'Ameriblack attitudes, compared with 48 can'". With that classic, telling percent in a similar 2008 survey. opening line, one guy tweeted, ...Most Americans expressed "I'm not racist, but This is AMERanti-Hispanic sentiments, too. In ICA! We speak English!" A quick

rundown of Twitter came across open slurs against blacks, Africans, gays and lesbians, middleeasterners (specifically Arabs), Mexicans, Southern Asians and East Asians. Of course, this does not even begin to touch on the "speak American" or "Stop singing in Mexican" ignorance nor the fact that American the Beautiful is not the Star Spangled Banner.

A Conversation While perhaps the imminent threat of the red scare has somewhat diminished, how are we handling the ongoing process of ending discrimination in Indiana?

We had the pleasure of posing some questions to Sam Carman of the Hendricks County Alliance for Diversity. Carman has a bachelor's degree in life sciences, a master's in natural resources, and has devoted his 38 year career to the scientific field. In recent years he has also become trained as a diversity facilitator in a couple of different programs,

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and chairs the Hendricks County Alliance for Diversity. His years in the sciences continue to guide how he approaches all aspects of life, including issues related to diversity and discrimination.

In response to us, Sam prefaced his comments by saying, "Discrimination occurs in Hendricks County. I know it, I've witnessed it, and I have friends who have been victims of it. However, I've spent my entire career as a scientist. I don't accept premises or information at face value -- I want to see the data, the statistics, the research. And I expect others to demand the same proof from me as I expect from them. ...Coming from a scientific background is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because my BS meter has a hair trigger and causes me to check facts so I'm not too easily taken in (I have yet to send my bank account information to that attorney in Morocco who has $10 million to split with me); but it's a curse because it's hard for me to just state a simple opinion without feeling that I need to have research to back it up."

HCH: Hendricks County Home SAM: Sam Carman HCH: How specifically does the diversity we possess here in Hendricks County improve the lives of those who live here?

SAM: On a somewhat superficial level, diversity introduces authentic ethnic foods and a variety of cultural opportunities in the arts, fashion, design, etc. It also provides exposure to languages and other cultural characteristics that are probably un

PEOPLE familiar to most of the population. the woman waiting in line was a man instead, being joined by But on a deeper, more significant another man, or if they were two level, diversity provides our society women. Such a simple, innocent with a wider range of talents, abili- public display of affection would ties and viewpoints. Our schools, very likely draw stares or worse. businesses, governmental agencies and other organizations are Regarding the legal rights of gay enriched and made stronger by couples, Indiana currently does this variety of skills and perspec- not extend equal hospital visitatives. The economy benefits be- tion rights to same-sex spouses or cause diversity acts as a magnet partners (like neighboring state Ilfor talent, and economic growth linois does), or have a designated is fueled by creative people. visitor statute (as does neighboring state Kentucky). While there HCH: How are women, gays are federal requirements to comand minorities perceived in ply with state non-discrimination our community, and what im- laws in order to participate in Depact does discrimination have partment of Housing & Urban Deon these vulnerable groups? velopment programs, Indiana has no such laws prohibiting housing SAM: In recent years, women discrimination based on sexual have become much more ac- orientation or gender identity. 2 cepted in the workforce, many holding professional positions HCH: What can be done to such as doctors, attorneys, up- meaningfully improve the harof our community? per management, etc. That be- mony ing said, wage discrepancies sometimes still occur. A 2011 SAM: I'm a firm believer that disnational study showed that harmony and/or discrimination is women of all ages earn 82.2% caused by fear of the unknown, of what is earned by men. In an or misconceptions about the un"apples-to-apples" study com- known. The best way to dispel paring men and women entering those fears and misconceptions the same occupation, women is to create opportunities for more were still shown to make 7% less social interactions. A great exthan their male counterparts. 1 ample occurred this year when the Hendricks County Alliance Gay individuals in Hendricks for Diversity sponsored a multiCounty have become more open, cultural pitch-in dinner to observe but are still clearly not fully accept- Dr. Martin Luther King Day. The ed. For example, imagine stand- event was attended by about 60 ing in line at a movie theater. A people - black, white, tan, gay, woman is standing in front of you, straight, Christian, Muslim, agnosand a man comes in and joins her. tic...an extremely diverse group Upon meeting, she gives him a with at least 5 different countries quick kiss and they join hands to represented. The ethnic food wait in line. Such a scenario is was wonderful and the converquite common and would not draw sations and fellowship even betany undue attention. But suppose ter. In that evening, many con

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tacts were exchanged and the seeds of friendships sewn. Additional events like this focusing on food, sports, music, cultural fairs, etc. should be developed to expand occasions where people can just get together to socialize.

Such opportunities don't happen by accident or chance - at least initially, they must be intentional. This may seem somewhat contrived; but if we are to achieve understanding and acceptance between people of different races, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds, such contacts are critically important.

Once people can accept one another and appreciate differences rather than fear or misunderstand them, this opens the door to more spontaneous interactions.

HCH: Do you believe discrimination actively persists in Hendricks County and if so, why, in what ways and who is affected?

SAM: Discrimination still persists not only in Hendricks County, but in general. In 2012, law enforcement agencies reported to the FBI nearly 2,800 hate crimes committed on the basis of race, about 1,100 on the basis of religion, and 1,135 on the basis of sexual orientation. 3 Here in Indiana, HJR 3 wouldn't even be a topic of discussion, much less a divisive boondoggle that continues to waste the time of legislators and our tax dollars, if discrimination weren't an issue. If discrimination didn't persist, General Mills would not have been forced to pull comments from its YouTube page recently after receiving an onslaught of racist comments about its Cheerios commercial featuring

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an interracial family. (By the way, the response of General Mills about its commercial was as follows: "At Cheerios, we know there are many kinds of families and we celebrate them all." A second commercial featuring the same family aired during the Superbowl. Three cheers for Cheerios and the integrity of General Mills!)

Here in Hendricks County in recent years, there have been racial profiling incidents reported in the media. Such occurrences are often subjective and difficult to prove.

But talk with many black people in the county and you'll find that some have experienced being following in retail establishments or pulled over while driving and given no apparent reason. (I'm not talking about people who might have raised suspicion because of the way they dressed or any unusual actions; these were professional people who were simply shopping or on their way home from work.)

Talk to gay couples and ask if they would feel welcome in all Hendricks County churches. Talk to those who dress in traditional Islamic attire to see if they've experienced comments of hate or mistrust from neighbors or people encountered in our communities.

As I said, these incidents are difficult to prove or quantify because they are usually not officially documented, but they happen.

Finding statistics for Hendricks County has proven very difficult, so I'll use some numbers from our next-door neighbor, Marion County. During a given period of time in 2005, the number of defendants in court for drug charges was 675.

Of those, 477 (71%) were black and 169 (25%) were white. Yet the Marion County population

PEOPLE

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was just the opposite - 71% white, 25% black. So one might think that a much higher percentage of blacks use drugs than whites; but that is statistically incorrect. According to a 2003 national survey on drug use by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, illicit drug use was nearly identical between blacks (8.7%) and whites (8.3%)4. Somehow, a far higher percentage of blacks are ending up in the criminal justice system, even though their rate of drug use is about the same as that of the white population.

1 “Gender Pay Gap Persists” by Christine Dugas, USA Today, October 24, 2012 2 Human Rights Campaign website, http://www.hrc. org 3 Federal Bureau of Investigation website, http://www. fbi.gov 4 “Color of Justice: Does racism infect the criminal justice system?”, by Fran Quigley, Jacqueline Ayers and Elizabeth Stull, American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana website, www.iclu.org, April 1, 2005

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Snow Days and Two Hour Delays A calculated risk

By J.D. Nesbitt

decision to be made by the school corporations, it got me On January 28th, 2014 Browns- thinking about what it must be burg Community School Cor- like to be on the other side of poration made the call (as they the decision making process. did on the 27th) for a two-hour delay to the start of school. Tem- Let's start by reviewing a peratures were predicted to be few choice Facebook rewell below freezing with fairly sponses received by BCSC: extreme wind chills for this area.

"Unbelievable! Did you forget There were 171 total comments on about children who have to walk the post announcing the delay. The to and from school? Very dismajority of them were negative. appointed in this decision and lack of concern for the health It was somewhat surprising and and safety of these children!" somewhat not surprising to see so many parents upset over the "I WILL NOT BE SENDING call. As a superintendent (or a MY CHILDREN!!! Many, many politician or a boss of any sort), districts around us are closed you'll never make everyone hap- as you should be. This is abpy. Never. It's just not the way solutely the wrong decision. I that humans operate. Someone would like to see each and every will always be cross at the deci- one if you stand on a bus stop sions made, no matter which or walk to school in these temdecisions are actually made. peratures. Utterly ridiculous!!!!!"

Additionally, throughout the course of discussion over this particular delay, the fact that the school board had made the decision to tack any and all snow makeup days for the 2013/14 school year to the end of the year, rather than utilizing floating holidays such as MLK Day or President's Day, also came up. Again, somebody was going to be unhappy either way.

" Are you serious?????? This is ridiculous. Glad some of you are so freaking happy don't worry about others only yourself. I hope that whom ever is making this decision would watch the news. And as far as the summer well that is months away. Wouldn't you rather have your child safe? Oh I forgot it's about YOU and the summer not about now!!! Wake up and realize how selfish that sounds. Stupid"

I covered the issue of snow makeup days, and the decision not to apply for state-offered waivers briefly, in last month's issue. With all the Facebook "controversy" and all the folks touting the "right"

" Dr. Snapp and school board members please remember your jobs are replaceable and I never miss voting!"

I'd like to briefly interject at this

point that the above comments are real comments posted by real adults. ADULTS. These are the parents of some of the Corporation's children and this is what they are posting publicly on social media. The same social media some of their children probably also utilize.

That being said, not all the comments were negative, some were even comical: "oh. my. god. the world might, might, just come to an end tomorrow because your kids have to put extra layers on. the horrors...."

Others ing, as

were they

understand- appears to be a thankless job rife should be: with attacks and praise, depending on the social media crowd's "Thank you bburg for advance mood that particular day. And notice. I appreciate this is tough maybe, just maybe, that's part decision and you can't please of the bigger problem. With ineveryone. If parents are worried stant technology many feel that about it and don't want their kids they have the right to say and do to go to school, it's simple- keep what they want to whomever they your kid home. Brownsburg does want. We have better access to not have authority over the weath- public officials than we ever have er. You have a thankless job and the gap between us and sometimes Dr. Snapp and rest of them grows narrower every day. school corp. thanks for all you do" There's bound to be more and more prolific hate speech directOne more for the road, ed at them as time marches on. from the mouth of babes: Back to the matter at hand, what "I'm 15 years old and I agree with exactly does the decision-making the decision. Just because it's cold process entail for these folks? outside doesn't mean we're going to die. When we grow up and have I had the pleasure of speaking with jobs we can't always stay home Scott Olinger, Superintendent of because it's snowing or too cold." the Plainfield Community School Corporation to delve further into Needless to say, the job of mak- the process. My hope is that it ing the call for delays or closures will provide a point of introspect

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and perhaps even consideration before jumping on the bandwagon of hurling insults at officials. It's not an easy part of their jobs and it's not likely any of us could make any better of a decision than they do.

YOUTH

For Olinger, the decision-making process begins two to three days prior to a winter event, when initial forecasts begin rolling out indicating potential weather systems.

trickiest to make the call on. Frequently, the difference between a normal start time and the start time after a two-hour delay will not make much difference in terms of things like temperature or wind chills. A two-hour delay will however assist in allowing road crews those additional two hours to work on getting or keeping roads clear before school traffic gets out and about.

He utilizes a mix of resources from local law enforcement, street department and county highway department crews to National Weather Service charts. Mr. Olinger said that the NWS charts are a great source of information for him as they indicate data hour by hour.

With all of the available technology, I asked Scott his thoughts on locally based independent Internet weather forecasters, the best in Central Indiana being BAM Chase out of the Greenwood area, and their ability to provide personalized forecasts.

Depending on the timing of the weather, he'll connect with his sources the night before. There are people from the Corporation who will also drive the area roads to aid in the decision-making process.

County-wide, the school corporations do actually communicate amongst themselves to aid each other in making the call.

For the most part, according to Olinger, the county schools tend to be in agreement. If there is a discrepancy, typically the eastern schools are in agreement and so are the western schools.

The western schools face a little bit different scenario with having more county roads to deal with than town streets. Luckily for Olinger, the Plainfield Street Department does an excellent job of staying on top of town streets, making his ability to get students to classes a little easier.

Between the two, delays or closures, delays are definitely the

Obviously, however these decisions are made and whatever the tools that are used, they have a big impact on the surrounding community. Working parents must seek alternate child care in While not being familiar with cases of delays and closures and BAM Chase, Olinger did say students are missing out on valuthat personalized forecasting for able classroom education time. school districts may be the future of how decisions are made I wasn't able to obtain impact within the different corporations. information from Olinger in relation to the Plainfield Community From my perspective, having School Corporation in time to been following BAM Chase for meet my deadline; however, I was about a year, is that the indepenable to obtain Brownsburg's imdent forecasters aren't held back pact information for comparison: by the corporations behind local television channels. They're free 8,018: The number of BCSC students to seek out the best resources that must get to and from school each day. available, even if they aren't mainstream, and implement them 5,762: The number of students transported by the BCSC Transquickly and effectively. The ben- portation Department each day. efit there being to the consumer.

Over the course of the last year, 2,523.5: The number of miles school I've watched BAM Chase grow buses must cover in a single day student transportation. from a couple thousand Face- providing book likes to over 42,000. They 1,179: The number of high school must be doing something right. In students who drive or are pasfact, they were recently hired on sengers with drivers to school. as the official forecasters of the Indianapolis 500, beating out the 1,077: The number of students who walk, some up to one mile each way, to school. local national network television stations. Pretty impressive for in- 63: The number of school buses that dependent weather forecasters. must be available to transport students.

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48: The total number of miles within Brown and Lincoln Townships that the Superintendent, Chief Operations Officer, Chief of Brownsburg School Police and Transportation Supervisor drive prior to making a decision to delay or cancel school.

43.7: The number of square miles in Brown and Lincoln townships, the total area BCSC serves. Weather can vary from area to area, especially with drifting, making one area fine and another treacherous.

10: The number of county officials, including the Sheriff, Fire Chiefs, County Commissioner, etc on the Hendricks County Emergency Operations Team who are consulted each day of severe weather before a decision is made by school officials.

The direction of these safety professionals significantly impacts the decisions of the school officials. In addition, when they say we cannot be on the road, we will not be on the roads.

While each school corporation's impact numbers will vary, you can clearly see that these decisions are not made arbitrarily and that the best decision for the students, staff and others involved in day-to-day school activities are considered heavily and by professionals more than capable of making these decisions. We should consider that before the next time we criticize the decision made.

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INTEREST

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Why We Love Dogs | Grieving the Passing of a Friend

By Dave Giltner

that is exactly how I looked at him.

March 11th, 2006 - big day in the world...at least for my family. We were robbed. I used to sleep like a stump. Our house was solid with thick plaster walls and carpeted floors. I had no idea that there was anyone in the house until the robber barged in the room. The experience was life changing. The man had pillaged the house and broken our things and stolen from us. What he stole was more than money and stuff. He stole our peace of mind.

So we ask ourselves, do dogs feel love? Author of "Do Dogs Dream?: Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know" and "The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions," Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD writes in a recent article that, "This data is important to our understanding of the emotional lives of dogs because researchers have come to believe that the mind of a dog is roughly equivalent to that of a human who is two to two-and-a-half years old. This conclusion holds for most mental abilities -- including emotions." Of course, we as companions know that dogs are fully capable of feeling love and loyalty and excitement because we see anecdotal evidence, meaning we see their faces every day and how they behave.

So, we did some digging and got with the police to see what we should do to make sure that this never happened again. Their instructions were pretty clear and we were quick to follow them.

Trim back the hedges - check!

Get a light for the yard - Stadium lighting bright enough to tan at night - Check! Get an alarm system for the house - sirens, sensor and alarms inside and out - Check! Get a dog - a dog?

By that following weekend, we had a dog. Her name was Bean.

He correlates human and dog emotional development as shown in the chart in the upper right corner of this article.

...I would never live with- What do dogs do for us? out a dog in my life again. Walter. That's the name of our current dog. What does Walter do mostly? Not much really. He Do dogs feel love?

A guy I used to work with over- just turned 10. He spends most heard me talking about my dog of his day, in his bed hanging out and he so matter-of-factly and with me... snoring and dreaming. with earnest conviction said, "You That really doesn't tell the story know... dogs don't feel love. They though. There's a richness to only appear to feel love. That's how life because he is around. Cliche they get us to feed them and take as it may be, there is a feeling care of them." He might as well of joy on his face when he sees have opened his mouth and said, me and no matter what kind of "Dave, I am an idiot." Because day I've had, it is made better be

Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD correlates human and dog emotional development as shown in the above diagram. He says, "...the mind of a dog is roughly equivalent to that of a human who is two to two-and-a-half years old.."

cause of that genuine reaction. The problem with our love of dogs Is it because they love us in re- As much as our lives are enturn, unconditionally? Is because riched by our relationships with they depend on us? Is it because dogs, there appears to be one of the variety of ways that we incredible drawback - their lives have managed to weave them are tragically brief. The average into our society? - Yes. Police lifespan of a dog is sadly only dogs, Seeing Eye dogs, guard 11 years. Few events in life are dogs, blood hounds, hunting more difficult to cope with than dogs, sled dogs, bomb-sniffing the absolute fact of death, this dogs, nursing home and hospi- sad day comes in every dog tal visitations, they can even de- owner's life - the day when you tect cancer...the list is lengthy. come to the realization that your friend is facing their mortality.

The benefits of having a dog in our lives is difficult to measure One day, Bean started coughing. but some of these advantages We took her to the vet. The exinclude lower stress levels, better amination took a few minutes and blood pressure, more exercise, there were some tests and X-rays allergy resistance, reduced risk of run and about 20 minutes later, eczema, increased heart attack the vet came in and explained that survival rates, lower cholesterol Bean had congestive heart failure. and triglycerides, reduced minor That was really heard to hear. We health concerns and medical vis- lost bean in July of 2012, one of the its, grief/survivor benefits, lowered hardest days of my adult life and anxiety and social interactions. one I'd soon not wish to repeat.

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How do we cope with that loss?

There is no more eloquent way I know how to say it other than... death sucks. It is hard and powerful and final. But as with the loss of members of our family, the loss of our dogs stirs deep emotions of grief. Most experts agree that there is no right way to feel or one right way to grieve the loss of a pet.

The stages of grief suggest that we experience five phases - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Some feel all or mixtures of each and some skip around from phase to phase until they come to peace with the loss. Sadly, while a shared experience, coming to terms with loss is a personal journey that we must experience in our own time.

INTEREST ciety advises, "The loss of a pet may be a child's first experience with death. The child may blame himself, his/her parents, or the veterinarian for not saving the pet. And he/she may feel guilty, depressed, and frightened that others he loves may be taken from him. Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away could cause your child to expect the pet's return and feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Expressing your own grief may reassure your child that sadness is ok and help him/her work through his/her feelings."

New Dog? People often have multiple dogs.

In our case, once we found out that our dog was terminally ill, we For parents of children who are wanted to have another dog intefirst experiencing death through grated into our family to help us the loss of a pet, The Humane So with the inevitable grieving and so

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

that we wouldn't have to live our lives without dogs. This was extraordinarily helpful and allowed us a healthy outlet for the tough emotions that come with loss.

Celebrity trainer and dog lover, Cesar Millan suggests that we not bring another "replacement" dog into the picture too soon as some might suggest as we may not be able to be consistent in what he refers to as "calm-asser

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tive energy," making the experience confusing and difficult for the new dog and more frustrating and emotionally taxing for us.

If you or a loved one needs help with pet loss, please follow this link for additional assistance including a hotline to call.

www.uucchc.org

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INTEREST

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ENOUGH! | An end to the human trafficking of children "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. they fall to the margins of poverty...Women prostitute to Human Trafficking make money to support themNadine Hill spent 30 years in selves and their families and law where she gained the knowl- that is a step into trafficking. edge and assertiveness to found the Ecumenical Women's Coali- These pimps or Johns offer them tion Against Human Trafficking, a 'better' job. They say, 'I have a 501(c)3 non-profit application something better for you than pending entity which aims to this. You can model or I have a end the sex and labor traffick- school for you where you can beting of children. Nadine, a devout ter your life.' Of course, it's not Christian is an active member of better. They traffic them either the Presbyterian church where, out of state or out of the counthrough various groups developed try into sex slavery. And these leadership and speaking skills, al- women, because they want to lowing her to be in the unique po- have a better life, they believe sition of spreading the message these people who are very perof Human Trafficking in America. suasive, very charismatic. Even women act for the traffickers."

Defining Human Trafficking We asked Nadine to help us de- When we think of human traffickfine this term. She said, "Human ing, often, we might think of a third Trafficking is the taking of a per- world scene but the fact is, as a son without their consent and who worldwide pandemic of violence, is forced or coerced by fraud or it takes place here in the United trickery into labor or sex slavery. States, right here in Central InAnd that's defined in the Traffick- diana. According to the UN, sex ing Victims Protection Act of 2000 trafficking in the United States is a which was passed by the United $9.5 billion industry where the avStates Congress." She went on to erage age of entry, according the tell us that this act was, unfortu- United States Department of Jusnately set up in such a way that tice is 13-14 years old. Pimping is it requires Congress to reenact big money, earning the pimp anythis legislation periodically. It may where from $150,000 to $200,000 come as little surprise that with this per child sex slave with as many oft touted "Do Nothing Congress", as 6 child slaves per pimp - $40the last time for reenactment took $100 for 15-30 minutes of sex. over 18 months, allowing the im- These sexually exploited children portant protections to lapse and may be forced into sex acts as leaving victims of human traf- many as 48 times daily as indificking exposed and vulnerable. cated by the Polaris Project, a According to Nadine, "Wom- leading resource in the United en are vulnerable because States on Human Trafficking.

By Dave Giltner

A Warning Nadine warns us, "Don't put your children's pictures on Facebook.

The traffickers are becoming familiar with Facebook. They're on Facebook, too! Lots of times when we post a picture on Facebook, the location of that picture is there as well. They'll call someone and say, 'Hey, there's this really cute kid with her parents.

Follow them and see where they live.'" This is corroborated by a recent article from the American Bar Association titled, "Human Trafficking and the Internet* (*and Other Technologies, too)" by Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. where he writes, "Some trafficking cases start with the offender contacting the potential victims on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. The techniques used by the offenders to gain trust vary widely, including expressing love and admiration of the victim, promising to make the victim a star, and providing a ticket to a new location away from the victim's home. Another type of trafficking effort starts with an online employment search and results in an unsuspecting victim relocating from her home on the promise of an unbelievably good job. After the victim has joined the offender, various techniques are used to restrict the victim's access to communication with home, such as imposing physical punishment unless the victim complies with the trafficker's demands and making threats of harm and even death to the victim and her family."

Nadine told the story of Marti MacGibbon, a trafficking survivor, EWCA board of directors member and Author of "Never Give in to Fear: Laughing All the Way Up From Rock Bottom". She said that Marti was the daughter of a Ball State professor and was a statuesque woman with beautiful features. When she graduated, like many people, she fell into the wrong crowd - drugs and the sex scene. She was kind of rebellious and made her way from Indiana to Texas and then on to California. Even though she was doing a few unsavory things, she was still climbing the comedy ladder and had even managed to get scheduled on Johnny Carson. Because of her substance abuse issues, she failed to go on the show.

However, one day, Marti was approached by a man who said she'd make a fantastic model.

While they were speaking, a man came up behind her and chloroformed her and when she woke up, she was in Japan. The kidnappers kept her drugged, gained access to her passport which she kept in her purse and told the airport security that she was going abroad for medical treatment.

Her first night in Japan, she was forced to undress and she was repeatedly raped. She spent the next few months in sexual servitude until she was rescued.

Recalling the events that helped bring Nadine to champion the cause of human trafficking, she said, "When I retired from working

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INTEREST

hendrickshome.com | February 2014

in law, I felt The Lord calling me to do some kind of ministry and my Church, which is Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, has a ministry in the Westminster/Holy Cross neighborhood called Westminster Neighborhood Ministries.

They have been there since the early 1950's. They needed an office manager and an office coordinator - I got it. I was there for about 18 months. But I felt like I was spinning my wheels. I decided to leave. So I went to another daycare ministry only a few blocks away from Westminster. In August of 2011, a colleague and I were taking care of about 12 children. It was recess time, play time in the afternoon but over under a bush there were 3 little girls playing with their Barbie's. They reminded me of my granddaughters because they were about the same age about 8 or 9 years old having a really good time. Then, all of the sudden on the other side of the playground there was something going on. Boys were fighting. My colleague and I looked over to see what was going on and when we looked back, one little girl was gone. Just in that instant she was gone. We looked everywhere for her. We asked everyone and then finally we realized she was gone.

The police put out an Amber Alert. We called her mother who was distraught. Of course she blamed my colleague and me for not taking care of this little girl and certainly we felt guilty and carried that guilt. So, as time went on the family and the police realized that one of the cousins of the missing little girl was talking about having some new clothes and some money in his pocket. Then the family asked him, 'How did you get this?'

Finally, he admitted after being practically beaten to death that he

had taken the little girl and sold her to a pimp for $1,200. She was 9 years old when she was taken."

The little girl in this story has never been seen nor heard from again.

Nadine said she just felt If she could help even just one little girl, then that was what she was going to do. So, she created the Ecumenical Women's Coalition Against Human Trafficking (EWCA). Nadine noted that EWCA is part of IPATH (Indiana Protection Against Trafficked Humans) and that she serves on that organization's Community & Faith Working Group of their Outreach Committee. EWCA's current goal is raising enough money to fund a safe house. She noted that there are currently no safe houses or specific services designed to address the needs of child victims of sexual trafficking in Indiana. Costs per person can run up to $45,000 per year for care. Donations are needed for a fundraising goal of $500,000.

If you are looking to get involved, have grant writing skills or are able to donate, contact Nadine at (317) 644-1124, P.O. Box 421130, Indianapolis, IN 46242 or hillgrove@comcast.net.

EWCA has made application for 501(c)3 status and looks forward to receiving confirmation of approval.

Find

them

on

Facebook.

Polaris Project offers a number of resources including the Comprehensive Trafficking Assessment.

A number of .PDF documents are available on our website.

Hendricks County Home

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

DINING OUT

Hendricks County Home

Thai Lanna, Hendricks County Hidden Gem Thai Lanna 9655 E US Highway 36 Avon, IN 46123

(317) 426-3420

Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - 2:30 pm 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Dining out has undergone quite a transformation as Hendricks County has been able to score some big food hits in recent months. In our opinion, one of the biggest hits is Thai Lanna, easy to find and conveniently located at 9655 E. US Highway 36 in Avon across the street from Wal-Mart, a treasure chest of Thai cuisine.

Urban Spoon Critics agree with 45 votes, Thai Lanna boasts a 95% approval rating and not a single comment that is less than gushing. One reviewer writes, "The food is amazing and the atmosphere is great! Friendly staff, beautiful restaurant, and the food is just so yummy! Highly recommend!" In fact, we must agree.

Google+ offers up a rating of 4.6 out of 5 starts with comments in part such as..."Thai Lanna is a hidden GEM of a place with

kind and smiling staff, fan- tional Thai cuisine which though tastic food, and simple yet renowned for spiciness and incharming decor...JUST GO!!!" tense flavors may have you thinking twice, the talented kitchen staff Lunch, dinner and after church has a deft hand at appropriately brunch crowd - if you are not spicing dishes according to diner's opening your horizons then you requests. That said, the spice opare missing out. In our visit, we tions are No Spice, Mild, Medium, found the portions to be quite Hot and what is listed as Thai Hot. nice. Not being as familiar with In our experience, when a restauThai cuisine as some, we found rant offers you caution about the the staff to be more than compe- heat level of their food, then fools tent and patient with questions be warned when asking for more and special requests. We were than you might be able to handle. immediately seated after being Our advice is to err on the side of greeted by a smiling, charming caution and if necessary, you can host and quickly served water always ask for more spice later. and presented with menus. Table sizes are appropriate and seat- The menu offers a numing is comfortable while decor is ber of dishes including: pleasant without being an artificial caricature of South East Asia. Stuffed Eggplant: Deep fried mixed with ground chickThai Lanna, as the name might en and shrimp with cilansuggest, serves a range of tradi tro, green onion, sesame oil.

Served with eel sauce. (Eel sauce does not contain eel but is a sweet and salty sauce.)

Larb: Ground chicken mixed with lemon grass, red and green onion, cilantro, mint leaves and roasted rice powder then mixed together in fresh lime juice and a spicy sauce.

Mango Salad: Slice of mango with minced chicken, onion, green onion, carrot and mixed with fresh lime juice and spice.

Pahd Thai: Choice of meat, stir fried with rice noodles, egg, green onion, bean sprouts and ground peanuts.

Drunken Noodle: Choice of meat, stir fried with flat noodles, onions, tomatoes, bell pepper and basil.

Any item choice will be excellent!

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hendricks County Home

8 Things You Should Know Before You Call an Interior Designer to Help With Your Project

By J.D. Nesbitt You've finally decided it's time to renovate your outdated kitchen. After many years suffering through the existing space, you're ready to get the kitchen of your dreams. Before you jump right into a major renovation, you're likely going to want to speak with a professional who can help you achieve your desired design.

In most cases, you'll want to speak with an interior designer and bring them into the project.

An interior designer is not only going to help you put plans to paper, but also to assist you in the best way to allocate your budgeted funds. He or she will bring with them a unique set of ideas and solutions for the issues you and your space might be facing. The training and education they receive will ultimately help you achieve the best design for your space. A designer will serve as your advocate as you navigate the world of home renovation; but, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Before you call an interior designer, here are 8 things you should know.

Budget How much are you willing to spend on your project? The important thing here is to be 100% honest and realistic about your budget. Many of you will be thinking, "I don't know how much a kitchen/bathroom/house renovation costs!" That's true, you may not know, but nearly everyone has access to the internet and

and the internet is full of information regarding the average cost of certain types of remodels. This information should be used as a guide to help you determine a budget. The truth is, there isn't really an average - it all depends on the many different decisions you make along the way. Your kitchen renovation will cost considerably more if you select marble countertops instead of laminate. It's difficult to gauge future total expense, so it's best to start with an average and let the designer help guide you realistically based on the kinds of things you want. Photo courtesy Aesthete Designs everyone is on the same page Assess Your Lifestyle about the wants and the needs In order to get the best results for the new and updated space. out of your renovation, your interior designer will need to know Create an Idea File how you and the rest of your Idea files are a great way to gathfamily use your spaces. Where er all your thoughts, ideas and do you eat most of your meals? desires for your renovation. In the Where do you spend most of past, designers would ask clients your time with guests? What to gather magazine tear sheets, rooms in your home get the most online photos and photos from use? What is and isn't work- catalogs into a file to be given to ing for you in the home? These the designer. Before you call in questions will help guide your a designer, have concepts and renovation in the right direction. ideas for your space gathered in a central location that you can Create a Must Have vs. Want share with them. Today, Pinterest to Have List for your Project is a great way to gather inspiration Communication is a key com- and help you best convey your ponent in any renovation. With desires visually to your designer. that being said, every project will have needs that must be met at Forget HGTV! the completion. Create a list of We understand how easy they those required needs to meet, make it look and, trust us, we along with a list of things you wish sometimes that projects would love to see in your com- could be completed in 3 days. pleted project. You'll get the most The truth is, it doesn't work that value out of your renovation if way. What you see is 3 days

of work with 30-40 contractors on-site at once and BOOM, someone has a brand new kitchen. What you don't see is the 6, maybe 8, months of planning, scheduling and purchasing that went on before a single frame of film was shot. It's a great source for design ideas, but remember to think realistically when considering what they are showing you. Renovations aren't easy.

There's a reason why people say that if you can survive a renovation and stay married, you're marriage can survive anything.

Personal Rapport Personality will have a lot to do with how well your renovation goes as well. A renovation is a personal experience and will deal with some of the most personal areas in your home. It's much better to have a good rapport with the important players in your project; like your designer and your general contractor. In the end, it will go

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hendrickshome.com | February 2014

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hendricks County Home

a long way towards making your takes to show you what they see, renovation a little less stressful and and you should be willing to lismaybe, just maybe, enjoyable. ten and explore. Sometimes the best design decisions are made Prepare to Trust during the times when you're outHiring an interior designer means side your design comfort zone. bringing a professional into your home. A designer brings knowl- In the end, these ideas will help edge and experience to the job. you not only find the right inteThey'll offer you their advice and rior designer to work with you on opinion based on the facts given. your next project; but, should help Although you may be tempted, make the entire process just a little Image courtesy Aesthete Designs don't waste time second-guess- bit easier for everyone involved. Some designers can create three-dimensional models, like the bathroom above and pool patio below, that can help you visualize what your space may look like when the project is completed. ing and being indecisive about your project as that will only serve J.D. Nesbitt is the Co-Founder to cost you time and money. Trust and Lead Interior Designer at the designer for the professional residential interior design firm, they are and your project will Aesthete Designs in Brownsburg. give you greater results than you He can be reached at 317-286-3521 could have imagined. It's their job or at info@aesthetedesigns.com. to narrow down selections for you Design boards, like the one below, allow your interior designer to help you see how the space based upon your budget, your will come together once completed. For us, it needs and your likes. Don't focus also allows us the ability to let our clients see how each of the selected items in their space on that single item whose color will work together in terms of color, pattern, texyou disagree with, trust that the ture and the like. We also include a space plan Image courtesy Aesthete Designs drawing so clients know how it all works spatially. designer has the entire vision in mind when pulling everything together. Ride it out with them and you'll love the finished space.

Have an Open Mind Designers are creative people, the best designers also have technical know-how with an equally important analytical side.

They'll likely think outside the box, and are definitely likely to come up with concepts outside of your thought process or even your comfort zone - at first. In the long run, sometimes it will do you far better a favor if you let some of their ideas ride out. If you don't see the vision, ask them to show you what the final product might look like. A designer should be able to provide you with a sketch, a perspective, an elevation or even an computerized 3-D model of their vision. They should be willing to do what it

Image courtesy Aesthete Designs

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