Hendricks County Home Magazine, Volume 1 Issue 6

Home HENDRICKS COUNTY

June/July 2014

Surviving Disaster

How fire safety and preparedness can keep your family safe...pg 17

The Android's Dungeon, comics come to Avon...pg 7 After the fire, surivors stories...pg 19 Eat your landscape, how to get food from your yard...pg 25

AD

Live your best life at home

AESTHETE DESIGNS RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS

111 East Main Street, Brownsburg | (317) 286 - 3521 | www.aesthetedesigns.com

Hendricks County Home

FROM THE EDITOR

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

3

May saw the launch of our first print publication. We appreciate all of the feedback, both back patting and finger wagging about our efforts and our content. We would like to thank those that have taken the time to tell us about how you feel about our work and would like to offer you the opportunity to continue to give us your thoughts by emailing us at editor@hendrickshome.com.

You’ll notice that this month, we have adjusted the publication schedule of the magazine. This particular issue represents June and July 2014. Based on feedback from our readers and partners, we decided that it would be easier to move the dates in order to alleviate confusion. Moving forward, the magazine will be out toward the beginning of each month.

If you or someone you know is working on something that you believe makes the place we live better for everyone, then please contact us at editor@hendrickshome.com so that we can share their work with everyone.

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 and complete an easy form.

We encourage everyone to follow us on Facebook/hendrickscountyhome, on Twitter (@hendrickshome) and to visit the website at www.hendrickshome.com.

Finally, as you enjoy the content of this magazine and as you wish to continue to receive each issue month after month, please patronize our advertising partners and tell them that you found out about them through Hendricks County Home Magazine.

Our greatest wish is for your peace and prosperity and for the health of you and those you love.

Special Message achieve

Friends, as a side note to the story about The Brownsburg 4th of July Extravaganza, after meeting Ray, I was invited to attend a meeting of the Lions Club of Brownsburg. I would like to take a moment to give them a special thank you being so welcoming.

Additionally, I was invited to speak at the Kiwanis Club of Danville recently. A special thank you to these good people as well for their open arms and welcoming spirit.

If you are a person who believes as I do, that individuals taking small, consistent actions are what builds a better community, then I urge you to explore community service with these two phenomenal groups. The Kiwanis Club and Lions Club in your town are an excellent resource for you to make a difference in the lives of your friends, your children, your neighbors and your family.

Find your local Lions Club here: https://directory.lionsclubs.org/ Find your local Kiwanis Club here: http://locator.kiwanis.org/

Dave Giltner

Editor/Publisher

4

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Hendricks County Home

Asleep

We are all dreamers of dreams

By Dr. William Eiler Sleep is a truly ubiquitous behavior, performed daily by everyone around the world, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. Until a few decades ago, sleep was thought to be passive, a period of time when our bodies and our minds became dormant.

However, scientists have found this to be far from the truth. Sleeping is a much more active process than many know, with our brains and our bodies working the late shift to repair and restore themselves from the rigors of the day. Much like plugging in our cell phones before we head to bed, sleep recharges our physical and psychological batteries so we can face a new day.

Like all behaviors, sleep is under the control of the brain and the vast number of neurochemical releasing neurons that comprise it. During the day, certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine help keep us awake. As the day wanes on, the brain starts receiving signals to “fall asleep”. This occurs by neurotransmitters and by increasing levels of neurohormones such as melatonin, causing the brain to signal drowsiness and that overwhelming urge to find a nice comfy bed.

Once we have fallen asleep, we pass through a series of stages, five to be exact, that repeat themselves as the night continues on.

Stages 1 through 4 are known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; and, not surprisingly, the fifth is REM sleep. We spend nearly 50% of our sleep in Stage 2, about

20% in REM and the remaining 30% in the other three NREM stages.

During Stage 1 sleep, we are drifting in and out of sleep and can generally be easily awoken. The eyes move slowly, and the muscles start to relax. During this time, many people experience fragmented, “dream-like” images. You may also experience a hypnagogic hallucination, or that vivid sensation of falling that is often accompanied by an involuntary muscle spasm of the whole body known as a myoclonic jerk, or sleep start, that often jolts you awake. You all know what I’m talking about! Before you ask; no, you will not die if you “hit” the ground. Stage 2 is marked by the slowing of our brain waves with our eyes stopping their movement and our muscles further relaxing. Stages 3 and 4 are known collectively as deep sleep with Stage 3 finding our brain waves slowing even further, starting to form large regular delta waves, and by Stage 4, our brain has slowed down, producing exclusively slow delta waves. There is hardly any muscular movement and those that are awakened from Stage 4 sleep are quite groggy and require several minutes before they are fully aware of their environment. This is also the stage of sleep where things such as bedwetting, night terrors and sleepwalking occur. When we switch over to REM sleep, everything changes. For all intents and purposes, our brain is “awake”, with brain wave patterns nearly identical to those seen during and alert, wakened state. It also tries to convince the rest of the body it’s awake as well. Our breathing increases, as

Many people think not much goes on while they are soundly in their beds at night, but this simply is not true. Sleep is a complex behavior that is common to everyone in the world. This active process helps consolidate our memories, helps the body repair itself, and recharges our biological batteries. While there is no definite answer as to why we sleep, it is as essential to our survival as breathing.

does our heart rate and blood pressure, and our eyes twitch wildly under our closed eyelids. Fortunately for those that sleep next to us, our limbs are completely paralyzed.

This is useful as it prevents us from acting out that other thing that happens in REM sleep, dreaming.

Our first session of REM sleep generally occurs after 90 minutes of sleep, with a typical sleep cycle lasting 90 to 110 minutes. The first cycle of the night contains relatively short periods of REM sleep with much of our time spent in deep sleep. As the night progresses, we spend more time in REM sleep and less in Stage 3 and 4, which by the end of the night are skipped all together with you spending nearly all your time in Stage 1, 2 and REM sleep.

Now that we have some familiarization of how sleep works, what does it really do for us? It is clear that

sleep is very important to our survival. Rats that are deprived of REM sleep only live about 5 weeks while those deprived of all sleep last only about 3. Rats that are chronically, but not totally, sleep deprived display compromised immune systems. During deep sleep, many of the brain cells that are used while we are awake are shut down, and it is thought that it is during this break that they repair and replenish themselves. A task that they cannot accomplish when sleep deprived, leading to their malfunctioning, manifesting as impaired memory, reduced mental and physical ability, mood swings, and hallucinations. Protein production throughout the body also increases during deep sleep, allowing for cells to repair themselves from damage from the sun and stress. Thus the term “beauty sleep” really does apply. While deep sleep is useful for repair, the activity of REM sleep is

Hendricks County Home

good for learning and memory.

Connections between brain cells are strengthened during REM sleep, allowing for new memories to be safely stored in the brain and things you learned earlier in the day to be retained. In studies, people taught a skill and then deprived of non-REM sleep could recall what they had learned after sleeping, while people deprived of REM sleep could not.

HEALTH & NUTRITION Given its importance, how much sleep do we need? Like many things in science, there is no one good answer. It is known that the amount of sleep you need declines with age.

Infants often need up to 16 hours of sleep, unfortunately, that all seems to occur while the rest of us are awake. Children and teens need less, about 9 hours a day. The average amount needed by adults can vary

from 5 hours to 10 with the average at about 7.5. Elderly individuals seem to need the least amount of sleep and also sleep more lightly than other adults. The amount of sleep needed overall seems to be linked to the amount of development occurring within the brain with infants’ brains growing most rapidly and the elderly most slowly.

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

5

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

HEALTH & FITNESS

Summer Skin Care

Keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy!

By Alicia Chrapek

sun is the strongest, and we spend more time outside. Choosing a good sunscreen and applying correctly will go a long way in protecting your skin. Sunscreen is available in many different forms. Sunscreens are now made as lotions, sprays, creams, ointments, and gels. Follow these helpful tips and keep that beautiful skin protected!

Do you know what organ is the largest of the human body? Is it the brain? The heart? The Liver? NOPE! It’s the SKIN! As the days get longer and we all head out to cookouts, the pool, or out on the lake for our favorite summertime activities, we must take proper precautions to protect the skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. The skin is important for • Choose a sunscreen with a Sun things like our immune and sensory Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 system, so we must take care of it! or more. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of all UV rays from the sun While those rays of sunshine feel • Choose a sunscreen that is great on our skin (especially afWater-Resistant. Sweat of water dreaming about them during ter from a pool or lake can this past long, long winter), the efwash away the sunscreen fects of sun exposure over time can and leave your skin exposed. cause a wide range of problems. • Apply sunscreen 15-20 minThe National Institute on Aging utes before going outside. You cites sun exposure as main culshould use enough that it takes prits of wrinkling, dryness, and age about a minute to rub in. Apspots. Furthermore, the American plying inside gives your skin a Academy of Dermatology says that chance to soak in the sunscreen.

1 in 5 people will develop some • If swimming, sweating, or outtype of skin cancer in their lifetimes. doors for an extended period of time, reapply every two hours The best way to avoid these issues to ensure continuous coverage. is to block harmful UV rays from • Don’t forget your lips. Choose a the sun all year round, especially lip balm that has an SPF of 15 or in the summer months when the more. If wearing lipstick, choose

• a darker shade. Some lipsticks even come with an SPF of 15.

Even with wearing sunscreen, we still receive some rays from the sun. If you happen to get a sunburn there are a few key ways to treat it. The key goal in treating a sunburn is to minimize inflammation and redness so no further damage occurs to the skin. Soak a facecloth in a bowl of skim milk and ice and apply it to the area for five to ten minutes. Ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken to reduce inflammation. Use soothing lotions that have ingredients such as aloe vera.

snack on are blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, spinach, kale, and different kinds of peppers. It’s also a great idea to load up on foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as wild salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts. "Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the top outer layer of the skin strong and intact so that external toxins and pollutants are kept out," says dermatologist David E. Bank, MD, director of the CenThe same way that we feed our ter for Dermatology, Cosmetic and muscles after a hard workout, we Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, N.Y. must also feed our skin! The most important nutrient our skin needs Your skin is the largest organ is WATER. Aim for eight glasses a of the body and is responsible day of water to keep your skin, and for keeping us looking and feelthe rest of your body, hydrated ing healthy, so make sure to foland healthy. Vitamins and minerlow these tips this summer! als contain antioxidants that your skin needs to stay healthy. Try to Alicia Chrapek is a Tri-West High School alumna and a native of Pittsboro. She received her eat a wide variety of fruits and veg- Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, etables. Vitamins C, E, and A as well Fitness and Health with a minor in Psycholas beta-carotene (found in carrots) ogy from Purdue University. She's a personal trainer and nutrition counselor at Anytime fight off free-radicals that lead to Fitness of Brownsburg. She can be reached signs of aging. Some great foods to at aliciachrapek@gmail.com

6

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

Arcane Coffee Company Artisan Coffee Roaster

Dudley Foreman, one man dynamo behind Arcane Coffee said, “I am an artisan coffee roaster, part of what is called, the 3rd wave of coffee. The first wave was the big coffee companies that you buy in cans at the store. The second wave was Pete's, which went to Starbucks, a national chain which brought coffee to the forefront.

Now what we've done is move into what is a little more like artisan coffee. A lot of it is smaller, specialized and getting into micro-roasting."

When asked to elaborate on what that means, he said, "Borrowing a term from micro-brewing really.

Getting into small roasting houses, a lot of the companies will have a coffee shop, but will also roast their own coffee in house. It is not as prevalent in this area as it is in other areas of the country, but it is a pretty big movement." We wondered what the catalyst was behind the movement. Dudley said, "People just looking for more, for better coffees.

People went from drinking a little, bitter, canned coffee that is put out by a lot of major coffee companies.

Starbucks and Pete's coffee and tea came about over the last 20 years or so have kind of opened people's eyes to coffee and coffee drinks.

As that happened, people started looking more into the coffee itself, finding there was a lot more to coffee than people originally thought.

You know, it was a dark, bitter drink that you drank in the morning.

[People are] looking now at single origin coffees and micro-lots, coffees that are not being blended to come up with a product to sell to the masses on a maybe year round basis, looking at coffees when

in season like other fresh crops.” amount from one specific place.” minutes, even the people who walked by craning their necks back Dudley likened coffee to the wine This makes sense as the word ‘Cof- to look at the tubs of coffee selecmovement. "There are about 200- fee’ may have come from the Ara- tion. We asked how Arcane Coffee 250 chemical characteristics that bic term, “qahhwat al-bun” which determines which coffees it will make up the flavors of wine. There translates to mean, ‘wine of the sell from week to week. Dudley anare about 800-850 that make up fla- bean’ according to dictionary.com. swered, "I have coffees that I look vors of coffee. The flavors can vary In 1675, King Charles II of England for. A lot of times it is something that depending on where they were banned coffee houses as it was his interests me. Sometimes it is somegrown, the climate they were grown belief that people meeting there thing someone will have asked me in, the elevation, if they were grown were conspiring against him. While about. I'll go out and look for things in shade or sun. Just as in wine, you this may sound paranoid (perhaps sometimes based on availability. can have a vineyard and into that a side-effect of being over-caffein- Unfortunately, I am not as large as vineyard, there is one area that ated), coffee is sometimes credited some others that can travel to these is deemed best producing place as the fuel by which revolution- locations and look for the coffee for that particular grape, you can ary fever took hold in both Amer- myself. I'm relying on importers. I have the same thing with coffee. ica and France. Anyone who has will bring the coffee in and I'll deYou may have a coffee plantation ever walked into a coffee shop or cide that I'll cup some samples and and maybe 2 acres have deemed smelled freshly ground coffee un- I'll pick 4 or 5." Dudley went on to the best area with the best grow- derstands that there is simply no explain that he will sell those and ing conditions for that coffee. They other smell on the planet quite as in- then the next week will come along will take they will take that section vigorating as freshly ground coffee. and inventory will change based and call it a micro-lot. Those are preon certain conditions such as availmium because this is supposed to We observed Arcane Coffee's tent ability, seasonality, popularity and be the best for that area. When you at the Brownsburg Farmer's Mar- customer demand. Dudley said, see micro-lot, you know it is a small ket. During a period of about 20 "Years ago, I got into craft brewing.

Hendricks County Home

I found out that I wasn't really all that good at it. When I started doing that, I started looking at everything.

If I am going to drink coffee, why not drink better coffee?" We asked if he thought others might feel the same. He added, "I think it is becoming more popular now than it used to be. I think that there are people doing that with food, with drinks, with beer, with whiskeys. They are looking at the food that they eat, trying to find more locally produced foods - fresher foods. I think taste is becoming a lot more important as you have more and more varieties available. People [wonder] 'why I settle?' Look at restaurants. Restaurants that were popular 20 or 30 years ago have a hard time making it now. Chefs are a lot better. You get a lot more choice in the types of products and in ways to prepare."

LOCAL BUSINESS

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

7

If you love coffee or know someone who does, then you can find out more by visiting www.arcanecoffeecompany.com or by visiting the following farmer’s markets: Avon, Brownsburg, Danville and Plainfield. Visit facebook/arcanecoffeeco and you’ll find him very active on Twitter @ArcaneCoffeeCo.

The Android's Dungeon Comic Store comes to Avon

How did you start out? "I started out by doing online sales, by doing conventions. It took off from there.

That's been about 7 or 8 years that I've been doing that. I just kind of picked up on it. I was unemployed at the time and I was looking for something to do while I was looking for jobs. I'll do this on the side.

It has been steady since. We needed living space back. We had boxes all over the place plus some." Jonathan Sullivan, owner of the Android's Dungeon told us. "Our living room and our dining room were unusable and there was stuff everywhere.

If I don't do it, I'll never know. It is something that I was wanting to do for the longest time. I figured why not? And that brings us to now."

Facebook posts and we leave flyers places. Getting the sign up has really helped." Andrea Dillan, Jonathan’s fiancé said. "I would post pictures of things I would list online" Jonathan added. "[The space] wasn't ready and we had some time before the lease. We wanted to put it out there that we were opening a shop and people found us."

She continued, “We had people stopping by. The first day we were in here putting up walls, people would stop by. We were still in the process.” Jonathan said, “My family had come up and they were putting up walls and we were moving boxes in here. I just talked to them about what we wanted to do here. The reception has been really good here.

"We opened up. We use a lot of People who share a hobby have

a different place to go now than local guy, the small guy. That is who what has been around for years." we are ...We are here trying to help them and give them a place to go. " Not immune to the stresses of a new retail location for a small busi- "The amount of people that showed ness, Jonathan said, "30 hours we up on Free Comic Book Day was are open a week. It is trying to find pretty overwhelming. We had no time to do stuff. I am talking to peo- idea that many people would be ple who come in but I have all of this here. People we had never seen stuff to get done, too. The vision is, before and there was a line at 8:00 we will have all of the shelves up AM to get in. We got in at 6:40 and and the books behind the counter someone pulled in right behind will be full. We are going to start us. I thought they were one of the hosting events and we are going to artists but he said he was waiting start hosting artist panels and some for the store to open." Andrea said. local artists. We are trying to focus on local comic book creators. Any- Jonathan said, “We are trying to body who has something to do with make a place here that is warm the comic book community here in and inviting. I’ve been to hunHendricks County or even Marion dreds of stores in the last 26 years.

County and they want to come here There’s certain guys that you can’t - we are here to help promote the say two words to the shop owner.

8

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

$

$ $ Why advertise with us?

Here's why: 1. We cost less than our competitors.

2. We offer better content - better articles, better writing and more interesting topics.

We greet everybody who comes in we let them know that if they have any questions, we're here for them.

Even though this is something that I enjoy, I am really doing this for the people of Hendricks County. I want people who enjoy the same hobby to have a place to go."

We asked how he got into comics.

He answered, "I was 6. I have 3 older sisters. I stayed away from them as much possible because they all ganged up on me. I am 32. For 26 years, I have been submersed in comic books in one way or another.

I got into it. I went grocery shopping with my parents in Linton, IN. That was back when you could still buy comic books on the spinner racks.

They had the spinner by one of the checkout isles and I remember walking by it and something caught my eye. I went over and begged my parents

to buy it for me. I didn't know anything about them because my family wasn't into them. Nobody really talked about it. To this day, Wolverine is still my favorite super-hero."

“I was strictly Marvel until my senior year of high school. One of my buddies found out that I read comic books and he said, 'I read too.'

Back then it wasn't something that people talked about (together.) Nobody talked about it. It was deemed childish at that time. It still is a little bit. Senior year I talked about it to him. Every Sunday I was buying books." He went on to tell us that it doesn't matter what studio puts out a movie, he gets excited about it and since high school, he's loved comic books of many varieties.

Undoubtedly one of the coolest things The Android’s Dungeon is up to is their monthly book club.

Rule number one of comic book

club? Tell everyone about book club. Perhaps stemming from his own love of talking about comics, there appears to be a genuine and robust interest in discussing some of the many graphic novels and comic book series available. If you are a Walking Dead fan and have read at least the first book, then you’ll not want to miss out on an opportunity to explore the rich and intense world depicted in the series.

If you have not, we encourage you to visit the store and pick up a copy.

3. Get your brand noticed by about 33,000 more consumers, for the price of some business cards.

4. Get your name out into your community - consumers want to know who they are doing business with.

5. People read news magazines, and the ads, instead of just throwing them away.

The bottom line is...you are far more likely to make more money advertising with us than you may without us.

The Android’s Dungeon can be found at 9719 E. US Highway 36, Avon, IN or for great, frequently updated information, go online to facebook/adcomicstore.

America's only Hendricks County.

Hendricks County's only home magazine.

(317) 609 - 0225 advertising@hendrickshome.com

Hendricks County Home

FAMILY

What's the Rush?

By Lynn Clinton Last summer, I was at the edge of freedom. I saw the faint image of “free time,” but I had a decision.

My youngest missed the Kindergarten deadline by a few days. He could be tested and the youngest kid in his class, or I could keep him home in preschool. Now, I am back on the cusp of freedom, because Jack is starting Kindergarten.

9

THIS...

IS LYNN CLINTON'S ARTICLE.

Schools determine a date for Kindergarten entry, but that doesn’t guarantee readiness. My older son met the deadline by a month.

He was extroverted and begged for full day Kindergarten. He’s entering 3rd grade now, and I’ve learned “oh, what a difference a year makes!” He is almost a year younger than his classmates, and I see it. So, with Jack, I evaluated.

Like all kids, mine are as different as night and day. Jack was academically ready, but he’s as introverted as Will is social. The extra year of confidence he gained made a world of difference. He will enter Kindergarten almost six and he won’t be a year of physical, mental and emotional development behind his peers.

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

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

The key is that I knew I had a choice.

Just because my son could go to Kindergarten last year, didn’t mean he should. Likewise, just because you can wait, doesn’t mean you need to. Bottom line is that all kids are ready when they are, not when the calendar says they should be. And this year, I can say with confidence, that Jack and I are BOTH ready.

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.

America's only Hendricks County.

Hendricks County's only home magazine.

(317) 609 - 0225 advertising@hendrickshome.com

10

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

FAMILY

Hendricks County Home

Change for Good

By Michele O'Mara Have you ever been asked to change things about yourself to please another? If you’ve ever been in a relationship, I am guessing the answer is yes. There are many types of changes we are asked to make when we pair up. This can make relationships a very tricky business. My hope is to help you differentiate changes that are for your good, and changes that are not.

According to John Gottman, a wellknown relationship researcher, sixty-nine percent of the time couples disagree. This seems like an alarmingly high rate of disagreement, and makes you wonder how anyone keeps a relationship going. Yet when you consider the volumes of choices, opinions, beliefs and preferences involved in just your typical morning, this statistic starts to make sense. Many choices don’t even register as choices. It feels like it’s just the way things are. Maybe it is what side of the bed to sleep on, or where the bed is placed in your room, what is the temperature of your room, where do you store your towels, who showers first, whether or not you work out in the morning, and if so where and for how long, what to have for breakfast, whether to eat together or separately, who makes the coffee, whether or not to listen to music, and if so, how loudly, is the television on, how bright is the house, is the house clean, and if so who cleans it and how often. The list of choices you make in one morning is endless, and you are likely unaware that you are making choices at all. Yet sixtynine percent of the time, you and your partner probably see many of

these things differently. Fortunately, most of these differences are not life-changing; however, if enough of these differences accumulate over time, and you compromise parts of yourself that are the core of who you are, you just might wake up one day to find yourself missing.

To be happy in love, we must remain true to who we really are. In fact, this is a good rule of thumb for being happy, period. While this is much easier said than done, your success will hinge on the choices you make as you travel through the land of love and relationships. There are changes that are for your good, and changes that are not. Knowing the difference between the two is the key.

A good change is anything that moves you closer to your authentic self. This is the kind of change that helps you know that you are living a life that is congruent with whom you were meant to be in this world.

Some refer to this as being ‘in the flow’. While ‘in the flow’, life feels effortless, like we are rowing down stream, moving in the direction we were meant to move. This is as effortless and natural as breathing.

Whether you sleep on the left side or the right side of the bed is not likely to have a great impact on your authentic self. However, whether or not you go to church on Sunday morning to worship, or to the gym after work every night, might. The other kinds of change, which are not changes for good, do just the opposite. These changes move you away from the direction of your truth. When you make changes that take you away from your truth, you are moving against the flow.

Whether it’s as simple as agreeing to wear a shirt you don’t actually like because your partner loves the way it looks on you, or as significant as changing your place of worship to accommodate your spouse, these choices take you away from who you are meant to be. Life begins to feel more like you are paddling upstream. When you feel like you are doing something that does not resonate with whom you are and how you want to be in this world, it feels like work. Mostly because it is. Two key motivations for asking our partners to change are: one, we believe our way is the right way; and two, our sense of security feels threatened by the presence or absence of certain behaviors. Instead of looking at ways to feel ourselves more secure, we ask our partners to change instead. This may occur through a simple request for your partner to call home several times a day from work to check-in so you can feel connected, even if this is difficult for him to do on his job. Maybe you agree to have a child with your partner so she doesn’t leave you, despite your lack of desire to be a parent. In relationships, there is a constant dance between security and independence. Making choices to stay connected, and making choices to remain true to ourselves.

To be happy in love, we must be true to who we are, and support our partner in being true to whom she or he is. Ultimately, most people do not want to be locked into a relationship where they are not able to be themselves; yet the fear of being alone, or the fear of feeling unloved, will motivate some people to betray themselves in exchange for a sense of security in love. When we consent

to changes that are not true of whom we are, we actually harm not only ourselves, but also our relationship. The best thing you can do for a relationship is to know yourself well, and to take responsibility for your own happiness. No partner can change you without your consent. Choose only the changes that will move you closer to who you really are. Say no, when you are being asked to do, or not do, something that is not the core to your identity, joy, or sense of self. This does not mean that you say “no,” when your partner asks you to put your shoes away so she can stop tripping over them. This is not core to your identity, and making this change is common courtesy, and likely makes you a better person. Make room for your interests, hobbies, friendships, spirituality, beliefs, values, thoughts and opinions in your relationship.

Remain true to what brings you joy, and creates a sense of aliveness and wholeness for you. Reject that which takes you away from your truth, and encourage your partner to do the same. When you know who you are, what brings you joy, how you want to show up in the world, when to say yes, and when to say no, you just might find yourself overwhelmingly happy with your life.

As a Board Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, Dr. O’Mara brings expert help to the Hendricks County area by providing men and women with supportive relationship care. With a non-traditional style of counseling that is heavily influenced by the field of life-coaching, Dr. O’Mara applies a non-judgmental attitude in all of her work, and seeks to understand who you are, who you wish to become, and how you want your life and relationships to look.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Hendricks County Home

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

11

Cruise In to Downtown Danville The coolest thing to do on Friday nights this summer

The first Friday of each month from May until October will see some of the most amazing machines from near and far parked in downtown Danville and free for the whole family. Laura Parker said, "We schedule a casual, free, open cruise in. It originated about 6 years ago with Indy High Winder's Car Club. They first came to the town and said, 'We are holding our annual car show at the fairgrounds and we would like to come to the square and have a cruise in.' We said, 'sure.' It was organic and cool. The cars just started appearing on the square and people just started coming out of the woodwork when they saw them. The next thing you know, we went from having one a year to having them

every month during the summer. national car club meet happened to be in Plainfield that year and it coIt is widely known now as a great incided with the Cruise In so they place to come for a cruise in. There's brought 24 of their cars and they lots of clubs that come because the were the most cool, unique things." word spreads through social media and email." Laura went on to "It starts at 5:00 PM. until 9:00 PM. explain that various fans and clubs At 4:00 PM, you'll see that they show up and save space for each are already starting to show up other - Corvette clubs and Stude- because they like to get the best baker clubs and Volkswagen clubs spots. They like the side that has and people with really amazing the shade or the wall around the cars, bikes and even more exotic courthouse because it has place vehicles will show up from time to to site and you don't have to have time. "We've had Deloreans here... a lawn chair. Or if you want to be We've had a couple of really rare close to your favorite coffee shop or clubs through. [Kaiser] for example. close to the restaurant where youThere is a very limited number of want to pop in and eat... We have them in existence. They were here a core group of regulars that tend a couple of years ago because their to come back time and time again,

but we always have new and different cars that you've never seen before every single time."

"We get families - Fathers and sons might be out looking at the cars and moms are chatting with the neighbors that they haven't seen in a while or talking... or they all might be popping in and out of the stores. That is the cool thing about it. It is very organic. The people just show up, hang around and enjoy the music and the cars and the camaraderie with their neighbors. It is a great vibe. We have a DJ that plays music, providing a little background ambiance."

12

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Hendricks County Home

On Excellence, Art and Opportunity Highlighting local artist, J.D. Bills

decided not to go back to pursue that degree. "About 8 years had passed. All this time had passed.

When I went into that originally, I thought I was going to be able to design golf courses and theme parks and at 28 years old that wasn't possible." He said that he didn't feel as though he would have the greatest opportunity to be his best self by going back down that path. Instead, he decided to move toward a degree in fine arts.

"I've always drawn since I was in 1st grade. I would draw Loony Toons like Bugs Bunny and that sort of thing. I just assumed every kid did that. Everybody could just draw these characters that they saw on TV. Then other kids were like 'Wow! Will you draw me one?' And I was like, 'Why don't you draw one - just draw it yourself?' They were like 'We can't.' That is when it clicked. I can do this and not everyone else can.

So then I would draw Ninja Turtles in 2nd grade and whatever was popular at the time. That carried through.

We asked what the future might Then when my mom passed away, hold in store for J.D. he said, "I cur- I was just done with it. I just didn't rently do local traveling art shows. have that drive to look to create."

I sell my work at Lilly's Soap Kitchen in Fountain Square. (One of J. D. told us that he'd gone to IUthe undoubtedly coolest stores in PUI to study landscape architecCentral Indiana.) There are sum- ture, but had stopped when he mer art shows that I take part in was about 20. We asked him what as well as my website (jdbills.com) had changed and he told us that he J.D. Bills, up and coming artist and Hendricks County native spent his time growing up in Avon. "About 4 years ago, I went back to school.

I went to Ivy Tech to study fine arts and new media. I got my associates there and transferred over to Heron [Heron School of Art and Design] where I am currently taking classes and will graduate next summer. I got married in 2012 and moved here to downtown. My wife and I built a house in Fletcher Place [near downtown, Indianapolis].

"Art is my true passion." He told us.

"When I got back into school, all of these things start coming back to me... the natural instincts on how to draw, how to paint, how do all of these things... the untapped talent that I had not used in several years was just in storage and I had not used it in a long time. Then I realized the things that I had forgotten - the artistic process and the things that I was capable of. These small projects that we were doing in school, I was turning into these grandiose projects." J. D. added that because of his age and the quality of work, both faculty and students would ask him if he taught at the school.

"I'm doing art shows locally and I am seeing art teachers and professors at these same shows. So I am speaking with them in and out of school. A lot of us are in the same shows." He said. He then went on to tell us about IDADA (Indianapolis Downtown Artists & Dealers Association) first Friday events - Free openings of galleries all over the city in which he participates. "I want to work with the community - my neighborhood of Fletcher

Place and Downtown Indianapolis in general as well as my roots in Hendricks County. [I want to] build positive relationships and create a positive atmosphere. Creating is what it all comes down to."

We asked what about his life experience made community focus important. "Just through experience. Opportunities [for me] have come about through relationships that I've had with neighbors and friends. For instance, our house.

We were able to find the lot for our house through a neighbor that we met. Lilly's Soap Kitchen, where I sell my work – which that relationship came about because when it was originally open was directly behind my new house. I went over there to visit one day to see what it was. They had artwork. I talked with them and built a relationship with them and then they took on some of my work. I am making work to keep up with the sales at Lilly's Soap Kitchen." J. D. explained that these relationships and exploring local community are what builds a better community. He told us that for him, it is about excellence. By performing and consistently working toward excellence, when opportunities present themselves, we have the ability to capture those breaks and openings and turn them into even greater opportunities.

You can find J.D. online. Visiting his website: www.jdbills.com and selecting Contact. We are also pleased to announce that J.D. will be a contributing writer here at Hendricks County Home Magazine.

Hendricks County Home

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

13

Save the Drama for the Stage Local organization looks to benefit girls

"Get Real Inc is a program which mentors girls in grades 1 through 12" according to Katie Wolfe, the founder of the organization. We are based out of Avon but we are really a Hendricks County organization.

We have other groups throughout the United States and the Bahamas." According to information put out by the group, "“Save the Drama for the Stage” a weeklong creative arts day camp for girls in grades 5 – 8. This is not your ordinary creative arts camp, it’s one that will address relevant issues and bring girls closer to God. Each day will incorporate worship, powerful speakers, small group discussion times, prayer, friend building activities, and creative arts classes where girls will be mentored by Christian women and strong Christian teen girls. This

camp is being offered complete- the Drama for the Stage. We [were] ly FREE of charge to attendees." targeting girls aged 5th through 8th grade and this came up a year "The motto of our organization is 'It ago. Katie's daughter was in a theis easier to build a strong girl than to ater camp for a week and she saw repair a broken woman. So what we all the dram that was happening do is we come along girls in everyday off stage and how the girls were life and help them navigate through treating each other. It was terrible. things that they deal with - from It made her think what would happeer pressure to bullying. We are a pen if all girls saved the drama for faith based organization so we help the stage and built each other up them see how the Word of God can instead of tearing each other down. be real in their everyday life and we I came to Get Real because I wantshow them the love and the truth of ed to do a project to help young Christ. Everything we do is very Bible girls and encourage them. When based showing how it can help you Katie told me about the camp, I through tough times." Katie told us. was really excited, I was hooked."

Sarah Bargeling, another key player told us how drama camp fits within that mission. She said, "The basis of the camp is Save

so they expanded by pulling churches together. The two discussed also with us how important it was that the participants be local. This way, the girls would be able to see people that are in their own community, making it easier to associate and create the positive impact the organization desires.

Additionally, there were classes which offered lessons on Acting, Art, Cupcake Wars/Baking, Creating the Look: cosmetology, Dance: Broadway Jazz for Beginners, Photography, Technical Arts and many more.

More information can be found The organization has been around by visiting their social media: for seven years, according to Sarah. Facebook.com/getrealinc or their She said that the group started out website at www.getrealinc.org of a church. They saw a greater need

Kiwanis Movie Night

DANVILLE, IN – There’s no crying in baseball when the 1992 classic movie “A League of Their Own” swings into the Royal Theater in Danville on Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. as the seventh edition of Kiwanis Klassic Family Movie Night.

“A League of Their Own” stars Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Jon Lovitz and more. Directed by Penny Marshall, it tells the story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry. The movie is rated PG and has a run time of 128 minutes.

Braces and Invisalign for Children, Teens & Adults

Club of Danville to help fund their local projects, which include scholarships for Danville Community High School students, the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ellis Park, and For Kiwanis Klassic Family Movie sponsorship of a wide variety of Night, the Kiwanis Club of Danville local agencies and organizations. teams up with the historic Royal Press Release/Information Courtesy of Theater and local businesses and Eric R. Ivie of Red Zone Writing (317) organizations to provide classic 697-5994 eric@redzonewriting.com Admission is just $3 per adult and movies for an entire family to enjoy – We encourage you to visit: www. $1 per child. Tickets are sold at at a great price. Proceeds from the redzonewriting.com to learn more the door. This edition of Kiwanis event will be used by the Kiwanis about the services of Red Zone Writing.

Klassic Family Movie Night is sponsored by the Danville Girls Softball Association and Hackleman Auto Collision Repair.

Bring this ad in for FREE diagnostic records (a $295 value) when orthodontic treatment is started

by September 1, 2014 Two Locations to Serve You! Plainfield 159 Dan Jones 839-6533

Brownsburg 18 Motif Blvd 852-5566

14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

Hendricks County Home

Powwow XVI

New Customer Special

• FREE* Tank Set • FREE* Safety Gas Check • FREE* Installation

* Offer good for 250 gallon tank size or larger. FREE installation up to 25’ of line.

Restrictions apply. Call store for details.

Mention Promo Code 1206

Call us today and you’ll receive:

American Indian Tribal Dancing, Tipis, Music and Crafts Provides Unique Cultural Experience for Hendricks County “Powwow is an Algonquin word that means gathering. For most nonIndian people that would be sort of like a family reunion for extended family. It is like a festival, a celebration. At most powwows, you will find good singing, good dancing, good food and good vendors. All of the things that make up an atmosphere of celebration.” – Chris Bryant.

FIRST FILL SPECIAL Call today for our special offer!

Hurry, this offer ends soon.

(317) 852-8916 Restrictions apply. Call store for details. Coupon must me mentioned when ordering. Limited time offer.

ProPane, Inc. off ers quality propane service you & your family can depend on. Your safety is our priority, that’s why our professionally trained staff is available 24/7 for emergency service.

Own yo propan ur e tank?

Ask us about our COT Sp ecial!

Ask for: Customer Service

...when you call today to find out how you can be part of the ProPane, Inc. family.

(317) 852-8916

375 West Main Street | Brownsburg, IN 46112

Sign up with ProPane, Inc. today and enter for your chance to win 100 FREE Gallons of Propane**

National Powwow XVI, which has been held every three years since its inception in 1969, [returned] to Danville July 3-6 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex. The four-day event [introduced] visitors to a cultural experience filled with traditional singing and dancers in full regalia, primitive skills demonstrations, a living history tipi village, ethnic foods, crafts, artisans, kids’ activities, bird shows and so much more.

“The dancing will be one of the premier events. You’ll definitely want to make sure that you’re there from 7:00 pm on” Christ told us. “There are people from all over the country coming to this event - a really neat mix of cultures. Flute makers and nationally acclaimed flute players will be there… There’s a parade around the perimeter of the property on Saturday.” Chris went on to tell us about the large number of vendors, both professional and novice craft makers for visitors to enjoy as well as the dozens of tribes that will be represented from virtually every state.

Special thanks to Chris Bryan for speaking with us. Information herein is all or in part courtesy of Visit Hendricks County who we thank for their outstanding efforts to make Hendricks County a better place for us all to live. More information on Visit Hendricks County can be found: Facebook.com/VisitHendricksCounty Twitter @HendricksCounty TourHendricksCounty. com/blog. For more information, visit our website at TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

CULINARY

Hendricks County Home

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

15

Dandelion Greens Food from your own backyard

Weeds. They are a problem. That is…. until you realize that they may be delicious food. Some things that grow in your yard and that are edible include Bull Thistle, Dandelions, Goldenrod, Chicory, Puslane, Red Clover, alfalfa and others. While these plants may be edible, we strongly encourage you obtain untreated versions and for you to seek the advice of an expert in identifying these plants as eating the wrong plant can have serious consequences best avoided. Do not consume plants that have not been properly identified by someone who is qualified to do so. There are a number of resources available online. For this month’s recipe, we are focusing on the ubiquitous dandelion. You will want to locate high quality dandelion greens. These can be obtain easily at international markets.

Difficulty Level: 3 / 10: If you can put stuff in a bowl and mix it around without injuring yourself then you can do this.

Ingredients MUST: 1 bunch dandelion greens (the leafy part of the dandelion plant) – cleaned completely and pat dry 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cloves sliced garlic ¼ inch piece of ginger root thinly sliced Juice of 1/2 med lemon or approximately 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice 1 teaspoon granulated sugar PICK ONE: 1/8 cup olive oil 1/8 cup bacon fat 1/8 cup butter - Unsalted OPTIONAL: Bacon – Crisp and Chopped – 1 cup (or more) Onions – Caramelized – Thinly sliced – 1 half medium yellow 1 teaspoon (or to taste) sea salt Tools Large Mixing Bowl 1 sharp knife for cutting Cutting board Food gloves (optional) Frying pan Stirring utensil Measuring utensils Serves 2 (unless you love greens and then it may only serve one) Time Approximately 20 minutes total – 10 to prep and 10 to cook.

Time varies by skill and practice and humidity. Check for crispness. Greens are quick to cook down and easy to overcook.

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

Prepare your ingredients as directed In your pan, add olive oil.

Turn heat on medium and bring oil to temperature.

Add in garlic and ginger for approximately 1 to 1 ½ minutes Add in greens and goat in oil – mixing completely. Stir frequently to keep greens from over cooking.

Once greens have achieved an enriched green color – approximately 4 more minutes, add in cayenne and black pepper evenly.

After cooking for another 1 – 1 ½ minutes, add in sugar and stir in completely.

Once sugar is incorporated, add in lemon juice.

Finish stirring and remove from heat.

NOTE: If using the optional ingredients, add them in at the end and mix.

NOTE: Serve immediately

16

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

HOMES

Hendricks County Home The front parlor of the home includes this beautiful inlaid, hardwood flooring which was ordered out of the Sears Roebuck catalog, which was common for the era.

If you've ever taken State Road 236 west from IN-39, just outside Danville, then you likely passed right by this historic home.

We recently had the opportunity to tour the home and the property so we could share it with you.

Originally built in 1860 for the McCoun family, this home is a beautiful example of the Italianate style. The home is situated atop a knoll overlooking 236 and the surrounding land. The interior has beautiful hardwood floors, woodwork and transom windows.

The Italianate style of Architecture traces back as far as 1802, where it was first developed in Britain by John Nash. It became extremely popular in the United States from the late 1840s until around 1890. This home, northwest of Danville overlooking State Road 236, was constructed in 1860.

This amazing staircase winds its way to the second floor.

Check out the intricately carved balusters and the decorative trim on the side of each riser all the way up.

The coolest thing about the property for us was the pond behind the house that even includes its own island. Who wouldn't love to be a kid at this house with their own island for camping?

The current owners are relocating, which means the house is for sale to the next lucky steward of this amazing property!

The home is situated at the front of a property that originally consisted of 120 acres, but at one point ballooned to 270 acres after an expansion purchase. It currently sits on just over 7.5 acres, including a pond perfect for swimming that even includes its own island!

Hendricks County Home

FEATURE

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

17

Surviving Disaster How fire safety and preparedness can help keep your family safer

By Dave Giltner We asked Steve Jones, Fire Marshal of the Brownsburg Fire Territory to give us some advice on surviving residential fires. He said, "[Fire safety] is focused on the age of the people.

In families, you have different ages.

You have people with disabilities.

You have elderly people. Whenever we look at trying to survive a house fire, it needs to be focused on the capabilities of the person. Generally, where we see problems of people getting out - either they don't have smoke detectors or they don't have batteries in their smoke detectors.

It is hard to get across to the public how important it is because it is not that important until the fire happens to you. It is like a car accident.

If you go a long time not having one [and are not wearing your seat belt] and then when you do have one... fires are the same way. We would rather have people take it seriously and be proactive and making sure that their smoke detectors are working and not waiting until they have a tragic event. [This means] In homes - having smoke detectors in every bedroom and outside every bedroom. That way, you're going to get an early alert of a fire or smoke condition in the house. We also want people (just like at school) to have fire drills in the house with everyone in the house. We are looking for people to have two ways out of every room - a window and door. Then have some place where everyone is going to meet like a mailbox or a tree. That way everyone can be accounted for. The first thing we are going to look for when we pull up - is everybody out."

Steve Jones currently holds the post of Brownsburg Fire Marshal and has for 2 years, was previously a fire marshal in Indianapolis and has been in fire prevention for 26 years. He continued, “If we know that everyone is out, then we won't risk as much as far as putting ourselves in danger but if we know that someone is in the house, we are going to risk our own lives to save the lives of others.

It really sets the tone. If we know everybody is out, then it isn't as intense as a rescue situation. When someone is in the house, the firefighters are going to put a large effort in getting in and doing searches in hazardous conditions, putting our people in harm's way. The kids - make sure they know how to operate the windows in the house, how to get them open or that they can bust them out. Make sure everyone knows where to meet but not to go back in. That is key too. People go back in their house sometimes.�

We wanted to know what someone should do if they have a pet.

Fire Marshal Jones said, "The main thing is, [people] need to get out themselves. When we show up, they can tell us that 'I have a dog' or 'I have a pet cat' or whatever it is, birds, whatever the pet. Our primary focus once everyone is out, we are going to go for the pet second. There are instances of where people have tried to go back in and find their cat or dog and then were overcome by the smoke because they went back in. We are going to put as much effort into saving those animals as we can. We first need everyone out and then if there are animals in the house, we will make

every effort to save those too." if you had a kitchen fire. There is someone on the second floor. Our That led us to as how priorities are first hose lines are going to go in assessed during a residential fire place to keep the fire in check and situation. Fire Marshal Jones re- keep it in the kitchen while we send sponded, "We get a lot of informa- a fireman upstairs. We are going to tion first by the dispatcher. We will put a hose line in-between the fire talk to the dispatcher and if they and where we think people are. That know where the fire is at - if the fire way, fire can't progress where they is in the kitchen or if the fire is in might be at. A lot of the time, it is the basement or if the fire is in the to keep the fire in check and putting garage... that way we kind of have resources toward a rescue. If there an idea of where the fire might be are people in the house, we are gowhen we arrive. The first thing we ing to stay in that burning house a are looking for is to make contact long time until the heat drives us with the home residents. Some- out... until it is unsafe for our people." times we pull up and there are cars in the driveway and nobody is out. According to the National Fire ProOur presumption is that someone is tection Association, “In 2012, there trapped in the house. If the family is were 1,375,000 fires reported in the out then they can tell us everyone is United States. These fires caused [safe]. if not everybody is accounted 2,855 civilian deaths, 16,500 civilfor, then we are going to ask where ian injuries, and $12.4 billion in might they be in the house - first or property damage of which 480,500 second floor. An example might be were structure fires, causing 2,470

18

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

FEATURE

Hendricks County Home

civilian deaths, 14,700 civilian injuries, and $9.8 billion in property damage. Your household has a one in four chance of having a home fire large enough to be reported to a fire department during an average lifetime. Someone in your household also has a one in ten chance of suffering a fire injury in a home fire an average lifetime. More likely than not, this will be a minor injury suffered in a fire that you did not report to the fire department.

You might not even remember the injury a month after it happened.

About one out of nine of these injuries will occur in a reported home fire, which means someone in your household has a one in 89 chance of suffering a fire injury in a reported home fire in an average lifetime.�

"Most fires in the home setting are from cooking fires. Probably close to 80% of the fires that we have are in the kitchen. There are two high risk groups that we are concerned about with cooking - the elderly and children. Most parents work. The kids are getting home from school before mom and dad do. Last year, we had two young teens that were significantly burned and taken to Wishard Hospital. They were cooking something before mom and dad got home. The pan caught fire and I think both tried to pick it up and take it out of the house and in doing so, the pan burned them, tipped over and one of the children had second degree burns to their arms, their side and their leg that were pretty significant. We encourage [kids] to make the call to 911.

We want them out of the house and then to make the call." he said.

We wondered if Fire Marshall Jones felt that perhaps people had an aversion to dialing 911. He responded, “There probably is for

kids. They know it is going to make a mess in the house. So they are not apt to make that 911 call because mom and dad are going to be mad maybe." We asked if that was a reality that their parents might get upset. He said, "I think it is a myth in their head. Anytime you have a fire, it is going to create a mess. Maybe their parents have told them to not cook while they are gone. Maybe they went ahead and did it. We typically don't get the call from those young teens right off the bat. That is where we are seeing kids getting burned. They are trying to put out the fire. They are picking the pan up.

These injuries can be prevented. The elderly - whether it is medication or their age, they fall asleep after they turn something on the stove. The next thing they know, they have a fire in the kitchen. They can't react as quickly. Again, we see them trying to put it out. 911 - Anytime you have a fire, we have trained firemen.

We have the equipment. That is what we are in the business of doing - putting fires out. We would much rather get there. You may have some damage to the house but houses can be replaced. Most kitchen fires, our guys get in, that fire is pretty confined - maybe some kitchen cabinets burned a little bit.

But we get there quickly and get those fires out. We see times where instead of coming and just putting a fire out, we are coming, running a critically injured person to Wishard Hospital and putting a fire out.

From my experience, elderly people - it is hard for them to sometimes reach the upper cabinets. Elderly people [might not] put stuff up in cabinets, they put it on the counters, next to the stove and on the stove even because they can't reach up anymore. They put their groceries where they can reach them.

Making sure that the stove is clear (on both sides) of anything that

can burn is important. That way if you have a pot to catch on fire, it isn't catching anything else on fire."

The Brownsburg Fire Territory Annual Report for 2013 can be located here: http://www. brownsburg.org/egov/documents/1401470053_38188.pdf You can reach the Fire Marshal here: Twitter @FireMarshalBFT or by calling: 317-710-4609

Hendricks County Home

FEATURE

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

19

After the Fire We speak with fire survivors about their experiences and feelings

By Dave Giltner April Westcott

Hendricks County Home Magazine's contributing writer, April Cook Westcott talked with us about the experience of surviving after a fire that she and her family when she was in high school. This is her story: I was 16 - that was about 1988. We lost the whole house. There were five of us. It was pretty devastating.

My brother was hurt badly and in intensive care. I want to say it was at the end of spring break - it was cold out. My youngest brother didn't have shoes on. It was literally running from the house, grabbing nothing. I've talked to other people with other experiences and they have a chance to at least grab something - a purse or something. It is a little different when you have nothing including coats or shoes. We were displaced for about 6 months and we stayed with my aunt before they were able to rebuild it. We moved back in just in time for school to start right before my 17th birthday.

I would say, in 'big events' that are traumatic in their life - it has got to be in the top two or three of my whole life. It was humbling and mortifying and makes you appreciate what you have and what is important. Some of us became pack-rats from it. When you don't have anything, you tend to save every little thing that people give you. Or you do the opposite - you don't want to keep those things. At the same time, you forget what don't have. It took years and years for me to stop reaching for drawers that weren't there because we moved back into

the same house but it had to be redone. You would go to look for something and it just wasn't there.

There's times even now - almost 30 years. I will look and then have to stop and think 'Was this before the fire?' In terms of family events, we talk about that a lot. The further away it goes, the less we talk about it... but it is always there. I think about it maybe once or twice a week - something passes in my thoughts.

I always felt like it was the thing that people remembered, especially as a teenager when you worry about how you are perceived by others. It was very important to me to separate myself from it as much as I could. All of us [kids] handled it differently. I would not talk about it. I tried to not tell people at school. I didn't want that negative attention. It always seemed to me that people used tragedy to get attention, especially teenagers. You see that 'pity party' mentality and I just didn't want that... I didn't want people feeling sorry for me.

give to my mother. How humbling it was to say thank you and take it.

It was hard. I think it is hard for people to accept charity but when you don't have anything, what choice do you have? People offer you hangers from the store - 'Oh! We will give you a bunch of hangers. You take them but you don't have anything to hang. I think that is the one thing - when I see people now who have had a fire, the first gut instinct is to look around the house and ask, 'What can I give these people? - What clothes can I give them?' They don't stop to think that they don't have a place to put these things. Taking other people's hand-me-downs can sometimes be a reminder of what you lost. Years later, you look at something and you know that was a hand-me-down from the situation, like a reminder [of what happened.]

It was humbling. You'd walk down the hallways at school and people were handing you cash - for weeks.

The first week I came home with probably $1,000... the first week.

People, teachers just handing me checks to give to my mom - giving me $20, $40, $50 or a class collected money and just hand it to me... hundreds of dollars day after day. I would empty my pockets and hand my mom the money. We had nothing. I didn't have a toothbrush. I didn't have underwear.

I have literally hundreds of dol- I had a teddy bear collection. I lars wadded up in my pockets to lost all of them. Everyone started

giving me teddy bears. I have nothing. I have no place to sleep. I don't have a toothbrush. I don't have shoes to wear... but I have 16 new teddy bears. It is sort of a check of what is important. If you would have asked me the week before what I valued the most. I would have said those teddy bears. People don't necessarily realize that what you need is money, gift cards, ways to get things on your own as you need them. I think it is the best thing that you can do for someone by far is to give them cards to restaurants so they can go eat or visa gift cards.

[Talking about what good came about from the fire] I think it made us [siblings] closer.

When you have to share a room with all of your siblings and you all shared that same [event] that no one else really understands. It changes your whole outlook - on everything.

20

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

Everything you own, what is important, what is not. I am very careful now. I don't have any appliances plugged-in the wall in my kitchen. It makes you very conscience of leaving things on. I think it makes me more appreciative of the things I have. I always think, 'If there's a fire, I know what I would take now. If I had to grab one thing, you realize what is irreplaceable, like photos and mementos that you didn't appreciate when you were a teenager.

It is daunting when you start new and try to reinvent which I guess is a good thing. You get to reinvent who you are in your home environment.

You start with a clean slate. Do you collect the same things you've collected before or do you start new?

Do you buy the jeans you had before or do you start new? Do you buy all of the old music you had or start with new? How much of your old life do you bring back in? I think we all reinvented who we are just a little. summer. I had marching band which was a nice escape. I didn't have to worry about studies too much. That first few weeks it was really hard to get into the groove of doing homework but it was nice because there wasn’t anything else to do. You couldn't 'not think about it' forever. I would say after the first 6 months - it was okay.

Once we got back into the house that is when the normal came back.

My mom and I were gone. She'd just gotten her tax check which was huge for a single mom. I think it was probably the first one she'd ever gotten. She had a few things in lay-away. So we stopped at K-Mart which is where she worked. I went with her to get her check. We'd gotten McDonald's for everyone. We'd pulled off the side of the road so a fire truck could go by. We were

FEATURE coming up to the neighborhood and we realized the fire was in the neighborhood. You could see the smoke. We actually pulled into the street and they wouldn't let us down. So that's how we found out. We didn't know where the kids were. We had to find out where everybody was and what neighbor had taken them in. My brother was in the hospital. It was scary. Then my mom left. So then it was just the kids and I. Brian, 6 or 7 had no shirt or socks. Here you are, in your neighbor's house and your house is burning down next door. You're trying to feed them McDonald's. I didn't know what else to do. You just try to wait it out. I had to call my grandparents and have them to come get us.

Traci Bridget & Bill Daly Traci: In terms of facts, I can tell you that the fire department told us that another unit caught fire and that the rest of the unit proceeded to catch as it went. The middle of the building burned out down to the ground floor which is where we were. At the time, they didn't tell us much more. The fire fighters offered to pull things out of our unit if they were things we needed immediately, like his [Bill's] apnea machine, keys, wallets and things like that.

But in terms of the facts of what caused it or how it got started or details like that... We really don't know.

Bill: It started on the North end of the building. I think it was the 2nd floor. It was my day off. She [Traci] was at Barne's & Noble studying. I was sitting in the office/spare bedroom and I noticed black smoke.

I thought it was a dark cloud and I thought, 'Storm's going to roll in.' I didn’t think anything else of it. Then I hear pounding on the door. I run over there. There's a lady saying,

"Get out! The building's on fire!" I'm like, "Yes! What do I grab?!" I grabbed the keys to the car and our dog. I went out past the carport where my car was but they asked me to move it so not to be in the way of the fire trucks. So, I put the dog in the car and then moved out of the way. I was thinking, 'Do I stay and watch the fire or do I leave and not be able to come back since all of the fire trucks were there. I stayed with the dog there and I watched it burn its way to the middle of the building where our apartment was. At first, I was like, 'At least our apartment is in the middle of the building, maybe they'll get it out before we get any damage.' And then it started creeping down, down, down. Then it was over our apartment. When the two closest fire trucks showed up, I thought they had it. Then there were two more. Then I noticed they were from Avon and Brownsburg.

We were at Island Club [just inside Indianapolis from the West Side.]

Traci: This happened September 11th, 2008. He [Bill] was home with our dog. I am studying for a test or writing a paper or something. I start getting these phone calls and I don't usually answer the phone, particularly when I was studying because it would distract me and I wouldn't get anything done. So, I glance at my phone and I see Bill has called and I see my mother-in-law has called and Bill is calling and I am getting text messages out of nowhere. I was thinking someone was in the hospital. I was not thinking everything I owned was going up in flames. So, I pick up the phone and Bill says, 'The apartment is on fire!' I was like, 'Are you serious?!`It didn't compute in my head. I threw my things in the bag and I am on my way. My mom is calling and Bill's mom is calling and apparently it was on the

Hendricks County Home

news. Our family is seeing the news breaking and calling me. I get back to the complex and I am realizing that I have one set of clothes in my bag that I had taken to go do yoga with later and I have some of my school stuff and my laptop and that I have my school work. I suddenly start assessing things that I wouldn't normally think anything about. I have no idea of what I am going back to. I drive into the complex. All the trucks had blocked the path and I think I told somebody that I lived in that building and they let me through but I only got so far in and then I had to get out of the car. I had to walk up to where Bill and the dog were. There were news crews there and there were fire trucks there.

There were just flames coming out of the building. I think, even at that point, I didn't really grasp it. You just stop and watch and there's nothing that you can do at that point.

What we found out later was that the apartment above us and above it had caved in and all of that burned and caused significant smoke damage to the walls of our unit. It was completely unstable. I don't know how much of our stuff actually fried to a crisp as far as actually being on fire. I know that the walls were on fire. I know some of our stuff was burned but quite a bit of our stuff was just massively smoked damaged. We have all of these fire departments shooting the foam that they use and water on the building and all of these chemical retardants to put the fire out. That was a Thursday i want to say. That next day I went into work because I wanted to email my professors. I was in the only set of clothes I had - yoga clothes. I was sitting at the office waiting for my boss or someone to get there to open the office so I can ask to use the computer. The laptop I had

Hendricks County Home

FEATURE

didn't have the power chord. I just could get us clothes for the night. something like a ledger or a list needed to get to a point to where There was different help avail- of bills and it isn't there. You start I could communicate with people. able. We were in a shocked state. scouring your brain for everything you can think of. I was amazed At the time, they told us [the fire The insurance - He [Bill] called the by how much I could remember. department]. They were walking office and they said that there around and talking to each person was an immediate amount that About a week later, the apartment and they came up to me and they they could get to us for immedi- calls and says that they have more asked what was in the apartment ate needs. The rest of it required information for us. They've got a that I absolutely had to have. At the us to go through paperwork. day set up for everybody to come time, my thought was that I didn't in. It was to find out if you could get want to send them back in for my Bill: They were really interested in into your apartment or if your's was stuff. These guys just risked their how it started. I was like, 'I don't completely destroyed. We get there lives in my apartment and every- know and I don't really want to and we see other people coming in thing is a huge mess. They asked know. They probably shouldn't give and out and as we are walking into about maybe medicines that I might me that information. It is just as well the office, there's an older couple need tonight or anything like that. I I don't know.' There was an issue I standing with a younger 20 sometold them about my husband's ap- think with getting the first check thing kid. The guy is like, "They're nea machine and some medicine in because they mailed it to the apart- letting people back into their apartthe cabinet. My great grandmoth- ment that had just burned down. ments now to get stuff out. They er's ring. I had taken it off because The office is up in Frankfort and in got another unit for him. I'm thinkI'd lost the diamond out of it at work hindsight, any agent probably could ing, 'Yes, most of us are going to be and so it was sitting in the bathroom have helped us through that. I was able to go back and get our stuff. in my glass, sorority jewelry holder. up there visiting my folks. I stopped We go into the office. They ask what I am thinking, this is incredibly valu- into the office and I was like, 'Hey, unit we were in and we were "F." She able to me but this isn't something we haven't seen that check yet. said, 'Hang on a second. Let me go that I am going to send a firefight- He looked into it. We mailed it a get the manager." I am nervous and er back into a burned building for. week ago. The mailman couldn't Bill and I are touching hands and we deliver because it was roped off. are waiting. The guy comes and he I fully expected for them to tell us says, 'I am so very sorry. Your apartthat the apartment was ruined. Traci: Those are the phone calls you ment was severely damaged. EveryYou could see the 'V' shape that don't think to make. Calling and thing is gone.' I just stared at him. the fire had left in the building. It having your mail forwarded. Callwas obvious that our unit was open ing work to say, 'Don't send my pay- He didn't say anything. He just to the air. I expected to go back in check.' Calling professors to say, 'I stood there to let us process. Can in a few days to get our stuff out. don't have textbooks.' Then there's we go in to get jewelry or anyevery account you have but you no thing? He said, 'Everything is gone.'

We have our dog and these few longer have your notebooks or ledpossessions... but then that is it. No gers. Magazines... things you've or- Bill: They said no one was going toothbrush. No shower supplies. dered on the internet that haven't into any of the apartments. That the No clothes. No pillow. No anything. shipped yet. There's suddenly all building wasn't structurally sound.

That is all we have. At that point, of these phone calls that you have The family that we talked to was it kind of hits you, 'What do I do to make and you don't think about on the other end of the building. next?!' In any other situation, you how you're going to find the right go home... but there is nowhere to phone number to the right person. Traci: They put all of these chemigo. We go up to the office of the Every time you make a phone call, cals and all of this water all over the apartment complex and they have there's seven more that pop into fire. It was a Thursday but over the Red Cross set up there. They asked your head. Every time you think weekend it rained and it was warm. if we had somewhere to stay to- about making a phone call, it re- It would rain and then it would get night. We had family and we could minds you of something that you really warm and humid. Then it cover that. They said that they used to have. You go to reach for would rain and then it would get

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

21

really warm and humid again and then again. By Monday, all of that water and just enough heat... everything had molded. It was scary how much it had molded. You could smell the mold and mildew standing away from the building. By that time, it had reached levels that were considered biohazard. I immediately regretted telling the firefighter not to get my ring. We walked out of the office building. We stopped under the walk up area. I just hold on to Bill's arm for minute and I turned in and we were just both devastated. It was an 'Oh my God' moment.

Bill: It was deal with one thing at a time. There were quite a few things that were not in our control.

You put those on the back burner until something else happens and they become in your control.

Jennifer Clark It was June 18th, 2008. I got a phone call that my house had been struck by lightning. I actually got a call from the vet because they'd taken our dogs to the vet which was close.

I left immediately and went home there was a huge hole in the side of my house and the whole downstairs had been completely engulfed in flames. They had it out by the time we got there, but we lost everything downstairs. I always say that there's life before fire and then there's life after fire. It was Mother Nature.

22

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

FEATURE

We had gotten up and gone to work and it was about 9:30-ish when it happened. I live between Reagan and the middle school. The maintenance man that happened to be at Reagan Elementary School actually saw the lightning strike and had called the fire department. He thought it had hit the tree just to the back of our house. They were out there pretty quickly. My neighbor was home and it knocked half of her house without power. Luckily none of us were home when it happened.

whipped around and my stairs have a platform and then up again. You could see where the flames had gone up so far. We ended up losing a cat and a dog. Neither could survive their injuries. All of our kitchen.

All of our dining room. All of our living room. Everything that was there - pictures, furniture - everything was completely gone. Upstairs, we had to get all new bedding and that kind of thing from the smoke damage. Luckily a lot of it was able to be cleaned and was returned to us.

We have a two-story house. We basically lost everything downstairs.

The lightning struck by our fireplace between a window and the fireplace. The way it was explained to me, when it struck, it hit a pipe and it caused a small explosion and busted out the two windows.

When it did, it caused a back draft.

You could see where the flames

We were out of our house from June until sometime in mid-October. There was no structural damage to the house. They had to go in and take everything out of the house and then they seal the house and they come out and take care of everything, except we had to try to remember everything we lost and write that

Hendricks County Home

down to turn into the insurance. that we decided it was better to just stay with them. We didn't get quite I think we recovered a good chunk the allowance. To get any money of it. We will stop and think, 'Didn't to get clothes and those kinds of we used to have that?' Then we things... our insurance agent was have to stop and think, 'Well... did super nice. He was out there within we have it before or after the fire?' a couple of hours and wrote us a It is little stuff like certain utensils check to get toothbrushes, meds that you had in the kitchen and replaced, and clothes for the next little things like that. I will say that few days. Then they needed a list of I thought our insurance company everything so that they could judge was very good about helping us how much money you're going to get everything but you basically get back to replace those items. have to sit down and try to remember every little thing that was in I told a lot of people after it hapthat area to get it recovered. Dur- pened that documenting is really ing the chaos of it all, it is hard to important. Take random pictures of think of everything when they are your house every so often because telling you that you only have so your brain goes blank when you much time to say this is everything are trying to remember every little we had so that you can turn it in detail of what was laying where. and get reimbursed to re-purchase Document is so important. We keep those items. They would have paid copies in our safe and a copy at his for us to stay in a furnished apart- parent's. You always see it on T.V. but ment but my in-laws live so close you never think it is going to be you.

STUMPED? (317) 690-6700 Mention this ad to receive 10% off!

Hendricks County Home

FEATURE

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

23

Hartman Inventory "If you can't remember, you can't recover™" integral in estate planning. The first step is image documentation, meaning, images are taken from various angles of a rooms as a whole and key close up views. An itemized list is catalogued of the belongings which goes over important information that an insurance company may require like manufacturers, serial/model numbers or other essential information. You’ll receive a copy of the information both digitally and in print and then the information is stored and backed up so that in the event that your inventory information is lost in a disaster, you will still be able to access it in a reasonable amount of time.

By Dave Giltner

Hartmans have a sharp understanding of what loss and the subsequent With the focus this month’s Hen- paperwork involved afterward is like. dricks County Home Magazine on fire safety and survival, no other Cindy told us, “It can take months business more readily comes to and months to put a list together embody recovery better than per- of the contents in a home.” After haps Hartman Inventory, LLC. Cin- a disaster, people are attemptdy Hartman of Hartman Inventory, ing to recover from the trauma LLC – a local company located in of dealing with their altered life Avon took time to speak with us and find the task daunting of putabout residential home inventory- ting information together for the ing, why it is so important and gave insurance company. She told us some insights why people put it off. that having a home inventory is a huge time and stress savr and reAccording to their website, “Mike counted for us a story of a client and Cindy Hartman were encour- that was able to begin the recovaged to document the contents of ery process within days and weeks their home after they were burglar- rather than in months and months. ized – twice. They had difficulty filing a thorough insurance claim be- The process that Hartman Invencause it was not easy to remember tory uses is designed to work with or prove ownership of the items insurance companies companies that were stolen.” With this per- and other professionals who might sonal experience behind them, the need information, including those

We asked what kept someone from doing a home inventory themselves. “Nothing.” She told us. “But what we’ve found was that because of our process, we are able to do it quickly and efficiently.” Undoubtedly true. She said that what might take someone a week or weeks to go through and compile, they could do it in a matter of hours. (Anecdotally, I put this to the test and attempted to catalogue and inventory the small DVD movie collection we have. I was determined to blaze through it and be done in just a couple of hours. It started out well enough – that is to say, I made a huge mess in the living room that sat there for two days and all I managed to get accomplished was taking a few fuzzy pictures of about 5 or 6 DVDs and then a few of the inside of my entertainment center. On the plus side, the movies are now alphabetized. I take this as a testament to either their amazing skill and professionalism or my own ability to be distracted

by movies – obviously both.)

One of the places Cindy told us about that can be a bit of a forgotten area is the garage. Many people simply don’t think that they have much in that part of their home, but she noted that in many of those homes where people did not believe they had much inventory, hours can be spent detailing tools and equipment, supplies, clothing, boxes, books, packages, cleaning products and the other items that are so often out of sight and out of mind.

Procrastination or perhaps the mindset that lost only happens to other people – those are reasons why many people wind up not having a personal home inventory. Time and time again, when talking with survivors of fire and loss, almost everyone noted that they wish that they had an inventory taken but sadly had not done so ahead of time.

You can reach Hartman Inventory, LLC by phone at (317) 5016818, by email at Cindy@HartmanInventory.com or Mike@ HartmanInventory.com, on Twitter @CindyHartman, on Facebook at facebook.com/HartmanInventory or www.hartmaninventory.com.

24

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

COMMUNITY

Hendricks County Home

Brownsburg 4th of July Extravaganza

Recognizing the hard work and contribution of the Brownsburg Lions Club

By Dave Giltner Independence Day is not just a national holiday celebrating freedom, but a day that forges memories that last a lifetime. The Extravaganza in Brownsburg does a spectacular job of both. We contacted the Lions Club of Brownsburg to talk to us about the Extravaganza. If ever you have the opportunity to speak with Ray Furner, President of the Brownsburg Lions Club, then take advantage. Informative, courteous, and compassionate, Ray is a community servant. We contacted the organization to learn more about the Extravaganza that is put on each year from the end of June and culminating in a magnificent fireworks display celebrating Independence Day. What we got instead was a warm, sincere greeting and a look at a special group of people behind an organization that helps make Brownsburg specifically, but Hendricks County in general a better place to live for us all.

Left: Fireworks explode over the town hall in downtown Brownsburg during the 2013 4th of July Extravaganza. Photo courtesy J.D. Nesbitt.

Brownsburg's 4th of July Extravaganza has been celebrated since 1966 to combat the, at the time, "sleepy town's" long and boring summers, according to Ray Furner, current President of the Brownsburg Lions Club

festivities, then you know one thing is for sure... you cannot miss the corn tent. Roasted in the husk, on the spot, dipped in butter and salted and peppered to taste, few treats represent summer in Hendricks County better.

The Brownsburg 4th of July Parade can hardly be described as anything other than extraordinary. "The parade has been going on since 1969.

It started off as a fairly small event, but last year we had more than 100 different entries." Ray told us. We recall the event was well over an hour long and the streets were virtually paved in candy by the time the parade had finished. Cars, tractors, floats, a calliope, trucks, antique autos, fire equipment, businesses, police motorcycles and a marching band run along the crowd filled parade route. "It forms up on Odel by the high school and as you can imagine, it is a fairly long parade." Ray said. (Approximately 1 1/2 miles. Photos on file at the Brownsburg Public Library.)

"It actually started in 1966. At that time, Brownsburg was a sleepy little farm town with one stop light and not much to do. The summers were long and boring." Ray said.

When asked specifically about the 4th of July festivities, Ray told us, "We sponsor a carnival at Arbuckle Acres. That normally runs from 5 to 6 days. Typically, it starts late June or soon after the first of July. Lions provide a food kitchen out of the club house at Arbuckle where you can get a pretty good meal for a nominal price." Ray went on to tell us that the menu includes hamburgers, fish, chicken, coleslaw, soft drinks and hot dogs. If you've ever been to the When speaking about the extrava

ganza, Ray told us, "The fireworks are provided in the evening just about 9:30-10:00 (PM), weather permitting. Sometimes it is too dry.

The carnival is a fundraising event plus donations over the course of the year plus the profits from the kitchen and corn tent - all of that goes to help subsidize the fireworks. We also collect a nominal fee from participants in the parade (the for-profit businesses.)

Ray wanted to share also that BINGO was a part of the Extravaganza this year and was being supported by the Kiwanis Club of Brownsburg (another community organization which does great work.)

The Brownsburg Lions Club may be reached at www.brownsburglionsclub.org or by calling (317) 8528087. If you would like to have the Lions Club at your School, call (317) 852-5451.

Plainfield Public Library Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Plainfield, IN - The Plainfield Public Library celebrated the Grand ReOpening of the Children’s Room with an event that took place on Monday, June 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with exploration, tours, and play for all ages. The Summer Reading Club also launched at this time.

The Children’s Room has been updated fresh paint, new carpeting and some fun and functional new furniture, all of which combine to create a whimsical and colorful new look. The most exciting developments however are all of the new features offered to the library’s youngest users including an Imagination Hub, tween interactive area, Seed Pod exploration area, kitchen exploration area, workbench exploration area, and a creative update to the beloved tree!

Press release/Information courtesy of Kate Bragg, Community Central Assistant Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library | 1120 Stafford Road, Plainfield, IN 46168 | 317.839.6602

Hendricks County Home

COMMUNITY

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

25

Leadership Hendricks County Building a better, stronger community strengthen the community - how do businesses work the community to help make the business environment better but also the living better for the residents. I believe that the partnership between businesses and community is essential - a strong community - a strong place to live... It really does go back to the leadership."

"Adult applications will be available the 1st of October and will be due December 1st. We usually start the program in January. It is a yearlong program that starts with an opening retreat in January. It ends with a closing retreat in November." Susan said.

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” – Lao Tzu, Ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism. (604-531 B.C.)

them look inward to who they are and how they lead - looking how others lead and how they can learn how others lead - then how they can adjust to become a stronger leader as they are working with other people in the community.

Second, teach them about the community - help them have a greater 10,000 foot image of Hendricks County and how everything fits together. A lot of times what we see is that if you're heavily involved in one area, you may not know the areas that areas that relate or are next to it but don't overlap. Third, we try to have them go out and increase their leadership. It may be that they take on a stronger leadership role in their family or in their work environment or in the community - making sure that [they] are entrenched in what they are doing."

Topics covered include State Government, Education, County Government, Infrastructure and Resources, Business and Industry, Economic Development, Agriculture, Judicial System and Health and Human Services. Susan said, “"You spend one day a month with us learning about a particular topic.

Along the way, we teach leadership development skills. For example, on education day, we did a seminar on cultural inclusion. How do we create a culture that is inclusive? We always cover the same program days, so we will always focus on education one day a year, but within the education day, like school finance is huge right now - all the things happening with property taxes. We are going to adjust our curriculum based on what is happening each year. The conversation will tweak based on what is happening in the environment."

According to their website (www. lhcinc.org), the mission of the Leadership Hendricks County is, “to seek, prepare, involve and sustain leaders from diverse backgrounds to address community and countywide changes.” But what does that mean?

Brownsburg resident and Hendricks County phenom Susan Rozzi, Executive Director of Leadership Hendricks County, and Former associate director of the Hendricks County Community Foundation said, "Leadership Hendricks County - our purpose is threefold. The first is to help the individual that is comWe asked what the direct benefit ing through the program learn or develop their leadership skills - help She went on to say, "How to you to the community is in developing

leadership throughout the county.

Susan said, "We are building a spirit of collaboration and communication among our leaders. We put 25 people in a class that would not normally sit around a table and have a conversation. Our goal is to put people from all over the county - people from that have a diversity in what industry they are in, what job title they have, how long they have been here, what their age is and what their perspective is. Put them in the room, talk about these topics and encourage them to have conversations. We also ask them to do a capstone project. We ask them to work together to accomplish something. Because it doesn't make or break your work career. It doesn't make or break the organization that you are with. It is their time to experiment in this class. 'What if I tried communicating this way?' or 'What if we try doing that?' - Even if we try that idea and even if it fails, we are going to learn something from that failure... and it is okay because it is a learning environment.

The value is that they are collaborating and learning how to work with people. Theoretically, they are taking that process and taking into more organizations in our county."

"We have had about 425 adults go through the program to date.

The first class graduated in 1993.

Our members engage with about 150 organizations that service our county. Maybe fire departments maybe sheriff's departments, nonprofit organizations, school groups, things that work toward the betterment of our community. You see that our people are engaged and

26

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

COMMUNITY

involved in giving back." she said. It is an application process, but we also look at the diversity of how How do candidates get selected? we're putting the classes together.

The executive committee of Leader- That changes every year." Susan said. ship Hendricks County are the ones that review the applications. It is We asked why there was only a based on what's in the applications. single adult class annually. She reWe ask things like, 'What do you sponded, "Leadership Hendricks see in our community that needs to County is a non-profit organization. change? How are you engaged right We raise all of our funds. The tunow in the community? What do ition for the program is $750 but it you want to get out of Leadership?' costs us a little over $1,500 to send

someone through the class. So we are doing this as a service to the community. So, part of it is organizational capacity - how much we can give back to the community and how many classes we can offer. Right now we can only offer one class a year. We want to keep the quality of the class. Right now we have about a hundred speakers speaking to the class every year - people volunteering their time to talk to the

Hendricks County Home

class and engage with the class. It requires a lot of resources to run."

Leadership Hendricks County can be found online at: www.lhcinc.org.

Phone: 317-718-6178 Fax: 317-745-9267 Susan Rozzi | Executive Director 317-718-6076

srozzi@leadershiphendrickscounty.com

If your advertisement was here... it could've already been seen by

33,000 consumers in your community.

America's only Hendricks County.

Hendricks County's only home magazine.

(317) 609 - 0225

Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates from your community, your Hendricks County

advertising@hendrickshome.com

/hendrickscountyhome

@hendrickshome

Hendricks County Home

LAWN & GARDEN

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

27

Eat Your Landscaping!

Food from your yard

By April Westcott “There are over 20, 000 species of edible plants in the world yet fewer than 20 species now provide 90% of our food.” ~Plants for a Future –Ken Fern As the cost of our foods increase, the demand for gardening increases. In a time when younger generations are so segregated from the origin of foods and the unfamiliar with the tastes of unprocessed quality foods, bringing back gardening at the residential level not only becomes an educational opportunity, but a necessity for sustainability. There are hundreds edible plants in Indiana that we see every day growing in the wild and in our landscapes. Why not enlist those species for “double duty.” Planting species that not only compliment your home, but also become functional can transform your landscaping into a more organic alternative as well as a more interactive and sustainable space.

Start Simple “Start simple and do not replant everything,” says Mullen. Planting what you like to eat is a really important first step. An easy beginner’s project would be to include herbs in annual bed locations. These are areas that have been highly cultivated and already providing a nice place to begin to plant favorite tastes and flavors such as rosemary, parsley and varieties of beautiful green and purple sages. Herbs can be annual or perennial and can offer fresh cuttings to an expensive fresh alternative in the store. They vary in the beautiful colors of the blooms and foliage and make a nice

contained border plant and smell wonderful. They are considered a “cut and come again” plant according to Mullen since they can be left in the ground and harvested as needed. Herbs also make beautiful planter box fillers. Anyplace you would typically plant annuals in full sun would be an ideal location for an herb garden.

Chamomile is a beautiful small growing daisy that can become a wonderful calming tea. The daisies provide a nice white bloom in the landscape. Rosemary is amazing for provide a nice low purple flowering hedge and the amazing clippings can be added to breads and meats and dipping oils for an amazing flavor. Another simple addition would be strawberries as a border plant.

They make a nice dense groundcover and can spread easily. The Juneberry variety spread whereas the Tidy Alpine variety stay more compact. They have a nice full green leaf and the fruit produces a wonderful instant edible sweet treat. Kale is a popular commercial plant that you see often in the entry of neighborhoods. Leaf lettuces however, provide the same look and are perhaps a more accepted edible addition to a family’s food palette. By choosing the leaf varieties over the compact varieties, Mullen suggests you can simply pull off the leaves as needed and allow the plant to regenerate through the growing season.

thousands of years. They can be used as a diuretic and have a bitter flavor that people tend to learn to love. There are recipes for soups, wines, breads as well as uses for the greens and pedals in Salads, syrups, cakes, mustards and even a chai tea. Several parts of the cattail are edible as well. The male and The Overlooked and female parts of the flowers are both Underappreciated As overlooked and underappreciat- providers of nourishment. When ed as they are in the landscape, dan- both are green they can be boiled delions have been eaten by man for and eaten for its starch. They are a

go-to plant for survivalists and in fact, no plant produces more edible starch per acre than the cattail.

Mulberry is a good “sacrificial plant” according to Mullen. Birds will tend to go for Mulberries before any other plant which will in turn provide less eating of other plants.

Mulberry can be a nice wild substitute along a fence and the recipes for mulberries are countless.

28

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

I didn't know you could eat....

Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica, is a beautiful small wild flower with pretty pink pedals similar to Coreopsis. According to the website “Eat the Weeds.com, you can eat the plant from root to tip with the roots similar to tiny potatoes and excellent when boiled. Serviceberry, Amelanchier Canadensis, “brilliantisima” is an amazing versatile tree used often by landscape architects and designers because of its compact size and year-long color and visual interest. Favored by birds, the fruit tastes similar to a blueberry and can be picked right from the tree and eaten. Jams, jellies and wines would be wonderful creations as well for this beautiful compact tree.

A first cousin plant of the apple is the rose. In India, you will find that they use roses in flatbreads, ice creams and rose wedding cakes. According to Jim Long, author of “How to Eat a Rose”, the pink and yellow varieties are the most fragrant and flavorful. As long as you do not use bug spray or eat flowers from a florist, roses are edible. This included the popular shrub rose that is common in landscapes here in Indiana.

LAWN & GARDEN Be sure you read about its edible attributes and when the best harvesting times are to give yourself the best chance of success. “You WILL kill plants” reminds Mullen. Gardening is a process that takes time and effort to master, so do not be afraid to try again in another season if your first try doesn’t work due to weather, soil or pest conditions.

Hendricks County Home

during the winter months. Planning ahead is always a good idea.

With any landscape project, it is important to research carefully what you are planting and consider the amount of effort required to make it a successful venture. Always research before planting and start simple. You may find that the fresher, better tasting plants in your own landscape become a staple at your own dinner table. Edible landscaping can become an addictive hobby, a great educational opportunity for your family and an important sustainable new way of making your home look beautiful.

If you are serious about planting edible plants in your landscaping, it is important to not use chemicals on your landscaping. These not only become dangerous to ingest for you, but to other animals and neighbors who might choose to pick a fruit or two from your plants. There Beginner’s Edible Plant list for Indiana are several natural alternatives to keeping pests from your plants.

Standards

Pay attention to the foliage of edible plants and not just the fruits themselves. However wonderful cucumbers and pumpkins are, their leaves are susceptible to bugs and the plant isn’t one that would be appealing in the average landscape.

Several root based plants are also not as flashy and since the root is harvested, you will have to plant them again every year which may Specific varieties of marigolds pro- create a void in your planting beds. vide a citrus flavor. Typically only the pedals are eaten, but they pro- Remember that edible plants also vide a nice compact yellow and have sensitive sun, soil and water orange bloom to the landscape needs and be sure to plant them and food dishes. Hostas are an- near plants with similar requireother great edible food that when ments. Blueberries for example rethey first sprout are at their best quire a much more acidic soil. “I was edible time. Chokeberries are an- not successful with blueberries until other very common shrub used in I put them in raised beds” said MulIndiana landscapes. They are typi- len. As wonderful as they taste, they cally not good right off of the plant, grow better away from regular plant but make excellent wines and jams. beds or in pots or planters. Be sure the plants you choose will grow in Words of Caution the plant area you choose and also It is important to research ev- have known success growing in Inery plant carefully before you diana. Some plants may require that determine it to be edible. you store them or start them inside

Arugula Strawberries Blueberries Peppers, tomatoes (red or purple) Peppers (assorted colors) Herbs Golden Oregano Rosemary Sage Lavender Parsley Mint Flowers Roses Ornage Daylilly Hosta Ostrich Fern Shrubs Shrub Roses Chokeberry Kousa Dogwood Elderberry Redbud Trees Serviceberry Crabapple Apple Pear Nanking Cherry tree

Resources:

1. Amy Mullen, Spotts Garden Service www.spottsgardens.com and http://fraudulentfarmgirl.com/ 2. Scotts Garden Service 50 N. Bolton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 317-356-8808 3. Backyard Foraging book by Ellen Zachos , Storey Publishing, March 2013.

4. Edible Landscaping with Rosalind Creasy http://www. rosalindcreasy.com/ 5. Eat the Weeds by Green Deane www.eattheweeds.com 6. “How to Eat a Rose” Jim Long www.longcreekherbs.com 7. Plants for a Future: Edible and Useful Plants for a Healthier World:1-Ken Fern Permanent Publications, January 2000

April Westcott, ASLA, is an Avon mother of two and a landscape architect working as the Manager of Design and Specifications at Irrigation Design Source in Fishers.

She's a Member-At-Large and National Public Relations Rep for the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects where she also serves as the Continuing Education Chair.

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

FAMILY

Hendricks County Home

Family Campout Night Where: Ellis Park, Danville When: Fri, August 8th, 6:00 PM Who: Families How: Register by August 7th on the website below Cost: $10/family For more info: www.danvilleindiana.org

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

Dr. Who Party Where: Plainfield Library When: Thurs, August 21st, 5:00-8:00 PM Who: All ages How: Just show up Cost: Free For more info: www.plainfieldlibrary.net

Summer Concert Series featuring Zanna-Doo Where: Brownsburg Town Hall Lawn When: Sun, August 10th, 5:00-7:00 PM Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free For more info: www.brownsburgparks.com

For more information visit Summer Concert Series featuring Haywire Where: Brownsburg Town Hall Lawn When: Sun, August 24th, 5:00-7:00 P Who: All ages How: Just show up Cost: Free For more info: www.brownsburgparks.com

29

hendricks.macaronikid.com

Go Big Block Party Where: Brownsburg Town Hall When: Tues, August 19th, 6:30-9:30 PM Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free For more info: www.facebook.com/TownofBrownsburg

North Salem Old Fashioned Days 39th Anniversary Where: North Salem When: August 30th-31st & September 1st Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free to Attend (Cost for vendors) For more info: www.hendrickscountyparks.org

Spots still available!

Sign up today!

Ages 7 - 16 in traditional, overnight camp**

Day Camp for ages 5 - 10

“We serve all children and are especially equipped to work with children that have social and emotional challanges� ** Sliding scale fee for overnight camp

Located conveniently on the Westside of Indianapolis!

2001 Bridgeport Road, Indianapolis, IN 46231 | registrar@jamesoncamp.org | (317) 241-2661 | www.jamesoncamp.org

30

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hendricks County Home

5 Places Not to Cut Corners What not to skimp on when updating your interiors

any budget. Some showrooms may be trade only, so an interior designer or your contractor can help you purchase from these places.

Of course, if your budget is limited to vinyl or linoleum selections for flooring, not to worry! There are plenty of lovely products available in those markets as well. Most sheet or plank vinyl production technology improves as photography technology improves. There are great products that look like real tile or stone that are available in vinyl. Just be cautious in the composition of the materials for durability reasons. You don't want to have to replace your flooring a few years down the road.

By J.D. Nesbitt When I come in to contact with folks, and they discover I'm an interior designer, the talk almost invariably turns to an issue with their own home or the home of a family member or friend. Typically it will become a roundabout way to get my opinion on how to handle certain design decisions or issues with a space.

I can talk design all day long, so this doesn't bother me in the least.

I'm frequently asked to speak to the perils and benefits on renovating a space in terms of budget.

Where can we save money without sacrificing quality or durability? Where should we splurge?

This month, I'd like to spread some advice on five key areas you should never skimp on when working on updating any interiors in your home.

Flooring You've invested in a great set of cabinets and countertops in the kitchen, a new vanity, tub and toilet in the kid's bathroom. Don't undo all of your hard work by using linoleum or vinyl tiles on the flooring. It may be cost-effective, but it may undermine the overall value of the completed renovation.

friend. Many of these tiles come in patterns that look like more expensive stone or porcelain tiles. It's more durable and better looking than vinyl and you can mix it with smaller amounts of more expensive decorative tiles with a textured pattern or even glass mosaics for a really custom look that will appear as if you spent more than you did. If you're already shopping at the largInstead of skimping on the floor- er home improvement stores, you ing budget, try gleaning addi- can even wait for sales and stack tional funds with a more cost- discounts for even more savings. effective toilet or sink. Rather than purchasing custom van- Don't be fooled by fancy tile showity cabinetry, look at alternatives rooms, either. The experienced like pre-made vanity cabinets. staff can help you find a tile that will give you the look you're afIf you've already saved in those ter at the best bang for your buck. areas, and your budget is still While they carry high-end lines at tight, your local home improve- designer prices, you'd be surprised ment store may have the answer at the breadth of their available seyou're looking for. Inexpensive ce- lections at various price points that ramic tiles will be your new best can help a homeowner at almost

Countertops Granite counters have been all the rage for at least the last decade as demand drove prices down into a more reachable range for homeowners. Everybody thought they had to have them. They can still be expensive, depending on where they come from in the world, their overall long-term supply availability and the delicacy of the stone during extraction, shipping, fabrication and installation. If they don't really fit into your budget, don't fall into the sales trap for granite tiles. Yes, they will be more budget friendly and you can still lay claim to the fact that you have granite countertops; however, they will instantly look dated in your home - not for the material, but for the tile counter look. In addition, they are thinner than actual granite slab counters and the grouting between the tiles, no matter how narrow, can stain from food preparation. You

Hendricks County Home

INTERIOR DESIGN

hendrickshome.com | June/July 2014

31

won;t even have a smooth surface for a task as simple as rolling out a pie dough.

Instead of tiles, look into the latest laminates. Again, as with flooring, photo technology has improved the quality of available laminate pattern options and you can't beat their price point. You can even purchase them with rolled edges for a better finished look.

If you're in the market, and have the budget, for the real deal - quartz is the new granite. Most quartz counters are man-made, utilizing a combination of natural quartz stone pieces with a binding and coloring agent. They are non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, require zero maintenance. No sealing, no stain removal, no worries.

They can be pricier than granite, but are completely worth it in the long run. So, if you plan on sticking around your home for awhile or want the ease of a maintenance free counter, quartz is the way to go.

Hardware The hardware you’ll need to finish the updating existing or new kitchen cabinets aren’t always cost-effective. Quality knobs and pulls have a huge variance in pricing, depending on the manufacturing material and the detail in the hardware. A product made with artisanal bronze will cost you far more than a “bronze” dipped zinc base product. In general, you don’t have to buy from the most expensive line. Just be sure that the finish will last for a long period of time and try to find something cost-effective that has some detail in it allowing it to appear more expensive. Sure, a less expensive piece of cabinet hardware will feel lighter in your hand, but when will you have it in your hand again?

Above: New pendants and under-cabinet lighting completely changed the look of this budgetfriendly kitchen remodel in Brownsburg. Right: Splurging on higher quality, heavy-use items, such as kitchen faucets, will help you in the long run by avoiding lower quality internal components.

Once it is installed on the cabinet, nobody will ever know how heavy it is or isn’t. The appearance is the only illusion you need to be concerned with. The more intricate the details, the more expensive it will appear.

your box stores that won’t have you running to Victoria’s Secret to cover up. They’re instantly recognizable as cheap and everyone has used them, typically builders or remodelers looking to make a quick buck.

Lighting Light fixtures can make or break the look of the room. Don’t put up the most inexpensive fixtures you can find just to save a buck. They will definitely be noticed and recognized for what they are; an afterthought. While you don’t need $10,000 chandeliers, be sure you’re spending the right money in the right places. If you’re really set on creating a luxurious master suite, don’t skimp on the lighting in there.

If you more of an entertainer in your home, skimp on the private areas of the home and splurge in the public spaces. No matter how much you spend and on which areas, just avoid the typical lighting found at

Can’t afford to splurge anywhere?

Try checking out your local antique or reclaimed store for antique fixtures. Many can be repainted and rewired by your own hand for a look that sets you apart and that can save you money. You can also dress up your existing fixtures by covering them with an inexpensive, but good-looking shade. Search online for tutorials that can show you how a simple drum shade can dress up those “feminine” light fixtures we mentioned earlier. They’ll look like modern updates, but only you will know the “secret” that lies beneath.

and think no one will notice or they don’t make a difference in the overall look. You’ve gone this far, so finish the project with some quality faucets for a great look and improved functionality.

Remember, in all of the above examples, you get what you pay for.

Don’t pay for what you get. Inexpensive faucets will contain internal components made of sub standard materials that will wear out quickly in a short period of time. Save yourself the hassle and the future additional expense and spend the money where it counts on items like faucets that get used frequently.

In the end, it's important to try as much as possible to balance quality materials with your budget. We can't all afford top of the line, but doing your research, with or without a designer's assistance, can help you achieve your best overall results.

J.D. Nesbitt is the Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer at Brownsburg residential interior design firm, Aesthete Designs. J.D. can be reached at (317)286-3521 or at Faucets Don't leave in your 1988 faucets i n f o @ a e s t h e t e d e s i g n s . c o m .

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