Hendricks County Home Magazine, Volume 1 Issue 3

Home HENDRICKS COUNTY

March 2014

Parenting in a Digital Age Being a parent is not being big brother...pg 11

Anonymous: Tweetering on the edge...pg 15 Macaroni Kid: Recipe for awesomeness...pg 20

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FROM THE EDITOR

Hendricks County Home

A letter from the Publisher Friends, Once again I find myself in the amazing place of thanking you for your support and encouragement as we grow. We appreciate all of your kind words and you taking the time to share our work with others.

In this issue, we attempt to explore how our community is impacted by the social media that we have come to love and embrace and what that means for our future. We continue to attempt to tell the stories of the great organizations and people involved in our county who do the astounding day to day business of making this the fantastic place to live that it is. We would like to take this opportunity to also thank our contributing writers and those who took time from their busy schedules to talk with us and work with us to tell these remarkable stories.

This month has been busy as we have worked on finding more ways to serve the community. We would like to welcome aboard a few colleagues who have started to work with us here at Hendricks County Home. These are names and faces of some very smart and talented people that you will soon see more of around the county - Jeff Moore, Paul Willy, Rob Kruse and Phil Baughman.

As always, we hope that you enjoy and find value in the content we are providing. Please feel free to share it with your friends and family.

Call Claire-Anne!

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

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 aren't already receiving our issues directly to your inbox, be sure to subscribe here.

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

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 adverstising@hendrickshome.com, visit our advertising page for details or complete this easy form.

Dave Giltner Publisher

FROM THE READERS Claire-Anne Aikman

Real R Re al L ife if

317-345-6640

caikman@callcarpenter.com

visit callcarpenter.com/claire-anneaikman

Follow Up: MLK Day Multicultural Dinner An offer to host next year's event has already been made and accepted. It will be held at the Fairfield Friends Meeting in Camby. They have a fellowship hall that will seat about 150 - nearly three times the capacity of this year's location.

Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E County Road 700 S Camby, IN 46113-3121 (317) 856-3121 www.fairfieldfriends.org

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hendrickshome.com | March 2014

HEALTH & FITNESS

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Fat vs. Muscle The body weight showdown

by Alicia Chrapek Have you been trying to improve your body, but the number on the scale goes up? As long as your clothes still fit or even feel a little loose then you are ok, I promise!

The scale does lie. That number only tells part of the story. It is actually possible to increase how much you weigh, while simultaneously decreasing your pant or dress size. When we incorporate resistance training into your weekly routines you will gain muscle and decrease the amount of fat in your body, thus changing your body composition. If you lose five pounds of fat, but gain five pounds of muscle, the number on the scale does not change.

It can be very disheartening when you think your hard work hasn't changed your weight. However, you may notice that your body is tighter, stronger, and leaner. That is because muscle is the clear winner in the body weight showdown.

the weight of your muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs. Practical methods of assessing body composition such as skinfolds, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and hydrostatic weighing are based on the two-component (fat and fat-free mass) model of body composition. Knowing your body fat percentage is important.

Go to a health screening or seek out a personal trainer to measure you and explain the result to you.

Having a high body fat percentage if a risk factor for diseases such as: 1. Hypertension 2. Elevated blood lipids (fats and cholesterol) 3. Diabetes mellitus 4. Cardiovascular disease 5. Respiratory dysfunction 6. Gall bladder disease 7. Some joint diseases are all related to obesity

contributes to better balance, weights, and drop the fat! How which can help you maintain your body feels and how your independence as you age. clothes fit are much more impor4. Manage chronic conditions. tant than the number on the scale.

Strength training can reduce Alicia Chrapek is a Tri-West High School alumthe signs and symptoms of na and a native of Pittsboro. She received her many chronic conditions, includ- Bachelor of Science in Dietics and Nutrition, ing back pain, arthritis, obesity, Fitness and Health with a minor in Psycholheart disease and diabetes. ogy from Purdue University. She's a personal 5. Sharpen your focus. Some research suggests that regular strength training helps improve attention for older adults.

6. Reduce risk for injury. By strengthening the muscles around joints it will reduce the pressure on them. Also, it will protect them when more stress than normal is being put on them.

We have just about all heard the saying, "muscle weighs more than fat". This is incorrect. One pound of muscle weighs the same amount as one pound of fat.

The difference is that the muscle takes up less space in your body than fat. The picture below will show you what 5 pounds of fat Benefits of resistance train- vs. 5 pounds of muscle looks like. ing resulting in an increase The body is composed of water, of your lean muscle are: protein, minerals, and fat. A twocomponent model of body com- 1. Develop strong bones. By stressposition divides the body into a fat ing your bones, strength traincomponent and fat-free compo- ing increases bone density and nent. Body fat is the most variable reduces the risk of osteoporosis. constituent of the body. The total amount of body fat consists of es- 2. Control your weight. Muscle sential fat and storage fat. Fat in = Metabolism! Muscle is ex- As difficult as it is to drop body the marrow of bones, in the heart, pensive to the body because fat, it is even harder to keep it off. lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, in- it requires calories as fuel. By adding muscle to your body, testines, muscles, and lipid-rich Therefore, just by adding mus- it automatically burns extra calotissues throughout the central cle, the body burns more fat! ries, even at rest! Muscle is the nervous system is called essential key to a high metabolism and fat, whereas fat that accumulates 3. Boost your stamina. As you sustained fat loss. In the battle in adipose tissue is called storage get stronger, you won't fatigue of body tissue, muscle is the fat. Lean body mass represents as easily. Building muscle also clear winner. So go pick up some

trainer and nutrition counselor at Anytime Fitness of Brownsburg. She can be reached at aliciachrapek@gmail.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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hendrickshome.com | March 2014

Community Involvement Making Hendricks County your Home

By Susan Young When you move to a new house, it truly becomes your home when you personalize it through remodeling, decorating, gardening and other personal touches. However, that same home exists in a community, and that community your town as well as your county - is also your home. So how can we, as residents of the community of Hendricks County, make it truly our home? The answer is through community involvement.

I like the way that NeighborWorks America, a Washington D.C.-based housing and community development company, defines community development on their website: joining a committee or volunteer"Living in a community is both a ing to help or coordinate a loresponsibility and an opportunity." cal event or fundraising activity.

If you have a family and you are By keeping your home main- living in Hendricks County, there tained, you are enhancing the val- are also numerous opportuniue of your property and neighbor- ties for community involvement. hood. By living in your community Your child could participate in loand establishing roots, you have cal sports leagues, such as socthe opportunity to make friends, cer, baseball, dance, science, achieve a sense of belonging music or the arts, and you could and also make a difference. volunteer to teach or coach. The library offers a number of ongoIf you are a business owner or ing programs for both children professional, getting to know the and adults, and is a great way for people who live, work and serve in families to connect with others your community will only enhance that live and work in Hendricks your visibility and impact within County. Churches and nonprofit the community. Getting involved organizations also need support in your community could mean throughout the year, and families something as simple as attending can participate in annual fundraisyour neighborhood association, ing events such as charity dinners, school board, chamber of com- 5K walks and races, or other simimerce or town council meeting. lar events. Getting involved in an Further involvement might include organization can help you support

a great cause while meeting new people, fulfilling a passion, or utilizing a skill you already have to help your community.

While keeping your grass mowed is important for the aesthetics of your home, getting involved in your community will build a stronger foundation for your home here in Hendricks County. I encourage you to think about ways you can get more involved in what's going on in and around your community, in order to truly make Hendricks County your home.

Susan Young is a Brownsburg homeowner, wife and mother of two young girls, Elaina and Evelyn. When she's not playing mom or chief household officer, she helps small businesses outsource their marketing, website management, blogging and social media through her company, AimFire Marketing. She can be reached at (317) 456-2494 or by visiting her website.

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hendrickshome.com | March 2014

HEALTH & NUTRITION

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Childhood Obesity: An Epidemic

by Dr. William Eiler Children in the US are facing a very serious health issue; the increased prevalence of childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that obesity in children, those aged 6-11, has more than doubled in the past thirty years while obesity in adolescents, those aged 12-19, has nearly tripled! That represents an increase from 7% of American children being obese in 1980 to over 18% in 2010, with adolescents climbing from 5% to 18% over that same period. The 2011 Youth Risk Behavior survey shows that 15% of Indiana high school students are obese. Also alarming is that according to data collected for a 2012 article published by Ogden and colleagues in the Journal of the American Medical Association more than a third of all children and adolescents are obese or overweight.

More than a third of our young people are obese or overweight, that is truly shocking. So let us break things down a bit and look at what constitutes being obese vs. being overweight, childhood obesity's immediate and longterm health effects, and what steps can be taken to prevent it.

Overweight vs. Obese What does it mean to be obese?

How is that different from being overweight?

Aren't they the same thing? How can I tell the difference? These are all common questions concerning weight. So what are the simple definitions? Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height

from fat, muscle, bone, water, or any combination of these. How often have we heard the statement, "They're not fat, they're big boned"? Well, let us assume that the child does have big bones, they would still be considered overweight if those big bones led them to have weight in excess of that of a normal child their height.

So what is the definition of obese then? Well, it is much the same, except to be classified obese that excess weight in relation to one's height comes solely from an excess of fat. Such excess fat is typically a result of a caloric imbalance, or the taking in of more calories than are expended. Long before fast food and super markets, the body learned to squirrel away any extra calories in case its next meal was not so forthcoming. It does this by turning excess calories into fat to be burned later.

It is a good system unless your child continues to consume more calories than are used. Thus, the ever increasing amount of excess fat that leads to obesity.

Health Effects As we all know from popular media, such an excess of fat is extremely dangerous and deleterious to an adult's health. Children are not exempt from the same health problems experienced by obese adults. In fact many of these issues are much worse in adulthood if the individual was obese as a child and/or adolescent. Let us begin by looking at the immediate effects of obesity in children. The most obvious effect is the social and psychological toll that obesity takes on a young person; often resulting in

depression, low self-esteem and stigmatization by their peers.

While these consequences alone are difficult to deal with, obese children are also more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with one study reporting that nearly 70% of the obese youths studied possessing at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Prediabetes, or levels of blood sugar that suggest the future development of diabetes, was also much higher in obese young people. Sleep apnea, as well as bone and joint issues are also more common in these children.

While the immediate effects of childhood obesity are frightening enough, the long-term effects are even more sobering. Such individuals experience increased risk of developing heart disease and an increase prevalence of stroke in adulthood. They also have an increased incidence of adult onset type 2 diabetes, which in-of-itself can lead to kidney disease, loss of

vision, peripheral artery disease and a myriad of other adverse health risks. Obese children also face a much greater risk of cancer as an adult then a normal weight child. This includes cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, prostrate and the list goes on. Possibly the greatest long-term effect of childhood obesity is the simple fact that obese children become obese adults. This rather common sense result has been shown repeatedly in numerous studies with the data demonstrating that children that become obese as young as 2 years of age are more likely to be obese as an adult. This strongly illustrates the importance of prevention and reversal of childhood obesity.

Prevention It is evident that childhood obesity can have very serious consequences to a child's well-being both now and well

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into adulthood. So, how can childhood obesity be prevented? What steps can be taken to reverse the effects? The answers are much what you expect them to be; a better diet and increased physical activity. The first step to preventing childhood obesity is to reduce a child's caloric intake, thus reducing further fat from forming.

Reducing the amount of fast food and readily available high-calorie snacks are a good place to start.

While this may be more difficult in our fast paced world, it is one of the most effective steps that can be taken in combating childhood obesity. As is reducing the amount of sweetened sodas and drinks your child consumes. This will make their waistline and their dentist happier. Add in those veggies and fruits as well. They are just as easy to hand out as that cookie and are infinitely better for

HEALTH & NUTRITION maintaining a healthy diet. Which brings us to the next suggestion; don't use food as a reward. This places increased value on foods, typically calorically dense ones, that leads to an increased desire to eat those foods. Having reduced the calories going in, it's important to burn those excess calories stored in fat. Kids need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This doesn't have to take place all at once with shorter bursts of activity being just as effective for weight loss. Above all else, however, make prevention a family affair. Engage in physical activity with your kids (maybe a good Nerf gun fight or a game of tag) and eat healthy with them by sharing an apple and peanut butter or carrot sticks. Remember, your kids look up to you whether they admit it or not. Where you lead, they will follow. Besides, you'll

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want them to be healthy adults so they can take care of you!

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

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CIVICS

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Visit Hendricks County Opens Spring Cycle to Fund Local Tourism Projects MEDIA RELEASE: DANVILLE, IN (MARCH , 201) - If you have an attraction in Hendricks County or a great idea that promotes and encourages tourism, you may be eligible for a grant program designed to provide funding to businesses, organizations and even individuals who want to enhance a visitor's experience.

In its sixth year, Visit Hendricks County's Tourism Enhancement Development (TED) Fund has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to various organizations and causes to sustain and promote Hendricks County as a tourism destination including projects such as Ride Hendricks County and Mud Soap Run and numerous organizations like the Hendricks Symphonic Society, Crown Room Banquet Facility and Metropolis Mall.

The spring cycle's application deadline is  p.m. April 2. The money will be best utilized for projects planned for late summer of this year to spring of 2015, as the grants won't be awarded until late May. Tourism businesses, not-forprofits, civic organizations and retail development groups are encouraged to apply for funding through this program. Only businesses, events and entities located in Hendricks County are eligible. Applicants can apply for a 1:1 match with Visit Hendricks County contributing a maximum of $2,500 a project.

Worthy projects should initiate, enhance, develop and promote tourism in Hendricks County.

Special projects such as research and development with potential for long-term benefits will be considered. Projects involving capital investment, operating costs, fireworks displays, food and drink or staff salaries aren't eligible.

Visit Hendricks County is now accepting applications for the spring cycle of its TED Fund after budgeting $20,000 this year to continue its grant program. Half of that amount will be Qualifying projects and events awarded this spring. The other should have a direct impact on half will be awarded this fall. the county by attracting out-ofcounty visitors, increasing visita"Through the first five years, TED tion and bringing in new money.

Fund dollars have helped tourism- High consideration will be given to related projects, organizations, applicants requesting funding for events and attractions in so many projects that will either generate a ways in Hendricks County," said new overnight stay or extend the Sarah Ferguson, director of mar- stay in a Hendricks County overketing for Visit Hendricks County. night accommodation property.

"We couldn't be happier to offer this grant program for another Applications and informayear to aid those with great ideas." tion sheets regarding the TED

Fund are available now by stopping by the office, 8 W. Main St., Danville, or going online to www.TourHendricksCounty.com and using the Pressroom tab to choose "Grants and Scholarships". For more information on the program, contact Ferguson by phone (317) 718-8750 or e-mail: Sarah@TourHendricksCounty.com.

The Hendricks County Tourism Commission d/b/a Visit Hendricks County attracts visitors to the county by promoting and developing tourism, which stimulates economic growth and enhances quality of life.

Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ VisitHendricksCounty and become a fan for updates and reminders, contest info and much more. You can also follow us on Twitter @HendricksCounty or get updates by following or subscribing to our tourism blog at TourHendricksCounty.com/blog. For more information, visit our website at TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

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hendrickshome.com | March 2014

LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

Dreams Really Do Come True Reclamations West

By Dave Giltner You have probably seen this building for years and wondered, "Man! That would be a great house to rehab and make into a really cool shop! Why in the world hasn't anyone ever done anything with it?"

The answer? Price tag...a reasonably priced $2.6 million price tag in fact. Here is the story of how a little girl's dream saved the castle.

We had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting with Elizabeth Brown of Reclamations West, the new consignment shop which has taken this amazing Avon landmark and breathed life back into it like a phoenix reborn from the ashes. We asked her how she came across the building. She said, "I've been eyeballing it since kindergarten. Before anything else was here in Avon, I lived in Prestwick and would drive past it every day on the way to my babysitter's house. Every day I told my mom that I was going to live there and be a princess. Of course, they won't let me live here but eventually I found a way to make it work." She went on to tell us of the large number of people who have come in to view the building and take the tour that have told her they shared the same dream.

Nestled on an acre of land just off the corner of Ronald Reagan and US 36 in Avon and one of the only remaining buildings of character along the strip as you go along into town from Indy, Reclamations West's beautiful building greets

you with open arms, stories and charm the likes of which is often and sadly lost as we have grown. Built circa 1890-1894, the original owners were Jeremiah and Mary McLain. Jeremiah was the 3rd generation of McLains to live in the Avon area which at the time may have been known as Smootsdale (thank goodness that name didn't stick). Elizabeth treated us to a complete tour of the building including a sneak peek a couple of months ago when we toured the natural spring that wells up in the basement and requires some engineering to manage. We appreciated the attention to detail and extraordinarily high level of respect shown

to the building and its history. so we had to take it out anyway, but every single bit of it worked.

She noted that the building's The original slate roof was still on beautiful pocket doors are among and didn't have a leak in it. There some of the few original features was a little bit of water damage of the home that were either not around one of the chimneys but damaged beyond repair through outside of that it was bone dry. neglect or taken by one of the previous owners who thought she Elizabeth had looked into purmight be saving the architectural chasing the property herself pregems including every light fix- viously but because of the hefty ture, the pot-bellied stove and the sales price, she was unable to mantle sometime around 1984 or make that work for her business 1985. Some of the features were plan. She went to Broadripple and also required to be removed or opened up Reclamation, an amazaltered due to building and fire ing vintage consignment store codes and zoning requirements. located at 1051 E. 54th St. in InShe said, "The original wiring dianapolis. Then, like a message all worked. Every last switch from the heavens, the real estate worked. It was all knob and tube, sign changed on the lawn at the

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Hendricks County Home

Above: Elizabeth discusses with us some of the fascinating history of the building that houses her consignment shop, Reclamations West, on US 36 in Avon.

Below, Right Top and Bottom: Reclamations West carries a wide variety of antiques and unique handcrafted items.

Avon location. Through some connections and negotiation, the building and land were purchased. Undaunted by the level of work required, and with the assistance of her husband, friends and the backing of the new land owner, Elizabeth managed to open the doors of the shop to the public. What was originally supposed to be a 3 or 4 month long project took a mere 1 year and 4 months to complete - a testimony to perseverance, patience and the power of dreams.

Filled with antiques and unique, handcrafted items sold by consignment, this is a place that you should come back to routinely to make sure you are not missing any of the great buys as product moves in and out.

Reclamations West 10664 East Highway 36 Avon, IN 46123 (317) 914-7993

Mon - Fri: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Facebook | Website

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FEATURE

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Parenting in a Digital Age Being a parent is not being big brother

By Dave Giltner We had the opportunity to learn about an innovative program at Brownsburg High School from Chief of the School Police Department, Ginnie Wing.

According to Wing, when referring to Officer Kim Kiritchenko, "Kim is passionate about educating not just parents but students about appropriate internet use making sure our kids know what they are doing and giving parents some ideas about how to monitor that. She was really the driving force behind it. It was a team effort to put it together." She added that, Officer Nate Flynn was instrumental in putting the program together and that each of the three officers were responsible for creating 1/3 of the content.

The program was developed out of necessity because the officers involved saw the need in the community and knew that it was important to develop a program to begin to address the concerns of how kids were behaving and interacting not only with each other but with the rest of the world.

What does the program attempt to do? "We wanted to give parents an idea of what we see kids do because we think parents don't often know what their kids are up to online. There is just so much more available. 10 years ago, we were talking about Myspace. Now we're not talking about that anymore. I don't think enough parents understand how quickly this is

evolving... how much it impacts our kids. They live online. People talking about taking their phones away from them. Well, it will devastate a teenager to lose their phone privileges because this is where they get their internet access. We used to tell people, 'Keep your computer in a common area.

That way, you could look over your child's shoulders and you would know what they are looking at online. Well... that was before their X-box communicated with somebody in California. It is so much more advanced now. Their phones have internet access.

They can go to the library and get online. They can get free WiFi at McDonald's while they're drinking a coke and using their iPod. This was about trying to reach our parents so that they could see what we are seeing with our kids.

What I think is unique about this is our presentation from February to March when we re-presented the program, we added more information about additional apps and websites that we were seeing our kids here in Brownsburg access. Just in that 30 day window, we are seeing a change."

Why is there a need for social media awareness?

- Largest advancement in society since the Industrial Revolution.

- Has permanently altered how we communicate.

- 93% of teens have an account on a social media site.

- If Facebook were a nation, it would be the 3rd largest in the world.

For example, Chief Wing told us of one app, "Meetme" which allows strangers locally to meet by using the location services of your phone. She said specifically, "It is not good for kids to be on Meetme."

What websites are out there for our children to use?

Facebook - Over 1 billion registered users - Most common social media site - Limit is 5000 "friends" - Hacking, sharing passwords - Secondary accounts - Seeing drama decrease as kids move over to Twitter and Instagram

We would like to thank the Brownsburg School Police for allowing us to reproduce the content of the presentation which has been reproduced here in part as follows:

Twitter - More popular than FB among teens - Currently the most popular SM site for teens

- Tagging friends with @ - Retweets show popularity of the tweet or person - Can share pics - Post videos to Vine then link to Twitter - Changing user name frequently - Can "DM" or Direct Message Instagram - Picture and short video sharing and commenting - Postings can be linked to FB and Twitter - "Holidays" - Cyberbashing is common - Fake accounts Tumblr - Microblogging site - Used for sharing thoughts, images, gifs - Can link blogs to FB and Twitter - Can tag posts as being NSFW - Banned blogs about self harm and suicide in 2012- "Ana" blogs for eating disorders

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FEATURE

Reddit (and) Chive - Anything and everything in cluding: TIL, AMA, IamA, ELI5, Technology, News, sports, television and movies, Pornography and other age restricted material, /r/gonewild, /r/jailbait, FLBP, Chivettes, Tan lines, Fitgirls - Allows private messaging - Karma and Bitcoins (internet currency)

Kik - Free messaging app - Think chat room app - LOTS of fake profiles. Many created by adults (mostly men) wanting to chat with young children.

- Kik recognizes phone numbers and emails already within that phone and automatically connects those users

Ask.FM - Question and answer format - Questions can be asked anonymously - Trolls - Users are subjected to he said/ she said drama, hate, rumors, racial slurs, sex and drug references and cyberbashing - To increase getting questions kids will link their Instagram account to their Ask.fm account - Based out of Latvia therefore not subjected to US law - Creators responded to the overwhelming accounts of cyberbullying by blaming "society and a lack of proper education"

Omegle - Chat site for random strangers - Organized by interests and allows you to chat with strangers - "18 and over only"

What about apps for mobile devices?

There are literally thousands of them...here are just a few: SnapChat - Photo, video and text sharing app - Sender sets a limit for how long the sent message will be viewed (1-10 seconds) - User names and phone numbers have been hacked and traced - Sexting and sharing explicit pictures thinking they will "disappear" -Screen shot of images

Meetme - Formerly known as myYearbook - Over 40 millions users - Used for flirting and "hook ups" - Website of choice for sex offenders - Most conversations and exchange of pics takes place off site - Age requirement is only 13

#subtweet" - tbh/tbr: To be honest/to be rude.

- idk/idc: I don't know/I don't care.

- smh: Shaking my head.

- tbt: Throw-back Thursday - oomf: One of my followers.

- No filter: No edit on pictures - Ratchet: Can be old, ugly, gross, etc.

- stfu/stfd: Do I have to say it?

Where do they go and how do they get there?

- Computers and laptops - Home, school, library, friends - Cell Phones - Ipods and Tablets - E-readers - Gaming systems - PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita

As your children are growing up, you know their friends, you know where they are, where they're going, how they're going to get there and Digicalc what they're going to do when - App to hide pics and videos they get there. When they go on- Disguised as a calculator line, you should know the same - Enter code on calculator and things. It's that simple. The scary it will access pics hidden from thing? They could be participatphoto album ing in some of these harmful activities in your home, while you're I don't understand what they awake, or at grandma's during are saying... dinner. With technology, you can *UrbanDictionary.com is one assume they are simply playing a resource to help decode some game when they could be bullyof the terms and phrases used. ing a classmate outside of school or even being bullied themselves.

- Subtweet: Talking about some- All right within your reach and you one without naming them. "She may never even know it until it's too thinks she's cuter than she is late. How many of your children

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are already using some of the devices, websites and/or apps we've already covered. Do you even know if they are or not? You should.

As children grow, it's natural that they will earn more freedom, both in the real world and online; however, teenagers need you as much now as ever. It may not be in the same way as when they were younger, but your guidance, advice and example will be a huge determining factor in who they are and will become.

What are the dangers?

The dangers are as numerous as the ways they can get into danger online: exposure to inappropriate content, sexting, cyberbullying, identity theft, hacking, predators, the list goes on and on.

Three Steps to Safety 1. Establish rules: Decide whether your child is ready. Are they responsible in other things? Do they have healthy relationships offline? Do they have other hobbies and activities? Do they follow your already established rules?

2. Set time frames and limits for usage: Regardless of when you decide they are ready, it's important not to let them be consumed by the online world. Sleep deprivation can have serious negative effects on growth, health and behavior. There are school policies in place, but it is important for students to know that you support that policy. There may be other times, like family dinners and game nights, that are "offline". Did you know that 50% of teens say they can't live more than a week without their cell phones? Additionally, 36% say they check their phones at least once every 10 minutes!

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FEATURE

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When it comes to setting limits, be sure to outline what is and is not appropriate information to share online. Discuss "netiquette" and that their interactions online should reflect their character and who they are as a person.

Make sure you create and enforce consequences. Discuss with your children the long term implications of the information they put out into the world. Their reputation can be damaged at school, work or with friends. It could cost them when applying for colleges, affecting their future the issues you or your for much longer than they may be child may encounter. able to comprehend or consider.

Have an open discussion with 3. Monitor your child's usage: your child to talk about safety There are a wide variety of ways online. Talk about their interests to monitor your child's online us- and what they are seeing online. age, even when you aren't there Children whose parents regularly to watch with your own eyes; call/ talk to them about personal safetext/browsing history, GPS loca- ty are more likely to exhibit retors, filters and web/app blocking, sponsible behavior on their own. keyword alerts, remote wipe/lock, live monitoring and activity logs. It's important for children to feel like they can talk to their parents While the BCSC Police don't en- if they encounter something that dorse any specific product, there makes them uncomfortable. Start are two examples of software that out your conversation by asking can help monitor online activity: about their interests. That will Shield Genie - for computers make the transition and the conand laptops, Phone Sheriff - for versation flow more smoothly. phones and tablets. When deciding what software to use, deter- One of the most important dismine what features it provides. cussions you can have with your child is about online predators.

If you have any concerns about This may be the issue you're what your child has encountered most worried about because it's online, you can report those con- scary, but it's important for you cerns to your service provider, to understand the truth about your child's school or the police. predators so you know how Depending on what the issue is, to help your child avoid them. you may report it to one or all of the appropriate authorities. In any Here are some common situation, it's best to stay ahead of myths about predators: any potentially dangerous situa- 1. They're all old men. tions and seek guidance in many of 2. They're pedophiles.

3.

They pretend to be younger to trick kids.

4. They find out where the kids live and abduct them from their homes.

This is who they really are: 1. Mostly men, age 26 or older - studies show that 99% of predators are male. Female predators exist, but they are rare.

2. Generally not pedophiles - pedophiles are interested in young children, but online predators typically target teens.

3. Rarely lie about being an adult - studies show that only 5% of offenders pretend to be teens.

4. Usually don't abduct - predators and victims discuss their plans online to meet up and have sex. The teens are aware of who they're meeting and why.

looking for attention online.

3. Have a history of sexual or physical abuse - teens with a history of abuse are more likely to seek attention online and take risks.

4. Engage in patterns of risky behavior - certain behaviors make teens more vulnerable to predators, like friending unknown people online and talking to them about sex. The more risky behaviors a teen engages in online, the more at-risk they are of being targeted by a predator.

The important thing to remember about victims is that it is never their fault. Predators target vulnerable teens and exploit their natural desire for attention and affection.

That's why it's so important you have an open discussion with your child. Talk about what a healthy relationship is and teach them the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship or interaction.

Talk about what their friends are posting and what they're seeing online. Ask them if anyone has ever asked them to send an inappropriate photo or message.

This is what we know about the victims: 1. Mostly girls, but 25% of victims are boys - boys who are gay or questioning their sexuality are particularly at risk because they are looking for affection online that they are unable to get at home or school.

2. Age 13 to 15 - This is an especially vulnerable time for teens who REMEMBER: The most imporare exploring their sexuality and tant thing is to communicate!

INTEREST

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hendrickshome.com | March 2014

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Nancy tells it like it is...

Nancy Gormack, former New York City cab driver and mother of 11 moved recently to Hendricks County to be closer to the equator. Raised to avoid waste, she collects dryer lint and uses it to make exotic, yet dryer fresh soaps. Aged 88, Nancy learned to break dance in the height of the craze while listening to Eddie Murphy and has never given it up, claiming, "The robot lives!" Be sure to catch Nancy's article each month as she gives to the point advice. This month, we have her responses to actual (anonymous) posts from Facebook and Twitter #firstworldproblems.

Trying to purge our house of clutter and stuff we do not need. While encouraging the kids to choose things to give away or throw away Jack exclaims, "Why are you trying to throw away our childhood?" ....really? #firstworldproblems #sarcasticpreteen Trying to keep my eyes from rolling back in my head. While the kids at school, glue all of the stuff down in his room and move away. #realworldsolutions #sarcasticgrandma Suddenly got a huge urge to go get another tattoo. So who wants to give me their money so I can go do that? #firstworldproblems #tattoo Suddenly got a huge urge to throw up. Too bad you didn't get a sudden urge to make good life decisions. Who wants to get a job instead? #realworldsolutions #noway

I have lost fate in humanity Opened my nachos to go only to find two cheeses instead of a cheese and a salsa... It's a cruel cruel world outside kids #firstworldproblems Looks like your first world problem is not being able to spell. Careful with all of that cheese, it'll bind you up. Better have some fiber. #realworldsolutions #eatmorefiber With hair as long as mine, there aren't many things worse than using a brand new towel and getting all of the towel fuzzies stuck in your hair. THEY'RE STUCK IN THERE FOREVER...All of you know exactly what I'm talking about. #firstworldproblems #newtowelwoes Spent so much time doing my makeup that I don't have Wash them before you use the energy to curl my hair. them, obviously. How are you old That messy grungy sexy thing is enough to have long hair and use cool, right? the internet but not old enough #firstworldproblems to know how to use a washing machine? While you're at it, try Maybe a little less time at Clown brushing your hair once in a while. College.

This reminds me of that commer- #realworldsolutions cial where the bears have the #appliesmakeupwithashotgun toilet paper stuck to their butts. #realworldsolutions When you have way too much #betterhygiene clothes but not enough space! #firstworldproblems I am hungry, but I'm too lazy to make or get any food. When you have way too #firstworldproblems little grammar, but not #needsustenance enough common sense. #realworldsolutions Probably starve to death. This one could prove evolution is real. Lazy Why is it that whenever we see a as that, I'm surprised no one's been cop car instead of feeling protectfeeding you knuckle sandwiches. ed like we should we feel nervous? #realworldsolutions #firstworldproblems #haveasandwichofknuckles #slowitup

Because you're probably up to something no good. Maybe you should spend more time not being crooked. #realworldsolutions #badboys My wife keeps buying regular Oreos instead of Double Stuff Oreos #firstworldproblems My question is - how are you married? You need to watch The Burning Bed is all I am going to say. #realworldsolutions #sleepwithoneeyeopen This cupcake is too big for my mouth - can't eat it without getting icing all over my face #firstworldproblems #cupcakeblues Doubt it. Maybe if you can't figure it out, you don't deserve a cupcake. #realworldsolutions #smarterthanacupcake

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Anonymous Tweetering on the edge

By Dave Giltner The importance of digital parenting was brought into sharp relief when we recently came across a local Twitter feed, @Avon_Fessions.

Twitter is an amazing tool that allows a user to have virtual total anonymity. First, simply create a fictitious email address.

Next, take that email address and create a twitter account.

Use other 3rd party sites to add a layer or two between you and those who might wish to know your identity. Great for privacy concerns but scary for parenting.

In this case, a student (allegedly - or at least someone posing as one) has created an anonymous twitter account. The student (who identifies as a guy) solicits his fellow students to confess to him whatever they wish. The key is, he uses another site to collect these confessions and keep his sources equally anonymous.

If this is an elaborate fiction, then what a waste of talent when clearly this character could be producing far more interesting content.

What would be the harm with this fiction? Inspiring kids to go out and do dangerous and violent activities. This is confirmed by the nearly 570 followers which are almost entirely comprised of students.

Some of the confessions are about gross vandalism (and appear to be from former students) or revenge on staff members:

It's not just here This is not a unique story. Incidents like these have been happening elsewhere at the college level. Sometimes things happen in a community, even in Hendricks County. In our investigation, we found that what was important were the mechanisms that were in place to address the incident quickly and profesSome are about drug use: sionally. We contacted Avon High School Principal, Mr. Matt Shockley to help us understand what the school's position is on the situation and what actions Some are about sexual exploits: are being taken to insure the school's responsibilities of education and safety are being upheld.

Some are about violence and We asked Mr. Shockley if and bullying: when the school became aware what was happening with this account. "I was not aware of the account other than when a student came to me late last week and

said Mr. Shockley, "Just thought you'd like to know." So at that point in time I looked at it. ...

None of the other administrators were aware of it. We know nothing about it. We do not know who the owner is. I went on there and tried to see how far the tweets go.

It looked like the first tweet... was January 28th of this year. I have no way to know whether those are those are true and factual or not. One good thing is that I am not finding student names on their which would be very concerning."

To Mr. Shockley's point, in just over the span of 1 month, the account mushroomed to 570 followers - approximately one in five students follows this account.

Though now, the owner acknowledges that, "The story of avon has been told. We all know the page isn't what it once was. This is the end. JA & CS signing off." That

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means that he has decided to stop publicizing the confessions.

In a world where communications are instant and with funding tight and budget cuts, we must admit that we were impressed with how quickly the administration has moved to address the issue.

Mr. Shockley added, "I checked with our technology people. The particular way that they can access and communicate with this is blocked here at school.

Even if they say that they are accessing it in the school day, they are blocked here at the school from accessing it."

Mr. Shockley's high level of concern was corroborated by Superintendant Maggie Hoernemann who wrote of her alarm at underage drinking and illegal activity as well as bullying. The school is taking the matter seriously. "We've involved the Avon Police Department to help work with Twitter to try to get some answers or be able to pull down that account. They are actively pursuing this. I've talked with our superintendant and asst. super intendant trying to get this thing pulled down. Right now our technology people are working on it as well. There is no way right now for them to be identified. One thing they have done - there is a report that is going to be generated every day. We have the ability to generate reports that show that there's an attempt at access.

At some point we may be able to identify who that person is through that process." Noted Shockley.

FAMILY prepared, submitted, received, and sent a search warrant to Twitter Inc. to provide account data on the individual who is sponsoring the page as well as a request to terminate the account.

Twitter will not speak via phone.

I have documented my faxes and emails as I have received a couple email replies (automatic system replies) based upon our actions. All I can do is wait for additional information from Twitter at this time. Now that they have a court order, we SHOULD receive some form of cooperation. At this time, it would be most appropriate to characterize this situation as an active police investigation."

Freedom The question is then, has this student done anything wrong, meaning, are they inciting other students or are they simply bringing to light the other's activities. The police believe so which is why they have taken the matter up and are actively pursuing leads.

Mr. Shockley said, "We would have to contact our legal counsel before we could make any type of determination as to regards to that. Can this student be held responsible for basically hosting this... Maybe not posting but hosting or facilitating this. I know part of this is possibly, as much as we may not like it, is that there could be some sort of free speech protections as a result of something that they are doing. Just because we don't like it doesn't mean that we can actually go and do something about it. We are obviously Avon Police going to address that person but Detective Brian J. Nugent of the we would need to check with leAvon Police Department informed gal counsel to see what we could us, "Twitter is a very uncoopera- do within the confines of the law. tive entity. Knowing this, I have

You are the company you keep, even online What should parents do about their children who are following the account - real students of the high school?

"If I was a parent and my child was following the account, I would tell them to stop. Have that conversation with the student as to why they are following the account. People see you're following a certain individual says something about you. That is a conversation that parents need to have... be sure to check their student's phone. Whether it's texting and checking that or who they are following on Twitter. It's a parental responsibility to look into those things and then to have good conversations with their kid about who they are following and what they are seeing; what they are commenting on; what they are posting about; what they are retweeting. That is just a good dialog for parents to have with their kids." Mr. Shockley said.

On Watch We asked about some subject matter being discussed in some of the tweets. Mr. Shockley went on to say, "We have 2700 students in this building. To be able to monitor what everyone is doing and what they are looking at... That is obviously a huge challenge to have.

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In many respects, it is reactive from our standpoint because it is very difficult to proactively monitor what everyone is seeing on their phones or whatever students are doing on their phones. There's no question - it is a very difficult challenge when many, many students now have phones and use those for communication purposes with peers, with parents during school day and after as well." A difficult challenge facing the administration, indeed, in light of the 2011 budget cuts that which reduced staffing levels and programs.

Parent partners needed now more than ever How can parents partner with the school to insure responsible behavior and safety for students?

"As any good parent would do, just actively check the student's phone and have conversations with their student about what it is they are doing via social media."

The message that Mr. Shockley would like to get out to the community is, "We are aware of this. We are monitoring this particular Twitter account every day.

We have an administrator that is monitoring it so that if there is any information there that we can follow up on then we will."

FAMILY

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Mommy Guilt

By Lynn Clinton I had a bout of insanity and bought my kids a rat. Yes, a rat. It's called a "fancy rat" which I suppose differentiates it from the "sewer rat".

Later, my hairstylist told me that rats have to live in pairs or they will experience extreme loneliness and depression. So, after fretting for 24 hours, we introduced Radish to her new bff Carrot. I say this as an example...I suffer such extreme mommy guilt, I can't even handle our rat being unhappy.

pregnancy glow of pre-birth mom.

It envelopes the joy of motherhood with a fog of "I should do better."

It's the "I should volunteer to organize my kid's 100th Day of School party, not just send in snacks" or "I should teach my son Mandarin in our free time! He's so unilingual."

But, this horrible burden we women bare (along with stretch marks, cramps and high heels) can be ok.

In moderation. Maybe the guilt over skipping our kids' last scout meeting will motivate us to go to the next one. Maybe my guilt over working yesterday can spurn a desire to focus on them tonight.

It's not a matter of getting rid of it, but a matter of controlling how it affects you. And remember, if all else fails we can make like Elsa and just "Let it Go". (Which is my ringtone, so I don't forget).

I'm pretty sure I didn't have this problem until 2006, when I birthed my first child and...my guilt. As a mostly stay at home mom, when I can't entertain my kids because I have to work (from home!!!), my heartstrings yank like a fishing line hooked to a prize winning bass. I'll take a moment to let all the working mothers stop laughing at me. Lynn Clinton is an Avon woman who traded her career and stiIf my guilt weighs me down like lettos for children and sneakan anvil, let me introduce you to ers. She almost never looks the working mother, or Atlas, as I back. Would you like to read call her. She feels guilty at work more? Lynn also writes over because she wants to be home, on her own blog, Love, Laughs and guilty at home because she and Lice...Stories from my life. should be getting ahead at work.

The guilt radiates off her like the

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Social Net Watcher Protection by Prevention monitored by authorizing information to be shared Bruce Canal is the president of with the security firm.

Social Net Watcher, a Plainfield, Indiana based security company We all know that slang is a very currently nominated for the pres- fluid part of our language, changtigious TechPoint Mira award ing like the seasons as the kids under multiple categories. The come and go in and out of school company focusses on the Grade but this dynamic part of our cul6-12 school environment - spe- ture has allowed this to explode. cifically, monitoring social me- We asked Bruce what the compadia sites for specific phrases, ny does to stay on top of the vokey words and terminology that cabulary being used to enhance might indicate bullying, suicide the searches. He said, "We talk and violence. Once triggered, about our database all the time. the information is passed to The way we describe it is that it school administrators in real time. is not full. It is not complete...it is just up to date. We constantly Talking about how the idea came look for new sources and are addabout, Bruce told us that it was ing more phrases to the database a compilation of experience in both from the perspective of the school and corporate security changing vocabulary but also the coupled with social media intel- text and abbreviations that are ligence gathering. "People who being used. We are constantly perpetrate crimes usually let peo- updating to stay ahead of the ple know they are going to do it by curve. There might be a phrase social media or social media be- that comes out this weekend we comes the new way to perpetrate don't know about but we will know the crime." They decided to uti- about it in a few days. We input a lize this intelligence and use it to half dozen to a dozen phrases evthwart tragedy before it happens. ery week." Bruce went on to say The phrases used as triggers are that they corroborate these phrasderived from a variety of expert es by multiple sources including sources such as FBI, US Secret surveying adoptors with an email Service, Prevent Child Abuse which asks them to evaluate 3 of America, Centers for Missing the phrases in the database. They and Exploited Children and other are asked to evaluate on a scale such groups. No data is collected which might indicate bullying, suion any student in particular but cide or violence with 1 being very rather than taking the "big brother mild and a 5 being very serious. is watching" approach, Social Net Watcher attempts to actively lis- Bruce stressed that the company ten to the Twitter and Facebook is very data driven without breachaccounts of "adopters", meaning ing the student's privacy. "We are students who voluntarily adopt not going to read that the student to permit their accounts to be is considering asking a certain

By Dave Giltner

person to the prom or that they are going to get a new job. We will never see those things because they are not in the database. But if the student does say, 'I can't take life anymore. Why are you tormenting me? Please quit bullying me.' We will see that."

We wanted to know what keeps the kids from just using fake accounts in order to circumvent the security monitoring. The answer Bruce gave was this. "With Facebook, one of the things we count on is the fact that if a student is going to have a fake account we will know because (a) if there are no friends that are coming from the school that are his/her age on that page. We do a search to check that and so that is the first red flag. (b) if they are trying to keep a real page and a fake page... the student will have to refriend all of the old friends again. Its a very difficult process. On the Twitter side, we also scan for hashtags.

Administration will also have the ability to add hashtags. Let's say you have a situation where you have a student competing for track and field. They can put #statetrackandfield or #ABChighschool... any student that is posting and using that hashtag will also be evaluated. There's a number of ways to get around

it and we don't pretend that it is foolproof but we are looking at another tool that we can apply."

We asked how the program was instituted and Bruce said that it was up to the school to administer. Some schools require it and others incentivize it by making it a requirement to do extracurricular activities like sports or clubs. Other schools simply allow it to be completely voluntarily.

Bruce said that they are constantly researching and conducting focus groups to work with students.

"Most students like the program.

They think it's valuable. We have a few students that are afraid that we are going to be reading all of their private posts... Well, we just don't. We talk about the 3 "P's" in our program. We talk about Privacy, we talk about Protection and we talk about Peace of mind. The fact is, there are a lot of students today that see a lot of things on Facebook or read a lot of things on Twitter that scare them or they don't know what to do with them and then they don't report it." He went on to say that in almost all of the incidents in the past where a student has been saved or a school has been saved from a tragedy, a parent found out about it first and then reported it. How many

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more incidents could have been avoided if the social media piece was being monitored as well?

Bruce provided two examples where the software saved lives in the real world. "One happened in October 2013. A student had threatened to kill himself here in Indiana and had made 3 statements on Facebook that he couldn't take life anymore. Seven other students commented on it - a total of 10 postings. Come to find out, he was upset because his parents were getting divorced and he was 14 years old and he blames himself. The principal is going to go on record that he believes that this saved the life of his student. We had another situation in the State of Tennessee where a student said that they were going to bring a gun to school. As it turned out, it was completely innocent - the kid was not going to use the gun on anyone but just wanted to show it off to a few of his friends. He made the comment on Facebook that he was going to bring his dad's gun to school on Monday. They got the alert and were able to talk to the kid as soon as he got off of the bus."

Bruce said that his research demonstrated that in schools that had not adopted the program but where tragedy or violence had taken place could have been warned about it ahead of time.

They would have been able to save lives or heartache because the accounts of the kids that either injured themselves or others had used language which would have triggered alerts to school administrators of dangerous activity. "T.J. Lane killed 3 kids in Chardon, Ohio at Chardon High School. He shot 3 and injured 3 others. He had several Facebook postings

FAMILY

that he was being bullied by 3 students and he had told everyone that he was going to come in and shoot up the school and that all would die. Those phrases matched our database as much as 30 days before he actually perpetrated the crime."

When asked what he wanted the community to know about the company, Bruce said, "We are not a technology firm that created a new piece of software. The reason I say that is because this whole program is predicated on preventing a tragedy in schools.

I've seen the growth of closed circuit television and access control and all of these new and wonderful methods of protecting our kids, it clearly is not doing enough.

Those things are great examples of collecting evidence. We have great pictures of kids perpetrating crimes but this was all created to try to thwart that activity. How can we take student's intelligence because we know they know what is going on in the building. They know who the bad kids are. They know who the good kids are. Let's take their intelligence and let them help us to curb that activity."

If you are a parent or administrator interested in finding out more about Social Net Watcher, visit http://bit.ly/NjfBrK. Bruce said his company loves to talk with parents and wants to engage administrators on the safety of kids. They can also be contacted by phone at 317-240-5700.

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Macaroni Kid The recipe for awesome

By Dave Giltner If you have not heard about Meghan Stritar of Macaroni Kid Hendricks County then you'll need to pay special attention because parents all over the county are going to want to know more - a lot more. Having grown up in rural Illinois (just on the border of Indiana) in a town called Chrisman... take 36 and keep going until you get there, Meghan graduated from WIU in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration. Today, Meghan is a stay at home mom for her 3 yo and 1 yo girls, a dog named Pedro, and bunny named Rah Rah. Meghan told us that since she is already researching all of the great activities that there are to do for families in the county, she wanted to find a way to share that information with everyone.

What is Macaroni Kid? "The main focus is the calendar. It is a way for moms and families to have a onestop website to see what's going on in Hendricks County."

A labor of love Having just started in October of 2013, we are simply amazed at the level of organization that this site offers, how much information is available and how easy it is to use. If you are looking for something to do with the family, this is where you go. Meghan said that she can spend 15-20 hours researching and putting together the events for the calendar. She said, "I can't imagine every mom having to research all of that. So

I get to research it and put it all in one spot for them. Now they don't have to." Events include things like what's going on at the libraries, the parks, the open gymnastics and the movie days. She went on to say, "Most of them are free or low cost. Moms and Dads can go to our calendar. Let's say they need something to do on Thursday. They can look up that date and see what's listed or they can add it to their calendar. There are links to add the event to their smart phone or their Google calendar. There's registration information on there for them to click on if registration is required. Prices are on there - location and dates."

Always looking for more ways to connect families to the activities going on in Hendricks County, Macaroni Kid makes it easy to submit an event. (Click here to add your event.) Meghan noted that there are lots of great resources around for parents to use but many of them focus on other parts of Central Indiana or are not necessarily specifically focused on aggregating the events of Hendricks County. (Click here for another clock do when it's hungry? great Hendricks County Fam- It goes back for/four seconds!" ily Resource, They're Our Kids.) Meghan says, "The things I love most about my job is that I Hendricks County Home is dedi- have the opportunity to connect cated to providing excellent con- families with local events that tent. One of the things we love are low cost or free and support about Meghan and Macaroni Kid community-focused businesses! is their dedication to that as well. There is so much to do in HC and Check the Macaroni Kid website Macaroni Kid provides a one-stop frequently for fun articles like place to find all those activities!" this one which talks about daylight savings time and has great Business jokes and puns. "What does a Another feature of the site is the

business directory. While still developing, this section will soon fill up completely and is an excellent resource for families to find quality local businesses to work with and for local businesses to get found by families. If you are interested in finding out more about getting your local business listed then contact meghans@macaronikid.com.

Be sure to check out the Macaroni Kid calendar in this issue of Hendricks County Home.

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

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CULINARY

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Bacon and Pecan Leftover Donut Bread Pudding What's not to love?

Difficulty Level:  / 10 If you can fry bacon, you can make this pudding.

Ingredients 1 dozen day old donuts (glazed yeast).

1 lb thick cut bacon 2 cups pecan halves (chopped acceptable) 4 eggs (large) 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 1 cup cream 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional) 1 1/2 tablespoons salt Tools Spatula Paper towels Plate Large frying pan or Teflon coated pot.

Muffin Tin Lasagna pan Time Approximately 60 minutes total - 15 to prep and 45 to bake Time varies by skill and practice (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a muffin tin.

Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry until cooked but not too crisp (as it will be cooked again) and drain.

Drain off all but about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the bacon fat and brown the pecans in it - careful not to overcook.

Tear the donuts into bite-size pieces. Combine donut pieces, bacon and pecans and place in muffin tin.

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together the eggs, evaporated milk, cream, sugar and syrup (optional) and salt.

Pour the mixture over the donuts in the tin, and press down lightly to help absorption. Let stand for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight (which is best).

Place the muffin tin inside the larger lasagna pan, and fill the outer dish with enough water to go about halfway up the sides - do not over pour Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

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Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition Where to go when the cupboards are bare

By Dave Giltner Generosity The people of Hendricks County are generous and compassionate says Steve Hamilton, Compassionate Ministries Pastor at Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene and Board President of the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition. In fact, the statistics prove it. The Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition is a group of churches and agencies which focus on addressing hunger in our county. The coalition was started by an initiative from Leadership Hendricks County. Leadership Hendricks County brought together five food pantries and quickly realized the benefit of working together to share information and resources. They started actively recruiting food pantries and bringing in agencies within Hendricks and Marion Counties. From this, the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition was formed. "The Coalition's objective is to educate the people that run the food pantries about programs that are available to assist the people served by the pantries. Our main focus is to meet the immediate needs of those seeking help whether it be financial, homelessness or food." Pastor Hamilton said.

Steve discussed with us the eagerness of Family Promise's initiative and the importance of that group to the cause of fighting homelessness and curbing hunger. (See more on Family Promise here.)

has been more active in trying to steer some of the meetings and bring people together to network.

Members of the coalition have been asked to track statistics. In the past three years, demand for food or meals has risen 77%. So, that need is very apparent. There is no hiding that." When asked why that is, he said, "It is a combination of the economy and realizing they need assistance. People are losing their jobs and new people are moving into Hendricks County. While they are struggling and waiting to get situated, they might have limited resources or nothing at all. When you start a new job it may take two weeks to get a paycheck. So what do they do in the meantime? They reach out for assistance. People are finally to the point where they are willing to overcome their embarrassment and ask for asWhat's happening Pastor Hamilton said "The coalition sistance. Many people who visit

the pantries have tried relying on the help of family and friends but they've reached the point where they feel like they are a burden on their friends and family.

Love thy neighbor Acknowledging that people are embarrassed and are conditioned to believe that it is wrong to ask for help, what can be done to alleviate that level of humiliation, we asked. Steve answered, "We just try to love on them and treat them as a neighbor and a friend. We don't treat them any differently than anyone else. We very intentionally treat people as human beings, not looking down on anyone for the situation they are in. Some people are in the situation they are in through no fault of their own. Some are there because of decisions they've made but who are we to judge? That is not our position. The Lord has given

us the great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.

So, if we see someone hurting, we are going to help them, not judge them." The pantries of the County Coalition provide a variety of services. Some run regular schedules where their pantry is open on specific days and times while others provide an on-call pantry - An on-call pantry is one that has prepackaged bags or boxes of food for those seeking assistance.

Some pantries provide a shopping experience where the person goes through a line and selects items that they can use or need from food to health and beauty products. Some pantries provide a hot meal and pantry workers talk and find out what their needs actually are. Each pantry is autonomous and run by their church or organization as best suits them. "They have joined the coalition for support, for training, for

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resources," says Pastor Hamilton. "We want people who need assistance to seek help in their local pantry. The pantries providing services know their community better and the needs of their neighborhood."

Coalition The Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition is comprised of 23 food pantries and partner agencies that meet monthly. They discuss programs that are available through the agencies who provide speakers to educate members of the coalition about services available in the county. "It is a large and dynamic puzzle that we are talking about here," says Hamilton. "By providing education and training and coming together and sharing resources, we are helping all of the food pantries."

The Coalition has been supported with donations from the community and various organizations.

Throughout the past year local businesses have conducted food drives and/or contributed monies in support of the Coalition. The Coalition received the donation of a box truck for hauling food and other items that have been donated. They also have been donated the temporary use of a pole barn for storing items for the pantries.

All items donated are shared with active food pantries in the coalition. "We are providing food, shampoo, coffee, toiletries.... I mean, the list is varied," says Hamilton. "The products that the Lord provides for us is perfect in its timing. We had carrots donated - bags and bags of carrots. We took those to one of the shelters downtown. The gentleman accepting the donation almost cried because they were out of produce

CHARITY

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and didn't have money to buy any."

Locations in need When asked about perishable food donations, Pastor Hamilton said that it depends on the location. Often times, pantries do not have the capability to store perishable foods. "If an individual pantry receives a donation that they cannot use or cannot store, they will reach out to the coalition to find a home for the item. The coalition will contact its members to see if they can use it or know of a location in need. This is how the coalition helps distribute resources throughout the county."

The model that the coalition is operating under, other counties are starting to look at now. Interest regarding how the coalition operates and its successful operation is being noticed at the state level.

"We are the only county in the state, to my knowledge that has a county wide coalition," says Hamilton. "We make it work through dedicated volunteers - people that have a desire and a passion to serve others. No one is paid.

Everyone is a volunteer. We fed over 60,000 meals last year in Hendricks County. That is just through people wanting to serve."

do is help them see what we are doing, and look at what we are doing to see if it would help them. Each community and each church and each person you are helping is an individual. We want them to run autonomously.

Come in and look at what other pantries are doing and see if there is something that might help your facility run more efficiently. It is just a matter of training and being open." Steve told us.

What happens to the pantries when people cannot give, we asked. "Sometimes we have to turn people away. We help people as much as we can and will empty our shelves trying to help people.

But when it's gone... it's gone.

That's a hard time. You dig deeper trying to find resources... try to find other places to help. You scramble, but sometimes there are no Tomorrow We wanted to know what the resources available," Steve said. future might look like for the organization. "I've hoped that we Get Connected could take this model state wide. If you or someone you know Have every county have a coali- is interested in volunteering or tion and then have a statewide assisting in the fight against pantry coalition. That is a dream hunger in our community, then for down the road. Other coun- please contact one of the folties have to see the benefits of lowing food pantries near you: working together. Some pantries Abundant Life 1003 W. Lincoln St., Danville, think what the coalition wants to IN 46122 (317) 745-2257 do is come in and tell them how to Christian Church/Community Garden operate. That is the furthest thing Avon 7236 County Road 100 S, Avon, IN 46123 from our mind. What we want to (317) 839-6231

Avon Parkside Church of the Nazarene 47 South County Road 625 E, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 272-7902 Coatesville United Methodist Church 4863 Milton St, Coatesville, IN 46121 (765) 3862900 Cornerstone Christian Church 8930 Indiana 267, Brownsburg, IN 46112 (317) 852-2411 Crossroads Church 7209 E County Road 100 S, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 838-9100 Faith Lutheran Church 7754 Cobblesprings Dr, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 272-1022 Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene 10951 County Road 100 S, Indianapolis, IN 46231 (317) 839-4673 Hazelwood Christian Church 9947 County Road 0, Clayton, IN 46118 (317) 539-6157 Hope United Presbyterian Church Plainfield, IN (317) 839-2797 Kingsway Christian Church 7981 East County Road 100 N, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 272-2222 Mill Creek Christian Support Center 90 E Kentucky St, Clayton, IN,46118 (317) 5395071 North Salem Christian Church 6 N California St, North Salem, IN 46165 (765) 676-6969 Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 9201 East County Road 100 N, Avon, IN 46123 (317) 271-9103 St. Mark's Episcopal Church 710 E Buchanan St, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 839-6730 Shared Blessings, United Methodist 820 West Mill Street, Danville, Indiana 46122 (317) 745-4330 Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County 95 N Jefferson St, Danville, IN 46122 (317) 745-9978

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SENIOR LIVING

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LINK Hendricks County The bargain basement price of dignity and freedom "ONE'S DIGNITY MAY BE ASSAULTED, VANDALIZED AND CRUELLY MOCKED, BUT IT CAN NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY UNLESS IT IS SURRENDERED." - MICHAEL J. FOX Aging and Need There is a powerful excerpt from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie on the topic of growing up and indirectly on aging which reads, "All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, "Oh, why can't you remain like this forever!" This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two.

Two is the beginning of the end."

of this is renal failure which for those who are unfamiliar with it is a life threatening medical condition where the kidneys do not remove enough waste from our bodies. When this occurs, a life saving measure called dialysis is required. According the Mayo Clinic, "Dialysis artificially removes waste products and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do this. In hemodialysis, a machine filters waste and excess fluids from your blood. In peritoneal dialysis, a thin tube (catheter) inserted into your abdomen fills your abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution that absorbs waste and excess fluids. After a period of time, the dialysis solution drains from your body, carrying the waste with it."

Patients on dialysis simply must have this treatment in order to live.

Through a number of conversations that we have had with the elderly, we have perhaps heard aging best or at least most poetically described as this. "The human body is a magical instrument filled with wonder and elegant engineering and complex chemistry which is both beautiful and inspired but there comes a thing, a creeping hand which robs us of our youth and health, turning all that was gold in us as children into silver and if we are lucky, slowly lays us down." Sometimes this is done through the mechanism of disease. One such example

Unfortunately, many who are in need of dialysis are simply unable to drive safely to receive treatment on their own. This may be for a variety of reasons. Some may be unable to afford a car, its upkeep, maintenance and insurance and other costs because they may be unable to work because of their chronic health conditions. Some may be retired and elderly. Some are wheelchair bound. Medicaid may pay for up to 20 trips for nonemergency ambulance service per year according to the Kaiser Family Foundation but some patients may go as often as 3 times

By Dave Giltner

weekly for dialysis. The ambulance cost may be as much as $600 or more. If a patient cannot pay for the fee, the County may be stuck with the costs.

In walks Link Hendricks County.

Now around for over 14 years, the program offered through Hendricks County Senior Services allows anyone in need of transportation services to go from their home to a destination within the county for as little as $3 one way or for seniors on life essential trips to go for free. The cost of running this program, according to Marina Keers, Executive Director of Hendricks County Senior Services is roughly $20 per trip to operate.

The service is "door-to-door" meaning, someone comes to your door to help you into the vehicle and, if needed, helps you to the door of where you are going.

Math The math is simple. LINK provides dignity to the individual and savings to the tax payer - a benefit of 30 to 1 in just the dialysis example alone. Heart wrenchingly, the service must cap the number of dialysis patients it is able to serve due to the volume of need in our community. "If it weren't for us transporting those 30 individuals to dialysis 3 times a week. They would be calling an ambulance because these are individuals that need wheelchair transportation. An ambulance trip costs $500-$600 and those costs are often incurred by the county because the individual isn't paying for the emergency transportation trip. They either don't have the funds or they are a Medicaid patient who doesn't have the funds so we are essentially saving the county $580 every time someone

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has to go to dialysis." Said Marina.

The current waiting list for dialysis patients is estimated to be 5. 3 visits a week x 5 patients x $600 each visit = 9,000 a week in costs to the county. If that money were instead provided to Hendricks County Senior Services, then they could provide another 450 trips per week for needy residents.

How it works Marina said, "You say, 'I need to get to an appointment at Hendricks County Senior Services...

We would come to your [place] in Brownsburg, pick you up, bring you here and you would say that this appointment was going to last you 30 minutes. We would have a vehicle waiting for you at the door to take you back to your [place] at the appointed time. That is for every trip. Every day. We take about 150 trips a day running 11 vehicles."

With so many trips a day, the service employs a transportation coordinator who schedules the services. "It's like a puzzle and she puts it together every single day" Marina said about Yvonne Hutchens. She went on to elaborate that if the person calls and says that the appointment has gone over, Yvonne then has to figure out how to get that person home.

"The majority of seniors who use our service cannot drive any longer and LINK allows them to live independently. That's the reason why we provide transportation because it helps people live independently. If we weren't able to get people here to the meal program; if they weren't able to get doctors' appointments, they would no longer be able to live in their own homes... because their family is

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not able to transport them... because they don't have family who lives nearby. They would be asking themselves, 'Can I afford to live in assisted living? Is it safe for me to live at home even though I can't get to the grocery store when I need to?'" Marina said.

According to LongTermCare.gov, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services' website, the average cost is $6,235 per month. By allowing seniors to stay independent longer, meaning, assisting seniors with transportation costs, the cost savings is extraordinary.

Marina added, "35 years ago, when this agency started - transportation for older adults was the number one issue. Transpiration in 2014 is still the number one issue for seniors." When asked why, she said without hesitation, "Because demand exceeds capacity. We turn people down every single day who need to get to really important appointments because we don't have the funding to put the number of vehicles on the road that need to be on the road to meet demand. We are fundraising all the time but we don't want to increase rates because the people who use the services can't afford them anyway. If there was a way to make money at public transportation, we wouldn't be doing it anymore... somebody would figure it out. Every trip we lose money. But we are here to serve people not to make money... but we still have to be sustainable.

If we're not responsible then we don't continue to serve people."

Information The website states, "LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair

transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals) residing in Hendricks County to destinations within Hendricks County. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.

LINK service is scheduled on a first come first/served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance. Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Service is not available on holi

days or when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel. This is a fee based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county.

The service is scheduled by calling Link at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation."

We encourage you to learn more about the important role that Hendricks County Senior Services and LINK play in our community by visiting them online at www. hendricksseniors.org, by calling them at 317-745-4303 and by visiting them in person at 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN 46122.

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HISTORY

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A Time of Miracles Brownsburg Then and Now There was an episode of Conan where he was talking with Louis CK. Louis says, "Everything is amazing right now...and nobody's happy. In my lifetime, the changes in the world have been incredible.

When I was a kid, we had a rotary phone...If you wanted money, you had to go in the bank - they were open like 3 hours. Now we live in an amazing, amazing world! I was on a plane and there was internet ...high speed internet. That is the newest thing that I know exists. I am sitting on the plane and they go, 'Open up your laptop. You can go on the internet.' It's fast, and I am watching YouTube. I'm in an airplane. And the internet breaks down. And they apologize.

The guy next to me goes, 'Pffffft!

This is BS!' Like, how quickly the world owes him something that he knew only existed 10 seconds ago. People come back from flights and they tell you their story and it's like a horror story. They act like their flight was like a cattle car...Did you fly through the air like a bird? Did you take part in the miracle of human flight? You are sitting in a chair...in the sky!"

at hundreds of historical images and data about the place we live by putting our fingers on a screen.

This my friends, is a miracle.

We spoke with Linda Cook and Stacy Post, librarians with Information Services who work together on the scanning and digitizing project at Brownsburg Public Library about this particular miraculous gift.

"This is part of the Indiana Memory Collection which started around 2005, the State of Indiana in a collaborative effort between libraries, archives and historical organizations to digitize Indiana historical records and photographs to make them free for public access and easy for the public to get to." Linda told us, "Brownsburg's library feels very privileged and honored to have been part of that collection. We received a grant to start.

You have other libraries in the area who may do digitizing and who may even use the same host but are not necessarily part of the Indiana Memory Collection. So it's kind of a big house that involves the Indiana State Library, acaWe too have a miracle right here demic libraries, IUPUI, Ball State... in Hendricks County that perhaps and we get to be a part of that." we do not appreciate enough. The gift we are given is knowledge. In When asked why it is important this case, the knowledge of our to digitize the records, Stacy rehistory at the touch of our finger- sponded, "Accessibility. We now tips with a tablet or smartphone or have the ability to get content out computer anywhere in the world there that you might not normally that is hooked up to the internet. know existed. A good example That means that by holding some- might be the library board minthing that weighs less than a sand- utes from the Carnegie building wich and not as large as a stan- from 1916. It also protects the dard piece of paper, we can look collection. These minutes, which

Photos courtesy Brownsburg Public Library and Brownsburg Then and Now website

we cannot really pull out and let the public look through because we have to preserve them so that they'll be here for generations to come. We've been able to digitize and its going be available for anyone to search and read the pages now anywhere to anyone.

The Brownsburg Then and Now focuses on Brownsburg specifically. The state of the documents themselves are deteriorating over time. They become no longer publicly accessible because they cannot endure handling. So, we have them stored away. If anyone asks, we are happy to sit down with a pair of gloves and go through whatever they'd like to look at but

it does damage the materials."

If you would like to participate in this miracle, the library is also accepting new materials from private collections such as photographs, recordings, movies and video which may be of interest and somehow related to Brownsburg. We encourage everyone to visit the library which is easily accessible at 450 S. Jefferson, Brownsburg, IN 46112 to see more of these images live and in person or to talk with a librarian about these materials.

The seen

images can by clicking

be here.

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LAWN & GARDEN

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Welcome Back to the Color Green!

7 Start Up Items You Can Do to Prepare for a Beautiful Spring

By April Westcott After the brutal and very white winter, many of us are ready for spring. Watching all of the outdoor lawn and landscape products make their way into the stores can be quite overwhelming considering that many of our homes and lawns are still in winter recovery mode. As homeowners, we cannot do everything at once. Then what should I be doing now you might ask? What should my priorities be? Here is a list of spring start up suggestions for a landscape coming out of a ruthless winter.

1. Clean Up: How did your yard weather the heavy snow? As the snow thaws, we begin to see the toll of the long, cold season.

Cleaning up should be your first step. Pick up any broken stems or debris from your yard. Shift boulders back into place. Rake away any leaves that are left over from the fall. This will help you assess any plants that were lost over the winter or any repairs that may need to be made to the lawn from plow trucks. Now is the time to cut down any of the ornamental grasses and perennials that were left long over the winter to encourage new growth.

A good lawn fertilizer and preemergent can be spread across the lawn. The fertilizer will spark new growth while the pre-emergent prevents weeds. Mow the lawn short the first few mows of the year to let air into the dirt and roots and to encourage growth. If you have any bare spots that need repair, avoid pre-emergent in these areas and re-seed and cover to take advantage of the spring rains. . Start your engines!: Does your lawn mower still work? Now is the time to check your lawn care equipment. A spring tuneup for the lawn mower and edging tools will ensure that everything is in working order when you need it. Clean any old debris from the machines. Change the gas, oil and spark plugs in the mower as well as sharpening of blades. Make sure the weed eaters have ample string.

Be sure to not mow wet grass. . Prepare for color: Many of the spring bloomers should have already been planted in the fall.

Tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths should already be showing signs of life. What you plant now will give you wonderful summer blooms. A lot of wonderful annual bulbs can be planted in the spring. Lilly, Iris and Lily-of-the valley are just a few varieties.

Look at your local garden center for bulbs that are for sale now.

That will give you a good idea of what can be planted this spring.

landscape? Now is a great time to clean up those areas. Washing the leaves and debris from rock gravel and refilling the eroded spaces will make the rock look new again.

Having fresh mulch installed in your landscape beds will be like vacuuming your carpet. The rule is 1 cubic yard of mulch for every 100 square feet 3" deep. You can save money by having it delivered by the yard and dumped to install on your own. Bagged mulch is fine as well. Stay away from the dyed mulched to give your landscape a chance to take in the nutrients that natural mulch offers.

If you have a brick or paver patio, wait until the spring rains seem to be finished before adding a coat of sand. Brush new sand into the cracks and level crooked bricks.

This will help maintain the stability.

It is also a perfect time to powerwash decks, treat and paint wood.

fertilizations for your lawn every six weeks. Call your irrigation service to have them schedule your spring system turn-on and make any needed repairs to the system.

Keep track of when your plants begin to show signs of bloom so that you can plan for them in the future. Make a folder for all of your new plant purchases. Keep the plant tags and receipts together so that you have them in case they die. Most garden centers will warranty plants for a year. If you have it all together, replacing them will be easy. Plan your spring, summer and fall activities. Now is a great time to begin planning that fire-pit you have always wanted.

Begin watching for sales of items on your wish list. Plan big projects well before big events. Do not wait until the last minute for major lawn and landscape projects that you will want to show off at graduation and Fourth of July picnics.

2. Lawn care and repair: The lawn had to bear a heavy winter and the grass doesn't look very green. With a little bit of sunshine and TLC, it will be green in no time. Once the yard has been cleaned of debris and leaves, now is a great time to . A fresh coat: Do you have . Planning for the year: Get . Consult with local profesbegin your fertilization schedule. mulch or decorative rock in your out your calendar and mark your sionals: Hendricks County has

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many amazing landscape, lawn and design professionals that are great to work with. Now is the time to begin to consult with them on services and your spring and summer projects before they get too busy in their seasonal schedules. Ask your neighbors who have an amazing deck or fence, who they used for their work. Find local nurseries and garden centers with professionals that you can build a relationship with. They will become your best friends when you are busy and will be more willing to assist you when there is a problem or issue. Sometimes you can schedule services at the same time as your neighbors and all receive a discount. (Aerating and mulching for example) Designers usually require several weeks to return a plan to you. Installers sometimes require a month or more. Planning

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ahead for these services is a must.

Enjoy the time outside in your environment. It is a great time to enjoy the weather and ensure a beautiful year outdoors.

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.

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

www.uucchc.org

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DINING OUT

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Pho  | Try the...everything Pho 36

9655 E US Highway 36 Avon, IN 46123 (317) 273-1830 Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm Sunday

"The food was AMAZING! Everything was super fresh and CLOSED flavorful. The owner was so nice and friendly and treated you as if you were a guest in his home. He answered all questions, and was very knowledgeable about the food of the food. The restaurant of- choose from, the menu and how to eat it. I will definitely be back! Yummy yum fered excellent ambience does not disappoint. though one might hardly noyummm!" - Kellye Clark via Google+ Dining out, in our opinion, is always best with a group of your closest friends and family members. We recently had the pleasure of spending an evening at Pho 36, located at 9655 E US Highway 36, Avon, IN. If Urban Spoon is any indication of quality, then a 94% rating with 195 votes should tell you that the food is delicious. We agreed completely.

Always good advice when dining in groups, we contacted the restaurant to reserve seating. Good thing we did because when we arrived,

tice the walls when focused Classic favorites include: on the tasty fare on the table.

Banh mi sandwiches a wonderthe restaurant was busy - a good ful French style baguette filled sign. Our party arrived with an Its inconspicuous location might with seasoned meat and fresh additional guest. Without hesitation, we were accommodated. fool some but we would like to vegetables and herbs. Fantastic. agree with Peter P. (Yelp) who The owner (as it turned out) was wrote, "Great independent res- Pho - a soup of delicate broth the server for the evening. He was taurant lost in a sea of mediocre with thinly sliced beef though The owner the vegetarian pho is made with charming and good humored and chain restaurants. quick to help. Some in our party and his wife are very friendly a light clear vegetable broth and It's served with tofu. Vegetables and were unfamiliar with Vietnam- and love chatting you up. truly a family business as all the herbs are then added to make ese food so we were patiently schooled in this delightful cuisine. cooks are related to the wife." this delicious soup a meal. This Another excellent reason to go restaurant offers jalapenos, basil, If we have any criticism what- and support local, independent cilantro, bean sprouts and lime. soever, it would be this. The restaurants in Hendricks County.

Our advice? Try it. Go there. Call dining area is simply not large enough for the huge attraction With a variety of delicacies to ahead.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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Creating a Family Friendly Office in your Home

By J.D. Nesbitt With all of the talk of parenting in a digital age that runs throughout this issue, it got me thinking about how an interior designer can help.

A designer can create a family friendly office space the whole family can use...and can help parents keep an eye on their children.

Here's how I as a designer would go about creating such a space.

Central Location A key factor to the space is providing one that is centrally located in your home. This will provide easy and equal access to all members of your family. As parents, this will allow you to keep a close eye on your children and better monitor their online activities.

So, don't just think of it as a typical desk with a hutch on top. It could be a library table or a simpler, more contemporary take on a desk like the one pictured to the right. If you have the space, you might have a desk and a larger work table.

Don't be afraid to include a comfy chair or even a loveseat or small sofa. It doesn't have to have a cubicle to be considered an office space and the more comfortable and relaxing you can make it - the more likely you and your family will be to actually use it!

Organized Besides making it comfortable, making it organized is another great way to ensure that your new space will be successful. Making it easy to use will keep it from becoming a storage space that A central location could be a everyone pretends isn't there. first floor office, if your home already has an office space. It As the old saying goes, "a place could really be any area adja- for everything and everything in cent to or within the space where its place". Now, this doesn't mean you and your family spend the go crazy with a label maker. What majority of your time together. it does mean is find creative, easy to maintain systems to help you Multipurpose and your family maintain a sense Your new family office space of order. The photo to the right is doesn't have to look like your typi- an office I completed in Plainfield cal, sterile office environment. Be where we used wall-mounted sure to create a space that can bookshelves that create the ilserve multiple purposes to maxi- lusion that the stacks of books mize its usage. For example, it are floating on the wall. It's an can be a place for your kids to do unexpected design element that homework, write a paper or get is also functional and contributes some research done. It can also to the overall organization of the be a place where they work on art space. No need for bulky bookprojects or read a book for fun. shelves in this space! Instead we You may use it to sneak in some used clean console cabinets lined work after everyone else has gone up on a long wall for the bulk of to bed; but, you may also use it the book storage. By using these to look up the perfect recipe for cabinets, we not only expandthe next family event you attend. ed the available office space,

but we also utilized an area under the pitch of the roof that otherwise would have been difficult to make into usable space.

Lighting Make sure your new space has plenty of lighting for the tasks that will be performed.

That doesn't mean go crazy with stadium lighting. It does mean provide different types and levels of lighting.

For example, desk and floor lamps combined with existing overhead lighting should give you enough control in each area to allow tasks to be easily completed.

If possible, get dimmer switches for your table and floor lamps for even more control.

Personalization Have fun with your space! You and your family will hopefully be spending a lot of time in the space, you might as well enjoy it.

Personal achievements (both yours and your children's) like degrees, diplomas and school awards should be up like creating your family's own personal Hall of Fame!

Mix in your favorite framed photos along with a more flexible space...a corkboard or magnetic/dry erase board (like the hexagons in the photo), to allow easy swapping!

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

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