Home HENDRICKS COUNTY
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3
Our SpecialTEA page 15 What to Expect When You're Expecting page 27
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In this issue...
3
From the Editor
Dirty Thirties pg 10
Our SpecialTEA pg 15
@TheBrainRunner
pg 23
What to Expect When You're Expecting pg 27
Welcome! If this is your first time reading Hendricks County Home Magazine then please let me tell you how much we appreciate you taking a moment to enjoy what we hope you will find to be high quality and informative content. We are now into our 2nd year of publication and are looking forward to finding new ways of serving the community. Once you’re finished reading, give the magazine to a friend or loved one to enjoy as well!
County. We would like to feature your building in an upcoming issue. Please contact us at editor@hendrickshome.com
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A Call to Writers and Bloggers! Categories: • Home Improvement - Seeking Hendricks County carpenters, do-it-yourselfers and those that are handy or skilled in home improvement – We would like to hear from you. • Parenting – Dads and Grandpas – If you like to write, have parenting advice or insights to share with the world, then we would like to hear from you. • People involved with the community – If you are someone who goes to the many wonderful events, places and happening here in Hendricks County and want to share those stories, let us know. Do you write about something not listed but want a chance to get your work in front of others? Contact us! Contact us at editor@hendrickshome.com
In our last issue, we experienced an especially embarrassing technical issue where we replaced a current article with one that had been previously published. This was a terrible mistake and for that we are incredibly sorry to our contributing writer, Dr. Katy Portwood and to our readers. If you should find any such error or blunder, then please let us know at editor@ hendrickshome.com.
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Wiping Egg Off of Our Face Try as we might, sometimes there are some gaffes, errors, and hiccups. We are obviously no different. The solution is to acknowledge them, correct them whenever possible and then attempt to improve performance continuously. This is our approach.
Support Finally, as you enjoy the content of this magazine and as you wish to continue to receive each issue month after month, please patronize our advertising partners and tell them that you found out about them through Hendricks County Home Magazine. Be sure to share this issue with others both in print and through our social media. Our greatest desire is for your peace and A Call to Homeowners! prosperity and for the health of you and We are seeking owners of unique, unusual or those you love. historic homes/buildings here in Hendricks
Dave Giltner
College Prospects of Indiana 4
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By Dave Giltner
Bill Verhonik - Ben Davis graduate, father and Bill said that he and his family did a great deal letters from coaches - that is a whole different husband married 33 years and President of of research answering that question, "What story. They don't need me. [Because they] are do we do?" being recruited. There are so many nuances the Plainfield Optimist Club. in the recruiting process as to what schools "College prospects came to my attention He said that is when he found College can do through NCAA rules and regulations when my son was playing travel soccer. We Prospects and that it became obvious to him and then you've got NAIA, which is a whole went to a college night, and there were four that he could do it all, all by himself or even other set of rules. What we do is offer college coaches there - Indiana University, as a family but how much time would he guidance to help families understand the IUPUI, University of Indianapolis and have to spend re-inventing the wheel. He recruiting process. If you don't hear from any Earlham... a wide spectrum of the various said that College Prospects provided him schools - then that is a problem. You're not sizes of universities. The main thing that they with all of the tools he needed to market his being recruited. We try to open up those were telling us, the parents and the athletes son to colleges throughout the country. In avenues through our mailings to those that attended was to be 'proactive' and to fact, it worked so well - Bill bought into the coaches (both physical mail and emails). We have a huge database of information which not sit back and wait. They were very company. is maintained daily as there is a lot of adamant that to be recruited, not just sit back transition in college coaching. When we get and assume that college coaches would find Here is what they do: athletes in any sport. Yes - there is a 2%-5% They create a profile of the athlete (or that information out, college coaches contact of athletes that are so good (blue chips) that scholar) which includes their ambitions, athletes." the coaches know who they are. What about grades, extra-curricular activities, all of the the other 95% of high school athletes? It pertinent information, quotes from high became obvious to me that we needed to do school coaches, statistics, pictures this as a family. My son was a very good everything. They mail that to every college player, playing on one of the top travel soccer coach (in the sport of choice) in the country. teams in the country but again, the message This is for the middle of the road kid that isn't was - don't assume. I took that to heart. I tried being recruited because college coaches to figure out how to do this - how do we don't know about them. contact these college coaches? What do we "If a prospect tells me that they've had 50 do?"
Hendricks County Home
Editor in Chief Dave Giltner
Creative Director J.D. Nesbitt
Staff Editor Hannah Harp
Meghan Stritar
Contributing Writers Lynn Clinton
Alicia Chrapek
Susan Young
April Westcott
Dr. Michele O'Mara
A.J. Schneider
Claire-Anne Aikman
Chrissy Larkin
Dawn Grimes
Marla Laystrom
MeChelle Callen
Katy (Baldwin) Portwood Contributing Photographers Lisa Blythe Eric Thomas Published by 111 Publishing, LLC (317) 609-0225 Editorial Questions editor@hendrickshome.com Advertising Inquiries advertising@hendrickshome.com
General Inquiries info@hendrickshome.com Job Posting Inquiries jobs@hendrickshome.com
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Hendricks County A.R.E.S.
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By Dave Giltner
We spoke with Ron Burke (KB9DJA) Hendricks County A.R.E.S. (Amateur Radio Emergency Service). The purpose of this group is to assist the county, state and community in general with emergency service. The main specialty of the group is radio communications. The group is made up almost entirely of volunteers. Amateur radio (also known as HAM radio) requires a FCC license. In an emergency situation, if standard communications should go down, then A.R.E.S. steps in through their coordinated efforts to assist in directing emergency services. During an emergency, these volunteers travel to designated locations and create a communications network. "We provide Hendricks County emergency responders with auxiliary emergency radio communications. For simplicity, what that means is, we don't get on their frequencies and use them - we have our own that are available to us so that when communications go down, they can come to us, and we keep things going." Ron said. "The communications systems and the phone systems - if one goes, they both go."
He said. "For example, in Hendricks County, we have all of the calls, when someone calls 911 - it goes to Plainfield. They have the communications center where all those calls go. The dispatcher answers the call, finds out what needs to be done and then sends out the appropriate [resources.] In a disaster, it is a similar circumstance. If something happens in that building or to that system, all their radios get temporarily knocked out. If that happens, then we have a system [in place] then [we] get out and set up a command post to keep everyone communicating." Ron said that in order to be a member of A.R.E.S., you must have a FCC license in amateur radio. Over a period of time, there are a number of training classes that are provided and members are encouraged to take that educate them on emergency For those interested in training, Contact Ron procedures so that they know how to handle Burke at gunship@wildblue.net. these situations if they arise. More information about Hendricks County Hendricks County A.R.E.S. club meetings are A.R.E.S.: 2nd Mondays (each month) at the Hendricks http://www.hendricksares.org/ County Government Center at 7:00 PM. w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / During Holiday, meetings are held at the Hendricks-County-ARES/120929697989029 https://twitter.com/HendricksCoARES Hendricks County Senior Services Center.
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Five Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By Chrissy Larkin
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Food is expensive. The average family spends over 10% of their household income buying groceries. That is over $6000 a year. Every year the price of food keeps going up while the average wages have gone down. More and more families are starting to realize that using coupons really can help cut your grocery budget. For many families, the idea of cutting coupons and going to the store to try to price match and use coupons can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Even if you never cut a coupon you can still cut your grocery budget. Here are a few tips to help. First, change the way you shop If you truly want to cut the amount of money you spend each month on groceries, you have to make a change from your normal shopping. Shop around at other stores. Check out stores like Aldi’s. Most people assume Wal-Mart always has the lowest prices. That is not always the case; local grocery stores normally have better sales than Wal-Mart. Don’t be afraid to try a different product. If you have always used Tide (which is a great
When adding items to your stockpile, think outside of the normal boxed and canned food items. You can freeze items such as Second: Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile When a product you use is at rock bottom cheese, butter, bread, milk, yogurt, fresh prices, STOCK UP to hold your family over fruits, fresh veggies, etc. until the next sale cycle. Most sale cycles are on a 4-6 month cycle. If you only buy enough Next, Eat Less Meat to last your family for 2 weeks, you are going Meat is expensive. Meat costs usually account to be forced to pay full price for the item for a significant portion of people’s grocery bills, so cutting out even a little will make a when you run out. big difference over time. A few of our families Here is an example: Your family normally favorites are loaded baked potato soup, buys 2 boxes of cereal a week at $3.99-$4.50 meatless baked spaghetti, veggie taco a box at regular price. If you can get the same casserole. cereal for $1.49 a box, buy more than your normal 2 boxes. That is more than 50% If you are making a casserole with chicken in savings. Now you have stocked up on cereal it, instead of using 4 chicken breasts use 2 chicken breast. If you are making hamburger at a stock up-worthy price. helper, use 1⁄2 lb of hamburger instead of a At first, it may seem counterintuitive to be full pound. buying more than you normally would instead of less. However, because you are Change the Way You Meal Plan shopping the sales each week, you will be If you normally wing it when it comes to meal buying a larger quantity of a smaller variety planning, running to the store several times of items, which means your overall grocery a week for last-minute dinner items, you are bill will still go down. The goal is to build up spending way too much. your own mini-grocery store in your pantry that you can then use to plan your family’s First look to see what you have on hand. Plan your meals from what you have already at meals. home. brand but is EXPENSIVE), try Purex or All.
Next, look at the ads and plan meals for what is on sale. When chicken goes on sale, plan your meals around chicken. Start matching sales with coupons Coupons can save you even more money on your grocery bill. When you have found a great sale on cereal, add a coupon to make the sale even better.
Chrissy Larkin is a Homemaker, wife, stay at home mom of 3. When she is not busy helping in the local PTO or the Danville Kiwanis Club (an amazing organization which you should consider joining), she is teaching others how to cut their grocery budget in half by using coupons through her company, Coupon Class by Chrissy. Interested? Email her at: clarkin9893@ aol.com. Or find Coupon Class by Chrissy on Facebook.
How to Get Your Kids on Board with Healthy Eating 8
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I wish I could say that I started my kids off on nothing but whole foods, but they have had their share of fast food meals, chips, cookies, and candy. And you know what? That stuff tastes good! It can be difficult to start eliminating some of these favorites from your household. How do you break it to the kids and get them on board with eating healthy? Several years ago we made the decision and commitment to eliminate artificial food color, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup from our son’s diet. It was pretty difficult to implement this at first, but we have learned a lot along the way. We made a pretty big mistake at first, and that was to eliminate the foods from my son’s diet while everyone else ate what they wanted to. Looking back, I can’t imagine how hard this must have been for him. After about six months into this new eating plan, I realized that if he couldn’t eat these foods, then they probably weren’t good for anyone in the family either. We switched our approach and simply stopped bringing anything into the house unless it was healthy for every family member.
to like and even crave the whole food. Here are a few things I wish I would have Small changes made over time will make known when we implemented dietary a big impact. changes in our home: 1. Make it a family affair – Everyone in the 5. Don’t try to control – Forcing your kids to eat certain foods or threatening them family should try to get on board with will backfire. Modeling and patience are making healthy changes. If you want key concepts when you are making your kids to eat their broccoli, you need dietary changes. to be modeling this behavior for them. Say things like “This is how we eat in our 6. Presentation matters. My kids love all kinds of fruit and will happily eat a berry There are so many great resources out there home”. smoothie because it tastes and looks so to help you adopt a real food lifestyle. 2. Have a positive attitude – Don’t think good. I don’t tell them I am serving a www.100daysofrealfood.com and www. about all the things you can’t eat. Rather, healthy drink. I call it a milkshake. I mywholefoodlife.com are two great websites you should get excited about all the make funny faces out of fruits and with whole food recipes. The NDD Book, by nutritious fruits and vegetables you can veggies and serve their dinner in colorful William Sears, MD is a wonderful resource eat. Speak to your children in terms like bowls. This helps a lot and makes it fun! and has many more suggestions, tricks, and “These foods will help you be a good 7. Let them have “sweets”. If kids think you tips for involving your kids in making healthy athlete or a good student.“ are forbidding them from having treats changes. 3. Start early – The earlier you start feeding they will not be happy! I buy Lara bars, your children a real food diet, the easier which are made from whole foods like Dawn Grimes is a Chicago native who feels it will be to shape their taste buds. Try to nuts and dates, but my kids think they right at home in Plainfield, Indiana! Formerly a introduce as many different foods with are eating a candy bar. For special special education teacher, she received her different tastes as early as possible (provided you know there are no food occasions, I buy candy from www. health coach certification from The Dr. Sears allergies). naturalcandystore.com. They have tasty Wellness Institute so she could help kids eat 4. Give it time – Kids may be reluctant, at candy free from artificial colors and high healthier. Dawn loves organic food and first, when adopting a healthier diet. fructose corn syrup. Decide how often essential oils and is a busy mom of 3 energetic Over several weeks, they will accept the you want to allow special treats and stick kiddos. You can find her watching her children on the soccer field or blogging at whole food if they have no other choices. to the plan. namasteneighbor.com. Several more weeks later they will begin
By Dawn Grimes
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Preparation
By MeChelle Callen
Preparation – The action or process of didn’t exist so if you wanted to research the making ready or being made ready for use or company you were interviewing with you consideration. went to the library and scanned old newspaper and professional magazine As I watch the Avon High School Ethics Bowl articles, or you called the receptionist and Team prepares for their national competition asked a few key questions or you “dropped (see the article about their adventures in this by” and picked up some literature in the edition), it reminds me that the job search is lobby. Today there is a wealth of information a competition of sorts and preparation is the about any company at your fingertips. key to winning that right job role. So how Company websites, blogs, social media does one get prepared for the job search? pages, reviews, etc., are all there waiting for you. Do your homework so you can ask great First, it is important to develop and use your questions of your interviewer but also so you networking skills. As previously discussed, it can determine if the company is somewhere is important to reach out to your network of you see yourself working and growing. If the contacts as you job search. Most people are company only operates between 1:00 p.m. holding jobs because they acquired them by and 10:00 p.m. and you can’t work past 3:00 knowing someone who knew someone p.m. then this might not be a good match for (check out the article on networking in the you. If the organization works with kids and previous editions section of our web page). you prefer dogs, then this might not be a good match for you. If it isn’t a good cultural Second, it is critical that you take the time to fit then why waste your time and theirs? prepare your resume. Take the time to create a baseline resume with the necessary Now that you have done your homework it information: education, skills, knowledge, is time to prepare your questions. As a hiring abilities, previous work and volunteer manager, I am less than thrilled when I ask a experience, involvement in the community, candidate what questions they have, and etc. Also, be prepared to customize that they either respond with “none” or with the resume for the position you are seeking. For “how much is this job going to pay?” Create example, if you are applying for a job in some questions based on your research that accounting be sure to highlight your abilities you would like some answers on. For as it relates to accuracy, details, etc. If you are instance, if during your research you applying for a job in customer service be sure discovered that the company has been you highlight your skills in problem-solving, recognized as a “Best Places to Work in listening, and such. A pet peeve of mine is a Indiana” then ask the question, “What it is resume that has “issues” – grammatical errors, about your culture that makes this company misspelled words, and inconsistency in tense a best place to work?” As a hiring manager, I usage, or possibly font that is too large or too realize you have done a little homework, and small. I am not as young as I once was, and I it also gives me the opportunity to share a hate to use a magnifying glass to read a little about our culture. As a candidate, it resume! Also, don’t use colored paper, gives you information that may help you to scented paper, photos of you or your family determine whether or not you see yourself or your pet. Ask a friend, family member or in that organization. Another great question teacher to review your resume. Spell check is to ask the hiring manager what is one of doesn’t pick up every spelling or grammatical his/her top goals for the year. This gives you error! Remember, this is a professional the opportunity to share the skills/ document, and it is your first impression to knowledge then/abilities you bring to the the company and the person reviewing the table that may help that hiring manager resumes. A resume with “issues” usually ends achieve his/her goals. There are also plenty up on the bottom of the stack and with 25+ of sources on the Internet for designing your resumes for one position you want to have interview questions so again, use your your resume on top. resources.
probably have some indication of the culture of the organization. If you are interviewing at a more conservative organization, then a suit or business dress clothes are probably more appropriate. At other companies, a more business casual attire might be appropriate. It is never appropriate to wear: jeans, tennis shoes, pajama bottoms, flip flops, shorts, tank tops, or more casual wear. Now I know you are probably sitting and reading this and thinking, “Who would ever do that?” And I want you to know I have interviewed someone in a suit and flip flop, and someone in jeans, a grateful dead t-shirt, and a baseball cap during my hiring manager career. It is always better to lean on the side of caution and be over-dressed for an interview rather than under-dressed. You can always remove your jacket when you get into the interview but if you didn’t bring one and everyone else has on a jacket it can make you uncomfortable and distract you from the conversation.
hand-written note helps you stand out from the rest. Preparation – something done to get ready for an event or undertaking! Once you are prepared, you are ready to go out there and nail your next job interview.
Prepare for the day! If you have never been to the company before taking a practice test drive to the location and do so during the same time frame in which you will need to travel on interview day. This will help you to determine how much time you will need. However, there are always things that come up – road detours or accidents so give yourself plenty of time to be on time. If you arrive too early, then you can sit in your car and review your materials or go in and wait in the lobby area. I much prefer to know that the candidate is waiting for me rather than not wondering whether or not the interviewee is going to show up. If you can’t be on time for the interview then what are the chances that you will be on time for the job? Again, a first impression goes a long way.
Finally, say thank you! Have some thank you cards at home and have them ready to go with a stamp and the address of the company. During the interview get the business card of the interviewer and go home and write a hand-written note and drop it in the mail. Why handwritten? The average hiring manager gets 25+ emails a Additionally, do your homework! Back in my And now it is time to prepare to look the part. day, and you don’t want your thank you day (now I sound like my dad) the internet By completing your research, you will email to get lost in the shuffle. A timely,
MeChelle Callen, a born and raised Hoosier, has been a member of the Avon community for 21+ years. She has nearly 25 years of experience in Human Resource Development and currently serves as the Vice President of Organizational Development for a credit union in Central Indiana. She has been married to Todd for 26 years and has two children – Grant, a senior at Indiana University and Abbey, a junior at Avon High School. You can reach her at her office at 317-558-6447.
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By Lynn Clinton I’m thirty-six years old. Not in the “I’m 36, but really 40” kind of way, but really 36. (Ignore the amount of gray hair I have that would make you think otherwise). I say this because I am 36, and the idea of turning 37 doesn’t bother me. Neither did 30. Nor does 40. I have no problem with my age, and I think I’ve figured out why. You know the types who still relive their high school football career or homecoming queen crowning? The ones who still refer to their high school achievements as if they’re still
Dirty Thirties relevant? Well, that’s not me. Now, don’t picture me in head to toe black, writing teen angst poetry either. I had fantastic friends in high school. I did well in my activities, and I look back on it fondly. However, I also look back thinking “if I knew then, what I know now…” Well, let’s just say at a minimum I wouldn’t have skipped second period to go to McDonald’s for Egg McMuffins (sorry, Mom and Mr. Brown) quite so many times.
excitement. I did four years in and out more like I was doing a prison sentence than a fouryear taste of freedom.
As a twenty-two year old college grad, I possessed that very expensive piece of paper that took four years and thousands of dollars to earn, but I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Alternatively, when the “grow up” part was going to kick in. Somehow, through the eight years postgraduation, I found myself. I found friends that I’ve truly grown up with. I found a There’s also the types who are still besties marriage that is the opposite of everything I with their college roommates and have ever expected. I found that the children I reunions because (gasp) they actually enjoy always denied wanting were actually the a few close friends and their families than at a bar with one hundred strangers. It may be it. I look back at college with a more wistful, thing that would fulfill me the most. the dirty thirties that some people dread, but melancholy outlook. I went the school I picked half because I was trying to follow my Moreover, now I’m in my thirties. My thirties for me, right now are my glory days. then boyfriend and half because I knew my are the years where I’ve fully embraced me. brother was there, and it was, therefore “safe.” I’m past the days of peer pressure and petty Lynn Clinton is an Avon woman who traded her competition. I’m enjoying the days where career and stilettos for children and sneakers. I knew it was close enough to go home my achievements are measured by my boys, She almost never looks back. Would you like to often, and picked a major that I knew I would not my paycheck. I’m embracing a newfound read more? Lynn also writes over on her own do easily. There was no challenge to my career that is so far from where I projected blog, Love, Laughs and Lice...Stories from my college years. No, experimentation. No, myself to be. I’m happier sitting at a fire with life.
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Calendar of Local Family Events Optimist Club Egg Hunt
Easter Bunny Visit
Join in the egg hunt fun at Avon Washington Township Park. Sponsored by Optimist Club
Meet the Easter Bunny, take pictures and kids take home a goodie bag.
Where: Avon Washington Township Park When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free
Where: Old National Bank, 9720 E Rockville Rd, Avon When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free
Countryside Meadows Easter Egg Hunt
Thursday, April 2
Join Countryside Meadows on Thursday, April 2nd for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Grab the grandchildren for an evening of fun! The Easter bunny will be here at 5pm and the Easter egg hunt will begin at 6:10! The Easter Bunny will be here handing out goodies and door prizes, as well as taking pictures with the kids. We hope to see you here! Take a quick tour of the building to be entered into a prize drawing!
Saturday, April 4
Where: Countryside Meadows, 762 N Dan Jones, Avon When: 5:00 PM Who: All ages How: Just Show Up Cost: Free
For more information visit Easter Egg Decorating Saturday, April 4
Easter Egg Decorating, all supplies included Where: Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Park, Brownsburg When: 10:00AM - 1:00PM Who: All ages How: Just show up Cost: Free
Saturday, April 4
hendricks.macaronikid.com Eggstravaganza Saturday, April 4
Underwater Egg Hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Personal cameras are encouraged.
Where: Plainfield Recreation Center 651 Vestal Rd, Plainfield When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Who: All Ages How: Just show up Cost: Free Ages 5 & under: 11:00 - 11:10 Ages 6 to 10: 11:15 - 11:25 Ages 11 & older: 11:30 - 11:40
MK
Post It Poetry
Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 30 Copy lines from your favorite poet or create your own poem on a post-it note and display in area T. Where: Plainfield Library Area T When: All Day Who: Grades 6-12 How: Just Show Up Cost: Free
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Love Language becoming as you grow into adulthood.
By Dr. Michele O'Mara Have you ever had the thought, "If he really knew what I was saying he wouldn't possibly be responding to me the way he is?" Or, perhaps the opposite - "If she really knew me, she would never have said that in the first place?" When two people form a relationship, it is a cross-cultural experience, even when you come from the same city, town, ethnicity, and religion. How can this be, you ask?
We all have our own unique brew of life experiences from our separate home countriesthey give shape to our beliefs about how things should be, or perhaps how we expect they will be even if they aren't, when we get into a relationship. In my home country, we always ate dinner together, at a table, TV off. We cleaned every Saturday morning, and each of us had our separate chores. We always kissed each other before going to bed. We didn't talk back, and we didn't lie - or else! And the college was just that thing you do after high school, no discussion. Our home had a revolving door, a very social place with friends and neighbors visiting most days. It was also common to have someone living with us in my hometown of Bloomington (an exchange student, friends in transition, family from out of state going to IU, etc.). We spent most evenings together watching TV, but the oldest person always controlled the remote control (and I was not only the youngest, but for many of those years I was also the remote control!)
To help couples appreciate partner differences, it is a good strategy to imagine that each of you is from a different country. The idea is that when you meet and fall in love, you are faced with the challenge of learning about your new love, as well as all of the cultural norms and traditions that accompany your partner's family (home country) and their ways. All families create a culture of how things are This is a sampling of the way it was in my done, how love is communicated (or not), and country growing up. It's not right, it's not what the expectations are for whom you are wrong, but it was the way of my people. When
we enter relationships, we are faced with inclusive love to you and all of the people in negotiating traditions, and ways of being, and your country. being together. Whose way is going to be THE way that things are in our newly created melting pot of love? This is where it gets tricky. So when you find yourself asking, "Why on earth does he_________?" or, "Who in her right mind would think that it's okay to ________?" or, "If she loved me she would __________," these and similar thoughts are simply judgments. These are the thoughts that create struggle in relationships. The goal of love is not to make each other a clone of oneself. The goal in a loving relationship is to cherish and respect one another for who she is and to help her become whom she wishes to be (not who you wish her to be). Spend some time learning one another's love language, customs, and ways of being in the world, and in relationship. Get real, intentional, and very conscious of what's really going on. Are you rejecting the ways of his world? Are you expecting her to be fluent in a love language that is not native to her? Recognize your differences as opportunities to really know one another. Find ways to make room for these differences without judging one another as "right" or "wrong." Do what works. Big, happy,
As a Board Certified Sex Therapist and a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, Dr. O’Mara brings expert help to the Hendricks County area by providing men and women with supportive relationship care. With a nontraditional style of counseling that is heavily influenced by the field of life-coaching, Dr. O’Mara applies a non-judgmental attitude in all of her work, and seeks to understand who you are, who you wish to become, and how you want your life and relationships to look.
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New Water Heater Changes What you need to know before April 16, 2015 With the addition of more insulation, residential water heaters are expected to grow to meet National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 efficiency mandates that go into effect April 16, 2015. Water heater manufacturers are tasked with improving efficiency ratings – by almost double on some sizes – to maintain water temperature and conserve energy.
too small. In some cases, it could even require major modifications to apartments or condominiums on the part of the property owner. To go from two inches of insulation to three inches, standard 30- to 50-gallon water heaters will increase in diameter from 18-20 inches to 20-22 inches and will also get a little taller. The additional foam will increase the energy factor by .05.
All residential electric and gas water heaters and brands produced in the U.S. will be affected, and manufacturers won’t be able to produce non-compliant products after April 15.
Larger capacity models up to 100 gallons will grow even more in diameter and use heat pump technology to reach higher efficiency standards, which will substantially increase costs.
Added insulation will increase the size of water heaters Replacing a water heater that is already a tight fit may pose a big challenge starting next month.
What this means for homeowners is that they will be getting a much more energy-efficient water heater. However, this increased efficiency will result in higher up-front product and installation costs.
heaters, builders, architects and contractors need to start making provisions in specs and designs now. Property and/or homeowners should also plan accordingly when calculating replacement costs, whether it comes to existing or new purchases. Page 1/2 If you don’t address the issue now while product is still available, you’ve eliminated one of your potential solutions. One of your solutions could be changing your water heater and saving down the road, depending on product availability.
When homeowners are considering their options for water heaters, remember it is better to be safe than sorry. The real cost impact may need to involve modifying space and paying upwards of three times more for new technology several years from now. However, keep in mind that despite When production shifts to larger appliances, Considering your options now could save challenges with the new regulations, homeowners will have access to more water heater storage areas that once in the long run maximized space for residents could likely be Whether installing gas or electric water efficient and effective water heaters and will
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By Bart Fisher save money on energy costs, in the long run. Consulting with a plumbing professional who can help you identify your needs - now and in the future - may be your most prudent first step in addressing new regulations. Fite Plumbing provides 24-hour, 7 day-a-week, year-round service to its residential and commercial customers. In the business since 1989, Fite Plumbing has more than 90 years of combined licensed plumbing experience. For more information, visit http://www. fiteplumbing.com or call 317-996-6100 to schedule a water test or speak to a representative. Bart Fisher realizes that the most important part of any project is the reaction clients have upon their first purchase. In his current role as Service, Development & Marketing Coordinator at Fite Plumbing, he utilizes his experience and knowledge to enhance the company's growth and industry-leading services.
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Trauma Season 14
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By Katy (Baldwin) Portwood
inherited an outside cat when we moved into our house that I always worried about hitting when he got older. Teach your pets, especially your dogs, a really good recall, or come command. I read years ago that when you call them you have to say their name like you’re saying the word ice cream. This even goes for when you are super upset that they have escaped. You must always reward a pet for coming back to you even if you are mad at them for going on an unapproved jaunt. Practice in a variety of situations before you need it. A great way to teach puppies a great recall is to call their name and run away from them because it is a great game. Condition your animal to do what you ask. Hiking 10 miles if they have been in all winter can result in many issues depending on the situation. Heat, surface, and level of fitness are all important. Some breeds do not tolerate heat at all and anytime in the heat can be deadly. I’ve also seen dogs who had way too much fun the first weekend a family pool is open that have worn their paw pads all the way down to open and bleeding. If you don’t want to go or do something in a certain situation at least think about if it would be a good idea for your pet. I was just remarking at work this week that trauma season has arrived. Yes, we do see an occasional trauma during the winter months, but in our small animal patients we see a lot more once the weather is warmer and has seen several already in the last couple of weeks. I was thinking about why that is and although it isn’t a complete discussion by any means here are a few thoughts on it and what you can do to keep your pet as safe as possible.
Our system tells us if they’re out of a set home range with text messages to a set group of people and how many feet they are from a particular address. There are several options out there, and I’m not endorsing any company, so I’d recommend doing the research yourself, but know that the option is there. Flexible leashes are great in some instances, but you cannot control a dog on the end of them quickly if they are extended out. I’ve seen dogs and people get wound up in these and if a dog darts across to get The number one type of dog that is hit by a something they could end up in traffic. car is an unneutered male. The desire to go out and find a girlfriend is very powerful. Watch out for older animals. Another subset Decrease their wanderlust by neutering of commonly injured animals is those that them so that they prefer to stay at home have always gotten out of the way when the away from danger. car pulls out of the driveway or come right back when they are called. Older animals Along with this is to use a fixed length leash move more slowly, and their senses may be and a fence to contain your pet. I live with a decreased. I’ve worked with many owners Houdini and have another in my family that who feel terrible that they have hit their own can get out of a lot if they want to have so pet with their car when leaving the driveway chosen to put a GPS tracking collar on them. for these reasons and I can tell you we
with a snow plow on it, but she hoped up and kept moving. I found her without knowing anything had happened to her. My friends saw her get hit, and I took her in to be evaluated. Know where you would take your pet if something happens to them. Sometimes the time is important, although some traumas it wouldn’t make a difference if I were there right when it happened to start treating them. My dog ended up have multiple rib fractures at the top and bottoms of her ribs resulting in what is called a flail chest where she needed extensive pain management and oxygen to help her through the worst of her injury. Finally, as veterinarians and veterinary staff, we want to help in the event you have an emergency. Very few of our patients carry insurance; so, unfortunately, we have to talk about money that is required to treat. This is almost always the worst part of our jobs! If we made exceptions for everyone who told us, they would pay us later we would be out of business in a heartbeat. Have a contingency plan if an emergency happensget pet insurance, set aside money in an account for pet emergencies, know who you would ask to borrow money from, or be prepared to apply for care credit, which is a payment plan, credit card type option that many veterinary clinics accept.
Here is a tip that anyone who is driving can do to help protect animals, kids and anyone enjoying shared space on the roadways; don’t be a jerk! If you see animals or people near a road SLOW DOWN. I live on a road that is one mile long and the number of people in a race to get from one end to the other is astonishing. I see this mentality everywhere these days. I often wonder who is so darn important or in so much of a hurry that they would risk hitting animals or people. I guarantee you that you will not get wherever you are going faster if you hit an Enjoy the warmer weather and remember to protect your animal family members! animal or person. Know that accidents happen. When I was in vet school, I felt sorry for my pets because I had been studying non-stop for weeks, so I took my dog, Inca to a friend’s house with me to study. Even though she was shorter than my friend’s dog, she decided to jump the fence. My friend was monitoring the dogs out the window, so we left immediately to look for her. A couple of my friends tracked her and actually saw her get hit by a truck
Katy (Baldwin) Portwood is a veterinarian born and raised in Danville, IN. She loves to give practical advice to pet owners. She currently shares her home with her husband, two children, dogs, cats, horses and a miniature donkey. She loves meeting pets and their people and forging a lasting relationship with them. She is an associate veterinarian at Danville Veterinary Hospital, LLC. She can be reached HERE. (317) 745-2500
Our SpecialTEA 15
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Lauren Heller, co-owner of Our SpecialTea
opportunity that we had to go to a vendor show or anytime someone would let us "In 2003, we made frequent trips out west. display our teas for sale, we took that We would bring home pounds of loose leaf opportunity." tea and bring it home for ourselves. It wasn't super popular. We didn't have retail shops She went on to say, "We have four kids - more here for loose leaf tea at the time. It was more kids came in the picture. I was busy with that. difficult to find good quality loose leaf teas. Then, in 2009, I was diagnosed with a brain After we did that a few times, [we thought] tumor. We kept wanting to open a store front. 'Why don't we just do this ourselves?' People would come to us and tell us how Obviously there was a market here because much they wanted us to open a store front we would share our teas with our friends and where people could come in and sit down family. Everyone always loved the quality of and enjoy a cup of tea. God always shut that loose leaf as opposed to bagged versions. We door. Our family and my health just came took two years and researched the whole first. I believe that to be true. I didn't want to loose leaf tea industry. Our travels kept push my kids aside for my dream. A year ago, taking us out west to the Vegas area because the Bread Basket met with us and said, 'Hey, the World Tea Expo is held out there every we want to take our beverage side up a year. We would meet the farmers and notch, and we have table side service. Let’s growers and suppliers [of loose leaf tea.]" have a few teas and see how it goes. It has Lauren told us. "We obtained samples and done so well! We do seasonal teas. Two or had meetings with different suppliers. We three of their teas are custom blended just put together our business plan. We knew for them. That is something that we specialize that we didn't want to go with a store front in. [Around the same time] Betsy at the because we had two small boys at the time. Beehive contacted me about doing that We wanted to do it because it was a passion same thing and bagging up teas for the retail of ours - we wanted to enjoy it because we side. Probably three months ago, Seize the enjoy good tea. [Also, we wanted] it to be a Night Designs asked us to put teas in there source of income and to provide good tea for too. It has been a great relationship with her." the community. Finally, we started the e-commerce store. We ran with that. Any "I feel like God has allowed us to really get
our name out there all over the US. We ship nationwide each and every week. God has allowed us to meet the right people and form the right relationships. Last year, in 2014, we were able to support local ministries and local missionaries, full-time. That has been our goal - our goal has not been to build up this big company and make lots and lots of money. That might sound silly, but that is really not my goal. Our goal is to provide something unique to the community but in doing that, to share our faith in Christ. That is what we do, and that is what we want to support - local missions and local ministries. We are members of Bethesda Baptist in Brownsburg. It is really cool because, through my husband's job, we were able to start a small... I'm not sure what you'd call it... it started out of [our] home - it was providing formula and food for unwed, pregnant, drugaddicted women. Now, it has become this whole ministry that has been taken on by Bethesda. It is called the Store House. That is something that Lord allowed me to start ten years ago. It fueled my passion for pouring in even more into community ministries and missions work. God just keeps providing. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but that is what I wanted to do… through whatever means."
By Dave Giltner
Be sure to visit the online store: https://squareup.com/market/ourspecialtea
Call: (530) 421-8327 Also visit these other fine Restaurants and Retailers: The Bread Basket Café and Bakery – Danville 46 S. Tennessee Street (317) 718-4800 www.breadbasketcafe.com Beehive – Danville 55 E. Main Street (317) 718-8470 Menu available on Urbanspoon.com Seize the Night Designs – Danville 51 West Marion Street (317) 563-3190 For more information regarding the Store House Ministry mentioned in the article: Bethesda Baptist Church 7950 N. County Rd. 650 E. – Brownsburg (317) 852-3101 www.ebathesda.org
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Find your truth Truth can be found through many religions...find yours here
Come join us! Credo Discussion 9:00 am | Sunday Service 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
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Wizard of Oz Coming to Royal Theater on April 2nd
The Kiwanis Club of Danville is celebrating the 75th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” by showing the 1939 classic movie at the Royal Theater in Danville on Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. for the tenth edition of Kiwanis Klassic Family Movie Night. “The Wizard of Oz” stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, a young Kansas woman who is swept away by a tornado with her dog, Toto, to a magical land. She then embarks on a journey to find the Wizard, who is the only one who can send her back home.
Proceeds from the event will be used by the Kiwanis Club of Danville to help fund their local projects, which include scholarships fo r Danville Community High School students, the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Ellis Park, and sponsorship of a wide variety of local agencies and organizations.
This movie was rated G in 1970 and has a run time of 102 minutes. The Kiwanis Club of Danville is in its 14th year of service and meets every Tuesday at noon Admission is just $3 per adult and $1 per at Dave’s All-American Pizza and Eatery in child under the age of 12. Tickets are sold at Danville. Anyone is welcome to attend the door. This edition of Kiwanis Klassic meetings. Family Movie Night is sponsored by Hackleman Auto Collision Repair. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to For Kiwanis Klassic Family Movie Night, the improving the world one child and one Kiwanis Club of Danville teams up with the community at a time. It will be celebrating its historic Royal Theater and local businesses 100th Anniversary of service at its and organizations to provide classic movies International Convention in Indianapolis in for an entire family to enjoy at a great price. June of 2015.
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Cyberbullying The silent danger inside your home Turn on the evening news and we will certainly find headlines pertaining to the use of social media: celebrities commenting on a current event or a cute animal photo going viral, or a charitable project gaining speed because of its World Wide Web availability. These events are what have made the Internet and particularly social media so popular and widespread. Facebook indicates that nearly 90% of the nation’s 17-year-olds have personal accounts and more than half post comments on a daily basis. There are nearly 1.2 billion users of all ages on Facebook and nearly 300 million users of Twitter; our digital connectivity will only grow and seemingly never diminish. And with the growth in apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, Ask.fm, Pinterest, YikYak, Kik, Vine, YouTube, Google+ and countless others, it is safe to state this is the method we will use to communicate from now on. Businesses have developed marketing strategies around social media, politicians and celebrities gain followers with social media and school teachers are exchanging class projects and assignments with their millennial students every day with the help of social media sites. However, there is a dark side of social media we all know of, but, know little about. How or why are so many people, young and old, comfortable making cruel and sometimes ruthless comments or posts, about their acquaintances or friends online? Is cyber bullying the social anomaly we are led to believe it has become? Or is it exaggerated? And what is the difference between cyberbullying and just plain ole bullying? It begins by noting that bullying is not always physical; it may be verbal. And bullying is most often a face-to-face event and many times short lived. Whereas, cyber bullying is technological, rarely leading to face-to-face encounters and may be long term. In fact, many times the cyberbully may never challenge their victim face-to-face. Whereas, a bully victim could become a cyberbullying victim as an extension of the previous bullying altercation. A bullying event might occur while a child walks to school or plays on the school playground, and a cyberbullying event may
By Bruce A. Canal, CPP
occur at 1 o’clock in the morning when a in a playground bully event. What makes the oversight. Schools are responsible for their child reads a post on their favorite social cyberbullying event worse is the event is re- education. media application. lived at all hours of the day, and it is renewed with each new click? Three similarities both bullying and cyberbullying share: 1) there is a bully or Therefore, do not believe cyberbullying is cyberbully victim; 2) there is a bully or just another "rite of passage" and that "we cyberbully, and 3) there is a witness or all" go through it. Cyberbullying is witnesses. Always true in both instances and substantially more harmful and persistent. sometimes there are a combination bully/ Teen suicide is at a record high, school cyberbully and witness, especially in the violence has grown despite the decline in digital age. school crime, and many of these events have been attributed to cyberbullying. On the playground, the bully may elect to Cyberbullying is an international problem push a victim to the ground while several affecting each gender, all races, and kids watch in fright and disbelief. Moreover, socioeconomic statuses. And it rests on the those witnesses rarely do anything to thwart shoulders of school districts across the the activity. In fact, they usually do not nation; cyberbullying can be detected and comment during the event, comfort the thwarted. victim, attempt to stop it, or support the bullying action. Many adults can recall those There is not enough empirical data to school days experiences, and some have support describing cyberbullying as an entitled them “learning experiences” or “rites epidemic, and it affects less than 30 percent of passage.” of United States students in grades three through twelve. What is known by school While there are similarities on the social security specialists is that nearly 90% of the media site of bullying, it can be exponentially students who have committed a tragedy at worse for the victim. There is a cyber bully school (shooting, suicide, etc.) had explained throwing out one hateful barb after another their intentions to perpetrate the tragedy toward their victim, which meets two-thirds before it occurred. And many of those of the traditional bullying definition. tragedies have attributed to cyberbullying as However, in the digital world, many times the the root cause. victim will feel the sharp sting of other bullies and/or witnesses to the event, and this is The one question, probably best addressed where the two experiences begin to split by a sociologist is why do cyberbullies feel from each other. the freedom to bully in the digital world? Is it the feeling of anonymity, the physical How does it differ? The playground bullying distance between the bully and victim, or are event ends when the victim yells "uncle" and people just hateful and mean and this the bully walks away laughing or jeering at technology has permitted an arena to the victim. The witness(es) may comfort the express their behavior? victim or just walk away without uttering a word and for all intents and purposes, the Many security professionals see cyber bullies A native Hoosier, who hails from Terre Haute, Bruce has spent his adult life in the security world. Retired from the bullying event has concluded. Soon as opportunistic: taking advantage of an Indiana State Police, Bruce got involved in school and forgotten by most (not by the victim) the unregulated industry with few established corporate security after the ISP. While he resides in traditional bullying event is an event in the boundaries. A recent focus group of high Plainfield today, he travels the country helping schools past. school social media users revealed an protect their kids and promoting Social Net Watcher, a company he founded that monitors students on social amazing pattern. When asked why so many media for cyberbullying, teen suicide and school In the cyberbullying event, the tormenting is students retweet, share and like violence. An IU graduate and active in fitness related perpetual; the infamous "like," "retweet" or cyberbullying events they witness on social stuff, Bruce has children and grandchildren to occupy "share" buttons come into play. For each media, the students cited self-preservation. most of his leisure time. time those buttons are clicked; the event is By clicking those buttons when a friend or Twitter: re-lived by the victim. And the victim is acquaintance was being cyberbullied, it https://twitter.com/SoNetWatch exponentially harmed because many of essentially kept the original cyber bully from those bystander/witness(es) chime in when tormenting them. Our students are in need Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Social-Net-Watcher/149060 they otherwise would have remained silent of ethical, social media behavior training and 525186723?ref=bookmarks
Senior Pets Part Two
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By Katy (Baldwin) Portwood
February was “Dental Health Month” in the thorough physical exams, but we aren’t able something about them. We may monitor veterinary world. Many clinics offer specials to reach all parts of all organs on our numbers if changes are mild or during the month to entice owners to get palpation, or in depth feel of the abdomen, additional diagnostics or medications their pet or pets in for professional or belly. Blood work measures the may be recommended as well. dental cleanings. More than amount of enzymes produced 85% of dogs and cats by various organs or As a general rule, we don’t run as many older than 4 years systems and reports tests as human medicine, because budget old have them. The enzymes is often an issue and our patients often hide periodontal are not always signs of illness until they are very ill. Blood disease and specific to one work, radiographs (x-rays), and urinalysis are only about organ, but considered a minimum database for 40% of the there are often illnesses. Many clients opt to do an dental m u l t i p l e ultrasound if recommended because it is anatomy enzymes that a minimally invasive way to get a lot can be give clues more information. A CT or MRI is an evaluated about the option but require general on routine health of an anesthesia in most cases to get e x a m . organ o r the patient to remain still. In When telling system. Like many pets, changes are due to pet owners many things in aging, or the aging body’s inability to repair damage at their pet has veterinary the cellular level. As dental disease aging occurs, they often report the body that their pet just had their teeth brushed at the groomer’s. We brush our teeth multiple times a day and still are encouraged to see the dentist every six months if not more frequently. Most pets do not have their teeth brushed daily, or even weekly. A professional dental cleaning is nearly identical to what our dental hygienist does when cleaning our teeth, but because pets do not open their mouth and say “ahhh” anesthesia is required. Why is dental health important? For many of the same reasons that is important in people. The bacteria in dental tartar is released in a bacterial shower when chewing occurs. These bacteria may travel to internal organs including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Also, dental pain is nothing to take lightly. My patients are often very stoic, but many owners report that once dental disease is addressed their pet is like a puppy or kitten again. What they thought was their pet “just getting old” may be due in large part to dental pain. We try to address dental disease when it is reversible, or before the tooth starts to loosen from it’s attachment to the gums and underlying bone. As I told you last time, blood work is often recommended for senior pets, but it is a great thing to do at some point early on in your pet’s life as well so that a baseline is established. Veterinarians are trained to do
m e d i c i n e, bloodwork is a puzzle piece. We interpret bloodwork in light of the clinical picture of the animal, or what they looked like when we saw them, and if we have a baseline from your healthy pet we compare to that. Younger pets and older pets may have different reasons for abnormalities in bloodwork. The earlier we can catch alterations the more quickly we can do
becomes l e s s efficient. Pe t s have arthritis and may have accidents inside, when they never used to. There are definite parallels between geriatric people and animals. All owners have a limit to what they believe is right for their pet and their family as well as the end of available funds. My goal in the event of illness is to work with the owner and the pet to determine the best course of action. Hopefully, before your pet is ill your veterinarian is familiar with them and you so
that everyone in the conversation feels comfortable. Senior pets are living longer in large part due to preventative care such as bloodwork, dental care, and regular check ups. Pet owners are so important with communicating their observations at home because many pets do not behave normally in a veterinary office where adrenaline often hides pain or other signs of illness. If you notice something in your pet that is not normal the best course of action is to contact your regular veterinarian to determine how quickly they should be seen or other suggestions you can try at home. Katy (Baldwin) Portwood is a veterinarian born and raised in Danville, IN. She loves to give practical advice to pet owners. She currently shares her home with her husband, two children, dogs, cats, horses and a miniature donkey. She loves meeting pets and their people and forging a lasting relationship with them. She is an associate veterinarian at Danville Veterinary Hospital, LLC. She can be reached HERE. (317) 745-2500
How Much Could a Cup of Coffee Cost? 20
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If you're not careful, more than you know We had been going to Atlantic City to host our Eastern Regional meetings for years. It’s an easy-to-access place for our agents on the East Coast that ensures we get good attendance –there’s something about gambling that makes it a no-brainer. From a management perspective, we know the meeting rooms, we know the area, and we always get positive reviews from our attendees.
hall. You can get coffee there…..” I just stared at her. I had an hour before the meetings were going to start, and we needed to do some last minute preparation. Going down to the Casino and back would chop 15 minutes off of that available time. “Tell you what. Follow me,” said Samantha. She leads my colleague and me to the buffet restaurant she had referenced and proceeded to walk in front of a long line of East Coast patrons who immediately began giving her…and us…dirty looks. Samantha began to explain to the hostess that “those guys” need to get some coffee and could she take care of that right away. She did it in a regular speaking voice for all to hear.
When news of Atlantic City’s economic troubles began to surface over the past year in a more serious way, I was more than little nervous about what to expect. Despite the smoke, dirty meeting rooms, strong east coast personalities and an hour drive from the Philadelphia airport, the service at our hotel [names withheld, so I don’t get whacked by angry AC hotel personnel] had We looked down at our shoes and the wall to always been impeccable. avoid making eye contact with the restless natives – we were now uncomfortable and So, I was surprised when our hotel in fear for our lives. representative didn’t hang up her cell phone when she saw me standing in the hallway “Great! She’s gonna take care of ya,” Samantha waiting to catch her attention. Finally, she said. “Is there anything else I can do for ya?” finished her call and started to walk past me. As we waited for the hostess to come back, “Samantha, Hi there – I was hoping to ask you the buffet line got longer and angrier. Finally, a quick question,” she came back with a drink carrier and four I said. coffees. I mumbled a thank you and started to walk away. “Oh, sure. What can I do for you,” said Samantha. “Hey. You gotta pay for that at the counter over there,” she said pointing to a register “Well, my colleagues and I are getting some across the restaurant. work done in the meeting room before the meeting actually starts – I was wondering if “Seriously?” I said out loud. “Really?” we could have some coffee delivered to the meeting room while we work?” She walked away. I paid and went back our meeting room with 20 minutes less on the “Oh,” she said. “Well….you know, coffee is clock and $15 worth of crappy coffee at an about $40 per urn…..” event for which we paid more than $30,000. “..Oh..no,” I said. “Sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant that we just wanted about four cups of coffee delivered to the meeting room – just for the four of us.” What Samantha didn’t know (or maybe she did) was that in the past seven years we’d been working with her hotel, it was never a problem to have coffee delivered to the meeting room, at no extra charge.
Let’s put all the cards on the table (get it? We were in AC?). Generally, I can get my own coffee, and normally do. Virtually every day of my working life. That’s not the point. Our host knew our time constraints. She knew our history. She knew that we were good customers. For all I know, she may have sent coffee to our room at no charge in previous years. Bottom line – the erosion of that service level and the inconvenience and discomfort that four cups of coffee caused may, in fact, cost them the business next year.
By AJ Schneider
become dissatisfied and take their business elsewhere. It’s a series of little details. Sure, there might be a larger catalyst. But as I’ve stated in this column several times before – mistakes are expected. It’s how you respond to them that counts. In this case, It was a blatant misread of the situation and a failure to take matters into one’s own hands to make the customer happy. Here’s the message: Just get the coffee.
wasn’t the largest event happening at MGM, it was expensive and important to us) we were the first to check-in of our group, and probably grasped that I was the guy who was going to get the flack when the boss had to wait in line. He read the tea leaves and made a decision to check us in, even though he didn’t have to. That decision started our relationship with the MGM in a very positive way. The high level of service they provided throughout the rest of the event had us We left Atlantic City and headed for Las Vegas talking about next year – more than likely where we hold our Western Regional we’ll go back to MGM. Meeting. My boss and I arrived at the MGM Grand hotel at about 3 p.m. Vegas time. The Atlantic City and Las Vegas can seem like a line for check-in was a mile long. Because we world away from Hendricks County. But hold meetings in Las Vegas regularly, we business is business. It’s easy in business to often receive VIP check-in and are able to get so focused on the rules, policies, avoid those lines. This, however, was our first transactions and getting things done that we time at MGM, and we were NVIP (not very forget to look at the nuance of our customers’ important). Nevertheless, I figured it was situations. Finding quick solutions to their worth a shot. problems (no matter how annoying) can make a huge difference in a customer’s I got in the VIP line and was soon speaking to experience. the clerk. Clearly, you can’t give away the store. But if a “Hello,” I said with as much authority as I quick cup of coffee or a little special could muster. “We’re holding our event here treatment can make the difference, how tomorrow and I’m pretty sure we’re supposed much could it cost? to have VIP check-in….” The man looked at me and smiled. “Let me see what I can do,” he said. I gave him the information for both me and my boss and even explained that my boss was supposed to have a fancy room as part of our package (that part was true). “Excellent he said. I can see that in the system now. Is there anything else I can do for you,” he said, staring me directly in the eyes and giving me a knowing smile. It was as if he was saying, “You and I both know you don’t have VIP check-in, but if it makes your stay here more pleasant and you have a better experience, I’ll make it happen.” And he was right. When my boss and I left the counter to drop our bags in our rooms, the regular check-in line was 100 people deep – a 40-minute wait for sure.
What a sharp contrast from the coffee “I see. Well, you can go down to the coffee incident of a few days earlier in Atlantic City. shop on the first floor of the Casino, or, there’s The clerk in Las Vegas confirmed were having even the buffet restaurant right down the Rarely does one thing cause a customer to an event, understood that (while it certainly
A.J. Schneider is the executive vice president of Indianapolisbased Wheaton Van Lines (the parent company of Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines and Clark & Reid) one of the largest household goods moving companies in the United States. Schneider brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, sales and customer service to the moving and storage industry to ensure customers get where they’re going. The father of two young girls, he and his wife live in Avon. Schneider can be reached at 317.558.0746 or at: aj_schneider@wvlcorp.com.
The Way I See It 21
hendrickshome.com
by Lisa Blythe
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Green Walls
hendrickshome.com
Going Vertical!
In the world of bigger homes and smaller yards, green space has become a smaller and more coveted commodity. This is especially true in urban spaces, apartments or zero lot line neighborhoods. Function over aesthetics often determines outdoor space use. In these tight spaces, the gardens and green spaces have become more creatively located to compensate for the lack of room. Besides planters and indoor window gardens, plants have gone vertical. Living walls (or green walls, vertical gardens) are defined as “selfsufficient vertical gardens that are attached to the exterior or interior of a building.” Vertical green walls have been around for thousands of years in the form of trellises and climbing plants and trees. In 1937, Landscape Architecture professor Stanley White patented a system called “VegetationBearing Architectonic Structure and System” which were plant units capable of being built up to cover vertical surfaces. His invention did not find a mainstream audience until the end of the century. The popularity of vertical gardening has increased in the past decade. Of the 61 large-scale outdoor green walls listed on a greenroof.com database, 80%
were constructed in or after 2009, and 93% amounts of food water and air? Plant choice is critical. In essence, any plant were built after 2007. that is successful in a potted plant can find success in a vertical wall garden. However, Benefits of a vertical garden wall. Besides maximizing small spaces, vertical every plant is unique and in different gardens offer the ability to free up ground situations might react in an opposing way. space for people space. They also improve air Investigate which plants experts recommend quality, offer potential herb and vegetable for your wall system to get the right results. garden locations, insulate walls, reduce noise It is also important that the soil be best and wind and potentially increase in property suited for the plant and the vertical garden value. Garden walls help create a space’s system as well as the growing climates. identity and add personality and life to an Many plants also grow in different speeds. It is a good idea to choose varieties that will otherwise stale space. grow quickly for establishment and stay hearty, especially in climates with seasons. Is a green wall right for you? There are many factors in deciding if a green wall is right for your space. Ask yourself You have now created another space several questions. Do you have the available that requires water. Be sure that if you space inside or outside? What type of have an automatic watering system, that planting style are you going for? For example, you are not running the system too long. you may want an ivy type installation or Experiment over time on how much something more colorful like ferns or water is best suited for your green wall. succulents. Is there access to the space for Do not forget that gravity plays a large part maintenance? If there isn’t the proper water in how water moves through a landscape. Be source nearby or time and access to sure you have considered where the maintenance, this may affect the wall’s overflow water will go as to not create success. Will the location of the wall require puddles in small areas. The more hands-free sun and is this space receiving enough your watering system, the easier it will be for sunlight? Are the weather elements, such as you to maintain the wall. wind, temperature and exposure going to affect the space? When you have asked It is important to remember that we live in yourself all of these questions and have Indiana where deciduous plants will lose clearly defined answers, then you can their leaves over the winter. Outdoor systems successfully proceed to design a green wall. may require winterization through the winter months which may not provide the green appeal that indoor systems will provide. Be Choosing a wall system There are many modern vertical wall brands sure to understand your plant habitats when on the market as well as homemade systems. designing a system for your space to provide Any of these will work, however, all vertical the most optimum walls all year long. garden system must consider the following conditions. Many vertical wall systems have Don’t forget the after effects. built-in holes or hardware to attach to All gardens have one thing in common that surfaces. It is important to make sure the cannot be forgotten in a garden wall. Bugs. system you choose will accommodate the You are creating a new micro-climate which space and wall you have chosen. Will you be has all of the elements of a planted garden, drilling screws into brick? Will the height and including the potential for bugs. Do not be weight of the system be an issue for the wall? surprised when they arrive. Also, remember Understand and read all of the manufacturer’s that if an area is cold or dark, the inclusion of recommendations before installing any a green wall will cool and darken the space green wall system. Should you choose to even more. A green wall can add a low or make your own homemade system, consult high level of maintenance depending on the with experts who have had success in their type of plant and style of wall. Be sure that you are committed to the added attention green spaces. that a green wall will require. Are the plants receiving the proper
A healthy green vertical garden will bring an entirely new experience to an outdoor space. All of the senses will be affected. The sights and sounds and experience will significantly be impacted and provide a rich texture to landscaping like none other. Visit any of the local garden centers of Hendricks County this spring and ask about the green garden wall systems they support and sell. Enjoy going vertical.
By April Westcott 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. Resources Green Over Grey: Living Walls and Design www.greenovergrey.com The International Greenroof & Greenwall Projects Database!". greenroofs.com. Greenroofs.com, LLC. Retrieved 17 October 2013. "select 'green wall' as type and 'living wall' under 'green roof type'" Hindle, Richard L. "Stanley Hart White and the question of ‘What is Modern?’." Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes 33.3 (2013): 170-177.
@TheBrainRunner 23
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By Dave Giltner
"Back in 2008, I was getting ready for work. I jumped in the shower, passed out, and I don't remember a whole lot. My wife was downstairs and heard me fall. She got me out of the shower and called the ambulance which took me to Hendricks Regional in Danville. They ended up doing some scans and found that I had an aneurysm that had ruptured. They were not able to treat that at that hospital. They wound up flying me to Methodist. A couple of days later, I had a surgery to repair the ruptured aneurysm. I spent a couple of weeks in the hospital recovering and then a total of about 7 out of work hanging out at home and recovering. It happened on the Monday before the Election Day in 2008 in November. Surgery was on that Thursday. I was in the hospital within an hour and a half of collapsing roughly." Mike told us. According to the Mayo Clinic, aneurysm is defined as, "A ballooning and weakened area in an artery." In this case, the artery is in the brain. "Aneurysms often occur in the aorta, brain, back of the knee, intestine, or spleen. A ruptured aneurysm can result in death. Treatment varies from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. The choice depends on the location, size, and condition of the
aneurysm." He said, "I remember a little bit - when she got me out of the shower, being excessively cold. My head - it was just the worst headache that I had ever felt. I ended up throwing up from the pain. I remember them telling me that I had an aneurysm in Danville. I remember the helicopter taking off and then after that I don't really remember much of the rest of that day and just bits and pieces of the rest of that week. It was pretty much lost. Really, the next [memory] - I remember being rolled into the operating room when they were going to do the surgery on that Thursday. I remember having a very brief conversation with my wife. After that, the next thing that I remember is waking up the Colts play the Steelers." "A lot of aneurysm sufferers that have a rupture do have some sort of memory loss. For probably the next 3 or 4 months, my short-term memory was not what it usually was. For the most part now, I would say it is back to normal. There was a time that I'm sure I would ask my wife the same thing multiple times. Eventually, that came back. Long-term memory wasn't really affected for me though for some people it does. A lot of
people who have that kind of aneurysm rupture will have some type of speech or motor function impairment. I was thankful that I didn't have any of that occur. I ran in high school. I had probably 15 years or so when I didn't. After the aneurysm, I decided I wanted to get back in shape. I started running again. Then, I worked my way up. I'd never done a marathon. I had done a minimarathon in Indy. My next was in 2009 when I ran a monumental half-marathon. That was after the aneurysm. It did spark the want to get back into running. As far as the vegetarianism, I started in October 2008. That was a month prior to the aneurysm rupturing. That was because I had high cholesterol and didn't want to take a pill for the rest of my life. It is all kind of interrelated I guess." We asked how he felt now. "I feel pretty good. I go and have a head scan every 5 years. I did have a total of three aneurysms. Only one had ruptured. In March of 2009, they went back in and took care of the other two - a total of two brain surgeries." "I think I am more appreciative of the time that I have here on the Earth. I was religious or spiritual before but I think it has renewed that relationship with God. There is definitely
a spark in that. Beyond that, I am enjoying my days as much as possible - be it a work or at home with the kids, I am just trying to appreciate every minute." He told us. Follow Mike on Twitter @theBrainrunner.
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Sycamore Printing Community Focused
Catherine Foreman, Print Shop Manager for Sycamore Printing - an arm of Sycamore Services, an extraordinarily important organization in Hendricks County, which is dedicated to improving the lives of so many. "We provide services to folks who have developmental disabilities. We have a very large program with a lot of different divisions," she said. "About 11 years ago, [Sycamore Services] purchased a local printing company that used to be on Main Street in Danville with the idea that it would bring some money into the coffers. The money that we make here goes directly to support the services at Sycamore." When asked about what they do, Catherine said, “"We are printers. We print pretty much anything that is on paper - the traditional stuff like business cards, letterhead, envelopes, posters, brochures, flyers... a multitude of different things."
which nobody uses anymore. Everything has gone digital. We have a digital printer that we use for what we produce here and then we have an off-site facility where we do wide format printing and promotional materials. We a new offering - cut vinyl... like wall graphics."
Partnership and the Town of Danville." She said. Not just printing but web services too – Jonathan said, "By background is in computer graphics technology. I cover a wide range of skills - web design is one of those. I can either design it from scratch or I can work with these new websites like WIX.com or Weebly. com. We can work with a template from start to finish and add graphics and text from the client. If the [client] doesn't want to maintain the website, then we can maintain it for them. It is a new thing to the shop."
Speaking about the unique service that they offer she said that everything they do is completely custom and focused on specific jobs. For pricing, it will depend on your project so get with Catherine to provide that information. “We don’t cookie-cut anybody. We also offer design services – that is a big thing.” She said. Both she and Print Shop A list of Sycamore Printing Services can be Production Manager, Jonathan Hardin. found:
"I see people that I know come through the front door, and it is nice to help somebody out that you know. When you see wedding invitations, and you see baby showers and birthdays and that kind of thing, it is very rewarding. You also get to help groups too. Catherine told us, "The printing business has We print for the Royal and Hendricks changed a lot. When I first started here, there Historical Society and Mayberry and people were three 2-color presses in the back room in town. We print for the Downtown Danville
http://sycamoreservices.com/?page_id=497
They are located at: 72 South Jefferson Street Danville, IN 46122 Phone:(317) 745-5456 Social Media:
https://w w w.facebook .com/pages/ Sycamore-Printing-Center/136734891078
Disaster Preparedness Avon HS Ethics Team Heads to Nationals By Claire-Anne Aikman
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By MeChelle Callen
each other’s info so we can carry it in our wallets. Why do this? My ability to recall a phone number has greatly diminished since cell phone memory banks are seemingly endless (I can, however, still recall my childhood phone number, thank you very much). Sometimes there is no replacement for pen and paper and should the phone conk out, we needed a backup memory. With the local numbers noted, we followed the Red Cross’ recommendation and had an A friend and I were chatting about disaster out of area emergency contact to check in coverage and disaster planning a few weeks with because it may be easier to make a longago, and it made me really think about distance call. We also made sure our cell disaster preparedness for my family. phones were connected to emergency alerts to keep us updated. When I was in school, there were frequent tornado drills this time of year. Fire drills were We also factored in our elderly neighbors also practiced. As I entered the workforce, that we check in with when things are calm. employers carried the drill torch. In both They needed to be part of our planning as cases, it was done with the hope that one well. They are still developing their kits, and would just KNOW what to do in a disaster we have included them in our check-in spots. situation, so panic does not set it. It makes Next, we made a supply plan. I’m not talking perfect sense. full-on doomsday preparedness but rather, making sure there were a few extras of the Which is why I then decided to develop a basic necessities. Food, water, and basic first plan for my family (can you say learning aid items top the list as did flashlights and opportunity?). duct tape. FEMA has a full list, and you can buy kits ready to go if it makes things easier. First we scouted out routes in the house. We Chances are, with a little thought and a noted two exit options in each room – this Rubbermaid tote, you have the majority of didn’t take long. We then determined a the items in the house. The key is gathering, gathering spot for the family to meet if we making sure everything is in working order, were all home when disaster struck. and placing in a spot that you can grab easily should you need to. Phase two of this plan was the pets. Three humans and three pets reside in our Our last phase is making sure we know how household. This makes for simple math, and to use things that will help us along the way we determined each human has a pet buddy - like how to use a fire extinguisher or they need to wrangle. We are still working perform basic first aid. And although hubs on this part, as every critter is not as willing knows how to shut off utilities should we to tag along. It has, however, made us need to, I haven’t a clue, so that is additional change a few things: Pet carriers are more learning for me. easily accessible, as is a small array of pet I feel comforted in knowing we have a plan, supplies (food, blankets, any medications, and I hope you take some time to establish a water, and bowls). Going forward, we will be plan for Indiana’s disaster season as well. teaching a certain super dog to help us corral the others. He is up for the task as he sees himself as the top critter anyway… this form Claire-Anne Aikman is an Award Winning, Top of authority is sure to delight, and he will take Producing, Associate Broker/Realtor ensuring her clients receive the service they deserve in achieving the job very seriously. their home goals.
With the pet plan in place, we needed to determine a displacement disaster plan. What happens if we were not all at home at the same time when disaster struck? We established a central meeting point, and we crafted contact information cards carrying
Follow her on twitter: twitter.com/IndyHomeSeller Visit her online: www.callcarpenter.com/claire-anneaikman
What moral obligation do we have to ensure that working conditions for everyone meet certain minimum conditions? What criteria should we use to decide who ought to have “the right to die?” Should it be considered discrimination if people with disabilities are not allowed to participate in the same activities as other students? Upon first glance, these probably appear to be questions that are being addressed in the halls of justice, on the floor of the house or senate, or perhaps on NPR or CNN. But, in fact, these are just a few of the issues that the newly created Avon High School Ethics Bowl Team is preparing to discuss at the National High School Ethics Bowl Competition at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in April. Modeled after the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, the National High School Ethics Bowl is a competitive event in which students analyze and discuss timely and timeless ethical issues. Students are given 15 cases to analyze, and within very strict time limits for the completion the students are required to present a fairly in-depth position encompassing many ethical considerations as concisely and clearly as possible.
Kelly and Laura Rasmussen, who are both teachers at Avon High School and Geoff Klinger, who is a parent volunteer. When asked what you believe the students are gaining from this experience Mrs. Kelly said, “There is no question that the students are developing stronger analytical and metacognitive skills as they are forced to delve into and question why they think and believe the way they do. Academically, the opportunity for growth is phenomenal, but I would be remiss to not mention how an experience such as this fosters personal and social growth as well as greatly increases the students’ self-confidence.”
With only four weeks to prepare, the Avon B team of Callen, Klinger, Hatfull and Westcott will be focusing on the moral nuances of these new 15 cases and how subtle details may impact their overarching ethical stand. They will be spending time investigating the thinking behind their views, and that investigation may well expose assumptions, biases, and conflicts that they are presently holding. It will also lead to their gaining a deeper understanding of the issues these cases present and the ethical and moral dilemmas inherent in them while leading In February, two teams represented Avon them to clarifying their positions on them. High School at the Midwest High School Ethics Bowl competition at DePauw Thanks to the encouragement and support University where they deliberated on issues of Avon High School, the Avon Community such as possible discrimination in the army’s School Corporation and the parents of these dress code for women, the use of Photoshop students, the Avon High School Ethics Bowl on models in magazines, students writing team will have an opportunity to represent their own letters of recommendation for a the Midwest. teacher’s signature, and using immunization programs as covert surveillance operations Good luck to the students and in the Middle East. The two teams that congratulations for stepping up, stepping represented Avon High School at the out, and demonstrating to all of us what can Midwest competition are comprised of Team be accomplished with hard work and A: Noah Toney, LaTaja Long, Natalie Lazo and perseverance. To learn more about the Rachel Moore. And Team B: Abigail Callen, National High School, Ethics Bowl check out Sage Klinger, Michael Hatfull and Sailor their website at nhseb.unc.edu. Westcott. The teams were coached by Allison
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hendrickshome.com
What to Expect when You're Expecting... a Renovation
by J.D. Nesbitt
Okay, you’ve done it! You’re ready to pull the trigger on your home renovation project, now what?
No matter how much pre-planning goes into your project before it begins, there will always be unforeseen changes out of anybody's control.
Ideally, by this point, you’ve selected a contractor and come up with a design plan that works for your home. Now, this may be the time you think that you can turn it all over to the contractor and the designer and sit back and wait for your new space, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
The key to remember is that all of these issues are tied together. A surprise discovery leads to changes in the renovation plan which lead to...
When a major renovation is underway and you’re pushing through surprises and changes, you’re going to have to make some quick decisions – be prepared.
Expect…Surprises There are almost always surprises when a renovation begins. Old houses or newer houses, it doesn’t matter. There’s no accounting for how the home was constructed when new or what has been done to the home in the years since. We call these surprises “beyond the plane of sight”.
Now what?
In order to keep the project on track and minimize costly delays, you’ll likely have to pull the trigger on decisions quickly and move forward confidently. That perfect tile you love turns up out of stock for 3 months? Time to find another perfect tile. The receiving port is on strike and you can't get your sink for another three weeks? Time to decide if you're going to gamble on waiting the additional lead time or look for a replacement.
Frequently these issues are minimal. It may be something as simple as hidden electrical junctions that need rewired or a subfloor issue that needs corrected. Sometimes they are far worse – such as mold issues or even termite damage.
Expect…Enjoyment Throughout the project, no matter what happens – expect to enjoy it.
Yeah, it can be a scary prospect, but it shouldn’t deter you from tackling a renovation. If the renovation wasn’t happening, you’d continue on living with these, sometimes dangerous, issues in your home. That’s definitely the silver lining. Better to know and correct than to live unsafely in ignorant bliss.
The key indicator of a good renovation, and a good renovation team, is your ability to enjoy the entire process. Will it be stressful? Undoubtedly. But, it should also be exciting as you change your personal spaces to reflect you and your family's personalities, wants and needs.
Those surprises won't always be related to hidden issues inside your home. Many times they'll be surprises to your pocketbook.
Expect…Changes As your renovation ramps up and even as it progresses, expect changes along the way. Things change as new issues arise. Perhaps it’s as simple as relocating a shower wall niche, or maybe it’s reworking an entire
You're having a renovation.
Expect…Last-Minute, Quick-Fire Decisions
So, what can you expect when you’re expecting a home renovation?
There's nothing more stressful than finding a previously unknown issue and finding out it's also going to cause your budget to take a big hit.
Congrats!
cabinet layout. Whatever the changes, if you’re working with a good contractor and a good designer, you’re in good hands. They’ll walk you through the changes and help you make the best decision for your project.
Whether you're creating an outdoor entertainment space, getting the master bathroom or kitchen of your dreams or simply updating a space within your home - make sure you put together the right team to help you accomplish your home renovation goals. Surround yourself with professionals and let them help you make the best decisions for your home, your family and your renovation. You'll get the best results possible when you consider these steps I've outlined here for you.
J.D. Nesbitt is the Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer at Brownsburg residential interior design firm, Aesthete Designs. J.D. can be reached at (317)286-3521 or at info@ aesthetedesigns.com. You can find lots of design inspiration by following him on Pinterest. He's available for everything from full remodel projects to hourly consultations.