HC Spring 2015

SPRING 2015

the

Life in Hendricks County

Seize the Night Designs joins merchants on Danville square

hot skates offers something for everyone what are your plans for valentines’ day?

and much more! turn the page for 32 pages of features!

history in the making

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CONT ENTS volume 5

issue 25

spring 2015

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

12 HOME

Solar powered water heater could be the answer for you

13 MONEY

Finding the right auto loan

10

Day of love

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

16 Q & A

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lOVE DESTINATIONS Hendricks County a hotspot for Valentine’s Day

Don Criss, Bethesda Christian School administrator

Published by

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Fun for all

8109 Kingston Street, Ste. 500 Avon, IN 46123 317-272-5800 www.flyergroup.com

Hot Skates offers something for all ages

TheHCFlyer

Publisher Harold Allen

harold.allen@flyergroup.com

spring 2015

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Production Director/Design Terry Ballard terry.ballard@flyergroup.com

Sales Director David Johnson david.johnson@flyergroup.com

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history in the making

Historical Museum hosts new dancing competition Editor Kathy Linton

kathy.linton@flyergroup.com

Graphic Layout Patrick McCauley

pat.mccauley@indianamediagroup.com

Creating a Blueprint for fast-tracking retirement What does it take to be comfortable during retirement? Conventional wisdom calls it the 4 percent rule — withdrawing about that amount from your nest egg each year to live comfortably. And, for that, millions of Americans believe they need to stick to a job they don’t like during their earning years.

“Unfortunately, the kind of money retirees want to spend each year for a comfortable lifestyle tends to be about $60,000, which means someone’s nest egg would have to be $1.5 million for that rate of withdrawal to sustain for 25 years,” says financial advisor Dave Lopez, a mathematics and computer science major who applies his analytical mind to solving retirement challenges.

“Of course, there are additional sources of income during retirement, such as social security, but the program may not survive the coming decades. And, there are additional costs of retirement, including legacy interests and the likelihood of needing longterm medical care.”

The fact is that millions of retirees simply do not have or will not have the kind of income they’d like to have during retirement. Lopez, founder of ILG Financial, LLC (www.theilg.com), discusses an alternative approach to the golden, or distribution years.

• Remember, Social Security is a welfare program. Before President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935, seniors worked. America was an agrarian culture, and many who were in their 60s and 70s usually continued duties on the family farm, albeit handling lighter tasks.

• You don’t have to remain stuck in your “earning” job.

“The U.S. government is the biggest employer in the world, and I work with many of its employees,” he says. “They usually have high-stress jobs and usually want to retire as early as possible and, while leaning on their pension, start working on their own terms as government contractors.”

• Consider retiring early and working the job you’ve always wanted. The model frequently followed by retired

government workers can be replicated by millions of other retirees. You don’t need a $1.5 million nest egg when you combine Social Security with a smaller withdrawal amount and a fun job earning $20,000 a year. Retirees can be creative in how they earn this “fun money.”

“Let’s say your passion is water skiing — why not parlay this hobby into a career?”

Lopez says. “You’ll likely have decades of experience and plenty of contacts. You might

work for a ski shop or create a small business giving lessons.

Doing something you love is a great way to stay active as an older person.”

• No pension? Create your own. The days of working 30 years for a single company and collecting a sizeable pension are mostly over. This means retirees need to get creative and rely on other sources of income, including IRAs and strategies for annuities — effectively creating their own “pension.” Annuities are contracts with insurance companies. The contracts, which can be funded with either a lump sum or through regular payments, are designed as financial vehicles for retirement purposes.

The money used to fund the contract grows tax-deferred.

Unlike other tax advantaged retirement programs, there are no contribution limits on annuities.

“Annuities provide plenty of opportunity,” he says. “Of course, creative options also yield the risk of complexity.

You’ll want to be sure to know what you’re doing, or at least consult with an accredited professional.”

• Consider lifestyle changes.

Through the distribution years, you should consider moving to a place where the cost of living is cheaper than major metropolitan areas. Simply put, you’ll want your money to go further. Take a play from younger folks who are cutting their cable in favor of only WiFi access. Learn how to cook delicious meals on a budget.

For many, learning how to make one’s money work better for them, rather than working for their money, is a preferable lifestyle.

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spring 2015

Story by Melissa Gibson

melissa.gibson@flyergroup.com

Most couples have a memorable story about the day they met or the day they decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

The Hendricks County Flyer decided that Valentine’s Day was a good time to reminisce about those special moments and asked readers to share their stories with us.

Julie Randall may hold the record on longest dating relationship, since she and her husband met in preschool.

“I’ve actually known him since he was 3 — since we were in preschool,” Randall said.

“We went to Randall Snoopy School (Danville United Methodist Church- Snoopy Preschool) together in Danville and then all through school together. He was my boyfriend in the fifth grade and I had to break up with him because he wouldn’t talk to me.

“So, we didn’t date again until after college. I moved into an apartment across the street from his parents’ house.

He did commercial fishing in Alaska and I got a job as a probation officer in Danville.

He came home from Alaska and found me living across the street and the rest is history.

My husband and I graduated from Snoopy School and all three of our kids went to Snoopy School. I tell my kids you could be meeting your future husband here.”

Jenni Verstraeten met her husband at church and says spring 2015

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Kevin & Jenni Verstraeten she used her voice to reach him.

“Kevin is from Belgium, a small country in Europe, and I, prior to marrying Kevin, had never left the U.S.,” she said.

“Kent Susud, the president of SportQuest, asked Kevin if he would consider doing a year-long internship at the SportQuest headquarters in Indianapolis.

“He got in contact with his pal, and my longtime friend, Josh Boone, and asked if he could stay with Josh’s family for a year. They agreed, and he started his internship in June 2010. Josh’s family has gone to Ben Davis Christian Church for generations, so naturally when Kevin came to live with them, they brought him to church.

“I just so happened to be singing on the worship team

“I just so happened to be singing on the worship team that Sunday and even had a special song. Kevin is the type of guy that likes to close his eyes and listen to the singer rather than look; he told me he fell in love with my voice before he even knew what I looked like.”

– Jenni Verstraeten – that Sunday and even had a special song. Kevin is the type of guy that likes to close his eyes and listen to the singer

rather than look; he told me he fell in love with my voice before he even knew what I looked like.”

Faith Toole says she swapped one guy for another and never looked back.

“I was dating his best friend,” Toole said. “A mutual friend of ours said she had two friends to introduce me to. I started dating Dan and one Saturday, here comes this guy on his Harley coming up his driveway — this would be my future husband.

“Dan had to work late one night when we were supposed to be picking up a friend from the train station.

Mike was off early and joined me downtown. The train was delayed, so Mike and I had several hours to walk down by the Canal and hang out at the Pan Am Plaza. We talked about everything and at the end of the day, we looked at each other and said, ‘what are we going to do?’

Needless to say, Dan was taking everybody home and that was an awkward car ride. I eventually had to tell him and Dan was actually the one that took pictures at our wedding. We celebrated 25 years on Dec. 16.”

Sometimes you need a computer to meet someone who lives right in your neighborhood.

Karen Hendershot said people had tried to fix her up with “a great guy,” but she wasn’t interested. After joining an online dating site, she met and started dating that very man.

“My husband Ryan and I

met on Match.com, but we only lived five doors down from each other in our previous neighborhood,” Karen Hendershot said. “We always say that we were meant to be because there were others involved in our lives that had tried to set us up previously.

“We heard things like ‘you need to meet my neighbor’ or ‘you need to meet the teacher that works at Pine Tree,’ but we both disregarded the comments from friends and family.

“Match.com was where our initial conversation started and when we realized that we

were neighbors, he invited me to come down and attend a cookout with some of his other neighbors and the rest is history.

“We joke about the time that I met his family for the first time and his cousin saw me as I walked up with Ryan.

Mike & Faith Toole

Ryan & Karen Hendershot

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spring 2015

Harvey & Francie Craig She was so surprised. She yelled out ‘That’s the teacher I was talking about last year!’ We were married two years later.”

Harvey and Francie Craig are another couple who grew up together.

“I was 12 and she was 10 when we met,” Harvey said. “We went all through school together.

I was captain of the basketball team and she was a cheerleader.

When I came home after I met her, I told my dad at 12 years old, ‘I just met the girl I’m going to marry.’

Harvey & Francie Craig “I played football, basketball and track and she was always there so it was a natural thing.

I got out of school in 1947, she was out in 1948 and we were married in 1950.”

Francie says she won his at-

tention by playing hard to get.

“He loved to come to my house after playing all the different sports he’d play because my mom would feed him. She was a great cook.

“All the other girls were after

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Maeci & Gracie HCCF is proud to partner with Maeci and Gracie, two young girls from Danville who after meeting in chemo and going on their wish trip with the Make-a-Wish Foundation decided it was time for them to give back! Through the support of the Hendricks County Community Foundation Maeci and Gracie have raised over $55,000 sending 10 local children battling cancer on their wish trips.

As two of HCCF's youngest fund representatives, Maeci & Gracie are proud to say, "I am HCCF". To learn how you can join HCCF in building a stronger Hendricks County visit: www.hendrickscountycf.org.

him because he was a great athlete, so I didn’t go after him because they all were, and that made him come after me. He couldn’t stand it.”

The couple has now been together for 74 years.

What are your plans for

Valentine’s Day

Story by Melissa Gibson

melissa.gibson@flyergroup.com

The Whikeharts

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people, but most celebrate the day in one way or another.

The Hendricks County Flyer asked members of the community how they planned to celebrate on Feb. 14. Here are some of their answers: “I think we’re going to cook dinner together and then go to a comedy show.”

— Stacy Schilling “Our family has a tradition.

We go to White Castle on Valentine’s Day. They decorate and serve you at the table. It’s a fun thing we do as a family.”

— Connie Whikehart

Amanda Babinec

probably go for a drink at Howl at the Moon.”

— Ben Chasteen

Schilling

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Gard

“I am going to be attending a Presidential Scholarship competition at Grace College in Winona Lake.”

— Lydia Gard

“For Valentine’s Day this year we’ll be going on a four-day weekend to Key West!”

— Amanda Babinec

“We will probably go to the movies and out to dinner with another couple.”

— Kylie Holland

“We will double date with friends and do dinner at Lozzos downtown. After dinner, we’ll

“We are hoping to go see a band play downtown called “Theory of a Deadman” — one of our

Ben Chasteen

favorite bands. Dinner would be good too!”

— Denise Mesarosh “For our first year being married, we’re going all out! Brett is planning on taking me downtown Indianapolis for a night on the town. We’ll take a horse and carriage ride around Monument Circle and then dinner to follow at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse. We will end the night staying at the fancy J.W. Marriott. This will be a day/night to never forget — we can’t wait!

— Ashley Faulk

Denise Mesarosh Ashley Faulk

Kylie Holland

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spring 2015

HOME Solar solutions

A solar water heating system can provide up to 75 percent of your annual hot water needs.

It can be effective anywhere, even in less sunny areas.

Over time, it can pay for itself through lower power bills.

By using solar water heating, you’ll also help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Relying on the sun alone using simple solar panels, especially with our Indiana climate, however, doesn’t give us the guarantee of hot water all year round.

But there are appliance solutions designed to lend nature a hand by adding a gas or electric boost when skies are grey, offering an environmentally friendly option

Spring 2015

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that doesn’t compromise your lifestyle or budget.

Factors such as how much sun your house receives, the angle of your house, the frequency of frost, and water quality, need to be identified to ensure solar energy is right for you.

To take the hassle out of specifying the right solar system, there are a number of total system options to select from, each in a range of sizes and with a choice of standard or frost tolerant panels.

Most systems come with panel installation kits and tank installation kits, ensuring you have all the parts necessary to fit a system. Installation and manag-

ing the council approval process is fast and easy, thanks to instal-

lation manuals and supporting documents available online.

money Finding the right auto loan for you

When you approach for any auto loan nowadays, you need to shop around for the right loan with benefits that can help you.

Many auto loan financiers provide promotional offers, like loans with low interest rates. Any loan with low interest rate means lower monthly installments and hence lower costs.

Many institutions provide low interest auto loans to extend the loan facility to people from all classes. What stands important here is how to get a low interest deal on an auto loan?

You must also check for the financier’s prime lending rate.

PLR’s are determined on the basis of many factors. The financier will have a difference in the PLR and the lending rate to the customer. You benefit if the lending rate is closer to the PLR. Also the choice of a car greatly matters in determining the interest rates. If it’s a used car, the condition of the car is adjudged and the interest rate will tend to be higher, as compared to that of a new car or a car in good condition.

Another tip would be to get your loan financed through a bank of financial institution. If your auto dealer is enticing you with a so-called great deal through his dealership, beware of the loopholes there.

Read minutely through the lines of such a deal, before you end up taking one.

Your credit profile also plays the protagonist in clinching a low interest auto loan for you. The better your profile, the lesser is the interest rate that you can bargain on your loan.

There are ample online loan financiers to check for before you just walk into a car showroom.

Try and figure out who can get you the lowest rate deal. Be sure you know the market rates and the current market conditions even before you let any smart sales guy speak to you for the loan. You can only adjudge if the information he is providing is correct, when you thoroughly know the same.

Make the use of Internet. There are plenty of websites out there that provide information on the auto loan interest rates on a daily basis. You can check out the charts as well for yourself for finding out the best rates.

Also, you can submit your request online to these sites, which in turn passes on this information to lending institutions. Also, they provide you three best quotes and you then decide on the best quote.

Remember that you have to shop around extensively before you lock on the lowest rate deal.

Interest rates you get greatly depend on your knowledge, research and your credit profile.

The Korean pork taco is one of the favorites on the menu.

The eggrolls represent Asian cuisine.

A culinary trip ‘round the world

One of Graham’s biggest sellers — on the dessert side — is the elephant ear cake.

Even though the plates are small, the dishes are big enough to share, like this General Tso short rib.

Rhapsody Global Tapas serves up good eats in Brownsburg Story by Steven Penn

steven.penn@flyergroup.com

At only 46, Steve Graham has already lived a full life in the restaurant world.

Graham said he got his start in the business at around 15, and has been in the same kitchen as famed chef Wolfgang Puck.

More recently, for anyone familiar with the Indianapolis restaurant scene, Graham helped build highly-rated restaurants such as BARcelona Tapas, which was owned by a friend of his, and Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, which was his.

In fact, Graham actually did the general contracting and design work at the restaurants before even stepping foot in the kitchen.

For the last several years, Spring 2015

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Rhapsody Global Tapas owner Steve Graham fires up some jalapeno poppers.

Graham said he was the general manager of the Steakhouse at Indiana Grand Racing and Casino in Shelbyville.

“It allowed me to get out of the kitchen for a few years,” he said. “Get to the front of the

house, make some money, put a suit and tie on.”

His latest venture is Rhapsody Global Tapas, 1551 N. Green St., Brownsburg, and is serving up tastes from around the world.

First, Graham said it’s important to understand what tapas is all about.

“Tapas is an old, mostly European (cuisine),” Graham said.

“It was designed long ago … the coach drivers would do pub crawls like we do bar crawls and they would go from one pub to another. The coach driver would have a drink at each one, so they started giving him something to sustain him, so he wouldn’t get drunk. They would literally take a plate and set it over his wine glass to keep the flies out of it.”

Over the years, the small plate portions evolved into what Graham is offering at his spot, which also features a full bar. “(People can) come in and they have a couple drinks (and) they have a couple tapas plates,” Graham said.

Graham’s sister Terri Sams, along with his mother Judy Graham, does a lot of the baking.

Keeping in line with the global theme in the name of the restaurant, Graham aims to take his customer on a trip around the world.

“Each flag (on the menu) represents the country (the cuisine is from),” Graham said. “So the grilled shrimp on the barbie is Australian … the shredded beef sliders, is actually Italian, because it’s Italian beef; the Brazilian salmon, it’s a blackened salmon with a mango jalapeno glaze.”

Then there’s also tapas based on anything from Asian cuisine to Mexican and anywhere in between.

Graham said in all he has about 100 tapas ideas, but he will keep about 40 on the menu, which will fluctuate from time to time. However, if a customer comes in and doesn’t see the tapas they want, Graham won’t hesitate to whip it up.

“Our concept is all around the world, global,” Graham

almost every dish for now.” said. “We want to be a cultural He said he’ll probably hire center.” and develop at least a few The smaller, appetizer type more people in the future. portions allow Graham to serve What’s important for Graham filling, high quality food at a is to cook food the right way. lower price.

“Everything is made in“With the prices, you come house,” Graham said. “Our in and do an egg roll, an Asian salad slaw, and dressings a beer are made for $10,” in house, he said. our chili, While our gumthe first bo, and day Grachicken ham was fingers. serving We customactually ers at his cut free restaurange, rant was The jalapeno poppers are ready to eat. organic Nov. 18, chicken his actual and dredge it ourselves and grand opening wasn’t until fry it ourselves (for the chicken Jan. 31. He said he’s still in the fingers).” process of hiring staff.

He said some of the bigger “You have to hire people that chain restaurants have lost the have the same shared comcommitment to cooking fresh mitment to quality in anything food. you do,” Graham said. “I cook

“That’s all freezers to fryer,” Graham said. “Nobody has a knife and cutting board and a chicken. We’re trying to get back to that. It’s almost mom and pop home cooked meal, but it’s done on a professional level.”

Cooking food the right way and offering a fun place to unwind is what Graham is all about.

“We’re trying to develop this into something that’s a cultural destination for people to come and enjoy life,” he said. “When you think about it, when are you the happiest? When are you the most engaged? Not when you’re paying your taxes.

It’s when you’re eating and drinking and having a good time.”

Graham said Brownsburg is the perfect place for that.

“We love Brownsburg,” he said. “Brownsburg is a very cool, very tightknit community.”

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spring 2015

Q&A Don Criss, Bethesda Christian School administrator

Story by Devan Strebing

devan.strebing@flyergroup.com

My hope for Bethesda is that we can fulfill our mission of providing an excellent academic education which honors the name of Jesus Christ.

Growing up in today’s culture is not easy for teenagers.

Our goal is to help students realize their potential in which they are created, and to help them become leaders that can impact culture positively in the days and years ahead.

How long have you been administrator at Bethesda?

Two years.

Where did you work before coming to Bethesda?

I was the headmaster at Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville, Tenn.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in central Ohio.

What made you decide to come to Bethesda?

Bethesda Christian School has a rich history spanning 50 years of training students and helping Christian families with the education of their children.

I felt God leading me to become a part of the mission of this great school to train leaders here in central Indiana.

I spent 15 years in north central Indiana earlier in my career so coming back to Indiana was a good thing for my family.

What makes Bethesda different from the other high schools in the county?

Without question, the difference is that we are able to minister to the spiritual needs of children and teenagers, along with providing quality academics within the context of a faith-based education.

Can you tell us about your family?

I am married with three grown children and six grandchildren.

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What are your hopes for Bethesda’s future?

My hope for Bethesda is that we can fulfill our mission of providing an excellent

academic education which honors the name of Jesus Christ.

Growing up in today’s culture is not easy for teenagers.

Our goal is to help students realize their potential in which they are created, and to help them become leaders that can impact culture positively in the days and years ahead.

Valentine Day’s D E S T I N A T I O N S Hendricks County a hotspot for Valentine’s Day Story by Steven Penn

steven.penn@flyergroup.com

For couples looking for fun and romantic Valentine’s Day destinations or activities, Hendricks County offers of wide range of options.

Visit Hendricks County Communications Manager Josh Duke, said couples wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Indianapolis can find a romantic and fun-filled time Feb. 14 in Hendricks County.

One positive Hendricks County boasts is affordability.

“One of the great things about staying in Hendricks County, as compared to going into Indianapolis, would be just the affordability of the hotels compared to Indianapolis, as well as the safety aspects,” Duke said.

Then getting into dining option, Hendricks County is no slouch when compared to other areas.

“Obviously, there are tons of great restaurants in Hendricks County,” Duke said. “There’s no need to have to travel downtown and fight the crowds there when you have options like the Cunningham Restaurants: Stone Creek Dining in Plainfield, Boulder Creek in Brownsburg, the Charbonos in Avon. There are even some of your more ‘mom and pop’ type places. I know a lot of people love the Mayberry Café, it’s a fun one to do with a family.”

A destination like Chateau Thomas Winery is a good idea Spring 2015

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for both Hendricks County residents and people visiting the area.

“Typically, Chateau Thomas Winery (in Plainfield) has a Valentine’s Day dinner; at least they have in the past. That always makes for a good date night for somebody who might be traveling here because Chateau Thomas is so close to hotels that you can literally walk over from a hotel and then walk back to the hotel after.”

This year, with Valentine’s Day falling on the second Saturday in February, couples could take advantage of one of the more unique activities Hendricks County has to offer.

“The second Saturday of

every month, our Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail has a second Saturday event where there are specific locations on the cultural trail that aren’t typically on there, but on the second Saturdays they open up their establishments,” Duke said.

He said couples looking for an interesting day could visit any of the more than 30 locations on the trail like the Hendricks County Historical Museum and Old County Jail and Hot Blown Glass in Clayton, or even breweries like Black Swan Brewpub in Plainfield.

There are also establishments making items that would be good to pick up for Valentine’s Day. “You could stop by at places like Confection Delights on the square in Danville to buy

chocolates and they do special things for Valentine’s Day,” Duke said. “They have heart shaped chocolates that are hollow inside. They even have smaller hearts inside the bigger chocolate. You have places

like Sweetheart Cupcakes in Plainfield. I know they do a lot around Valentine’s Day providing a lot of special menu items with their cupcakes. There are a number of not only places to eat, but places to go and

shop and buy your loved one a Valentine gift.”

Duke said the proximity to downtown is also a positive for couples in the county looking for things to do on Valentine’s Day, but if they stay in the county there are plenty of choices.’

“The great thing about it is, you’re close enough that if you do want to do something in downtown Indy, you can still do that,” Duke said. “There are so many reasons to spend your Valentine’s Day in Hendricks County, both staying here and exploring all of the options that we have here.”

Duke said Visit Hendricks County will be updating its online calendar with activities as the time draws closer to Feb. 14.

For more information, visit the website www.visithendrickscounty.com.

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SPRING 2015

Hot Skates offering something for all ages Story by Melissa Gibson

melissa.gibson@flyergroup.com

AVON — Remember the days spent at the roller skating rink during your childhood? Flashing disco lights, music so loud you had to shout to be heard by friends?

Those days of the old fashioned hang-out spot had all but vanished, but Hot Skates hopes to bring them back.

Amy Lebo began working at Hot Skates roller skating rink in the winter of 2013 to earn some extra Christmas money.

A year later, Lebo Dec. 6 marked the first anniversary of Hot Skates and Lebo has been promoted to general manager.

“I was a rink rat,” Lebo said. “I grew up in a rink down in Richmond and played roller derby. I think it’s special. It’s a really fun job to have.”

Hot Skates, owned by United Skates of America Inc. and sister to Skateland on the west side of Indianapolis, is perhaps known best for their character parties and kid attractions.

The rink here is able to accommodate up to 500 people and offers more than just skating.

“Frozen” characters Elsa, Ana and Olaf have joined young skaters several times, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles visited in late December and two Santas (a photo op Santa and a skating Santa) were on hand to celebrate the Christmas season.

“We’ve been doing a lot of fundraisers too,” Lebo said. That little addition of each character gets the schools out in droves.”

Lebo discussed the rink and previous owners perhaps leaving SPRING 2015

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“a bad taste in people’s mouths” as Hot Skates attempts to overcome any negative publicity.

She said they’re just “trying to get everyone to notice that we’re over here.”

The business is somewhat off the beaten path and motorists might drive right on by without seeing it. But a soon-to-be completed road extension from Kingston Street will be a welcome connection, making easier access to Hot Skates from Dan Jones Road and U.S. 36.

The skating rink currently offers Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) field trips for elementary and middle school students.

A total of five lessons grouped together by age for appropriate activities covers the science of roller skating, motion and rink design, engineering magic and more.

After the hour-long lesson, children get a chance to skate for two hours.

“We’ve made it really hands on and relative,” Lebo said. “We sit

Above: Hot Skates celebrated its one-year anniversary on Dec. 6, 2014 Left: Eva Ralph visits with “Frozen” characters Olaf and Elsa during a special event.

down with the accredited teachers and tweak it to involve the skating. We base it on where the kids are and their age group,” She said they even have an after school program on the horizon.

“Anything that will add to the roller skating experience,” Lebo said.

Customer Kylee Strehlow said, “I like the video games and the practice area they have off to the side of the rink. They have great food and everyone is really nice there.”

Although falling can be a realistic fear for beginners, many skating rinks promote the positive effects of beginners becoming comfortable in the rink.

Roller skating promotes confidence. Getting on the rink and trying new tricks or even just gliding around takes courage and confidence in one’s own skating ability.

The extra-curricular activity is also social. Today it is very easy for children to become consumed by technology and become antisocial. Going to a session with friends and making new ones on the rink is a great way for youth to get out and interact face to face.

Hot Skates even provides skate time dedicated to home schooled students to encourage the physical and social benefits.

Skating may be the main reason for the visit, but children are enthralled with the assortment of arcade games and snacks at the Roller Café, ranging from pizza to French fries and chicken tenders to buffalo wings.

More than 20 games are available and include the chance to earn tickets, winning prizes at the ticket counter and a live DJ keeps the music pumping throughout the building.

While children and teens enjoy the numerous events offered, many adults have also been reminded of their childhood hang out.

Some might think of roller skating as an activity of the past, but Lebo says it was just in limbo for a while.

“I think the roller derby has kind of brought it back,” she

Friends Avery Vangilder, Addie Davis and Olivia Creasey spend their winter break on the rink and at the arcade.

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SPRING 2015

said. “Parents come in and remember what a blast it is and they want their kids to experience it.”

Roller skating and rinks in their many forms have been a presence as early as the 1860s and history has witnessed a gradual change from artistic skating to freestyle and speed skating to roller derby.

In 1863, James Plimpton, a businessman from Massachusetts, invented a roller skate that could turn. It was called a “rocking” skate — the first one that really let people skate curves and turns.

Plimpton opened a skating club in New York where gentlemen enjoyed showing off for the ladies by doing fancy figures, steps and turns.

Within 20 years, roller skating had become a popular pastime for men and women.

And today, children and adults of all ages can be found circling the rink at Hot Skates.

When it wasn’t just a pastime or competitive game, roller skating was and is a form of exercise.

According to the Roller Skating Association International (RSA), “Studies have shown that roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart.”

It’s even recognized by the American Heart Association as an aerobic fitness sport.

The average person can burn up to 600 calories in an hour of roller skating.

“It’s one of those things that because it’s so much fun, it’s the kind of exercise you don’t even realize you’re doing it,” Lebo said.

Strehlow added, “It doesn’t seem like exercise. We’re just having a good time and we want drinks a lot because it can get hot.”

Not only is it a good source of exercise, roller skating is also arguably safer than other sporting activities.

The RSA cites skating causes 50 percent less impact shock to joints, compared to running.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that roller Spring 2015

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Amy Lebo, general manager at Hot Skates, says the memories the business gives to children is priceless.

Below: Elias Kilduff enjoys a snack from the Roller Café.

skating is almost twice as safe as playgrounds, three times safer than football , four times safer than bicycling, and five times safer than basketball.

Even with impressive statistics, perhaps more importantly, children from across the county will remember their birthday party, get-together or special event as a special time in their childhood, just as Lebo imagines.

“We are excited to provide families with an affordable and fun alternative to exercise,” Lebo said. “This is just one of the many ways we are encouraging families to make a healthy move in an effort to turn the entire community into a healthier community.”

Hot Skates is at 241 Casco Drive in Avon. For more information, call Hot Skates at 272-0873.

Seize the Night Designs joins merchants on Danville square Photos & Story by Devan Strebing melissa.gibson@flyergroup.com

Brownsburg native Sarah Stogsdill opened her vintage shop, Seize the Night Designs, Nov. 7, 2014, on the square in Danville.

She began making jewelry about seven years ago while attending Purdue School of Engineering at IUPUI. She had been making jewelry and putting the items online at Etsy. com for quite some time. spring 2015

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After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, she put all of her energy into continuing her online sales.

“I knew before I graduated that I probably wasn’t going to go into my field, and I’ve never looked back,” she said. “The more time I started putting into it, the bigger it kept getting. I’m so much happier than I ever would have been working for someone else.”

She started simple: buying generic charms and chains and

experimenting. She then started learning new ways to create her one-of-a-kind pieces.

Along with the online sales, Stogsdill started selling her handmade jewelry at local festivals. Eventually, national and local stores started recognizing her items. She now has 14 other businesses that sell her items in their shops.

“I like to make things that I would like,” she said. “It really has evolved; I have over 400 designs now.”

Stogsdill decided in August of 2014 to rent the space on the Danville square. She wanted to give herself a place of her own and a studio space.

She also features other artists in her shop. Her sister alters vintage clothing, a friend sews owl pillows; there are candles, teas, and other miscellaneous items too.

“I like to think of it as a gift shop,” she said. “I want to help all of my friends out with their small businesses too.”

Opposite Page: Sarah Stogsdill has been creating unique pieces for the past seven years.

Above: She sells bracelets, rings, cufflinks, necklaces, and more.

Right: These bracelets are repurposed from leather belts.

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spring 2015

The most popular items in the shop are her custom orders.

“I try to work on things whenever I can,” she said. “I’m always making things; I like to use my hands.”

The store’s name, Seize the Night, came from a quote in a greeting card she gave her now fiancé.

“We would always be out in the evening, and it made me think of when I would hang out with him and it’s always stuck with me,” she said. “He really pushed me to have my own shop.”

Stogsdill says she had good sales this holiday season with Danville’s Christmas on the Square event introducing her to the community.

Her store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday.

She says she will continue to do local festivals, too.

“I couldn’t imagine not doing something like this on the side if I was doing something else,” she said. “I’m happy to be here.”

Seize the Night Designs is at 51 W. Marion St., Danville.

For more information about the shop, visit the website at www.etsy.com/shop/seizethenight or follow the store on Facebook at Seize the Night Designs.

Above: Stogsdill creates necklaces with a variety of items she finds at flea markets or other festivals.

Left: She also sells these recycled bracelets.

“I couldn’t imagine not doing something like this on the side if I was doing something else. I’m happy to be here.”

– Sarah Stogsdill – spring 2015

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The museum is one block south of the courthouse square in Danville.

HISTORY in the MAKING Hendricks County Historical Museum hosts new dancing competition Photos & Story by Devan Strebing melissa.gibson@flyergroup.com

The Hendricks County Historical Museum is a hub of the county’s past, located in the county seat of Danville.

The building that houses the museum was originally the county jail and the sheriff’s residence. Built in 1866, the house was given to the sheriff because he was not provided a salary.

The sheriff’s wife served as jail matron, providing meals for the prisoners.

Thirty-two sheriffs resided there over the years, before the spring 2015

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jail closed in 1974.

In 1976, the Hendricks County Commissioners and the Hendricks County Historical Society reached an agreement that the historical society could use the facility for a museum. It’s been active for most of the years since then.

In 2007, a group of people — including Deanna Hindsley, president of the board of directors, and Gail Tharp, past president and a volunteer —have worked hard to restore the building and preserve the county’s history.

Most items are brought in by Hendricks County residents or

Deanna Hindsley and Gail Tharp discuss plans for the upcoming Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars event.

have some Hendricks County history.

The most recent item was a 100-year-old wedding dress that the owner wore on her wedding day in Hendricks County.

“Every room in this building is furnished; every room has a specific purpose and story,” Hindsley said. “We are careful with what we take in though, because storage is an issue.”

For the past four years, the 40 volunteers of the museum have held various fundraisers to help support the museum.

“We’ve done a silent auction, dinner and some kind of entertainment that was of historic significance,” Hindsley said.

“We’ve had a show based on the Civil War, World War II, a 1960s show, and this year we not only want to earn money for the museum, but also bring some publicity, to let people know that we’re here. We want to bring more interest to the museum and maybe increase our members and volunteers also.”

The big fundraiser being planned is called “Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars.” The competition will be April 9 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and the entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $50 a plate, and corporate tables are $400.

The entertainment consists of several “stars” from Hendricks County who will be dancing with partners from the Avon Arthur Murray Dance Center.

The instructors will be giving lessons to all of the dancers, and the “stars” will be dancing that night.

Hindsley says they are planning on 12 dancers, including Hendricks County Flyer Publisher Harold Allen and Editor Kathy Linton.

Hindsley will be dancing, as will Hendricks County Council

“We’ve done a silent auction, dinner and some kind of entertainment that was of historic significance.

We’ve had a show based on the Civil War, World War II, a 1960s show, and this year we not only want to earn money for the museum, but also bring some publicity, to let people know that we’re here. We want to bring more interest to the museum and maybe increase our members and volunteers also.”

– Deanna Hindsley –

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SPRING 2015

HEALTH Health assessment aims to determine community priorities

Indiana University Health West Hospital is reaching out to residents in Hendricks County to get their views on the most important health needs in our communities.

Resident responses to an IU Health online survey will be used to help the state’s largest health care system determine its community benefits strategies for the years 2016-18. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is available online at www.surveymonkey. com/s/inhealthneedssurvey This survey, developed in collaboration with the Hendricks County Health Partnership — including IU Health, Franciscan St. Francis, Community Health Network and St. Vincent Health — asks residents to select the top health concerns facing the county, identify barriers they have faced when trying to access health care, and highlight health prevention activities they have done in the past year. Survey participants will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts on future activities

Continued from page 29

President Jay Puckett.

Tharp said they’re hoping to get participation from each of the county’s six school corporations as well.

“It brings competition with the schools, and it brings a countywide interest,” she said. “We have someone from four of the six schools signed up now.”

Tharp says the main goal is to spring 2015

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that will improve the health and wellness of county residents.

“IU Health West is proud to partner with a broad spectrum of community organizations doing important work to serve the people of Hendricks County,” Cathy Stoll, Marketing and Community Outreach director at IU Health West Hospital said.

“Our partnerships and com-

munity engagement activities are aligned with the priorities identified in the community health risk assessment and by outcomes that ladder up to the hospital’s mission to improve the health of the community.”

IU Health West’s initial community health survey highlighted the need to tackle obesity in our community. Since that time,

IU Health West has dedicated considerable financial resources and employee volunteerism to build lasting community wellness assets, such as the exercise circuits at Washington Township Park and helping complete the B&O Trail system — connecting Avon’s north side and Brownsburg.

The hospital also partnered with the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center to provide memberships to those residents with the greatest need.

To take the online survey or learn more about how IU Health is working to address the needs of local communities, go to www. iuhealth.org/getstrong. Paper copies (in English and Spanish) will be available through the Hendricks County Health Department at the end of December.

To receive a paper survey, contact Rachel Buckman, Health Educator for the Hendricks County Health Department and Coordinator of the Hendricks County Health Partnership at HendricksHealthPartnership@ gmail.com or 745-9372.

expand the museum’s visibility in the county.

“The ways we’ll be able to raise money for the museum is through ticket sales, the silent auction consisting of gifts gathered from the community, and the financial support of the dancers,” she said.

“Each one will be hoping to raise as much money as they can and there will be a prize to the contestant that’s raised the most money for the museum.”

Tickets will be available at all branches of Hendricks County Bank and North Salem State Bank.

The museum is currently undergoing renovations and will not be open again until March 1. The public restroom near the entrance of the annex is being enlarged to be handicap accessible.

The historical museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each

Saturday and open weekdays for private tours.

“We want people to understand that we’re not a Danville museum,” Tharp said. “We’re a Hendricks County museum, serving the county.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to the fundraising event, call Hindsley at 695-5602 or visit the website at www.hendrickscountyhistoricalmuseum.org.