Chamber Magazine: Fall 2015

New Castle | Henry County SPECIAL ISSUE:

‘Live, work, play’

Henry County Hospital:

Chamber Magazine Fall 2015

Meet the champions of patient service

12.5 miles

Families choose Henry County as

home

Discover the vision for trail expansion

5

PARKS & RECREATION:

Henry County

gems

live well Let us help you

In addition to our inpatient and outpatient care we offer: Advanced Wound Center

Henry County Sleep Center

Anticoagulation Clinic

Henry County Sports Medicine

Birth Care Center Cardiopulmonary Rehab Cardiovascular Center HealthRidge Wellness Center Henry County Home Care Henry County Hospice

Joint Replacement Center Neighborhood Pharmacy– Three Convenient Locations Pacemaker Clinic Physical, Occupational, Speech & Aquatic Therapy

www.hcmhcares.org

765.521.0890 caring · compassion · community · commitment · continuity

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▪

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765.529.3780

Danielson made us a better place

H

enry County lost a great man in May of 2015 when Danny Danielson passed away. Danny amazed many by continuing to drive to Indianapolis each day for his position as vice chairman of City Securities, the oldest and largest Indiana-based investment bank until the months preceding his death.

Athough his work took him to Indianapolis, he called Henry County his home and we are all the better for that.

Danny has a long history of awards EXECUTIVE and prestigious positions including being twice named Citizen of the Year DIRECTOR by the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, In 2012, he and his wife jointly received the Henry County Foundation’s Judy Melton Award for their commitment to our community. As the longestserving trustee on record at IU, Danny was instrumental in bringing the university to our community in the Missy Modesitt form of IU East, now IU New Castle.

It was in my position as director of the Danielson Learning Center, the IU East campus in New Castle, where I had the great fortune of getting to know Danny.

On several occasions I was amazed at what he was able to accomplish or to get others to accomplish at his request.

Danny had a great passion ‘He had the kind for our community and sincerely wanted a college of personality education to be available to that made you all within driving distance of Henry County. Often he asked want to do tough questions and pressed anything he forward with initiatives that others said were impossible, asked.’ always accomplishing what he set his mind to. His level of knowledge about anything related to higher education constantly surprised me.

Danny was also a huge supporter of the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce, maintaining an individual membership for many years. His desire to see Henry County grow and flourish was contagious and I always knew when he called that he would issue a new challenge. He had the kind of personality that made you want to do anything he asked and so when he called, I set everything aside and enjoyed our conversations. I always learned something from Danny, with every conversation we had.

You don’t have to look very far to see the legacy that Danny Danielson left in Henry County. Along with wife Patty, he was instrumental in the creation of our Henry County Community Foundation, the relocation of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the development of the new YMCA. Danny not only gave of his treasure, he gave of his time and his talents. It’s not often that one person can have such a great impact on so many for so long. But that was Danny Danielson. He made us a better place and I will truly miss him.

Missy Modesitt is Executive Director of the New CastleHenry County Chamber of Commerce.

4 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine Volume 5, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Missy Modesitt, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Writing: Dawn Fluhler, Lathay Pegues Photography: Kurt Hostetler To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | john@thejmetzgergroup.com For subscription information, contact Missy Modesitt at 765.529.5210.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent.

Copyright 2015: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.

The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com

ON THE COVER:

Owen Brummet and his 5-year-old daughter, Madison, at Memorial Park.

Kurt Hostetler photo.

New Castle | Henry County

Chamber Magazine TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDC DIRECTOR

10

8

DRIVING NEW CASTLE A+ SERVICE FOR PATIENTS

15

PARKS

18

HOME IS FAMILY

23

20

AREA TRAILS GROWING

PHOTO STORY: CASH BONANZA

26

Cash Bonanza 2015 a smashing success

C

ash Bonanza 2015 is in the record books, and what a record it is! The September 12 event was the best attended since Cash Bonanza’s record-keeping started in 1997.

That high attendance translated to the highest income on record, and those monies will help with operating expenses. But more importantly, the income helps keep training and seminar costs low for our members. Plus, Cash Bonanza dollars help build our Chamber Scholarship Fund.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the Events Committee and more than 20 volunteers who worked tirelessly to make Cash Bonanza a resounding success.

Many thanks go out to them. And special BOARD thanks to all our sponsors, but especially PRESIDENT Goodwin Bros. Automobile Co., for their sponsorship of the $1,000 second prize.

This is the first year we had a sponsorship for the second place prize, and we appreciate Goodwin’s generosity!

The final five ticket-holders chose to split the remaining $11,000 prize.

Congratulations to those winners: Erica Kane, Jeff Burchett, Amy Blevins, MainSource Bank, New Castle Big O Tires.

Ric Barr See page 26 for photos from the event.

Goodbye, “Rowdy” On a more somber note, we were saddened by the sudden passing of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in late July. Piper, a retired Canadianborn professional wrestler, was the guest speaker for the Chamber’s Annual Dinner in March. While in Henry County, Piper committed as one of several investors in an Irish pub in the Jennings Building. We are told that the project will go on with the support of Roddy’s family and other investors.

State Bicentennial Celebration Your Chamber is the coordinator for Henry County for Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2016. We will be coordinating local activities and we are currently seeking volunteers to help. An exciting component of the celebration is the planned torch relay through all 92 counties in the state. We are allowed 20 torchbearers and are looking for nominations. To learn more about how to volunteer or nominate a torch-bearer, go to www.indiana2016.gov Business Expo/Taste of Henry Co. The NCHC Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Henry County will be on Thursday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Smith Building in Memorial Park. The Expo is a free event and is open to the community. Come out and learn what our local businesses have to offer! Several door prizes will be awarded. At the same venue, The Taste of Henry County will feature local food establishments showcasing their best dishes. Tickets are $7 each and are limited to 250. The public can purchase advance tickets at the Chamber office or the day of the event at the Smith Building. A winner of the Taste of Henry County will be determined by votes placed by ticket-holders.

Downtown Christmas Walk This year’s walk is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Downtown New Castle. Attendees can expect food vendors, a petting zoo, carolers and musicians playing holiday tunes, and a nativity scene. Several businesses downtown will be open with holiday treats and activities.

Your Chamber is very busy helping to plan and coordinate activities for our members and our community. Stay informed by visiting the website www.nchcchamber.com Rick Barr is president of the Board of Directors for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

6 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

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Why My Co-op Matters

Top 10 authentic Henry County gems to celebrate

T

he Henry County community is a hidden gem – full of opportunity. The purpose of this column is to shine a light on the positives in our community. Its purpose is not to advocate rose-colored glasses but EDC DIRECTOR to encourage continued investment in our community’s assets and strengths.

Our county is unique and authentic.

My list below is not comprehensive and I invite you to think about your “top 10” positives for our community.

10 | VISITOR & RESIDENT ACTIVITIES: Wilbur Wright

As parents, we do everything we can to improve our child’s future.

It’s good to know that Henry County REMC wants to invest in our community’s youth, too.

Henry County REMC sponsored our daughter on a trip to Washington, D.C., for a week last June to learn about government and electirc cooperatives, but also to see the sights, make new friends, and gain important life experiences.

Our co-op’s commitment to youth matters to us.

Birthplace, New Castle Motorsports Park and Henry County Saddle Club are worth the drive and telling your out-oftown friends about.

Corey Murphy

9 | HENRY COUNTY YMCA: The modest membership

investment is worth the wide array of activities available nearly every day of the year. Swimming in January, need I say more?

8 | TRAILS: The recently opened first phase of the Wilbur Wright Trail is beautiful. New phases are in the works and the bike/pedestrian plan in New Castle is encouraging.

7 | BASKETBALL HERITAGE: This is a great conversation piece and marketing tool. We’re home to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the world’s largest high school gymnasium and Knightstown is home to the “Hickory Huskers” from the 1986 movie “Hoosiers.”

6 | TRANSPORTATION NETWORK: We’re blessed with

interstate access and highway infrastructure to reach the world and attract workers from nearby communities.

5 | RECREATION: Elizabeth and Don Johnson Parents of Youth Tour Participant Hope Johnson Members, Henry County REMC

Powering Communities, Powering Minds.

Our family loves Baker Park, Memorial Park, Westwood and Summit Lake.

4 | SCHOOLS:

I am already telling my seventh-grader and second-grader about all the cool “hands-on” programs available through the New Castle Career Center. This awardwinning program helps demonstrate to businesses that we have an available pipeline of future talent.

3 | NEW CASTLE/HENRY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY:

The physical facility is simply amazing. The programming and outreach is even better.

2 | LOCAL LEADERSHIP: The cooperative spirit among city, county, and private sector leadership is commendable.

Effective local leadership is a competitive advantage for community and economic development.

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800-248-8413 | www.hcremc.com 8 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

1 | PEOPLE: Friendly, welcoming, helpful.

Corey Murphy is President and CEO of the New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corp.

Citizens State Bank helps Country Acre Animal Clinic treat patients like family Back row: Ken Schroeder and Latina Masters of Citizens State Bank with veterinarians Rob and Nathan Rich Front row: DeeDee and Mecca

Country Acre Animal Clinic is a thriving Henry County veterinary clinic where family pets are cared for in a family atmosphere. So when they need business banking services from routine to complex, they trust another Henry County family company: Citizens State Bank.

Contact a Citizens State Banker today to get the help you need to grow – business accounts, online resources, access to capital, services for improving cash flow and much more!

Where Business Banking Takes Flight BUSINESS ACCOUNTS CASH MANAGEMENT ONLINE BANKING REMOTE DEPOSIT COMMERCIAL & REAL ESTATE LOANS LINES OF CREDIT EQUIPMENT FINANCING CASH RECEIVABLES MERCHANT CARD PROCESSING TRUST SERVICES AND MORE Bank NMLS# 135463 Masters NMLS# 854295 Schroeder NMLS# 137629

5 Henry County locations www.citizensstatebankindiana.com 888.529.5450 l

Member FDIC

drive time

Henry County jobs draw commuters across region

STORY BY LATHAY PEGUES

10 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

Kayla Kessler is Operations Manager at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle.

Kayla Kessler.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015 | 11

Small-town feel appeals to families & workers

Memorabilia at Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

TOP 5 COUNTIES SENDING WORKERS INTO HENRY COUNTY: 5 | Rush County 230 4 | Hancock County 265 3 | Madison County 289 2 | Wayne County 452 1 | Delaware County 480

TOP 5 COUNTIES RECEIVING WORKERS FROM HENRY COUNTY: 5 | Wayne County 490 4 | Hancock County 1,282 3 | Delaware County 1,284 2 | Madison County 1,337 1 | Marion County 1,592

A growing number of residents who may work elsewhere are choosing to remain in Henry County to raise their families and increase their involvement in a place they call home.

“This is just another sign of why Henry County is a great place to be,” said Missy Modesitt, Executive Director for the New CastleHenry County Chamber of Commerce. “The job market is fluid yet we continue to see a steady number of people, up slightly, who stay here to live even if they work outside of the county.”

The number of workers who commute to other locations is 20.1 percent, up from 19.5 percent in 2010, according to 2013 Indiana tax returns. The numbers of workers who commute into Henry County is also up slightly from 6.6 percent to 6.9 percent.

“Those who work here but live elsewhere still spend their dollars locally to eat, recreate and travel,” Modesitt said. “And those who commute out to work make a conscious choice to remain here with their families. Spouses may work locally; children are in school here. They visit our parks and eat at our restaurants. It speaks highly of a community when there is a healthy mix.”

Citizens State Bank Trust Officer Leisa Leisa King, who lives King talks with bank teller Vanessa in Rush County, found a Dobbs. new job opportunity in 2007 at Citizens State Bank in New Castle. King is Trust Officer, a position she’s held in other banks over the past 20 years. Finding the executive position in a small town surprised her.

“Not a lot of smaller communities have trust departments,” said King, who had grown accustomed to commuting at least two hours one-way for nearly two decades. Now, her commute from Rush County to New Castle is only 25 minutes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Source: stats.indiana.edu

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12 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

HENRY COUNTY COMMUTERS & WORKERS

29,819:

Number of people who live in Henry County and work

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, New Castle.

22,289:

Number of people who live and work in Henry County

24,838: Total number of people who work in Henry County

2,549:

Number of people who live in another county but work in Henry County

7,530:

Number of people who live in Henry County but work outside of the county Source: stats.indiana.edu

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Kayla Kessler travels every day from Rushville to her job at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle.

FROM PAGE 12

Because of its diverse job offerings, state statistics show Henry County typically attracts commuters from Delaware, Wayne, Madison, Hancock, and Rush counties.

Kayla Kessler is Operations Manager at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle and travels every day from Rushville. And like King, her commute is a short 30 minutes. Kessler knew about New Castle, especially its rich high school sports tradition, even before joining the workforce here. Home to the largest high school basketball field house in the world, New Castle boasts a well-storied basketball program.

Having played on the girls Rushville basketball team that earned state runner-up in Class 3A (2009-2010), Kessler says she was honored to participate in the 2009 City Securities Hall of Fame Classic, held annually at New Castle’s field house.

That moment sparked an interest in Kessler to work at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. A couple years later, while a student at Ball State University, Kessler decided to try landing an internship there.

“Since I grew up in Rushville and went to college at Ball State, I drove past the (Hall of Fame) sign, travelling back and forth from Muncie to Rushville,” she said.

Kessler was fortunate enough to transition from her internship Henry County to a permanent job at the Hall of attracts Fame. As a sports fan, she calls it her dream job, right here in commuters Henry County. “I’m very blessed from multiple to have this job,” she says.

New Castle isn’t just a place counties she works. Kessler says she and because of her husband patronize local restaurants. The couple had even its diverse discussed moving to New Castle, job offerings. but a mortgage in Rushville and her husband’s teacher/coach position at Benjamin Rush Middle School, also in Rushville, trumped the possibility of a move, at least for now.

King says she also spends a lot of “off the clock” time in New Castle. When she’s not working, she and her husband frequent the movie theater, grocery stores and shops. She’s also a member of the local YMCA. “One of the greatest things I love here is the library,” says King about New Castle-Henry County Public Library. “It’s a big resource and I make a lot of use of the library.”

While neither King nor Kessler are Henry County residents, it still feels like home. They’ve established wonderful careers and made lifelong friends. ■

Specializing in exceptional

Henry County Hospital honored with 2015 Outstanding Patient Experience Award

H

STORY BY DAWN FLUHLER

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

enry County Hospital was recognized recently as among the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide for “Outstanding Patient Experience,” adding to a reputation that it provides the highest quality in healthcare across a lifespan.

ABOVE: RNs Karen Whitecotton, Cheryl York and Tonya Wilson review a mammogram.

TOP: Mother Winifred Logan, far left, holds her newborn daughter of the same name with RNs Samantha Lowhorn and Robin Fleming.

“We are all about the patient experience,” said Ricci Atchison, the hospital’s public relations and marketing director. “We recognize our employees and their incredible stories.”

Exceptional health care that is easy to access, and meaningful to use only adds to the quality of life in Henry County.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

FROM PAGE 15

HENRY COUNTY HOSPITAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Outstanding Patient Experience Award 2015 – Healthgrades • Total Knee Replacement 5-Star Recipient 2015 (7 years in a row) – Healthgrades • Hip Fracture Treatment 5-Star Recipient 2015 (7 years in a row) – Healthgrades • Treatment of GI Bleed 5-Star Recipient 2015 – Healthgrades • Treatment of Respiratory Failure 5-Star Recipeint 2015 (2 years in a row) – Healthgrades • “A” Hospital Safety Score Fall 2014 – The Leapfrog Group

HCH employees provide exceptional personal experiences, said Atchison, often under the most unusual circumstances.

There was the family traveling from Wichita, Kansas who were involved in an automobile accident.

“They weren’t hurt that badly,” explained Atchison, “but their car was totaled. This employee took them into her heart.

She helped them get a hotel, a rental car, and even stopped at their wrecked car to help them get their luggage.”

Stories like that are why Henry County Hospital was honored with the “2015 Outstanding Patient Experience Award,” by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

The recognition is for “outstanding performance in delivering a positive experience for patients during their hospital stay,” according to Healthgrades website.

Across the continuum of life, Henry County Hospital is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

Lifelong New Castle resident Winnie Logan delivered her two daughters – now ages 3 months and 22 months – at HCH’s BirthCare Center after receiving her obstetric care from physicians at the hospital’s Women’s Health office. She described her experience with all of the physicians and nurses as wonderful, caring and informative.

“Throughout each of my pregnancies, they took the time at each appointment to give me the information I needed and answer any questions my husband or I had,” Logan said. “I always felt like they treated me as an individual and not just a number. They took care of my every need during my stay at the hospital and always with a great attitude that made me feel like they enjoyed doing it. I even received a card from them after we got home thanking me for letting them take care of us – that means a lot!”

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16 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

In the BirthCare Center, where life began for 362 babies last year, there is a focus on keeping the entire family healthy.

For example, staff ensures that risks are understood when a family member smokes. They offer a program titled “Baby Love,” a smoking cessation program available to baby’s parents.

The staff also is working on its “Baby Friendly Initiative Certification,” a program that encourages breastfeeding, provides breastfeeding education and support, and empowers new mothers to make their best decision about baby’s feeding.

“We are completely about the family and providing them the best care possible from the time they walk in, in labor, to the time they go home with their new bundle of joy,” said Melissa Hethcox, RN, MSM, IBCLC, who is the Clinical Care Coordinator of HCH’s Women and Children’s Unit.

RNs Robin Fleming, left, and Samantha Lowhorn, right, enjoy a few precious moments with newborn baby, Winifred (Winnie) Logan.

‘We are completely about the family and providing them the best care possible from the time they walk in, in labor, to the time they go home with their new bundle of joy.’

- Melissa Hethcox, Clinical Care Coordinator of Henry County Hospital’s Women and Children’s Unit

Another expanding area of specialty care at HCH is orthopedics. With two of its physicians having more than 20 years of experience in the practice, two more specialists added in recent years, and another joining the team this fall, the Henry County Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine offers a full scope of specialized orthopedic care for all ages. Dr. Anjan Kaushik, the newest member of the orthopedics team, specializes in caring for upper extremities.

The center is nationally recognized for hip and knee replacement procedures.

Other important Henry County Hospital partnerships, programs and specialties include the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program through the Henry County YMCA; breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation through ICAP and IU Health Ball Cancer Center; heart attack warning and prevention education through the HCH Emergency Department; and the Patient-Centered Medical Home, which is a program that coordinates care among providers and services for patients who are part of the Accountable Care Organization (typically traditional Medicare patients). ■

Left to Right:

Kenneth Ritchie - 2009 (B.S. in Biology) Trevor Jones - 2008 (B.S.W.) Michelle White - 2006 (B.A. in Fine Arts)

New Castle’s IU campus is an example of a community dedicated to providing educational opportunities for citizens close to home. Earn a completion* degree in Business Administration, General Studies, or RN to BSN. You may also take courses in computing, literature, or math to fulfill general education requirements for any degree. You will find a full range of programs and services you need to enroll and succeed at IU in New Castle.

At IU in New Castle, there are multiple ways to put together a program of study leading to an Indiana bachelor’s degree – at the New Castle campus, the main campus in Richmond, or online. Come check out IU in New Castle’s campus. You will receive the best of all worlds- the power of an IU degree, the personal attention of smaller classroom settings, and a great learning experience. *A completion degree is for someone who has an associates and will come prepared to complete the last two years of a bachelors program.

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Danielson Center 300 Trojan Lane New Castle

Crystal Gold

Director of New Castle Programs 765-521-9012 • crgold@iue.edu CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015 | 17

5

HENRY COUNTY MUST-SEE PARKS TO EXPLORE

STORY BY LATHAY PEGUES

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

PARKS AND RECREATION TRAILS are a growing part of the lives of Henry County residents, adding to choices for parents looking for family activities. Henry County’s bucolic and eclectic blend of small-town life is a perfect combination.

“We made a conscious decision to stay, with the caveat that we weren’t going to just stay and live,” said Aaron Dicken, who, along with his wife, Brittany, are raising their family in New Castle. “We wanted to be involved in the community.

We are making New Castle a place we are proud to call home.”

The area’s mix of easyaccess recreation, excellent Dicken schools and early childhood education options is contributing to the area’s desirable quality of life.

When he’s not teaching his fourth-grade class at Eastwood Elementary School, or involved with the Arts Association, or helping out with his and his wife’s non-profit organization, Aaron keeps his children busy with fun activities.

For New Castle residents Dave and Lisa Nantz, Westwood Park is their favorite. “We go out there on the weekends and hang out and do the bonfire thing,” said Dave, a new Castle native who serves on the board of directors of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

While the Nantz family recognizes all the great things to do in and around Henry County, for the most part, downtown New Castle is where Nantz they work, live and play. The couple have two daughters under age 4, and live on the second and third floors of the historic Redman’s Lodge. Dave’s photography studio, Nantz Photography, occupies the first floor of the building. He says what he likes best is there are a variety of activities within walking distance. “Arts Park is the perfect place to take a walk through,” Dave said. ■ 18 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

BAKER PARK

Calvin and Donna Duff enjoy a relaxing lunch at Henry County’s Baker Park.

WESTWOOD PARK

Fishing and wildlife are a part of the Westwood Park experience.

HENRY COUNTY MEMORIAL PARK.

Owen Brummett and his daughter, Madison, 5, enjoy a day of playing and fishing in Memorial Park.

SUMMIT LAKE STATE PARK Summit Lake State Park in northeast Henry County offers recreation for the entire family.

ARTS PARK

The Arts Park in downtown New Castle provides a place of solitude for people like Roy Chambers.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015 | 19

Pperfect icture

Henry County’s community environment creates a draw for young & extended families

L

STORY BY LATHAY PEGUES

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

arry Williams sits in the crowd of parents, friends and neighbors, cheering on his 11-year-old grandson as he runs up and down the football field at New Castle’s Raintree Football League. For Williams, it’s a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

Finding joy in big, family gatherings. Grandparents Larry and Phyllis Williams with grandchildren Landon, 16, Olivia, 18, and Jackson Mallott, 14.

20 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015

“They won,” said Williams, a 75-year-old proud grandpa.

It’s a choice he’s made and one that he cherishes each and every day.

Until 2014, Williams missed a lot of his grandkids’ sporting events because he lived in Noblesville, about an hour west of New Castle. Williams and wife, Phyllis - onetime New Castle residents themselves - decided it was time to come home and be closer to their daughter and her family so they could be more active in their grandchildren’s lives.

With five grandchildren ranging in ages 11 to 19, four who attend New Castle schools and one away at college, the Williams wanted to be a bigger part of their ‘We love lives. The fact that Henry County it. It’s like consistently offers high quality-oflife options for themselves, as well coming as their grandchildren, made the home again.’ decision easy.

“I think (the decision to move) - Larry Williams was pretty easy,” said Williams.

“We reached a time in our lives when we were ready to get back to our relatives.”

Henry County is increasingly a draw for young families and their extended families. The nature of the community – accessible, affordable, safe and friendly – was a perfect blend for this couple, who actually left the area in search of something different just a few years ago.

“With grandchildren very active in school activities and clubs, almost every evening we can have somewhere to go to be a part of their lives,” said Williams.

Williams’s daughter is director of Human Resources at

Henry County Hospital, while her husband is an optometrist in New Castle. The two, along with their five children, have made New Castle the community where they work, live and play.

Now, grandparents are nearby and available, too.

“We don’t have to drive an hour to see them. They don’t have to drive an hour to see us. We actually live a mile away from each other,” Williams says.

The Williams’ are no strangers to New Castle. They lived here for 13 years when Larry was superintendent for New Castle Schools. In 2003, when he started a consulting company, they moved to Noblesville. It would take 11 years for them to find their way back to their family and the community they once called home.

“We love it,” he said. “It’s like coming home again.”

Indeed, they’ve come home, not only to their family, but to friendships made several years ago.

“We have a group who we’ve played (bridge) with for 25 years,” Williams said.

New Castle is that kind of community, where it’s easy to make friends and live a comfortable life. “It’s a very friendly community. It’s a low-key community. It’s a pastoral setting – very quiet. You meet people on the street and they smile and say hello,” he added.

New Castle offers everything the couple needs – golfing, shopping and a variety of restaurants, to name a few.

Undoubtedly, though, it’s the close proximity to their loved ones that means the most.

“Our grandchildren come over and visit, help us do chores.

They like to play board games,” Williams said. Holiday celebrations are the best. “Oh, we always have family over on the holidays – pretty big gatherings,” Williams said. ■

Celebrating 85 years of providing

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Trail of Dreams Vision sees Wilbur Wright Trail growing to 12.5-mile paved recreational path

STORY BY LATHAY PEGUES

PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015 | 23

TRAIL OF DREAMS:

Families discover the great outdoors & work-life balance on area trails

I

n Henry County’s work to enhance quality of life for its residents, bicycle and pedestrian trails became a central theme in the 2000s.

Carrie Barrett, Director of New Castle Main Street, believes trails attract visitors to downtown.

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Around 2004, talks intensified about creating the Wilbur Wright Trail, named for one of the county’s most famous residents. Approximately nine years and $1.4 million later, the two-mile paved trail opened, stretching from the Henry County YMCA in New Castle to the Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area.

‘We’re trying “It’s beautiful and well to make maintained,” said Carrie Barrett, Director of New Castle Main Street, our trails an organization dedicated to more than a downtown revitalization. “A lot of people use it.” place to get Outdoor activities and appealing exercise.’ nature walks add to the growing - Carrie Barrett amenities of Henry County and is what draws families and businesses looking for a well-rounded environment where there is work-life balance.

The Wilbur Wright Trail offers a scenic tour, with a couple bridges, hillsides and tree canopy. The trail has become increasingly popular for bikers, joggers and walkers alike.

Efforts already are underway to begin the next phase, extending the trail another 1.1 miles through the Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife area. The ultimate goal is a 12.5-mile paved path, connecting to the Cardinal Greenways rail trail in Losantville.

Efforts also are underway to create Rose City Trail, according to Barrett. Plans call for a street bike/pedestrian trail, stretching three miles from the north side of town to Riley

Road. New Castle City Council already cleared the way with a vote to allow two-way traffic on a portion of B Avenue near 15th Street to make room for the trail. That’s also the area where Rose City Trail will connect with the Robert Indiana Arts and Culture Campus. You might already know Robert Indiana is one of the most renowned artists associated with the pop art movement and just so happens to be from New Castle.

“We’re trying to make our trails more than a place to get exercise,” said Barrett, who especially believes the Rose City Trail and Robert Indiana Arts and Culture Campus will help attract visitors to New Castle’s downtown area. While she says the Rose City Trail is in its infancy, Barrett adds, “The goal is by 2016 to have a good start on it.”

Not all trails in Henry County are as intricate as the Wilbur Wright or the future Rose City trails. There are some already established trail systems throughout the county that offer unique experiences. Summit Lake State Park has four rustic trails totaling 4.25 miles. They’re especially used for hiking and cross country skiing. Middletown Park offers two miles of paved walking trails. Henry County Memorial Park has three miles of rustic trail with crushed gravel pathways. And Westwood Park has three hiking trails totaling eight miles, a six-mile horse trail, and a 10-mile rustic mountain bike trail.

“The trails attract people to the area and promote health and wellness,” Barrett said. “There couldn’t be a better thing to do than take a walk and look at the beautiful scenery in Henry County.” ■

CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2015 | 25

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Why

Henry County?

Livability

Affordability, family-friendliness, safety, strong community values and a multitude of locally owned businesses combine to make Henry County a great place to live and work.

Health care

Henry County Hospital consistently garners top ratings for quality of care, and the area boasts a wide range of home health options and excellent senior living communties.

Recreation

With its ever-growing trail system and family-focused parks, Henry County is the perfect place for play.

Location

Close proximity to interstate highways, major population centers and international airports make Henry County a great place to call home.

KURT HOSTETLER PHOTO