Avon Launches Youth Assistance Program
PARADING THEIR SKILLS
AVON MARCHING BLACK AND GOLD TO PERFORM IN THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Fostering Literacy
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program Launches Locally
There are so many factors to consider when preparing for your retirement that it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. That’s why Hendricks County Wealth Advisors is here to help! Scan the QR code with your smart device, or visit hcwealthadvisors.com/ retirement-readiness to learn more.
6 IN GOOD COMPANY
Avon American Legion Post 145 Welcomes New Commander Brent Willett
9 FOSTERING LITERACY Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program Launches Locally
15 ALL FOR HOPE Cliff Sweazey Talks Executive Director Role at Hope Healthcare Services 21 POWERFUL PROGRAM
Avon Launches Youth Assistance Program 25 PARADING THEIR SKILLS
Avon Marching Black and Gold to Perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
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IN GOOD COMPANY
AVON AMERICAN LEGION POST 145 WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER BRENT WILLETT
Writer / Natalie Platt
Since 1987, the Avon American Legion Post 145 has been welcoming veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today the American Legion continues to welcome all military personnel serving our country, as well as new Avon American Legion Commander Brent Willett.
Willett is the vice president of OneIndiana Property and Casualty, LLC, an independent risk management firm that pledges to provide a personal relationship with clients. He grew up in Monrovia, and is a graduate of the University of Evansville where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Upon the completion of college, he went on to earn his J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law. Shortly after completion of law school, Willett made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army, he had the honor to serve this country overseas in Iraq, returning as a decorated veteran. Upon being honorably discharged, Willett spent several years as a Department of Defense contractor, instructing soldiers before their deployments.
“I have been a member of Post 145 for about four years now,” he says. “I transferred from a neighboring post as I was closer to the Avon community, and was welcomed the first time I stepped foot into the building. Before becoming commander, I first served as the service officer, whose role is to assist veterans and their families that need help or guidance on where to find said help.”
The next year, Willett served as first vice commander under the past Commander Rick Duncan.
“When Rick was moving up into a different role with district, I decided it was time to run for the commander position,” Willett says. “While I was aware there would be a lot of work, there is a strong passion inside of me for veterans and what they have sacrificed for the good of our country. The legion provides a place of solace for us and a strong sense of camaraderie that you miss when your time of service has ended.”
Veterans and the public alike can be found at the legion for fun events throughout the week and year.
Every Monday through Saturday, the legion kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and members of the community are not required to be a member of the post to enjoy a great meal. On Wednesday nights, Team Trivia runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each Tuesday and Thursday, the legion has its jackpot draw, where tickets can be purchased any day of the week. The drawing is at 7:15 p.m. on each Tuesday and Thursday evening.
Kids who learn to love math gain confidence for a successful
Mathnasium of Avon IN (317) 680-1980 mathnasium.com/avonin 621 S. Dan Jones Rd., Avon
Friday evenings rotate between music bingo and karaoke (the first and third Friday of the month), and live music or karaoke on the remaining Friday evenings. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for $8.
“Some aspects of the Avon American Legion that the
community may not be aware of are the amount of time and donations members of the post give to the local charities and events that are hosted at the legion,” Willett says. “In December we host the Hearts of Christmas, where the Legionnaires, SAL, Auxiliary, and Riders pitch in to provide Christmas for families that are in need. Last year we were able to do that for over 25 families and we are hoping to do more this year.”
Willett emphasized that the post is very community focused, but most importantly, they are here to help our veterans in need of assistance.
You can learn more about the Avon American Legion Post 145 by visiting avonlegion.org. You can also call them at 317-386-8911, or stop by at 4812 East Main Street in Avon.
FOSTERING LITERACY
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM LAUNCHES LOCALLY
Writer / Ashley Watters
A love of reading provides a strong foundation for many aspects of lifecreativity, empathy and academic success, among others. Fostering that passion is easier for some than others.
Almost 30 years ago, legendary musician Dolly Parton launched a program, known as the Imagination Library, to put free books in the hands of children aged 0 to 5. Due to its proven success, that program has now launched for Hendricks County libraries, in conjunction with the state of Indiana.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the state as well as our fiscal partner, the Hendricks County Community
Foundation, to bring the Imagination Library here,” says Denise Robinson, Brownsburg Public Library director. “With the help of our partners, we’ll be able to reach over 9,000 children throughout the county and encourage them to read together with their families.”
Concerns over long-declining literacy
rates in Indiana prompted the partnership with the Imagination Library as part of an initiative to boost lagging reading scores. Governor Eric Holcomb announced legislation last year to utilize the partnership as part of his Next Level Agenda.
Amie Scott, assistant director with
the Brownsburg Public Library, hopes Hendricks Country can be part of that positive change. “We hope that this program will reach children throughout the county and ultimately will instill early literacy skills that will give them a head start into their school-age years,” she says. “Of course, we also hope that they’ll develop a sheer love for reading and the
places it can take you.”
An initiative that began in Servier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is her passion project intended to help foster a love of learning in preschool children. It is now part of a statewide expansion program intended to serve every county in Indiana. The program provides a monthly book to Hendricks County children that is delivered directly to their mailboxes. “Parents love the program and little ones love to get something in the mail, and when that something is a book, it brings families together,” says Scott.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program ensures all children receive age-appropriate reading material without having to leave their homes. Books are chosen by the Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee, a panel that includes early childhood literacy experts. The selections are specifically intended to foster early language and math development, and are published solely through Penguin Random House. “It just seemed a natural fit for public libraries to pick up and carry the mantle of supporting and promoting a program that encourages early literacy,” says Scott.
This program is completely free for Hendricks County residents, but parents need to apply on the sign-up page to opt in. Alternatively, you can sign up at your local library branch. Scott stresses that children do not need to have a home library to participate.
Let
As always, Vitamin D & C help too!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 250 million books to children throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. This is all made possible by funds provided by the Dollywood Foundation and community and state partners.
“It’s a great program and we’re so thrilled to offer it here,” says Scott. “It’s not a free program on the back end. All six of the different Hendricks County libraries are promoting this and working together to fundraise, as the cost of each child per year is $26.20. We need to keep pounding the pavement to reach all of our families.”
Hendricks County libraries have received supporting funds from the Thomas A. Kays Fund, the Hendricks County Community Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act.
To learn more about the program, visit imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/ inhendricks.
ALL FOR HOPE
CLIFF SWEAZEY TALKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE AT HOPE HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Insurance can be tricky.
You might be paying through your employer, you might qualify for government assistance, or you might not have insurance at all.
Back in 2005, a local church launched a ministry for those in the third categorythose working as 1099 contractors, working for a day care or nonprofit organization, or just started a new job and waiting for the benefits to kick in.
Whatever the reason, private insurance isn’t an option and these folks don’t qualify for assistance.
This can put you in a tough spot when it comes to making choices within your budget. Individuals often put off seeking medical help, or they have to decide if that dental cleaning is more important than keeping the lights on.
What is now known as Hope Healthcare Services in Avon began offering medical and dental services to these individuals,
by welcoming licensed physicians and volunteers from IU Health West Hospital and Hendricks Regional Health, among other professional offices in the area.
These professionals donate an afternoon each week, or one day per month, to give back to their community with the skills they have.
It’s no longer supported by just one church, and over the years the nonprofit has been supported by numerous churches, businesses and individuals. Thanks to that
support, they’ve grown exponentially.
The most recent change is the addition of a new executive director, Cliff Sweazey. He was once in business development and consulting technology, but in 2015 Sweazey felt he needed to make a change.
“I sold my technology company to my business partner and started doing ministry work,” he said. “I didn’t really have any specific plans. I just knew I wanted to serve others. I started getting involved in the prison ministry and the divorce ministry, and I eventually went to graduate school for pastoral ministry and Christian counseling.”
Sweazey worked at his local church for several years before a series of circumstances led him to apply at Hope Healthcare.
“I didn’t know I was looking for a job when I found Hope,” he said. “My wife saw their job posting and told me about it. I sort of
shrugged it off because I wasn’t looking. In a matter of six days, three more unrelated people sent me the same job posting. Then I felt like it was calling for me, and I want to go where I’m needed.”
Some would say he has big shoes to fill. John Mollaun has served as executive director for nearly two decades, but Sweazey said that’s not his goal.
“John has been amazing,” he said. “He waited until I was in place before he retired so we could transition smoothly. It’s a valuable opportunity to get his input and he did personal introductions to many in the community. I’ll never fill John’s shoes, but it’s an honor to walk in his footsteps.”
The entire staff has shown Sweazey their big hearts and willingness to jump in where needed.
After all, with just a small paid staff, the organization is operated by more than 80
ai172780486911_TownPost- 3.5 x 4.75-NOV-OUTPUT-100124.pdf 1 10/1/2024 1:47:49 PM
active volunteers.
“I’ve seen firsthand the commitment of our volunteers,” Sweazey said. “These physicians and dentists and counselors are just called to serve, and they believe in this ministry. It’s beautiful to watch - like an orchestra and collaborative effort.”
In addition to medical and dental care, the newest service brought in by the organization is mental health care.
Across the country, we are seeing more and more youths and adults with anxiety and depression symptoms - and at an earlier age than ever before.
“It’s such an important component,” Sweazey said. “When you look at the Hendricks County needs assessment survey, one of our top concerns is mental health. We partner with counselors who will discount their rates, and then we subsidize those rates even further to make it
affordable for the patient.”
Whether in need of an annual physical, a dental cleaning or a counselor, patients simply call the Hope Healthcare staff and schedule an appointment for the next available volunteer.
They are open five days per week. However, certain services are offered on certain days, and availability is based on the volunteers they have on hand.
Most services have a small fee, but they offer “extremely discounted rates” according to Sweazey. When it comes to blood work or other routine procedures, they have partnerships in the area to make those needs affordable too.
In his new role, Sweazey hopes to watch Hope Healthcare continue to grow.
“I posted something about Hope Healthcare on social media, and it broke
my heart the number of people that said, ‘What’s Hope?’” he said. “We have to change that. Part of my initiative is to increase awareness and to reach not only the people we can bless by serving them, but also those in the community that can use their gifts to serve others.”
His ultimate goal is to offer a full-time staff of volunteers, five days per week, with all services available like a typical clinic. It will take a lot of community collaboration.
“We’re already working on some of these things,” Sweazey said. “We’re partnering with other churches and nonprofits in the community. We want to let them know about our services and promote each other.”
Additional licensed volunteers are needed, as well as those willing to help schedule or answer phones. Sweazey asks for prayers, and donations are always welcome.
RESEARCH STUDY SEEKING
Men 65 or Older or Women 50 or Older
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking healthy volunteers who are at least 65 years old (men) or 50 years old (women) to participate in a study to determine if a hormone called testosterone or progesterone can reduce the risk of a heart rhythm abnormality.
If you qualify for the study:
• You will complete one 2-hour visit and two 10- hour visits at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis
• Prior to the 2nd and 3rd visit, you will apply testosterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
“We can’t do what we do without the financial support from our community,” he said. “We have so many community partners, businesses and individuals who support us. You can have the best concept in the world, but without the people, it doesn’t do us any good.”
As Sweazey continues to raise awareness, make connections and welcome additional volunteers, he admits there’s still a lot to learn. However, he can’t help but think that Hope Healthcare is where he has belonged all along.
“I believe God has been building me for this position my entire life,” he said. “It’s like if you train for a marathon and you weren’t sure how it was going to go, but now that I’m here, I know he has equipped me for the call. Sometimes God opens a door and then has to kick us through it. I couldn’t be more excited to work for this amazing organization.”
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• Nine conference classrooms and boardrooms
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POWERFUL PROGRAM
AVON LAUNCHES YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Writer / Melissa Gibson
For the past several years, the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program has been working with students who are experiencing life struggles.
It was an idea cultivated by the Plainfield Community School Corporation, retired Hendricks County Judge Karen Love, and numerous businesses and organizations.
The reasons a teen is struggling can be widespread. Maybe a parent is ill at home or lost a job, a teen gets involved with the wrong crowd, or they’re dabbling in alcohol or drug use. It can show up in the form of behavioral issues, plummeting grades, school absence and more.
Once the program was up and running, proving the custom approach with intervention advocates was working, they aimed to take it further across Hendricks County. Now, under the umbrella of the Hendricks County Youth Assistance Program, they’ve joined efforts at the Avon Community School Corporation.
The Avon Youth Assistance Program (AYAP) launched on August 5, with Melissa Echerd and Victoria Allen as intervention advocates. Executive Director Staci Hovermale will lead both programs.
“Since we began in early August, we’ve served
nine individuals and have 20 pending cases,” Hovermale said. “The focus here is working [with] Avon Academy and Avon High School students struggling with suspension and expulsion. All of our referrals will come from the academy or counselors at the high school.”
It’s truly a team effort. The academy has many resources, and while the staff focuses on education, the AYAP team can focus on food pantry needs, life skills and mental health needs.
Allen began working at Avon Academy when they opened in 2023. She had already formed relationships with students while in the nursery, working with the babies brought in by teen moms.
It’s important to note that none of the youths are “bad”; rather, they’ve been met with challenges anyone their age could have trouble managing.
“All of us have been in a season in our life where we could have used this program,” Hovermale said. “We picked the wrong friend, we’re going through a divorce or we got laid off. I think we’re coming in at the right time, and we’re grateful Avon Schools is allowing us to come in and help these teens in the ways they need.”
Those needs run the gamut, based on each student and their specific situation.
“We’re working with homelessness, teen moms and passing required courses,” Allen said. “Students at Avon Academy simply have a credit deficiency for graduation. It doesn’t mean they have bad behavior; they just need a smaller environment.”
Echerd said it’s helpful that many of the teens already had a connection with Allen when they launched the new program. She was in prevention education at Sheltering Wings, advocating for victims of domestic abuse for over a decade, and worked with youths in several capacities.
“My experience at the shelter has given me the perspective of how all of these things can culminate for a student,” Echerd said. “I’ve seen firsthand how teens coming into adulthood don’t have the foundation they need. They’re looking at managing a bank account, getting their driver’s license, and we want to give them those foundational pieces.”
One unique difference between the Plainfield and Avon programs is the age group advocates are helping. In Plainfield, grades kindergarten through 12 qualify for the program, but in Avon, things are a bit different.
“We don’t have the luxury Plainfield has, working with elementary through high school,” Hovermale said. “We have a couple of years at best to find a trade, get a job, get a diploma and get a driver’s license. I’ve been talking with Avon for a couple of years and they didn’t really know where the gap was until the academy came along. As more and more teens were trying to figure out car insurance, day care, taxes and other things, the staff at the academy were going way beyond the scope of their education goals.”
Now, partnering with AYAP, students are receiving resources to meet all of their goals and they’re recognizing the value the program brings. In just the past several months, students have been requesting to work with the AYAP team.
“They are seeing the extra assistance and they’re tuned in to asking for extra help,” Echerd said. “That’s been very cool to see. They want to be successful and they want the help.”
As the program progresses, the AYAP team foresees changes, expansion
Hovermale said that aside from their own thoughts and ideas, the teens will likely lead the way.
“The kids will help us generate ideas,” Hovermale said. “As they dream and talk about what they are passionate about, we’ll find those resources if we don’t have them already. We know we’re going to need additional tutoring and mentoring, and that’s going to require more volunteers.”
Echerd agreed. She is accustomed to carrying around an idea book, for those moments when she recognizes the need is there and she knows just who to contact.
“I’ve already got ideas in my head, and there are resources and people I know in the community that will say, ‘How can I help?’” Echerd said. “That’s going to be an important piece. We need to let the community know that they play a role here too. It’s not just us or just the school; it’s going to be the entire community coming together.”
The issues aren’t unique to Plainfield or Avon.
“It takes more than just us to impact their life,” Allen said. “Even if a teen isn’t in AYAP, they still need an adult who cares and takes time to talk to them and invest in them. Maybe this program isn’t in their school yet and maybe they aren’t at risk, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support from the adults in their life.”
In order to help the youths in the community, Hovermale said it’s going to take a village.
“We’re finishing up our website and we have an advisory board at Avon,” she said. “Their job is to raise funds to support the programs, and we’ll be looking for donations, sponsorships, and partnerships with other businesses and organizations.”
Visit plainfieldyouthassistance.org/avon to learn more about the program, volunteer, or sign up to donate items on their current wish list.
Solution:
31. Surround-sound device
33. Middle of the road?
In thing
Cherry leftover
Dances to
35. Capsule
36. Big rig feature
38. Unbending
39. Rose petal oil
41. Form of pachisi
42. Face-to-face exams
45. Three-toed animal
47. Become dull
48. Brouhaha
49. In vitro fertilization (abbr.)
52. Proctor’s call
53. In addition
54. Not even a little
55. Dispatch, as a dragon
56. Bit of fowl language
57. Golfer Brewer
Crossword Provided by Village of Avon
DOWN
1. Children in a school? 2. Sailor’s assent 3. Couldn’t stand 4. Kind of team 5. Fiesta fare 6. Olympic activities
7. Club ___ 8. Make shadowy 9. Yoked pair 10. Spare parts? 11. Eye problem 19. Impolite look
Less civil 21. Diary fastener 22. Suspicious of
Aries, for one
26. Religious factions
28. Estimating, ___ out
29. Installed, as carpet
30. Annul
32. Meal source
34. East Timor’s capital
37. Campaign part
39. Hangout for tomcats
40. Add to the pot
42. Makes a pick
43. Hand support
44. Michigan college or its town
46. Drama class item
48. Drain, in a way
50. Word used in directions
51. Fishing gizmo
PARADING THEIR SKILLS
AVON MARCHING BLACK AND GOLD TO PERFORM IN THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographers / Amy Payne, Grant Curry, M Franco Photography & Miguel Franco
They are 16-time ISSMA state champions and four-time BOA Grand National champions, in addition to many more accolades.
So far, Avon High School’s Director of Bands Matt Harloff said the season has been successful and busy as usual. They’ll compete in state competitions and national competitions in the next few weeks, and then later this month, the Avon Marching Black and Gold will head to New York City to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The annual parade began in 1924 as a celebration of the many first-generation
immigrants to America and their love for the country. It didn’t hurt that the fun also marked the official kickoff of the Christmas season.
It’s been televised since the late 1940s, and brings in an average of 3.5 million people to New York City to attend the famous event in person.
It’s three hours long and follows a 2.5mile route from West 77th Street and Central Park West, ending at Macy’s Herald Square. More than 50 million households across the country will gather around the television to see which of their favorite balloons will appear this
year, along with popular characters like Snoopy, Spider-Man and Mickey Mouse.
Santa of course makes his appearance, and the amazing marching bands keep the music playing throughout.
How does a band get to perform in one of the most famous parades in the world? They apply and have to meet criteria that involves musical experience, versatility, showmanship and marching ability.
The Macy’s Band Selection Committee looks for bands that capture viewers’ attention with talent and stage presence, and the Avon community can’t think of
Director, Matt Harloff with band members
anyone better suited for the job.
Avon’s Marching Black and Gold learned they had been selected to participate in late 2023, and now the time is upon us.
“We’ve been preparing since the summer,” said Harloff. “We’ve already taught some of what we’ll use, so as November arrives and we’re all exhausted both physically and mentally, we’re ready to go.”
The marching band begins practicing in mid-May and will compete through mid-November - a long season full of hard work and a lot of fun.
“There’s a culture we’ve built here,” Harloff said. “All bands work really hard, but when you build a culture of excellence, the work ethic of the students and staff is inspiring.”
Participating bands in the Macy’s parade have the option to play a piece from their competitive season or select new music for the parade. Avon chose the latter.
“There is a standard Macy’s administration wants to uphold, but they don’t have specific guidelines,” Harloff said. “We chose a cool idea. We’ll do something completely different. Our costumes will be the same and some of the props we’ve used in the past will be used - but no music from our competitive show.”
The music will be a medley from holidaythemed movies and television. According to Harloff, it’s entertaining and they’re hoping to bring joy and laughter to the audience. They made it a point to not
add extra work to an already jam-packed practice and competitive schedule.
“We practice a lot already, and the kids have school, extracurriculars and other things,” Harloff said. “One of the reasons we’re great is because we work so hard, but our goal was not to add more to the schedule. That’s why we got the Macy’s music passed out back in June and we knew it ahead of time. Everyone from the band to the color guard to the drumline will have to learn more for a completely different show.”
By now they’ve worked in practices here and there to run through the Macy’s material, in addition to their show for the competitive season.
It may come as a surprise to some, but the band’s music while marching through Manhattan is only a minute-long compilation, played on a loop for those attending in person.
Harloff said viewers at home won’t see that music - only the piece they’ll play when they arrive at Herald Square, hopefully.
There’s no guarantee the Avon Marching Black and Gold will appear in the live television show, but the band will be notified when they are being filmed, and will reset to play their chosen piece during that time. They’ll also know where the band is in the lineup, and will be able to share that info on social media ahead of time.
“We’re going to have a great time no matter what,” Harloff said. “The students are going to remember this forever.”
It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and 286 Avon High School students will be on the trip, among numerous staff, parents, chaperones and fans. They’ll enjoy six days on the East Coast and stay
in Newark, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River.
“We have music travel consultants and great friends of ours organizing everything,” Harloff said. “In addition to playing in the Macy’s parade, we’ll see a Broadway show, tour Manhattan, see the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center complex, and take a dinner cruise on the Hudson.”
The band director has personal experience performing music in the Big Apple. He remembers his first trip to New York City to perform with his allstar drum and bugle corps at 19 years old. It’s something Harloff will never forget, and a memory he hopes Avon students will take with them too.
“You can look at pictures and videos online of one of the greatest cities in the world, but being there is completely
different,” Harloff said. “Most of these students have never been there and it’ll be memorable for them. Assuming the Macy’s parade continues well into the future, they’ll be able to tell their own children about it one day.”
The band members hope the Avon community will join them in their excitement. After all, many businesses, organizations and individuals have taken part in supporting the high school students.
“The band doesn’t do a lot of traveling,” Harloff said. “I hope our community is proud when they are watching us on Thanksgiving Day. It’s something everyone here in Avon can relate to. Everyone gets the tradition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You don’t have to have a student at Avon High School. They live here and these are our kids, and I hope they all feel a part of it with us.”
