JANUARY 2019
MAGAZINE
HENDRICKS COUNTY SHERIFF BRETT CLARK EMBRACES EVERY ASPECT OF THE JOB
AvonMagazine.com
World Class Technology Home Town Feel LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1976
FOR ALL YOUR PET'S NEEDS
FULL SERVICE CLINIC OFFERING SURGICAL, WELLNESS & MEDICAL CARE
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
FREE EXAM
Most Insurance Accepted
All Invisalign Cases
FOR NEW CLIENTS
*Not filing with insurance
One per pet per visit. Avon Magazine. Expires 2-28-19.
Expires 5-30-19
Dayton W. Dawson, DDS & Holly A. Bradford, DMD 1669 E. Main St. Danville, IN 46122
(317) 272-8706 |7253 E. US Hwy 36 | animalcaregroupllc.com
(317) 745-5173 All major credit cards & Care Credit accepted
Your Local Source for: Annuals Perennials Trees & Shrubs Edibles Outdoor Décor & Furniture Gardening Supplies Landscaping Materials Gift Shop & Boutique ...and more!
New members receive a
$15 OFF
*
coupon to use on your purchase of $30 or more on your next visit!
*Offer applies to new subscribers only. New subscribers receive a $15 coupon good for use on next visit with purchase of $30 or more. See coupon after signing up for more details.
BrownsburgLandscape.com
FrazeeGardens.com | 3480 N. State Road 267 | Conveniently located between on SR 267 Avon and Brownsburg |317.858.8440
We Can Fix It Fast For A Lot Less Money Some electrical companies charge TWICE as much as we do. A competitor estimates $325 to change a porch light. OUR ESTIMATE - $185 Generators
Outdoor Receptacles
220 Circuits
Lightning Strike Repairs
Security Lighting
Landscape Lighting
Hot Tubs
Electrical Repairs
Outlets and Switches
Home Inspection Lists
GFCIs
Ceiling Lights/Fans
and Much More!
24 HOUR SERVICE FryeElectricInc.com /FryeElectric
FREE QUOTES 317-271-1099 @FryeElectric
11
MAGAZINE
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. AVON MAGAZINE FRANCHISE PUBLISHER Darren Boston
Darren@AvonMagazine.com / 317-716-8812
PUBLISHER Tom Britt
Tom@TownePost.com / 317-496-3599
PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt
Jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Robert Turk
Rob@TownePost.com / 317-366-3670
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Austin Vance
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Valerie Randall
EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown
Josh@TownePost.com
PROUD TO SERVE: HENDRICKS COUNTY SHERIFF BRETT CLARK EMBRACES EVERY ASPECT OF THE JOB
As a teenager, Hendricks County Sheriff Brett Clark had big plans that involved graduating from Purdue, landing a job as a chemical engineer and purchasing a Porsche 911. Ultimately, none of that came to fruition.
15
29
JANUARY WRITERS
Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott
JANUARY PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne
SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Avon Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT
The Avon Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local Avon area residents. Magazines are distributed to more than 18,500 Avon area homeowners and businesses each month.
5 Crossword Puzzle 21 A Fair Deal: Steve Patterson Embraces Life as Executive Director 8 Word Search of the Hendricks County Fairgrounds 10 Lighten Your Child's Backpack Load 27 Face-Off: Avon Youth Lacrosse 11 Proud to Serve: Hendricks County Seeks to Inspire Players, Community Sheriff Brett Clark Embraces Every 36 Getting You Back on the Road: Aspect of the Job 15
Diamond Collision Puts People First, Cars Second & Horses a Close League of Miracles: Local Nonprofit Enables Special Needs Children to Third Play Organized Sports 4 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
P.O. Box 36097, Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone/Fax: 317-810-0011
For Advertising, Contact Darren Boston Darren@AvonMagazine.com / 317-716-8812
AvonMagazine.com TownePost.com
JANUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE Football Presented by Park Square Manor
Presenter / Park Square Manor
Football
Presenter / Parkwatching Square Manor Hidden in the puzzle are words and expressions you could hear while a football game. Words may appear direction in a straight line. you could hear whil Hidden inin any the puzzle are words and expressions
a football game. Words may appear in any direction in a straigh T 1. BACKFIELD
X
I
R
T
1
R
2
3
E
T
N T
C
4
H
I
R
T
C
Z13
E X
5
6
O R
B E
2. BLITZ
U
Y
C
Q
C
N
E
N
Q
3. BLOCKER
1. N BACKFIELD E12 N 2. BLITZ
V
Z
U
I 3. N BLOCKER
H
U V A Z I U ON
N
4. CENTER15 O 5. A CHAINS
4. CENTER
W
5. CHAINS 6. CHALLENGE
X
7. DEFENSE
Y
8. DOWN 9. END ZONE 10. EXTRA POINT
A B C
G A
Z
D
S
A
E
B
B
F
E
C
G
F
D
H
Z
F A
6. CHALLENGE
12. FALSE START 13. FIELD GOAL 14. FORMATION 15. FUMBLE 16. GAIN 17. GOALPOSTS 19. HANDOFF 20. HELMET 21. INCOMPLETE PASS 22. INTERCEPTION
H25 O 12.GFALSE START
A
A
S
E
O
E
M
19.CHANDOFF W
N
M
R
Y
G
L
F
J
E
D I PASS A 21.OINCOMPLETE
M
G
K
N
22. INTERCEPTION Y42 G 43L 23.RKICKOFF
Y44 D
H
L
A
24. LINESMAN
E
E
M
L
25. LOSS
J
N
T
28.MPENALTY S52
26. OFFENSE
K
27. PASS
E
G H
E
I
L
K39 N L M
N
A
A
L
E
E
T
P
E
E
S
K
F
H
N S
Q O
E
A
C
B O
F G 45 P
Y Z T
T E K
R
N
R
D40 A R C
O
A
C
I
B
Z J R N AT
C M
C
O
T K CO
LN
NL S S K G K QT 48 E A OD F E F S O ND
N
S
Y
36. D 53 L REPLAY E
IY
32. K QUARTER K T
E O 30.NPOSSESSION 55 31. PUNT
F
F RECEIVER O D 34.
I
F
N
A
35. REFEREE
HSCORE A L 38. 56 39. SCRIMMAGE
E
R
S
G O
Z O
YL
R K S
W
B
R A T 28
U L L E
A S
A O D
I
G
T
K 29 H R
G
HD Y S A S L TY 34 F O GR U E F T C SB
S
T
K
D
S
S
O
R
E
T
L
A
S
S
EL
QA
F S T S R NK
M
Y
L
O
T
K
P
M
O
G
N
A
U
A
P
S
K 41A
P
U
W
B
F
L
S
H
N
A
Y
U
A
K
P
C
M
N
T
O
S
A
W A
D
E
F
E
D
O
H Y
DT
B
G
AF
C 51 I
A
EN
LO E S I A F EK 49 50 HE A D L O F NT
M
E
A
K
E
F
S
40.CSHUTOUT A 54 B
L
Q
A
C
B
G
O
O
46 U
L
L
L
E
N
S
G
I
A
L
T
44. TIME OUT 45. TOUCHDOWN
41. SNAP
F
X 30 Z
E B 38
37. SACK
33. QUARTERBACK
29. POINTS
F
X
A
E
R
C
I
E
T
C
IW K B S E E R I 32 33 E CH O Y T A M LT O
M
E
S
V
T
E
PG N U 37 M F E CL
S
P
E
D
D
L
S
W
O
V
L
T
S
C
O
C W L36 F
A
F27
L
T E M I TP
P
R
T
O
E
C26 C
S
17. GOALPOSTS S E35 C 18. HALFTIME
P
27. PASS
R
K
O
A
OS
J
C
R
E
R24 E
S D E H IZ
F
R
E
U
K
S
F
V
A
I
N
M
C
H
S S
16. GAIN
A
W
E
W
E
F
E
E
D
F
T
I
M
RN
B
A
D
L
P
M J
C
T
L C S G RF
W A 14.DFORMATION 31 15. FUMBLE
N
E
V
13. FIELD GOAL
Q
S
E
I
Y
B
E
L
S
S
S
A
K
K
L T R Q C OR
P
E
O
E
T
B
11
S
T T Q MO RG
P
M
E
S
E
L
10
L
IS
H
A
R
A
O
I
F E
P K
G
A
D
D
T 14I
T
B
N G 20
T
C
Z
9
A O
EM
D
E
N
8
AH E O L I A MU
E
Z
H
H
F O
N 23 M
Y
L
C
C
KF R R N C O UO 17 FS HE O L I E M PE
O
H
L
K
O O
Z
T
B
E
H R U N A OI
N
E
O
9. END ZONE 21 22 10.ZEXTRA N POINT M D
C
L
FK
II
L
L
N
JI
PI
I
N
I
NC
I
C
T
L W A A UN
8. DOWN
7. DEFENSE
I
24. LINESMAN
H
R18X C B19RG
25. LOSS 47 26.FOFFENSE H
23. KICKOFF
Y
E
20. HELMET
18. HALFTIME
L
16 MA
11. FACEMASK
11. FACEMASK
U
7
E T
M E 42. ISTRATEGY 57 43. TACKLE
28. PENALTY
32. QUARTER
36. REPLAY
40. SHUTOUT
44. TIME OUT
29. POINTS
33. QUARTERBACK
37. SACK
41. SNAP
45. TOUCHDOWN
30. POSSESSION
34. RECEIVER
38. SCORE
42. STRATEGY
46. UPRIGHTS
31. PUNT
35. REFEREE
46. UPRIGHTS 47. YARDS
Park Square Manor 39. SCRIMMAGE
47.spacious YARDS 43. TACKLE From beautiful apartments to delicious F
For the answers, visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/AvonCommunityMag dining, Park Square Manor offers all the amenities and INDEPENDENT
Park Square Manor
INDEPENDENT
AND
ASSISTED
LIVING
AND
ASSISTED
LIVING
needed for care-free living. • Activities, events, fitness • Trained, caring team programs and outings 24 hours a day assistance with •Five Wellness From beautiful spacious• Personal apartments to delicious StarConsultatio activities of daily living our registered nurse
dining, Park Square Manor offers all the amenities and support CALL 317-272-7300 TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR needed for care-free living. • Activities, events, fitness • Trained, caring team onCounty call Road, 100 6990 East Avon, IN 46123 programs and outings 24 hours a day 317-272-7300 • Personal assistance with • Wellness Consultations by activities of daily living our registeredwww.ParkSquareSeniorLivin nurse ©2016 Five Star Senior Living
CALL 317-272-7300 TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR TOUR. 6990 East County Road, 100 North Avon, IN 46123
317-272-7300
www.ParkSquareSeniorLiving.com ©2016 Five Star Senior Living
Pet Friendly
Selling Solutions, Not Promises
REPAIRS FROM SMALL DINGS & DENTS TO FULL ‘TRAIN’ WRECKS
Kim Morgan kim@kimmorgan.net 317-698-9927 www.kimmorgan.net (! S
6 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
Offering Serv
You Can Tr
Receive treatment for most servic in one office for your conven
Considering Dental Imp Dr. Esteban Velez
Find out about our amazing treatmen Dr. Velez can make it easy, comfortable, and cutting edge digital 3-D technology. Sche consultation to meet and discuss with
New Clinic (317) 745-635 Opening Soon
5055 E. US Hwy 36, Ste. 101 www.velezdentistry.c
VisitService us in our beautiful new Offering
starting in February at Youdental Canclinic Trust
5250 E US Hwy 36 Ste 800 Avon, IN 46123
Receive treatment for most services here all in one office for your convenience.
You’re invited
Considering Dental Implants? Dr.Dr. Esteban EstebanVelez Velez
(317) 745-6355
to tour the new facility & meet our wonderful staff at our Open House
Find out about our amazing treatment and how Dr. Velez can make it easy, comfortable, and affordable with cutting edge digital 3-D technology. Schedule a FREE consultation to meet and discuss with Dr. Velez.
5055 E. US Hwy 36, Ste. 101 | Avon
www.velezdentistry.com
(317) 745-6355 Sat, Feb 23rd 12 pm – 3 pm
5055 E. US Hwy 36, Ste. 101 | Avon www.velezdentistry.com
AvonMagazine.com / JANUARY 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 7
Word Search Provided by Village of Avon
Village of Avon a continuum of care community
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
Theme: FROG HOP ANURA AQUATIC CAMOUFLAGE CROAK EGGS FLOAT HABITAT HIBERNATE INSECTS LARVAE LEAP LILY PAD LUNGS MATING MUD PREDATOR RIVER SPECIES STICKY STREAM TONGUE TROPICAL WART WEBBED
P F M S T I C U J S G O N
R U M A T I N G R E V I R
D B O L T R O T A D E R P
J L E A Y K C I T S T J C
F A U W E B B E D O K D A
P Q L H I B E R N A T E M
A H A S S E I G O R L D O
F A C S P T U R M U A A U
M B I S T E C S E N R P F
N I P W G R C E G A V Y L
a continuum of care community
Independent Living Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Memory Care
Living Well Changes Everything!
4171 Forest Pointe Circle
P A R V F R U A E N E I G
Z T T G J M T L M S I L E
For the puzzle solutions visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AvonHealthCare
Village of Avon Like us on Facebook!
Z T O B A N E I S G A L A
Avon, IN 46123 | (317) 745-5184 | www.avonhealthandrehab.com 8 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
COMING THIS SPRING Advertisers – Contact us to find out more! (317) 716-8812 Darren@BrownsburgMagazine.com BrownsburgMagazine.com
Does the middle of your back bother you? It could be from overuse or even strain of your muscles and ligaments due to normal and daily activities. Don’t let this pain slow you down! GIVE CHIROPRACTIC A TRY TO GET YOU PAIN FREE.
7651 E. US Hwy 36 • Avon, IN 46123 | CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988 JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
Lighten Your Child’s Backpack Load Are geography, geometry and other heavy textbooks weighing your child down? It’s possible. A new year means a new semester and a chance to re-stock on kids’ school supplies. While making sure your child has the right materials for spring classes, take a look at your child’s backpack. Dr. Rebecca O’Bryan, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Indiana University Health West Hospital’s Spine Center, offers suggestions for protecting your child’s back. “Choose a backpack that has two wide, padded straps, a padded back and a waist strap,” Dr. O’Bryan says. “Kids should hook backpacks through both arms, not just one.” Lighter is better. Many experts say backpacks should not weigh more than about 10 percent of a child’s body weight.
So, a 100-pound child shouldn’t tote more than 10 pounds in a backpack. “Teach children to pack the heaviest books first,” Dr. O’Bryan says. “These items should be closest to the back. Try to limit the amount of time children lug their backpacks and remind them to stash items in their lockers when they can.” A Safety Checklist for Kids’ Backpacks Carrying heavy backpacks or wearing them incorrectly can lead to posture problems and back, shoulder and neck pain. Here’s how to lighten your kids’ loads:
•Tell your kids to bend with both knees, rather than bending at the waist, when picking up a heavy pack. •Make sure the straps of the backpack are wide and padded for comfort. •Tell your kids it’s important to use both shoulder straps. Wearing a backpack only on one shoulder could increase curvature of the spine and strain muscles.
You may notice the overloaded backpack problem beginning in middle school as your child’s school and homework load increases. And although many schools have •Pack it smart. Put the heaviest items closest transitioned school books and equipment to electronic platforms such as laptops and to the center of your child’s back. tablets, Dr. O’Bryan advises it’s still worth watching so that your child’s back isn’t •Buy a pack with a waist strap and make impacted later in life. sure your children use it for heavy loads. JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
Proud to Serve HENDRICKS COUNTY SHERIFF BRETT CLARK EMBRACES EVERY ASPECT OF THE JOB Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne
AvonMagazine.com / JANUARY 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 11
A
s a teenager, Hendricks County Sheriff Brett Clark had big plans that involved graduating from Purdue, landing a job as a chemical engineer and purchasing a Porsche 911. Ultimately, none of that came to fruition. “My dad was a state trooper for 31 years. I knew about the terrible hours and never had any intention of pursuing the same line of work,” Clark says. Nevertheless, a couple years into college, life brought him full-circle, back to the very career he thought he wanted to avoid. After joining the Navy but being honorably discharged due to a heart issue, he applied to be an officer at the Hendricks County jail. “I think God puts you where you’re supposed to be,” says Clark, who took the job on September 18, 1989. He was hired as a Hendricks County police officer in January 1990 and has never left, having worked his way through a number of positions and appointments. He’s always embraced the freedom the career brings as well as the opportunity to help people in the community. “In this job, you get to see people at their best and their worst,” he says. Being named sheriff in 2015 was a real honor for Clark. His responsibilities are multiplied from when he was a deputy. In addition to concerns about crime rates, drug scourge and a rise in mental illnesses, he has to focus on a number of administrative tasks. “Being in charge of the jail, I’m a hotel manager and building manager, which means I have to think about things like the prices of toilets and feminine hygiene products,” Clark says. “Plus, there are dietary needs and health issues that you never have to consider as a police officer.” In addition, as sheriff, he must be mindful of the budget and be a good steward of taxpayers’ money. Clark, now in his 29th year in the profession, is on the ballot, running unopposed. After this next term, he’ll have 12 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
to step down as it’s a term-limited position. Indiana is one of three states that has a twoconsecutive-term limit. In the past three decades, Hendricks County has experienced phenomenal growth. The Hendricks County Sheriff ’s Department, however, is still operating in the same jail that was built in 1973 (with an addition erected in 1989). “It’s a constant challenge to limp our old jail along,” Clark says. “But to have endured such growth and still be in the same jail for three decades is due to the outstanding communication, cooperation and collaboration among us, the judges, the prosecutors, the probation department and the work release center.”
“We’re looking at best practice as well as evidence-based criteria on which to make more efficient decisions going forward to better serve our community,” Clark says. “That could be pre-trial, pre-arrest or any person going through the criminal justice system.” Collaboration and communication is the only reason that a fast-growing county with 160,000 people living in it can maintain a jail with just 252 beds. “Unless you’re involved in the system, most people don’t understand what we even do here,” Clark says. “Folks may drive by and assume our operation is like Otis in Mayberry, thinking we have 50 guys when today we have 300 in here.”
All of these entities meet regularly as sort of In the future, the county will have to erect a a justice council thanks to a project called new jail, and when they do it will likely be a EBDM (Evidence-Based Decision Making). podular design that has a central command center with pods around it. Not only does
the design provide a 360-degree visual observation to monitor inmates via closedcircuit screens, but it also allows for future expansion. A jail project is a tremendous undertaking that will involve big-time discussion among taxpayers. “A jail in a community isn’t something that everyone wants, but it’s a necessary thing and we have a duty to everyone to do it right,” says Clark, noting that it takes funding, approval, votes and location. Thankfully they already have the location as it will be erected on the old fairgrounds site next door since the county owns the property. “When the fairgrounds moved a decade ago, that was the thought — to sit on this property for future growth, as needed,” Clark says. “It’s good because oftentimes other jurisdictions around the state have had problems if they’re landlocked on the
Call to setup your FREE consultation! Stanley Harper, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
(317) 399-4567 • sharpersurgery.com JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
downtown squares.” The next thing is figuring out how to fund it so it’s equitably shared among the taxpayers. “You can’t just burden the property owners or the workers,” Clark says. “It needs to be some kind of combination of income tax, public safety tax and property taxes so the burden is shared.” Clark cares about community members because people are his favorite part of the job. For instance, when he attends the county fair, dozens of kids run up to him looking for a high-five or a hug. He also regularly receives cards from community members thanking him for the kindness shown to them by Hendricks County officers. “It’s about how you treat people,” says Clark, whose number one focus has always been on public service. “If we come to your house at your worst moment and treat you with kindness, compassion and care, that goes further than anyone can imagine. We have a tremendous group of men and women here who never cease to impress me with their professionalism and concern.” Whenever Clark interviews potential candidates for deputy sheriff, he always asks them why they were drawn to the profession. Their response is almost always, “I want to help people.” While that’s admirable, Clark knows that such enthusiasm can wane over time. Not only that but long-term PTSD in law enforcement tends to wear people down slowly. So, he encourages all newbie cops to read the book “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families” by Kevin M. Gilmartin. The book talks about hypervigilance: “the necessary manner of viewing the world from a threat-based perspective, having the mindset to see the events unfolding as potentially hazardous.” Where most people have normal ups and downs in life — we go to work, come home and engage in normal routines with spouses and children, celebrate birthdays
and anniversaries and attend the occasional funeral — while on duty, police officers have to operate on high alert. For instance, they have to make sure to approach a car in a certain way or enter a room in a certain manner. They are always in a constant state of readiness in order to remain safe. “The hypervigilance rollercoaster is tough because on the one hand, the job is Dukes of Hazzard exciting,” Clark says. “On the other hand, the body and mind can only JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
take so much.” Clark also encourages his staff to practice wellness through physical activity, faith and spending time with family and friends. As for Clark, he enjoys yoga, motorcycling, watching football and relaxing with his wife Karie. Though he never did get that Porsche 911, he’s not complaining. “Every day is a new adventure, and I love it,” Clark says. “I can’t think of a better job.”
League of Miracles LOCAL NONPROFIT ENABLES SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN TO PLAY ORGANIZED SPORTS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
Indiana, including Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks and Marion Counties.
“We want to make sure that every child has a chance to play,” Kendall says.
Last spring Nicole Kendall, a former local radio personality on WYRZ, was asked if she would become the Executive Director of League of Miracles, a nonprofit organization that provides an accessible complex for children five and up with special needs to participate in organized sports.
The field, located in Camby, just south of 67, draws kids from Avon, Plainfield, Mooresville, Martinsville, Decatur, Monrovia and Indianapolis. Players may participate in the spring and summer league (which runs in June through the end of July), the fall league (which runs in September and early October) or both. The cost for each season is just $50, which gets every player a personalized uniform with their name on the back, a hat, a popsicle after each game and a medallion at the end of the season. Though this is a relatively low cost, Kendall recognizes that raising a child with special needs can be costly with therapy, equipment and more. So, no player will be turned away should they not have the finances to pay.
League of Miracles operates with a buddy system on the field so they rely heavily on volunteers for children who need extra assistance.
“They needed an ambassador to be out in the community and talk about who they are so that they could hopefully recruit more players, volunteers and sponsors,” says Kendall, who jumped at the chance to advocate for an organization that celebrates these incredible individuals’ abilities instead of focusing on their disabilities. Those children with physical, mental or emotional special needs come from all over Central
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
“Some kids go up to bat, point to the fence to indicate that the ball will go over, and it does,” Kendall says. “For others, it’s a real struggle to play, but their buddies help them swing the bat, round the bases safely and make sure they’re having a great time.” The league is non-competitive as the whole point is not to win but to play. “We’re celebrating that they can play and that they can enjoy it like every other kid,” Kendall says.
And just as key: they don’t treat players like a child with special needs but rather like a child, period. As soon as Kendall was recruited as executive director, she immediately identified her number one job — to fill empty bleachers. Part of the reason benches are vacant is simply because the general public doesn’t know the league exists. But there’s another component that’s key to share. “We have children who play that are in social service or group-home situations. As a result, they have little to no family involvement,” Kendall says. “Every child deserves somebody in the stands cheering them on.”
Kendall regularly recruits volunteers to clap, holler and support the players. They’ve had Girl Scout troops, track teams and local school cheerleaders come out to the field to cheer.
“Sometimes when you try something and you’re encouraged when you’re trying it, you keep at it and that’s what we want them to do. We hope that carries over in other aspects of their lives.”
“Some kids are initially apprehensive about volunteering simply because they don’t know what to expect,” Kendall says. “But once they come, they enjoy it so much that they always return.”
Carla Jo Ream is a community member who regularly comes to the field as a spectator.
The league welcomes such community spirit because when the players see and feel the energy from the bleachers, their eyes light up.
“The kids are absolutely the best. It’s beyond heartwarming to see how much they love this and how much the volunteers put into this organization,” Ream says. “These children are able to do something they would never get to do without this facility.”
“That kind of encouragement can be lifechanging for these kids,” says Kendall, noting that encouragement breeds perseverance.
Kendall is seeking businesses who would like to sponsor a team. She also welcomes calls from churches and other organizations who
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
We’re celebrating that they can play and that they can enjoy it like every other kid
- Nicole Kendall
may be interested in renting the field to host team-building softball or kickball games. The field is beautiful, thanks to the generous financial support of several area clubs and businesses. For instance, the Kiwanis Club of Mooresville raised $275,000 to go toward the $800,000 facility, which includes a specialized rubber-based field that enables players with walkers or wheelchairs to move around more easily, thus reducing the chance of injuries. Currently, League of Miracles has about 120 participants who are primarily children and young adults. At some point down the line, they would like to add an all-adult league.
we do,” Kendall says. “Even those who can’t verbalize their emotions show us that they love having the opportunity to just be a kid.” Another child who has been living with
foster parents introduced his foster mother to one of his teammates by saying, “This is my mom.”
Know Someone Recently Engaged? Tell Them About This Spectacular Barn
“We have some players who are technically not children anymore, but they function on a child’s level so we don’t put an age cap on our league,” Kendall says. “Right now we market to kids because most of them are between five and 20, but we have a few who are older.” The name League of Miracles is appropriate because the transformations that take place on the field are often miraculous. “The growth in these kids over the course of the season is astounding” Kendall adds. “Some of them, when they first start the program, you can read it on their face that they’re thinking, ‘No way am I going onto that field!’ It may take a couple of weeks of sitting on the bench before they work up the nerve to play, but once they give it a try, they’re hooked.” One such example is of a little girl named Desimber who is nonverbal but still finds a way to get across her enthusiasm and appreciation for the league. Her mother told Kendall that Desimber often goes to the refrigerator where the game schedule is posted and signs “thank you” to her mom because she loves playing so much. “That’s a great reminder of why we do what
perfect place place for for your your perfect day day A perfect place for your perfect day A A
Are Areyou youlooking lookingfor foraaunique uniquelocation locationfor foryour yournext nextbig bigevent? event? Consider Considerthis thistruly trulybeautiful beautifulvenue venuefor foraaone-of-a-kind one-of-a-kindexperience. experience. We Wewould wouldlove loveto tohost hostyour yourcompany companyevent, event,team-building team-buildingday, day, Looking for a unique venue class for your nextornext church/ministry party, family celebration, wedding! Are you looking for a unique location for youror big event? party, family celebration, classreunion, reunion, wedding! event, co. team day, family reunion, party, school/reunion, Consider this truly beautiful venue for a one-of-a-kind experience. What we dance..make it a one-of-a kind experience. What weoffer: offer: We would love to host your company event, team-building day, •• AA100-year-old with charm party, familybarn celebration, classcountry reunion, or wedding! 100-year-old barn withaawarm warm country charm •• Beautiful Beautifuloutdoor outdoorscenery, scenery,including includingaabridge bridgeover overour our Whatbabbling we offer: brook and a historic 200-year-old babbling brook and a historic 200-year-oldCatalpa Catalpatree tree What we offer: •• A Modern like air conditioning, heat, and 100-year-old barn with warm country charm Modern amenities like airaa conditioning, heat, andtwo two indoor Are youamenities looking for unique location forindoor your next big ev restrooms restrooms • Beautiful outdoor • A 100-year-old barn scenery, including a bridge over our Consider this truly beautiful venue for a one-of-a-kind exper babbling brook and a historic 200-year-old Catalpa tree with a warm country charm • Modern amenities likehost air conditioning, heat, and event, two indoor We would love to your company team-building • Beautiful outdoor scenery, restrooms
A
perfect place for your perfect day
including a bridge over our party, family celebration, babbling brook and a historic 200-year-old Catalpa tree
class reunion, or wedding!
What we offer:
A
• Modern amenities like air
perfect place for your perfect day
heat, and two • conditioning, A 100-year-old barn with a warm country charm indoor restrooms
Beautiful outdoor scenery, including a bridge over our babbling brook and a historic 200-year-old Catalpa tree 7424 || 317.430.5391 || avonweddingbarn.com 7424 E. E. 100 100 N., N., Avon, Avon, IN IN 46123 46123 317.430.5391 avonweddingbarn.com • Modern amenities like air conditioning, heat, and two in restrooms •
7424 E. 100 N., Avon, IN 46123 | 317.430.5391 | avonweddingbarn.com
Are you looking for a unique location for your next big event? Consider this truly beautiful venue for a one-of-a-kind experience. We would love to host your company event, team-building day,
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
He had never done that before. “We get to witness relationships growing and so many positive things,” Kendall says. That’s precisely what lures Ream to the ball field.
holler for them. Little Wesley who uses a walker always waves to the crowd when he makes his run. I just love the whole experience. I look forward to going every chance I get.”
To learn more about the League of Miracles “I love rooting these kids on,” Ream says. or to get updated information on the “You can see the beaming faces when people March 8 spring fundraiser, check out @
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
LeagueofMiracles on Facebook, visit them online at leagueofmiracles.org or email them at leagueofmiraclesmorgancounty@gmail. com. The field is located at 7101 E. Landersdale Rd., Camby, IN. Donations, however, should be sent to P.O. Box 698, Mooresville, IN 46158.
ENERGY SAVING WINDOWS, SIDING, DOORS & MORE
WIN A WINDOW MAKEOVER* Visit us at the Indianapolis Home show Jan 18th- 27th Booth #527 and enter to win a House of Window World 4000 series D/H Energy Star rated windows. *See us for details
Nationally Known – Locally Owned
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 1229 Country Club Rd. Indianapolis
WindowWorld.com
• Tree Removal, Topping & Trimming
• Garage/Basement/ Attic Cleanout
• Shrub Trimming & Removal
• Gutter Cleaning
• Light Hauling • Construction Clean-up
Family owned & operated since 1966
• Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck Demolition & Removal
• Junk Removal
• Appliance / E-Waste Removal
• Brush Pile Cleaning
• Stump Grinding
Call today for prompt service!
317-626-5973 ($59 Value) Exp. 2-28-19 Avon Magazine
FredAndSons.com
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE Fred+SonsAd_Geist_3.5x4.75.indd 1
2/5/18 11:46 AM
“ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER HAS BROADWAY ROCKING!” – REUTERS
“ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER HAS BROADWAY ROCKING!” – REUTERS
January 29 – February 3 • Clowes Hall Ticketmaster.com • 800.982.2787
January 29 – February 3 • Clowes Hall Ticketmaster.com • 800.982.2787
West Carmel-Zionsville 317.449.2100 Indianapolis-Ironworks at Keystone 317.542.3102 Greenwood 317.247.0000 Avon 317.542.2999 Fishers-Geist 317.960.4100 Carmel 317.688.1348 Fishers-Nickel Plate 317.806.1212 Downtown Indianapolis 317.912.1515 Broad Ripple 317.616.3800 Coming Soon!
The challenge will change everything, beginning on January 21. Sign up now for a special rate* available until January 17, 2019. *Participation in Transformation Challenge (TC) requires registration and an Orangetheory membership or package. Register for TC from 12/31/18 through 1/17/19. Registration fee will apply unless you buy a Transformation Challenge Membership (TCM). TC runs from 1/21/19 through 3/17/19. Must take minimum three (3) sessions per week for 6 of the 8-week event duration. All sessions must be taken at the studio of TC registration. No more than one (1) session per day. See studio for TCM details. At participating studios only. Offer void where prohibited by law. Restrictions apply. Visit orangetheory.com/termsofuse for full TC details. Orangetheory® and other trademarks marks are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC. ©Copyright 2018-2019 Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC.
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
A Fair Deal Steve Patterson Embraces Life as Executive Director of the Hendricks County Fairgrounds
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
Everyone has their own definition of what it is to be in hog heaven. For Steve Patterson, hog heaven is where the hogs are, and the horses, and the bunnies and the elephant ears. Because Patterson is happiest when he’s at the fairgrounds. In fact, he’s built his life around the fair, having been involved in 4-H since he was 10 years old. A lifelong resident of Hendricks County, Patterson was elected onto the fair board in 1992 where he served until 2014 when he was hired as the Executive Director of the Hendricks County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Association. Through the years, Patterson has served on
the board in every capacity — as treasurer, secretary, vice president, president and was part of the planning committee for the new facilities that opened in 2006. Once doors opened, Patterson served on the operations committee. Why the intense involvement? “I have a passion for fairs — always have,” says Patterson, who also worked at the state fair from 1983 until 1996. After taking a bit of time off, he returned in 2001. In 2007, Patterson was appointed by Governor Daniel’s office to serve on the state fair board, where he stayed for nine years. “I got to experience the behind-thescenes aspect of the 17-day state fair,” says Patterson, who last year worked in the Gateway counting money. JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
As Executive Director of the HC Fairgrounds, Patterson is responsible for managing the 150-acre facility, booking events and, of course, putting on the annual weeklong county fair. The state-of-the-art facility is outfitted with audio-visual equipment in all of the meeting spaces as well as Wi-fi technology throughout the campus, thanks to Endeavor Communications and Hendricks Power Cooperative. The complex has a main conference building, which houses a 2,010 sq. ft. conference room that can be broken up into two separate meeting spaces. The room’s kitchenette makes it ideal for
family reunions, business conferences and seminars. About 70 people can comfortably fit in that space. Then there are three classrooms with a total square footage of 2,325. Those rooms, ideal for educational purposes, can each hold up to 150 people theatre-style or 75 people classroom-style. In addition, there is a north/south hall, with 1,170 sq. ft. in the main room that includes a stage. Popular for wedding receptions, it can hold up to 450. The Hendricks County Expo Hall is a pole barn with a 16,830 sq. ft. pavilion, great for huge blowouts as it can hold between 600700 people. Though the actual structure is not fancy, Patterson’s staff uses pipe and drape to soften the space. “It’s great for large weddings or for events where people want to have room to move around a lot,” Patterson says. “Sometimes couples divide it up and have their ceremony in one section and their reception in another so everything stays on site.” The old fairgrounds were sitting on just 25 acres and didn’t see much activity. “We booked a wedding here or there,” Patterson says.
hold training seminars, continuing ed classes and trade shows during the winter months when they can’t work outside. Two weekends in February, they hold the Champion’s Cup Gymnastics Invitational, set up in the Expo Hall.
Oh, how times have changed! “I’m looking at our calendar for the upcoming year and there’s literally not a single day that we don’t have something going on here,” he says. The HC Fairgrounds hosts everything from craft shows, antique shows and gun & knife shows to huge consignment sales like “Here We Grow Again,” a bi-annual children’s consignment sale that attracts young families in need of gently used clothes at a reasonable price. Other annual events held at the fairgrounds include Relay for Life and the Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District Tox-Away Day where the community is invited to recycle household appliances, chemicals, paints and hazardous household waste. The fairgrounds are booked year-round as construction and utility companies often
“We have a lot of recurring events where groups want to come the same weekend each year,” says Patterson, noting that they’re currently booking into 2021. They host the National Pow Wow, a native Indian dance program that assembles every three years to celebrate the group’s heritage through tribal dancing. In addition, the HC Fairgrounds hosts the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), an international living history group that studies and recreates Medieval European cultures. “They celebrated their 50th anniversary for 10 days at our facility in July 2016,” Patterson says. “They came from all over the world to Hendricks County.”
Though the staff does a great job of booking events, every now and then they encounter a planning hiccup. For instance, a couple of years ago, they held “Dancing with the Stars of Hendricks County” on the same night as a local prom, which presented a parking challenge. This is never a problem for the annual county fair, however, since there is lots of green space on the north of the property. The outer grounds, which is in operation from early April until early November, also has rentable event space. There is the rustic tin-frame Cartlidge Barn, which was moved in 2013 from the YMCA property in Avon after a group banded together to preserve the structure for historical purposes. In 2015, a 40x60 shelter was added on to the back of it, making it a popular venue for wedding receptions, family reunions, graduations and other parties. Activities also occur in their pavilions and
Take the FITE to YOUR Pipes!
$35 OFF Any Plumbing Repair 317.271.5400
FREE ESTIMATE 317.271.5400
fiteplumbing.com NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER EXPIRES 04/30/19
fiteplumbing.com NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER EXPIRES 04/30/19
29 YEARS OF 24-HOUR SERVICE
fiteplumbing.com
317.271.5400
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
covered horse arena that’s 250 ft. long and has 1,000 seats. Though it’s geared toward equine events, it can be used for cattle shows and other events. It’s connected to a horse barn that has 150 stalls. These spaces are utilized during the sevenday county fair that regularly draws an impressive crowd. This year’s fair will run from July 14-20 and showcase entertainment, livestock, tasty food and competitions. “We pride ourselves on providing a state fair experience at county fair pricing,” says Patterson, noting the free grounds entertainment such as the Dynamo Dog show, the High-Diving Pirates of the Caribbean show, and the beloved Swifty Swine pig racing. “We hosted that for several years, stopped for a year and had a lot of people ask to bring it back,” Patterson says. “It’s basically pigs running around the track racing for an Oreo cookie.”
Another successful program they plan to bring back this year is “Hendricks County’s Got Talent.”
always understand the agricultural aspect of how things are raised, produced and processed.
“People love the county fair because it’s inexpensive, family-friendly fun,” Patterson says. “Folks come for the food, the animals, the entertainment and the education.”
Patterson’s three kids — Taylor (25), Mikayla (22) and Robbie (19) — are all indoctrinated into the 4-H program. In fact, Robbie, a firefighter at North Salem, works at the HC fairgrounds, and Taylor works at the Indiana State Fair in the accounting department.
This past year, they started a new program called the “Ag Experience,” which teaches fair-goers all about where food products come from — from the farm to the refrigerator. For instance, how does milk get to the store? In today’s world, people don’t
Can my mom still take care of herself?
We help answer your most difficult questions. Countryside Meadows provides a safe, social environment for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Call (317) 495-7200 to learn more or schedule a visit.
ASCMemories.com JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
“She says that fairs are in our blood, and she’s right,” Patterson says.
Rental of $150 or more With coupon only. Must present coupon at time of order. Expires 12-31-19.
The 33,000 sq. ft. Hendricks County 4-H Conference Center offers great flexibility and versitility for your next meeting, seminar, banquet, or wedding reception SPECIAL FEATURES • • • • • • • • •
Nine conference classrooms and boardrooms Complete commercial kitchen Demonstation kitchen 12,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose auditorium 24’ x 36’ stage Easy load-in areas with overhead door High ceilings Epoxy covered flooring ADA accessibility
DANVILLE | 1900 East Main St. 317-718-6153 | www.4HComplex.org AvonMagazine.com / JANUARY 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 25
0119
Coupon not valid with any other offer, promotion or prior purchase. Taxes and other services fees may apply. Avon & Plainfield Magazines. Expires 2-28-2019
0119
Coupon not valid with any other offer, promotion or prior purchase. Taxes and other services fees may apply. Avon & Plainfield Magazines. Expires 2-28-2019
0119
Coupon not valid with any other offer, promotion or prior purchase. Taxes and other services fees may apply. Avon & Plainfield Magazines. Expires 2-28-2019
0119
Coupon not valid with any other offer, promotion or prior purchase. Taxes and other services fees may apply. Avon & Plainfield Magazines. Expires 2-28-2019
HEALTHY, SAFE CLEANING PROCESS, LIKE NO ONE ELSE!
INFORMED
INFORMED
HEALTHY
HEALTHY
HAPPY
HAPPY
Would you like your employees to be INFORMED HEALTHY HAPPY INFORMED INFORMED INFORMED HEALTHY HEALTHY HEALTHY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Would you like your employees toHAPPY be INFORMED INFORMED HEALTHY HAPPY INFORMED HEALTHY HEALTHY HAPPY
INFORMED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY? INFORMED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY? Would you like your Would Would youWould like youyour like you employees your likeemployees employees your employees to beto tobe be to be
Wouldyou youlike likeyour youremployees employees tobe be Would you like your employees be Would toto INFORMED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY? INFORMED, INFORMED, INFORMED, HEALTHY HEALTHY HEALTHY AND AND HAPPY? AND HAPPY? HAPPY? OF COURSE YOU WOULD.
OF COURSE YOUAND WOULD. INFORMED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY? INFORMED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY? INFORMED, HEALTHY HAPPY? YOU WOULD. OF OF COURSE OF COURSE COURSE OF COURSE YOU YOU WOULD. YOU WOULD. WOULD.
OF COURSE YOU WOULD. LetWellness Wellness Events, LLChelp helpyou you achieve that by bringing a OF COURSE YOU WOULD. OF COURSE YOU WOULD. Let Events, LLC achieve that by bringing a Let Wellness Events, LLC help you achieve that by bringing a Let Wellness Let Wellness Let Events, Wellness Events, LLC help Events, LLCyou help LLC achieve you help achieve that you achieve bythat bringing bythat bringing aby bringing a a HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR to your company for FREE! HEALTH AND FAIR totocompany your company for HEALTH HEALTH AND WELLNESS WELLNESS HEALTH ANDWELLNESS WELLNESS AND FAIR WELLNESS to FAIR your FAIR yourto company your for company FREE! forFREE! FREE! FREE! HEALTH AND FAIR to your company forforFREE!
Let Wellness Events, LLC help you achieve that by bringing Let Wellness Events, LLC help you achieve that bringing Let Wellness Events, LLC help you achieve that byby bringing a aa HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR to your company for FREE! HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR your company for FREE! www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) LEARN MORE: HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR toto your company for FREE! www.wellnesseventsllc.com www.wellnesseventsllc.com www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) 331-2273 (317)331-2273 331-2273 (317) 331-2273 LEARN LEARN MORE: MORE: LEARN MORE: www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) 331-2273 LEARNMORE: MORE: www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) 331-2273 LEARN www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) (317) 331-2273 LEARN MORE: www.wellnesseventsllc.com www.wellnesseventsllc.com (317) 331-2273 LEARN MORE: 331-2273 LEARN MORE: JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
AVON YOUTH LACROSSE SEEKS TO INSPIRE PLAYERS, COMMUNITY Writer / Jamie Hergott Photography Provided by Melissa Fry & Trina Burton
Avon Youth Lacrosse (AYL) recently finished another great fall season and is gearing up for a record-breaking spring season. There has been an explosion in participation from its inception two years ago. In 2016, nine kids came out to play for the first season in Avon. Because of the significant growth AYL has experienced, they expect to have numbers approaching 500 this spring. The club was founded by Craig Suhaka and Jerry Nierzwicki, current President of the AYL board. Nierzwicki attributes the club’s
success to the versatility and freshness of the the Midwest, it’s actually the oldest sport in sport. the nation and is currently a significant part of the sports landscape on the East Coast. “There is a place on the lacrosse field for North American Indians used to play it as anyone,” Nierzwicki says. “Any level of body a way to bring tribes together, encourage type and athleticism has a spot, whether negotiation and celebrate religious you’re smaller and quicker or bigger with traditions. Lacrosse played an important more endurance. There’s a place for every role in the community and the religious level of ability.” life of those tribes for many years. Players not only learn this history but sometimes Lacrosse is a combination of basketball, incorporate past traditions into their hockey, soccer and football. A ball is thrown, practices and games. caught and carried using a long-handled stick that has a curved frame with a piece of Avon Youth Lacrosse was born out of the netting strung inside. Brownsburg Youth Lacrosse Club, formed by Jason Koles. When Nierzwicki heard While lacrosse is a lesser-known sport in rumors of lacrosse starting in Hendricks
County, he got in touch with Koles and helped him grow the Brownsburg club. As the club grew, many kids were coming from Avon to play, so Nierzwicki decided to help start an Avon club, along with Suhaka, so more players could be involved. The club is more than just lacrosse to Nierzwicki and the club’s board. Nierzwicki went into the military right after high school, serving in the Army Reserves and attending school at the same time. He served eight years in the military, between active duty and the reserves, served a tour of duty in Bosnia in 1995 and remains a proud and changed man because of his experiences. He aims to pass on the values he learned in the military to participants in the lacrosse club. “We use those same principles to teach kids discipline and respect,” Nierzwicki says. “We aren’t just teaching them a sport but life lessons as well. We want them to be good people, live by the golden rule, respect others and respect yourself. We take a lot of pride in that piece of it.” The club is run by eight board members and 20 coaches, all who completely volunteer their time and see their role as a type of mentorship for the community. The board of directors is responsible for strategic planning, training, the selection of coaches and referees and ensuring safety is further enhanced by qualified professionals. Every single one of the coaches in the AYL is U.S. Lacrosse certified. “We are passionate about kids being taught right by professionals,” Nierzwicki says. “We treat this as a group effort. We all do it because we love the sport, and we want to provide something better for these kids. We seek only the best so we can leverage the lacrosse program and our knowledge and experiences to develop the leaders of tomorrow on and off the field.” The coaching philosophy of AYL is to teach the kids what they’re doing and why they’re doing it so they can understand the game, accomplish their goals and encourage creativity as they play. One
phrase they believe in as a team, coined by Nierzwicki, is, “Focus on doing the little things right, and big things will happen.” It has become a response chant with coaches after practices and at games. The club is also growing because parents are searching for safer sports than soccer and football. With youth concussions being a recent hot topic, many parents like that lacrosse is safer. The girls’ teams wear less gear, only goggles and a protective mouthpiece, yet are allowed no contact during play. The boys more protective gear, such as a helmet, shoulder pads, gloves and elbow pads since they are allowed contact during play. The club provides a fall season for kids to simply practice and get to know the game. This includes free fall introduction to lacrosse clinics. Nierzwicki says this is a great time for kids and parents alike to warm up to the sport. The week consists of simple practices and scrimmages, and the main goal is to have fun. The spring season, which takes off in late February, brings a more serious season, where students take part in more conditioning and technical playing. They compete in games, which may involve some traveling for the 12U and older kids. Competing towns include Fort Wayne, South Bend and even Louisville, KY. Another reason parents are clamoring to get their kids signed up for lacrosse: scholarships. While the sport is huge on the East Coast, it’s still very fresh in the Midwest. Many Big Ten schools in the Midwest looking to start lacrosse programs are wanting to recruit from the Midwest because athletes new to the sport are easier to train. “It’s new and a lot of colleges are looking to adopt it and make it a priority,” Nierzwicki says. “When we talk to these colleges and ask them what they’re looking for, they are recruiting from the Midwest.” While lacrosse can be a more expensive sport considering the gear needed, AYL aims to keep costs down. The board
actively seeks sponsorships in the community and does fundraising so that cost does not prohibit any student from playing. Jonathon Fry, Vice President of the board, is passionate about lacrosse for many reasons but the biggest being that it encompasses so many levels of athleticism and leadership. All players on the field are useful. “It includes the strength of football, the motion of hockey and the finesse of basketball,” Fry says. “You don’t have one person the whole team relies on, like a quarterback. In this sport, every single player matters.” Fry believes deeply in the value lacrosse brings to the community because it keeps kids active. “They’re running the entire practice,” Fry says. “They don’t even know it because they’re having so much fun.” Fry encourages families to come out and try the sport and get as involved as they want. His own son tried lacrosse after being involved in many sports, including football and basketball. “We just put it in front of him because we want him to try new and different things,” Fry says. “We thought it would be fun and he is really enjoying playing. Many new kids end up absolutely loving this sport.” Right now, the club practices on Kingsway Christian Church’s soccer fields, but at the rate the club is growing, the board is on the lookout for more club sponsors and a more permanent space. “We want to affiliate with companies and organizations that share the same values we do,” Nierzwicki says. “The love of today’s youth, providing opportunities for them outside the classroom, and providing life lessons on the field, it’s the right thing to do.”
Lacrosse is available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Registration is open, and indoor practices start in February. The spring season
includes two practices a week with an optional conditioning on Saturdays. Once the season actually begins, there will be games on top of the weekly practices.
To stay up to date on the club’s registration and schedule, you can find them on Facebook at facebook.com/AYLLacrosse or online at avonlacrosse.club.
Time to Commit and...
DANCE
Mon.-Fri. 1:30 - 10:30 Sat. Day Time
With coupon only. Not to be combined or valid with any other coupons or offers. Valid for new students only. Exp. 2/28/19
www. ArthurMurrayWest.com | 8100 E US HWY 36 SUITE P - AVON STATION
With coupon only. Not to be combined or valid with any other coupons or offers. Valid for new students only. Exp. 2/28/19
• S OD A • CAN DY • GIFT S • GAGS
10% OFF
everything Valid at the Indianapolis & PlaInFIeld locations only. Not valid with any other offer. avon & PlaInFIeld Magazines Expires 2-28-19
• 1 000’S OF C AN DIE S • 1 00’S OF S ODAS
FREE
• C US TOM GIFT
SodA
(UP TO $2.39 VALUE)
POS TE R S
IND I AN APOLIS ( 317) 822-3499 D OW NTOW N ON THE CIRCLE 55 M ONU MENT CIRCLE
WITH ANY $15 PURCHASE *
• C ON C E R T
BAS KE TS
*
Valid at the Indianapolis & PlaInFIeld locations only. Not valid with any other offer. avon & PlaInFIeld Magazines Expires 2-28-19
• TIN S IGN S
PL AINFIELD ( 317) 742-7654 THE SHOPS AT PERRY CROSSING 313 M ARKETPL ACE M ILE
R O C K E TF I Z Z. C O M
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
1 FREE
Authentic Greek American Cuisine & Bar
10% OFF ENTIRE BILL
present this coupon to receive 10% OFF your lunch or dinner AVON
7900 US HWY 36
Valid Mon-Fri only with coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
FREE $7 APPETIZER
UP TO
WITH ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE Valid 7 days a week with coupon only. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2-28-19 Avon Magazine.
(317) 707-7513 opaofindy.com
Gyros • Fresh Made Hummus • Saganaki • Dolmades • Lamb • & Much More!
15% OFF
YOUR NEXT PURCHASE
Not vaild with any other offer. Exp. 2-28-19. Valid at Avon, IN location only. Avon Magazine.
25% OFF
ANY SMOOTHIE OR SHAKE Not vaild with any other offer. Exp. 2-28-19. Valid at Avon, IN location only. Avon Magazine.
15% OFF
POP-UP PARTY BOX
Not vaild with any other offer. Exp. 2-28-19. Valid at Avon, IN location only. Avon Magazine.
Now Selling Two Chicks Baked Items! JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
7565 E US HWY 36 (317) 272-5323
s ’ h p l Ra
20 OFF
$
Brake Repair ph’s RalMUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICE
No Appointment Necessary
MUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICE
Valid at Avon location ONLY. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks. Disposal or Environmental fess not included. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
Family Owned & Operated Since 1948
20 OFF
$
Mon–Thurs: 8 am–5 pm Fri: 8 am–6 pm, Sat: 8 am–1 pm
PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU
Any Exhaust Service Over $150
Mufflers • Brakes • Shocks/Struts • CV Axles • Belts and Wipers • Oil Changes and Batteries • Coolant System Maintenance • Air Conditioning Service • Alternators and Starters • AND MORE
ph’s RalMUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICE
Valid at Avon location ONLY. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks. Disposal or Environmental fess not included. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
5 OFF
$
Oil Change Filter & Lube
ph’s RalMUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICE
240 S. Dan Jones Rd (Behind Lowes) AVON • 317-272-6294 ralphsmufflerandbrakesshops.com
Valid at Avon location ONLY. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks. Disposal or Environmental fess not included. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
AVO N ’ S P R E M I E R S P O RT S P U B
19 BIG SCREENS | POOL | LIVE BANDS DJ AND MORE WE MAY BE KNOWN FOR OUR BEER BUT OUR NEW MENU IS SURE TO PLEASE
S I D E L I N E S S P O RT S P U B. C O M
(317) 273-0199 • 9283 E. US HWY 36
$
5 OFF
LUNCH FOR TWO Present this coupon when ordering. Valid from 11 am–4 pm. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine
1
( AC R O S S F R O M W A L M A RT )
BOGO APPETIZER
/2 OFF
EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE
Present this coupon when ordering. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine
$
ANY $10 5 OFF FOOD ORDER
Present this coupon when ordering. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2-28-19. Avon Magazine
NOW OPEN WITH OUR LATE NIGHT MENU UNTIL 2 AM THURS, FRI & SAT JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
AUTHENTIC
2 COMBO DINNERS
MExican food
ONLY $13.95
la Hacienda
Valid on combos 1-30.
7481 E US HIGHWAY 36 | AVON, IN 317-272-6855 LaHaciendaAvon.com
la Hacienda 7481 US HIGHWAY 36 | AVON, IN One coupon per table. Not valid with any other offer. With coupon only. Specials Excluded. Exp 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
SUN–THURS: 11AM–10PM • FRI–SAT: 11AM–10:30PM
$3 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE la Hacienda 7481 US HIGHWAY 36 | AVON, IN One coupon per table. Not valid with any other offer. With coupon only. Specials Excluded. Exp 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
$5 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE
daily food
and
drink Specials
SENIOR DISCOUNT 10% OFF ANY TIME! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
7574 Beechwood Centre Avon
Now Hiring Smiling Faces \ at all 3 Locations! See us for details
la Hacienda 7481 US HIGHWAY 36 | AVON, IN One coupon per table. Not valid with any other offer. With coupon only. Specials Excluded. Exp 2-28-19. Avon Magazine.
8959 Crawfordsville Road Clermont
325 West Main St. Plainfield
BOGO FREE
$3.00 OFF
$1.00 off
Large Sundae
8" or larger cake
Blizzard
Good at Avon, Clermont &
Good at Avon, Clermont &
Expires: 2-28-19 Avon & Plainfield Magazine
Expires: 2-28-19 Avon & Plainfield Magazine
JANUARY 2019 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE
ANY
(excludes mini size)
Good at Avon, Clermont & Expires: 2-28-19 Avon & Plainfield Magazine
Getting You Back on the Road Diamond Collision Puts People First, Cars Second & Horses a Close Third Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
A Hoosier by birth, Debbie Moore attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she majored in business. “While there I spent most of my time out at the horse barn,” says Debbie, who won a national championship on the school’s equestrian team before talking her parents into letting her transfer to Texas A&M to earn a degree in animal science with an emphasis in horse production.
She became a breeding manager and spent several years living on a 160-acre ranch in Logandale, a little town an hour outside of Vegas where she worked for the legendary Wayne Newton. “I oversaw the health of all of the horses and managed everything not in the training bar,” Moore says. “While I was there, we had two national champions.” Moore has adored horses ever since she was a little girl and, in fact, holds an impressive 36 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
collection of 3,000 model horses and other animals, which she began collecting at five years old. “One of my favorite horse memories was during Jr-Sr High. We met a family that had a daughter close in age to me and my sister so mom would drop us off at their place in the morning and pick us up in the afternoon,” Moore says. “We’d ride, jump in the pool, then ride some more. It was great.” When Moore lived in Logandale, she met
a man named Allen at church and the two of them hit it off. They wed in 1991 and moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where Moore became a stay-at-home mom to their daughter Amber and worked part-time in thoroughbred sales while Allen worked as an auto body technician. Though the pair considered relocating to either New Mexico or Colorado, after much prayer they ended up in Avon in 1994. In September 1998, the couple opened Diamond Frame & Unibody, doing primarily framework.
Ribbon Cutting of Expansion in 2003
“We came up with the name because when a truck or anything with a frame gets hit and pushed a certain way, it creates a diamond to the frame,” Moore says. They later changed their name to Diamond Collision Services, Inc. “Now we do anything from little dings and dents to full train wrecks,” Moore says. They started off renting just the back building. “The office was so small that if Allen and I were both sitting at our desks and one of us wanted to get up, the other had to scoot all the way forward so the first could back their chair out,” Moore says. They later purchased the property and in 2003 added on to the original building, doubling the shop size. In 2014, the Moores completely remodeled the office portion of their business, stripping it down to the walls, filling in the sub-basement to bring it up to ground level and making it aesthetically pleasing. Though they have enjoyed improving their operation, they love to hear stories about the history of the property. “One of our customers told us that in 1946 he’d get off the school bus, hop on his tractor and ride it over here because this used to be the elevator for the farmers,” Moore says. “After they’d husk the corn off the cobs, his job was to push the cobs over into the field to be burned.” Debbie, now the treasurer of the Indiana Auto Body Association Inc, does all she can to attract technicians to the auto body field
Claire-Anne delivers where it counts... 317-345-6640 | caikman@callcarpenter.com AvonMagazine.com / JANUARY 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 37
We came up with the name because when a truck or anything with a frame gets hit and pushed a certain way, it creates a diamond to the frame
as she and Allen have noticed, in recent years, a shortage of people going into the trades. They have partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to help raise funds for tech school at both the high school and collegiate levels. The Moores like immersing themselves in the Hendricks County community. That’s why they are active members of the Avon Chamber and have also been involved with the Kiwanis Club of Avon. They’ve sponsored a number of different teams such as Pee Wee baseball and Saint Susanna’s Basketball Camp. In the past, Debbie and Allen also participated sponsored in motorcycle rides for the fire department.
“There are a lot of organizations around here that care about giving back to the community,” Moore says. “I think that’s really great.” Diamond Collision just celebrated their 20-year anniversary. From the beginning, their philosophy has always been “people first, cars second.” That’s because in this business, emotions can run high. For instance, several weeks ago a young woman came into the shop with her boyfriend after their vehicle had been hit and totaled. Though they were physically okay, the woman was shaken up. “I said, ‘You look like you need a hug,’” Moore says. “She got a rental car, came back to get stuff out of her car, and I gave her 38 / AVON MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
another hug.” The most important thing is the health and wellbeing of the passenger. And often that’s what Debbie and her colleagues remind their clients. For instance, when a teenager comes in, an emotional wreck, the team points out that they walked away in one piece. “A vehicle can be fixed or replaced,” Moore says. “It did its job.” She’s referring not only to seat belts but also the various safety features that are built into vehicles to keep passengers protected. “If you rear-end someone these days, your hood buckles up due to the ‘crush zones,’” Moore says. “Grandpa’s car, on the other
hand, was built so solid that if he had rearended someone, it would break the hood hinges and the hood would have gone through the windshield, which is not so good for the occupants.” Though the Moores hear a lot of complaints from the public about roundabouts, Debbie says that they see less damage from roundabouts than they do from intersections. “When this first one went in at Dan Jones and 100 South, we saw more ‘bump and rubs,’” Moore says. “With the 4-way stop, we used to see rear-end hits and T-bones because somebody didn’t stop.” Though the pair stays plenty busy with their business, once a year Debbie still feeds her horse addiction by traveling to Lexington to the Kentucky Horse Park where she attends BreyerFest, a convention dedicated to horses and the model horse community. As for Allen, his hobby has evolved into a second business. A gunsmith who specializes in 1911s, Allen owns Moore Gunworks. It started when several friends saw the modifications he had made to his guns and asked if he could do the same to theirs. “He can do minor alterations like changing sights or threading barrels, to refinishing (painting) to custom builds. And the guys who compete want to take weight off their guns, so Allen can cut designs into the slide, which both cuts weight and looks cool.” Moore says. The Moores have two Australian Shepherds, Kira and Auggie, who are lucky enough to come to the office with their owners some days. At some point in the future, Debbie would love to have a house with some property so she can own a horse and Allen can have a gun range. But they are thrilled with their lives as is and are eager to continue serving Hendricks County residents. Diamond Collision Services, Inc. is located at 292 S CR 800 E. in Avon. For more information, visit diamond-collision.com or call 317-272-6820.
At Home Do your New Year’s resolutions include getting a new home? Contact Claire-Anne Aikman, your local real estate expert, and she’ll make sure you keep that one!
317-345-6640 | caikman@callcarpenter.com AvonMagazine.com / JANUARY 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 39
You’ll take care of the nursery. You’ll take care of the nursery.
We’ll take care We’ll take delivery. care of their of their delivery.
Register for a childbirth class by calling Register for a childbirth class by calling 317.962.1478 or visit iuhealth.org/childbirth. 317.962.1478 or visit iuhealth.org/childbirth.
At Indiana University Health West Hospital, our highly skilled team of doctors and nurses will provide you with exceptional care throughout the entire At Indiana University Health West Hospital, our highly skilled team of doctors birthing experience. With comprehensive maternity services, from birthing and nurses will provide you with exceptional care throughout the entire classes to our Level II Special Care Nursery, each interaction is designed to birthing experience. With comprehensive maternity services, from birthing make you and your family feel safe and special. Because when everything classes to our Level II Special Care Nursery, each interaction is designed to is taken care of, you can focus on your newest family member. make you and your family feel safe and special. Because when everything is taken care of, you can focus on your newest family member.
©2018 IUHealth