Avon Magazine May 2024

Rebecca

TAKING AN OPTIMAL APPROACH TO TAX SEASON

Writer / Lesley Rhoden, Kemper CPA Group Photography

Maximize Tax Planning Opportunities Post Tax Deadline

Once the tax deadline has passed, many individuals may feel that their opportunities for tax planning have dwindled. However, the truth is that there are still various strategies and techniques available to optimize tax efficiency even after the deadline has come and gone. Whether you are a business owner, investor or employee, there are ways to navigate the tax landscape and potentially reduce your tax liability.

Evaluate Your Current Financial Situation

Before diving into any tax planning strategies, it is essential to assess your current financial situation. Review your income, expenses, investments, and any major financial transactions that have occurred since the last tax season.

Contribute to Retirement Accounts

One of the most effective ways to reduce your tax liability is by contributing to retirement accounts such as a 401(k), IRA or SEP IRA. These contributions not only

lower your taxable income, but also help you save for retirement.

Consider Health Savings Accounts

If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may be eligible to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and the funds can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free.

Review Your Investment Portfolio

Take the time to review your investment portfolio and consider tax-loss harvesting opportunities. If you have investments that have experienced losses, you can sell them to offset capital gains. Additionally, consider the tax implications of any dividends or interest income generated by your investments, and explore strategies to minimize taxable investment income.

Explore Deductions and Credits

It is important to explore all available deductions and credits that you may be eligible for. This includes deductions for items such as student loan interest and charitable contributions. Additionally, consider any tax credits for which you

may qualify, such as the revamped energyefficient home-improvement tax credit or education credits.

Plan for Estimated Taxes

If you are self-employed or have income not subject to withholding, such as investment income, you may be required to pay quarterly estimated taxes. Use the post-tax deadline period to estimate your tax liability for the current year. By planning and making quarterly estimated tax payments, you can avoid underpayment penalties and better manage your cash flow.

Consult with a Tax Professional

Tax planning can be complex. Consider consulting with a qualified tax professional who can provide personalized advice based on your unique financial situation, help identify opportunities for tax savings, and ensure compliance with all tax laws and regulations. While the tax deadline may have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities for tax planning to optimize your financial situation. By exploring the aforementioned areas, you can take proactive steps to minimize your tax liability.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Hendricks Regional Health YMCA in Avon is known for programs spanning from nutritional classes to swimming lessons. The youth sports program(including boys, girls and coed) continues to grow, and new offerings and opportunities might surprise you.

Sports activities can fall into four categories at the YMCA: classes, clinics, recreational leagues and all-city leagues - basically everything a family is looking for in one location.

A family with several children might find one child ready for the all-city league, while another is still looking for that sport they love.

The staff is dedicated to helping kids find the right sport for them, and allowing each child to develop and grow along the way. Everyone has a chance to participate.

“At the YMCA, we offer more of a chance for everyone to get to play and increase their skill,” said Youth Sports Director Levi Mock. “In rec leagues there’s no tryout system. We want as many kids involved as possible, and it gives them a chance to better themselves and shine.”

One way to do that is to encourage the females to give new sports or any sport a try. They’re developing opportunities the young ladies may not have thought possible through other programs.

This summer they’ll offer a coed and girls flag football program, and they are seeing a lot of success in similar offerings. They’re in their second season of cheer, and the girls basketball team went undefeated this year. The track-and-field program saw nearly 85 participants, and they also walked away with a championship trophy.

“We hope their success will drum up more participation,” said Don Casey, associate executive director. “We want to ramp up our girls participation, and we’ll offer coed or all-girls programs to see what interest we have moving forward.”

Programs typically center around ages 4 and 5, 6 through 8, and 9 through 12, and though parents can relate to spending money and time on the wrong sport at this age, the Y is working to make those decisions easier and bit clearer.

The free youth multi-sport clinics share basic skills of the game and introduce a new sport each week.

“We have free-try clinics,” Mock said. “They run for a week and kids can hit multiple sports to see what’s offered here. It creates trust and discovery for the kids all at once. They might learn something about themselves, or find a sport they love that they might not have otherwise tried.”

The Y also offers developmental clinics to help kids increase skills and continue to grow in a sport they enjoy. Not only do the young athletes build athletic ability, but also confidence in themselves.

For many of the children, it may be the first time they’ve participated in a team sport.

“The growth we see in youth participating when a team sport is involved is fundamental,” Casey said. “They learn how to play with a team, display sportsmanship, and it really builds a foundation for future team programs.”

Team sports can also help children learn to control emotion, channel negative feelings

in a positive way and build resilience. In addition, lifelong relationships with both coaching mentors and fellow players, and a love for a particular sport, often follow.

“Team sports create a sense of community and camaraderie,” Mock said. “Social skills are still developing at this age and it often bridges a gap. They’re developing a relationship with others, and have something in common both in the game and often outside of the game. They’ve made friends on the team and when their friend is playing again this year, they want to join them.”

Classes include swimming, taekwondo, and tumbling. Clinics in baseball, basketball, soccer, track, volleyball and, soon, flag football are offered at different times throughout the year.

The YMCA offers coed recreational leagues in baseball, basketball, cheer and soccer that compete with other local teams at the campus. The Y also offers all-city leagues in basketball, track-and-field, and cross country that branch outside of Avon and compete with teams across the Indianapolis area.

After a season of all-city competition, the final tournament takes place in downtown Indianapolis, again giving kids an opportunity they may have never had before.

“These competitions give kids a chance to enjoy new environments,” Mock said. “There’s a little bit of travel there and I think it inspires them to dream bigger in a lot of ways.”

For others, just the experience is something they’ll remember forever. The cheer team, for example, begins with practices at the Y, progresses to local games, and eventually they cheer at the all-city games, giving them the ultimate experience in front of large crowds.

Of course, in keeping with the YMCA mission, the staff looks for ways to encourage physical activity, health and nutrition at every turn. Sports programs further that goal in numerous ways.

“We look at this with a 30,000-foot lens,” Casey said. “Ultimately, we’re looking at what we can do to enhance the health of our kids going forward. From a nutritional point of view, we have the opportunity to partner with Hendricks Regional Health, and look at how we can talk about some of the things we can do from a dietary standpoint - what kind of fuel do you need to participate in this sport moving forward, and things like that.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youths aged 6 through 17 should have at least 60 minutes of activity every day. It doesn’t have to be boring, however. Simply joining in an activity at the Y will greatly increase activity, and it will likely be fun too.

With more than 1,200 youth participating in leagues, classes and clinics combined, Casey said the Y staff members are proud of the growth in recent years.

Most importantly, they want every child to have the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial ability. If a family is challenged by cost, they want to work with you.

“We are a Y for all,” Casey said. “It’s something we’re focused on and we offer income-based discounts for members and nonmembers alike. Our annual campaign raises funds to allow us to provide some of these programs to youth at 15 to 50% off based on their parents’ income.”

Register for summer programming now, including basketball, cheer or soccer. You might even give coed flag football a try.

For more information, visit indymca.org/ programs/sports.

We all want to find our passion in life - that thing that revs us up, makes us tick and soothes our soul. Eddie Kelley found his passion on a dirt bike. He first engaged in dirt bike racing when he was 14 years old as a fun activity to do with his dad. It didn’t take long, however, for racing to take center stage.

“It consumed my life,” says Eddie. “More than that, it drastically changed my life.”

Eddie began participating in various racing competitions, most notably the Grand National Cross Country racing series for amateurs, which involves two-hour races with venues spanning from Florida to Indiana.

In 2019 Eddie attended his first Fuel Ministry camp. The camp includes daily devotions, a nighttime chapel service, and lots of adrenaline-pumping dirt bike riding. Eddie adored Fuel Ministry so much that he began working as a summer intern in 2021. On July 24, 2023, he was riding at a camp in Ohio when he had a seemingly minor accident that turned worse when the bike landed on his head, causing significant damage to his helmet. An emergency medical technician saw that his breathing was shallow, and his pupils were twitching in different directions.

Staff notified his parents that Eddie was being airlifted to the nearest trauma hospital to be treated for a traumatic brain injury.

“In that moment, everything stopped,” recalls his mom, Jamie. She grabbed her Bible, and she and her husband jumped in the car and started driving. When they saw their 19-year-old son lying unconscious and hooked up to countless tubes, they fell to their knees and prayed. And they weren’t the only ones. Their friends and family, their church community, Fuel Ministry staff and campers, and even a tribe in Africa were all lifting Eddie in prayer.

“There were thousands of people praying,” says Jamie.

Eddie was in an intensive care unit for eight days, the first two in a coma. He was intubated, and when nurses initially turned off the machine to see if he could breathe on his own, he could not.

“That was a big realization that this machine was keeping my son alive,” Jamie says.

Doctors didn’t know what kind of longterm issues Eddie could have. It was wait and see, one day at a time.

“At one point my husband said to me, ‘You know, Jamie, God is still a good God even if our prayers aren’t answered the way we’re asking,’” says Jamie. “We didn’t know what would happen, but God gave us this sense of peace.”

Upon arriving at the hospital, a CT scan revealed several brain bleeds. Doctors placed a pressure sensor in Eddie’s head, which they watched for 48 hours. If it reached a certain number, it would necessitate removing some of his skull to relieve the pressure. The next day he had another CT scan, which showed that one spot had disappeared. The following day, a third scan detected no brain bleeds.

“That was the power of prayer,” says his dad.

When Eddie awoke in the hospital room, he had no recollection of what had happened.

He would fall asleep and wake up needing a recap again and again.

“It was like the movie ‘50 First Dates,’ in which the character wakes up with fresh amnesia every day,” says Eddie, who repeatedly asked the same questions.

The moment Eddie realized he couldn’t walk, he cried, screamed, fought and wrestled to get up. One time he did, but he couldn’t stay standing.

“I felt so frustrated because I wanted to get back to what I loved, and yet I couldn’t even walk or stand on my own,” Eddie says.

Early in his recovery, Eddie struggled to feel God’s presence. One day he called out, “God, where are you?” Nevertheless, he never lost faith. While in the hospital, Eddie’s parents played Christian music, read scripture to him and prayed. One day they assured him that he was going to be

OK. Eddie replied, “I know. You taught me well. I know Jesus is with me.”

After two weeks in the trauma hospital, Eddie was transported to a rehab hospital in Indianapolis where he spent 10 days. While there, he learned to walk again. His short-term memory also continued to improve. On August 19 he was discharged and began outpatient occupational, speech and physical therapy. Throughout the fall, Eddie received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involved him lying in a chamber and being fed pure oxygen to accelerate brain cell healing.

His therapists encouraged him to get back to doing the things he did prior to the accident as soon as possible, to help reconnections form in the brain. In November 2023 Eddie mounted his dirt bike for the first time since July.

“The more time I spend on the bike, the more things click,” he says.

It was never a question of if, but when he would return to his passion.

The Kelley Family

“This isn’t a hobby for me,” says Eddie. “It’s my identity, my ministry. I need to live life to the fullest and not be scared. None of us know what the future holds. My accident taught me that it’s important to do things you love while you can.”

In December Eddie celebrated his 20th birthday with his parents and sister, Angelle. He has a fresh perspective on life. For starters, he jumps out of bed now because he can.

“It’ll take a lot to ever say a day is bad again,” says Eddie, who feels confident in God’s master plan. “God pushed my papers back across the table. It seems he still has stuff for me to do here on Earth.”

Helmet after the crash

Path to P ROGRESS

UNLIKELY JOURNEYS OFFERS SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO HENDRICKS COUNTY KIDS AND PARENTS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Danielle Burkett understands pain, depression and hopelessness. She’s lived it and come out the other side. After suffering sexual abuse as a young girl, she began acting out and making poor decisions at age 12, and using drugs and alcohol by age 13. Her adolescence included delinquent and criminal acts. Even as she was spiraling, she knew when she grew up that she wanted to find a way to help people like her.

When she was 17 she went to an Outward Bound program, where she volunteered at a soup kitchen. During one of her shifts, a youth came in who was younger than she was. Burkett felt drawn to help. Her passion for helping only deepened from there.

She started working towards earning a degree in social work at 20 years old, but she suffered a setback after giving birth to her first son when doctors sent her home with Vicodin. Back then the dangers of opioid addiction weren’t as widely understood, and she quickly got hooked on pain pills.

On August 15, 2012, Burkett hit rock bottom when she got arrested for shoplifting. Her plan that day was to shoplift items and sell them for heroin so she could complete suicide. Essentially, the arrest saved her life. While it took several weeks to recover from drug withdrawal, once she was clean and sober, she had a fresh perspective. She recognized that she was given a new lease on life. Plus, while incarcerated, she felt things she’d not experienced before.

“I laughed in jail, and I couldn’t ever remember laughing before,” she says.

Behind bars, she felt a sense of belonging because she was surrounded by people who understood.

“I had always been the quiet person who stuffed all my feelings deep down inside,” says Burkett. “I rarely had conversations of substance with anyone because I kept so many secrets about my trauma.”

Burkett’s sentence was modified because she entered a substance abuse treatment program while incarcerated.

While serving time, she thought about how her oldest son, who was nearly a teenager at the time, had lived most of his life in the shadow of her addiction. She knew that her history with drug use increased the likelihood that he, too, would fall prey to addiction. That realization served as motivation for her to stay clean and sober. It also fueled her desire to find a way to help youth who felt alone and abandoned.

“I have this belief that if we really want to see lasting change, we need to start with kids aged 5, 6, 7 years old, because they may not be learning the skills they need at home,” Burkett says. “Our society needs to adopt the attitude that it takes a village, because it really does.”

In 2017 Burkett became a peer recovery coach. In this role she helps recoverees with a variety of topics, from learning about empathy to providing financial and budgeting skills, to giving tips on cooking. Some recoverees are scared to attend a 12-step program or other recovery meeting for the first time, so she may accompany them for moral support. Sometimes peer coaches provide recoverees with resources. Other times they offer advice on topics like how to earn a GED or suggestions for finding a therapist trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

“We’re different than therapy,” says Burkett. “We don’t deal with trauma. We stay present-day focused with them, setting goals for the problem at hand.”

Once a month, she volunteers at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Division.

In 2022, Burkett’s life was upended when she suffered a debilitating stroke that left her unable to speak, walk or use her right arm. Over time she had to learn to talk, walk and drive again. However, following the stroke, she was miraculously no longer saddled with the many lifelong insecurities that had previously

Danielle Burkett

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plagued her. Prior to the stroke, she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. For years she had asked God to improve her mental illness and trauma, so when she awoke from the stroke feeling positive, she took it as an answered prayer.

“I couldn’t explain the positivity I felt but I was grateful because before, I was always frustrated, annoyed, unhappy and suicidal,” she says. “Now I felt only gratitude.”

After the stroke, she had clarity about what she needed to do; in August 2022, she founded Unlikely Journeys, a nonprofit that provides free spaces where youth can meet in a group setting and/or one-on-one to discuss issues related to drug use, mental health and the justice system. Unlikely Journeys provides support for youths

aged 12 to 17 in Hendricks County who are experiencing mental health concerns, substance use or justice-related issues. Plus, they visit incarcerated youth on a monthly basis to provide similar support within the facility. They offer free weekly support groups for youth, parents and guardians. In addition, Burkett has the kids engage in community service work to help teach discipline, build community, and foster empathy and gratitude in youth.

“I think this type of service helps youth see that there is more out there,” she says.

Down the line, Burkett hopes to acquire a building for Unlikely Journeys that can be a sanctuary for kids who are suspended, expelled, or need additional educational supports.

“I’d love to provide tutors because for

these juvenile justice kiddos, education is a struggle,” she says.

She also hopes to someday provide some healing interventions for youth such as yoga, martial arts and horseback riding.

“The vision is very big,” she says. The youth support group meets on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Your Venture Church, 7865 North County Road 100 East in Pittsboro. The parent support group meets on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Willow Center, 515 North Green Street in Brownsburg.

For more information about Unlikely Journeys, call 317-760-8624, email danielle@unlikelyjourneys.org, or visit unlikelyjourneys.org.

Set for Summer

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HENDRICKS COUNTY’S MANY SUMMERTIME PURSUITS

Writer

/ Josh Duke Photography Provided

Do you realize how fortunate we are to live or work, or both, in Hendricks County? Working for Visit Hendricks County and volunteering to help with our county’s bicentennial celebration this year, I’ve become increasingly aware of what a blessing and privilege it is.

With that said, I’m excited to share all the wonderful activities and events you can enjoy this summer.

What’s New in 2024

If you haven’t heard, we have an exciting new entertainment and event venue in downtown Plainfield. Hendricks Live! provides an experience we were lacking in our county. Events, activities and acts continue to be announced regularly as they fill the 2024 lineup.

I was fortunate enough to get a hard-hat tour before it opened, and what an amazing, state-of-the-art facility! They thought of everything, and I can’t wait to experience a performance there soon.

Another fun entertainment venue that just opened in The Shops at Perry Crossing, LumberjAXE provides an innovative axe-throwing experience as targets are projected onto the wood in front of you. Choose what’s projected, such as an old school bullseye or games like Tic Tac Toe or Zombie Assassin. The software makes it challenging and allows visitors a great selection of games.

While this is an old favorite, Splash Island Family Waterpark will look different when it opens later this month. The outdoor water park is currently undergoing an $8-millionplus renovation that will add more slides

and bring many other improvements to its visitors when it opens Memorial Day weekend.

Would you like to be more in the know about all the latest happenings in our county? You can subscribe to our Hendricks County Weekly Insider at visithendrickscounty.com.

Finally, the bicentennial will become a running theme throughout 2024. Organizations, businesses and even individuals are developing projects that leave a legacy, hosting both new and existing events with some kind of historic or celebratory theme related to our county’s 200 years. So, get out there and help us celebrate. You can learn so much more about the bicentennial online at hendricks200.com.

Top Summer Events

It truly is an exciting year for events in Hendricks County, especially over the next four months! I’m not going to cover all our summer events here. Consider this a sampling of our most notable events For simplicity, I have put them in chronological order.

Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ

When: June 29

Where: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville

Details: This long-running festival will have a revival of sorts, as the Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee has partnered with organizers to bring live entertainment back to this popular event. Participants can expect the same fun that has made this festival a local favorite including great food, children’s activities, fireworks and so much more.

Hendricks County 4-H Fair

When: July 14-20

Where: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville

Details: You can expect usual fair favorites including exhibits, animals, carnival rides, fair food and demonstrations. There will be a distinct history-meets birthday feel, as this year’s theme will center around our county’s 200 years.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series TSport 200

When: July 19

Where: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg

Details: Get ready for a heart-pounding return as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series comes back to IRP for a third consecutive year. The excitement kicks off with the TSport 200 under the dazzling lights on Friday, accompanied by the ARCA Menards Series Reese’s 200, setting the stage for a premier week of auto racing action in Indianapolis.

Top Summer Events

NHRA U.S. Nationals

When: August 28-September 2

Where: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg

Details: Rev your engines for the 70th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals, a long-standing tradition at IRP over Labor Day weekend. If you’ve never been because you don’t consider yourself a race fan, don’t let that deter you from taking in this bucket-list event. This will easily be the most powerful and sensory-filled attraction you will ever experience if you give it a shot.

North Salem Old Fashion Days

When: August 31-September 2

Where: Downtown North Salem

Details: Labor Day weekend also brings us this annual event, steeped in tradition and renowned for its fun-loving contests. It features the county’s longest parade on Saturday morning and the exhilarating annual bed races through the heart of town - a true spectacle - on Monday.

For more information or to learn more about all the events, things to do, places visithendrickscounty.com.

If you are an event organizer, you can easily add your event to our Events Calendar if it meets certain parameters outlined on the site.

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

NATIONAL STROKE AWARENESS MONTH: KNOW THE SIGNS

Writer / Kirsten Strausburg, Stroke Clinical Program Coordinator at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell damage. It is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke promptly, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

One effective way to remember the signs of stroke is through the acronym BEFAST, which stands for balance, eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call emergency services:

1. Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination can be a warning sign of stroke. If you or someone you know experiences sudden dizziness, trouble walking or difficulty standing up straight, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

2. Eyes: Vision problems such as sudden blurred or double vision, or difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes, can indicate a stroke.

3. Face Drooping: One of the most recognizable signs of a stroke is drooping or numbness on one side of the face. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile. If their smile appears uneven or lopsided, it could be a sign of facial weakness, indicating a stroke.

4. Arm Weakness: Weakness or numbness in one arm, particularly when it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other stroke symptoms, should not be ignored. If you notice one arm drifting downward when both arms are raised, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Speech Difficulties: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech can be a sign of a stroke. Encourage the person to repeat a simple sentence. If their speech is slurred or incomprehensible, it’s time to call for help.

6. Time to Call Emergency Services: Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke. Quick action can make a significant difference in minimizing the long-term effects of a stroke and improving the chances of recovery.

THERE ARE SEVERAL RISK FACTORS

In addition to recognizing the signs of stroke, it’s essential to understand the risk factors associated with stroke and the steps to take for stroke prevention. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are all significant risk factors. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and managing chronic conditions can help reduce your risk.

Stroke awareness is crucial for everyone. Understanding the BEFAST signs and symptoms can save lives by enabling prompt recognition and treatment of stroke. Remember, if you or someone you know experiences any of the BEFAST signs, don’t wait - act fast and call emergency services immediately.

AVON YOUTH SPORTS (FORMERLY AJAA)

AVAILABLE MAY 6TH - JULY 1ST*

SPORTS PROGRAMS: Photographer/Jake Rytlewski

Rec. Cheer - Football (Offered to KG - 6th graders for the 2024-25 school year)*

Rec. Baseball (Offered to athletes born between 09/01/08-12/31/20)

Rec. Flag Football (Offered to Preschool - 3rd graders for the 2024-25 school year)

Rec. Tackle Football (Offered to 1st - 6th graders for the 2024-25 school year)

Rec. Softball (Offered to ages 4-18)

Rec. Volleyball (Offered to 3rd - 12th graders for the 2024-2025 school year)

Jr. Orioles Travel Football Try-Outs (Offered to 5th & 6th graders for the 2024-2025 school year)**

*Please note that Rec. Cheer Early Bird pricing ends 04/30. The regular registration deadline is 06/04 due to uniform fitting deadlines.

** There is no charge to try-out, but pre-registration is required. Team fees will apply upon offer acceptance. Visit avonindiana.gov/sports for more information!

EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH MAY 31ST avonindiana.gov/sports

One Key to Mental Health:

How are you doing on those goals for 2024? One goal people frequently think about but don’t often include on their list is improving their mental health. Even if we don’t face serious challenges, most of us wish we better understood why we react the way we do to certain situations, and how we can respond in healthier, more constructive ways.

Doctors and scientists are learning more about what drives our mental health, and have identified a long list of factors, from diet and exercise to tough experiences from our childhood, to traumatic events in our lives we haven’t completely processed. Those and many other factors affect how we feel and react, even though we may not have much control over them.

But there’s one major factor they’ve identified that’s largely up to us: our attitudes. How we react and respond to what life offers can transform obstacles into opportunities and foster much-needed resilience when we face tough times. Our attitudes create the lens through which we view the world, shaping how we see reality and influencing how we interpret events, challenges and interactions. They affect our lives in so many ways, including:

Your Attitude

· STRESS MANAGEMENT You can’t escape stress, but developing a positive attitude helps us manage it by encouraging better coping strategies. Negative reactions to stress only deepen anxiety and tension.

· SELF-TALK The conversations we have with ourselves can boost self-esteem, enhance confidence and strengthen our emotional well-being - or they can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

· RESILIENCY We may not be able to eliminate setbacks, but how we respond makes all the difference. A positive attitude helps us build resilience, so we get even better at responding to future setbacks.

· RELATIONSHIPS Our attitude significantly influences how we engage with others in our lives. Healthy connections with friends, family, and the community provide emotional nourishment during challenging times.

· SELF CARE People with a positive mindset are more likely to make self-care a priority, which improves both physical and mental health and helps to make more healthy choices. When illness strikes, a good attitude can lead to a faster recovery.

· PAIN MANAGEMENT Individuals with a positive attitude may experience lower levels of pain and become better able at tolerating the pain they experience.

· STAYING HEALTHY There’s a clear connection between what we think and how we feel, and people with positive attitudes typically have a stronger immune system.

How do you move yourself toward a more positive attitude? It begins with mindfulness and self-awareness. By becoming more conscious of your thoughts and challenging negative patterns, you can develop a more positive mindset. Instead of viewing challenges as roadblocks or deliberate attempts to hurt you, look at them opportunities for learning and growth.

You’ll develop resilience that gives you the power to transform setbacks into stepping stones toward personal development.

Finally, regularly expressing gratitude for small moments of joy and acknowledging positive aspects throughout your day can remind you of the many good things in your life.

We can’t command many of the factors that make us who we are, so we need to focus on taking control of what we can. If taking charge of your attitude seems like a dream that’s out of reach, a professional counselor can share proven strategies that will help you gradually learn how to manage your attitude, and develop a positive and resilient mindset.

We invite you to reach out to the Care to Change team at 317-790-9396 so we can help you move forward.

A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME

Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

One of the little joys of spring cleaning is finding loose change between the couch cushions, or in that coat that hasn’t been worn in years. As I moved about my home cleaning, I started to wonder about better ways to get rid of clutter that might give me more than just couch cushion money. My list of items to assess was long: toys the kiddo has outgrown, collectables, clothes that don’t fit, jewelry that isn’t ever worn, books, kitchen gadgets, garden tools, furniture that never quite fit a room, inherited items from the passing of a loved one…you get the idea. No matter the length of the list, I had to come to terms with letting an item go (and I am super sentimental).

It’s easy to get caught up in hanging on to stuff. When my mom passed I felt like some items had to remain in the family, but when my siblings did not want them I felt like I had to keep them, even though I did not like them. The thought of getting rid of these things weighed on me. I had to remind myself that although my mom may

have loved them, it is OK that I do notand it would be better if someone else did. That is when I started thinking about ways to process my treasures. I utilized a simple three-category sorting method that has helped me (and others) declutter, and get some extra cash for the effort. Are the items valuable, sentimental, or even needed?

Do you have highly sought-after collectables? There are high-end estate sale companies that can help you sell your highvalue items. They charge a fee, list the items, sell, and ship them, and give you money afterward. If you just have a lot of stuff, you can call an average-joe estate company, and estate sales do not have to be for people who have passed. You can also host a garage sale for those things that you would be happy letting go of for a few dollars. Local or online consignment spots like Poshmark and eBay are great places to sell items, as is Facebook Marketplace.

Is it of sentimental value but sitting in a storage unit or tote (and therefore not

needed)? If it has no cash value but lots of heart value, and nobody in the family wants it, donate it. I have been having a blast going to thrift stores and seeing glassware and decor similar to what I had growing up. The memory of that is great. Not having the clutter, because it is not my style, is even better.

Donations are also great for belongings that are simply not needed. Lately I have changed how I cook meals, and I noticed that there were several large gadgets that I simply did not use, so I gave them to a recent college grad who needed help furnishing their kitchen. I can’t say I gained tons of cabinet space, but what I did gain was the ability to open a cabinet without things tumbling out - and I consider that a win.

Claire-Anne is a west side realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or

thepointinrealestate@gmail.com

FULL THROTTLE

TOM PATSIS’ CREATIVITY IS FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

Tom Patsis of Brownsburg loves the motorsports industry, and he loves art.

While you might not hear of a lot of motorsport artists, Patsis is doing something unique, and both industries have taken notice.

He worked for Don Schumacher Racing for 11 years in welding and fabrication, learning how to think quickly on his feet and use his creativity to fix things on the road.

Those welding skills led him to create car replicas and other artwork in his spare time, often using scrap auto parts in his pieces. He never advertised, but posted his work on social media. Word got around organically and things seemed to take off.

Cold Hard Art was born, and Patsis hasn’t looked back.

“In the beginning it was a side business,” he said. “I was working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Schumacher and then working on my side business from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. I loved Schumacher’s, the place and the people, and I was absolutely petrified to walk away, but in October of 2015 I started working full time for myself and it was a smart move.”

At least, he knows now it was a smart move, and he’s never lost those connections to the motorsports world.

Anyone can become a welder, according to Patsis. However, it does require skill and expertise. Welding skill on a construction site, for example, matters. It’s the beams holding a large building together. It’s the cage made inside a race car.

Patsis is a tungsten inert gas welder, and that’s where the art comes in. It requires some fine tuning.

“Think of it like a fine-tipped Sharpie and welding very thin metal - no thicker than a credit card,” Patsis said. “I love using race car parts to put together a piece and many people like the junk-art look, but I also work with clean metal.”

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

Patsis creates trophies and award pieces for IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, Monster Jam and other events - something he calls an “accidental blessing.”

“I had honestly never thought about doing trophies, but through word of mouth I’ve been asked to create trophy designs and it’s snowballed from there,” Patsis said.

The Mission Foods-sponsored NHRA Challenge winners received a Cold Hard Art trophy, as did the 2024 Monster Jam winners. The 2023 USAC Championship trophies were Patsis’ work too.

When it comes to creating and building hundreds of trophies, things can get a little daunting at times. There are boundaries there, such as specific colors, brands and marketing requests. However, Patsis said that’s just a different type of challenge.

Stretching his artistic skills, he’s worked with more than just steel. Acrylics allow for some unique artistic features, and he’s even created glow-in-the-dark trophies.

The goal is to always do better than the project he did before.

“I like restriction because I enjoy pushing the limits,” Patsis said. “I want you to have the best trophy possible. I want to deliver exactly what the client is looking for. It’s also fun that these drivers want to win the trophy I made. It’s fun to see the joy on their face as they hold that trophy over their head.”

Those in the industry know who to call when looking for something unique.

Patsis has had the opportunity to create custom pieces for the likes of Mario Andretti, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Don Schumacher.

Custom pieces typically take 30 to 40 hours to build, but the opportunity is well worth the time and effort.

“Jeff Andretti follows my art and he saw an IndyCar I had made,”

Patsis said. “In 1991 Jeff, Michael and Mario were in the Daytona 24 Hours race, and they don’t make a die cast of the car so I was able to make that for him. It’s the coolest thing I could be asked to do.”

Over the years Patsis made a 7-foot-tall “No. 88” for Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement celebration, and was commissioned by NBC and the NHRA to design and build the Lifetime Achievement award for Schumacher in 2022.

He’s made friends with some of his heroes but still has a bucket list to complete.

“I guess as far as people, I want to get a piece of art in Tim Allen’s hands and Jay Leno’s hands,” he said. “I have connections that could get me there, but it’s not about money and it’s not about me giving them something. It’s about them seeing my work and ordering something specifically that will mean something to them.”

It’s a dream job for a guy who loves to weld, create and build things we might never have thought possible.

A few years ago Patsis was even asked to compete in a welding competition.

He was a contestant on Netflix’s “Metal Shop Masters,” a prime example of how working in motorsports helps a guy, when challenged, to think quickly, follow protocol and create on the fly.

Don Schumacher with a custom CHA design

They recognized what set him apart.

“Before they select the contestants, you do a psych evaluation because they don’t want seven of the same type of people,” Patsis said. “The woman asked me if I was really an artist because I was the only one there with a 50/50 mindset. I guess that’s not the statistic - you primarily use one side or the other, but as a race car guy, you have to build by the rules and then you can be creative.”

If you haven’t seen the series, it’s still available on Netflix and there might be some Brownsburg pride involved.

While Patsis called the experience a “highlight” and can’t wait to share some of the stories with his daughter, he said he’s also had enough of the reality-show business.

Though Patsis doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon, he has other goals outside of metal art and welding. He also wants to teach his daughter the ropes.

“I want to be around long enough that my daughter can start helping me,” he said. “She’s only 5 now but I want her to see that you can do what you want to do, and there’s a job for that somewhere. I realize it now - to enjoy the moment. I need to stop and enjoy it right now.”

For more information, visit COLD HARD ART on Facebook.

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DARREN BOSTON

DARREN@TOWNEPOST.COM (317) 716-8812

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