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CREATIVE TEAM
THE FINAL BELL: SUPERINTENDENT MAGGIE HOERNEMANN RETIRING AFTER 20 YEARS WITH THE AVON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Hoernemann came to Avon from West Lafayette, having worked in administrative roles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Prior to that, she worked in the Chicago suburbs where she began her educational career as a high school French and Spanish teacher. She describes transitioning from junior/senior high school to a K-6 grade school like “going to another planet,” but says she learned a lot. Twenty years ago, Dr. Dick Helton hired Hoernemann as Avon’s first Director of Human Resources.
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6 The Final Bell: Superintendent
Margaret Hoernemann Retiring After 20 Years With the Avon Community School Corporation
12 16th Annual Hendricks County
Rib Fest & Balloon Glow Officially Canceled: 5K Rib Run Moves to July 4
14 Towne Post Direct Spotlight 17 Sheltering Wings: Local
Organization Provides Peace, Comfort & Hope to Those Affected by Domestic Abuse
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27 A Local Trailblazer: Meet Kim
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Superintendent Maggie Hoernemann Retiring After 20 Years With the Avon Community School Corporation Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Hendricks Regional Health & Avon Community School Corporation
Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Hoernemann came to Avon from West Lafayette, having worked in administrative roles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Prior to that, she worked in the Chicago suburbs where she began her educational career as a high
school French and Spanish teacher. She describes transitioning from junior/senior high school to a K-6 grade school like “going to another planet,” but says she learned a lot. Twenty years ago, Dr. Dick Helton hired Hoernemann as Avon’s first Director of Human Resources. “I had the cool job of hiring the best teachers, 6 / AVON MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
custodians, principals and bus drivers,” Hoernemann says. Then the previous superintendent, Dr. Tim Ogle, asked Hoernemann to expand out of HR and get involved in curriculum so she became assistant superintendent for Curriculum and HR and then associate superintendent for the district before moving into the superintendent’s role in 2012.
A highlight of serving as superintendent for the Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) was prevailing in the referendum in 2018. “It changed the trajectory of our school corporation in a positive manner,” Hoernemann says. “It demonstrated that the majority of voters were willing to dig deep into their pocketbooks to support public education.” The passing of the referendum enabled the district to add more than 100 teachers, thus increasing the number of opportunities for students. Don Hodson, Trustee of Washington Township, says that Hoernemann’s number one priority was always to unite the community, and she has built a strong coalition by getting to know school personnel, business leaders, community members, students, faculty, staff and parents.
“From those efforts, she has revitalized the pride in Avon Schools that has spilled over into pride for our whole community,” Hodson says. “That’s one of the reasons why the 2018 referendum passed and also why she was selected as Indiana’s Superintendent of the Year.” ACSC Board President Anne Engelhardt is grateful to Hoernemann for always making sure every opportunity was acted upon whether in seeking a grant, informing legislatures or participating in awkward conversations. “Maggie was not afraid of any conversation or subject and with kindness she was quick to the point,” Engelhardt says. “You truly felt like she was in your corner.” Hoernemann hired elementary school teacher Janet Craig 17 years ago, and Craig has appreciated her friendship and leadership ever since.
“Just like the TV show “Cheers,” Maggie knows your name — and everyone in your family,” says Craig, noting that she attends funerals, checks in when teachers who are sick and offers support in every conceivable way. “Maggie is our lighthouse in Avon. She has helped us navigate the rough storms that come our way.” One of Hoernemann’s favorite aspects of her job is mixing and mingling with her students by attending sporting events, theatre performances, awards banquets and more. “It tickles me how parents and students will thank me for coming because that’s the most fun part of the job,” Hoernemannn says. “I also think being visible in the school community as well as in the community [at large] helps build trust and indicate what our priorities are, which is supporting kids in everything they do. Frankly, I wish there were more hours in the day so I could be at more events.”
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John Sparzo, Co-founder of Avon Band Together, appreciates Hoernemann’s support for the performing arts as it has permitted the district to grow outstanding programs year after year that are recognized on a regional and national level. “She attended the Avon Symphony’s ISSMA state championship performance in 2019 and was spotted at the Bands of America competition in Lucas Oil Stadium last year,” Sparzo says. “What a boost it gives to staff, students and parents to see they have support from the top.” Leesa Brown, ACSC employee and proud parent, is a huge Hoernemann supporter. “There are not enough kind, sincere and appreciative words that can be said about Maggie,” Brown says. “She has made it personal and knows people and students by name, makes it a priority to be out and about at all Avon school events — not just the ones during the school day.” Kim Woodward, Member of the Avon Board of School Trustees, calls Hoernemann a champion advocate for all accomplishments by her continual tweeting recognition of student and staff accomplishments, big or small. “Unknown to most, she has a penchant for writing personal notes of thanks and appreciation that are treasured by their 8 / AVON MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
recipients,” Woodward says. “In the day and age of email, it’s easy to resort to that mode as proxy to a handwritten note, but Maggie never succumbed.” But, to Hoernemann, this job is personal. As such, she has collected her fair share of funny stories — like the time she visited an elementary school cafeteria and a student told her that they should get an elephant for the school. Another student was shocked to learn that Hoernemann was older than her grandma. She chuckles, delighted by the unfiltered nature of children.
“Maggie set a tone for the religious community to feel a part of the educational community of our town. This is how it ought to be,” White says. “In my 20 years of living in Avon, never has there been a better bridge-builder in this role as Maggie Hoernemann.”
staff and faculty infectious.
White calls Hoernemann’s warm smile, tender words and genuine love for students,
When Hoernemann retires on June 30, she knows she’ll miss working with leadership
“She endears herself to everyone she meets by her application of putting others above self,” White says. “Her personal connection with students and staff is a model for all to follow.”
“There are lots of stories nobody will ever hear by the bus drivers, cooks, custodians and teachers — all of whom take care of the children,” Hoernemann says. “Every single day it’s happening quietly and without a lot of fanfare with the kind of people who come to work for Avon schools.” Sparzo is not surprised to hear that Hoernemann would share credit with others. “She always gives credit to those around her rather than accepting praise for herself,” says Sparzo, who cites the example of the founding of the Avon Oriole Advocates, a grassroots citizens organization made up of staff, parents and community members who have become a strong action group that has successfully educated the community and the legislature. “I clearly remember the phone call in the summer of 2014 when Maggie, herself, outlined the entire concept of a grassroots organization that would help bring the community together in support of the schools,” Sparzo says. “When we held the first meeting with 40-plus in attendance, well over half of the participants indicated that they were there simply because Maggie asked them to attend. Still, Maggie will often suggest that I founded Oriole Advocates.” The superintendent’s humility is ever-present. Years ago, Hoernemann approached Craig White, Lead Pastor of Crossroads Church, to suggest having ministers in the community gather with her to improve the community.
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in the district as well as central office staff. She’ll also miss being physically present in the school buildings. “I’ve been in school every day of my life,” says Hoernemann, who has no plans to move from the area post-retirement. “This is home, and my husband Steve and I will stay here and stay involved in some way.” Woodward, for one, is grateful. “Maggie’s fingerprints are all over this community, and we are fortunate that she intends to stay involved and focused in many of her community efforts,” Woodward says. Post-retirement, Hoernemann plans to devote more time to see family, exercise and learn to play pickleball, bridge and piano. Her legion of fans feel she’s earned some R&R. In fact, Avon Education Foundation Board Member Chris Tincher calls Hoernemann one of his heroes.
“She’s a life-giver. You always leave her presence encouraged and better for spending time with her,” says Tincher, who fondly recalls the first time they met and how she immediately made him feel welcome and valued. “She has an amazing way of making you feel like the most important person in the room.” Sparzo calls Hoernemann a study in effective leadership and a model of integrity and honesty. “While she is a strong and unwavering advocate for Avon Community School Corporation’s students, teachers and staff, she remains cognizant of the broader context in which the school system operates,” Sparzo says. “To ensure that the school corporation had good relations with other leaders in the township, she helped develop a collaborative involving all of Washington Township’s taxing entities. To be certain she understood 10 / AVON MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
the needs of the business community, she served as a board member for the Avon Chamber of Commerce. To unify the community around the school system that she loves and leads, she proposed and supported the Oriole Advocates.” Tincher references the quote by Theodore Roosevelt that sums up Hoernemann’s career. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” According to Hodson, she lived out her calling. “Every once in a while, there are folks who truly emulate the plan that God has for them,” Hodson says. “Maggie Hoernemann is one of those people.”
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16TH ANNUAL HENDRICKS COUNTY RIB FEST & BALLOON GLOW OFFICIALLY CANCELED 5K RIB RUN MOVES TO JULY 4 The Avon Chamber of Commerce has been closely monitoring the ever-evolving COVID-19 crisis. In accordance with Governor Eric Holcomb’s Five Stage plan to reopen the State of Indiana, and after consulting with the Rib Fest Committee and the Avon Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, the Annual Hendricks County Rib Fest & Balloon Glow scheduled for June 27, 2020 has been canceled. The Avon Chamber of Commerce is planning to have a fireworks celebration instead on Saturday, July 4. More details are to come. “This is a great way for the Avon
Community to come together and celebrate a new beginning,” says Tom Downard, Executive Director of the Avon Chamber of Commerce. “There has been a lot of discussion on how we could continue this event, and we felt this was the best way to make it happen." The 5k Rib Run sponsored by IU Health West has moved to July 4 at 8:00 a.m. The Avon Chamber of Commerce has partnered with RaceMaker Productions to provide both onsite and remote options for people to participate in the family fun 5k. “This decision was not made lightly or without extensive conversation amongst our Committee, our Executive Board and the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds,” Downard adds. “We look forward to being back in June 2021. It will be bigger, it will be better, and it will be filled with hugs, fun and 12 / AVON MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
people licking BBQ sauce off their fingers.” The Hendricks County Rib Fest & Balloon Glow will be back on June 26, 2021, at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville. Those interested in sponsorship of the fireworks celebration please contact the Chamber office at 317-272-4333 or by e-mail info@avonchamber.org with any questions.
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Congratulations Class of 2020 Tiara EdwardsCONGRATULATIONS, you made it! We are so proud of you and your many accomplishments. You are so amazing, beautiful, talented, and smart. Your future is BRIGHT! Love mom and sissy Philippians 4:13
CJ Gannaway- We love you! We are very proud of you! We are excited for your college journey & we’ll miss you! Continued prayers as God leads & guides you. Love, Mom, Dad & Jenna (Joshua 1:9) Tyler HuddlestonCongratulations Tyler! As the years have flown by from your first word to graduation, I have watched you grow and accomplish so much. I am so very proud of you and I can’t wait to see what your future endeavors will bring. Love, Mom
Liam Donahue- Congratulations, Liam. We’re very proud of you and wish you continued success as you start your college career at Butler. Love Mamaw and Papaw
Kristy Gilmore- We are so very proud of the extraordinary young woman you have become. You are brilliant, companionate, tenacious and you will do amazing things at Purdue and beyond. Always set your sights high and you will obtain all you want in life. Love Mom and Dad Amanda VanBuskirkCongratulations Amanda, we love you and are very proud of you! Good luck at IU, we know you’ll do amazing! Love Mom, Dad & Allyssa
Emily Dalton-We are extremely proud of all you have already accomplished and cannot wait to see what the future holds. We wish you the best of luck at Purdue.
Mike Dunn-Your faith & dedication have made you an amazing adult! Avon grad to US Marine! We’re so proud of you! Love, Ma, Dad, Max, Mae, Nana, & MumMum Zach Worley- Even though the end of your Senior year did not end as you planned you accomplished so much and have so much to look forward to. We are so proud of you and know you will do great things! Onward and stay strong!
Lauren CampbellProud of you Lauren. You have become a beautiful; young lady. Looking forward to your next adventure. Love, Grandma and Grandpa Koebel
Rachel Petersson- You have so much to be proud of as you finish high school and head off to IU! God has amazing plans for you! Oh the places you’ll go! Jack KoesterCongratulations 2020 Grad! Moto to live by, “It’s nice to be great but far greater to be nice”, Joe Newton. The next chapter is yours to write! Love, Mom & Tom
Mikayla Elkins- We are so proud of your accomplishments! It’s time for a new chapter! Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose. Proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Jada and Cade
Jacklynn Hopper- There are no words to describe how proud we are of you in all that you have accomplished. Your graduation is just one of many stepping stones through life and we can’t wait to share this journey as you spread your wings and move onto Purdue! The world is yours don’t let anything or anyone ever stand in the way of your dreams! Love you to the Moon and Back my little Jack!
Lucy Miller- You have made us proud with your many achievements. Continue to work hard & opportunities will come your way at IU. We love you! Daddy, Jamie & Zachary
Mackenzie Crum-Working hard has paid off! You have not let the circumstances of your senior year get in the way. Congratulations blue eyes, we are extremely proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad
Bailey MillsCongratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your next adventure. We are very proud of you! Love - Uncle Jason, Aunt Tiffany, Emma, Avery & Davis
JUNE 2020
Nate Dalton- We are so proud of you.You have worked so hard and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish at Rose-Hulman!
Mackenzie Dalton- We couldn’t be more proud of you. Keep being you! Can’t wait to see what the future holds at Marian.
Hunter Dalton- We are very proud of you and the person that you have become. You will do great things at Marian.
Ashlyn Mirise- We are so proud of you! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments so far. We know you will go on to do great things. Love, Dad, Mom, & Gabby
Breanna Fenrick- You constantly surprise us with your talents and abilities. We are proud of all of your hard work. Hope all your dreams come true. Love, Mom and Dad
Lyndsi Fenrick- You have excelled at everything you put your mind to. We are proud of you and hope you reach all your goals and dreams. Love, Mom and Dad
Lanie Cowper- We are so proud of all that you have accomplished. We are sorry your Senior year ended with no warning! We know you will do great things in life!!! We Love You! Mom, Dad, Jordan & Hannah Dalton KaneCongrats Dalton. We are so extremely proud of you and all of your achievements. We are excited to watch your future grow. Love, Dad, Mom, and Garrett
Aubrey Hadley- Congratulations Aubrey! IUPUI’s Class of 2020 Bachelors in Biology! May you have continued success at IU’s Master PA Studies. We are so proud of you & all your accomplishments. Well deserved! Love, Dad, Mom, and Jared Natalie SheetsCongratulations Natalie, we are so proud of all your many accomplishments during your time at PHS. You had a stellar senior year and can’t wait to see what life has in store for you. Love you Mom, Dad and Mason
Shelby Gordy- Sassy girl, we are so very proud of you - from the little girl you were to the beautiful woman you’ve become. Congratulations, little one! Love, Mom and Dad
Daniel Ayers- Proud of our son, Daniel, graduating with honors from BHS and everything you’ve achieved. We’re excited for your future at the University of Cincinnati & beyond. You’re going to do great!
Zachary Thompson- We are so proud of you & all that you have done! Don’t ever stop dreaming son! Excited to see what God has in store for you. Love, Mom & Dad Julia SheringerCongratulations Julia! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish in swimming and at Baldwin Wallace University. Love Mom and Dad
Noah Blacha-Congratulations D! I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished! Good luck at Butler! Keep being you and you’ll be amazing! I love you! Mom
Sarah Scharlau- We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments over the past twelve years. You have a big heart and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The future is all yours, we are always here for you! Love mom, dad, James, Em, grandma and grandpa! Grace CollinsYour journey to this day has been long and sometimes difficult. We are super proud of you! Congratulations!! Life awaits! Love Mom, Dad, Jonathan & Jackson
Paige & Presley Hess- Words do not express how proud we are of both you! You are smart, strong, and independent and we cannot wait to see what amazing things you will do in the future! Love Mom, Dad, & Family
Ashley SmithWe are so proud of you. You have come so far and haven’t let the past hold you back from achieving greatness! You can do anything you set your mind too.
Macey Emberson- Congratulations Macey!! We are so proud of you! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. We love you, pumpkin! Love, Mom and Dad
TJ Dulaney- Congratulations to our youngest child. Your dedication and hard work has paid off, and we could not be more proud of you. Love mom, dad, Nate, and Sarah Ali ManwaringTo Our Alibug!, I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. We are so proud of you! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for you! Congratulations Bug! We love you so much!
Isabella Street- Congratulations on your High School Graduation! We are so very proud of you and all your hard work! Best wishes on your next adventure! With love and pride today and always, Dad and Mom
Leister Perrin- Congratulations, we are proud of your accomplishments and the man you have become! Your future at IU Kelley School of Business will be bright. We love you! Dad, Mom, Ava & Reagan
JUNE 2020
Grant Landes- It has been a joy watching you grow into the young man you are today. We cannot wait to see what wonderful things the future holds for you. We love you so much!! Dad, Mom, Jake, and Ella
Bethany Dance-Congratulations! We are SO proud of all you’ve accomplished over the past four years, and can’t wait to watch you start your next chapter at IU. Love - Mom, Dad & Ben Lucy BlakeCongratulations to our favorite senior!! We are so proud of you, Lucy! Go out there and conquer the world sweet girl! Love, Mom and Dad
Mark Mestre, II-We believe in you and know that a brilliant path is in your future. May your adventures be enlightening, and your spirit grow in knowledge and strength. Love Mom & Dad. Tyler NickolCongratulations Tyler! We are proud of you for all you have accomplished. You set a goal to play college golf and you are achieving that at Kentucky Wesleyan College.We love you and look forward to being along on your journey.
Madison Dossey-We are so proud of you Madison! You’ve overcome a lot this year & you continue to push thru with a smile. The future is yours sweetheart, shine your light bright! Love, Mom, Jon, Taylor, Kelsey, Carson and Dad from above!
ai15889404725_Avon 4.75 x 7.125-MAY-032720-OUTPUT.pdf 1 5/8/2020 8:21:14 AM
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and, in 2002, Sheltering Wings opened its doors.
The groundwork for the nonprofit Sheltering Wings started with dedicated volunteers who operated the food pantry at Cornerstone Christian Church in Brownsburg. During their interactions, volunteers found that several of their clients were dealing with abusive situations in their homes. Compelled to do something about it, in 1999 they gathered up a guiding coalition, raised funds,
“That was our real genesis — Cornerstone Christian Church,” says Kevin Carr, Development and Communications Officer for Sheltering Wings. The organization started as an extension of the church as an independent nonprofit and has garnered a huge amount of support from the entire community, including various agencies, JUNE 2020
individuals and other churches. Though they have stayed true to their core principles and guiding values, over time, the organization and its mission has continued to expand and grow. For instance, in February, Sheltering Wings opened a 12-person unit for men who are victims of domestic abuse. “Early on, we were only aware that it was a problem that affected women, but as we have
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we work with them to develop all of the economic and emotional resources they need to do that.”
According to Cassie Mecklenburg, Executive Director of Sheltering Wings, the nonprofit helps roughly 250 women, men and children annually in its residential services. In addition, they provide prevention and education all across the county in churches, schools and workplaces so they touch a lot of people in various ways.
This includes things such as offering budgeting, parenting and computer classes as well as support groups. All of these things contribute to assisting survivors in completing their education and finding jobs. “Our case managers and advocates work with each individual to assess both the practical and emotional resources they need,” Mecklenburg adds. “We want to help them overcome the hurt and betrayal they have experienced.”
Plus, they have a helpline that operates 24/7, fielding thousands of calls each year that serve a whole spectrum of needs. Sheltering Wings aids, in numerous ways, those who suffer domestic abuse to get back on their feet. “We know it’s not enough to just help a person get out of an abusive relationship,” Mecklenburg says. “We want to help them build safety, stability and independence so that they can move forward. Therefore,
The assessment looks at 16 life domains— things like income, jobs, education, health and nutrition, and family support systems. The score helps pinpoint the areas where additional resources are needed. “Research shows as they essentially fill their tool belts with knowledge, understanding and resources, they have a greater likelihood
JUNE 2020
of living successfully and self-sufficiently,” says Mecklenburg, who maintains that a person has a tendency to go back into an abusive relationship seven times before they finally leave. “When you think about that statistic, it makes our support services and safe housing all the more important.” Carr points out that oftentimes when those who are abused chose to return to these unhealthy relationships, their reasoning appears sound in their minds. For instance, they may genuinely love the person. Or they may be financially dependent on them or may have children with them and long to keep the family unit together. “That’s a normal train of thought, but it’s not a healthy train of thought,” Carr says. The bottom line is that a person can only choose to change for themselves. “We do everything we can to help them understand their value, purpose and worth,” Mecklenburg says. “They are worthy of
trust, honor and respect. These are all characteristics and attributes they should get in a relationship.” Carr points out that if domestic abuse was only physical, rules might be more cut and dried, but there is also emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, spiritual and digital [electronic] abuse.
Executive Director Cassie Mecklenburg & Residential Services Director Linda Wells
“You can begin to see how a survivor who finally seeks help and has the courage to break out of that cycle comes with a hugely damaged sense of self and a warped sense of what love is,” says Carr, noting that the person likely has some legitimate fears about what will happen to their kids, their reputation or themselves if their abuser tracks them down. “There are so many things survivors deal with which, if you’ve never been in an abusive relationship, it’s hard to understand,” Carr says. “It’s all about the abuser maintaining power and control, and they do that largely by tearing down their victim.” This is precisely why learning life skills is so critical as that’s what will keep them independent and avoid entering into unsafe relationships. Back in 2017, Sheltering Wings knew they wanted to address issues in affordable housing and build a community resource center. Though it was a wish on the horizon, they had no clue how it was going to transpire. In June 2020, in partnership with RealAmerica [the developer] and Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Sheltering Wings will break ground on an affordable supportive housing apartment complex located across the street from Perry Crossing Mall. Sheltering Wings will have access to 13 of the 52 units for residents who move out of the shelter but who cannot yet afford rent.
An emergency is still an emergency Don’t delay the important care you need Broken bones, signs of a heart attack or stroke, difficulty breathing or other life-threatening symptoms — don’t delay when you or a loved one needs emergency care. Ascension St. Vincent ER care teams in Avon and Plainfield are here with you, and we’re making sure our hospitals and sites of care are safe and ready for you when you need us. Ascension St. Vincent ERs are open 24/7, close to home, with access to the Ascension network for follow-up care.
Find your nearest Ascension St. Vincent ER at GetStVincentCare.com Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Avon 9613 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123 Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Plainfield 2412 E. Main St., Plainfield, IN 46168
Mecklenburg describes the apartment community’s clubhouse as being much more than the average apartment community clubhouse. In addition to
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JUNE 2020
HOW YOU CAN HELP Sheltering Wings keeps an online list of items they need, which often include things like toilet paper, paper towels, over-the-counter medications and copy paper. In addition, since they recently began housing men, they need things such as shaving supplies, cologne, socks and underwear. To check out the organization’s immediate needs, visit shelteringwings.org/wish-list.
that people desperately need at the time, but living in a shelter develops a sense of transiency because residents know it’s not their final destination. When they transition into permanent housing, however, they feel a sense of pride, relief and success. “There’s a freedom and tremendous sense of accomplishment when someone has a home they can call their own,” says Mecklenburg, who shares the story of a former resident, a single mother who was at Sheltering Wings for nearly two years as she completed her education and was working to save up a nest egg in order to move out. “She was chomping at the bit to be independent and get out on her own and when she finally did, she thrived,” Mecklenburg says. “She’s doing fantastic and is finishing up school.” “It has been exciting to partner with RealAmerica and Cummins Behavioral Health in planning this community, and, it’s humbling to have the support of the Town of Plainfield,” adds Carr, noting that the Town Council voted to approve plans for the community late last year.
all the normal amenities, Sheltering Wings will staff the clubhouse and the building is designed with the ability to host life skills classes and programs onsite. It will be a vital extension to all that happens at the facility in Danville. Families face four primary needs when exiting the shelter: affordable housing, reliable transportation, affordable childcare and access to mental health services. This apartment community helps address affordable housing and access to mental health services. “When we can provide those two components, that’s a game-changer for them,” Carr says. “They are able to leave our shelter more self-sufficiently and yet they don’t feel like the safety net of support is fully stripped away as they still have access to support services.”
“We help people get out into the community and on their feet independently, yet still have the support of case managers and supportive programs when they need them,” Mecklenburg adds.
In 2020, planning has progressed fullspeed. After a tentative late-Spring groundbreaking, construction is scheduled to be complete and leasing to begin in November 2021.
“As an organization, we will certainly have a lot to be grateful for next Thanksgiving,” Mecklenburg says. “But I’m most excited to The community resource center will also see our residents and their children moving provide easy access for individuals who don’t into their brand-new apartments. They’ll need safe housing but still would benefit each be taking one more giant step toward from having access to support services. The shedding the stigma of being domestic community resource center will remove a violence ‘victims’ or ‘survivors.’ Instead, barrier for those who might not otherwise they’ll be safe, secure, independent and seek assistance because they feel the stigma productive citizens. That’s a picture of our associated with going to a shelter for help. mission and our hope for all individuals and families in our community.” “We don’t want our former residents to forever live with the label of ‘victim’ or Sheltering Wings, P.O. Box 92, Danville, ‘survivor,’” Carr says. “We want them to be a Ind., 46122. To call the 24-hour Helpline: regular part of the community.” (317) 745-1496. For more information, call Temporarily living at Sheltering Wings provides a sense of security and peace JUNE 2020
(317) 718-5460 or visit shelteringwings.org
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Beyond Spring Cleanup: Tips to Enhance Your Home’s Exterior
Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman
Now that Mother Nature has determined there will be more warm days than cold here in Indiana, it is time to consider bringing your home’s interior charm to the exterior. Let’s go beyond normal exterior maintenance like tidying up your landscaping and power washing your home, patio or driveway (basically anything that does not move, unless your teenager has not showered in a month, then go ahead and spritz them too). There are fun, charming trends that can allow you to showcase your home’s charm while also being inexpensive. Below are the best trends I have been spotting in the area, and I promise you they will not break the bank. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, you may need to secure approval for some of these - it’s always better to ask first than regret it later. Paint your front door a cheery color. Years ago red doors were all the rage - now, sunny yellows, happy oranges or dazzling greens can create complementary pops to the front of homes. Choose wisely the best choices make visitors smile rather than gasp. Change your front door handle. You can go keyless and tap into the latest technology, or make a bold statement with an older, more traditional handle. Bonus points if you add a whimsical door knocker - there are many fun options like bees, golf clubs, dogs, pineapples and everything in between. If you have a passion for something, chances are strong that someone has incorporated it into a door knocker. Go bold with a colorful planter. You can pick up great planters online or at a home improvement store, and you can also make personalized planters by painting terra cotta pots with colors that complement your home. Give these to friends and family as gifts to spruce up their porches too.
seasonal banners, kid art and pallet flags all come to mind. My favorite outdoor art is what I call painted rocks with a purpose. If you recently mulched your flower beds, paint some rocks and form a smiley face, flower, snake or turtle - the Pinterest possibilities are endless, and the results are bound to make you and your neighbors smile. Finally, doormats have become super fun, and are an easy way to reflect your personality. Some of the most festive mats I have seen lately say things like: “Knock slowly so we have time to clean up”, “Yell ding-dong loudly, the doorbell is broken”, and, “Hope you like dog hair”. Have some fun with this - the possibilities really are endless. Cheers to your charming home!
Add porch seating. Whether it is a porch swing or just a couple of colorful chairs with cushions, either will give you additional living space and add exterior charm. Get some outdoor art to display. It does not have to be fancy AvonMagazine.com / JUNE 2020 / AVON MAGAZINE / 23
Claire-Ann is a West Side Realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or caikman@callcarpenter.com.
The children were also thrilled with the gesture. In fact, the mom told Moore that on the way over to Diamond Collision to pick up the vehicle, her son grabbed her face and said, ‘Mom, you’re getting a new car!’” Moore is excited to have been a part of this giveaway because she and her husband Allen are dedicated to doing all they can to give back to the Hendricks County community.
Diamond Collision Teams Up With Local Vendors to Give Away Car to Family Promise Recipient Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
One day Debbie Moore, co-owner of Diamond Collision, Inc., was at work when Josh Byers with Automotive Color and Supply (ACS) came in to ask if Diamond Collision would be interested in collaborating on a project. Byers told her about the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides®, a program in which industry professionals work together to repair and donate vehicles to individuals in the community who are in need. “Recycled Rides is a charity foundation that everything runs through,” Moore says. State Farm Insurance donated a vehicle to be fixed up. Whitlow’s Towing picked up the vehicle at no charge. Dreyer & Reinbold Volkswagen donated a battery, Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists redid the wheels, and Best One of Indy donated fresh tires. “We partnered with some companies for discounts, bought a used radio to install, and
fixed the scratches on the car,” says Moore, who reached out to Family Promise to ask if they would like to select a person who could benefit from this vehicle. They were thrilled to do so and chose a single mom with two kids, ages 3 and 7, to be the beneficiary. While waiting to get the title, Enterprise Rental Car provided the mother with several weeks of complimentary rental service. Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA), a consortium of independent PBE distributors, pitched in to donate gift cards. In addition, Automotive Color purchased brand-new car seats for both children. Recently, Katrina Rhodes from Family Promise came to Diamond Collision and along with Moore and her staff, presented the car keys to the mom. “We filled up her trunk with toys and necessary items, including toilet paper,” Moore says. “She was very excited. Several of us were in tears. She said it was the nicest car she’s ever had.” 24 / AVON MAGAZINE / JUNE 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
“From the beginning when we started our business, we wanted to be here to help people during difficult times in their life because, let’s face it, when your car is wrecked, that’s a hard thing to face,” Moore says. “Our philosophy has always been, ‘How can we make this situation as painless as possible?’” In the past, they have done things for Sheltering Wings, an organization that helps individuals and families who are dealing with domestic violence. “Helping is something that’s in our culture and always in the back of our minds,” says Moore, who learned that prior to being gifted this car, the single mom was having trouble finding a way to work because her vehicle had broken down and she couldn’t afford to replace it. Now she has safe, reliable transportation that will last a long time. “Just talking about it makes me emotional,” Moore says. “This car is something that will make a big difference in somebody’s life and I’m so happy about that.” Diamond Collision Services, Inc. is located at 292 S CR 800 E. in Avon. For more information, visit diamondcollision.com or call 317-272-6820. For more information about Family Promise, visit familypromisehendrickscounty. orgDiamond Collision Teams Up With Local Vendors to Give Away Car to Family Promise Recipient
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A Local Trailblazer Meet Kim Freeman, the Woman Behind the Creation of Washington Township Park
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A 50-plus year resident of Avon, Kim Freeman first moved to Hendricks County when she was eight years old. A 1976 alumni of Avon High School, Freeman joined the Indiana National Guard in 1978 and served until she got pregnant. A self-described tomboy, Freeman loved being outside and working with people, which is why she dreamed of a career as a forest ranger. While that dream was percolating, back in 1985, Governor Robert Orr announced plans for a yearlong celebration of everything Indiana called “Hoosier Celebration 88.” The idea was to bring together communities to host a giant celebration that promoted tourism and celebrated Hoosier heritage.
“Each community was challenged to pick a project and set up a committee, and we decided we wanted Avon to have a park,” Freeman says. The Avon Township Trustees office was also looking at establishing a park so Freeman began attending their meetings and Trustee Greg Hurst put her to work.
to sell. “My friend said, ‘Kim, we always thought it would be neat to turn that property into a park,’” Freeman recalls.
The 74 acres of land, which had previously been a hog farm, was ideal for a community “I was their unpaid secretary for three years park so Freeman obtained a grant to purchase as we worked to incorporate Avon and the land in 1989. Soon thereafter, the trustees establish the West Central Conservancy also bought an additional nine acres on the District as a municipality,” says Freeman, who other side of the creek, just south of the was appointed as park chairman because she, softball diamond. as she says, was the “outdoorsy person.” “An interesting tidbit of history is that there Though all of the board members had their was a house on that property that burned feelers out looking for available land, it was down. During prohibition days, it was a Freeman who ultimately stumbled upon it speakeasy for John Dillinger,” says Freeman, when she was chatting with a grocery store who notes that the road that passes over the coworker, Layla Kepple, whose husband old iron truffle bridge on the property and Keith owned property that he was looking is now a walking trail was at the time called AvonMagazine.com / JUNE 2020 / AVON MAGAZINE / 27
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The Whipple Iron Truss Bridge from 1989. (The last vehicle to cross it was a fire truck in 1972)
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Indianapolis Road. “It was the original horse-n-buggy US36.” The first thing they did when developing the park was to pave the gravel road and parking lot. Next, they built the shelter houses. In 1990, Freeman was officially hired as park manager, which meant she was in charge of everything — mowing, trimming, painting, staining, fixing fences, changing oil, sharpening mower blades. “I had to supply my own tools, and I had a bush hog, which I used to mow until I later got a riding mower,” says Freeman, who took breaks to return phone calls for shelter house rentals. “Back then we had a phone booth in the park so my boss gave me a roll of quarters and a beeper. If he beeped me, I was to use one of those quarters to call him.”
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Freeman chuckles at the memory. She also laughs when recalling how she was a greenhorn when it came to the park equipment. “I lost count of the number of times I got the tractor stuck,” she says. “This one time I was trying to move some pea gravel and sunk down deep into it. All I could do was laugh my head off. I got out eventually, though!”
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Gary Gamble joined the Washington Township park staff in 2001. The playground that stands today was built in 2003 to replace the one that was erected in 1995 and was out of compliance by accessibility standards. Boasting the tallest Mega Tower anywhere at the time, it graced the cover of Playground Equipment Magazine. In 2003, the township also purchased Pecar Park as well as the 80 acres the new pavilion sits on. “Like any fast-growing community, we wanted to get our hands on more property before it was all gone,” says Freeman, who worked closely with Gamble and the Hoosier Mountain Biking Association
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(HMBA) to create the first off-road bike trails anywhere except Carmel. The DNR suggested using deer trails as a guideline for creating the bike trails since the deer know the routes to take to avoid limbs and brambles. “It worked, and they became super popular,” Freeman says. “We had mountain bikers coming from all over the state to use those trails!” Both Freeman and Gamble left WTCP (in fact, when Freeman left the park system after 17 years, she had been the longest employed person with Washington Township, including the fire department personnel). “We went our separate ways, but we did so much work together that it was hard on all of us, including our crew,” says Gamble, who later became the Director of Operations for Avon Town Hall Parks. Freeman worked for several years as a receptionist at a car
dealership. Then one day in 2015, Gamble called and asked if she’d consider working with him again. She agreed, which thrilled him. “With Kim and I, it was always one of those ‘can’t live with you, can’t live without you’ type of relationships,” says Gamble laughing. “We were and still are the yin & the yang, Batman & Robin, Andy & Barney — Kim is Barney. But seriously, Kim has been an asset to the community for years and deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication to the community as well as The Avon Park system. She’s worked so hard so that others could enjoy the great outdoors.” As before, she wears many hats in her current position, including that of horticulturist, landscape manager and urban forestry manager. A mother of two grown children and a 3-year-old granddaughter, Freeman couldn’t be happier with the way her life has turned out.
“I just love it. I like staying busy. I love flowers and plants. I have two green thumbs, and I love teaching and helping people,” Freeman says. “I plan to keep doing this as long as my body will let me.” Her granddaughter, Katie, adores visiting both parks in Avon, and she has a special nickname for each of them. Because Freeman’s daughter worked at Washington Township Park when she was a teenager, Katie calls that “Mommy’s park.” And since Freeman now works at Avon Town Park, Katie calls that one “Grandma’s park.” For the rest of us, we think of both parks as wonderful places to go for fun, fresh air and fellowship. “Only a handful of people know about Washington Township Park’s history and who gave them the opportunity to work there,” Gamble says. “Now they know that it was Kim who left them with a beautiful canvas to paint on.”
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