Brownsburg Magazine November 2022

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Spirit

INDIANA BLUE STAR SALUTE HONORS AND SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

For years, Ralph “Zoc” Zoccolillo, an Army veteran, has been a member of the Avon American Legion Post 145. One day the post commander told Zoccolillo about a national program called Blue Star Salute, designed to honor military families. Nobody had initiated any such program in Avon, so he asked if Zoccolillo would be willing to do so. He was all about it.

“I’ve volunteered for the last 50 years with various organizations that help those in need -

places like the United Way and the Red Cross,” he says. “Volunteering is the highlight of my life. I love every minute of it.”

Zoccolillo held the first Avon Blue Star Salute in 2006. Though the mission was to honor military and veteran families, organizers recognized that they had military and veteran families that extended beyond Avon, so the following year they changed the name to Hendricks County Blue Star Salute. Zoccolillo created an executive board, and the program was so well-received that they expanded to cover the entire state. That’s when the name

transitioned to Indiana Blue Star Salute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Though the majority of members are from central Indiana, they have families from as far as Evansville and Fort Wayne.

Every year on the second Saturday in December, the Indiana Blue Star Salute leaders set aside a day to honor, support and celebrate military families at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds. At first the idea was simply to salute the families, but as Zoccolillo and others got to talking to these families, they realized many of them were struggling financially.

They changed the format to focus on helping to make the holidays brighter for 16 to 20 families. Known as the Indiana Blue Star Spirit of Christmas, the event is not open to the public because organizers want to keep the atmosphere intimate and special.

Two months prior to the event, Zoccolillo and the board collect names and contact information from the VFW, the American Legion and different branches of military service, to identify families who could use a dose of help and cheer. The children from each family fill out a wish list that includes three items they would like to get from Santa.

“We always get them number one on their list, and depending on funding, may also get numbers two and three,” Zoccolillo says. “We purchase something for the parents too. That might be a dishwasher, a range, an oven or refrigerator.”

One year they gave a combat veteran a used vehicle because he had no transportation to get to work.

Each family gets their own table, each containing their gifts.

“There are tables upon tables upon tables of wrapped gifts,” Zoccolillo says. “The kids get so fidgety because they can’t wait to unwrap those presents. When I give the go-ahead to unwrap, all hell breaks loose.”

Initially the Spirit of Christmas event was held outdoors at the fairgrounds, but after encountering some bad weather one year, in 2017 Zoccolillo asked Steve Patterson, executive director of the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, to move the event inside. Patterson was happy to help, offering them the Expo Hall.

“I have to say that if it were not for Steve, I don’t know how far the program would have gotten,” Zoccolillo says. “The kind of support he’s provided us all these years has been amazing. Steve provides us the room and anything else we could ever need. He even helps us set up. He’s an incredible person.”

Through the years the Spirit of Christmas has gained a number of loyal sponsorships and

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partners, enabling the Indiana Blue Star Salute to provide for veterans’ and their families’ needs, year round.

“We get a lot done because of the respect we have developed over the years through our organization,” Zoccolillo says.

They limit the event to 20 families because they convert the Expo Hall into an extravagant winter wonderland, by hanging countless red and green lights, decorating multiple Christmas trees and building a beautiful, ornate stage. They also hire face painters for the kids, and have games and videos. What’s most entertaining for children,

however, are the musical performances by Elsa and Anna from “Frozen.” Blue, the mascot for the Indianapolis Colts, also makes an appearance, as does Rowdie from the Indianapolis Indians and Freddy Fever from the Indiana Fever.

“It’s essentially a Christmas carnival for the children,” Zoccolillo says. “We want to make it a festive, incredible Christmas for these families.”

One of the event highlights is made possible thanks to Charlie Walker, who owns Indiana Air Search and Rescue. Walker delivers Mr. and Mrs. Claus via a Huey military helicopter.

They land at the fairgrounds, which is exciting for attendees.

“The younger children start hearing that sound of a helicopter and look up at the sky,” Zoccolillo says.

Margaret Amos, 181st Airman, has more than 15 years of experience working with the Indiana Air National Guard, and serves as family readiness program manager. She says it’s a blessing to have a program such as Indiana Blue Star Salute to support service members and their families, because while many agencies and programs help the activeduty bases, Indiana doesn’t have a significant visual military presence.

“Indiana has community armories with those members who volunteer to be a part of an Army unit or Air Wing that is state and federally tasked,” says Amos, who is also a mother of a service member. “The two Wings in Indiana are appreciative of the support we receive through their programs offered.”

Zoccolillo, 74, has been

blessed to be able to continue

He has lived in Hendricks County for more than two decades, and is happy to have been in the area long enough to have established

network of like-minded, patriotic souls.

matter what a

for,”

says. “I

up the phone

call someone

family,

can

us get whatever it is that

more about Indiana Blue Star Salute, visit

make a monetary donation to Indiana Blue Star Salute, send a check to: 8103 East U.S. Highway 36, Suite 176, Avon, IN 46123.

Zoccolillo would like to personally thank all of the American Legions and VFWs who continue to support the Indiana Blue Star.

Angie Mercer

Matthew Kubal Matthew Mundy

THE FLU: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

common in children than adults.

Every year, millions of people miss work or school because they have the flu. The flu is a very contagious, respiratory viral illness that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It causes mild to severe illness, hospitalization and sometimes death. The flu occurs mostly during the colder months but can occur at other times. You can get the flu multiple times each year.

KNOW THE COMMON FLU SYMPTOMS.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever, feeling feverish/chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Not everyone with the flu has a fever, and some people have vomiting and diarrhea, which is more

THERE ARE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE COMMON COLD AND THE FLU.

The common cold and the flu share many of the same symptoms. The flu is typically worse than the common cold and symptoms appear more abruptly. You should seek medical attention for high fevers, or if you have other medical conditions that put you at increased risk for serious complications, including diabetes, asthma or congestive heart failure.

TAKE STEPS TOWARDS FLU PREVENTION.

Each year, scientists develop a new flu shot to cover the most common strains of the flu. The first step in preventing the flu is to get the most current flu vaccine. Getting a flu

shot may not make you completely immune from getting sick, but it can significantly lessen the severity of your symptoms. You can also take everyday measures to limit the spread of germs. Stay out of close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, limit contact with others, especially those at increased risk of severe illness. Remember to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your coughs and sneezes, and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. If you do get sick with the flu, antiviral medications prescribed by your health care provider may help reduce the time you are sick and may also help prevent serious flu complications.

If you are feeling any flu-like symptoms, make sure you discuss them with your health care provider immediately.

Writer / Jane Forni, MSN, RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist at IU Health West Hospital

Photography Provided

DEPRESSION: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Writer / Gary Wharton Photography Provided

If there is anything we have learned throughout the past few years, especially during the pandemic and economic downturn, it’s the seriousness of mental health. Just the thought of some of today’s headlines can make anyone feel helpless and hopeless. Having a bad day is one thing, but there is cause for concern when those feelings continue for long periods.

Persistent feelings of intense sadness, loss of joy, and indifference can and often do interfere with everyday life. Episodes of this nature differ from daily mood fluctuations and may be signs of depression. Depression is common and can have serious consequences. It can negatively affect thoughts, actions and feelings. The negative impact of depression reduces overall function and may cause severe health conditions. Worst of all, depression can even lead to suicide.

Depression can be caused by adverse life events such as a traumatic event or loss, having a blood relative with depression, experiencing a significant life change, or even a medical problem. Depression can happen at any age, and depression is nearly twice as common in females.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE:

• Low mood for most of the day, nearly every day

• Finding little pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable

• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much

• Overeating or eating very little

• Feeling tired with a loss of energy

• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness

• Increased body aches and pains

• Poor concentration or indecisiveness

• Thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide

If you have experienced at least five of these symptoms over a two-week period, it may be time to talk to a qualified health care provider. Treatment for depression often includes medication management, and/or psychotherapy or talk therapy. You can help reduce symptoms of depression by improving your diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs, improving the quality of your sleep, and making positive choices to reduce overall stress. Depression can be serious and can quickly worsen. If you feel down and are showing any signs listed above, please seek professional help immediately.

Gary Wharton, MSN,

Gary is the owner of Avon Mental Health. He can be reached at (317) 556-0309.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Members of the Brownsburg Rugby Club, the oldest club in Hendricks County, are celebrating the club’s 20th season. Curt Trout and three of his friends started the club in 2002. All four of the coaches had played at either the collegiate or semiprofessional level, so even though they took 25 male players who had never seen a rugby ball before, they taught them well.

“The kids were like sponges and really soaked it up,” says Greg Strange, whose son Jeremy played on the inaugural team. That first season the team went undefeated, advancing to the semifinals before losing the state championship game. It was an impressive feat that no first-year team had ever done. Season two was effectively a repeat of season one, with the team advancing to semi-state before feeling the sting of defeat.

In 2011, when the last original coach stepped away from the club, Jeremy was asked to take over the team. He was honored to do so and was preparing the team for the 2012 season when, tragically, he was killed in an accident on March 13, 2012. The season was due to start March 17. His viewing was on March 16, which would have been his 26th birthday.

Many describe Jeremy as the heart and soul of the Brownsburg Rugby Club. That’s why

they still incorporate him into everything they do. Their jerseys include his initials. In addition, they created a commemorative rock at their former field, located near Cardinal Bark Park. Plus, each March they hold a memorial breakfast at Flap Jacks.

“It’s a way for us to get together as a rugby family to remember Jeremy,” says Paris January-Cole, club president. “Those

players who played with him or were coached by him come out in force for that breakfast.”

Today rugby continues to bring people together in wonderful ways. Brownsburg student Abriella Ellis had been cheerleading for 11 years when, one day, a friend encouraged her to try playing rugby through the Brownsburg Rugby Club.

Though she was skeptical at first, she gave it a try. After just one practice, she was hooked.

“The very first thing I noticed was how kind all the girls were to me,” Ellis says. “I showed up and they welcomed me so warmly. I never went back to cheer again.”

So, why try rugby? The reasons are endless.

Club President, Paris January-Cole & Jeremy Strange's father, Greg

For starters, anyone can play. Any body type. Any skill level. Any age. Any sex. Rugby is an inclusive sport that is not reserved for the fastest or the fiercest.

“The game of rugby utilizes all shapes and builds,” says senior Mikey Cabreros, boys high school captain. “You don’t have to be crazy fit or hugely muscular.”

Nor is the sport reserved for those who have been playing for years. For instance, Ellis, who is now captain of the girls high school team, jumped into it during her freshman year.

It’s also not about promoting any individual as a star. It’s a pure team sport. Anybody can touch the ball, anybody can score and anybody can play any position on the field. In rugby, all 15 players on the team are utilized, each with a distinct role.

“You’ve really got to work as a team, trusting the player next to you to do their job,” says Dave Kaahaaina, the high school assistant coach for the boys team.

This team mindset helps to differentiate rugby from other sports.

Kaahaaina says good people make good rugby players.

“Winning on the field is important and working hard is important, but success off the pitch is more important than anything else,” Kaahaaina says. “That’s why we emphasize values such as preparation, authenticity and trust.”

The rugby culture is such that the athletes play hard for 70 minutes, then share a meal and fellowship afterwards.

“We do socials after each game where both teams come together to eat,” says Lisa Peterson, Brownsburg Rugby Club high school team liaison. “It builds camaraderie.”

Breaking bread together is a way to celebrate the game, not the win.

Additionally, there is no specified time

Jeremy Strange was on the first BRC HS team, then returned as a coach. He was killed in a car accident in 2012. His initials are now on all of of the team's gear.

“We welcome kids to come check out a practice all season until playoffs begin,” January-Cole says. Conditioning for the spring season starts in January. Games begin in April and run until the first week of June, depending on whether the team makes the playoffs. Registration for the fall season opens in August. The fall season wraps at the end of October.

This past summer, the club invited secondthrough 12th-graders to try rugby for a week at no cost, to learn about the sport and gauge their interest. Because the Brownsburg Rugby Club is a club sport, it’s not affiliated with the Indiana High School Athletic Association. This means students from other communities can join. Therefore, they have had students from Tri West, Pike, North Central and Danville.

Colton Voyles is a Brownsburg Rugby Club alum and current boys high school head coach. He says he’s not found another sport through which the community is so bonded.

“If I’m at the airport or at a restaurant and I’m wearing a rugby shirt, someone will inevitably stop me and ask me what position I played and then tell me about their experience,” Voyles says.

That community aspect is precisely what draws so many people in. “What tends to happen is kids come check out the sport and have such a good time that they invite their friends to join,” Voyles says. “When we can get kids out on the field, they typically stay.”

In addition to being fun, rugby is an effective form of exercise.

Prior to rugby, Cabreros used to wrestle and play football. When he took up rugby in fifth grade, he quickly realized the value in playing the sport.

“Learning how to use your legs to drive and tackle is so beneficial in doing takedowns,” Cabreros says.

Voyles has seen athletes slim down significantly, simply from all the running.

“We had a kid who lost 50 pounds,” he says.

Though many students are still being introduced to rugby, the sport’s popularity has increased in recent years, partly because rugby sevens debuted at the Olympics in 2016. Plus, more teams and clubs exist these days, and more scholarship opportunities are available as a result. The Brownsburg Rugby Club has had a number of athletes go on to play college or pro rugby.

“We just had one of our former players play on the U.S. national team this past summer, another who played on a pro team in Seattle, and a former coach is now playing on a pro team in Australia,” Peterson says.

To learn more about the Brownsburg Rugby Club, visit facebook.com/ brownsburgrugby.

GIVING THANKS: A BUCKET LIST

Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

“Thank you.” Two little words that, when said, can positively boost someone’s mood for a day, week, month or longer. Saying it is great, but putting words into demonstrated action is amazing. The best part is that this does not have to be expensive. Check out this list of easy-to-do, thought-filled activities that you can implement to show someone just how much you appreciate having them in your life.

• Write a letter and let them know how much they mean to you. Do you love how funny they are, how they interact with their kids (or yours), or that they are always the friend that can be counted on? Write it down and send it to them.

• Invite them to join you for a walk. While catching up, tell them how much you appreciate them.

• Too cold to walk? Invite them over for coffee.

• Make and give cookies. I delight in baking during fall and winter months, and my family accuses me of trying to fatten them up - I tend to bake faster than they can consume. Now I portion off treats to give to friends and neighbors, which enables me to keep baking. It is a win all around.

• Give someone you appreciate a plant (or veggies/flowers from your garden).

• Are you crafty? Give them a piece of your handiwork. My kiddo and I make crafts from kits to give, often picking a craft with a specific person in mind. As an added bonus, the kiddo learns, we work on it together (it is not always a bonding moment because…teenagers) and a friend gets a cool item.

• Make a compliment jar. Write down all the things you love about them on pieces of paper, fold them up and place them in a jar. Give them the jar and tell them to pull out a piece of paper to read whenever they are feeling overwhelmed. It is sure to boost their spirits.

• Do something with them that they enjoy, like visiting a museum, shopping or hiking.

• Be helpful. Bring them a meal, offer to help clean, rake leaves or take the pup for a walk.

Give it a go! Chances are, you will discover what I have discovered - once you start, you realize how fun it is and you will look for more ways to show thanks to those you appreciate.

Claire-Ann is a West Side Realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or thepointinrealestate@gmail.com