Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program Launches Locally
SUPER WOMAN
DR. KAT JESSUP STEPS INTO SUPERINTENDENT ROLE FOR BROWNSBURG SCHOOLS
Custom Care
Chapman Custom Baths Owner Reflects on Career Journey and Continued Success
6 CUSTOM CARE
Chapman Custom Baths Owner Reflects on Career Journey and Continued Success
10 SUPER WOMAN
Dr. Kat Jessup Steps Into Superintendent Role for Brownsburg Schools
14 NOVEMBER CALENDAR
16 DRINK IT DOWN
Mellencamp Whiskey Company Does It for the Farmers, the Fun and the Flavor
19 FOSTERING LITERACY
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program Launches Locally
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CUSTOM CARE
CHAPMAN CUSTOM BATHS OWNER REFLECTS ON CAREER JOURNEY AND CONTINUED SUCCESS
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer
/ Amy Payne
Jon Chapman was looking for something different. His life as a machinist in South Dakota was routine and didn’t require much more than pushing a button over and over again.
He wanted something more, and in his effort to explore new employment opportunities, Chapman found a franchise that did tub refinishing. He was working the machinist job full time and refinishing tubs on the weekends. The work led to customers asking if he could cut their tub out and put in a shower, then they would ask for a new vanity installed, or to have the floor replaced.
“I realized I could do a lot of other things than just refinishing tubs, so I came up with a name and started advertising for complete bathroom remodels,” Chapman said. “It was around that time that I walked into the office at the machinist shop and told them I was putting in my notice, just to find out they planned to lay me off the next day.”
In 2013 Chapman sold his company in South Dakota and moved to Brownsburg. He didn’t foresee it then, but more than 10 years later, Chapman Custom Baths has seen growth far beyond his wildest dreams.
“We had a tub and shower display in our garage at home and then we moved to a storage unit,” Chapman said. “When that got too small, we moved to a 2,400-square-foot building. Half of it was a warehouse and the other half was a showroom.”
Just last year Chapman celebrated the grand opening of their building at the
corner of Main Street and Odell Street in Brownsburg.
“We have a beautiful showroom and we built a pole barn to store materials,” Chapman said. “We have three crews now and my fiancée, Julie, answers the phones and signs off on all deliveries. I’ve got a right-hand man who has awesome customer service skills.”
He remembers the days when he was the only guy doing all the work, but with his growth and success, Chapman can focus on what he loves to do most.
“I love talking to people,” he said. “I love helping people. I think if I can help someone, that’s the best feeling in the world.”
He said they haven’t yet encountered a bathroom they couldn’t remodel or repair. They have a lifetime warranty on all products, and fair prices.
“We use an Onyx product that we feel is better than tile,” Chapman said. It cleans easily and looks awesome. We only use Delta fixtures with a lifetime warranty, and if there’s an issue, you can always call us and we’ll take care of it.”
A bathroom remodel can be an intimidating task for many. You might not be sure who to call or who to trust, but longevity and quality reviews can go a long way.
“We have seven complete bathrooms in our showroom with different vanities, flooring and more,” Chapman said. “A lot of people want to feel the material, touch it and see it, and I think we have one of the best showrooms in the bathroom remodeling business.”
It’s also important to ask who the company will be sending to do the job, and Chapman prides himself of supplying his own vetted crews, employed by Chapman Custom Baths.
Up next is expansion. They plan to open a new office in Carmel in the near future.
“I figured it out one time,” Chapman said. “I looked at how many bathrooms I thought were in Indianapolis and surrounding areas, and I figured probably 20,000 of them need to be redone each year, and that’s a low estimate.”
He’s determined to exceed expectations.
“We are extremely customer oriented,” he said. “We’re not done until the customer is satisfied, and we want a five-star review every time.”
Visit chapmancustombaths.com for more information.
SUPER WOMAN
JESSUP STEPS
INTO
SUPERINTENDENT ROLE FOR BROWNSBURG SCHOOLS
DR. KAT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Amy Payne
he Brownsburg Community School Corporation (BCSC) has a lot to celebrate.
According to administration leaders, for the past eight years Brownsburg has been the highest-performing school corporation in Indiana when it comes to the state assessment, ILEARN.
They’re not just excelling academically, however.
The athletic programs are successful as well. The Brownsburg High School (BHS) boys track team brought home the state championship and athletes on the wrestling team earned state titles, for example.
Fine arts programs are bringing home awards, such as the BHS marching band earning third place in the IHSAA state championship. Clubs are making a name for themselves too. The BHS business
club, DECA, earned first place in the 2023 state competition.
They are also consistently growing in both population and opportunities.
In the spring of 2023, BCSC leaders launched a major renovation plan, as it is one of the fastest-growing school corporations in the state. BHS Senior Academy will be renovated and expanded. A new fieldhouse facility is currently underway and the high school pool is undergoing some much-needed renovations - all due to be complete by the fall of 2026.
With eight elementary schools (Crossroads Elementary opened in the fall of 2023), two middle schools, high school, an Early Childhood Center and, most recently, the addition of Area 31 programming at Harris Academy, there are certainly a lot of different needs across the board, and BCSC has found
a superintendent that school officials believe can lead them to success.
Just this summer, BCSC named a new superintendent to oversee the nearly 10,500 students and nearly 2,000 staff members.
Dr. Kat Jessup will be taking the helm of the growing school community. She grew up in northwestern Indiana, and had her career plan mapped out long before she signed up for classes at Butler University.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and my goal was really to be a leader,” Jesus said. “I thought I would eventually be a principal. I don’t know if I ever dreamed of being a superintendent, so this is exciting.”
In fact, she knows what teachers, principals and administrators do every day. She’s been there.
“This is my 31st year at Brownsburg Community School Corporation,” she said. “I did my student teaching with Darlene Badgley at the original Lincoln Elementary. I taught at Brown Elementary and then moved to White Lick Elementary as assistant principal and then principal. I was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction since 2011.”
Jessup also served as interim cosuperintendent with Assistant Superintendent Shane Hacker since January of 2024 when former Superintendent Jim Snapp stepped down.
She applied and interviewed for the job among numerous other candidates. When her new role as superintendent was announced earlier this summer, BCSC School Board President Jessica Heffernan said “the board interviewed many stellar candidates for the top job at BCSC. Through the process it became clear to all board members that Dr. Jessup, with her mix of dedicated services and vision for the future, is the right person to lead Brownsburg schools.”
Heffernan said it was clear; the school board, employees and community members expressed a desire to continue all the positive developments happening at BCSC.
“Dr. Jessup’s expertise in curriculum, and strong relationships with our outstanding teachers, staff and community, will keep Brownsburg schools on the right path,” Heffernan said.
Though every new year comes with some bumps and challenges with car lines, scheduling and adjustments, Jessup said they kicked off the 2024-2025 school year in stride.
She knew even back when she was named co-interim superintendent that there was much to be done.
“I needed to hit the ground running over the summer to prepare for administration returning, teachers returning and then students this fall,” she said. “I had been working on those things even before I knew I had the superintendent position. I met with every new teacher we hired and I hope
what they took away from that was how important each person is to us.”
Jessup said aside from a few staffing changes, she doesn’t anticipate any major changes for day-to-day operations.
Dr. Thomas Balitewicz was named principal of Brownsburg High School, Dave Lang is the new athletic director, and Kim Lippe will serve as associate superintendent.
“There’s a tradition of excellence, and what brings me the most pride is what we do for our students academically,” Jessup said. “The only changes I foresee are due to changes in state regulations like diploma requirements. We’ll meet those needs of course. I think though academics is super important, the opportunities we offer outside of the classroom are also something we pride ourselves on.”
Those opportunities outside of the classroom are ample. With more than two dozen clubs alone, students can get involved in fine arts, athletics and business, and they can also join environmental, robotics and chess clubs.
Jessup is looking forward to all of it.
“I love the opportunity to give back to this community that has become my home, and being able to continue the work I’ve done over the last 30 years,” she said. “I’ve lived in Brownsburg longer than I have my hometown. I really like the opportunity to lead a group of people who are just as passionate as I am about education and community.”
Just like the rest of the Brownsburg community, she’s proud when she watches the choir sing the national anthem at a football game, when they celebrate the newest academic accomplishment, and when the athletic team brings home a victory.
She’s also proud of the relationships and history the Brownsburg team has established over the years.
Though leading the charge, Jessup is working with others who have mentored her over the years, worked on a development team with her, and have the same passion for Brownsburg students as she does.
“To walk into buildings and have known many of these people for 10, 20 or 30 years helps develop a lot of trust with new teachers,” she said. “They can ask someone who has been around for a while and they know me. That’s why being in this new role is so rewarding.”
1
OPULENCE AT THE SPEEDWAY
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W 16th St. www.eventbrite.com
2 INDIANAPOLIS OPERA PRESENTS: SING ME A STORY
10 - 10:45 AM
Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, 1120 Stafford Rd. Join us for a free performance from the Indianapolis Opera! plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info
5
STEAM STATION
10 - 10:30 AM
Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, 1120 Stafford Rd.
Learn, read, and explore together! This interactive story time introduces STEAM concepts and early literacy skills to young children and their caregivers. plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info
10
VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON
9:30 AM – 1 PM
Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E Main St. Mental Health America of Hendricks County will be hosting an exciting event to honor our heroes on Veterans Day. www.brownsburg.com
12 COFFEE & CONVERSATION
7:30 – 9 AM
Cabin Coffee Company, 5530 E. US Hwy 36, Suite 100. business.avonchamber.org
15 MOVIES IN THE PARK - DRIVE IN CLASSICS NIGHT
6 - 11P M
Williams Park, 940 E. Locust Ln.
Miss the classics? We’ve got them! Join us for a classic drive-in evening featuring Singing in the Rain and Back to the Future! brownsburgparks.com
As 2024 draws to a close, we want to hear about your goals for 2025! Follow the Avon, Brownsburg, and Plainfield Magazines Facebook page and share your New Year’s Resolutions the week of November 18th. Submit your answers online by November 25 and you may see them featured in our January print edition. Let’s kick off 2025 with some inspiration!
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3rd visit, you will apply testosterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
DRINK IT DOWN
MELLENCAMP WHISKEY COMPANY DOES IT FOR THE FARMERS, THE FUN AND THE FLAVOR
ith a name that is synonymous with Indiana, Mellencamp Whiskey Company has hit the ground running.
What is the story about the brand that has partnered with Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Brown County, Indiana, to release a series of limited-edition bottles of whiskey?
Founders Levi Collison and Hud Mellencamp are longtime childhood friends and neighbors. Collison explains that the seed was planted on an evening in 2020 while sitting around the campfire. “Hud and I are both getting a little bit older, and as a young man ages, you begin to think about your future,” he says. “We both thought it would be a very cool thing to go into business with each other in pursuit of an endeavor that we are interested in and both love.”
As the evening wore on, they began to discuss some common interests, which led to Mellencamp bringing up the idea for establishing a whiskey company. Collison describes that idea as one that came together “very serendipitously.” Mellencamp began the work by scouring the internet to learn about the industry and brainstorm names before approaching his dad, John Mellencamp, and eventually Lights Out Bourbon Owner Chris Lytle, for input. Mellencamp recalls wanting a catchy name like Lytle’s company, “but within the realm of Mellencamp world, as he describes it.
“After rolling around other ideas in Mellencamp lore, it eventually led to a few ideas,” Mellencamp says. “John said we could use any of the song names and any of the paintings we could find on his website.” From there, the two began work on the project for
several weeks weeks before returning to John. Collison recalls filing for the LLC at 12:37 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and smiles, saying “once we decided we were ready to do it, we were ready to do it. It has evolved from there and it’s a labor of love for both of us.”
From the beginning, Mellencamp focused on maintaining strong local Indiana ties. “We talked to couple of people in the Indiana area,” he says. “We wanted to make sure it was local, and Indiana was a big part of it because that’s kind of our footprint. We were born and raised in Indiana, and we like to be part of the community as much as possible.”
It was not until their last meeting when things seemed to come together. That meeting was with Hard Truth Distilling Co. “Hard Truth had never done a collaboration before, so it was new ground for both of us to come into
this meeting,” Mellencamp says. “It turned out that we had a lot of things in the same mindset. They wanted to do something for the farmers; we wanted to do something for the farmers. They wanted to keep it local; we wanted to keep it local. The master distiller lived a quarter mile away from both Levi and I our whole lives, and we didn’t even know it. So a lot of random things came together that day and we found out we could all work together well.”
“Bryan Smith, head distiller, shares a lot of the same interests with us, whiskey obviously being one of them, but Bryan is a big fisherman like me,” Collison adds. “He also has a love for some good bands that both Hud and I are into. So when we get together, about 50% of the talk is about whiskey and 50% is talking about what we enjoy doing, and that is why it works so well. It’s not only a business partnership, but Mellencamp Whiskey is a friend of Hard Truth and Hard Truth is a friend of Mellencamp Whiskey. We are working toward a common goal together.”
Both companies entered the project to produce four limited edition bottles that would have their own distinct flavor. With two bottles already released, the third is scheduled for release in late September. Collison states that the releases are always during the spring and fall. “This whole project centers around the farmers, the grains they produce and giving back to farmers - keeping it farmcentric,” he says.
“We give a portion of revenue from each bottle to Farm Aid through Hard Truth’s Grounded in Truth initiative,” Mellencamps says. Both emphasize the release dates are a tip of the hat to planting and harvest season for farmers.
Both founders approach their business with passion and a goal to make this their fulltime career. Currently, both work full-time, daily jobs while juggling the demands of being business owners. From the beginning they have taken zero outside investment from anyone for this project, and any expenses incurred are covered by the two of them. Collison works as a manager in the communications industry, and says “this is the American dream, and what a labor of love
is. We work eight hours for someone else, and then come home and willingly put in those overtime hours working on Mellencamp Whiskey Company. We are both excited and happy to build something for ourselves and Indiana.”
Mellencamp tours as a manager for his dad, and can promote the brand while John is onstage and during time off while on the road. Although his dad is not involved as an owner, Mellencamp says “he is incredibly supportive, especially for something that he does not participate with [drinking], but he opened his mind to what the industry can do besides the drinking aspect. He will help us from the artistic side for the bottle labels, and assisted with the company logo.”
The recent release does have the elder Mellencamp giving additional advice. He assisted with giving feedback on the aroma. This recent release is his favorite, which is a harvest rye whiskey finished in French oak. John’s influence can also be recognized in other areas. Not only are the ingredients sourced from Indiana farmers, but last fall, things came full-circle with Mellencamp as the company was able to have their whiskey showcased at Farm Aid.
When asked about the whiskey, the two describe their product as “bold.” Prior to beginning their endeavor, they described their whiskey preference to each other to find middle ground. Fortunately, with four bottles they can provide their personal flavor profile and experiment with others. Collison is a self-described “rye guy,” and enjoys a high proof with more bite, whereas Mellencamp likes a sweeter bourbon style. Mellencamp points out that “even with the higher-proof liquid, with the sweet mash process, it can be
a higher proof and not be as overwhelming as other products on the market.”
“A local Indiana liquor store is going to place Mellencamp Whiskey throughout Indiana, and we plan to do in person events,” Mellencamp says when asked about recent favorite company moments. Also, while in Nashville, Tennessee, he was looking for a bottle. Ducking into one store, he was told that not only did they carry it, but it was sold out with preorders for the recent release.
Collison’s favorite moment was being at Farm Aid and attending the Mellencamp Whiskey tasting. “Having 250 people hold up a glass of Mellencamp Whiskey with great music in the background was a moment when things felt like it came full-circle,” he says. “That was the moment I realized we did something we could be proud of, and had accomplished something real.”
Both are excited about how the company will evolve. “We are creating Mellencamp Whiskey to continue the legacy that John really created with Farm Aid, but at the same time doing it in Hud’s own way and making it Hud’s own thing,” Collison says. “We want to continue that legacy for farmers into the future. We plan to pick up that mantle and the continuation of the Mellencamp name and the association with Farm Aid into the future. Levi hopes that in 20 years, when people hear the name Mellencamp, they will not think about ‘Pink Houses’, but about ‘Pink Houses’ and Mellencamp Whiskey!”
For info on upcoming in-person events, apparel, drink recipes and announcements, visit mellencampwhiskey.com. Also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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FOSTERING LITERACY
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM LAUNCHES LOCALLY
Writer / Ashley Watters
A love of reading provides a strong foundation for many aspects of lifecreativity, empathy and academic success, among others. Fostering that passion is easier for some than others.
Almost 30 years ago, legendary musician Dolly Parton launched a program, known as the Imagination Library, to put free books in the hands of children aged 0 to 5. Due to its proven success, that program has now launched for Hendricks County
libraries, in conjunction with the state of Indiana.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the state as well as our fiscal partner, the Hendricks County Community
Foundation, to bring the Imagination Library here,” says Denise Robinson, Brownsburg Public Library director. “With the help of our partners, we’ll be able to reach over 9,000 children throughout the county and encourage them to read together with their families.”
Concerns over long-declining literacy rates in Indiana prompted the partnership with the Imagination Library as part of an initiative to boost lagging reading scores. Governor Eric Holcomb announced legislation last year to utilize
the partnership as part of his Next Level Agenda.
ai172780486911_TownPost- 3.5 x 4.75-NOV-OUTPUT-100124.pdf 1 10/1/2024 1:47:49 PM
Amie Scott, assistant director with the Brownsburg Public Library, hopes Hendricks Country can be part of that positive change. “We hope that this program will reach children throughout the county and ultimately will instill early literacy skills that will give them a head start into their school-age years,” she says. “Of course, we also hope that they’ll develop a sheer love for reading and the places it can take you.”
An initiative that began in Servier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is her passion project intended to help foster a love of learning in preschool children. It is now part of a statewide expansion program intended to serve every county in Indiana. The program provides a monthly book to Hendricks County children that is delivered directly to their mailboxes. “Parents love the program and little ones love to get something in the mail, and when that something is a book, it brings families together,” says Scott.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program ensures all children receive age-appropriate reading material without having to leave their homes. Books are chosen by the Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee, a panel that includes early childhood literacy experts. The selections are specifically intended to foster early language and math development, and are published solely through Penguin Random House. “It just seemed a natural fit for public libraries to pick up and carry the mantle of supporting and promoting a program that encourages early literacy,” says Scott.
This program is completely free for Hendricks County residents, but parents need to apply on the sign-up page to opt in. Alternatively, you can sign up at your local library branch. Scott stresses that children do not need to have a home library to participate.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 250 million books to
Let
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children throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. This is all made possible by funds provided by the Dollywood Foundation and community and state partners.
“It’s a great program and we’re so thrilled to offer it here,” says Scott. “It’s not a free program on the back end. All six of the different Hendricks County libraries are promoting this and working together to fundraise, as the cost of each child per year is $26.20. We need to keep pounding the pavement to reach all of our families.”
Hendricks County libraries have received supporting funds from the Thomas A. Kays Fund, the Hendricks County Community Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act.
To learn more about the program, visit imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/ inhendricks.
