Christy Heitger-Ewing Talks Love of Writing and Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributions
YMCA Kicks off Holiday Programming
BROWNSBURG POLICE ENHANCING PERSONNEL, TRAINING AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION
WRITE TURN
Christy Heitger-Ewing Talks Love of Writing and Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributions
13 SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
YMCA Kicks off Holiday Programming
DECEMBER CALENDAR
19 BELIEVE IN THE BLUE Brownsburg Police Enhancing Personnel, Training and Community Interaction
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WRITE TURN
CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING TALKS LOVE OF WRITING AND CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL CONTRIBUTIONS
Writer / Ashley Callan
Ever since Christy Heitger-Ewing was a little girl, she loved to write. But it wasn’t until her story “Diary of an Anorexic”, detailing her battle with anorexia, was published in a national magazine that she knew she wanted a career in writing. She often shares firsthand experiences in her writings.
Through her vulnerability of sharing embarrassing, real and hard moments in her life, her words can serve as inspiration and strength to the reader.
“Life is hard,” she says. “I like writing stories that give people hope, make them smile and inspire them to spread joy to others.”
With a writing portfolio that spans over 2,600 articles for various magazine publications including the Towne Post, and 17 contributions to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Heitger-Ewing is certainly sharing a little piece of her soul with the world.
Her first story for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series was published in 2013. Chicken Soup for the Soul books each have a specific theme, with a series of stories that retell true firsthand experiences that can evoke emotional responses from the reader. “It’s fun writing first-person stories about memories that matter to me but resonate with others,” says Heitger-Ewing.
Being consumed by guilt and grief after her mother’s suicide, she found healing in her writing. “At least half of my Chicken Soup stories are about my relationship with my mom - what I learned from her and admired about her, funny memories that involve her, and the anguish of losing her,” she says. Using her experience navigating through grief to help to others heal, Heitger-Ewing says the most powerful story she has written
for the franchise is “No Fault”, published in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Forgiveness Fix”, which details her journey to forgive herself following her
mother’s suicide. Just recently, she had three publications inside three of the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul books: “Just Say Yes”, “Miracles, Angels & Messages from
Heaven” and “Tales of Christmas”.
“Just Say Yes” was released on July 16. The stories in this book inspire the reader
to have the confidence and motivation to try something new. Heitger-Ewing’s story “Acting on a Whim” details when she was a freshman in college and auditioned for a one-act play. “It was so outside my norm, but it was an awesome experience,” she says.
“Miracles, Angels & Messages from Heaven” details personal accounts of divine intervention and of the presence of angels with stories of hope. It was released September 17. “Searching for Mom” details Heitger-Ewing’s experience after her mom died by suicide and how she longed for her mother. “After my mom died by suicide, I ached to feel her presence but couldn’t,” she says. The story describes an encounter at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness overnight walk with a mother who had lost her daughter to suicide. “I shared how I longed to feel a connection to my mom, and this woman told me how after her daughter died, she began finding dimes,” says Heitger-Ewing. After completing the 16-mile trek, she was walking back to her hotel room at 3 a.m. when she found a dime in the middle of the street. Since then, she says she has found several hundred dimes, and each time she picks it up, smiles and tells her mom she loves her.
Released on October 15 just in time for the holidays, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas: 101 Stories of Holiday Joy, Love and Gratitude” features holiday tales of disarray and chaos, thankfulness and gratitude, togetherness and more. “An Icy, Dicey Adventure” describes a holiday vacation when Heitger-Ewing was a teenager at her family’s Northern Michigan cabin, and of the chaos that ensued with her family. “Now it’s hysterical to look back on it as it reads like a Chevy Chase movie, but at the time we didn’t see the humor,” she says.
Chicken Soup for the Soul books are available to purchase via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and bookshop.org. You can also find Heitger-Ewing’s writing throughout the Towne Post magazine publications.
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Spirit of the Season
YMCA KICKS OFF HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING
Writer / Melissa Gibson
If you missed the official kickoff of the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA’s holiday season with the annual Gobble Gallop on Thanksgiving morning, they once again brought in more than 1,500 participants and raised funds to support programming and membership opportunities throughout the year.
They have plenty of unique, familyfriendly events in the next few weeks to add to the calendar.
Through December 6, their Giving Tree is available at the Avon location. Members of the community can grab an ornament off of the tree and purchase new, unwrapped gifts for a child in need.
“We partner with an elementary school in Wayne Township and an elementary school in Avon, and work with their guidance counselors to identify the underserved over the holiday season,” said Don Casey, associate executive director for Hendricks Regional Health YMCA.
In 2023 the YMCA served one of their largest numbers of youths to date with more than 250 gifts, and Casey anticipates serving a few more in 2024.
Photography / Amy Payne
“There are always some last-minute needs and we don’t want to turn kids away,” Casey said. “There’s a huge need and a huge opportunity for us to do more. We’re looking for additional corporate partnerships too because we can’t do it alone.”
Each ornament on the tree will have a QR code on it, giving participants a list of the child’s needs and wants for the season. All gifts need to be dropped off at the YMCA by December 6. Then, on December 7 they’ll hold a wrapping party before inviting parents to stop by for pickup.
From giving and helping others to family fun time, the YMCA will host their second annual Grub With the Grinch on December 7. The event started out as a fun and unique spin and grew to include numerous holiday brunch and character visits in the area. It became a favorite activity of many Hendricks County residents last year.
You can’t beat visiting with the guy in green and his cantankerous mood, all while celebrating the holiday season with
friends, family and fun.
YMCA staff will serve brunch and families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the morning.
“Last year we served over 200 kids,” Casey said. “They’ll decorate ornaments for the ornament decorating contest, participate in games and crafts, and we’ll have the movie, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’, playing upstairs. They’ll be able to visit with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who for photos.”
The Grinch will be in the area throughout the holiday season too. It’s not uncommon for him to pop in to the early learning program, or a familyfriendly event throughout November and December, so be sure to keep your eye out for other Grinch sightings.
Grub With the Grinch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 7. Families need to register for the event online or at the front desk. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers per person, and you’ll
receive an assigned staggered arrival time to give participants the best experience possible.
Finally, on December 17, the public is invited to the early learning program’s annual winter concert.
There’s no question that watching little ones sing their hearts out will cause you to bring the Christmas spirit home with you, and Casey called this year’s performance “extra special.”
“We looked at the diversity and background of the kids we have, and we have welcomed 15 families from countries all over the world, so we’re working on an all-inclusive concert that brings all of those countries together as a part of the early learning program’s event,” Casey said.
Of course, as a facility that welcomes 8,500 members throughout the year, the YMCA works to include all ages from all walks of life, and they do that through the various programs offered.
“In one of the fastest-growing counties in TownePost.com
The Grinch getting in shape for Christmas
The Grinch is not sure about this workout plan
the state, we want to figure out ways to service active older adults, teens, children - the entire family,” Casey said.
Most recently, the YMCA has partnered with Sheltering Wings, the domestic abuse treatment and prevention center in Hendricks County, with the ultimate vision of creating a teen night each week.
“We want to designate a space for our teenagers meant specifically for them, with video games and board games and other fun activities,” Casey said. “This would bring teens together from all of our high schools in Hendricks and western Marion County, and it allows students to meet others outside of their traditional high school circle. We’ll be looking for support in that area soon so we have the needed supplies to launch.”
In fact, Casey said the YMCA is so much more than swimming and exercise. Many are unaware of the numerous programs they offer, from chronic disease prevention to kids’ night out, giving parents a break for the evening.
You can bring your six-month-old to the child care center while the adults work out, or participate in a veteran Hero Challenge.
“We couldn’t list all of the things we have to offer, but we want the community to know that they can expect this level of quality and service in every program,” Casey said. “It can be a challenge but it’s something we are going to do.”
The YMCA is celebrating its 170th anniversary in December, showcasing a long history of providing programs and activities to families across the globe.
As a nonprofit, they are dependent upon community support, sponsorships and donations. On Giving Tuesday, December 3, they ask for your support for not just Avon, but also all YMCA locations.
Look for membership promotions in mid-December. It’s an opportunity to join for the first time or return after a break. There are a lot of new programs and events to look forward to.
“In 2025 as we move forward, we have things coming down the pipeline that are community-centric, and everyone is represented in this space,” said Roland Smith, executive director. “It’s a place we can all gather. Look for some amazing things the community can get involved in, and we’ll continue to make an impact in those areas we do well.”
•
DECEMBER
1
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE, 140 W. WASHINGTON ST. 2 PM
Banish your “bah humbugs” and celebrate the season at the Indiana Repertory Theatre! irtlive.com
HOTTEST IN THE CITY TOUR - INDIANAPOLIS (SEASON 6) GRAND
FINALE
8 PM
Get ready to experience the number-one regional music showcase competition tour in the Midwest! eventbrite.com
LET’S GIVE FOOD DRIVE
TOWN OF BROWNSBURG, 35 N GREEN ST. 9 AM-4 PM
The Town of Brownsburg is hosting its annual Let’s Give Food Drive from Monday, October 28 to Friday, 6, in partnership with the Messiah Lutheran Church food pantry.
3
STEAM STATION PLAINFIELD-GUILFORD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1120 STAFFORD RD. 10-10:30 AM
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
5 SANTA’S BEDTIME STORY brownsburg.org
6
TREES OF PLAINFIELD
AL AND JAN BARKER SPORTS COMPLEX 6:30-8:30 PM
Join the expert herself, Mrs. Claus, for a festive cookiedecorating class at Trees of Plainfield! She’ll share her love for baking and maybe even a secret ingredient or two.
17
“ELF THE MUSICAL” CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL OF BUTLER UNIVERSITY, 4602 SUNSET AVE.
7-9 PM
“Elf The Musical” is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.
23
INDIANAPOLIS
SYMPHONIC CHOIR PRESENTS: FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
HOWARD L. SCHROTT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 610 W. 46TH ST. 7:30-9:30 PM
This beloved holiday tradition returns to the intimate Schrott Center for the Arts, featuring the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. eventvesta.com
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BELIEVE IN THE BLUE
BROWNSBURG POLICE ENHANCING PERSONNEL,
TRAINING AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Amy Payne
The Brownsburg Police Department (BPD) is making big plans for 2025.
They are increasing personnel, increasing positive community interaction and, most of all, increasing training across the department.
“Our agency attempts to be forward-thinking in development of technology and staffing,” said BPD Chief Joe Grimes. “We have multiple individuals wearing multiple hats, so there is a lot of crosstraining and more responsibility that goes with it.”
In 2025 they’ll welcome four new officers, for a staff of 62 full-time officers and nine civilians.
The town has repeatedly been recognized as one of Indiana’s safest cities, most recently ranking in the top 10 with SafeWise and SmartAsset. Grimes said it’s a combination of his team and the community working together.
“We need the support of the community,” he said. “We’re creating relationships with a positive energy and reinforcing the public image
of the Brownsburg Police Department. Across the country we’ve seen an uprising against law enforcement, but in Brownsburg it’s been just the opposite. It’s unheard of these days, but it’s something we want to continue to maintain.”
He said the goal of the department is to educate the public, even when it comes to something simple like a standard traffic stop.
“We’re not creating revenue with traffic stops,” Grimes said. “There is no standard when a citation or arrest is required. It’s determined in the field and we’re looking at how we can be as safe as possible.”
He said traffic has become an increasingly prevalent issue in the community, and the BPD works to curb collisions and personal injury.
“We have officers on bicycles and motorcycles, and that makes us more visible to the community,” Grimes said. “We’ll be increasing personnel in both of those units for this purpose.”
There may be no standard for a traffic stop, but there is a standard when it comes to training, and the BPD is taking things to a new level.
Indiana requires minimal training hours to maintain certification, but Grimes said what used to be 100 hours per person per year for his staff is now closer to 120 hours.
As they keep up with new ideas and new techniques, the BPD has recently brought on a criminal intelligence analyst, a forensic analyst
and a civilian crime scene investigator. They are one of the only agencies in the county to employ a victims advocate on staff.
“We train on working with those experiencing a mental health crisis, and we have a critical incident stress management staff member to aid our own personnel because it’s important to make sure our mental health and well-being is taken care of,” Grimes said. “Our victim advocate bridges the gap until the person is introduced to the legal system. They are on the scene working with victims of a violent crime or traumatic event.”
They have drone operators helping to locate missing people or offenders. They have a robust narcotics unit, tackling drug crimes at the local level and even nationally, as they research and seek the source of major drug connections.
“We also have a person assigned with the district attorney and several task-force officers assigned to federal agencies: the U.S. Marshals, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration,” Grimes said. “It gives us a network of resources so we can seek case resolution and apprehension as quickly as possible.”
Adding to their technology abilities, the forensic analyst can analyze cell phone data and computers - something they previously had to outsource.
“Hopefully the additions make us more efficient and we can get a quicker return on a resolution for criminal cases,” Grimes said.
Installing Car Seats
All of that training and cross-training requires space, and they currently have a small standalone training facility, but the BPD is excited about what’s to come.
“The town was able to secure a new location for a police training facility,” Grimes said. “I’ve been working on this for the last eight years. We’ll be able to develop and design something conducive to what type of training we need and the equipment we’ll need.”
The new facility is expected to be completed in the next three to five years, and will be located near the town garage and other town departments’ current offices. They will receive additional indoor storage for special equipment and vehicles.
Supporting the local Brownies
“I credit our town leadership for accomplishing this,” Grimes said. “They really carried it through to secure the property and we’re looking forward to being in a centralized area with other Brownsburg departments. I think it will allow us to accomplish even more, because currently our facility is landlocked and this new facility will allow us to host trainings and even do more than one training at a time.”
Such hosting may be courtesy of their Mutual Aid Team, consisting of a group of police officers in Brownsburg and Avon, as well as a medic and physician to administer medical aid during an emergency.
Not only is additional training better for the community, but it also inspires officers to continue learning and increasing their skill sets.
The BPD personnel are often submitting requests for additional training opportunities in Brownsburg and across the country, and once the four new officers join, the department will be at the recommended law enforcement staff-to-population ratio.
It’s right where they want to be.
“I think we are at one of the highest morale levels our agency has ever been,” Grimes said. “I meet with everyone regularly and they are able to speak freely and ask questions, but it’s not just internal structure - it’s the community support too.”
He’s not one to ask for donations, but Grimes said if the community wants to do something for the BPD, residents should speak with their elected body of officials to impress upon them their priorities.
“If we don’t tell them what’s important to us, they’ll determine it on their own,” Grimes said. “We should increase communication and feedback. We at the police department also want that feedback. Sometimes the biggest reward is hearing about the positive impact an officer has had on someone.”
Residents can follow the Brownsburg Police Department’s Facebook page for upcoming community events and additional information.
