Brownsburg Magazine March 2023

DYNAMIC DUO

LOCAL FATHER AND SON ARE MAKING THEIR MARK - AND GOOD MEMORIES - AS REFEREES

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE BPD

The Citizen’s Police Academy Teaches Participants Various Aspects of Law Enforcement

AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT

From One Hendricks County Resident to Another

TownePost.com

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE BPD

THE CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY TEACHES PARTICIPANTS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Fifteen years ago, the Brownsburg Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy provided community members with a brief overview of what it means to work in law enforcement. Over the years, however, the program has been lengthened to give residents a working knowledge of the department, including police procedures and protocols, as well as hands-on opportunities to participants.

“We’ve revamped it quite a bit since Cpl. Tony West became the training coordinator,” Major Andy Watts with the Brownsburg Police Department (BPD) says. The BPD offers the interactive academy annually towards the beginning of the year, though they have considered increasing it to twice a year since the class is capped at 30 participants.

The academy is an eight-session program that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. for four consecutive weeks.

“It gives a realistic understanding of what our guys do on a day-to-day basis,” Watts says.

The first couple of nights is comprised of classwork. Not only are participants given a lot of information, but it also enables class participants to get to know one another.

“You learn who is comfortable making comments in front of the group and who is not,” Watts says.

They cover accident reconstruction, which is interesting to a lot of people.

“We talk about how accidents work and how outcomes are generated,” Watts says. “Then we transition into an overview of criminal law and traffic law. We basically offer that 5,000 ft. view of the amount of knowledge our guys need to know as they move into their positions.”

They then jump into less lethal things, offering demonstrations of equipment their agency utilizes such as tasers, OC (pepper) spray and impact munitions which are sponge-like rounds.

“On the news, police are often portrayed as immediately getting out our guns and hastily pulling the trigger, but we always use these other means first, when applicable,” Watts says. “Therefore, we show our class these other options.”

The Emergency Response Team or SWAT team does some demonstrations with the weapons and tactics they utilize. Then, investigations come in with the K9 unit to

show what they do. During the academy, they also do vehicle stops and OWI investigations.

“For our field sobriety instruction, we bring in drunk goggles and if a participant is willing to put them on, we will do a field sobriety test to simulate being intoxicated,” Cpl. Tony West says.

After discussing firearms, participants do practical exercises in the BPD’s tech house inside the training facility where they have a simulator. This enables participants to practice some scenarios while under a bit of stress. West finds that the simulator is often the participant’s favorite part of class.

“Everyone seems to really enjoy that simulator because it’s training in using forced decision-making via escalation tactics but at the same time, they are not in harm’s way,” West says. “It’s like a big video game, if you will.”

The academy, which is free of charge, tends to draw all demographics—from those in their early 20s all the way to retirees.

The BPD uses the Citizen’s Academy as an education tool for the community, but if it becomes a recruiting tool, they aren’t complaining. According to Watts, it’s a tight candidate pool right now as they have seen attrition within the department due to retirements. But their police department is no different than any other across the country as every other agency is struggling to employ enough officers.

“We’re recruiting year-round, but we’re all kind of fishing from the same pond,” Watts says. “Only so many people are interested in working in law enforcement.”

West maintains that the biggest accomplishment of the academy is getting the community members to view the officers as human beings.

“Sometimes people don’t initially see us that way. You can tell by the way they ask loaded questions on the first couple of nights,” he says. “As they get to know us and get a better understanding of our jobs,

that wall comes down a little bit and they see that we are dads, coaches, grandfathers. Our officers don’t eat, sleep and drink law enforcement. They have families they go home to every night.”

Watts admits that some days working in law enforcement is not the most rewarding or

favorable job. Other days, however, it’s the best job in the world.

You must be at least 18 years old and reside in Hendricks County to apply for the academy. To learn more about the BPD’s Citizen’s Academy, visit brownsburg. org/226/Citizens-Academy.

THERE’S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

recalls attending Thanksgiving dinner as a kid when his step-grandfather would stop by for a quick meal during his break. “It impressed me how much everyone respected him and loved him,” Sadler says.

“That really stuck with me. Of course I also remember him running out the door, turning on the lights and zooming down the road. That made an impression.”

In 1993, a year after graduating from Danville Community High School, Sadler went to Vincennes University to study law enforcement. During his last semester there, he interned with the Vincennes Police Department. He later landed a full-time job there from 1996 to September of 1999, before returning to Hendricks County.

Jack Sadler Is Proud to Serve as Hendricks County Sheriff

on the Anderson farm near Prestwick, where U.S. 36 is today,” Sadler says.

Jack Sadler, the new Hendricks County sheriff, believes that although you never know what the next moment will bring in life, good things will come if you treat people well.

Sadler was born in West Virginia, and his family moved to Indianapolis in the early 1980s. Following his parents’ divorce, his mother, Nikki, remarried in 1982, and in 1984 they moved to Danville.

“I remember as a kid playing in the field

He met his wife, Casey, when the two were in the fifth grade, though they didn’t begin dating until they were high school seniors. Sadler never considered himself a great student academically, but he did fall in love with one class as a senior in high school.

“It was a law class that just clicked for me,” says Sadler, who had previously been exposed to the field of law enforcement by way of his step-grandfather, who was a police officer in West Virginia. Sadler

Through the years Sadler has pretty much done it all, working as a police officer, school resource officer, merit deputy, merit sergeant, field training officer, emergency response team (ERT) member, ERT team leader, D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instructor, detective, firearm instructor, and, for the past eight years, captain of the enforcement division at the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office. His latest role is Hendricks County sheriff, following in the footsteps of his friend, Sheriff Brett Clark.

Although Sadler had never anticipated becoming a sheriff, faith and family have been his guiding forces when making life decisions.

“God guides you where you need to be,” he says. “When we returned to Hendricks County in 1999, I was hired by the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office and Casey was hired as a speech pathologist by the Plainfield school system within days of each other.”

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

Sadler’s mantra is, “Tell the truth. Be who you are.” When he ran for sheriff, he hoped that message would resonate with the community and it did.

“No matter where you are in Hendricks County, you’re going to run into good people,” he says. He especially appreciates the relationships between law enforcement and community members.

“That doesn’t happen without effort and honesty,” he says. “At the end of the day, my hope is to not only serve this community, but to also work together because you can’t effectively do the job of law enforcement without the support of the community.”

In 2016 Sadler was selected to attend the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy in Georgia, known as a mini FBI academy. Only one officer per state is picked and Sadler got to represent Indiana.

In 2019 he attended Leadership Hendricks County and now serves on the board. The following year, he went to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where more than 250 law enforcement leaders from 32 countries gathered for 10 weeks of training.

“It’s the best leadership training I’ve ever been to in my life,” says Sadler, who notes that his attendance there made him realize just how blessed he is to live and work in Hendricks County.

“I’d talk about how our officers interact with Hendricks County residents at the fair or different places, and these people couldn’t believe the relationships our officers have with the community,” Sadler says.

They are relationships that stand the test of time. A few years ago Sadler was at an event where a young lady told him that years before, he had saved her life by arresting her. Through tears she shared that during her arrest, Sadler treated her like a human being, talked to her all the way to jail and gave her some life advice.

“In law enforcement you don’t often get the opportunity to see the positive impacts you have made,” Sadler says.

But make no mistake - a career in law enforcement is dangerous. Police officers have to make split-second decisions that can mean life or death.

“We have to be 100% right, 100% of the time,” Sadler says. “We don’t get a second chance.”

Throughout his career, Sadler has tried to be a good person and surround himself with good people.

“The team we’re building here is great,” he says. “They’re knowledgeable, hardworking and kind. We will be successful because of that.”

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office currently employs 140 people including 59 police officers and 53 jail deputies. The brand-new county jail facility has a sizable capacity.

“This jail is going to help our community stay safe for many generations,” says Sadler, who plans to continue doing work in areas such as drug addiction and mental health in jails. “Sheriff Clark was a great proponent of that and I want to continue that effort.”

Sadler also cares about his employees’ mental health. “I want our people to be as mentally fit as they are physically fit,” he says.

He was touched.

“The team we’re building here is great. They’re knowledgeable, hardworking and kind. We will be successful because of that.”

- Jack Sadler

In addition, Sadler plans to start a citizen firearms training program, since Indiana’s constitutional carry law went into effect last year.

“I support lawful gun ownership, but I want folks to learn how to safely manipulate the weapon and to know the laws in Indiana,” Sadler says. “It’s important to have those conversations before something happens and not after. We are all safer when we’re working together.”

He also wants to do everything he can to support the school resource officers in the county to make schools as safe as possible.

“We can’t forget about the tremendous growth we’re experiencing in Hendricks County,” Sadler says. “We must make sure we’re keeping up with serving and protecting what is the third-fastestgrowing county in the state.”

Sadler Family at Swearing-In

Sheriff Sadler being sworn into office

Sadler and his wife have a son, Carson, who is currently studying fire science at Vincennes University. They have a dog named Wookie, and two cats named Jango and Padme.

“Carson is a ‘Star Wars’ fanatic,” Sadler

says with a chuckle. “Our previous pets also had ‘Star Wars’ character names.”

In his free time Sadler likes to work out, play basketball and spend time with family.

“At the end of the day, I want to make my family proud,” he says.

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office and Jail is located at 189 East Campus Boulevard in Danville. For more information, call 317-745-6269.

Available Programs

24/7 Free Crisis Assessment - A comprehensive mental health or substance use disorder assessment will be provided by a masters leveled clinician

Adult Inpatient Psychiatric and Dual Diagnosis Programs - For adult in crisis and in need of immediate behavioral health stabilization We have two units for adults Renew addresses individuals with suicidal thoughts or attempts, self-harming behavior, anxiety, depression, etc Adults with substance use disorders including the need for medically supervised detox and withdrawal management services are also on this unit Foundations addresses adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mania, psychosis, etc

Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Program - Thrive serves males and females ages 13 to 17 who are in need of crisis stabilization for issues such as self-harm, suicide attempt or thoughts, depression, anxiety and depression.

Intensive Outpatient Services (IOP) - We offer both adult and adolescent (ages 13-17) programs addressing primary mental health and substance use disorders These programs are offered 5 days per week for 3 hours each session and may be attended in person or virtually

Insurances We Accept - Indiana Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plans (HiP), Medicare, most commercial insurance, Tricare or self-pay

New Sheriff’s Office & Jail

GASTROINTESTINAL AND GENITOURINARY CANCERS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

with knowing the symptoms. Symptoms may include prolonged indigestion that does not improve, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, dark tarry stools and fecal incontinence. Gastrointestinal cancer can also have no symptoms, which is why screening tests, such as colonoscopy for anyone 45 years and older, are so important.

Doctors often recommend testing to diagnose gastrointestinal cancers, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, lab tests to look for changes in the blood, and imaging studies (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and/or PET scan). A biopsy could also be used to sample any abnormalities identified, such as tumors, to check for cancerous cells.

HOW DO YOU DETECT GENITOURINARY CANCER?

Gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers come in many shapes and sizes, and it is important to know what these cancers are, how to detect them and what treatment options are available.

WHAT IS GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER?

Gastrointestinal cancer is cancer that originates from an organ along, or associated with, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is the entire passageway from your mouth to your anus, but GI cancers are considered to start from the esophagus to the rectum. GI cancer is found when abnormal cells in one of the organs of the GI tract become cancerous and grow uncontrollably, usually forming a tumor, which can spread to other organs.

Some common forms of GI cancer are colon and rectal cancer. Other GI tract cancers are less common but may be very aggressive, such as esophageal cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and liver cancer.

WHAT IS GENITOURINARY CANCER?

Genitourinary cancer is cancer that originates from the urinary system or the male reproductive system. Female reproductive system cancers are considered to be gynecologic cancers. Common genitourinary cancers include bladder, ureteral, kidney, penile, prostate and testicular cancers.

HOW DO YOU DETECT GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER?

Detecting gastrointestinal cancers starts

Symptoms of genitourinary cancers include blood in the urine, painful urination or ejaculation, difficulty with urination, a mass or heaviness of the testicles or scrotum, a rash on the penis and persistent back pain. There are a variety of ways to detect genitourinary cancers. The most common tests are similar to GI cancers and include imaging tests, lab tests, and may also include cystoscopy. Doctors may recommend a biopsy in some patients to make a definitive diagnosis.

WHAT ARE YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL AND GENITOURINARY CANCERS?

Treatment options for both cancers include chemotherapy drugs and other targeted medical treatments, radiation therapy or surgery to remove the tumors.

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to GI or GU cancer, please talk to your primary care physician immediately.

Writer / Dr. Anthony Yang, Surgical Oncologist at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

2023 TOX-AWAY DAYS

April 8 Brownsburg East Middle School

1250 Airport Rd.

1900 E. Main St. (Enter at Gate 5)

Aug

1900 E. Main St. (Enter at Gate 5)

July 15

INVEST IN YOURSELF & YOUR GOALS

Hendricks County households are encouraged to use Tox-Away Days to recycle and dispose of chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, medicines, medical sharps, tires, electronics, and appliances Regulations prohibit wastes from businesses or other organizations from being accepted at Tox-Away Days

Fees are charged for the recycling of TVs ($20/$25), appliances ($5/$10), and certain tires. Cash and check only.

the Y has what you need to help

PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT

BLUE BUTTERFLY HELPS TO CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS AND HOPE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Tyler Hergott

The first lesson people should learn about human trafficking is that it doesn’t simply involve women in chains locked in a basement. They are saddled with psychological chains, and the process starts with grooming by either a family member or someone outside the home. If a child has an unstable home life, they are going to look for love elsewhere. If an older person takes an interest in them and makes them feel like

part of a group, they feed off of that. Before they know it, they’re in too deep.

“If you throw a frog in a pot of boiling water, it’ll jump right back out, but if you put it in lukewarm water and slowly crank up the heat, it’ll be dead before it realizes it needs to get out,” says Jamie Hergott, who began learning about human trafficking more than 15 years ago. “That’s how it feels for these girls. Once they realize what’s happening, it’s too late.”

“To the outside world, these are troubled girls who tend to get written off, but once you spend time with them, you realize that you’d be that way too, if you’d gone through what they did,” Hergott continues. Plus there’s generational trauma, and as a result these girls often don’t know any different. Imagine if someone told you that everything you’ve learned growing up is totally wrong. That would be devastating and disconcerting. Some girls are in love with their trafficker because he’s the only man who’s ever taken care of her.

“Once those bonds are built it’s very difficult to walk away,” Hergott says. “To us it’s obvious what healthy love looks like, but not to them.”

When Hergott became educated about human trafficking, she participated in fundraisers with a friend who was leading a group of people dedicated to supporting nonprofits that worked with survivors. Still, she felt compelled to do more. She got involved with Allies, Inc., a nonprofit that empowers survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation through mentorship and family support.

“We lean into the idea that trauma that happened through relationship must be healed through relationship,” says Hergott, who became a mentor for the program four years ago. Every mentor goes through trauma training to learn what trauma does to the body and the brain. Mentors are trained to walk with females aged 12 to 24 for at least a year, to help them navigate their new life and make positive choices going forward.

“We aren’t their therapist or case manager,” Hergott says. “We show them what real friendship looks like. That may be a walk in the park, roller skating or just doing homework.”

After two years of mentoring, Hergott joined the Allies staff as a mentor coach, where she supports five mentor-mentee matches, checking in on her mentors and helping them when they have questions or concerns.

Allies recently offered a job training program for which they partnered with local businesses to give mentees real-life

job experience. Although businesses mean well, it can be tricky for those who haven’t had trauma training to have the grace and patience for these girls who struggle with triggers, and make sense of different worldviews. For example, a mentee may become agitated if a man is in close proximity to them. Therefore, Hergott decided to create her own business, which

will hopefully one day be staffed with trauma-trained managers and hire survivors as staff members.

In November of 2021, Hergott launched Blue Butterfly, which makes and sells affordable jewelry such as earrings and custom-stamped bracelets and necklaces. Part of the proceeds go toward supporting

local anti-trafficking efforts at Allies, Inc. The female survivors also get a cut of the sales, and periodically have opportunities to work by making jewelry. Hergott sells their merchandise at various farmers markets and festivals. Selling their own jewelry creations has boosted girls’ self-esteem.

“One of them told me that [making jewelry

through Blue Butterfly] is the safest place in her life because she feels like she can be herself,” says Hergott, who chose the name Blue Butterfly to honor one of her mentees who loves the color blue and lost her mom when she was 3 years old. Whenever she sees a butterfly, it gives her hope that she can keep going.

“When things don’t go her way, she picks herself up and tries something new,” Hergott says. “She has a lot of grit. I wanted to name it after her because my relationship with her has taught me so much about people.”

Hergott notes that once you learn about trauma, you approach people differently. “You have a lot more compassion, even for those who are mean and rude,” Hergott says. “Instead of asking, ‘Why are you that way?’ you ask, ‘Are you OK?’”

For more information or to shop at Blue Butterfly, visit bluebutterflystore.com.

RIGHT AT HOME

THE HENDRICKS COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS WELCOMES ONE & ALL

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

The Hendricks County Extension Homemakers has been in Indiana for more than 100 years. The organization was originally developed in a time when women mostly worked inside the home, raising children, cooking and sewing.

The Homemakers provided them the opportunity to meet with and learn from others who were doing the same things, like canning vegetables and sewing. Over time, it evolved into a community service group in which they would offer lessons to others in the community. Now, they do quarterly lessons on things like managing finances and decluttering the house.

Karla Janning, the Hendricks Civic

Theatre Board President and Sponsorship Coordinator, was first exposed to the Homemakers when she was a little girl because her mom was part of a Home Ec Club. That’s primarily why she chose to get involved as an adult.

“I love the connections made with the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers as well as their commitment to community involvement,” Janning says.

The Extension Homemakers is a big Indiana group. Different counties have their own groups, which then create their own clubs.

For instance, Janning leads the Young Moderns Club. The Hendricks County Extension Homemakers currently has seven clubs, which meet monthly.

As a county, the Homemakers do something called First Books for Head Start in which once a month participants sign up to read to different classrooms in the Head Start building. They then give a copy of the book they read to each student in the class. At the end of the school year, students get a book bag that the Homemakers make. Regardless of whatever clubs you are a part of, you can participate in First Books for Head Start.

The Homemakers also participate in Make a Difference Day. Again, one doesn’t have to be involved in the clubs to participate. On this day, anyone who enjoys sewing or crafting can come together to make tie-fleece blankets, which are donated to the homeless as well as to patients at Riley Children’s Hospital. Monthly they also do Helping Hands in which they prepare materials that will be used on Make a Difference Day.

To help educators in the community, the Homemakers provide $150 teacher grants. Any licensed teacher in the county can go onto the Purdue Extension website to submit an application for classroom supplies.

In addition, each May, the Hendricks County Homemakers bestows two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors in Hendricks County. The recipient doesn’t necessarily have to be someone affiliated with Home Extension. For example, they’ve given scholarships to students who are pursuing a nursing degree, education degree and a number of other interests. To raise money to award these scholarships, the Hendricks County Homemakers hold two big annual fundraisers, both at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. One is the Holiday Fest and Cookie Walk, a December event that attracts 50+ vendors, most of which are homemade craft makers. For this event, every Extension Homemaker in the county bakes six dozen or more Christmas cookies, which are packaged and sold by the pound. These treats are hot commodities every year.

“Holiday Fest starts at 9 a.m. and often within the first two or three hours, we are sold out of cookies,” Janning says. “I think sometimes people think, ‘Oh, I have a Christmas party to go to and don’t want to make cookies myself’ so they buy them here.”

During Holiday Fest, the Hendricks County Treble Makers, a county choir, sings holiday tunes, as do preschool kids from Bartlett Chapel and kids from Head Start. Mrs. Claus passes out candy canes to shoppers.

Around the holidays, the Homemakers also collect hats, scarves and mittens to donate to different nonprofits like Sheltering Wings (which helps survivors of domestic violence find safety) and Susie’s Place (a child advocacy center).

“We are a community service group who wants to help out in any way,” Janning says.

Their other big fundraiser is held in the summertime during the Hendricks County Fair when the Homemakers run an open class for anyone who is not a 4-H member to enter craft or food items to be judged.

“We give away ribbons and prizes just like in 4-H,” Janning says. They take the baked goods that are left over and sell them on Sunday in an auction with all proceeds

going to the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers.

“Sometimes we’ll sell five cookies for $5. We once had a pie go for $140,” Janning says. “It just depends who is there.”

Currently, the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers consist of about 100 people, but the numbers dwindle each year. A lot of people assume that the Homemakers is

just for women who don’t work outside the home or for women who are retired; neither is true. Anybody of any age or sex can join.

“We need more young people to realize that they can join us,” Janning says.

An annual membership to the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers is just $15. If you’re interested in becoming a member or to learn more, call 317-745-9260 and ask for Lisa or Beth.

PET EXPECTATIONS And How to Enjoy Them!

Writer / Tara Dorsett Photography Provided

I’ll admit I don’t give myself much leeway in my morning routine. I give myself a half-hour to dress, put in contacts, apply make-up and fill the critters’ food and water bowls. While I’m getting ready, my dog is racing around the fenced yard like a lunatic, chasing possum trails, rolling in the grass and hopefully completing her business. She pops into the house as I head out the door. When I agreed to foster a partially blind and deaf pup, my routine changed drastically. As a photographer, I sometimes must leave the house at ungodly hours to reach my destination on time. Adding an extra 30 minutes to my morning routine was not appealing. But, I accepted responsibility for this four-footed addition and made accommodations.

Intellectually, we know our lives will change when we invite an animal to share our home, but the reality doesn’t hit until that feathered, scaled or furred critter arrives. How can we make the transition from a

non-pet or single pet household without losing our minds? Here are some things that helped me:

1. EXPECT LIFE TO CHANGE

What changes when we add a pet to our lives? Pretty much everything.

How we sleep-- my cat graduated from sleeping beside me to taking over my pillow. When we eat--when my dog was a puppy, I fed her before I ate. Now that she is older, I make my food first, then set her food down just before I sit at the table with my meal so we can eat together.

Where we leave things--I can no longer leave my chair near the desk when the ferrets are out because the ferrets will scale it and rearrange everything on my desk. How long we are gone--while the eel doesn’t need to go for walks, he can glare with the best of them when his dinner is late.

2. STICK TO A ROUTINE

Between tripping over critter toys and dodging the cats as they race through the

house, it takes about three minutes to fill bowls for the dog and cats. I spend another 10 minutes with the ferrets-- three minutes to fill the food and water dishes and seven minutes to keep them from launching a tumbling escape when the cage door opens. It takes another two minutes to turn on the aquarium light and sprinkle fish food into the water.

My dog does well completing her business on her own within thirty minutes or less. The cats and ferrets use litter boxes that don’t require immediate attention at 4:30 in the morning. The eel has his own bathroom routine that doesn’t need my help. Exercise and playtime happen later in the day.

My cats love to chase things. I bought a couple of laser light collars that entertain them for hours. The ferrets race through their tunnels or stash small stuffed toys in secret locations. Digging in the sandbox or playing tug of war eats away at my dog’s exercise hours.

3. CREATE PET STATIONS AROUND YOUR HOUSE

I have grab and go stations around the house. A leash, potty bags, paper towels, cleaner, toys and treats are at each station. These help with unexpected messes and impromptu play time.

4. ENJOY YOUR PET

Don’t overlook the reason you brought a pet into your life. Laugh at your ferret’s antics as she dances around like a miniature clown. Giggle as your cat tries for the millionth time to catch that laser dot. Chuckle when your dog play fights with his favorite stuffed animal. Smile at your fish weaving through the plants and hide-outs. Sing with your bird. The biggest change that happens when you own a pet is the joy and companionship they give you.

Have questions about how to adjust to your new roommate? Contact me at taramarie611@gmail.com

AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT

From One Hendricks County Resident to Another

Writer / Gary Sinclair

Photography Provided

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

I’m betting that it took mere seconds for you to come up with your answer. Why? Because that gift in some way left a deep imprint on your heart and mind that you will stay with for the rest of your life. It doesn’t matter how big or small it was, its

impact has fundamentally changed you for good.

I recently got such a gift that I want to tell you about.

I have had kidney disease for 20 years or more. For most of that time the disease was a minor issue that doctors regularly called the ‘high side of normal.’ They’d keep an

eye on my creatinine, the waste given off by healthy kidneys. If the creatinine goes higher than normal, the kidneys may be diseased and need further treatment.

But I still thought all was well because I felt okay and that bad things tend to happen more to others than me.

About six years ago my levels, including

my kidney functioning efficiency (GFR), began to head in the wrong direction. With the guidance of several doctors, including a nephrologist, it was evident that unless there was a major change or miracle I was headed for dialysis.

Initiating a rigorous diet plan, new medications and regular check-ups, my medical team urged me this past year to start a donor search to avoid the challenges and limitations of dialysis. The long search process, however, involves extensive testing to find a person who would be a complete match. It’s not an easy task.

Nonetheless, having a live donor, especially one related to you, is ideal and usually provides the best results.

Within days, one of our family members offered to be tested. Everyone was thrilled though no one was surprised of course. Family helps family when they can. The process went beautifully until a complication during the last stage made donating too great a risk so this relative was rejected by the approval committee.

With no backup plan, Jackie and I began to work toward a national listing option where those who have agreed to donate their organs when they pass away are compiled. Unfortunately, to be chosen through the national listing averages four to six years. I might not be healthy enough for a transplant then and would without question be on dialysis until the kidney was available.

We, and others, started praying even

Back in room after surgery

Gary & Annette, Pre-Op Day

Annette & Gary After Recuperation

more diligently for wisdom and maybe a miraculous answer.

That’s when Annette Brown re-entered our world. Annette, a Brownsburg resident like us, is an active, working mom and wife who loves to serve others. We hadn’t connected much with her and her husband Pete of late, but for a couple of years we all attended Ben Davis Christian Church in Indianapolis. Pete and I often played as part of their worship team.

Ironically, Annette has her own kidney story which started years ago when her mother received a kidney from a close relative. That special gift added years and quality to her mom’s life.

As a result, Annette had always wanted to give back if she could. One day, she saw a Facebook post about someone who needed a kidney. The person involved also caught her attention. Me.

We had returned to Connection Pointe Church after moving to Brownsburg, so our paths no longer crossed. Nonetheless, when Annette saw our post, she knew she was going to apply. Her mom’s story and family’s vibrant faith in God urged them on with a confidence that taking this step was wise though sacrificial.

Annette began the long process of match testing. Transplant donors endure a series of multi-faceted tests, interviews, doctor visits and forms. Of course, there is a physical exam, but the candidate’s emotional and psychological well-being are also considered. Thankfully, she passed every stage.

We soon heard from Annette that she was a near-perfect match, and the surgery was done at IU Hospital in Indianapolis on December 14th. Two outstanding surgeons, Dr. William Goggins (mine) and Dr. Chandru Sundaram (Annette’s) performed the transfer which went fine for both of us.

Major surgeries always require some painful healing time, but Annette was able to return home in two days. I stayed through Monday due to the more complicated surgery and having to adjust to the new kidney.

Family members, some who lived out of state, began to help by sitting with family at the hospital, providing meals, running small errands and taking care of household tasks. Brownsburg and Avon neighbors, friends and church attenders from Ben Davis and Connection Pointe shared their love and resources, too. While there will be ongoing monitoring and follow-up, Annette and I are feeling great and excited about the potential impact our journey might have on others.

The results didn’t take their time, either. I didn’t know how much better I could feel again since I’ve lived with kidney disease for a long time. As a result, I don’t know how to thank Annette and her family more than I have but I know she’s not looking for credit, glory or fame.

I received a gift worth millions that I plan to take care of and always be grateful for.

In addition, we both hope that our story will encourage you and others to have the

strength to overcome even your biggest challenges and then give to someone else, whatever your gift might be. Remember the answers to your problems can come in ways you never expect.

We are convinced that God did a major miracle in bringing us together at just the right time, in the right place. It was extra special that we both happen to live in the same community. God can do the same for you, even though the circumstances and results won’t necessarily be the same.

Many people talk about the commitment of their faith and love for others. Some like us get to experience both and our journey changed us deep within. It’s been worth it all.

To read more about our journey, check out my humorous and inspirational blog posts at neverquitclimbing.com/blog.

Fighting Cold & Flu

Cold & Flu Season is already In full force and has been for a few months. Try these immune boosters at the 1st sign of illness or if already sick, to decrease the duration of the sickness.

Elderberry

Safe for kids even as young as 1!

Great for upper respiratory colds and the flu

Echinacea

Helps to reduce days of illness when taken at the first sign.

Andrographis

Another good herb for colds and flu

Astragalus

Strengthens and regulates the immunize system

Helps with colds, respiratory viruses, and allergies

*Always consult your PCP before taking herbs with your current medication.

DYNAMIC DUO

LOCAL FATHER AND SON ARE MAKING THEIR MARK - AND GOOD MEMORIES - AS REFEREES

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

Doug & sons, Preston & Easton

Doug Mayfield became a licensed referee 14 years ago, just before his son, Preston, turned 2. At the time, he and his wife, Shanna, had twins who were 21 months older than Preston. Shanna was home with the three boys, so Doug, owner and president of Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Indiana, needed to find a way to supplement his income. Refereeing turned out to be a great gig as it enabled him to be involved with sports while making some extra money on the side.

“I was like, ‘Hmm, this is fun!’” Doug says. It was a family affair, as Shanna would often bring the three boys to the games to watch their dad officiate. Early in Doug’s reffing career, they bought Preston a little referee shirt to wear to the games. One time during a game against Franklin Central, Preston leaned over to his mom and said, “Mommy, I forgot to wear my referee shirt! What if the other ref doesn’t come? I’ll need to help daddy!”

As fate would have it, the other ref didn’t show up, leaving Doug to ref the whole game by himself. These days Doug doesn’t have to worry about that.

In 2020, after watching his dad ref games for more than a decade, Preston, an eighthgrader at the time, took a class through the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), then became a licensed referee so he could begin officiating for the Brownsburg Junior Basketball League. He officiates games with his dad as well as a

number of other senior officials.

“That’s good for him to get constructive criticism from others and not just dad,” Doug says. “Last year I told him, ‘I’ve given you your wings. It’s time for you to fly.’” Preston, now a sophomore, is in his third year of officiating and can referee basketball games for freshmen and below, until he turns 18.

It’s no surprise that Preston chose to walk in his father’s footsteps. They are, after all, both

“sports freaks,” as Preston says. It’s clearly in the blood. Three generations of MayfieldsPreston, his brothers, Doug and his dad - all love to attend IndyCar races. Last year they attended six of them and hope to do the same this year.

“It’s something that all four boys have in common, and I love it because my dad used to race sprint cars in the ‘40s,” Doug says.

As for officiating, Preston has a new perspective these days now that he’s on the opposite side of the sport. While he used to complain about bad calls during games, now he’s more tolerant.

“I know that based on positioning, you can’t see everything,” Preston says.

For junior varsity games and below, two people officiate - a trail official and a lead official. The varsity level has three. Each referee is responsible for certain areas of the court. Even though the ball may not be in that area, they are watching for illegal contact (for example, if a player is setting an illegal screen or grabbing another player’s jersey). If the ball comes into that area, they are watching all of that as well, so there’s a lot to pay attention to.

Prior to every game, Doug tells coaches, “We’re going to make mistakes. We may miss something but we’re going to give you our best.”

Officials get paid per game. If they do a middle school game, that’s two games in a row that they officiate, which means they make around $90. If it’s a freshman game, that’s about $60 for one game.

“A freshman game or eighth-grade game usually lasts about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, so it’s good money,” says Preston, who now officiates more often than his dad. The most games he’s officiated in a week is 15, and he earned $500 that week. One time Preston officiated eight games in one day - six without a break. He learned a lesson that day.

Preston, at age 2, already had his sights on being a referee one day

“That was a bit much,” Preston admits. “By the last game, my mind really wasn’t there.”

When he’s worked a lot of Saturday games and is asked to do more on Sunday, Doug has advised him not to.

“Bad habits develop when you’re not mentally there, so it’s not good for a new official to work too much when you’re still working on mechanics,” Doug says.

Preston hopes to make a career out of officiating, and he’s off to a great start, as he is one of the youngest licensed basketball officials in the state of Indiana. According to the IHSAA, he is one of 39 kids in the state under the age of 18 with a basketball officiating license. The average age of a ref in Indiana is 52.

“There are 3,120 licensed basketball officials, so he is in the 1% of the youngest,” Doug says.

Brian Lewis, assistant commissioner for

the IHSAA, is in charge of boys basketball for the state. He’s thrilled to see Preston’s interest and energy at such a young age.

During the first game Preston ever reffed, one of the coaches was irritated by a call Preston made.

“It’s intimidating when you’re 15 years old and here’s this grown man getting all bent out of shape, but Preston handled himself very well,” Doug says. “He’s good about citing the rule book and then the coaches don’t have anything to say. It’s all about networking, staying fit, staying humble and listening to people.”

Currently there’s a major shortage of referees, and Doug suspects that may be because many younger people don’t feel equipped to deal with the difficulties that come with the job.

“You have to have thick skin to do this,” Doug says. “You also have to make the call

and then move on.”

Preston has figured that out already. “It’s a job people don’t want to do because you get yelled at,” he says. “It’s easy to sit in the stands and yell.”

Sometimes Preston and his friends used to sit in the front row at Brownsburg High School basketball games and yell at the refs in a joking fashion. Sometimes the refs would holler back, and it was all in good fun. “Now I’m on the opposite side of that,” Preston says.

Both father and son are thrilled to be able to make money and get some exercise, all while being a part of their favorite sport.

Doug coaches his younger son, Easton, a fourth-grader in the Brownsburg Junior Basketball League, and Preston is officiating, so it truly is a family affair.

IU Health West Cancer Center has expanded to meet your needs.

The cancer center at IU Health West Hospital has expanded to include a hematology & oncology clinic and a state-of-the-art infusion center to provide the full spectrum of cancer care for patients from the western suburbs of Indianapolis and beyond. IU Health knows the cancer journey can be dif cult for patients and their family, which is why we are committed to caring for patients close to home.