SEPTEMBER 2019
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BHS Head Football Coach Talks Goals & Excitement For Upcoming Season
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BULLDOG MENTALITY: BHS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH TALKS GOALS & EXCITEMENT FOR UPCOMING SEASON
EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown
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When the temperature dips, the wind changes direction and the leaves transform from green to a golden hue, football fans get goosebumps because they know what’s coming. What, in your mind, makes this fall sport so special? John Hart, head coach of the Brownsburg High School football team, offers one explanation for the magic.
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SEPTEMBER WRITERS
Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott Claire-Anne Aikman / Bailey Roberts
SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne / Dorian McDaniel
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Bulldog Mentality: BHS Head Football Coach Talks Goals & Excitement For Upcoming Season
10 Realtor Tips: How To Get Your
15 Hendricks Civic Theatre Celebrates 40th Season
20 Breaking the Stigma & Healing the
28 A Woman's Guide to Mastering Menopause
29 Business Spotlight: Brightly Art Studio
Home Ready For Fall
Broken: Mental Health America of Hendricks County is Here to Help
24 10 Tips: For A Great End Of Summer
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Hendricks County. Make it your home Fall Planting Season Is Here Stop in & see our great selection of fall plant material & décor.
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Bulldog Mentality BHS Head Football Coach Talks Goals & Excitement For Upcoming Season Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography provided by Amy Payne & BHS Athletics/Dorian McDaniel
6 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
hen the temperature dips, the wind changes direction and the leaves transform from green to a golden hue, football fans get goosebumps because they know what’s coming. What, in your mind, makes this fall sport so special? John Hart, head coach of the Brownsburg High School football team, offers one explanation for the magic. “In basketball, a kid may play 50 games in a season or in baseball, 100 games. When you play that often, the moments aren’t as special,” Hart says. “With football, on the other hand, you get 10 games — nine and a playoff. That’s the schedule for four years and it’s over for most people after that. It’s a very concentrated thing to do, which, to me, makes it special.” This fall will mark Hart’s fifth year with the Brownsburg Bulldogs and his 36th year coaching high school football overall. After 35 years, his record is an impressive 294-88. He first became a head coach at the age of 22 and in the past threeplus decades has turned around a number of programs in several locations. Though he moved around a good bit through the years, that was never his plan. “Every time we moved, I felt like it would be the last time,” Hart says. “But I kept getting presented with great opportunities.” When he was asked to come to Brownsburg, it was another fantastic opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Prior to his arrival, the school experienced three straight losing seasons. The past three years, on the other hand, they’ve won three state conference championships. Not that he’s taking credit. “I have an incredible coaching staff,” Hart says. “In fact, I consider myself more of a CEO than a football coach.” He says a big part of their success has to do with what their players do to develop during the offseason. “A lot of programs spend 90% of their time on the skilled part of the sport and 10% on developing the athlete,” Hart says. “Here we do the opposite and spend 90% of our time
BrownsburgMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 7
developing the athlete and 10% on the sport.” Doing so gets the players to become stronger, faster and more agile. And word is spreading across the student body that this approach works as the number of students registered for strength training has risen from 250 to 600 in just three years. When it comes to the mental aspect of the sport, Hart concedes that there are many clichés that compare life to football — all of which are true. There’s the being forced to endure every kind of environment — wet, cold, hot, slippery— and having to survive all of it while still competing at a high level. There’s the “this isn’t fair” mentality which translates from the field to the full range of life. After all, you can be the hardest working person with the best of intentions and still not taste success. “In football, as in life, the people who get knocked down and stay down typically aren’t successful whereas the people who get knocked down and get back up are,” Hart says . Sometimes, however, people today don’t even want to bother trying, and that’s a big problem. In many ways a good work ethic and the value of team building are not lauded the way they once were. As a result, when the going gets tough, some students are inclined to throw in the towel. “I’ve heard parents say, ‘Well, if my child doesn’t want to play, I don’t want to make him,’” Hart says. “To that I respond, ‘What’s the alternative? Going home and playing PlayStation?’ If you give a teenager a choice between goofing off and running wind sprints in 100-degree weather, they’re always going to take the easy way out.” For those kids who stick with it, however, amazing things transpire. Hart has seen it happen time and again. He tells the story of Sheldon Day, a former player he coached at Warren Central who went on to play for the NFL. Sheldon’s mom said the first five or six years her son played football, he despised it and came home every night crying and begging to quit. His mom made him tough it out, however, because she knew that the lessons he learned in football would benefit him in life. “Sometimes as parents we have to decide 8 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
Brownsburg Bulldogs Football Calendar September 6: Franklin Central September 13: at Avon September 20: Fishers September 27: at Westfield October 4: Zionsville October 11: at Noblesville October 18: Hamilton Southeastern
what’s best for our kids and what’s easiest for our kids, and what’s easiest isn’t always what’s best,” Hart says. Brownsburg has a number of parents who agree with Hart’s mantra, which is why the program is thriving with 116 seniors, juniors and sophomores and 50 incoming freshmen coming out for the sport. The numbers have grown over the past few years. When Hart arrived five years ago, 105 players made up the roster. Now there are 166.
has the same purpose as our starting quarterback.”
are head coaches of a sport so coaching definitely runs in the family DNA.
The players on this team most definitely play with a united mindset.
For now, Hart is just happy to be at the helm of a great program, and his players are psyched to have him there.
“It’s not an individual feeling,” says Cade Shupperd, who enjoys being a part of a brotherhood. “It’s a feeling you get when you know from first team to second team, offense to defense, even special-teams, players have the desire to be great as a team.”
With so many kids on the team, not everyone will play Division I football or even get field time.
“The reason that we win games is because we believe in what our teammates can do,” adds Isaiah Higgins.
“To be honest, with 116 kids, a lot of them won’t play on Friday nights,” Hart says. “But it’s our job as a staff to be sure these kids know they each have a purpose. We want our fifthstring defensive tackle to feel like he
Hart and his wife, Janet (a kindergarten teacher for 31 years) are happy to call Brownsburg home and suspect that this time they really are here to stay. They have two daughters: Kristen and Brittany and two sons: Nick and Derek — all four
“Through the good and bad times, [my teammates] have each other’s backs no matter what,” says Charles Tanner. “Being a bulldog means helping your brothers at all times.” And when facing adversity, this team bands together. “We work as one unit to overcome problems that are way bigger than us,” says Anthony Lawrence. Just another reason why football is special.
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Realtor Tips: How to get your home ready for fall Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman
Pretty soon, we’ll start to see pumpkin spice everything, and college football will be in full swing. To allow yourself more time to enjoy those glorious fall weekends, use this list to prepare your home for winter. Trim the dead areas of your trees Fall is the perfect time to do this because trees go dormant.
calls for. This will help your home’s overall efficiency and, as a result, could improve your utility bills. While you’re improving efficiency, change your furnace filter, too. Flush out irrigation systems If you have exterior faucets or an irrigation system, flush them out and turn off access.
Check your fireplace If you have a fireplace and us it, now is the time to get it checked and make sure it’s safe Rake the leaves to use. Be sure to check that your chimney Removing leaves from your lawn helps your cap is secure, too. Doing so will help keep grass grow in the spring. We generally mulch pests out. ours with the mower and skip the bagging. Check your shovel and ice scrapers Clean out your gutters Make sure those two winter essentials will This is one of the yuckiest exterior jobs around, in my opinion. Cleaning out your gutters will help prevent water build-up and ice dams, which can ruin your gutters and possibly damage your siding.
make it through another season. Clean your dryer vent lines Doing so will increase efficiency and reduce fire risks. Create a winter box for your car Mine has a blanket, matches, candles, ice scrapers, extra hats and mittens, snacks, and a portable battery pack. A battery pack can jump-start your car when nobody else is around, which can give you peace of mind when on the road. The list isn’t long, but the rewards will be great, I promise!
Seal areas pests and cold air can penetrate Once you’ve located areas where pests and cold air can penetrate, seal them with caulk, mortar, weather strips — whatever the job 10 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
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Hendricks Civic Theatre Celebrates 40th Season Writer / Bailey Roberts Photography Provided
Hendricks Civic Theatre, a community staple since 1979, is celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Hendricks Civic Theatre has grown from an idea by Marianne Mowrer in 1979 to the large, all-volunteer organization it is today through the generosity and support of the Hendricks County community through the decades. The 40th Ruby Anniversary season begins this September and is slated to include “Noises Off," “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Leading Ladies," “I Hate Hamlet,” “Matilda: The Musical" and “Mamma Mia." The season kicks off on September 27 with the comedy “Noises Off,”
directed by Ryan Thompson. “Noises Off,” dubbed “the funniest farce ever written” is a play within a play, following the frazzled cast rehearsing for their flop of a production called Nothing’s On. Hendricks Civic Theatre keeps each of its six show seasons diverse, including everything from comedies to dramas, musicals to children’s shows, offering something for everyone in the community. Hendricks Civic Theatre President, Karla Janning, has served as a longtime volunteer and Board Member and is excited for what the 40th anniversary season will bring. “I would love for the theatre to reach even more people in the community that not only have
never come to see a show but that have always wanted to be a part of community theatre and haven’t,” Janning says. “We love to have new people join us every year and join our ever-growing community and family.” Ryan Thompson, Hendricks Civic Theatre Board member and Secretary, hopes that this 40th anniversary season offers “even more people the chance to experience this — either on stage, in the audience or backstage.” Both Janning and Thompson served as volunteers for various productions before becoming involved with Hendricks Civic Theatre’s
AvonMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 15
Board of Directors. For Janning, volunteering began in 2013 as she supported her two daughters’ interest in the theater. Since then, the entire Janning family has appeared on Hendricks Civic Theatre’s stage in multiple productions and has served behind the scenes for even more. “We all had such a great experience that I knew this was where I wanted to plant my feet and get back to my love of theatre,” Janning says. “I have never regretted that decision. It truly is our extended family.” For actor Jeff Sankey, Hendricks Civic Theatre has
also been a family affair. His daughter was in “Beauty and the Beast” in 2017 and he has been in “The Foreigner" and most recently in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” Sankey says that Hendricks Civic Theatre’s Rising Star Productions for all youth cast is what originally drew them to Hendricks Civic Theatre. “Hendricks Civic Theatre is a place where families come together to develop theatre, and theatre, in turn, creates a bigger family,” Sankey says. “I have so many more people in my life now that I have started doing theatre that I would never have met if not for Hendricks Civic Theatre.”
Hendricks Civic Theatre prides itself on its family atmosphere, encouraging everyone to come and “play a role” whether on stage or off stage. Previous experience is not required, and hands-on learning happens with every production. Hendricks Civic Theatre was recently awarded a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission to aid its 2019-2020 season, allowing them to expand their arts education offerings to include workshops, camps and more opportunities for underserved communities. They hope to attract new actors and volunteers, offering them opportunities to get involved
with the theater in new ways and to give them the tools to feel confident both on and off stage. “I am always amazed at the new talent that we get every year,” Janning adds. “I have loved that especially this last season we welcomed a lot of new faces to our stage. Most of them had never been on stage before and they were amazing.” Sankey also noted the increased involvement in Hendricks Civic Theatre, “It seems like the interest in each show just continues to grow and there seem to be more and more people who
16 / AVON MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / AvonMagazine.com
are interested in auditioning for each show,” Sankey says. “There seem to be more and more people who are excited about watching them, too.” Hendricks Civic Theatre has definitely felt the impact of the increase in actors, volunteers and patrons of the shows. Many shows this past season sold out or were at near capacity. Longstreet Playhouse in Maplewood is the home of Hendricks Civic Theatre and is a small, 80-seat theater offering an intimate atmosphere, fully engaging the audience in each production. Hendricks Civic Theatre anticipates continued growth in the next few years
and hopes to continue engaging the community. Despite having a home theater, Hendricks Civic Theatre regularly rents the auditorium at Avon Middle School South for its larger productions that can’t be accommodated at Longstreet Playhouse. “Noises Off,” the first production of the 2019-2020 season will be at AMSS and run September 27-29 and October 4-6. Their upcoming children’s production of “Matilda: The Musical” will also take place at AMSS in March 2020. Longtime Board Member Matt Roberts is excited about the future of Hendricks Civic Theatre and this 40th anniversary season. “My hope for the season is to see us continue on this trajectory and see Hendricks County come together to support Hendricks Civic Theatre and the whole arts community,” Roberts says. Individuals and businesses can support Hendricks Civic Theatre financially through season sponsorships and program advertising as well as in donations of time and talents. The most valuable donations aren’t monetary.
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mission through volunteering of time, resources, skills or donations,” Roberts says. “We are always in need of season and show sponsors,” Janning adds. “We are a nonprofit and so without the
support of local businesses and community donors we would not have a season. We also need volunteers that can help with our shows on a regular basis, be it parking cars, being ushers or working concessions.” There are roles for everyone,
on stage and off stage, and you can sign up to volunteer at hendrickscivic.com. You can also follow Hendricks Civic Theatre on Facebook for information about upcoming shows and further information about the organization and
ways that you can “play a role.” Hendricks Civic Theatre is located at 4998 North County Road 100 East Danville or you can give them a call at 317-943-3126 for more information.
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Breaking the Stigma & Healing the Broken Mental Health America of Hendricks County is Here to Help Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
Director of MHAHC. “Our hope is that creates better mental health later.”
Established in 1953, Mental Health America of Hendricks County (MHAHC) is a non-profit organization that covers education, referral, support, and individual advocacy. They educate between 4,000-6,000 elementary children a year with programs about bullying, prescription drug misuse, tobacco/substance abuse, mood stabilization, organization, and other skills that are important for children to learn in order to improve their overall mental well-being.
MHAHC employs evidence-based best practice programs such as “Kids on the Block” designed for preschool through first-grade students. They also run “Our Child, Our Divorce,” which is ordered for divorcing couples who have children under age 18 that they may learn ways to co-parent without putting their children in the middle. In addition, they have three trained workers who offer a youth Mental Health First Aid, an 8-hour program.
“Some mental health conditions are based on brain chemistry and cannot be prevented, but some are based on traumatic life events. If children learn skills early on, then they can utilize those skills to help them deal with what life brings,” says Tammi Jessup, Executive
“It teaches how to recognize potential mental health concerns with kids as well as how to prevent problems,” explains Jessup, noting that they also offer a two-hour Suicide Prevention Class called Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) that’s for all ages, not just youth. Those taking SEPTEMBER 2019
the class learn how to recognize specific signs that indicate someone may be contemplating suicide and teach the best way to approach the person. “There are ways you shouldn’t phrase things such as, ‘You’re not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?’ because that’s forcing them to feel like they have to reply, ‘no,’” says Jessup. MHAHC offers QPR training to any interested group for a nominal fee. You don’t have to be affiliated with a school to receive training. “One of the things Avon did exceptionally well when they were in the grant planning phase for the Lilly Foundation Grant was to gather a large group of people to find out what was needed,” says Jessup. What they found may astound you.
Elementary school counselors mentioned that they were regularly seeing anxious, depressed, and suicidal children in their offices. Given that there is still a good deal of stigma surrounding mental illness, the organization’s two big pushes currently are suicide prevention and stigma reduction, which, of course, go hand-in-hand. “I know when I was younger, nobody talked about breast cancer, prostate cancer, domestic violence, or those types of things,” says Jessup. “Once people started talking about them, though, education, prevention, support services—all of that got better because they weren’t hidden topics anymore.” Jessup maintains that mental health is on the cusp of that shift in acceptance, largely because of celebrities who have been brave enough to share when they have battled a mental health disorder or substance abuse problem. Their transparency about these difficult subjects gives the public permission to tackle them in a public forum, and that’s step one. When celebrities lose hope and take their own lives such as actor Robin Williams, fashion mogul Kate Spade, and chef Anthony Bourdain, though the events are tragic, it opens up the conversation to a subject that is so often considered taboo. It also demonstrates that mental health issues do not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. “People realize that even those folks who seem to have it all can suffer a brain disorder that causes depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or whatever,” says Jessup. “Getting people to open up is huge.” According to Jessup, statistics show that, on average, the time between when an individual first starts displaying symptoms of a mental health condition and the time that they first seek treatment is 10 years. “We don’t do that with other illnesses,” says Jessup. “It’s tragic, really.” Executive Director, Tammi Jessup
It’s a sobering statistic given that one in four SEPTEMBER 2019
people will have a diagnosable condition in their lives. “How, in a society, do we keep hiding these issues?” asks Jessup. “How do we not have that [topic] out in the open?” In addition to education programs, MHAHC also keeps an updated list of providers in the area so that they may help those who struggle to understand the details regarding payment and insurance. “We’ll go through the list with them and help them narrow down their options,” explains Jessup. “Or if transportation is an issue, we’ll try to help with that, too.” MHAHC offers two support groups. The Westside Widow Group gathers monthly to share a meal and listen to a featured speaker. They also offer a weekly support peer group designed for anyone 18 or older who is battling any kind of mental health condition. Avon 4.75 x 7.125-AUGUST-OUTPUT-080219.pdf 1 Folks are welcome to come alone or bring
along family members. “I enjoy that support group,” says Jessup. “Often it’s the best part of my week.” MHAHC offers individual advocacy, which simply means that if someone with a mental health condition contacts them asking for assistance with any kind of agency, their staff will step in.
home facilities in Hendricks County. Last year they served close to 1,000 people in Hendricks County.
“Someone may need help getting enrolled in the SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] or they may be getting evicted and have no clue what to do or where to turn,” says Jessup. “Whatever the issue, if they’d like me to intercede on their behalf, I will.”
“We have sports teams, church groups, scout programs, library groups, and senior communities who all pitch in to make these soft fleece blankets. It’s a great community effort.”
MHAHC has a long-running holiday program called Gift Lift in which they partner with Hendricks Regional Health to provide chronically mentally ill patients in Hendricks County with items from a wish list they provide. They also collect items such as lotions, slipper socks, calendars, and 8/2/2019 4:37:08 PM lap blankets for those in long-term nursing
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“We decided the lap blankets were the most important thing for those in nursing homes so we made an effort to give two items, plus a blanket, to each resident,” says Jessup.
In short, the MHAHC is all about education, support, advocacy, and service. They also care a great deal about suicide prevention and stigma reduction. “We are here to help,” says Jessup. Contact Mental Health America of Hendricks County at 317-272-0027 or visit http://mhahc.com/.
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FOR A GREAT END OF SUMMER BARBECUE Writer / Abigail Hake . Photography Provided
Summer can be a favorite time of the year! With the days heating up and summer getting started, it’s time to prep your grill and send out the invites for your upcoming friendly backyard barbecue! Here are a few tips to help you have a stellar barbecue that will impress your friends and family this outdoor season.
1. READY THE FOOD
It’s fun to have friends over. And it’s even more fun to be able to enjoy time with those friends when they are there. Try to have almost everything done before they arrive, especially the food. Main course items like hamburgers and hot dogs can be grilled while enjoying a drink and talking with friends outside, but prepare as much beforehand as possible to save your sanity.
2. MAKE IT A POTLUCK
Another way to save yourself some time and peace of mind is to ask a few friends to bring side dishes. Not only will this save you time (and money) but it will also create a great array of offerings for all your friends. Those bringing dishes probably won’t make what you would normally make and it gives your party different options! This is nice to do for those who have food allergies and sensitivities too.
3. D ON’T FORGET THE DETAILS
We all know that we want some easy clean up at the end of a long, hot day. But nothing makes your guests feel more special than the tiny details. Think about trying non-disposable plates and flatware instead. Look for melamine picnic dishes with liners - they are usually inexpensive and are sure to make your backyard barbecue stand out! Then take a quick minute to wrap silverware bundles in napkins. Add a handwritten tag with a fun summer song or the names of your guests. They are sure to love these small details and tell their other friends all about your party.
4. S NACKS, SNACKS, SNACKS
Snacks are super important. Especially if you are going to be cooking the main course once the guests arrive. Make sure to have
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dips and finger foods so everyone can snack while they catch up. Also, make sure to have foods that are great for being outside. Cut watermelon, fruits and veggies and chips and salsa are always crowd pleasers and don’t take a lot of effort.
5. T RY A FUN COCKTAIL
Whip up a big batch of Moscow Mules or Sangria for your guests. These easy drinks with easy garnishes still bring a touch of something special, setting your party apart! Offer mocktails or soda and water for those who don’t drink, too. If you are looking for something that can work for both, check out Tailored Toddies.
6. DECORATIONS
Throw up some decorative lights outside. This simple step can really go a long way. And when the sun goes down, you’ll have a beautiful ambiance that is sure to impress your guests! Also, layered tablecloths on the outdoor tables can give a warm feel as well. Just takes your party up a notch and an easy one at that. You can also leave them up all year round!
7. CITRONELLA
We all know mosquitos can really ruin a good thing. Make sure to grab some extra citronella candles for the evening. Not only will they keep those pesky bugs away but they’ll add to the ambiance of your outdoor lighting too! And, just in case, grab a couple different types of bug spray for your guests to use if they’d like.
8. YARD GAMES
There are so many yard games out there to play. Party favorites include Bocce Ball, Cornhole and Giant Jenga and most can be found at your local Target or Walmart. The best thing about all of these is that they are enjoyable to both watch and play. They keep everyone engaged and excited throughout the afternoon or evening!
9. S KIP DESSERTS & MAKE S’MORES
Load up the fire-pit with some logs and take it back to old campfire style. Roast up some S’mores and enjoy! Offer fun extras like peanut butter, Reese’s cups or candied bacon to create some different recipes. Everyone loves sitting around a fire on a cool summer night, especially at the end of a great party.
10. H AVE A BACK-UP PLAN
Listen, we all know that the day we have a big event, we don’t want it to rain. But unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that won’t happen. Don’t break the bank or anything but just make sure you have a plan for if it does start storming in the middle of the party. This might mean making sure the garage is cleaned out or asking a couple of friends to throw some extra folding chairs in their trunk. The best part of the day will be being with friends, even if you have to get a little cozy inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
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A Woman's Guide to Mastering Menopause Women undergo multiple changes in their lifetime. Some transitions take a toll on the body while others have no side effects, but almost all women experience menopause. Linda Witham, nurse practitioner at Indiana University Health Physicians Women’s Health, offers advice for managing menopause symptoms and when to consult an expert. “Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone at least 12 months without a menstrual cycle,” Witham says. “Symptoms of menopause may start to appear in a woman’s 40s or 50s. During the transitional years leading up to menopause, the ovaries produce different amounts of hormones than normal.” Leading up to menopause, women may experience unpredictable periods, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary problems, hormonal and mood changes, and sleep disturbances. To cope with the symptoms, Witham suggests the following: • Be prepared. Always be prepared for the onset of symptoms. Dress in layers and carry a bottle of water with you. When spells occur, take slow, easy breaths.
• Pinpoint the triggers. Some women find that hot flashes occur with hot beverages, drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, spicy foods or stress. Knowing what leads to the onset of symptoms can help you stay prepared. • Communicate with your doctor. For questions or concerns about how your body is changing, including irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your OB/GYN or women’s health specialist. Keep up with regular wellness visits and ask your primary care doctor about recommended health screening tests. Always seek medical attention if you notice bleeding after menopause. “Regular fitness activity during menopause can be really beneficial, too,” Witham says. “Movements like aerobic activity, strength training, and stretching can help you relax and keep your mind occupied. Although exercise isn’t proven to reduce menopause symptoms, it can help you maintain a healthy weight, relieve stress and improve quality of life.” The only way to master menopause is to adapt to your new and changing body, and staying healthy while doing so will make your journey a little bit easier.
SEPTEMBER 2019
BRIGHTLY ART STUDIO 1451 South Green Street Brownsburg brightlyartstudio.com 317-850-7871
Writer / Jamie Hergott Photography Provided
Neon colors splash nearly every surface in Laura Gambrel’s art studio on the west side of Brownsburg. A wall of readily available craft supplies, from paints to glue and glitter, span the far wall. It’s a place of color, possibility and creation, and it’s Gambrel’s happy place. It’s Brightly Art Studio, and between art classes, camps and art club, Gambrel stays busy and happy for this new space that fosters community and creativity. Gambrel had always dreamed of teaching art but was afraid she couldn’t make a living doing it. She taught fourth grade for eight years in Brownsburg schools and then went on to become the Early Childhood Director at Connection Pointe Christian Church.
years), elementary-aged, and tweens and teens. Workshops explore a specific theme, such as animals or outer space, while labs explore a particular medium, like clay, Papier-mâché or paint. There are Family Art Workshops available and even an open studio, which is not an instructed class but simple, creative exploration. Gambrel’s approach to art is a little unconventional. She heavily relies on process art, which is where the focus and joy come more from the creating as opposed to the final product. “There are no expectations,” Gambrel says. “We don’t do guided drawing. I don’t ever show an example. When things don’t go the way they want, they can just pivot and go in a different direction. It’s a life lesson.”
“I always had a dream of opening an art studio,” Gambrel says. “I wanted it to be a happy place to build a community for kids who are creative.” Gambrel’s husband suggested that Gambrel finally start her own art studio. She began conducting classes at Williams Park in Brownsburg, teaching art classes in the outdoor shelters. She went on to rent storage space above Ella Mae’s boutique before finally opening her own space, a brick storefront in Brownsburg, last May. Just a little over a year later, the classes at her little studio fill up almost immediately. She particularly loves having her art studio in Brownsburg because there aren’t a lot of creative outlets for kids in a county that offers a large number of sports. Gambrel’s daughter, in particular, was needing a creative space and community. “This is a happy, joyful place where there’s no pressure to be anything but who you really are,” Gambrel says. “In the heart of every child, they want to explore their surroundings. And in the heart of every parent, they want to enable their kids to do that. I take away the stress of getting out supplies and cleaning up messes so that parents can enable their kids to be creative.” Classes are available for preschool children (18 months up to five BrownsburgMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 29
Laura Gardner, one of her instructors, loves the idea of process art. Gardner has been an elementary art teacher in Brownsburg for five years, and she taught Gambrel’s children there. Once the women realized their shared passion for art, the friendship led to Gardner teaching a few classes at Brightly Art Studio, such as preschool playtime and elementary workshops.
Gambrel’s studio is small, but she likes it that way. She has all her materials and tools on full display, her only rule that children ask first before they use any materials. The answer is usually yes.
“We see eye to eye on the same type of art philosophy,” Gardner says. “I love that the kids just get to shine there. They get to explore and experiment with materials and processes. There are no right or wrong answers.”
“That relational piece is a huge part of the studio,” Gambrel says. “You don’t come and take an art class and leave. You get to know everyone.”
Classes have no more than 10 kids. Gambrel wants to connect with kids, and she wants them to connect with each other.
Brownsburg resident Emily Zeto’s seven-year-old son Carter
30 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
attends classes at Brightly. Zeto can’t say enough about what a wonderful opportunity it’s been for Carter. “We started right off with camp,” Zeto says. “And the second day we pulled up, Carter said, ‘It’s my happy place!’ It just warmed my heart.” Zeto says Carter has always been very creative but she and her husband haven’t known how to help him express it. Gambrel has been instrumental in giving Carter the space and materials to do so. Zeto also appreciates that Carter can go to the studio, make a mess, and she doesn’t have to clean it up. “I don’t mind messes,” Gambrel says. Gambrel offers birthday parties as well, catering the theme to the
interests and age of the child. A recent party she did was for an eight-year-old boy who loves nature. Gambrel had the kids create volcanoes of their own and then filled them with baking soda, vinegar, and paint and they exploded the volcanoes. “I love watching the kids come alive,” Gambrel says. “Parents tell me their kids are so full of life when they leave this space. I love that for them. We need a generation of innovators who are full of life.” To view the fall catalog or register for classes, you can visit Gambrel’s website brightlyartstudio.com. Brightly Art Studio is located at 1451 South Green Street in Brownsburg. You can give them a call at 317-850-7871 for more information.
BrownsburgMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 31
FOSTERING LOVE AND CARE THE CHILDREN’S BUREAU’S FOSTER PARENT PROGRAM HELPS CHILDREN FEEL ACCEPTED According to the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), at the end of June There was a time years ago when foster 2019, there were 105 children in foster parents were advised not to attach to care in Hendricks County – statewide, that the children they fostered because the number exceeds 14,000. The Foster Parent attachment followed by separation was program of the Children’s Bureau recruits presumed to be detrimental to the child. and educates foster families, then helps Now research shows the opposite to be true. families through the process of becoming a licensed foster parent. “What’s most important for kids is to have at least one caring adult in their life, and “You have to remember that in addition sometimes that’s their foster parent who to any abuse or neglect that these children is there for a period of time,” says Brooke may have suffered, they were also removed Clawson, Vice President of Adoption & from their primary caregivers, which is Foster Care at the Children’s Bureau in jarring,” Clawson says. “We help foster Indianapolis. parents understand how that affects a child’s emotions, behavior, and the actual hard Clawson notes that bonding has a huge wiring of the brain.” impact on foster children’s ability to form future relationships. A case manager is assigned to each child to ensure that their needs are being met. “When a child learns to attach to a caregiver For instance, is she visiting with her birth in foster care, that’s a transferrable skill family? Is she registered for school? Does that he can use going forward with friends, she have a learning disability that needs coworkers, partners and family,” she adds. addressed? Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
To ensure that families have 24/7 access to a case manager, they also offer after-hours services. “Most crises, tantrums and meltdowns don’t happen between 9 and 5. They happen at bedtime or in the middle of the night,” Clawson says. “It’s reassuring for a parent to know that if they need to call a case manager for support and guidance at 11 p.m., they can.” The Children’s Bureau provides comprehensive support and education for all phases of the foster and adoptive journey by offering both formal and informal training. For example, if a child is diagnosed with autism, case managers educate the foster parents on the disorder, explain how best to approach the child, and share any community resources that might be of help. “The most important piece of the puzzle, in my opinion, is the relationship we develop with the foster families,” Clawson says.
32 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
She mentions all of the red tape and hoops that must be navigated during the licensing process, including references, background checks, home visits, logging of training hours and even providing the immunization records of pets. “We are there with them, holding their hand along this journey,” she says. Clawson suspects that some folks shy away from pursuing foster parenting because the idea overwhelms them. “I’ve heard people say, ‘Oh, I could never do that,’ yet those same people often end up being the best foster parent,” says Clawson, noting that one doesn’t have to be married or hold a certain religious belief to become a foster parent. “We’re just looking for people who want to wrap these children with love and care.”
When foster moms and dads provide that love and support, children are transformed. Clawson recalls working with a teenager who was placed with a foster family for five years. Though she ultimately graduated from high school and aged out of the system, she chose to attend a local community college and leased an apartment close to her foster parents because she so adored them. “They are absolutely family in every sense of the word. They just aren’t a legal family,”
says Clawson, who acknowledges that when someone commits to fostering, there’s always that risk of heartbreak. She’s quick to add, however, that there’s also an opportunity for great reward. “Foster parents plant seeds in their children,” Clawson says. “There’s no telling how they will grow.” For more information on the Children’s Bureau, visit childrensbureau.org.
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St. Malachy Celebrates 150-Year Anniversary & Gears Up for 45th Country Fair Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne
More than 150 years ago, a small group of leaders had a vision for what St. Malachy Parish could be. They purchased land for the church on April 20, 1866, and the note required for the construction of the building was signed by six parishioners: Timothy Casserly, Thomas Corliss, Martin Dugan, Thomas Maloney, Timothy Quinn and Thomas Ward. On September 26, 1869, St. Malachy Parish was established — a 30x40 wood frame building with Fr. John Brassart as the founding pastor. Two families who helped start St. Malachy 150 years ago — the Hessions and the Maloneys — are still active in the Parish today. “Both families have always been very integrated in what’s going on at St. Malachy,” says Jennifer Zeunik, St. Malachy’s Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator. Bernadette Davidson’s great-great-great grandfather, Martin Hession, came over from Ireland by himself when he was just 14 years old and became a farmhand in the Indianapolis area before
settling in Hendricks County. Her Grandma Hession was a devout Catholic who instilled strong values in her 11 children whom she raised by herself when her husband died of tuberculosis. “When my dad and his brothers were old enough to drive, his mom wouldn’t let them go out on dates or with friends until they attended Saturday afternoon confession,” Bernadette says. “When my sister, Marijane Armbruster, was little and people asked what she liked to do in her free time, she would always reply, ‘I like to go to ballgames, and I like to go to church!’” In 1974, Ruth Velikan and former St. Malachy principal Maggie McClain (who died in 2007) started the Country Fair, which, according to Bernadette, was originally spelled Country Fare because they had a debt they were trying to pay off. Sometime in the mid-80s, the debt was paid and the church held a celebratory bonfire where they burned the mortgage papers. Through the years, the Country Fair has evolved. It started as an October event, but they later paired it with the Brownsburg Old
BrownsburgMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 35
Dedication June 26, 1904 In foreground Father Matthew's Boys Brigade and Band
Fashion Days, moving it to the third weekend in September. “We had various activities at Arbuckle Acres Park and area high schools,” Bernadette says. “Trolleys would take you around to different places.” From there, it continued to grow as carnival rides, tents and musical acts were added. Scores of people volunteered to ensure that the event ran smoothly. Last year, 10,000 people showed up to partake in the fun. And to think it all started with three hogs. Each year farmers such as the Maloneys, Hessions, Starkeys and McClains donated the hogs. Some years the pigs even served as entertainment. “There was a Johnny Carson show where pigs were racing and that sparked the idea to do it here,” Bernadette says. “We had a pen and kids would chase them.”
Parish picnic scene 1903
The biggest draw, however, is the food — all of which is prepared by church members. “Our cooks are up at 3 a.m. smoking 2,000 pounds of meat to prepare for the day ahead,” Zeunik says. For years, Bernadette was in charge of the BBQ. She’s also the one who suggested selling corn on the cob. “That first year of doing corn, we sold 600 ears,” Bernadette says. “Now we sell 3,000.” This year’s Country Fair will take place September 20-21. Attendees can once again expect tasty food, fun rides and live music, including Tightrope, Big Daddy Caddy, Cornfield Mafia, and Southridge. “The Country Fair is about bringing people together to have a good time,” Zeunik says.
36 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
Father Sean Danda
It’s hard to believe that when the church was first founded, the congregation consisted of just six families. Today, they have 2,100 members and a seating capacity of 1,500. In fact, according to Father Sean Danda, St. Malachy has become one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese and is the largest church building in the archdiocese.
only strengthens the community as a whole.
Danda, who grew up in Brownsburg, recalls how small the community was when he was a child.
As Brownsburg has grown and evolved, so, too, has St. Malachy. When they outgrew their old space, they first moved the church to this location, then later the school. With more than 78 acres, they have plenty of room for buildings and ballfields, which they share with the public.
“I remember when Jesse’s Supermarket was present,” remarks Danda, who says his dad moved the family to this small farming community so they could live in the country. “After I hit high school, I think everyone got the same idea,” Danda says. “About that time the housing market started to boom.” Today Brownsburg boasts much diversity, which Danda believes
“Our congregation has [many different ethnicities],” says Danda, the first priest to come through St. Malachy. “Combining many different experiences of the church and of the world has helped us flourish.”
“It’s been great being able to do more for the surrounding community,” Zeunik says. For instance, Brownsburg High School utilizes St. Malachy’s fields for lacrosse.
BrownsburgMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2019 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 37
Key Dates Marking History & Growth 1893 First cemetery was consecrated by Bishop Chatard—a 5-acre plot three miles west of Brownsburg 6/26/1904 A new brick church was dedicated. 1909 Second cemetery was dedicated—2-acre plot located “just a short distance” from the church 1951 In 1948-1949, there were 45 children in the parish of school age so they planned to build a school with three classrooms and living quarters for three nuns 5/15/1955 The cornerstone for St. Malachy School was laid 1974 The first Country Fair [Fare] was held 2/23/1975 A new “modern” church was dedicated that seats 650 people and is fully carpeted & air-conditioned 1979 Bell Tower was erected; the bell tower holds the bell which was originally in the belfry of the 1904 church 1995 Additional classrooms added to St. Malachy School 2001 Long-range planning began for a new church/school campus 2005 50th anniversary of St. Malachy School. The school now includes two classrooms for each grade as well as specialty classes such as library, gym, health, music, Spanish, & technology. 6/24/2007 Groundbreaking for newest St. Malachy Church; this property will eventually house the church, school, parish hall, rectory, and athletic fields 12/16/2008 Church dedicated; the structure is more than 28,000 sq. ft. & seats 1,500 worshippers 2014 Construction on new school complete
“We continue to make Brownsburg a more fruitful place to live based on the faith tradition that has been passed on,” Danda says. Bernadette Hession agrees. She still vividly recalls her dad dropping to his knees every day to pray. “We were blessed to have parents that showed us how to daily embrace our faith,” Bernadette says. St. Malachy used to have the Sisters of Providence travel from Terre Haute to teach. But since they didn’t drive, volunteers picked them up at St. Mary’s and brought them to St. Malachy. When the school was built in 1951, the nuns were able to live on-site. “Our school has come a long way from the Sisters of Providence to where we are today, producing great people like John Andretti,” Danda says. They’ve also had quite a few students go on to become valedictorians and salutatorians of Brownsburg High, Tri-West, Cathedral and Cardinal Ritter. “We’re a tight-knit community, but we prepare our students to exceed in their high school careers,” Danda adds.
Beatrice Bursten, who has been with the Parish for the past 15 years and has sent her son to St. Malachy from kindergarten through eighth grade, recalls a special evening at the 2016 Country Fair. “As everything was closing down on that Saturday evening, I was walking toward the church to the east,” Bursten says. “The manner
in which it was lit from the outside and moon just above its roof line made for a moment where I literally stopped and took it all in, recognizing that I was looking at something very meaningful.” St. Malachy Catholic Church is located at 9833 E. CR 750 N. in Brownsburg. For more information, call 317-852-3195 or visit stmalachy.org.
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Comprehensive care for women’s health | At Indiana University Health West Hospital, we provide specialized care for women at all stages of life—from puberty senior years. Our University teams of experienced Comprehensive care for through women’sthe health | At Indiana Health healthcare providers are dedicated to helping keep you as healthy West Hospital, we provide specialized care for women at all stages of as possible throughout your From the time you enter puberty and need life—from puberty through thelife. senior years. Our teams of experienced woman-specific care,dedicated through your reproductive years and beyond, healthcare providers are to helping keep you as healthy as we provide the special care you need at every age and every stage. possible throughout your life. From the time you enter puberty and need Learn morecare, at iuhealth.org/womens-health. woman-specific through your reproductive years and beyond, we provide the special care you need at every age and every stage. Learn more at iuhealth.org/womens-health. ©2019 IUHealth
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