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A SIDE OF HISTORY: OASIS DINER CO-OWNER TALKS RELOCATION, MILITARY & TEACHING CAREER & MORE

Cats may enjoy nine lives, but felines have nothing on Don Rector, who, in his 72 years, has tackled multiple careers and a wide range of experiences. As a young man, Rector, co-owner of the Oasis Diner in Plainfield, served as an Army Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. In 1968, a hand grenade ripped apart his legs, leaving his life hanging in the balance.

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SEPTEMBER WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott Berl Meyer

SEPTEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS Darren Boston / Amy Payne D. Johnston

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Plainfield Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

6 Above & Beyond: Plainfield

31 Taking The Crown: Haley Begay

11 A Side Of History: Oasis Diner Co-

36 Business Spotlight: Rocket Fizz

Superintendent Scott Olinger Talks 10 Years In School Administration Owner Talks Relocation, Military & Teaching Career & More

18 Should Your Kids Specialize In One Sport?

20 B ird Feeding Basics 101 24 Keeping The Faith: Hendricks

County Chaplains Offer Hope in Dark Times

Talks Winning Miss Indiana, Career Aspirations & Giving Back Soda Pop & Candy Shop

41 The Imagination Lab: Plainfield

Community Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Innovative Lab Encourages Students to Love Learning

46 Quaker Day Parade And Festival:

The Plainfield Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local Plainfield area residents. Magazines are distributed to more than 11,000 Plainfield area homeowners and businesses each month.

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PLAINFIELD SUPERINTENDENT SCOTT OLINGER TALKS 10 YEARS IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photogrpahy / Provided

Superintendent Scott Olinger just finished his tenth year as Superintendent of the Plainfield School District. Prior to this position, he served as a principal at Plainfield High School and Batesville High School. Early in his career, he worked in Shelbyville as a teacher, coach and administrator. “What drove me to this profession were the teachers and coaches I had growing up who had a big impact on me,” says Olinger, a Butler alum and football player who earned his superintendent’s license from Indiana State.

Olinger, his wife Heather and their daughters Paige, Brynn and Samantha moved to Plainfield in the summer of 2005. He’s been impressed with the community aspect ever since he arrived. “It has a small-town feel yet we still have big-city amenities practically in our backyard,” Olinger says. One thing that people may not realize is that the majority of the employees who work in the Plainfield school system also live in and around Plainfield. “That says a lot — that folks not only want to work in a community but also raise their families here,” says Olinger, who is immensely proud of the unrelenting

dedication of his staff. “These individuals are some of the best around. They care so much for our students,” he says. “I don’t think people understand how hard our teachers work — how much time they take away from their own families in order to help their grade level or class.” He notes that the teachers are always trying to brainstorm improvements. “I’m not a status quo guy, and we don’t have status quo teachers,” he says. That’s why, year after year, the Plainfield schools are rated as 4-star, “A” schools. “We’re proud of those factors,” Olinger says. “Our goal by graduation day is for

6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

every student to either be accepted to college, have a job lined up or have signed with the military.” Just this month the Imagination Lab opened its doors to Plainfield elementary students. A STEM Center, this space is designed to engage and enrich students in grades K-5 through hands-on learning and by utilizing wide-open spaces, natural light, bright colors and collaborative learning techniques. In addition to the Imagination Lab, which is focused on elementary students, Olinger and his team hope to later open a STEM Center for middle school students. “We are constantly looking at what we can do to improve what we do for our kids,” Olinger says.

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At the high school level, they involve students in mentorships and internships. Though it’s hard to convince families that the four-year route is not always the best option for all kids, Olinger’s goal is to change that mindset. “There are a lot of exciting opportunities for kids pursuing different paths,” he says. “We’re trying to help them determine the path that’s right for them.” One way they do this is by enabling students to leave campus and enter the workforce for part of the day. Another offcampus option is for students to sign up for college credit classes outside of school. “We hope that a lot of our kids will graduate from PHS with several college credits under their belts,” Olinger says. “Or possibly save some money, allowing them to graduate from college in 3-3.5 years rather than the traditional 4-5 years.” To aid in that process, PHS employs two college and career advisors who help students navigate the process. The traditional high school counselors are still there to guide students in finding their true passion by bringing in various speakers and career people to offer fresh insight. “This is one way we’re unique from other districts,” Olinger PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2018 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 7

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says. “These career advisors provide a whole separate role as we partner with outside businesses to give kids work experience.” Part of the curriculum with the Imagination Lab will be to engage individuals in all aspects of work life, starting at the elementary level.

be all. “We don’t want to be drilling all the time because we don’t want students to lose their thirst for knowledge,” he says. “We want them to be lifelong learners.”

Olinger, a lifelong lover of all sports, grew up in athletics, having coached football, basketball and track. He even coached “What we’ve found is that often we don’t football at Franklin College for several reach students until middle or high school years. Olinger and his wife like engaging in and by then they’ve missed out on a lot outdoor activities, especially hiking, biking of opportunities,” Olinger says. “We will and kayaking. To unwind, they travel to constantly be putting people in front of Nashville, stay at a cabin, and kayak the our students in grades K-5, talking to them rivers in the area. about careers and discussing what these “For me, nature is key to relaxing,” he says. jobs might be like in 10-15 years from now Still, he likes to blend his two loves — when they’ll be entering the field.” school and nature — by participating in various events to raise money for the PTO, This proactive approach better equips such as Polar Plunge and the annual spring students to navigate through middle and Walkathon, which raised more than $80,000 high school as they make course selections. in 2017-2018. In addition, last year Olinger “We’re all about fostering the joy of accompanied third-grade students on field learning,” Olinger says. trips to college campuses where he enjoyed watching kids’ faces as they took it all in. So often today’s generation of students grumble about how much they dislike “They liked walking the campus, but the school. That’s due, in part, to so much thing they loved most was dining in a testing, and though testing is important, college cafeteria because they could eat Olinger maintains that it’s not the end all, all they wanted,” he says. “But the whole

idea is exposing kids at an early age so that we might open their eyes to the endless possibilities.” He appreciates such opportunity because it simply didn’t exist in generations past. “When I went to school, things were more traditional. We all followed a certain path,” Olinger says. “It’s a bigger world out there now, and that’s exciting.” Each year Olinger looks forward to graduation day when he gets to witness the joyful culmination of students’ success. This year was especially poignant as he watched his youngest daughter, Samantha, move her tassel from right to left. “That’s definitely one of the perks of this job — being able to stand on stage as both father and superintendent and hand my daughters their diplomas,” Olinger says. He also likes hearing students and families talk about the next phase of life. “Once they cross that stage, they’re on their own,” Olinger says. “But I feel good about that because I know that we’ve provided them with those abilities and tools to go on to that next level of their journey with confidence.”

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Oasis Diner Co-Owner Talks Relocation, Military & Teaching Career & More Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

“It was touch and go for awhile,” says Rector, who, for days, came in and out of consciousness. Even in the face of such devastation, he maintained a positive perspective.

After 19 months in the hospital, Rector walked out on his own two feet and stayed on active duty for an additional seven years. “All I ever wanted to be was a soldier,” Rector says.

“I felt fortunate,” says Rector, a grateful Purple Heart recipient. “My whole company was nearly wiped out. And my roommate lost his eyesight to a hand grenade that exploded in his face.”

At 31, however, he went home to Indianapolis to care for his sick wife and three little boys (he later adopted a daughter). Soon thereafter, Rector joined Allison Transmission, where he worked

SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

for eight years. Following that, he worked for his dad’s machine-building business in New Castle. He enjoyed a stable career in the automotive and aircraft industry for nearly 20 years before moving to Hendricks County in 1996 where he met Connie. They married in 1997.

was rampant, and he was on security duty for road construction with the Agency for International Development.

That same year he switched gears again and became a high school teacher, first at Ben Davis, then Center Grove. Though he was certified in social studies, he taught everything from English to Math. While teaching at Center Grove, he also worked as a reserve deputy sheriff in Johnson County.

He was recruited by the U.S Army’s special operations team to go back to Afghanistan for 16 months. His initial assignment was in the city of Jalalabad. He spent a year there, then two years in Gardez, a major city near the Pakistan border. His final assignment took him to Kandahar where he remained for four years.

Rector’s three sons joined the National Guard and went to Iraq. In 2004, Rector joined two of his sons in Afghanistan. “People asked me all the time what I was doing in Afghanistan at 58 years old, but this was an old man’s dream come true,” says Rector, who in the first year ran the training program for the Afghan National Police. During that time, nobody ever fired a weapon. During years 2-5, however, fighting

“We had 500 Afghan soldiers who each morning cleared the mines and booby traps,” Rector says.

While all of this was occurring, back in Plainfield, The Oasis Diner was experiencing issues of its own. The diner, originally manufactured by Mountain View Diners in Signac, New Jersey, was shipped via railroad to the east side of Plainfield in 1954. “The front portion was built like a house SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

trailer with a steel frame under it,” says Rector, noting that in the early 50s, hundreds of these units were shipped via rail cars all over the United States but primarily along Highway 40 and Route 66, the major cross-country highways. “The predecessor to McDonald’s, in the 50s and 60s, these diners were the main eating stop for traveling families,” Rector says. In 2010, Indiana Landmarks listed the Oasis Diner as one of Indiana’s 10 Most Endangered Buildings, which prompted the Town of Plainfield to conduct a feasibility study on the possible relocation of the diner to the heart of the revitalized Town Center. Rector’s step-daughter and her husband, Doug Huff, had settled in Plainfield to raise their children. Rector’s son-in-law had been in the construction business for 18 years so when the Oasis Diner was for sale, he asked Rector if he’d like to become partners and renovate it. Though the men had no experience in running a restaurant, they

were eager to give it a shot. Plus, Rector had nagging injuries from the military, causing him to have to rebuild his right shoulder, left ankle and both knees. So, he thought it wise to choose a job that was kind to his body. The two relocated the Oasis four miles west to 405 W. Main Street and reopened this historical landmark in November 2014, having restored the diner’s interior and exterior to its original appearance. It’s one of only a handful of historical diners to remain on US 40 from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. When they restored the building, Huff and Rector tried to recreate everything the way it was in 1954, including the food, décor, even the booths and tables. “That’s a big part of our draw. People like that we saved this old piece of history,” Rector says. “Customers tell me all the time, ‘My dad used to take me here when I was little.’”

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Another fun fact: when Rector was working on financing for the diner, he went into Merchant’s Bank where he learned that the branch manager was employed five decades earlier as the diner’s night cook. It’s not just the history that draws people to the Oasis but the quality food and friendly atmosphere. “People won’t come back unless the food is tasty and the staff is kind,” Rector adds. He mentions Raymond Piercy, who operated the diner until his health declined in 2008. “Everybody loved this man,” says Rector, noting that the secret to any successful business is hiring the right individuals. In the foodservice industry, people tend to come and go, but a handful of people have remained at the Oasis since it opened, including managers, Danyell and Jennifer, and Tim, a senior cook.

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Not surprisingly, the diner hosts a number of “regulars,” including a retired school teacher who eats at least one meal a day there and two ladies who sit in the corner booth 2-3 times a week. Rector chats with the customers when he’s not acting as a reserve deputy for Hendricks County. “After the knee surgery, I couldn’t chase bad guys,” Rector laments. “And with the rebuilt shoulder, I’m no good in a street fight, but I figured I could supply manpower.”

cups of coffee a day — a “perk” of coowning a diner. Another great thing is the partnership between Rector and Huff. They complement the other nicely as Huff is a great “numbers guy” and Rector is a phenomenal “people person.” As the diner’s operations manager, Rector employs the same techniques he did as an army leader, a foreman and a teacher.

“I love leading people,” Rector says. “I’m fortunate to have recruited some of the best.” The Oasis Diner is open 7 a.m.- 9 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 317-837-7777 or visit oasisdiner.com.

He mainly does home visits for those listed in the sex offender registry, checking up every 90 days on these folks, many of whom are trying to make amends with society by doing volunteer work. Rector also is involved with outreach. For instance, every Monday from May through October he takes foster kids to Little Oaks Ranch west of Hendricks County where they can ride, feed and groom the horses. In addition, he’s done mission work in South Africa building homes for orphans affected by the AIDS epidemic. If you wonder where Rector gets all of his energy, he admits to drinking 10-15

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should your kids specialize in one sport? It is exciting to watch your kid become an athletic star. But before you commit your young athlete to intense training in his or her best sport, Dr. Brian Badman, orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist at Indiana University Health West Hospital suggests putting multiple sports into play. here’s why Sports specialization means your child trains for more than eight months per year in a single sport. Doing this before the teen years comes with a greater risk for burnout and injury. A lack of variety early on may hinder your child’s development of neuromuscular skills that help prevent injury. Specializing in one

sport also means your child will be using the same body parts over and over again, without needed rest. Encourage your young athlete to explore multiple sports while he or she is still growing physically, mentally and socially. “I see shoulder injuries year-round, with an increase during baseball and softball season,” Dr. Badman says. “The injuries I see in adolescents and teenagers are often related to overuse and single-sport athletes. It has become increasingly common for an athlete to play one sport year-round, with the intention of mastering that sport. Coaches, parents and athletes should remember that our shoulders were not designed to repetitively SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

throw a ball year-round.” Dr. Badman adds that it is important your children are giving their bodies’ breaks and cross training between sports seasons. This is especially crucial in adolescents because their growth plates are still open and subject to stress and strains. “Growth plates are the areas of new and active bone growth,” Dr. Badman says. “They are made of cartilage, just like your nose. The growth plates stop growing around ages 13-15 in girls and around ages 15-17 for boys. Most growth plate injuries heal and do not affect future bone growth, but it is something to watch for and speak with your doctor about if injury occurs.”

be safe at any sport No matter how many sports your child plays, Dr. Badman recommends keeping these safety tips in mind: •

Make sure your child has a diet that meets his or her training needs. It should include the right amount of calories and nutrients, including iron, calcium and vitamin D.

•

Give your child at least three months off from a specialized sport every year, in increments of one month, to allow for physical and mental recovery.

•

Ensure that your child has at least one to two days off per week from any given sport. This reduces the chance of injury.

•

Always make time for stretching to avoid unnecessary strain and potential injuries.

•

If an injury still hurts after 4-6 weeks of rest and anti-inflammatories, or if pain starts to occur at rest or at night, make an appointment with your doctor. When in doubt, always check with your doctor.

Young athletes look to adults for help preventing injuries, and parents frequently look to coaches to prevent their child from sustaining serious injury. Unfortunately, not all coaches are certified or familiar with how to prevent and recognize sports injuries. Parents can help by getting their young athlete a pre-participation physical exam and talking with their child’s doctor about signs of injury.

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The seed that attracts the widest variety of birds, and so the mainstay for most backyard bird feeders, is sunflower. Other varieties of seed can help attract different types of birds to round out your backyard visitors. In general, mixtures that contain red millet, oats and other “fillers” are not attractive to most birds and can lead to a lot of waste as the birds sort through the mix. Also, corn may be included in this list for it attracts unwanted birds like starlings and grackles. By far the seed that attracts the most birds is sunflower seed. There are two kinds of sunflower — black oil and striped. The black sunflower seeds (“oilers”) have very thin shells, easy for virtually all seed-eating birds to crack open, and the kernels within have a high-fat content, extremely valuable for most winter birds. Striped sunflower seeds have a thicker shell, much harder for House Sparrows and blackbirds to crack open. So, if you’re inundated with species you’d rather not subsidize eating your black

oil sunflower, before you do anything else, try switching to striped sunflower. Safflower has a thick shell, hard for some birds to crack open but is a favorite among cardinals. Some grosbeaks, chickadees, doves and native sparrows also eat it. According to some sources, House Sparrows, European Starlings and squirrels don’t like safflower but in some areas seem to have developed a taste for it. Cardinals and grosbeaks tend to prefer tray and hopper feeders, which makes these feeders a good choice for offering safflower. No shells. No mess. 100 percent edible. The No-Mess Blend is great near flower beds, patios and decks. The No-Mess Blend bird seed features seeds that have had their shells removed so only the meat of the seed is left. No hulls on the seeds make for tidier feeding since there’s no debris on the ground to clean up. Pound for pound, No-Mess Blend bird seed SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

offers the best value because you do not pay for uneaten seed waste. The birds eat everything. The No-Mess Blend’s mix of sunflower chips hulled white millet and shelled peanuts appeals to birds that eat at the feeder or on the ground.

Jewels of the Garden, the Hummingbird During the summer months, everyone enjoys the sighting of hummingbirds. It’s best to use a non-gravity feeder that looks like a flying saucer because bees, yellowjackets and wasps find it difficult to get to the nectar because the liquid does not come within the feeding port. For centuries, gardeners have been fascinated with the beauty and aerobatics of hummingbirds. The key to attracting hummingbirds to your yard is to plant lots

of flowers and provide the habitat that will give them shade, shelter, food and security. Plants, including flowering shrubs, dwarf trees and vines, can all be used to create an ideal tiered habitat from ground level to 10 feet or more. Provide lots of space between plants to give hummingbirds enough room to hover and navigate from flower to flower. Hummingbirds love water, especially if it’s moving. A gentle, continuous spray from a nozzle or a sprinkler hose is perfect for a bath on the fly. Hummingbirds do not have a keen sense of smell and rely on bright colors to find their food. They are particularly fond of red and are often observed investigating feeders with red parts, red plant labels, red thermometers and even red clothes on a gardener, I even had one hover around my red gas container. Note: Do not use red dye in a hummingbird feeder, there is concern that it may harm the

birds. Instead, use plain, clear sugar water (one part white sugar mixed with four parts water). The hummers love it! If your feeder does not have red on it, attach a red label or other item to attract them. Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines,

daylilies, and lupines. Biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens and petunias. And lastly, hummingbirds do consume small beetles, true bugs, weevils, flies, gnats, mosquitoes, aphids, mites, leafhoppers, flying ants and parasitic wasps. Their favorite insect food source is the spider and harvestmen (daddy long legs).

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Chaplain Rick Adkins

HENDRICKS COUNTY CHAPLAINS OFFER HOPE IN DARK TIMES Writer: Jamie Hergott Photographer / Darren Boston

office. Each week, a different chaplain is on call for duties such as death notifications to families, assisting officers in crisis situations, counseling officers or otherwise providing pastoral care to inmates and their families.

Rick Adkins, a chaplain for the Hendricks County Sheriff’s office, has seen some of the darkest moments in Hendricks County, often while the rest of the world is sleeping. The chaplaincy program typically varies in exposure according to the sheriff who is “Our primary purpose is to provide spiritual serving. and emotional support for families during a time of crisis,” Adkins says. “Death “I know Sheriff Brett Clark, being a man of notification is one of our primary purposes.” faith himself, felt the program was necessary,” Adkins is one of five chaplains, most of them local pastors, who serve the Sheriff’s

Adkins says. “He is very supportive of our branch. We have a great deal of respect for him, and we consider ourselves to be an arm SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

of the Sheriff’s Department.” All the chaplains meet once a month, where they will usually see Sheriff Clark at least pop his head in. Terry Danford, who started the program, attends when he can, though now he is a traveling evangelist and directs the program from the road. Each chaplain has one week on call each month. The rotating schedule is provided to dispatch so that they know who to call when officers have a need. Each call looks different, according to

want someone to come alongside him in the same situation. He has always had a heart for people and currently serves as Pastor at New Winchester Christian Church just west of Danville. He also drives a local school bus and has found himself needing to minister to students on his route when his job as a chaplain overlaps. He always tries to follow up with families, even though it’s not necessary. “I have a long history of pastors and preachers in my family,” Adkins says. “If I can find a way to serve someone during a very dark time, it’s

Adkins. When dispatch calls him, they share information about what happened, the name of the officer on the scene and the location. Adkins then heads that direction, no matter what time of day or night it is. Usually, when he pulls up, the officers will lead him directly to the family in need. Sometimes it’s at a residence, sometimes it’s at the scene of an accident where he can minister to the family, and sometimes he is going to share with family, or even an inmate, that someone they love has passed away. “You never know how people will react to the news,” Adkins says. “Some faint in anger, some storm out of the house, some throw things, some knew it was bound to happen at some point. The bigger picture is we are trying to walk them through the most difficult time of their lives.” While protocol is the same for each chaplain, each injects his own personality into the job. Adkins tries to keep in mind how he would SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

very rewarding. I take no pleasure in it, but that family needs someone, and we are prepared to help.” Aside from simply being available, Adkins tries to find out if families have a church home so he can contact their pastor. If they don’t, he will stay for hours until he feels they are stable enough, and the situation is calm enough to leave them. It turns out, leaving is the hardest part of the job for Adkins. “You’ve just rocked their world in a negative way,” Adkins says. “I have turned it upside down and then I’m going to leave. I don’t know what’s going to happen or who will guide them from that point forward.” Adkins has seen some dark moments. He has ministered at a school where a student committed suicide. He has walked families through deaths by drug overdoses and car accidents. He has walked parents through the death of a child, and children through

know that you’ve actually been able to provide some support to people through a difficult time.”

the death of a parent or grandparent.

“We don’t proselyte people,” Adkins says. “But our faith background does give us the experience to do what we do. The biggest Sheriff Brett Clark, elected in 2014, considers question is always why. I try to provide some the chaplaincy program a valuable part of what answers if I can. The greatest reward is to just the Sheriff’s Department provides to both the

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public and to inmates. “These guys come in, and we can give them hope and an alternative,” Clark says. “It’s easy to find religion when you’re in jail.” Clark says that the chaplains do more than people might think. In addition to death notifications, they also are available for officers or inmates who need someone to talk to. “These guys who come into jail have families as well,” Clark says. “Just because they are here doesn’t mean life outside doesn’t continue.” Clark cares deeply not just about the community but for each person who comes into the jail, remembering each one has a story and family, regardless of how they landed there.

Sheriff Brett Clark

“We give these guys a faith outlet,” Clark says. “We don’t shove it on them, but it may be the light they need to get back on track. The chaplains do a great service. They give these men and women hope.”

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Fall is the perfect time to divide plants and get your garden ready for the next growing season. In this program, participants bring 4-6 individually labeled perennial plants to trade for new ones. Master Gardener Colletta Kosiba will give gardening tips for each plant then participants get to pick a few favorites to take home. Plainfield Library 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Terry Lee & the Rockaboogie Band Pack up your kids, picnic supper, blankets and chairs for an evening of terrific entertainment under the stars. Outdoor amphitheater at Hummel Park 7:00pm – 8:00pm Free

Join the Avon Library in celebrating the past and future of Avon. Lots of games, crafts, food and fun! The Hendricks Power Cooperative bucket truck candy drop will be at 1 p.m. Avon Public Library 11:00am – 2:00pm Free

Mardi Gras, Masks, Murder!! You’re invited to a New Orleans Masquerade at the Governor’s mansion. All is fun and games until someone gets murdered. Listen and watch for clues through the night to see if you can figure out who is the murderer. Dinner will be provided. Adult Program Register at: wtp.recdesk.com.Only 25 spots available. Washington Township Park Pavilion 6:00pm – 9:00 pm $30

Join us for the 39th annual Quaker Day Parade with this year’s theme: “Salute to Service” Plainfield Community Middle School 10:00am – 12:00pm

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Movies on the Hill – Star Wars – The Last Jedi

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Registration is recommended either at the front desk, by calling (317) 839-7665 or emailing havefun@town. plainfield.in.us All pets must have proof of current vaccinations. Minimum $10 fee per dog. Splash Island Water Park Sat: 11:00am – 4:30pm Sun: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Bring your talents to our mic or your games to our tables. All ages welcome. No Registration Required Snacks and drinks provided Washington Township Park Pavilion 6:00pm – 8:00pm Free

OPEN MIC/GAMER NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING AVON

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HENDRICKS SYMPHONY PRESENTS ‘THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY’ The Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Benjamin G. Del Vecchio present "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". Don’t miss this first concert of the 2018-2019 season as the orchestra and chorus perform music by Berlioz, Mussorgsky, Haydn and others. Tickets may be purchased at www.hendrickssymphony.org or at the box office. Avon Middle School North Friday 7:30 pm & Sunday 3:00 pm

Come visit the Hendricks County Health & Wellness Fair! Saturday, September 15th 10:00 am-5:00 pm Hendricks County Fairgrounds & Conference Center 1900 E Main St, Danville Open to the public • Visit with local experts to discuss your health & wellness • Interactive beauty & fitness demonstrations

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There is any number of reasons why a college student may take a semester off school — medical reasons, a family emergency, financial issues. Haley Begay, however, currently a 20-year-old junior at Indiana University, took off last fall semester for a unique and undeniably fun reason. In June 2017, she was crowned Miss Indiana. That meant that overnight, her schedule was booked solid.

“I was crowned Miss Indiana, went back to my hotel room, ate some McDonalds and was up at 5 a.m. the next day for appearances,” Begay says. “The job starts immediately.”

“Growing up, I sat mesmerized as I watched the Miss America pageant,” she says.

Originally from Pittsboro, Begay, a tomboy and sports girl at heart, admits that hair and make-up were never really her forte.

“When I was younger, I was overweight and had terrible anxiety,” Begay says.

“I loved to run around outside and play sports,” Begay says. Nevertheless, the pageant life intrigued her. SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

Though she never dreamed that one day she would be striking a pose on a stage.

Then one day, she received a letter from the National American Miss organization, inviting her to enter a pageant. “I was an awkward, insecure 12-year-old

Once you get good at something, you start feeling good about yourself, You also make friends, gain a new skill and learn that it’s okay — even necessary — to fail. - Haley Begay with crooked teeth, yet something inside of me was dying to get on stage and perform,” says Begay, who convinced her parents to let her give it a try. They supported any idea that might boost their daughter’s selfconfidence. “We were clueless as to what to do or where to start, but we had fun,” Begay says. “Truly, that was the turning point in my life.” Begay started competing regularly in pageants beginning in sixth grade. (The National American Miss division is for ages 3-20, though teens can transition prior to 20, as Begay did.) The National American Miss pageants only occur once a year, over the Fourth of July weekend, which enables young girls to live balanced lives. For Begay, that meant playing lots of volleyball, basketball and soccer. Miss America or Miss USA are considered two separate tracks, and females can participate in both. Most girls, however, pick one or the other. Miss USA, which does not have a talent portion, is a pageant that focuses more on promoting contestants’ brands whereas Miss America, a collegiate pageant, attracts girls seeking scholarship money. For instance, contestants can earn preliminary awards for different aspects such as interview, talent or swimsuit, each worth $250. The winner of Miss Indiana wins $10,000, all of which goes toward school. Miss America earns $50,000 on top of a 6-figure salary for the year. There are 36 local pageants across the state of Indiana. They are run the same as state ones but are just one-day long. If a contestant doesn’t win one local competition, she can travel to another and compete there. Anyone who wins a local

title gets to compete in the Miss Indiana pageant, which is a week-long event that’s held in Zionsville. On June 17, 2017, Begay was crowned Miss Indiana — one of the youngest to hold the title as well as one of the first Native Americans to represent the Hoosier state. That meant she scored a ticket to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September 2017, to compete for the Miss America crown — a grueling but glorious experience. “It was insane the number of hours we rehearsed,” Begay says. “We often went to bed at 2 a.m. and were back up at 6. There were times when we’d be in the ballroom rehearsing and girls would sleep on the hardwood floor.” Following rehearsals, contestants were required to attend appearances and dinners. Though it was exhausting, Begay loved every minute of it. “I struggle to find adjectives that accurately describe that experience,” says Begay, who befriended her fellow contestants and has since attended several of their weddings. “People often assume that the girls were mean, but that was not my experience at all,” Begay says. “Yes, we were competing, but we had so much fun.” The pageants taught Begay how to carry herself both socially and academically as she gained confidence to give class presentations and make friends with a variety of people. By the time she completed high school, she felt comfortable talking to any adult, whether that be for a class, a job interview or anything else.

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“I found my passion for public speaking early in life,” Begay says. “The pageants got me ahead of the game, maturity-wise compared to my peers.” Still, Begay vividly recalls the dark days of self-loathing. She encourages girls to find something they’re passionate about — whether that’s pageants or painting, karate or cooking — and work at improving it every day. “Once you get good at something, you start feeling good about yourself,” Begay says. “You also make friends, gain a new skill and learn that it’s okay— even necessary — to fail.” Though Begay admits that she used to compare herself to others, it’s a tactic she gave up long ago when she recognized the futile nature of doing so. “Besides, I didn’t have time to look at social media and compare myself to Miss Washington or whomever,” Begay says. “I was too busy serving my state as Miss Indiana.” Busy is an understatement. For starters, she worked on developing her platform issue, which is “Don’t Silence the Violence: A Voice for Children of Domestic Violence.” It’s a topic she has felt passionate about ever since she toured the domestic violence abuse shelter in Danville. She also continues to raise funds for shelters such as Sheltering Wings. In addition, after being crowned Miss Indiana, Begay met with a personal trainer to prepare for the swimsuit portion of the competition as well as a talent coach to work on singing. She also met with dress sponsors and had an appearance nearly every day. Sometimes those appearances involved reading to a group of elementary children. Other times she was invited to speak at a golf fundraiser or sing at a ballgame. Often she was asked to deliver a motivational speech where she shared how her brave mother battled and beat brain cancer. “Doctors told us she wasn’t going to make

it, but she endured surgery, chemo and radiation and is now cancer-free,” says Begay, who tells audiences of all ages not to give up hope even in the face of hopelessness. Once a female wins Miss Indiana, she can never compete in Miss America again, so Begay plans to take a break from the pageant circuit and focus on college. Going forward, she will, however, likely judge and do speaking engagements that are pageant-related. Though she still has the option of vying for the Miss USA crown, Begay, who SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

is studying broadcast journalism and Spanish at IU, hopes to land a job as either a bilingual news broadcaster or sideline sports reporter. Begay recently returned to the Bloomington campus where she seamlessly blends into a sea of coeds. Though few people know that she spent the past year wearing a sash and crown, if someone asks her to share a fun fact about herself, she shares that she won Miss Indiana. From now until forever, that’s bound to be a great conversation starter.

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ROCKET FIZZ SODA POP & CANDY SHOP

313 Marketplace Mile Plainfield (317) 742-7654 RFplainfield@gmail.com RocketFizz.com

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop is where magical memories and tasty treats meet. “We try to stock fun memorabilia that take people back to a joyful time in their life,” says Kim Nething, who opened the Plainfield Rocket Fizz location with her husband, Jon, in 2014. “Last week a 90-yearold woman came into the shop, grabbed my hand, and began to cry when she saw that we have the candy her husband bought her on their first date. She hadn’t seen it in decades — until now.” The Nethings opened their first Rocket Fizz location on Indy’s Monument Circle in 2012 after moving from California. Kim, who was born and raised in Avon, was eager to return to her roots and introduce Rocket Fizz to the Midwest. “We took our life savings and a leap of faith and never looked back,” Kim says. “We work our booties off seven days a week, but it’s fun work. I love my job. I love our customers. Hey, we get to live in Candy Land every single day. I’m not complaining.” In essence, Rocket Fizz sells nostalgia in the way of glass-bottled, pure cane sugar sodas and all kinds of candy (both old-fashioned, current-day and imported). They also carry unique gag gifts, rare concert posters, eclectic tin signs and novelty gifts that folks grew up on like the infinity drinking bird. When customers step inside, they’re hit with a flood of childhood memories. They recall the neighborhood gathering where SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

their parents gave them a quarter to go down to the corner candy shop. They see ice cube pieces of chocolate and remember when their grandparents bought them that at the movies. “These items take people back in time,” Kim says. “This store is about reinventing the joy people had of coming into the candy store.” It’s also about providing a little nugget of home for those who are visiting from another country. Someone from Ireland, Italy or Germany, for instance, might meander into the store and find a candy they haven’t seen since they were in their country. As they savor the flavor of home, it’s like reuniting with a cherished childhood blanket. A whopping 75 percent of the store’s merchandise is not mass produced, meaning that you won’t find most of these products in another store. For instance, they sell Elvis Presley’s last concert poster from when he performed at Market Square Arena. They also have the poster for the concert he was supposed to do next in Connecticut. Plus, they sell hard-to-find seasonal items yearround such as marzipan, jelly beans and caramel apple pops. “We hit on everybody’s childhood memories — from Betty Boop to Batman,” Kim says. “We carry anything and everything we can get our hands on that will provide a memory of love and laughter.” What often pulls customers to the store are their taste buds as they are eager to sample one of the outlandish flavors Rocket Fizz’s soda scientists have created. They carry SEPTEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

more than 100 flavors of soda, including scrumptious ones like cherry cola, root beer float and lemon-limeade as well as less traditional ones like mustard, kumquat, pickle juice and, one of Kim’s favorites, Indiana sweet corn. “It’s like opening a can of corn — sweet, buttery, thick and full of flavor,” she says. They also carry barf soda (which sells well for baby showers) and dirt soda — a cola flavor that transports one back to the baseball diamond. Grass soda sells especially well on Earth Day and ranch dressing soda is a hot item for ranch dressing addicts. The store plays oldies music primarily from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. So the moment you enter Rocket Fizz, no matter your age, the sights, sounds and smells take you to your happy place. Time and again, Kim has seen people get three feet inside the door, stop dead in their tracks and begin to giggle. “That happens all the time where someone spots a candy, soda or concert poster that they attended,” Kim says. “The depth of that moment where you have sparked a memory is delightful to witness. It’s one of the reasons I feel so lucky to do what we do.” Open seven days a week, Rocket Fizz in Plainfield is located at 313 Marketplace Mile, Suite 160 in the Shops at Perry Crossing. For more information, visit rocketfizz.com.

46 / AVON MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2018 / AvonMagazine.com

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Plainfield Community School’s Innovative Lab Encourages Students to Love Learning Writer: Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

Two years ago, the Town of Plainfield determined that they no longer wanted to use the natatorium at Clark’s Creek Elementary for overflow swim lessons. As such, the Plainfield school system had to decide whether to tear down the building or find a way to reconfigure it. It seemed a shame to lose a space that offered so much potential. After some discussion and research, the Imagination Lab was born with the concept of hands-on, experiential, inquiry-based learning for K-5 students.

Designed to expose Plainfield students at Van Buren, Central, Clarks Creek and Brentwood Elementary Schools to novel and computational thinking, the goal is to get every K-5 student in the lab at least once a month (hosting 90-120 students at a time). That equals 2,500 monthly visitors (not including after-school activities). Mary Giesting, former Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning, transitioned to Director of the Imagination Lab in July. She notes that each time a group of students comes to the Lab, they

will experience a “90-minute hands-on learning odyssey.” “We call it an odyssey rather than a field trip because each time they come they will explore something new,” Giesting says. Not only that but each month the Lab will focus on a different theme. For instance, September’s theme is “Want Not, Waste Not,” which highlights the difference between a need and a want. October’s theme will be “The Space of Earth.” Prior to designing the Imagination Lab,

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Giesting and other Plainfield staff toured hands-on Labs in St. Paul, Minnesota, Aurora, Illinois and Longmont, Colorado, which is a school district dedicated to design thinking. “We were committed to creating a lab that was purposeful and meaningful,” Giesting says. “Truly, there is a reason for every single space we created.” Divided into sections, the Imagination Lab has a studio area, complete with sound rooms, green rooms, videography & cinematography and the Speaking Stairs, where students can show their peers what they’ve created. The Imagination Lab also has traditional classrooms that can be transformed into various configurations in a matter of minutes because every piece of furniture is on wheels. In the Fab Lab students work with metal, wood, sewing, embroidery and jewelrymaking to develop hands-on skills that have, in many ways, disappeared in the wake of technology. “We want to bring those skills back because in our world you can use computers and manipulate high-tech all you want, but you still have to use a hammer. You still need to know the difference between a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver,” Giesting says. A grant from Duke Energy enabled them to build a Learning Garden where students can plant, water and harvest eggplant, strawberries, carrots, tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Students will even learn how to can foods like their grandparents and great-grandparents did. There’s a section dedicated to teaching electricity (e.g., magnetism and circuitry) as well as an area for chemistry, biochemistry and — every kid’s favorite — worms. The collaboration station allows students to work in teams on chrome books and iPads creating storyboards, doing film editing and offering peerdriven critique. In addition, there’s a space dedicated to emerging technologies such as coding, animation and small robotics. 42 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

Tracy Ballinger & Mary Giesting

“Technology is rich here,” Giesting says. For instance, the sound rooms are outfitted with speaker systems that have dynamite acoustics that are perfect for podcasting. “You can podcast anywhere, but when students do it here in a dedicated sound room, it becomes real,” Giesting says. In the green room, students can make videos that parallel whatever project they are working on. For instance, with some simple software, they can add a background to their screen. So, say a second-grader writes a poem about the mountains. She can be videotaped reading the poem, then add a picture of the mountains in the background . “All of a sudden that simple project takes on a whole new dimension,” Giesting says. “It becomes an ongoing project that enables teachers to see how their students

are growing over time. Plus, we can amplify the skills that are important to kids.” In addition, the Imagination Lab will connect students with community members by inviting in policemen, firemen, doctors, lawyers and nurses but also pipe fitters, radiologists and people who move soil. Exposing young students to different kinds of jobs not only gives them a greater understanding for what it takes to make the world go-round, but it also plants the seeds for possible career options down the line. “If you don’t start those conversations until seventh or eighth grade, by that time students already have in their minds that they’re not good at math or science or that they like this or don’t like that,” Giesting says. “The truth of the matter is that they haven’t had an enriched experience at a young age to make those informed decisions.”

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By starting early, students get multiple opportunities to learn about a variety of careers so that when they reach middle school and have to start picking their high school courses, they can plan accordingly. Giesting calls the Imagination Lab an “incubator for learning” as teachers and students learn together. “It’s incredibly empowering for students to work together with a teacher to figure out how to manipulate the software to make something work,” Giesting says. “We take away that idea that the teachers have all the answers. They start to realize that teachers learn from students just as students learn from teachers.” The Imagination Lab also strives to provide an experience where students can engage, fail and know that failing is part of learning. “We want to erase the notion that they have to get it right the first time,” says Giesting, who maintains that student agency (the belief that one can control their world) determines joyful learning because when a student feels they can control their life, they find their passion. “Students who struggle in school feel they can’t control their lives,” Giesting says. “But if students have agency, if they have confidence in their skills and an appreciation for the world, they will be successful.” The same is true for adults — many of whom wish they had had access to such a facility during their formative years. “I can’t tell you how many adults have come in here and said, ‘I wish I’d had something like this when I was growing up!,” Giesting says. If you are 18 years or older and would like to volunteer at the Imagination Lab, contact Giesting at mgiesting@plainfield.k12.in.us. Learn more at plainfield.k12.in.us/o/ the-imagination-lab.

Plainfield Appoints New Police Chief Jared McKee The Town of Plainfield is pleased to announce that Jared McKee has been appointed as the Town’s new Police Chief, replacing Chief Darel Krieger, who retired August 16. Effective immediately, McKee will be appointed as the Assistant Police Chief as he and Chief Krieger collaborate through a transition period. As incoming Chief, McKee will be responsible for continuing the community’s high level of police services, enhancing community policing and outreach programming, organizing the police department to meet the needs of a growing community and provide important perspective to the Town’s management team.

McKee has an extensive law enforcement background. He worked in the Jail Division of the Hendricks County Sheriff ’s Department from 1998 to 2000 and after graduation of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, McKee began his now 18-years of service as a member of the Plainfield Police Department. McKee has been a member of the PPD Bike Patrol, Emergency Response Team and has advanced through all ranks of the department.

McKee lives in the Town of Plainfield with his wife Angela and has five children ranging in age of 3-21. McKee and his wife are also licensed foster parents, who have fostered The Town of Plainfield conducted a more than 20 children. Jared is a Certified nationwide search to fill the Chief of Police Minister in the Assembly of God Church. position. McKee was selected from a pool of He enjoys spending time with family and 30 applicants, received approval of multiple friends and challenges himself every day to panels of the interview committee and was make a positive impact in the community. recommended by the Plainfield Board of Police Commissioners.

“Captain McKee has shown superior leadership in the Plainfield Police Department for a number of years and through the interview process he proved himself to be a very worthy candidate,” Kent McPhail, Town of Plainfield Councilman, says. “I am looking forward to his tenure as the new Police Chief. He’s been very supportive of his officers all the while demanding they perform. I think he will carry those attributes as chief for the entire department.”

“The interview process was very robust, with multiple interviews of candidates from all around Indiana and beyond,” says Nate Thorne, Assistant Town Manager, who facilitated the search committee. “We had a very competitive field with several very impressive candidates. We were able to validate that our next Chief, Captain McKee, has been developing right here all along. It is very comforting to have compared his potential with the best of the best and ultimately have him come out on top.” McKee has served the Plainfield Police Department since 2000 and currently holds the rank of Captain in charge of Plainfield Police Department’s Uniform Division. McKee is originally from Monrovia, Indiana and is a Plainfield High School graduate. After graduation, McKee joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served for nine years, ultimately completing active duty at the rank of Sergeant. While in the Marines, he was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II campaigns. PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2018 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 45

Festival

CRAFT & COMMUNITY FESTIVAL COMING UP SEPT. 22 Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / D. Johnston

The Quaker Day Craft & Community Festival, a local tradition that began in the early 1970s as a rummage sale that evolved over time, will take place on September 22 with tasty food, kids activities, a car show, community parade and multiple craft vendors. The Plainfield Friends Church is in charge of the food, craft sale and kids’ activities, as well as the car show that will be held under the trees in front of the historic Western Yearly Meeting building. The Chamber runs the annual parade, which is always at capacity for entries. This year’s parade theme is “Salute to Service,” and the Grand Marshal will be Larry Paynter, owner of the Coachman Restaurant. “It was decided last year that the recipient of the Don Walhe Spirit of Service Award would be asked to be our Grand Marshal,” says Brad DuBois, Plainfield Chamber President. “Larry has worked tirelessly for the many organization within the Plainfield and Hendricks County Communities, specifically those that help veterans, so it is only appropriate to have him as our honored Grand Marshal.” Captain Jill Lees with the Plainfield Police Department has attended Plainfield’s longhonored tradition for the past 22 years. 46 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

“It’s a great time to visit with Plainfield residents and see people I know in the parade,” Lees says. “I love all the kids that come through in the parade,” adds Plainfield resident Meghann Yoke Avilez. “There are cub scouts, cheerleaders, gymnasts, show choirs and clubs of all kinds. They’re all so cute, throwing candy to the kids on the sidewalks.” Quaker Fest will take place at 105 S East Street, with the craft vendors selling merchandise from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the lawn in front of The Plainfield Friends Church. The parade begins at 10 a.m. A lunch consisting of pork chops, hot dogs and sloppy joes will be served from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in the church basement. The car show takes place from noon-4 p.m. and will include Top 10, Best in Show and Specialty awards. Judging is at 2 p.m. with an awards presentation at 3:30 p.m.

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