Plainfield Magazine December 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Drink It Down

Mellencamp Whiskey Company Does It for the Farmers, the Fun and the Flavor

Spirit of the Season

YMCA Kicks off Holiday Programming

OASIS DINER CELEBRATES A FEW CRUCIAL MILESTONES

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DRINK IT DOWN Mellencamp Whiskey Company Does It for the Farmers, the Fun and the Flavor

10 DECEMBER CALENDAR

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

YMCA Kicks off Holiday Programming

18 A HELPING OF HISTORY

Oasis Diner Celebrates a Few Crucial Milestones

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DRINK IT DOWN

MELLENCAMP WHISKEY COMPANY DOES IT FOR THE FARMERS, THE FUN AND THE FLAVOR

Writer / Ryan McConnell

ith a name that is synonymous with Indiana, Mellencamp Whiskey Company has hit the ground running.

What is the story about the brand that has partnered with Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Brown County, Indiana, to release a series of limited-edition bottles of whiskey?

Founders Levi Collison and Hud Mellencamp are longtime childhood friends and neighbors. Collison explains that the seed was planted on an evening in 2020 while sitting around the campfire. “Hud and I are both getting a little bit older, and as a young man ages, you begin to think about your future,” he says. “We both thought it would be a very cool thing to go into business with each other in pursuit of an endeavor that we are interested in and both love.”

As the evening wore on, they began to discuss some common interests, which led to Mellencamp bringing up the idea for establishing a whiskey company. Collison describes that idea as one that came together “very serendipitously.” Mellencamp began the work by scouring the internet to learn about the industry and brainstorm names before approaching his dad, John Mellencamp, and eventually Lights Out Bourbon Owner Chris Lytle, for input. Mellencamp recalls wanting a catchy name like Lytle’s company, “but within the realm of Mellencamp world, as he describes it.

“After rolling around other ideas in Mellencamp lore, it eventually led to a few ideas,” Mellencamp says. “John said we could use any of the song names and any of the paintings we could find on his website.” From there, the two began work on the project for

several weeks weeks before returning to John. Collison recalls filing for the LLC at 12:37 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and smiles, saying “once we decided we were ready to do it, we were ready to do it. It has evolved from there and it’s a labor of love for both of us.”

From the beginning, Mellencamp focused on maintaining strong local Indiana ties. “We talked to couple of people in the Indiana area,” he says. “We wanted to make sure it was local, and Indiana was a big part of it because that’s kind of our footprint. We were born and raised in Indiana, and we like to be part of the community as much as possible.”

It was not until their last meeting when things seemed to come together. That meeting was with Hard Truth Distilling Co. “Hard Truth had never done a collaboration before, so it was new ground for both of us to come into

this meeting,” Mellencamp says. “It turned out that we had a lot of things in the same mindset. They wanted to do something for the farmers; we wanted to do something for the farmers. They wanted to keep it local; we wanted to keep it local. The master distiller lived a quarter mile away from both Levi and I our whole lives, and we didn’t even know it. So a lot of random things came together that day and we found out we could all work together well.”

“Bryan Smith, head distiller, shares a lot of the same interests with us, whiskey obviously being one of them, but Bryan is a big fisherman like me,” Collison adds. “He also has a love for some good bands that both Hud and I are into. So when we get together, about 50% of the talk is about whiskey and 50% is talking about what we enjoy doing, and that is why it works so well. It’s not only a business partnership, but Mellencamp Whiskey is a friend of Hard Truth and Hard Truth is a friend of Mellencamp Whiskey. We are working toward a common goal together.”

Both companies entered the project to produce four limited edition bottles that would have their own distinct flavor. With two bottles already released, the third is scheduled for release in late September. Collison states that the releases are always during the spring and fall. “This whole project centers around the farmers, the grains they produce and giving back to farmers - keeping it farmcentric,” he says.

“We give a portion of revenue from each bottle to Farm Aid through Hard Truth’s Grounded in Truth initiative,” Mellencamps says. Both emphasize the release dates are a tip of the hat to planting and harvest season for farmers.

Both founders approach their business with passion and a goal to make this their fulltime career. Currently, both work full-time, daily jobs while juggling the demands of being business owners. From the beginning they have taken zero outside investment from anyone for this project, and any expenses incurred are covered by the two of them. Collison works as a manager in the communications industry, and says “this is the American dream, and what a labor of love is. We work eight hours for someone else, and

then come home and willingly put in those overtime hours working on Mellencamp Whiskey Company. We are both excited and happy to build something for ourselves and Indiana.”

Mellencamp tours as a manager for his dad, and can promote the brand while John is onstage and during time off while on the road. Although his dad is not involved as an owner, Mellencamp says “he is incredibly supportive, especially for something that he does not participate with [drinking], but he opened his mind to what the industry can do besides the drinking aspect. He will help us from the artistic side for the bottle labels, and assisted with the company logo.”

The recent release does have the elder Mellencamp giving additional advice. He assisted with giving feedback on the aroma. This recent release is his favorite, which is a harvest rye whiskey finished in French oak. John’s influence can also be recognized in other areas. Not only are the ingredients sourced from Indiana farmers, but last fall, things came full-circle with Mellencamp as the company was able to have their whiskey showcased at Farm Aid.

When asked about the whiskey, the two describe their product as “bold.” Prior to beginning their endeavor, they described their whiskey preference to each other to find middle ground. Fortunately, with four bottles they can provide their personal flavor profile and experiment with others. Collison is a self-described “rye guy,” and enjoys a high proof with more bite, whereas Mellencamp likes a sweeter bourbon style. Mellencamp points out that “even with the higher-proof liquid, with the sweet mash process, it can be a higher proof and not be as overwhelming as other products on the market.”

“A local Indiana liquor store is going to place Mellencamp Whiskey throughout Indiana, and we plan to do in person events,” Mellencamp says when asked about recent favorite company moments. Also, while in Nashville, Tennessee, he was looking for a bottle. Ducking into one store, he was told that not only did they carry it, but it was sold out with preorders for the recent release.

Collison’s favorite moment was being at Farm Aid and attending the Mellencamp Whiskey tasting. “Having 250 people hold up a glass of Mellencamp Whiskey with great music in the background was a moment when things felt like it came full-circle,” he says. “That was the moment I realized we did something we could be proud of, and had accomplished something real.”

Both are excited about how the company will evolve. “We are creating Mellencamp Whiskey to continue the legacy that John really created with Farm Aid, but at the same time doing it in Hud’s own way and making it Hud’s own thing,” Collison says. “We want to continue that legacy for farmers into the future. We plan to pick up that mantle and the continuation of the Mellencamp name and the association with Farm Aid into the future. Levi hopes that in 20 years, when people hear the name Mellencamp, they will not think about ‘Pink Houses’, but about ‘Pink Houses’ and Mellencamp Whiskey!”

For info on upcoming in-person events, apparel, drink recipes and announcements, visit mellencampwhiskey.com. Also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

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Banish your “bah humbugs” and celebrate the season at the Indiana Repertory Theatre! irtlive.com

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LET’S GIVE FOOD DRIVE

TOWN OF BROWNSBURG, 35 N GREEN ST.

9 AM-4 PM

The Town of Brownsburg is hosting its annual Let’s Give Food Drive from Monday, October 28 to Friday, 6, in partnership with the Messiah Lutheran Church food pantry.

STEAM STATION PLAINFIELD-GUILFORD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1120 STAFFORD RD. 10-10:30 AM

Learn, read and explore together! This interactive story time introduces STEAM concepts and early literacy skills to young children and their caregivers. plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info

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6 TREES OF PLAINFIELD

AL AND JAN BARKER SPORTS COMPLEX

6:30-8:30 PM

Join the expert herself, Mrs. Claus, for a festive cookiedecorating class at Trees of Plainfield! She’ll share her love for baking and maybe even a secret ingredient or two.

“ELF THE MUSICAL” CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL OF BUTLER UNIVERSITY, 4602 SUNSET AVE. 7-9 PM

“Elf The Musical” is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.

23 INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR PRESENTS: FESTIVAL OF CAROLS

HOWARD L. SCHROTT CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 610 W. 46TH ST. 7:30-9:30 PM

This beloved holiday tradition returns to the intimate Schrott Center for the Arts, featuring the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. eventvesta.com

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Spirit of the Season

YMCA KICKS OFF HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING

Writer / Melissa Gibson

If you missed the official kickoff of the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA’s holiday season with the annual Gobble Gallop on Thanksgiving morning, they once again brought in more than 1,500 participants and raised funds to support programming and membership opportunities throughout the year.

They have plenty of unique, familyfriendly events in the next few weeks to add to the calendar.

Through December 6, their Giving Tree is available at the Avon location. Members of the community can grab an ornament off of the tree and purchase new, unwrapped gifts for a child in need.

“We partner with an elementary school in Wayne Township and an elementary school in Avon, and work with their guidance counselors to identify the underserved over the holiday season,” said Don Casey, associate executive director for Hendricks Regional Health YMCA.

In 2023 the YMCA served one of their largest numbers of youths to date with more than 250 gifts, and Casey anticipates serving a few more in 2024.

Photographer / Amy Payne

“There are always some last-minute needs and we don’t want to turn kids away,” Casey said. “There’s a huge need and a huge opportunity for us to do more. We’re looking for additional corporate partnerships too because we can’t do it alone.”

Each ornament on the tree will have a QR code on it, giving participants a list of the child’s needs and wants for the season. All gifts need to be dropped off at the YMCA by December 6. Then, on December 7 they’ll hold a wrapping party before inviting parents to stop by for pickup.

From giving and helping others to family fun time, the YMCA will host their second annual Grub With the Grinch on December 7. The event started out as a fun and unique spin and grew to include numerous holiday brunch and character visits in the area. It became a favorite activity of many Hendricks County residents last year.

You can’t beat visiting with the guy in green and his cantankerous mood, all while celebrating the holiday season with friends, family and fun.

YMCA staff will serve brunch and families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the morning.

“Last year we served over 200 kids,” Casey said. “They’ll decorate ornaments for the ornament decorating contest, participate in games and crafts, and we’ll have the movie, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’, playing upstairs. They’ll be able to visit with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who for photos.”

The Grinch will be in the area throughout the holiday season too. It’s not uncommon for him to pop in to the early learning program, or a familyfriendly event throughout November and December, so be sure to keep your eye out for other Grinch sightings.

Grub With the Grinch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December

7. Families need to register for the event online or at the front desk. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers per person, and you’ll receive an assigned staggered arrival time to give participants the best experience possible.

Finally, on December 17, the public is invited to the early learning program’s annual winter concert.

There’s no question that watching little ones sing their hearts out will cause

you to bring the Christmas spirit home with you, and Casey called this year’s performance “extra special.”

“We looked at the diversity and background of the kids we have, and we have welcomed 15 families from countries all over the world, so we’re working on an all-inclusive concert that brings all of those countries together as a part of the early learning program’s event,” Casey said.

Of course, as a facility that welcomes 8,500 members throughout the year, the YMCA works to include all ages from all walks of life, and they do that through the various programs offered.

“In one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, we want to figure out ways to service active older adults, teens, children - the entire family,” Casey said.

Most recently, the YMCA has partnered with Sheltering Wings, the domestic abuse treatment and prevention center in Hendricks County, with the ultimate vision of creating a teen night each week.

“We want to designate a space for our teenagers meant specifically for them, with video games and board games and other fun activities,” Casey said. “This would bring teens together from all of our high schools in Hendricks and western Marion County, and it allows students to meet others outside of their traditional high school circle. We’ll be looking for support in that area soon so we have the needed supplies to launch.”

In fact, Casey said the YMCA is so much more than swimming and exercise. Many are unaware of the numerous programs they offer, from chronic disease prevention to kids’ night out, giving parents a break for the evening.

You can bring your six-month-old to the child care center while the adults work out, or participate in a veteran Hero Challenge.

“We couldn’t list all of the things we have to offer, but we want the community to know that they can expect this level of quality and service in every program,” Casey said. “It can be a challenge but it’s something we are going to do.”

The Grinch getting in shape for Christmas

The Grinch is not sure about this workout plan

The YMCA is celebrating its 170th anniversary in December, showcasing a long history of providing programs and activities to families across the globe.

As a nonprofit, they are dependent upon community support, sponsorships and donations. On Giving Tuesday, December 3, they ask for your support for not just Avon, but also all YMCA locations.

Look for membership promotions in midDecember. It’s an opportunity to join for the first time or return after a break. There are a lot of new programs and events to look forward to.

“In 2025 as we move forward, we have things coming down the pipeline that are community-centric, and everyone is represented in this space,” said Roland Smith, executive director. “It’s a place we can all gather. Look for some amazing things the community can get involved in, and we’ll continue to make an impact in those areas we do well.”

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•

OASIS DINER CELEBRATES A FEW CRUCIAL MILESTONES

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

If you haven’t been to the Oasis Diner in Plainfield, you’re likely in the minority.

They are known for their top-of-the-line tenderloins, country-fried breakfast and handcrafted sodas.

The food has made top-10 lists with USA Today and resides on four different Indiana Culinary Trails with the Indiana Foodways Alliance.

Aside from the food, however, the other feature that keeps many coming back is the history and nostalgia of the building itself. Oasis Diner celebrated 10 years in their current Plainfield location on November 22, as well as the 70th birthday of the

diner’s build in 1954.

Walking in the front door of the Oasis, first thoughts might go to the days spent with friends at the local diner wherever you lived, the music of the day piping through speakers, clothing styles, and good times.

You might simply reminisce, or you might think about the history of this particular building - and it’s certainly got a story.

The diner was manufactured by Mountain View Diners in Signac, New Jersey, shipped via railroad to the east side of Plainfield and owned by James Canavan until the early 1970s. After a few owners tried their hand at the diner scene, Raymond Piercy

took it over in 1985 and operated the diner until 2008.

Today local entrepreneur Doug Huff is at the helm as owner, and has worked to restore the building and preserve our memories.

“It sat just four miles east of where we are now, right at the Plainfield-Indianapolis line,” said Huff. “I have a construction company and there was a recession in 2008. I was looking to diversify and saw a blog from Indiana Landmarks about the 10 most endangered historical buildings, and Oasis was one of them.”

Huff began working with the Town of

Doug & Staff

Plainfield with the desire to restore and reopen what many remember as a go-to spot over the decades.

“The front, stainless-steel part is original,” he said. “We reupholstered the booth seats and re-laminated the tables and countertops, but it’s all original. The tile on the floor is original. We had to extend the back a little bit to make way for ADA-accessible restrooms and additional kitchen space, but even then, we tried to reuse original pieces for the new part of the building.”

You might remember the front-page news when the Oasis Diner made its move from the Plainfield-Indianapolis line to downtown Plainfield, where it sits today. They may have restored the diner to its former glory, but Huff knew he was handling many memories along the way.

“So many generations grew up going to the diner,” he said. “I wanted it to be in downtown Plainfield as a place to gather, but we didn’t turn it into a 1950s feel on purpose. We highlighted all of the decades it’s been around. We have 45s, records, tapes and CDs. We have lunchboxes and license plates from all the decades. We wanted to honor that and I think that’s why people love it. It’s a reminder of the past.”

Huff said he never would have imagined Oasis as successful as it is today, but with such community support and encouragement, Oasis now serves as a go-to place for future generations too.

Looking back over the past 10 years, he recalls the care they put into their famous tenderloin.

“The recipe came from the previous owner and I knew the tenderloin was going to be huge,” Huff said. “We hand-cut and press ourselves, cube it, and bread it when you order so it’s always fresh. We put in the extra effort to make sure we get it right.”

The outdoor patio with seating was a win for most. Placing the diner next to the trails

and along Main Street made it a destination for those who spend the afternoon biking, shopping and now attending events at the art center.

Over the years Huff found more ways to incorporate the history of the diner too.

“We found some plywood, originally tacked to the back of the diner when they shipped it,” he said. “They would paint on the plywood where it was manufactured, where it was shipping to, etcetera. A few years ago I was able to piece it back together and we had a local artist reproduce it on the back of the diner.”

Perhaps the reason so many enjoy the diner is Huff’s attention to detail and appreciation for its history.

“I like to take things they don’t make like this anymore,” he said. “You can’t reproduce it, so I think, ‘Why not redeem it and restore it?’

Don’t throw things away that are important. I’ve always been a creative person and I just enjoy creating new things.”

These days, Huff is incredibly busy. He still

owns that construction company, and most recently he opened The Prewitt just down the block from The Oasis Diner.

He said the key is to have the right people on the job.

“My General Manager Danyelle McCraig has been with me since day one,” he said. “She started as a server and then became general manager, and she’s been able to keep things consistent and well-managed over the years. We’ve got the same thing with The Prewitt. It’s so cool to be a part of it.”

The Oasis Diner team celebrated the 10th and 70th anniversary the week of November 18 with limited-time posters and tie-dye T-shirts available for purchase to commemorate the occasion. Those famous tenderloins were on sale for $10 a piece in honor of the 10-year anniversary.

If the community has a say, the Oasis will

be a fixture of downtown Plainfield for another 10 years.

“It feels like an icon for Plainfield and Hendricks County,” Huff said. “I always wanted it to not be my diner, but Plainfield’s diner. I came along after many other people

owned and established it as an important piece of our history. I love how the community has embraced it and it’s just a special thing to be a part of.”

To learn more, go to oasisdiner.com.