Plainfield Magazine March 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

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MARCH 2019

Sky Zone Plainfield Owner Talks Creating a Family-Fun Environment & Giving Back

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TAKING THE LEAP: SKY ZONE PLAINFIELD OWNER TALKS CREATING A FAMILY-FUN ENVIRONMENT & GIVING BACK

Gary Kingery had always wanted to run his own business. With a background in chemical engineering and an MBA in finance, it might be surprising he ended up owning Sky Zone Plainfield and Sky Zone South Indy, but for Kingery, the “jump” was easy.

MARCH WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott

MARCH PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne

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6 Escape From Vietnam 9 Taking The Leap: Sky Zone

Plainfield Owner Talks Creating a Family-Fun Environment & Giving Back

Hendricks County Meals on Wheels Provides Warm Food & Welcome Fellowship

From Heartbreak To Hope: How a Mother’s Grief Led Her to Help the Homeless

14 Keep Sleeping Babies Safe Town Council Q&A: Meet 16 Touching Home: Former MLB Player 29 Plainfield Kent McPhail

Joey Vandever Talks Passion For Sports & Life in Hendricks County

4 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

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Escape From Vietnam Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

The scorching sun beat down on the streets of Saigon as Tim Nguyen and his nine siblings ran errands for the family business. It was the 1960s and Tim’s dad, Phat van Nguyen, owned a small Vietnamese general store that sold the essentials — rice and Coca-Cola. Tim has fond memories of his childhood, attending school six mornings a week, playing with his brothers and sisters, and collecting customers’ empty Coke bottles at week’s end. Save for his older brother, Tom, who ventured to the U.S. in 1972 to attend college, the entire Nguyen family lived in Vietnam. “It was a simple life in Saigon,” recalls Tim. That simplicity was blasted, however, when

the Communists took over in 1975, at which time the family lost touch with Tom due to disrupted mail service. The Nguyens, who converted to Christianity in 1976, were unable to secure jobs due to their faith, and several of Tim’s older siblings were told to join a communist youth group to avoid being imprisoned. After enduring nearly three years of living with scarce food, zero autonomy and fleeting freedoms, Tim’s father made the bold move to attempt an escape. The first part of his plan involved relocating his wife and kids 300 km south of Saigon near the Tac Van River, a branch of the Mekong Delta River. A Vietnamese friend gave Phat money to buy a 34-foot riverboat that was 5.4 feet wide and 4 feet tall. After selling all their possessions, on November 30, 1977, with 6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

nothing more than a walking compass and two five-HP engines (the size for a lawnmower), Phat loaded his wife, children, a daughter-in-law, and a cousin into the tiny boat and sailed down the river that would eventually lead them out to the South China Sea. Tim, 13 years old at the time, had no idea they were attempting an escape. “Dad didn’t tell me or my younger siblings what we were doing because he didn’t want us talking to our friends and ruining the plan,” Tim says. “The cover story he told all the neighbors was that we were going to visit my mom’s side of the family who lived north of the river.” Prior to the escape, Phat bought sugar cane, bananas and pineapples so he could pass as a merchant to police patrolling the river. His plan was nearly foiled during the first night

when their rudder got stuck in a fishing net strewn across the mouth of the river. Panic engulfed Phat as he frantically cut away at the net, worried that authorities would stop to question him. Thankfully, they continued cruising.

December 1977 at the refugee camp in Songkla, Thailand

“I imagine they didn’t think anyone was crazy enough to brave the ocean in that kind of illequipped craft,” says Tim, who describes the trip as a suicide mission since his father had no nautical experience, no fishing knowledge and no life jackets or anchor on board. “Dad could no longer live in a communist regime. In his mind, we would all live together or die together. It was worth the risk.” Before setting out, Phat administered Benadryl to his children to keep them quiet. When Tim woke up hours later, they were in the middle of the ocean in the pitch black dark of night. A nasty storm blew in and waves crashed into the boat, knocking the lid off the container that stored their drinking water, contaminating it with saltwater. Thankfully, the entire five days at sea were cloudy, which helped stave off thirst and heat exhaustion. Still, the travelers battled turbulent seas, high winds, motion sickness and dehydration. To uplift their spirits, they said prayers and sang songs, but keeping the faith was difficult. “We had no idea where we were going,” Tim says. “We’d see birds and think land might be close but no. We’d spot trash floating in the ocean and assume we were nearing land, but it was just passing ships dumping trash in international waters.” One day a giant freighter cruised by them at full speed. The enormous wake generated from the monster vessel created 3 to 4-story high waves, pummeling the Nguyens’ small, overloaded riverboat.

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The family fought to stay afloat each day. In the absence of an electrical pump, all 13 passengers took turns, round-the-clock, bailing out water. SONGKHLA

“It felt like a futile task because every time we dumped a pail of water, another halfgallon would splash back in,” Tim says.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

PlainfieldMag.com / MARCH 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 7

Family arriving at the Indianapolis airport on May 13, 1978

But the truth is, that bailing kept them from sinking. The Nguyen family was ultimately rescued by a Thai fishermen. Within minutes of boarding the fishing boat, their tattered vessel to freedom disintegrated before their eyes. “Literally within a few minutes, our boat was completely submerged,” Tim says. Once the 13, weary passengers were dropped on the shores of Thailand, they found shelter at a refugee camp where they were greeted with rice soup and fireworks. “Dad told us that the colorful, booming sky was the Thai people welcoming us,” Tim recalls. “Later we found out it was the king’s birthday.” Though the Nguyens escaped jail time for entering the country illegally, they still suffered during their five-month stay in the dirty, overcrowded camp. For food, they were provided rice but no meat or vegetables. Sometimes the Thai guards also got drunk and beat the refugees. While there, however, the family learned to speak English and how to assimilate to society in the United States. The Nguyens arrived in the U.S. on May 13, 1978. Thanks to connections Phat had made with an old friend, Robert Jackson, they reunited with the eldest brother Tom. Jackson also arranged for Upland Evangelical Mennonite Church in Upland, Ind. to help the Nguyens secure housing and furniture. The church also paid the family’s expenses for six months. After graduating high school in 1982, Tim moved to Indianapolis. In 1986, he formed PC-COM, a computer shop he runs with his wife Ana and his brother-in-law that specializes in computer sales and service catering to both business and home use. A Hendricks County resident since 1999, Tim loves the community. “It’s great to see how it has developed and grown through the years,” he says. Tim and Anna have two daughters and a son who, thanks to their grandfather’s faith, bravery and determination, are living the dream of happiness, hope and humanity right here in Hendricks County.

Family celebrating their first Christmas in Indiana in 1978

Sky Zone Plainfield Owner Talks Creating a Family-Fun Environment & Giving Back Writer / Jamie Hergott Photographer / Amy Payne

AvonMagazine.com / MARCH 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 13

ary Kingery had always wanted to run his own business. With a background in chemical engineering and an MBA in finance, it might be surprising he ended up owning Sky Zone Plainfield and Sky Zone South Indy, but for Kingery, the “jump” was easy. “This is a place of fun,” Kingery says, gesturing to the 21,000 square foot warehouse behind him, which houses 113 trampolines built for multiple activities. “People don’t come in here to be upset or to do work. They come in here looking for fun so I get to see a lot of smiles and a lot of happy faces.” The process is simple. People can purchase chunks of time for jumping (60, 90 or 120 minutes), purchase special jump socks (that they can keep and bring back the next time), and then simply play at any one of the several features offered: the Warped Wall, Freestyle Jump, Sky Slam, Dodgeball, Foam Zone or the Sky Ladder. Kingery’s path to Sky Zone franchise ownership seems a little serendipitous. In his career in corporate finance, Kingery had a co-worker who was building the Sky Zone Fishers location, which was the first one in Indianapolis. Kingery was able to see the growing pains of starting up a company firsthand as he watched his co-worker walk through the startup process. Once Kingery moved on from his corporate job, he did what any self-professing entrepreneur would do. He asked himself the question, “What business can I start?” He called his old coworker and began to talk more realistically about what it would look like to own a franchise of Sky Zone. “I really got to see the growing pains of starting it, operating it and maintaining it,” Kingery says. “She shared more with me about the process of building and how it needs to be run.” Kingery decided to visit Sky Zone headquarters in Los Angeles for a learning day to see if he was a good fit for the Sky Zone brand. Once Kingery was qualified, he began to scout out locations. But nothing seemed to be what he was looking for. That’s when his connection with his old co-worker provided another opportunity, and he decided to buy the Plainfield location. He’s been the owner and operator of Sky Zone Plainfield since 2014 and Sky Zone Indy South since 2016. Kingery takes a lot of pride in the culture of fun and exercise at Sky Zone. It’s not just a place to go jump. He loves providing a fun experience to customers and team members alike. Coming from the corporate world, this is a big switch. Kingery also finds fulfillment in leading his team members in a light-hearted environment. Many Sky Zone employees are young, and this is their first job. “I get a lot of joy working with them, teaching them what’s

expected out in the workforce and doing it in a fun atmosphere,” Kingery says. The demand and pace at a place like Sky Zone is a little different than at a fast food restaurant or waiting tables, but that’s what makes it unique, Kingery adds. Young employees can learn about working in the real world in an environment that’s fun and generally a positive experience. “Also, people don’t realize how much they’re exercising when they do this,” Kingery says, mentioning that most adults will feel it 10 minutes into jumping, not to mention how sore they are two days later. “Everyone’s always looking for new ways to exercise,” he adds. “This is one way, and it’s sure to get your endorphins going.” Fun is a small word to encapsulate all that Sky Zone offers. According to Kingery, the top three features of Sky Zone are the Warped Wall, a 10-foot and 12-foot steeply ramped wall inspired by America Ninja Warrior, Dodgeball, the age-old game played on, you guessed it, trampolines and the Freestyle Jump Area, a wideopen court of 34 trampolines, some of them even along the walls. Another popular feature is Sky Slam, an area where trampolines

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are situated directly under basketball goals so that patrons can practice their dunking skills. In fact, regulars visit quite often to enjoy the pricing of a 30-day or 90-day pass. Shane Shewmake’s teenage son Brayden is a regular who prefers to spend his time at the Sky Slam basketball goals. “Brayden absolutely loves Sky Zone,” Shane says. “As a parent, I like it because it provides a safe and healthy environment for him to go to as opposed to sitting in his room playing video game.” Shane also appreciates the Sky Zone staff, who have always been pleasant and respectful to him and Brayden.

In the spring, Sky Zone typically works with the Sheltering Wings Youth Council made up of high schoolers from each of the Hendricks County schools to help build awareness for teen dating violence. In the past, Sky Zone has opened up the park and allowed them to publicize a spirit night where all proceeds go to Sheltering Wings. Currently, their spring plans to support Sheltering Wings are still being put together. What many might see as just a place for kids really has a lot more heart and soul. Kingery upholds and takes pride in his business that offers health, community, friendship, fun, safety, generosity and happiness.

“The great thing about Sky Zone is that it’s a place anyone can go and have a great time,” Shane adds. “Young or old, it doesn’t matter.” If bringing joy and fun to the world isn’t enough, Kingery uses his business in order to support local groups and non-profits, too. Spirit nights are always a fundraising option for school systems or youth groups. Three dollars from each ticket sold goes back to the fundraising group. In October, Sky Zone Plainfield donated $1 from every sock,

t-shirt and spirit night ticket to the American Cancer Society in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In fact, all seven Indiana Sky Zone locations banded together to collect and donate a total of $17,000 that month to ACS.

“If someone is looking for some healthy fun come burn up some energy and have a great time with the family,” he says. “This is for all ages. If you’re comfortable on a trampoline, then come on out and jump.”

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Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep: All by myself, on my Back, in my Crib.

of Pediatrics (AAP). In addition, remove soft bedding, including pillows, blankets and other soft objects, from your baby’s bed.

Choose a Firm Sleeping Surface A firm mattress in a bassinet or a safety-approved crib, covered with a fitted sheet, is safest for your baby. Sleeping furniture should not have drop sides, and slats should be spaced less than 2 3/8 inches apart. Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the crib or bassinet sides. Never put your baby down to sleep on a couch, armchair, waterbed or a regular mattress, even with portable bed rails.

On my Back: Babies are less likely to choke when lying on their backs – there is less of a risk of spit up getting in the windpipe. Although babies should be put down to sleep on their backs, it is important for babies to have “tummy time” while they are awake. During “tummy time,” monitor your baby closely and make sure they are awake for their own safety. In my Crib: Sleeping flat in cribs, bassinets or playpens is safest. This keeps your baby from “slumping” and blocking her airway. Keep the crib empty so your baby does not suffocate. Many swings and rockers have an incline and are not a safe sleep space for infants.

All by myself: The safest way for babies to sleep is alone. This helps prevent smothering. To keep your baby close, put the crib or bassinet next to your bed. Having your baby sleep in your room — on a separate surface — can reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) significantly because parents are nearby to feed, comfort and monitor the infant. Room sharing, but not bed sharing, is strongly encouraged by the American Academy

Finally, don’t rely on devices that promise safety, and think twice about devices marketed to make bed-sharing “safe” or that claim to reduce the risk for SIDS. For questions about safe sleep habits for your baby, or for more ways to improve your child’s safety, check with your child’s doctor.

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Touching Home Former MLB Player Joey Vandever Talks Passion For Sports & Life in Hendricks County

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Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Joey Vandever came from a close family with two older brothers who were both athletic. All three boys loved passing the time playing football and baseball. As a kid, Vandever gravitated more towards football as he was attracted to the physical nature of the sport. Though he had scholarship opportunities to play football at a number of universities, when he graduated high school, he stood just 5´10´´and weighed 150 pounds. “I remember my dad looked at me and said bluntly, ‘Dude, I don’t know that you’re cut out for football,’” recalls Vandever with a chuckle. He visited Ohio, Michigan, Michigan State and Northwestern, contemplating his options

before ultimately choosing to attend junior college for two years, then later transferring to the University of Evansville for two more years. During his freshman year of college, Vandever began focusing on baseball. Ironically, that same year he grew four inches and put on 40 pounds. Though the growth spurt and weight gain made him better equipped, physically, to play football, he stuck with baseball, and it paid off. During his senior year, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. “It was pretty fulfilling not only as a player but also for my family because I was the first to graduate college and go on to play professional ball,” Vandever says. What many people don’t understand, however, is the arduous drafting process in Major League Baseball. MARCH 2019

“When you get drafted by the NFL, you’ve made it,” Vandever says. “There is no minor league system. With baseball, though, it’s a grind all the way up until you make it into the Majors.” He’s not exaggerating. Minor league athletes play 160-plus games each year, and the travel is exhausting. “We would be at the ballpark from 9 a.m. until midnight, then jump on a bus, take a 10-hour road trip to our next destination, and do it all over again,” Vandever says. “If you don’t have a strong work ethic, if you don’t have a drive or passion or love for the game, you’ll get swallowed up pretty quickly.” People say to Vandever all the time, “Wow! You played pro baseball! That had to be a blast!” In many ways, it was,

however they don’t recognize how the grueling schedule can take a toll on one’s health. During his rookie year, for instance, Vandever dropped a whopping 45 pounds due to the intense heat, crazy hours, exhausting workouts, demanding drills and sheer number of games. “It’s hard on the system,” Vandever says. “It’s easy to get homesick, too, living out of a suitcase.” As is the case with many pro athletes, injuries plagued him, too. He tore his labrum, and — even more painful — his glut. “The issue with injuries is that you have to play through them because if you sit out, another guy may come along and shine. Then you may be out for good,” Vandever says. Nevertheless, he insists that his pro baseball

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experience prepared him for the rigors of life. The long days he endured and adversity he faced instilled an amazing work ethic. “That’s probably why I don’t think anything of working late these days to get the job done,” he says. “It’s what I’m used to.” After six seasons of playing for the Cardinals, Vandever chose to hang it up and start a life of his own. He married Sarah and started a family. They have three boys: Cannon (13), Carson, (10) and Caleb (8). Though he doesn’t miss living in hotels and maintaining a harried schedule, he does miss the camaraderie of his teammates and playing the game. “I also wish that my kids had gotten to see

me play,” he says. Following his baseball career, Vandever transitioned into the mortgage industry, briefly co-owning a company with one of his brothers. Next, he worked for a medical distribution company that distributed bracing, pharmaceutical, soft goods and other medical supplies to high school, collegiate and pro sports teams. Though that career was a better fit for him, he still yearned for something more. In 2012, Vandever, who has a degree in business management, met former Colts player Jim Sorgi when Sorgi was in transition from the New York Giants. They got to talking and realized they shared many MARCH 2019

of the same interests, not to mention a pro sports background. In 2013, they decided to combine their resources and become co-owners of Sorgi Sports, which provides physical therapy and skills improvement equipment to the general public at an affordable price. In late 2018, the pair also launched a new business venture that’s part of Sorgi Sports called ProTeam Tactical Performance. In partnership with the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), they provide all triage, rehab and recovery for IFD as part of IFD’s new health and wellness initiative. “This means that an injured firefighter would report to our facility, see one of our

athletic trainers — either Ned Shannon or Anna Foster — and if we can treat them, we keep them in-house and provide them our athletic training services,” Vandever says. Sorgi Sports plays a vital part in supplying the firefighters with innovative, state-of-theart equipment that’s needed for take-home, recovery purposes, or for pain, swelling and mobility. They’ve also partnered with Ortho Indy to provide other orthopedic services such as surgeries, diagnostics, imaging and testing. Being former pro athletes, Vandever and Sorgi understand the importance of getting healthy as expeditiously as possible in order to return to the job at hand. “We view firefighters as tactical athletes, which is why we’re committed to getting them healthy by creating an efficient process of daily rehab rather than, say, two times a week for 12 weeks,” Vandever says.

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“Firefighters are just like athletes. They don’t want to be home on the couch. They want to be at the station doing their thing. These guys have a love and passion for what they do.” Like Vandever and his brothers, Vandever’s three sons love sports as well —particularly basketball, football, wrestling, baseball and lacrosse. When sports aren’t taking up their time, Vandever takes the crew hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and dirt biking riding. “We’re always outdoors, often in southeast Indiana where we own some land,” says Vandever, an Avon resident who appreciates all of the great connections he’s made through school, sports, work and activities. “I love what this community is all about,” he says. With his suitcase-living days behind him, Vandever feels right at home in Hendricks County.

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hough Meals on Wheels has been around for 45 years, the Hendricks County Meals on Wheels operates as an independent corporation outside of the national organization, partnering with Hendricks Regional Health in Danville. The hospital prepares all the meals (Meals on Wheels is a client who pays for this service). According to Sue Cox, Program Director of Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County, Hendricks Regional Health is more of a philanthropic supporter as they provide office space, computers and other equipment. “We don’t have the overhead that a lot of non-profits do,” Cox says. “We are lucky in that aspect.” Utilizing roughly 100 volunteers, they deliver meals throughout all of Hendricks County. They are on track to deliver 21,500 meals this year, up a bit from last year. Cox attributes climbing numbers to the fact that, increasingly, people are wanting to age in their own homes. She regularly talks to family members who tell her that their elderly parents don’t want to enter assisted living or nursing homes. Adult children strike a deal, allowing their parents to continue living independently if they sign up for Meals on Wheels. “It gives families peace of mind to know

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that their folks are getting a nutritious meal five days a week,” Cox says. “Just as importantly, they like knowing that someone is checking in daily.”

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Monday through Friday, Meals on Wheels delivers one hot meal in the early afternoon that consists of a protein, a starch and a vegetable. For the most part, everyone gets the same meal unless there is a dietary restriction. They have a rotating seven-week hearthealthy menu that includes things like chicken, turkey, pork, carrots, peas and potatoes. A sample meal might be roast turkey, sweet potatoes, broccoli, coleslaw, apple cobbler, a slice of whole wheat bread, a pat of margarine and a carton of milk — all for just $5.13. For those who wish to receive both a hot and cold meal, they can pay $9.08 a day. “Some clients like having additional food for the weekends,” Cox says. “All are low-sodium meals, which is not always what our clients want, but it’s what they need to be eating.” Those who sign up for the program may do so on either a short-term (e.g., following a hospital stay) or long-term basis (e.g., for homebound members or those who prefer not to cook). Though many of Cox’s clients are physically able to still prepare a meal, they’re tired. The median age of those who utilize the program is 80. In addition, preparing a nutritious meal for one is hard.

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“The volunteers are what makes this program run like a well-oiled machine,” Cox says. “They are the wheels that make this program run.” The majority of the volunteers are retired. Others are hospital staff who deliver during their lunch hour. Some are realtors, bank employees and stayat-home moms. The elderly especially love it when volunteers bring along their children or grandchildren during deliveries. “I’ve got one volunteer who is in her 30s. She delivered when she was young with her grandmother and now she sits on our board of directors,” says Cox, who has been pleased by the low turnover in volunteers.

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“The longevity is amazing, and I think that’s party because of the bonds that develop between volunteers and their clients,” Cox adds. “To be honest, many of our clients are signed up for the program for the daily interaction more than they are for the food. Our volunteers may be the only person they see all day or all week.” Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County, Inc., is located at 1000 E. Main Street in Danville. Volunteer applications can be found at hendricks.org/mealsonwheels. Donations are welcome via mail to Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County, P.O. Box 409, Danville, IN 46122.

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From Heartbreak to Hope How a Mother’s Grief Led Her to Help the Homeless Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

An ear-piercing blast rang through the silent, still air causing Sandy Nelson’s body to jolt to attention. You might assume it was a car backfiring or a neighbor testing a stray firework, but somewhere deep in Sandy’s gut, she knew this horrific noise was much more menacing. Sandy sprang to her feet and bolted towards the driveway to check on her grown daughter, Jenny, but it was too late. She had lost her second child to suicide. In 1993, her teenage son, Sean, died from a selfinflicted gunshot wound. Then in April 2016, Jenny, who had long been battling clinical depression, perished in the same tragic manner. With a heart crippled by grief, Sandy was left again to pick up the pieces. She chose not to focus on Jenny’s death but rather on a way to preserve her daughter’s memory. “Jenny had great empathy for people who were hurting, and she used to say that she’d like to hand out bags of essential items to the homeless,” recalls Sandy, a Hendricks County resident. Due to financial limitations, Jenny, a single mother of three, was never able to bring this desire to fruition. So, Sandy determined to do something that would both honor her daughter’s memory and serve those in need. Originally, she envisioned spending $200 to $250 to make 10 to 15 bags that she and her grandchildren could distribute together to the homeless. “I wanted the kids to interact with the homeless so they could really feel the impact of their mother’s gifts,” Sandy says. As Sandy shared plans for the outreach project she affectionately 26 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

Local Organizations That Help the Homeless Dayspring Center: www.dayspringindy.org Family Promise: www.familypromisehendrickscounty.org Good News Ministries: www.goodnewsministries.com Horizon House: http: www.horizonhouse.com Wheeler Mission: www.wheelermission.org

called “Love from Heaven,” she was flooded with donations, receiving items such as towels, blankets, snacks, socks, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, McDonald’s gift cards, flashlights and first aid kits. Sandy also teamed up with Warren Burns, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Hendricks County. The 80-member congregation, which works regularly with various inner-city missions, contributed additional items including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, hats, scarves and gloves. Sandy also has a friend whose cousin, Kathy, works with the homeless in Indianapolis. Kathy guided her, Sandy’s fiancé, Jenny’s children, and a couple other volunteers into the homeless camps, tucked back in the woods. Not only did the team distribute the donated items, but they also gave out firewood, hot homemade soup and fresh coffee to those in need. Sandy’s initial vision of 15 bags grew to 150, each of which contained a hand-written note that read: “Hoping our gifts of love and light bring you comfort, warmth and a renewed faith in a brighter tomorrow. May you know that through our humble gifts, we see you and we care. Love from Heaven, Jenny.” Though it’s impossible following the suicide of a loved one not to ask, “Why?” a thousand times over, Sandy says this project brought a different perspective that kept her from drowning in self-pity. “When you’re out in freezing weather delivering bags to people who have no home, your perspective shifts,” says Sandy, who was eager to open her arms and her heart to a population of people who are often shunned, shamed and slandered. “They seemed to appreciate the hugs and care just as much as the food and gifts.” Considering the dire circumstances that these men and women face daily, you might expect them to exercise an every-man-forhimself mentality. Sandy witnessed the exact opposite.

“They went around, checking to be sure that everyone got a bag,” she says. “If any of them had physical limitations due to illness or injury, someone in the camp made sure to bring them a bag.” One man, whose body shivered as fierce winds howled, didn’t express concern for his own welfare but rather for that of his beloved dog. He said his greatest hope was to find his canine companion a warm home so she wouldn’t have to endure winter’s bitter air. This dog lover wasn’t the only one who put other’s needs before his own. When Sandy offered a man a thicker coat than the one he was wearing, he shook his head, insistent that someone else was in greater need of the warmth. Before they left, a veteran, in his strong military tone, barked out a heartfelt prayer. Sandy says she couldn’t help wondering if she would be shouting praises to God if she were in his cold, wet shoes. It’s hard to know how we’ll respond to a situation until we are in it, but one thing is certain — pain breeds empathy. “Heartbreak makes us more sensitive to other’s losses,” Sandy says. “Maybe that’s part of God’s plan in making us better human beings.” If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, text 741741 to the Crisis Text Hotline. Or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-2738255. For anyone who is grieving the loss of someone to suicide, a support group called “Comfort Zone” meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville. Contact Matt Ruckman at matt.ruckman@hendricks.org.

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Plainfield Town Council Q&A Meet Kent McPhail Tell us a little bit about yourself: Family, career history, etc. “I have two kids and five grandchildren. They range in ages from 16 to 26. I’m proud of that group. My wife and I have been married

55 years. The secret is, “Yes, ma’am.” And of course, compromise. I spent most of my career in the steel distribution business. I managed a steel service center. I started out as a machinist out of high school, moved into management in manufacturing, and then into the steel distribution center.” What are some traditions you incorporate into family life? “Both my wife and I are active with Plainfield Christian Church. Our faith is a big part of our lives. She’s involved with the choir, and I serve as a trustee. We also have a little convertible club we have been a part of for 10 to 12 years. We try to get together once a month to take a day trip. I have a 2007 gray Saab with a blue top. It

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was the last model they made. And we belong to a Euchre club. I am also one of the Town of Plainfield’s representatives on the board of Visit of Hendricks County." What led you to be on the Plainfield Town Council? “I am beginning my 22nd year. I was in the steel distribution business, and when our company was looking for a location to expand and build a new facility, we came to Plainfield and ended up building the first warehouse in Plainfield in 1995. We were treated so well by all the people in Plainfield. I have become part of the community. The town and community have really grown in those 22 years.” How long have you been on the council and what is your role? “I’ve been a councilman for 22 years. Our council tries to have a liaison for each and every department. I’m the liaison with the police department.” What do you like most about being on the council? “I just love Plainfield. It is a great place to raise a family, to live, to worship, to do business. It’s such a welcoming community. We seem to have a focus as a community as a whole on what we want Plainfield to be. We are very unified.”

place. I went white water rafting there. I played golf in Haines, Alaska. It is so much different. It’s a beauty of a landscape, it’s amazing, the lifestyle there. We loved Hawaii. It’s so beautiful.” What do you want people to know about what’s coming up for Plainfield? “The Downtown Redevelopment is so exciting. This year, the apartment complex is getting ready to start construction. We’re also planning to build a parking garage downtown, which will start in spring. We are working on expansions to the Town Hall and Cultural Arts Center. We are working with all non-profit groups (Hendricks Symphony, for example) to provide a place for all of them to be housed under one roof. We are now in the early planning stages with an architect on board. I think just as important as the Downtown Redevelopment are other areas that need redeveloped, particularly along the Eastern Gateway, which is Quaker Blvd. east to Raceway. We have a great gateway program there. Contracts and construction will start after winter. That’s a high priority for us. Another project that is long term is adding another exit off I-70 west of Plainfield. We have dedicated, hardworking employees that have the future of the town at heart. They’re just a great group to work with. The town manager has been with us for three years. He’s built a staff around him to manage this growth. He’s doing a terrific job."

What’s the most challenging part? “I’d say the most challenging part is trying to manage roads. It’s also challenging trying to manage the balance in terms of residential, industrial and commercial areas. We have a demand for a lot of residential property but not many are willing to sell. It’s a challenge to balance that to make sure that we keep diversified balance.” What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? “Playing golf. I play with a group, and we just travel around. I enjoy golf, and I enjoy my family as well.” What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on? “It’s probably a tossup between Hawaii and Alaska. Both of those areas are so different than the states. Alaska is an amazing place. We really enjoyed Denali, it’s a phenomenal 30 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / MARCH 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

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