Plainfield Magazine June 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JUNE 2019

MAGAZINE

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HEROES WITHIN : DRAGONFLY MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY OWNER & FORMER NAVY SEAL TEACHES OTHERS TO BE GREAT

Like many little boys, Kenny Bigbee Jr. grew up aspiring to be just like his father. “My dad was my hero,” Bigbee says. In fact, he was the neighborhood hero of sorts. “Dad used his martial arts skills to protect the people of the city,” explains Bigbee, who originally hails from Indianapolis.

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JUNE WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott Stephanie Singh / Carrie Petty

JUNE PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne

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Construction On Plainfield’s Multi- Level Parking Structure to Begin In June

9 Welcome To Splash Island: Popular Plainfield Water Park Officially Opens For Summer

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Heroes Within : Dragonfly Martial Arts Academy Owner & Former Navy SEAL Teaches Others to Be Great

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Construction On Plainfield’s Multi-Level Parking Structure to Begin In June One of the first projects under the guidance of the Town of Plainfield’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan will break ground in June of 2019. A multi-level parking structure will be the first public piece to the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. In December of 2017, Plainfield Town Council adopted a Conceptual Downtown Redevelopment Plan after hosting several public input sessions and hiring Context Design to draft a guideline for redevelopment. The parking structure will include 250 parking spaces for businesses and entertainment in Downtown Plainfield. “After receiving significant citizen input in

2017, the general consensus was that there wasn’t quite enough parking Downtown Plainfield. In fact, downtown parking has been a long-time concern for residents,” says Town Council President, Robin Brandgard. The structure will have 8,100 square feet of commercial space in order to increase retail and dining options within the heart of Downtown Plainfield. The structure will be built on Town of Plainfield property between Center and Vine Street behind the businesses on the north side of Main Street. The construction timeline will begin in June and will last a little over one year and will open late Summer or Fall of 2020. 6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

“We anticipate several projects to come down the pipeline in the next several years and this a great kick-off to such development,” Brandgard says. In October of 2018, Rebar Development announced a $21M mixed-use development, to be named The Barlow, which will include 117 apartments, commercial space and 150 parking spaces. The Barlow project is currently going through the Town of Plainfield’s planning process and is slated for construction later this year. Demolition of the former Fire Station 122 and the adjacent Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street will provide

temporary parking during construction. Customers and downtown visitors will be able to use current Town Hall parking while Town Hall staff will use the temporary parking spaces. “Private developers reached out to the Town about investing in Downtown Plainfield,” says Andrew Klinger, Town of Plainfield Town Manager. “And The Conceptual Plan was created to give guidance to those investments, but the Plan also addressed the need for public facilities in downtown. The Parking Structure is the first component of those public investments.” The parking structure is designed to complement a potential Cultural Arts Center and Town Hall that will be located directly across from the structure. Those projects are currently in the design phase.

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Welcome to Splash Island Popular Plainfield Water Park Officially Opens For Summer The waterpark opened for the season on Friday, May 24 and will remain open through Monday, September 2. The hours of Splash Island are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Those hours change once school is back in session in the beginning of August.

Writer / Stephanie Singh Photography Provided

Kids are home for the summer and the temperatures are rising. Splash Island is a fan-favorite for the summertime, drawing people from as far as the Illinois border to Central Indiana. For nearly 15 years, the 4.3-acre Caribbean-themed outdoor Splash Island Waterpark has remained one of largest waterparks in Central Indiana. Nestled in the backyard of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center, located just west of Downtown Plainfield on Vestal Road, Splash Island offers a Caribbean vacation without having to travel several hours away.

Park attendees will find three waterslides, an interactive water playground including kiddie slides, a 900-foot lazy river, two pulsating vortexes, a lily pad crossing, a six-lane competition pool with a diving well, plenty of deck space and grassy areas for sunbathing and, new this year, is a small dry playground for 2 to 5 year-olds to enjoy. "What's special about Splash Island is that there is something for

JUNE 2019

all ages,” says Brent Bangel, the Director of Plainfield Parks and Recreation. “This year, we’re most excited to introduce the dry playground for those who may need a break from the water but still have an activity to participate in. The Parks Department continues to initiate activities and special days throughout the season and we think customers will really enjoy what we have in store for this season’s Member Mondays and Wet Wednesdays.” Wet Wednesdays begin on Wednesday, May 29, and the hours will be from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Beginning on Monday, June 3, Splash Island will offer exclusive Resident and Member Monday Night Swims from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until July 29th. Membership ID cards and licenses are required for admission. Splash Island hosts bounce houses, carnival games and special guests during these evenings. On August 7, Endless Summer Nights will start for the month — the hours will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Admission is also at a discounted rate. Stop by the Snackabana for pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, Dippin’ Dots and a Pepsi during the trip to Splash Island. Guests have the option to bring in coolers from home for a picnic at the park. Guests should note there is no glass or commercially prepared food allowed in the coolers, however. “We truly want people to come to Splash Island and know they don’t have to worry about what to do to entertain their kids or what they need to do for lunch while they’re here,” Bangel says. “On top of that, Splash Island is staffed by award-winning, professionally trained lifeguards who are here to make sure everyone returns home safely after a fun-filled day at the park.”

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$5.25 No Charge It’s Indiana, so the weather is unpredictable but the staff is always watching the weather to keep guests updated on changing conditions and possible closures. Splash Island will open during regularly scheduled hours unless the temperature outdoors is below 70 degrees or inclement weather conditions exist. In the event of a closure, conditions will be evaluated for a possible re-opening at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For the safety of guests, Splash Island will close when lightning or thunder is present and remain closed for 30 minutes past the last occurrence. Splash Island will close for the day if inclement weather persists. The best way to stay up-to-date on closures is to download the Town of Plainfield smartphone app in Google Play or the App Store. How much does Splash Island cost? There is a resident rate and regular rate for those visiting Splash Island. Visit splashislandplainfield.com for full details. Not only does Splash Island offer family-fun in the sun, but guests can also take swimming lessons outdoors at Splash Island. Options include one-on-one lessons, one-on-two lessons and group lessons. Lessons take place four times a week in the outdoor waterpark. Guests will learn skills that include an introduction to water skills, water safety and stroke development for those ages 3 to 12 years old and various skill levels. Visit the Town of Plainfield’s website to enroll your child in the outdoor swim lessons. It’s summertime, grab the swimsuits, goggles and coolers and take a trip to Splash Island at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. It is not only a Plainfield gem but a Central Indiana gem.

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rank Davis has lived, worked and served in Plainfield for most of his life, having moved to the area when he was 10. He briefly lived in Flint, Michigan when he attended college at General Motors Institute of Technology (now known as Kettering University). While there, Davis first laid eyes on his future wife, Sandra, at a Sunday evening church meal. “I and three other guys from the GM Institute went to the church service where the gals had prepared a supper,” recalls Davis, who was 21 at the time. Though he spotted Sandra from across the room, he never got up the nerve to approach her. The following week, however, there was a dance so he decided to track her down and ask her out. “I must have made a dozen phone calls until finally I got her number,” Davis says. “When she answered, I stammered. But I got the date.” Davis claims he fell in love on the dance floor, and a year and a half later they were married. After earning his engineering degree, Davis worked for a decade at General Motors Corporation (Allison Transmission Division), then was with Hobert Brothers and Acetylene Products before transitioning to Inweld Corporation, a company that packages oxygen and other gasses. He worked at Inweld for 23 years up until retirement. Prior to Inweld, he worked with a welding equipment manufacturer in sales, which meant a lot of travel. “When baby number four came along, I thought, ‘I’ve got to get off the road or else my wife will go crazy,’” Davis says.

Former Kiwanis Indiana District Lt. Governor Frank Davis Demonstrates Servant Leadership Writer/ Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

JUNE 2019

One constant in Davis’ life has been the Kiwanis Club, which he’s been a part of for 43 years. “I’ve always been active in local service groups — churches, schools, civic-type things,” Davis says. “I like to be involved and be an organizer.” Seeing civic projects through to fruition is a true passion of his. That’s a big reason he chose to take on the responsibility of becoming the Distinguished Lt. Governor in 2001. Active in the Kiwanis Club of Plainfield, the Kiwanis

International Indiana District is divided up into a number of divisions. “Ours, called the Circle City division, has seven clubs,” says Davis, noting that a member from each is elected a Lt. Governor, and they form the cabinet for the president of the Indiana division. “The Lt. Governor is one of those jobs that nobody wants,” says Davis with a chuckle. Though he proudly accepted the position and served from 2001-2002. Those who start a new club qualify to become a Distinguished Lt. Governor. Since he formed the Danville Kiwanis Club, he received the honored title. “It’s a perpetual project as you’re constantly seeking new members,” says Davis, who attended all of the state functions and worked with each individual club in an effort to expand membership. “I liken it to sales in that if you’re not regularly getting new customers, you’re not going to survive.” Within the Circle City division, Davis held quarterly meetings in the area and attended all club meetings to boost morale, suggest projects and assist the local president. With this added responsibility, he had to learn how to properly manage his time. Because he had the position prior to retirement, Davis was juggling career and home responsibilities along with volunteer work. “Now they utilize high school students, who have formed the Key Club, a studentled high school organization that is serviceoriented like Kiwanis Club,” Davis says. “They’ve been great the last several years filling in for us at various events.” Davis maintains that it’s important for the club to always be involved in community projects. “If you’re not actively doing something, nobody will want to join you,” says Davis, noting that membership numbers inevitably ebb and flow. Though two years ago, they only had five members, current membership hovers around 40. The Indiana District of Kiwanis has

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historically donated the majority of their money to the Riley Foundation. According to the Riley Children’s Foundation, Indiana District Kiwanians began fundraising for the hospital in 1919. In 1926, Indiana District Kiwanis raised $150,000 for the Kiwanis K-Wing to be erected. The Kiwanis Diagnostic & Outpatient Center opened in 1958. In 1991, Indiana Kiwanis clubs made a $1M pledge and another $1M pledge for diabetes research in 2009. In 2013, Kiwanis pledged another $450,000 to support the Child Life program. Davis fondly recalls many of the fundraising endeavors he participated in on behalf of Kiwanis. For instance, for several years they made and sold “elephant ears” at various community events, often setting up their trailer at Hummel Park during the Fourth of July celebration. “We bought all the cooking equipment and the dough and deep fried it,” Davis says. They sold lots of sugary sweetness, though he admits it was tiring and extremely labor intensive.

Every year the Kiwanis Club holds “Christmas with Santa” in front of Ace Hardware where they built a little house in the parking lot. “Every year we’d gross more than $5,000 and give it all to the Kiwanis Foundation,” he says. During the visits with Santa, he loves to chat with people who tell him that their

parents brought them when they were tots and now they bring their own children or grandchildren. “It’s a 35-year tradition,” Davis says. “Three generations have enjoyed it.” After 54 years of marriage, four children, and six grandchildren, Davis’ wife passed away in 2009 following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Davis also now has one

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great-grandson who is six months old. He briefly remarried, but his second wife developed cancer six months later and passed away. Before moving to Cumberland Trace in June 2015, Davis used to garden a lot at his home on the northwest side of Plainfield. He also played golf and traveled. Since moving into the assisted living facility, he’s embraced the joy of not having to deal with all the hassles that come with home ownership.

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hether you are doing laps in the pool, mowing the lawn or going for a bike ride this summer, make sure you are making the most out of the season in the healthiest way.

“It is important to stay active and often easier to stay active during the summertime,” says Tonya Green, nurse practitioner in the orthopedic walk-in clinic at IU Health West Hospital. “But if you know you are prone to joint pain during or after exercise, avoid high-impact activities like jumping and running. Instead, try finding a low-impact alternative.” Green suggests trying cycling, swimming, canoeing or kayaking. “Cycling can be a great source of exercise if you are experiencing knee pain,” Green says. “Although it is a repetitive movement, cycling works the quadriceps and hamstrings without putting direct strain on the knee joints. Swimming is also an excellent activity for those who suffer from joint pain or arthritis. Not only does it work all of the body’s muscle groups, but it also helps keep your heart healthy. Canoeing and kayaking can also be beneficial to someone that suffers from hip pain. This can take pressure off of

Yard work is an unavoidable task and can often be painful if done the wrong way. When tackling yard work, Green suggests taking breaks frequently, staying well-hydrated and applying sunscreen. “Gardening, if done correctly and with the right tools, can be beneficial to your body and mind,” she says. “When doing yard work or gardening, don’t over-strain your joints. Limit movements like excessive reaching, bending and kneeling to reduce the strain on your body. When mowing the yard with a push mower, use good posture, keeping your back and wrists straight and pushing with your legs and arms. Mow the lawn at dusk or dawn to avoid the risk of over-exposure to the heat.” Don’t let pain hold you back from doing your favorite summer activities. Next time you are heading out for time in the sun, remember to choose a low-impact activity if needed, use correct posture, take breaks, stay hydrated and apply plenty of sunscreen. Talk with your doctor if you have consistent joint pain or feel pain completing your normal activities or hobbies.

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Walking into uPaint Pottery Studio in Plainfield is enough to make anyone feel like an artist. The expansive wall of white ceramic projects waiting to be painted, the bright colors on the wall and the displayed finished projects ignite creativity and engagement. This is exactly what Kelli Singleton and Stacey Heltsley had in mind when they opened the studio six years ago in the summer of 2013. Individuals and families can visit the studio during business hours anytime, without a reservation or experience, and choose from a wall of 400 to 500 pottery options. Once a piece is chosen, staff

explains the tips and tricks of painting. Patrons then choose their paint, settle at a table and let their creativity flow. They can even bring in their own drinks and snacks. Patrons leave their pieces for up to five days in order to be processed in the kiln and pick them up when they’re ready. The average cost for a visit is $20. There is a $5 studio fee per visit, and pottery pieces range in price from $5 to $60. The cost includes all paints, firing in the kiln and all tools needed to complete a project. “We try to keep the prices low,” Heltsley says. “We have families

JUNE 2019

and we understand. We want everyone to have the opportunity to come.” Singleton and Heltsley became friends after moving to Plainfield after college. In fact, they realized they both were at Purdue University at the same time and lived in the same apartment complex but had never crossed paths. Their husbands knew each other from work, and they both were stay-at-home moms who attended the same Moms Group at St. Susanna Catholic Church, where they met. The biggest reason they began the business was to foster engagement in families. Both women have three children, and they know the challenges of having quality family time in a world of busy schedules and electronics. “There was nothing like this in Hendricks County at all,” Heltsley says. “We wanted something for families where they could get away from screens and spend some family time together.” Heltsley’s background is in communications and Singleton’s background is business management. Together, they took classes in painting, kiln technique and business. Since they opened their Plainfield location, their business has grown, and they’ve opened locations in Greenwood, Hamilton Town Center and Columbus, OH. As challenging as it’s been to jump back into the workforce after staying home with their kids, both women say this business is very rewarding. They love seeing families engaged in their studio. “It warms my heart,” Singleton says. “It really helps kids to talk. It’s an outlet. You remove them from their screens and give them something to do with their hands. It really helps parents engage with their kids.” It isn’t just families who visit uPaint. Singleton and Heltsley see students from school field trips, individuals who come every single week, adult daycare groups, nursing home groups, Girl Scouts and even teenagers and adults out for a date night. They’ve had a number of “prom-posals” and engagements right in their studio. “We provide memories here,” Singleton says. “It’s a way to preserve a particular season in your child’s life or a special event.” The studio offers birthday and special event packages as well as special days throughout the month, such as Homeschool Days, uPaint a Story, Senior Day, Kids Day and even Best Friends & Whine classes. “We are constantly updating our events and themes,” Heltsley JUNE 2019

says. “We recently did an Office themed event and our next one will have a Stranger Things theme.” Other studio events in the past have been Painting with a Princess, Unicorn events or even adult trivia nights. All four studios are involved in their communities. “We love partnering with community organizations,” Singleton says. "Especially schools. We do a lot of giving back.” Studio staff will host events at schools, taking their supplies into the school and offering a percentage of sales back to the host school. These events are perfect for the whole family. uPaint has supported many surrounding schools, including Plainfield, Avon, Mill Creek, Mooresville and other schools around Indianapolis. In addition to supporting the community, Singleton and Heltsley love to partner with local businesses as well. They’ve partnered with places such as Jack’s Donuts, Nomad Yarns, Paw Street Bakery and local florists to offer customized events. The women say one of their favorite events of the year is coming up soon: summer camps. Each studio offers summer camps for kids ages five and up with 18 different themed days. Parents can purchase single days or multiple days at a discount. A day at camp lasts from 1 to 3 p.m. and includes pottery, a snack and other crafts. To stay up to date on events at uPaint Pottery Studio, or to register for an event, you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or visit them online at upaintpotterystudio.com. JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019

Heroes Within

Dragonfly Martial Arts Academy Owner & Former Navy SEAL Teaches Others to Be Great Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

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ike many little boys, Kenny Bigbee Jr. grew up aspiring to be just like his father.

“My dad was my hero,” Bigbee says. In fact, he was the neighborhood hero of sorts. “Dad used his martial arts skills to protect the people of the city,” explains Bigbee, who originally hails from Indianapolis. Think Batman, minus the gadgets. His father was involved in an organization called the Guardian Angels, which is essentially a citizens’ safety patrol group. He didn’t wear a cape, but he did don a red beret as he walked the streets doing citizens’ arrests, employing his martial arts techniques when necessary. “If somebody tried to steal a purse, he would defend the person until the police arrived,” says Bigbee, who describes his father as living “fearless and free”—a motto that impacted Bigbee to the core. “It’s a root mentality — the ability to have uncommon courage,” he says. “My dad inspired me to not only be courageous but be my best self.”

He decided to do so by working to become a Navy SEAL, despite the odds. “Normally there’s a 70 percent attrition rate in becoming a Navy SEAL,” Bigbee says. “That means that if 100 go in, only 30 come out. As an African-American, however, the percentage plummets to just 2%.” Nevertheless, Bigbee’s determination didn’t waver even though he didn’t know how to swim properly. Though SEAL stands for “Sea, Air, And Land,” it’s primarily a maritime operation, which means that those in training spend an inordinate amount of time in the water. “That’s all you do. They call it ‘wet insanity’ because you’re always cold and wet,” Bigbee says. “That’s why we used to be called Frogmen.”

December 2018, Goggins published a book called “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds,” which reached the Amazon best-seller list in just six days. Navy SEAL’s grueling training involves BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL), which lasts six months and is designed to weed out those individuals who do not have the fortitude to endure things like Hell Week where trainees must stay awake for 120 continuous hours. “You are declared legally insane by Wednesday,” Bigbee says. Even so, he admits that Navy SEAL arduous training has nothing on motherhood.

“I think that moms may be tougher than Navy SEALs with the stuff they endure on a daily basis,” says Bigbee with a chuckle. “The chaos Bigbee miraculously passed the swim test and they face I don’t think I could handle.” in 1999 became the 32nd African-American When Bigbee first moved to Hendricks Navy SEAL. It was a unique time period in County after getting out of the military, he history because Congress had just received had trouble finding work due to the poor notice that there was an infinitely small economy, post-911. Bigbee, who had grown population of minorities in that unit. Bigbee’s accustomed to eating ramen noodles, took friend, David Goggins, also from Indy, became what he could find. the 36th African-American Navy SEAL. In 26 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

“I went from jumping out of airplanes to serving coffee in restaurants. That’s a pretty dynamic shift,” he says. One day, he had a revelation. “Why don’t I do what I love?” he thought, and he melded his unique experience with the Navy SEALs with his affinity for martial arts and found a way to help others. In 2008, he opened Dragonfly Martial Arts Academy in downtown Plainfield. Bigbee embodies the mindset of becoming your best. He was asked to train and mentor SEAL candidates, having been sought out by Naval Special Warfare Scouts to prepare them for the toughest military training in the world. “I received an appreciation award from the Navy recruiting district for going above and beyond, resulting in their region achieving the highest conversion rate of candidates becoming Navy SEAL graduates in the nation,” Bigbee says. These days, when he’s not teaching, Bigbee travels the world delivering elite achievement

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coaching to Fortune 500 companies, sharing the message of how steadfast determination can change one’s life. Nominated for the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, he has taught martial arts in Brazil, Bangkok, Thailand and Croatia at some of the most respected academies in the world. In addition, for the past year Bigbee, with his company Tactical ACTS (Adaptive Combat Tactical Solutions), has been training the Hendricks County SWAT team all about tactical mindset, tactical strategy, firearms and martial combat. Bigbee’s mission in life, whether it’s in the martial arts studio, at SWAT training or speaking in front of a crowd, is to inspire people to become their best selves by being elite. “Being elite doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be the best. You just need to not settle for being less than your best,” says Bigbee, who preaches peak performance under pressure. He maintains that if one can perform in the face of adversity, fear falls away. Bigbee maintains that martial arts is a great training ground for life because when you run into challenges on the mat, the practice teaches you how to deal with them.

students. For instance, one of his middle school students who used to get bullied witnessed a peer getting harassed and he stood up for the boy and diffused the situation. “He became the hero because he learned how to take control of what was in himself,” Bigbee says. “It was a life-changing experience for him.” Like his dad, Bigbee is a hero in his own

right as he works to draw out the best in everyone he meets. “As human beings, we are constantly trying to improve,” he says. “If you don’t improve, you lose at the game of life.” Dragonfly Martial Arts Academy is located at. 122 W. Main Street in Plainfield. For more information, call 877-889-KICK or visit dragonflyma.com.

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Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N ’ AT I T Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N ’ AT I T

“The studio is a controlled environment, but it’s an authentic challenge nevertheless,” Bigbee says. “What you’re actually doing is facing your worst fear every day, learning how to defy the odds and overcome them. When you master your mindset, your quality of life improves.” This is why martial arts can help defeat anxiety, which plagues a huge segment of society. Anxiety is all about feeling hopeless and helpless due to the great unknown. Martial arts instructs you to look within yourself to determine what you can control. “That’s the antithesis of anxiety,” Bigbee says. Steven Lai, an attorney who trains at DragonFly, is grateful for how martial arts empowers him.

“When I can control my mindset in training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu/martial arts, then I walk into [an intense situation] at work, [the 39-4886stress] pales in comparison,” Lai says. “I can remain calm and focused.” Main St.

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YEAR AFTER YEAR, PERENNIALS KEEP COMING BACK! Writer / Carrie Petty

This is the time of year to plant flowers! Flowers bring extra beauty and happiness into our world, and the best kind of flowering plant is the kind that keeps coming back year after year — the perennial. Growing perennials is one of the easiest ways to garden. I have more than 40 varieties of perennials in my yard, I just love them because they give me a great ‘cutting’ selection all growing season long in which to make beautiful floral arrangements. In the summer months, entertaining and gardening life go hand in hand.

PURCHASING PERENNIALS

SUCCESSION PLANTING

When one plant is finished blooming and the last bloom fades, I always design my gardens so that another plant begins to bloom. This keeps the garden in perpetual motion, with color consistently ever-present. It is called, succession planting. Another great tip is to design the flower garden with plants low in the front and high in the back. I also like to repeat a perennial three times in the garden plot, spaced apart from each other but in equal distances, this way there is easy rhythm in the design and the eye move freely through the plot. This is more of an English gardening technique.

DIGGING A NEW HOME

Different sizes of containers will yield more or less bloom. The bigger the plastic pot, the older the plant, thus, more blooms. Check the roots for an established root system with lots of little root ends showing. If roots have become root bound, which looks like rope wrapped around the base of the plant, choose another specimen. A root-bound plant has been there awhile, so there is more of a chance to bring home disease, too. Also, believe it or not, I often smell the soil. It should be earthy and fresh smelling, not sour or decaying in smell.

I give perennials a good watering when I get them home. Then, trim off any tired foliage or blooms. I like to plant in the lowest heat portion of the day, usually in the morning. Roll the round edges of the plastic container on the ground to loosen the soil, and then tip the pot to gently lift out the root ball into your hand. Check the root system, claw away some of the dirt so that the roots become loose and free to branch out when planted in the soil.

In addition, when picking the right plants to purchase from your local nursery, check the foliage for any disease. Look for the red spider mites or white aphids, which kind of look like cotton. If there is any indication, find another flowered friend!

Place root ball in the prepared hole. The top of the dirt from the pot should be level with the top of the hole at soil grade. Backfill the dirt into the hole and gently press to firm up the plant. This also helps remove any air pockets. Water in well.

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Melanie, Plainfield

It’s a personal trainer’s worst fear. You’re working out, and your hip pops. Then the pain starts. As a fitness coach, triathlete, yoga instructor, wife and mom, Melanie knows that feeling all too well. Her hip pain lasted for more than nine months and wasn’t getting better. That’s when she turned to Hendricks Regional Health. After seeing a sports medicine physician and working one-on-one with a physical therapist, Melanie’s hip injury started to improve in just days. In no time, she was back doing what she does best. Don’t let an injury hold you back. Schedule an appointment with a sports medicine physician at Hendricks.org/BeActive. PlainfieldMag.com / JUNE 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 31

JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE Presented by Cumberland Trace

ACROSS

DOWN

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1. Pricing word 2. What borrowers do 3. Gymnastics ideal 4. Hopper 5. Takes in 6. Sour 7. Danger signal 8. Drive forward 9. Keynoter's spot 10. It's picked from pockets 11. Lodge fellows 16. Live in the past? 19. Wears out 20. Yen 21. Miffed 22. Make-up artist? 24. Emulated Jack Horner 26. Evening hour 28. Angler's attachment 29. Liberal pursuits 30. Top 32. "___ not!" 34. Romance, e.g. 37. Copper finish 39. Hearts 40. Military standings 42. Eye drop? 43. Pantomimed disco title 44. Do a number 46. Halloween purchase 48. In shape 49. Possibilities 50. Mi, fah, ___, lah 51. Really test

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