Plainfield Magazine July 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JULY 2019

MAGAZINE

New Parks & Recreation Director Talks 14 Years With the Town & Excitement For Upcoming Programs

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WHAT'S NEXT? NEW PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR TALKS 14 YEARS WITH THE TOWN & EXCITEMENT FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS

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5 What’s Next? New Parks &

Recreation Director Talks 14 Years With the Town & Excitement For Upcoming Programs

9 Bummer-Free Summer: Tips for Avoiding the Emergency Department

16 Silly Sarfaris: Live Animal

Shows Deliver Unique Learning & Interaction Experience

21 A Healthy Mission: Former CEO

of Hendricks Regional Health Shares His Passion for People, Faith & Community

10 Visit Hendricks County Showcases 26 9 Summer Style Essentials All the County Has to Offer 29 Beauty in Brokenness: An Avon Family Embraces God’s Many Miracles

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New Parks & Recreation Director Talks 14 Years With the Town & Excitement For Upcoming Programs Writer / Stephanie Singh Photographer / Amy Payne & Town of Plainfield

Ever since he interviewed for a part-time job at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center the day it opened in November of 2004, Brent Bangel has called Plainfield home. Growing up in Decatur Township, Bangel says he only visited Plainfield to shop the only Galyan’s Sporting Goods store in the region. Little did he know this community would become more than the location for his favorite sporting goods store, it would be the town where he’d grow as a professional and now grow his family of

four and soon-to-be five. “My brother worked as a lifeguard at Splash Island during its opening season in the summer of 2004,” Bangel says. “I brought him lunch one day and I didn’t even know the waterpark and the facility existed out here.” Bangel kept that in the back of his mind as he searched for a job, after all, parks and recreation was right up his alley. Having played collegiate baseball for Marian University and obtaining his Bachelors in Sports Management and Business Administration, his background aligned PlainfieldMag.com / JULY 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 5

well with what the Plainfield Parks and Recreation Department was looking for in November of 2004. Nate Thorne, the current Town of Plainfield Assistant Town Manager and former General Manager for the Parks Department, hired Bangel as a part-time Building Manager. “We are incredibly lucky to have Brent join our leadership team,” Thorne says. “I can remember when Brent first joined the department having conversations in hopes that we could keep him for at least six months or a year, because I knew he was headed for greater things. A permanent position became available and

promotions would follow. Brent knows an extraordinary amount about parks and the operations.” Bangel was quickly promoted to Recreation Center Operations and Facilities Manager just months after he was hired. He was then promoted in 2008 and named the Parks Athletic Fields Manager which evolved into the position of Parks Facilities Manager. Bangel was again promoted in 2018 and named the General Manager of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center before landing the Director of Parks and Recreation position in March of 2019. In total, Bangel continues his 14-year tenure with the Town of Plainfield, having worked in virtually every facet of the Parks and Recreation Department. “It is always great to see employees work their way up the ladder within the Town of Plainfield’s organization,” says Town Council Member Lance Angle. “Brent is responsible for the management and operations of all divisions of Parks and Recreation including the 30-plus miles of Plainfield trails, all Town parks and the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. The experience Brent has in the Parks Department is of great value. He lives and breathes parks and recreation. We are fortunate to have someone as passionate as him leading this department.” Bangel enjoys the outdoors, where he can fish, hunt and spend time with his growing family. He has two sons with his wife, Sarah, and they have a daughter on the way. Bangel’s kids participate in Plainfield Youth Sports, and when they’re not at a park, they are in their own backyard with their chickens, turkeys and ducks. “I am passionate about introducing my kids to nature and teaching them about the outdoors,” Bangel says. “It made me who I am today and has helped me tremendously in this career. I grew up on a family farm and we continue to go out and help my parents 6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

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on the farm often.” Bangel says he enjoys his job because with every day comes a new challenge. It also helps to work for a parks department in such a parks-centric community. Plainfield prides itself in having more than 30 miles of trails and big city amenities, such as Splash Island. “We are very excited to work with Brent to continue to enhance our parks system as it is the catalyst of the superior quality of life in Plainfield,” says Town Manager Andrew Klinger. Plainfield is constantly updating and increasing its parks inventory. Just last year, the Town of Plainfield opened Talon Stream Park. The Talon Stream Park Master Project began in 2008, after the Town of Plainfield recognized a need to redevelop the Shouse Landfill, also known as the Shouse Dump. Located just north of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center and adjacent to White Lick Creek, an important waterway in Plainfield, the Shouse property was not only an eyesore but a liability to the environment. The large field had become an unrestricted dumping ground for all kinds of trash and chemicals. By working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the banks were re-enforced, hazardous materials cleared, the dumpsite was capped and topsoil was hauled to the site to make it environmentally safe to be used for a park. Talon Stream Park includes a trail, a shelter house and restful, shaded areas with spectacular views of White Lick Creek. The Parks Department hosted its annual Halloween event, Sat-Terror-Day, at Talon Stream last year. It grew from just a threehour event to a full-day free fall festival. These are the types of projects Bangel sees as the future of Plainfield Parks and Recreation.

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growing and increasing those amenities as well as our programs and special events,” he says. Hendricks Regional Health (HRH) became the latest corporate sponsor of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation & Aquatic Center, in which Bangel is eager to roll-out programs to increase the value of memberships. One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is a bike-share program that HRH and Bangel are working tirelessly to rollout to the community. His hands are in many different buckets, especially with new land acquisitions. Just a few months ago, the Town of Plainfield acquired Sodalis Nature Park from the Hendricks County Parks. Sodalis, which is named after the endangered Indiana bat Myotis Sodalis, features more than 3.5 miles of nature trails, picnic areas and a 5.5-acre pond. Hendricks County Parks developed the park in 2010 under a lease arrangement with the Indianapolis International Airport (IAA). The Town of Plainfield purchased the park land as part of a larger 1,800-acre acquisition of land from the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in 2018. The long-term vision for this land is to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the Sodalis Nature Park and provide additional recreational use by creating a larger regional park. The Town hopes it can also be an opportunity to educate people about endangered species in Indiana and help with methods for protecting them. Bangel certainly now knows there is more than a sporting goods store in Plainfield. There’s an unprecedented quality of life here in Plainfield. From the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center and Splash Island Waterpark, the topranked Plainfield Community Schools, the Shops at Perry Crossing and the many projects that are underway in the community, he’s got his work cut out for him but he says he’s thrilled to be a part of all of it. 8 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

Tips for Avoiding the Emergency Department Summer is in full swing, and as you might guess, temperatures in Indiana tend to climb the highest during the month of July. Don’t let increased temperatures increase your risk for a variety of incidents that could land you or a loved one in the emergency department. “The month of July is a fun one, filled with fireworks, barbeques and poolside activities,” Katy Thacker says, clinical manager and RN in the emergency department at IU Health West Hospital. “It also means you should be extra careful to ensure your health and safety, considering dangers that you might not think about any other time of the year.” In 2017, at least eight people died and about 12,900 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworksrelated incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the experts,” Thacker says. “Search for local firework shows near you and watch a public firework display from a distance conducted by professionals, rather than purchasing and lighting fireworks yourself.” The National Safety Council offers the same advice, adding that if

you choose to purchase and use fireworks, you should never use fireworks while impaired, never allow children to handle fireworks, and never attempt to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. You should always wear protective eyewear, soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding, and keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Other summertime medical emergencies to avoid include dehydration and skin poisoning. “Take proactive steps against dehydration and skin poisoning to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department,” Thacker says. “To stay hydrated, a good rule of thumb is to drink at least 10 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but some people may need more, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. To avoid sunburn and sun poisoning, limit your time in the sun during the middle of the day, wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and reapply as needed. Look for sunscreen that says ‘broad-spectrum,’ which means it protects against UVA and UVB sun rays.” If you are unsure if you need medical attention, always call your doctor to be safe. Remember to call 9-1-1 if you need immediate medical care. Do not drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital.

JULY 2019

Executive Director, Jaime Bohler

Visit Hendricks County Showcases All the County Has to Offer Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photos provided by VHC

Jaime Bohler Smith, a native of Danville, grew up seeking fun and recreation. But as a kid in the 90s, she struggled to find things to do.

things to do. They want their children to have job opportunities in their hometown if they wish. That will only come if visitors come first. No one invests in a community until they visit it first.”

The Hendricks County Tourism Commission is a nine-member group of “I remember going to the Walmart in tourism professionals, all of whom live in Plainfield or hanging out at the park,” Hendricks County and are appointed by says Smith, Executive Director of Visit the county commissioners and the Town of Hendricks County. “Options were definitely Plainfield. Those nine members, plus Smith limited.” and her staff, are the destination management organization for Hendricks County Over the past decade, however, much has communities. changed, and now there is an explosion of family-friendly options all over Hendricks “We succeed by promoting and developing County — so many, in fact, that folks are the visitor experience to target the markets choosing to move here to raise their families. for sustainable economic growth and quality Before one makes such a decision, first they visit the area to get a taste of the offerings. That’s where Visit Hendricks County (Visit Hendricks County) comes into play.

of life,” Smith says. “Being an influential brand marketing leader, our job is to focus on specialized meeting events, urban and recreation pursuits and food culture. In turn, that develops a quality of place and a sense of community that will ultimately lead to economic growth.”

“You build community when you build visitation, and the only way to do that is to promote the destination,” Smith says. “People Speaking of growth, Smith has witnessed a huge transformation within Visit Hendricks want their kids to have a place to play and JULY 2019

County since she joined the staff in 2002. Back then, Visit Hendricks County had just two employees and an annual budget of $450,000. Today, however, Visit Hendricks County has nine employees and a budget of $2.4M. According to Smith, in 2005, the innkeeper’s tax rate increased from 5 to 8% to support county parks, the county fairgrounds and investment in tourism development — namely a conference center. The way it works is when a guest stays overnight in a hotel they pay a fee that is collected by the hotel, remitted by the county, and is paid to the tourism commission that then uses it to promote the county. Visit Hendricks County was discussing the potential for a conference center development, but then the recession hit, which had a major impact on development for years to come. Just this year, however, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport opened with an investment from the Hendricks County Tourism Commission. “Not only did the area experience growth in the meetings market as a result of consumer behavior but it also invested in

daughter is all about unicorns and fairies. Events aren’t the only draw in Hendricks County. So are the ever-growing trail systems and culinary explosion in recent years. “We expect even more unique food and drink options to come in the near future,” Smith says.

redevelopment,” Smith says. “Now we have the conference center, the fairgrounds, the CRG event center and several other gathering places. By having more than one facility we’re able to sell all of them.”

event planners and industry partners — meaning our hotels, restaurants and retail shops that promote the visitors,” says Smith, who personally takes full advantage of all that Hendricks County has to offer.

For instance, in the spring she and her 6-year-old daughter attended “Dogs, Cats, & Unicorns, Oh, My!,” a pet rescue event that featured a petting zoo, crafts and goats dressed in pajamas. What’s not to love? They also checked out the Central Indiana Avon 4.75 x 7.125-JUNE-053119-OUTPUT.pdf 1 5/31/2019 9:07:29 AM Fairy Festival because her Enchanted “I have a responsibility to visitors, residents, Smith’s job is unique in that she’s engaging in marketing and visitor promotion as well as in economic development, public relations and politics (since Visit Hendricks County is a governmental agency).

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The Mayberry Café has been a nostalgic landmark in Danville for the past three decades, not to mention the restored Oasis Diner — the cornerstone of what will eventually be a revitalization in downtown Plainfield. Brownsburg has the newly opened Rush Off Main, which anchors Brownsburg’s new downtown construction. Plus, there’s Food Truck Fridays at Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield. We mustn’t forget the shopping. Downtown Danville offers a great mix of locally owned jewelry stores, clothing stores and coffee shops. One can make it an all-day event,

noshing on Reds Donuts in the morning, the Beehive for lunch and Frank’s Place for dinner. Summer ushers in the tasty delights of the various area Farmer’s Markets, plus lots of live music events such as Summer Sounds on the Square in Danville. Labor Day weekend is North Salem’s Old-Fashion Days, a small-town, three-day activity in northwest Hendricks County that offers food, fun and entertainment. Then there’s the Lucas Oil Raceway, which was integral to the industry when Visit Hendricks County launched 20 years ago. “The racetrack was the primary form of entertainment,” says Smith, noting that the NHRA Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is held over Labor Day weekend. “It’s a great end-of-summer event that attracts lots of people,” Smith says. Heading into September, Hendricks County is well known for its fall festivals— most notably the Heartland Apple Festival at Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, which

continues to advance their offerings each year. Besides the hay ride out to the pumpkin patch, they have also added apple cannons, a corn maze and a massive jump pillow, which is like a huge, open-air bounce house.

Suites, as well as other nice area hotels, Hendricks County can host group businesses and state associations such as the Indiana Medical Examiners’ conference.

“We mustn’t forget the affordability that Hendricks County offers,” Smith adds. “Not everyone can afford a 7-day Disney vacation, but what we offer is reasonable and appropriate for those who live 100-200 miles away.” For instance, a family can enjoy a long weekend at Splash Island Water Park in Plainfield, plus bring their bikes to ride the trails. “Moms Day Out” opportunities are also popular for women who are looking to spend an afternoon shopping, dining and pampering themselves. “We have lots of great boutiques and restaurants — such as Opa! or the Bangkok Kitchen in Avon if you want an ethnic experience,” Smith says. “They can shop and then spend time at our wineries and breweries such as Mind Over Mash Brewing Company in Brownsburg or Brew Link Brewing Company in Plainfield.” Now with the addition of the Embassy

They can also accommodate hobbyist groups. For instance, every three years over the Fourth of July holiday, the National Powwow gathers at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds for American Indian tribal dancing, horseback riding and teepee building. Hendricks County is also home to the only Doctor Who Museum in North America. Located in Camby, the museum and store sells Doctor Who merchandise. Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch is another hidden gem in Brownsburg that many don’t know exist. “They even do alpaca yoga,” Smith says. To learn more about all Hendricks County has to offer, check out Visit Hendricks County online at visithendrickscounty. com.

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mazon John (as he’s known to the residents of Hendricks County) has adored working with animals for as long as he can remember. In his youth, his dream was to become a veterinarian. Then he got a job working at the zoo doing live animal presentations and a passion was born. After awhile, however, “they left my cage open and I ran,” he jokes. In May 1997, John launched Silly Safaris with a mission of creating positive human animal interactions that inspire responsible pet ownership and wild animal conservation. “I remember telling my wife, Emma, that I didn’t know if this idea would work, but we’d give it five years and see,” John says. He knew that people craved opportunities to get close to nature. The problem is that while one can obtain great information at the zoo, they can’t interact with the creatures. And while pet stores may provide a chance to hold a snake, ferret, or bunny, the educational component is often lacking. “Silly Safaris falls somewhere in between as it’s the perfect blend of facts and fun,” John says. “The phrase the industry uses is ‘edutainment’ because we are both educational and entertaining.” What started in their guest bedroom with a chicken, snake, ferret, dog and hedgehog has grown so substantially that John and Emma

ultimately had to purchase a six-acre farm to hold all of their critters, which now totals more than 100. Such animals include reindeer, rabbits, ferrets, frogs, skunks, snakes, crows, crabs, turtles, tarantulas, alligators and alpaca. “As the business grew, our collection of animals grew along with it,” John says. For a time, the couple ran a summer camp, but it became a bit much to manage, especially since things get so hectic in June and July — their busiest months of the year. Thankfully, they have teachers and college students who join the staff during the summer to help out. Silly Safaris is well-known in Hendricks County as they regularly present at schools, churches, libraries, clubs, parks, birthday parties and annual events like the Heritage Festival. They customize each presentation for the audience they are addressing. For instance, a show at a church is a creation celebration. At a public school, however, the focus revolves around the life science curriculum. “We make every show fun and interactive because audiences don’t want somebody who is going to read the encyclopedia of animal facts to them,” John says. “We provide the audience with a sense of wonder in a safe, guided experience.”

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By utilizing an improvisational approach, the audience better engages with the presenter. “The back-and-forth with the crowd is like a volley of fun,” John says. Nevertheless, they still follow a framework — always bringing to each presentation a mixture of mammals, reptiles, birds and bugs that will make an impact with people. For a birthday party, for instance, they may bring a lizard, a baby alligator, a chicken and a 3-ft. snake. For a bigger format birthday party, they may bring a 10-ft. rather than the 3-ft. snake and an owl instead of a chicken. Crowd favorites are the fox, the anteater, and the adorably cute kinkajou that will eat a gummy bear from the hand of an audience member. One of their kinkajous even pulls a blanket up over its head because in the wild they make their beds out of banana leaves. The “wow” factor of these animal shows is undeniable. “It’s hard to deny the crowd reaction you get when you pull a 10-ft. python out of a cooler,” John says. All of the presenters have selected different silly names for themselves. Besides owner Amazon John, there is also Eagle Emma, Ryan the Lion, Lion Libby, Coyote Chris, Rainforest Randy, Rhino Ryan, Carly Chameleon, and Angicat. In December, they revise their names to reflect the festive season —e.g., Jingle John, Rudolph the

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Red-Nosed Ryan, Christmas Carly, Rooftop Ryan. John hires his staff not based on their history with or study of animals but rather on their people skills. “This isn’t an animal business. Obviously, the animals are the marketing part, but we succeed because we hire people who can make connections with other people,” John says. “Anyone can Google three facts about skunks. What matters is the human part of the interaction.” If someone expresses an interest in joining the Silly Safaris staff, the first thing John does is invite them to observe a presentation. Chris Hansen & Ryan Davis

“It takes the place of a job interview, basically. That’s how we vet people,” John says. Before he hired Coyote Chris, for instance, Chris donned a Silly Safaris vest and rode along to a church event. During the program, John spotted Chris sitting in the audience with a gaggle of kids huddled around him. “He was joking around with them and I was like, ‘Yup, this guy is gonna work out,’” John says. “I’ve had others fall asleep during the program or spend the whole time staring at their phones. Those are not good fits.” Silly Safaris is unlike a talk you’d hear at the zoo or a nature center. Silly Safaris is also not an animal rehab center even though they support such places like A Critters Chance. “We don’t have to rescue animals to be relevant. And we don’t use injured animals in our shows for a reason,” John says. “If we show an owl that’s missing an eye, that’s what kids would remember. We use animals that will be safe and effective for teaching.” One thing they don’t do in a show is try to prompt the startle effect. “We’ll never instruct an audience member to close their eyes so that we can place something in their lap,” John says. “To me, that’s just not responsible.” Following each show, they hold a meet-n-greet so audience members can touch and see the animals up close and take pictures with the giant python or the fuzzy bunny. The feedback John most relishes is when he hears that those with special needs have enjoyed the presentation. “I’ve seen non-verbal autistic children who become calm and even approach us after a show to say something,” John says. “Sometimes they’ll even talk about the animals on the drive home. That’s pretty special.” For more information on Silly Safaris, call 317-862-9003 or visit them online at sillysafaris.com. JULY 2019

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Former CEO of Hendricks Regional Health Shares Passion for People, Faith & Community Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

JULY 2019

ennis Dawes was in graduate school in 1972 when he began working as an administrative intern at Hendricks Regional Health (back then called Hendricks County Hospital). For two years, he reported to Harry Haver, the hospital’s CEO, doing various projects while completing his graduate studies at the IU Medical Center. When he graduated in 1974, Haver announced he was retiring. Fresh out of grad school and just 28 years old, Dawes recognized that he was wet behind the ears, but he decided he’d apply anyway as what did he have to lose? He landed the coveted title and held onto it for a whopping 38 years until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his 40 years at the hospital, he witnessed a massive amount of change. For starters, when he was hired in 1974, the hospital employed roughly 200 people who were all in one location in Danville. When he retired in 2012, however, that number had grown to 1,700 employees spread across seven different hospital locations. Sometime in the 1980s, the name changed from Hendricks County Hospital to Hendricks Community Health. Years later, it changed again to Hendricks Regional Health (HRH), which it still is today. When Dawes was hired, roughly 90 countyowned hospitals existed in the state. Today only 20 remain — HRH is one. As hospital CEO, Dawes was responsible for the entire entity, which includes the employees, the facility and everything else that goes on within the hospital setting. “The buck stopped at my desk,” says Dawes, who relied on a huge staff that consisted of doctors, nurses, administration, cooks and housekeepers. “It’s a big operation. A big undertaking.” It takes lots of moving parts to keep it all running smoothly because a health care facility is more than just a business. “You’re involved in taking care of people’s lives,” Dawes says. “I always made sure we had the right equipment, staff and doctors so that we cared for people in as quality of a fashion as we could given the services we offered.”

Those services evolved throughout the years. In the early days, there was only a part-time emergency room. Today, however, HRH has two full-level, fully-staffed ERs (one in Danville and one in Brownsburg). Technology in operating rooms has also drastically changed, as has the budget.

Fellowship where he met his wife Yao-Hsin. After they married, Dawes was hired by the Indiana Department of Health where he traveled around the state talking primarily to high school students about health careers because in the 1970s there was a tremendous shortage of health care workers.

“The operating budget when I began was $3.5M,” he says. “Today it’s probably $400M. Also, when I began, we had two or three different payment mechanisms whereas today there are around 60. It’s a dramatic shift.”

“The state felt it was important to promote healthcare occupations,” Dawes says. “In talking to high school kids about health care careers, I talked myself into a career in health care administration.”

As CEO at HRH, Dawes was the face of the Even though times were simpler four decades hospital when he was out in the community. ago, Dawes distinctly recalls the stress of Therefore, he felt it was important that running a hospital at the tender age of 28. he get involved in all of the Chambers of Commerce in Hendricks County, including “It was definitely overwhelming,” Dawes Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield and Danville. says. “Soon after I was named president, He was also involved with the Hendricks I remember telling my wife, ‘I’ve had a County Economic Development Partnership. headache for six straight months.’” Post-retirement, Dawes has continued to remain active in the community, serving on Even so, he adjusted and settled in, taking the Brownsburg Police Commission and the comfort in the knowledge that if the Hendricks County solid waste district board. hospital’s board of trustees had confidence He sits on the Brownsburg Chamber board, in hiring him, he should have confidence in is a member of the Rotary Club and is in his himself. fifth year on the Brownsburg Town Council (he will serve an additional three years after Dawes’ undergraduate degree came from this). In addition, he serves as Chairman Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, of both the Indiana Organ Procurement where he earned a degree in religion. Prior Organization and the Life Centers Board. to graduate school, he worked with an Plus, he mows his own grass! organization called Intervarsity Christian JULY 2019

A lifelong avid exerciser, Dawes has run in his fair share of road races, including 30 mini-marathons and 24 full marathons, the last of which he completed at age 65. Now 73, Dawes keeps fit by walking and bicycling. “I used to always tell groups when I spoke to them about health care that the best and easiest way to lower your cost of health care is to become responsible for maintaining your own health through diet and exercise,” says Dawes, who felt that if he was going to talk the talk, he had better walk the walk. “I needed to set a good example since I was involved in the health care industry.” In his free time, Dawes likes playing golf. “I’m not any good, but I enjoy it,” he says. He’s also active in his men’s weekly bible study. This year Dawes and his lovely bride celebrate 51 years of wedded bliss. They have two grown sons, R. Devee and Christian, two grandchildren (and a third arriving soon), and one great-grandchild. R. Devee is an IT consultant, and Christian just started his fourth year of an OBGYN residency.

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All through graduate school and when he was employed at Hendricks, Dawes had a mentor named Alan Hicks who was the CEO of Community Hospital in Indianapolis. A tradition of Hicks’ that Dawes chose to adopt was to go into the hospital on holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving to thank the staff for their commitment to the patients even though it meant sacrificing time away from their own families. “Health care is a people business. They are who make it happen,” says Dawes, who on Mother’s Day also delivered flowers to hospital staff who were moms. “I wanted to personally thank them, and this was just a small way to show my appreciation.” Dawes has thoroughly enjoyed living and working in Hendricks County and has no plans to move anytime soon.

neld “People sometimes ask us if we winter

9-4886 in Florida,” Dawes says. “No. Our winter Main St.home is in Brownsburg. Our summer home m/Plain-eld is in Brownsburg. Hendricks County is our home, period.”

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9 SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS Writer / Stephanie Weber

Summertime is always something to look forward to. I remember growing up and having a countdown to the summer for a few reasons. Summer means the school year is coming to an end, and I always looked forward to summer break. Summer also means that dress season is oh so close. Even as a preschooler I looked forward to wearing dresses, some things never change. This month, I wanted to share my top nine wardrobe essentials as we approach those summer months. Each of these items are staples that make getting dressed in the heat a little easier. 1. JUMPSUITS

If you’re looking for a new style to try, jumpsuits are trendier

than ever this year. Personally, I’ve always loved jumpsuits for the fact that they are a one-piece outfit, cutting your styling decisions in half. Jumpsuits (or rompers) are easy styles to dress up for a night out or dress down for a casual Saturday running errands. 2. MAXI DRESSES

If you haven’t tried a maxi dress, where have you been? Before you think, “these don’t look good on me,” I’m here to tell you that maxi dresses are one of those pieces that look great on practically everyone. As with anything in your wardrobe, you just have to find the right fit for you. Being 5’1” I find that many maxis are just too long, but occasionally a local boutique will get a great piece that’s perfect for a more petite frame. Trust me on this, once you find one you feel confident in, you’ll never look back.

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3. SANDALS

The older I get, the more I appreciate flat sandals that provide a cushion for my very flat feet. I’m known for buying the same style in three colors because when you find something you love, you might as well. 4. STRAW CROSSBODY

Not that straw bags are a new concept, but in the last couple of years we’ve seen these in stores nationwide for the summer season, styled every which way. I’d personally recommend one that is a crossbody because it’s likely not going to be your everyday purse but will act more as an accessory to complete a summer outfit. 5. WHITE LINEN BLAZER

I purchased my first white linen blazer last summer and I was surprised how often I found myself reaching for it. It’s a great summer essential for the office or to wear as a layering piece for brunch with friends. 6. STRIPED TOPS

You can’t go through summer without adding some variety of stripes to your wardrobe. If you follow my brand, you know that stripes are my go-to pattern. I think it’s fun to find these color combinations that compliment your favorite white denim shorts in the best way possible.

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7. HAIR SCARF

I don’t know about you, but most days in the summer, I just prefer to have my hair up and off my neck. The hair scarf trend is a personal favorite because they are an easy accessory that adds something extra to an otherwise simple ponytail. 8. DENIM SKIRT

If I’m not wearing a jumpsuit that might as well be loungewear or a dress that’s perfectly striped, you’ll probably catch me in a denim skirt. I avoid pants (except jumpsuits) if at all possible in the summer. Denim skirts are a wardrobe essential that can be styled easily with a striped button-up, a simple lace tank, a basic white tee, I mean the possibilities are endless. 9. ONE-PIECE SWIMSUITS

I, for one, am glad that one-piece suits are trending again. If I’m going to be by the water, I’m likely doing some kind of water activity like skiing or knee boarding so having a swimsuit that I don’t have to worry about losing half of is a major plus. I’ve learned to soak up summer fashion because we just don’t get to experience these warm months for all that long. If you’re ready to try something new or add a few staples to your wardrobe, I encourage to check out the local shops in your area. The boutique scene is plentiful offering something for you no matter what your personal style might be. PlainfieldMag.com / JULY 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 27

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Beauty in Brokenness A Local Family Embraces God’s Many Miracles “But I need to move my head,” Mike insisted places. He’d also sustained a broken clavicle, as he raised his right hand to reposition his a cracked sternum and five broken ribs. It was Father’s Day 2016 when Kathy made tilted head. Doctors vacuumed out the powder bone, a simple request to her husband, Mike. replacing the shattered vertebrae with She asked him to move a boxed 4-drawer “No!” Kathy reiterated, pushing his arm cadaver bones. They also screwed two rods dresser up a flight of stairs so that they could down. “Stay still.” and a plate into his skull to keep his neck assemble it. Mike got the dolly from the stable. Miraculously, Mike was back to work garage and tied the box onto it, then began A CT scan revealed news that was both just two months later. the slow ascent up the steps. unsettling and shocking. “I’m a few inches shorter now and have Mike had just made it to the top step when “Your husband’s C1 and C2 vertebrae at the a limited range of motion, but I can’t his hand slipped. Instinctively, he reached base of his skull are shattered into powder,” complain,” says Mike, recognizing his good out and his arm got caught in the dolly’s the doctor reported. “How his spinal cord is fortune. handle. He did a somersault and was thrown intact, we have no clue.” forward, landing at the bottom of the stairs. Kathy says Mike’s accident is a reminder to Had Mike moved his head even a quarter not get hung up on making plans. Kathy heard the crash and came tearing of an inch, he could have died because the down the steps to find her husband bleeding spinal cord at the C1/C2 level controls “Sometimes God has other plans that but still conscious. we need to be open to,” Kathy says. She breathing. knows because they’ve been through it “Don’t move a muscle,” she commanded. twice before. As it was, his back was broken in three Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

PlainfieldMag.com / JULY 2019 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 29

In 2003, Kathy went to China. While there, she visited an orphanage and was overwhelmed by how many children needed love, guidance and care. When she returned home, Mike said, “Why don’t we adopt one of them?” Kathy’s eyes widened. “Are you nuts?” she said. “We already have three children.” (Their kids—Rachel, Eddie, and Cheryl — were grown with children of their own.) Mike broached the subject several more times but finally dropped it after facing repeated resistance from his wife. Then one day Kathy felt the Holy Spirit speak to her as she was driving to work. “I heard a voice ask, ‘Why not?’” Kathy says. That’s when she started arguing with the Lord — listing all the reasons why adopting wasn’t feasible. “We don’t have the money. And what would people say? We’re old!” (Kathy was 48 at the time. Mike was 50.) The voice said softly, “Whatever you do for one of the least of these, you’re doing for me.” When Kathy came home from work that night, she told Mike about what had happened. He didn’t seem surprised in the least. Instead, he replied, “I’ve been praying that God would soften your heart on this matter. So, what do you think?” “I think we have to do this,” Kathy said, shocked to hear the words fall from her lips. In July 2003, they began the long process of filling out adoption paperwork. The following July, they brought home their 20-month-old daughter Elizabeth. “Elizabeth adjusted beautifully to our family,” Kathy says. In 2010, the Perry’s hearts were moved again after seeing a photo of a 3-year-old special needs girl with spina bifida. God then proceeded to send clear signs to nudge the 30 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2019 / PlainfieldMag.com

Perry’s toward action. For instance, Kathy, unsure as to whether they should dive into another adoption in their mid-50s, turned on the radio to the Steven Curtis Chapman song “Dive.” (Chapman has also adopted children from China.) The next day a friend asked Kathy about her hesitation. “I’m waiting to seek God’s direction,” Kathy said. “Do you really think God’s going to tell you no?” the friend inquired. “He tells us to take care of widows and orphans.” That sealed the deal. The Perry’s submitted their letter of intent and nine months later, in February 2011, they brought home Kimi. This time around, the acclimation process was much rougher. “I’d never seen such terrible neglect,” Kathy says. Kimi was almost four years old and still in a crib being fed baby formula through

bottles. As a result, she didn’t know how to eat or talk, and her mouth was full of cavities. She was also unable to walk and suffered multiple developmental delays. But their biggest concern involved her inability to connect with people.

“The first time she saw this team in action, she was hooked,” Mike says. “She liked seeing that there were other kids her age in wheelchairs.”

“I wanted to bond with my little girl,” says Kathy, who recruited the help of speech, occupational, feeding and language therapists.

Reiterating the need to resist making plans, Kathy says she can now see the ways that God was preparing her all along for what was to be.

Now, Kimi, 12, can talk, walk, eat and even play basketball. Enrolled in a special co-ed basketball league for kids in wheelchairs, she travels around to different tournaments.

“Life is a tapestry,” Kathy says. “You don’t know what the end picture is going to look like. And if you think you know, you’re wrong.”

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