Plainfield Magazine August 2018

AUGUST 2018

MAGAZINE

Plainfield Fire Department Celebrates Grand Opening of New Fire Station & Headquarters

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SOUND THE ALARM: PLAINFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW FIRE STATION & HEADQUARTERS

The history of the Plainfield Fire Department (PFD) dates back to May 1923 when a significant fire started downtown that burned homes and threatened several businesses. Up until that time, fires had been extinguished by a handful of men who rode a hay wagon to the scene with a roll of hose in the back.

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Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jamie Hergott Stephanie Singh / Melissa Gibson Josh Brown

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Sound The Alarm: Plainfield Fire

Department Celebrates Grand

Opening of New Fire Station & Headquarters

9 Word Search 14 Color Me Chelle: Local Mom Makes Custom Crayon Packs For Kids

19 Local Events 21 Welcome Back: Colts Coach Frank Reich Talks Faith, Hoosier Roots & Grand Park Sports Campus

25 Business Spotlight: Biggby Coffee

27 It’s Natural, But Doesn’t Always

Come Naturally: August Is National Breastfeeding Month

30 Project Lifesaver: Program Helps

Locate Those Who Have Wandered From Their Caretakers

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

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42 Taking Flight: Locals Get Their

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Plainfield Fire Department Celebrates Grand Opening of New Fire Station & Headquarters Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

PlainfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2018 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 5

T

he history of the Plainfield Fire Department (PFD) dates back to May 1923 when a significant fire started downtown that burned homes and threatened several businesses. Up until that time, fires had been extinguished by a handful of men who rode a hay wagon to the scene with a roll of hose in the back.

Often the Indianapolis fire station would assist, but given the distance, by the time they arrived the buildings had often suffered substantial damage. Following this massive blaze, however, citizens and business owners made a call to action to organize a dedicated fire station.

“In 1923, a Model-T fire truck was purchased and stored in a building off of Center and Main Streets,” says Joel Thacker, PFD’s Fire Chief.

Thacker believes that the first fire station was located in the 100 block of South Vine Street. The fire station on West Main Street prior to 1997 was an auto repair garage that later became the dedicated fire station/jail/town hall. According to Thacker’s research, Carlos “Red” Swinford was just 18 years old when he was elected fire chief (a role he held from 1933-1968).

Up until 2008, the PFD had an agreement between the Town of Plainfield and Guildford Township to create the Plainfield Fire Territory. As the industrial logistics of the town flourished, there was a need to build a station in the warehouse district. Therefore, in 2012, Station 123 was erected.

“Historically, the PFD has always been located in the heart of downtown, but as Plainfield grew, there was a need to place fire stations in locations that best serve the entire community,” Thacker says.

More recently, it was determined that building and renovating several of the public safety facilities was necessary — for example, the expansion of the Hendricks County Dispatch Center, which is now located at 4010 Clarks Creek Road (this location was PFD headquarters from 1995-2017).

6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

The Public Safety Building Project was developed in 2014 and began in 2015. This project includes the PFD headquarters, fire stations 121 and 122, and upgrades to the Plainfield Police Department (PPD) substation once the fire department moves out. Fire station 121 should be completed sometime in 2019.

The PFD headquarters, located at 591 Moon Road, is 14,500 sq. ft. The new PFD fire station, at 565 Moon Road, is 20,500 sq. ft. and is equipped with a kitchen, 12 individual bunk rooms, exercise facilities, and additional space for growth.

“These buildings are designed to last the next 50 years or more,” Thacker says.

Through the years, firefighting has changed dramatically.

“Years ago, firefighters were reliant on the pressure they’d get out of the water main,”

explains Thacker, noting that water mains were made of hollowed-out logs. “Though I haven’t confirmed this, I’ve heard that when Danville was replacing their town’s infrastructure, they came across some of these logs.”

Other changes include more advanced trucks and protective gear, including coats, pants, helmets, gloves and, of course, the self-contained breathing apparatuses.

“That protection has increased dramatically, all in an effort to make firefighting and emergency services as safe as possible,” Thacker says.

Safety is more important than ever, especially considering that these men and women face a much higher risk of cancer.

“If we look at modern fuel versus legacy fuel in the 50s, 60s and 70s, we start to see a transition from all wood and natural products to all plastics,” Thacker says.

“Almost everything is made up of some chemical compound.”

Though the department monitors for carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, cyanide and oxygen deficient atmospheres, they still have to enter those dangerous atmospheres that they know can cause harm.

New technologies, such as thermal imaging cameras, help crews locate victims to expedite rescue operations. Utilization of a computer-generated dispatching system (911) is obviously a huge improvement, not only in terms of speed but accuracy of location. And in the advent of cell phones, dispatch centers can ping devices to lead first responders to the person in trouble.

“Given that we have more than 26 miles of trail systems in Plainfield, this is a huge help. Because we know that on nice days, we’ll likely have an increase of trail emergencies,” Thacker says. “If someone crashes their bike or collapses from a heart

attack, we can find them, even if they can’t tell us exactly where they are.”

Emergency medical services make up 70 percent of the department’s calls. Last year, the PFD responded to more than 5,700 calls, ranging from heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, mental illness and drug overdoses. Plus, they risk their lives to fight fires, which is why every other spring, the PFD holds an awards ceremony recognizing the men and women within the Plainfield fire territory for their acts of bravery.

“It’s always a great time of celebration where the entire department comes together — all 77 of us under one roof, which is rare,” Thacker says.

This month, in partnership with the American Red Cross, the PFD will do a “smoke alarm blitz” where members of the PFD will go door-to-door in downtown Plainfield to see if residents have a working smoke alarm. If they don’t, the department will install one at no cost. The last time they did this, they installed nearly 100 smoke alarms around town.

lightning strikes can spark fires. They also watch forecasts for heavy rain and ensure they have water rescue equipment ready to go in the event of a flash flood.

One way they do so is by logging several thousand hours of training annually.

They participate in singular and crossjurisdiction training with Avon, Wayne, Decatur, Mooresville and Liberty Townships, as well as with the Indianapolis Airport FD.

“And that’s okay,” Thacker says.

“Community comes first. That’s why we’re here.”

While no one can predict emergencies, the PFD does track trends. For instance, storms often set off alarm systems, and

“That’s his truck, which he still owns and brings out occasionally for various community events,” Thacker says.

The only certainty in this career is that no two days are ever the same. For instance, a training may be scheduled, followed by a public education event. But then a residence fire breaks out, a medical call comes in, or there’s an incident in the “We’re happy to report that the death and injury rate in the town of Plainfield is low,” warehouse district and, just like that, the Thacker says. “We want to keep it that way.” day’s schedule goes out the window.

FUN FACT

Jim Tharpe, who just retired after 30 years with the Plainfield school system, was a “We work through various scenarios before reserve firefighter with the PFD for 19 years. He was also in the movie “Hoosiers” they occur,” Thacker adds. “That way we — in the scene where the team wins know one another’s capabilities so we can mitigate an incident as quickly as possible.” sectionals, Tharpe is driving a fire truck.

8 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

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Color Me Chelle Local Mom Makes Custom Crayon Packs For Kids

Writer / Jamie Hergott Photographer / Lacy Clagg Photography

Last November, Michelle Jones noticed that the moms in her daycare provider Facebook group were making custom handmade crayons for their kids. Since it was just before Christmas, Jones saw an opportunity and began making crayon sets right away to sell for Christmas money.

“I just started with trying to make it a business,” Jones says.

While most moms might just make them for her own kiddos, Jones isn’t like most moms.

She has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and when a venture in selling LuLaRoe didn’t go as planned, she was on the lookout for another idea. This new business idea perfectly fit the kind of business Jones was looking for.

Jones, a resident of Hendricks County, still keeps busy with her family and other commitments, such as running a daycare out of her home and being involved with AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

her boys’ never-ending schedules school activities.

“That’s my life,” she says smiling. “It’s all about the kids.”

Because of that, Jones appreciates having a flexible business that provides a creative and social outlet for her in the community.

She recently set up an Etsy account and a Facebook page. Under her company, Color Me Chelle, Jones melts down thousands of crayons into silicone molds of all kinds of

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To begin the process, she must commit to unwrapping the large teacher boxes of crayons she orders online.

“I Netflix and sort,” she says, adding that sometimes her boys help, especially her three-year-old.

The boxes come either in packs of 16or 48.

The smaller boxes are already organized by color, but the larger boxes are not. She

spends roughly six hours unwrapping 800 crayons and sometimes organizing them by color. In fact, she’s melted more than 15,000 crayons since she started in December 2017.

She breaks the crayons, puts them in the mold of her choice, bakes them, tops off the molds, bakes them again and then lets them cool.

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shapes, characters, animals and more.

Some of her mold sets include Legos, zoo animals, book and movie characters, Star Wars, Marvel superheroes, flowers, dinosaurs and alphabet letters.

She says what makes her different than other sellers is that she creates crayon packs by customizing coloring sheets and toppers for each pack.

“That’s actually my favorite part,” Jones says. “I do them a lot as birthday party favors. I recently did a crown set for a business fundraiser. And they make great gifts for flower girls, ring bearers, big brother or big sister gifts or even to pass out to little kids at graduation parties.”

Her signature set is a name box: a box with the letters of someone’s name inside.

The process of making the crayons isn’t exactly easy, but Jones still loves it. Her “studio” is simply her own kitchen. With dozens of colored bins lining the wall to keep her sets organized, Jones typically works in the middle of the night when her family is sleeping.

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When she first started, she was working 20 to 30 hours a week on her Christmas orders.

She still makes plenty to stash and sell in her Etsy shop and her Facebook group.

Jones even has a few regular customers.

Robin Sweitzer saw an ad for the custom crayons on a Facebook yard sale site and had never seen anything like it before.

She immediately made three orders, one for her grandson and one each for her granddaughters in Florida. One granddaughter loved the hippo in her pack so much, she never used it to color with and simply kept it in her room.

“Michelle just does a fabulous job,” Sweitzer says. “Anything I need, she tells me she’s got it and she can get it together. I have been very pleased with every order I have gotten.”

Her most recent order was for a set of six crayon packs for the kids she knows will be attending her granddaughter’s high school graduation open house.

“She does them so professionally,” Sweitzer says. “It looks like a very high-end gift, and you don’t spend an arm and a leg. Michelle is so kind and business-minded but comes across with that personal touch. It’s not all business with her, which I really admire.”

That touch is exactly why Jones loves her business, and it’s also her favorite part.

“I love doing events,” Jones adds. “I love being out and being myself. I love meeting people. They’re so much more exciting in person than just talking to them through the computer. It has nothing to do with my kids.

This is unique, and it’s mine.”

You can find Jones’ products online in her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/ ColorMeChelle.

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The Plainfield Farmers Market brings fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted items to Plainfield residents.

Lawn of the Plainfield Friends Meeting at US 40 & SR 267 4:00pm – 7:00pm

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AVON POLICE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT This event is entirely free and will include free food, drinks, giveaways, prizes and many attractions for the whole family! Come out and spend the evening with our agency and learn more about how we can work together to make a difference in our community!

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4:00 pm – 8:00 pm AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

WOOFSTOCK Fundraiser event for our Paw Park. The upper lawn will be filled with all things for dogs and their owners. The day begins with a 5K at 7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. We’re looking to raise $6,000 to add running water and other amenities to the paw park. No registration required for attendance.

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Welcome Back

Colts Coach Frank Reich Talks Faith, Hoosier Roots & Grand Park Sports Campus Writer / Josh Brown . Photography provided by Brian Brosmer & Indianapolis Colts

rank Reich’s coaching career has truly come full circle, and he couldn’t be happier.

The new Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts is right back where it all started for him. Reich began his career in 2006 with the Colts as an intern before working his way up to quarterbacks coach in 2009 alongside Colts legends Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning and Bill Polian.

Those relationships, coupled with a resume that now includes a Super Bowl ring as the Offensive Coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, have helped Reich land a job that he says is a dream come true.

In many ways, Reich is back home in Indianapolis.

“If I could have written up a plan of what would be the ideal scenario, the ideal team and place, this was it,” Reich says.

“Indianapolis is where I got my coaching start. I came into the organization and got to work with guys like Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, Jeff Saturday the list goes on, but these are great men. To get a chance to come back here now is pretty special.”

The Reichs have ties to the Indy community, which has certainly made the reunion feel like a homecoming of sorts for the family. Two of Reich’s three daughters graduated high school in the area when he first started with the Colts in 2006 — his middle daughter from Hamilton Southeastern and his youngest daughter from Heritage Christian.

“The Hoosier hospitality has been unbelievable,” Reich says. “This is like home to us. We have family in this area and developed close friendships from my first time here. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be back.”

While Reich wasn’t the first choice for AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

the position, the Colts quickly realized he was the best fit. After the fallout with Josh McDaniels, several reports said Polian, Dungy and Manning personally reached out to Colts Owner Jim Irsay and General Manager Chris Ballard to endorse Reich for the head coaching position.

Reich watched from afar and, despite his interest, did not make the first move in having his agent reach out to the Colts.

Instead, he decided if it was meant to be that it would be.

Looking back now, Reich says the endorsement of those Colts legends is humbling.

“It really is humbling because those are some tremendous men, coaches and players,” Reich says. “In this business you just try to work hard and do your job. You work around a lot of great people and learn a lot from them. When people like that give you a vote of confidence, it means a lot.”

Faith & Football Reich has something on his resume that not too many NFL coaches have. After being drafted in 1985 by the Buffalo Bills and playing in the NFL for nine seasons, Reich took a break from football but knew he would want to return to coach one day.

Before the desire to coach in 2006, Reich actually felt called to ministry and went to seminary. He even served as pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina — living out his faith and serving the community.

Reich isn’t shy about his faith, either. He says it has played a vital role in his life and shaping him as a leader and a man.

“I wouldn’t change one day of being in ministry,” Reich says. “It has really shaped and formed me as a person. Going into ministry was something I really felt called to do. I didn’t know where it was going to take me, but I knew that I loved coaching people and encouraging people. I learned about myself as a teacher during that time.

To continue to develop those gifts and take them back into coaching in the NFL has been a lot of fun.”

Working Out In Westfield As the Colts gear up for their first season under Reich, they’ve found a new home for the summer — Grand Park in Westfield.

The huge, 400-acre sports complex will host the team from the end of July through August for training camp.

It is the first summer the Colts will work out at the facility in a deal the team announced back in September that will span 10 years.

The Colts will host an open camp and provide opportunities for fans to connect with the team and the players throughout the summer.

One of Reich’s first tasks after taking over as head coach was to visit Grand Park, and he has been nothing less than impressed by the facility.

“The people here, the staff has been so accommodating,” Reich says.

“When you are going to host an NFL team for training camp, that is a pretty big deal. This place is so incredible that it can handle it, but it isn’t just about the facility. It is about the people. We’ve found that the people here are top notch and helping us do something that is exciting for our team and the City of Westfield.

“I remember the first time driving up,” Reich adds. “They told me a little about it, but as we are driving up you see all of these fields. Then you walk inside and there are three, full-size soccer fields. I’ve never seen a facility like it.”

Getting Back on Track With the season right around the corner, Reich’s focus is to get the Colts back on track. He is well aware of the fanbase and the team’s expectations.

Luck or no Luck, Reich’s goals remain the same — playing hard and being in a position to get back to the playoffs. The Colts have built the team and the draft that they wanted, and despite Andrew Luck’s status for the season, Reich is confident that the team can perform at a high level.

“It’s all about the people and the process,” Reich says. “We just have to build the team one player at a time and have the commitment and the work ethic. When that happens, it doesn’t take long. You can flip your record in a hurry in the NFL. I was just a part of it with Philadelphia.

But we all have to do it together, and it really has to be an organizational thing. The players and the coaches have to be tight, and there has to be a trust in one another and a willingness to commit to fighting for it every day no matter what.”

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“Pretty much if you drink it, we serve it,” Goetz says.

offer the traditional fall beverages such as Pumpkin Spice and Carmel Apple Cider.)

Biggby Coffee, a veteran-owned and locally operated coffee shop, just celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 4. Owner Jim Goetz, franchise owner for six years, embraces this regional company that focuses on community.

Beans are always fresh, and ingredients are always quality (e.g., no powder in frozen drinks). In addition, they offer daily deals.

For example, on Monday customers get a free shot of espresso. On Tuesday, they get a large for the price of a small. On Wednesday, it’s a dollar off a bagel sandwich.

On Thursday, customers enjoy a dollar off of a food item when they purchase a drink.

Registering for a Biggby’s card is well worth it as lots of deals are tied to it. For instance, after your 12th drink, you get a 13th one for free. If you buy nine pounds of coffee, you get the tenth pound for free. And you score a free drink on your birthday. (FYI: The featured drink for August is Mint Chip Freeze. Starting in September, they’ll

Biggby’s also gives a 10 percent discount to military members, firefighters, police officers, teachers and healthcare professionals. And everyone gets 1 free refill on the same day.

“I like to be the community coffee shop rather than the coffee shop that’s pressed upon the community,” says Goetz, noting that the franchise is keen on local marketing and spending a certain percentage of sales within the community itself.

Biggby Coffee sells a wide variety of beverages, including hot, iced and frozen lattes (available caffeine free). They also have smoothies, hot chocolates and teas.

AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

“If you stop in for a coffee at 8 a.m., you can come back by at 2 p.m. and we’ll refill your cup of brew at no charge,” Goetz says.

Firefighters and police officers in uniform can grab a free cup anytime they stop in.

“It’s our way of thanking them for their service and also honoring the community,” Goetz adds.

The company hosts Lego night on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. where they set out tins of Legos and invite folks to tap into their creativity. During that time, they offer free kids’ drinks such as cups of whipped cream, flavored (magic) milk and miniature hot chocolates. In addition, on the second Tuesday of each month, they partner with the Plainfield Library for story time/arts & crafts. Plus, at least once a month they do various raffles on their Facebook page where they give away a mug and some free drink cards. To enter, simply “like” the Biggby Coffee page, comment and share the post.

Goetz keeps a milk crate for customers to drop off nonperishable food items that are donated to various food banks.

“Any customer who brings in two items of food gets a free card for their next visit,” he says.

It’s just one way Goetz gives back to the people of Plainfield.

“I really like the coffee industry, but that’s mostly because my customers share with me a small window into their day,” Goetz says.

Sometimes that’s in the form of a first date or a business meeting. Often it’s a relaxed

conversation amongst friends. Either way, Goetz appreciates the connections he makes with the community. He also appreciates his wife Jennifer, whom he credits for “doing everything else” while he keeps the business going. That “everything else” revolves mostly around raising their three daughters: Skylar (6), Penelope (4) and Lilia (2).

AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

“I couldn’t do this without my family’s support,” Goetz says. “I’m so grateful.”

To register for a Biggby Coffee’s card and access deals and freebies, visit biggby.com.

Or if you’d like to join the Biggby team, apply online. Biggby Coffee is located at 302 Dan Jones Rd in Plainfield, or you can give them a call at 317-203-5362.

August Is National Breastfeeding Month Whether you’re a first-time mom or an experienced mom, breastfeeding can be a different experience for everyone. Research shows that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for mothers and their babies, but it’s not always an easy experience. Jan Record, a registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant at Indiana University Health West Hospital, offers breastfeeding support for new and experienced moms.

“As your baby learns how to nurse, and as you both get into a routine, remember that patience is key,” Record says. “Some babies latch right away and others struggle in the beginning. Have patience and perseverance when beginning to breastfeed.”

• Breastfeed within the first hour of the

breastfeeding support groups, which baby’s life. After that, breastfeed whenever provide opportunities for moms to the baby shows signs of hunger or at least receive individual support from lactation specialists and meet other breastfeeding every three hours. moms. Record and the team of lactation specialists at IU Health West Hospital • Avoid using artificial nipples such as pacifiers and avoid feeding with water or lead a breastfeeding support group for formula, unless it’s advised by the doctor. moms with newborns and babies up to age one.

• Hold your baby directly on your skin.

Skin-to-skin contact, starting immediately after birth, can help with breastfeeding and with stabilization of the baby’s heart rate, breathing and body temperature.

Both mom and dad can hold the baby skin- to-skin, and doing so releases hormones that promote relaxation and bonding.

Record and the lactation consultants at IU When asked what moms can do to prepare, Health West Hospital meet moms and their Record says childbirth education classes new babies in the hospital after delivery. Her help give you and your partner a better tips for breastfeeding success include: idea of what to expect. She also encourages AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

Breastfeeding has many benefits for babies and provides excellent nutrition such as proteins, vitamins and healthy fats. Breastmilk also contains diseasefighting substances which protect babies from illness. Babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding - moms do, too. Breastfeeding offers a routine that helps mothers bond with their baby, decreases postpartum depression, and it burns extra calories, helping lose pregnancy weight gain.

AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

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PROGRAM HELPS LOCATE THOSE WHO HAVE WANDERED FROM THEIR CARETAKERS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Project Lifesaver is a proactive response for families that have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, dementia, autism, Down syndrome or any traumatic brain injury or cognitive disorder that might cause them to wander from their caretakers. Fitted with a battery-operated radio transmitter to the wrist or ankle with a frequency that is unique to them, the band emits an inaudible pulse once per second.

Members of the fire and police departments are trained to tune receivers to the frequency of the client who has gone missing.

Project Lifesaver International was formed in 1998. Hendricks County started the program

in 2008 with Brownsburg being the first in the county to launch it. According to Karen Hendershot, program coordinator with the Avon Fire Department (AFD), the Brownsburg department had heard about it from Wayne Township. As the program grew, clients from Avon, Plainfield, Danville and surrounding areas got involved.

Since Hendershot began oversight of the program in 2014, enrollment has nearly doubled (going from 30 clients to 56 currently).

Sadly, last summer Shalom Lawson, an 8-yearold autistic boy from Louisville, was visiting family in Brownsburg when he wandered into a retention pond and drowned. Following that tragic incident, word about Project Lifesaver AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

spread and Hendricks County experienced a surge in enrollment.

“That little boy’s death brought an unfortunate awareness to the program,” Hendershot says.

“While it’s hard to say if the outcome would have changed had Shalom been wearing a Project Lifesaver band, it certainly would have reduced the amount of time the search took place.”

Hendricks County strives to keep the program free to families in need, operating fully on funding from grants, fundraisers, local business sponsors and client donations.

“We’re extremely thankful for the amount

of support our community has given our program,” Hendershot says.

More recently, Champion Chevrolet donated $15,000 to aid the county in putting receivers (tracking units) in five Avon schools and training personnel on how to respond should a student go missing.

“The goal is to have receivers in every school where we have clients,” Hendershot says.

In the four years since Hendershot has been in charge of Project Lifesaver, the AFD has been dispatched to search seven times and thus far has had 100 percent success rate on all searches.

Last summer a family from Wayne Township was visiting Washington Township Park when a teenage client wandered away from the shelter house. The caregiver called 911, explained that they were part of Project Lifesaver and that her child had gone missing. The AFD was able to pick up the teen’s frequency, and units from Avon, Plainfield and Brownsburg all responded to the search and found the client lying in a grassy area.

“These families have to deal with a lot of different situations, including medications, doctor’s appointments and general care,” Hendershot says. “Knowing they have this tool to help in the event of a search is a huge relief.”

To be clear, Project Lifesaver is not a replacement for supervision in any way. Though clients don’t have to “qualify” for the program (i.e., they needn’t have wandered “x” number of times previously), they do have to be supervised by either a family member, teacher, nurse or

We are caregivers. babysitter of some sort. Clients cannot be left at home alone, mainly because if they were to go missing, no one would know.

“We don’t get an automatic notification,” Hendershot says. “A caregiver has to call 911 to alert us to their loved one’s absence.”

This is why an elderly person who still lives on their own is not an ideal client as they could be gone for multiple hours without anyone’s knowledge.

“Most of our clients have been referred to us because they have wandered and police have been called to help,” says Hendershot, who estimates that 3,000 lives have been saved as a result of this project.

Jackie Copeland, a Hendricks County resident, has a 14-year-old son named Owen. Originally diagnosed with autism, at seven he had his first seizure and was later diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder.

“One of the symptoms of the disorder is autism-like behaviors, which for him includes the classic desire to escape,” Copeland says. “Owen would try to find an exit anytime we were out.”

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Though Copeland always keeps her doors locked and has taught her son clear boundaries, one day when he was 9 years old, he made his way onto the front porch by sliding open a bay window and climbing out. Copeland mentioned what had happened to a friend who told her about Project Lifesaver. Though Owen is verbal, his mom knows that if he were to go missing, he would likely shut down.

“A perk of the program is that they keep a personalized file of each client so they know all his quirks and what works and doesn’t work when approaching him,” Copeland says. “For instance, I was able to tell authorities not to respond with lights and sirens because Owen has sensory issues that make bright lights and loud noises upsetting.”

"IT’S PEACE OF MIND TO KNOW THAT IF HE WERE TO GET AWAY FROM US, WE HAVE SOMETHING IN PLACE TO EXPEDITE FINDING HIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE." -JACKIE COPELAND

Some children are drawn to water. Others may have a spot they tend to gravitate to so those would be the logical first places to search. This is the type of info kept on file for each client.

The Copelands call the Project Lifesaver band Owen’s “special watch” and have taught him to never take it off. It can get wet and doesn’t interfere with everyday activities.

“When we first inquired about the program, a representative for Project Lifesaver put a band on Owen with a non-active receiver,” Copeland says. “He wore it for a month to see if he could tolerate it.”

Since these units are so expensive, it’s imperative that clients are good about not tampering with them.

Copeland appreciates having another tool to support Owen in keeping him safe.

“We want him to enjoy the highest quality of life without us worrying too much,” Copeland says. “It’s peace of mind to know that if he were to get away from us, we have something in place to expedite finding him as quickly as possible.”

Annual fundraisers not only raise money for the program but also lets folks know about the program.

“So many families could benefit from Project Lifesaver but don’t know it exists,” Hendershot

says. “We want to change that.”

Copeland agrees.

“I don’t want it to be a situation where it’s too late as was the case for Shalom,” she says.

speak to members of Hendricks County.

“It was an emotional experience for all involved because what happened to Shalom could easily have been my child,” Copeland says. “It was very eye-opening. We just want our children to be safe.”

Proceeds for last year’s Project Lifesaver 5K fundraiser run went to Shalom’s hometown For more information about PLSHC or for enrollment information, visit so that the community could start up a Project Lifesaver there. Shalom’s parents were projectlifesaverhendrickscounty.weebly.com. kind enough to be on hand at the run and AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

Families of the Boy Scouts of America have been asking for years to welcome daughters into the program that they have seen change their son’s lives.

This fall, families can now sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouting In October of 2017, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families that they want to participate together. The BSA evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting. This research confirmed that the curriculum is applicable to both girls and boys, and offers families an additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.

Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America have created a unique model that builds on the benefits of single gender programs while providing the same character and leadership opportunities for both boys and girls. Cub Scout dens will be single gender, all boys or all girls, not co-ed.

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Using the same respected Scouting curriculum, all youth will be able to earn the belt loops, merit badges, and even Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single-gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s busy families, with all of the same character building, outdoor activities and service Scouts are known for in the community!

Our mission is still the same—to prepare every young person to become a strong, brave, loyal, kind and responsible citizen. The values of the Scout Law – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent – are relevant and important for every boy and girl.

For more information about Cub Scouting or to register, visit

www.JoinScoutsIN.org The Scouting curriculum is staying exactly the same

Cub Scouting in single gender dens is now available for boys and girls Starting in 2019, girls will be able to earn the same merit badges as boys have for over 100 years, even Eagle Scout rank

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS FOSTERS LEADERSHIP SKILLS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Fred Richardson’s daughter was in second grade when she expressed an interest in joining some sort of troop organization.

Richardson, who has a background in family ministry, substitute teaching and community involvement, took his daughter to visit various troops in and around the Indianapolis area and found they liked the mission of the American Heritage Girls (AHG), which states, “Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.”

They emphasize life skill enhancement, social, spiritual and character development, teamwork & confidence and female leadership. Speaking of leadership, at the time of Richardson’s inquiry, there was no

troop assembled that served the area despite a list of parents who were interested in having one. Given that Richardson, himself, had a scouting background since his son had served in Boy Scouts, he decided to step up to the plate and get the ball rolling. Two years ago, he started a chapter of AHG in Brownsburg at Hope Community Church, the troop’s sponsor. Though they have gained momentum over the last couple of years, they are looking to grow even more.

“We hope to have a strong recruitment this year,” says Richardson, noting that they’re hosting an open house in August when school starts to give families a chance to come see what they’re all about. The AHG, a faith-based program predominantly sponsored by area churches, welcomes girls ages 5-18 and is similar in design to Girl Scouts.

AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

“All scouting type programs share a similar DNA,” Richardson says. “They focus on leadership and citizenship. In our case, our girls earn badges for six different frontiers.

These include everything from personal wellbeing to outdoor activities, arts and crafts, science and technology and camping and hiking.”

Though Richardson is responsible for delegating responsibilities, he’s quick to point out that the ultimate goal — and a quality that is distinctive about the AHG — is that, over time, the troop becomes girlled as they progress through five program levels: Pathfinder (grade K and a parent/ child experience), Tenderheart (grades 1-3), Explorer (grades 4-6), Pioneer (grades 7-8) and Patriot (grades 9-12).

“As girls come up through the program, they

accept more and more responsibility for running the troop,” says Richardson, noting that this past year they had a sixth-grader who led their opening ceremonies, which included the flag, the creed and the pledge of allegiance.

“Her AHG leadership experience has profoundly affected her self-confidence, particularly as it relates to schoolwork and public speaking,” Richardson says. “Just standing up in front of people has helped her grow tremendously this year.”

Though adults provide logistical support, the girls take ownership of the troop as they plan and implement various themes and activities.

“AHG is a great opportunity for girls to learn various types of leadership —for instance, how to put on a special event like the Daddy/Daughter dance they did this year,” Richardson says. “They selected the

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decorations and worked with adults to provide the snacks. This was the girls beginning to take ownership of such events.”

The other key aspect of AHG is their service projects. For instance, in the past, they have worked with the American Legion in Brownsburg to help them place flags at veterans’ grave sites on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. They have also assisted Avon with the Avon Day celebration and have marched in the Brownsburg Fourth of July parade.

Though they love to be out and about, mingling with members of the community, this year the girls wanted to tackle a more ambitious project so they are participating in a program called HUGS (Heritage Girls United Giving Service) designed to help foster children acclimate by providing them with duffle bags filled with personal and comfort items. Throughout the spring and summer, AHG girls have sold Crew Car Wash tickets to purchase 100 duffle bags. They then partnered with local churches to fill the bags with items such as notebooks, blankets, games and stuffed animals.

“When kids are removed from unsafe situations and enter the foster care system, they typically leave AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

with the clothes on their backs and maybe one toy or keepsake,” Richardson says. “It’s always a traumatic experience for them as they get dropped off at a stranger’s home so our AHG girls are trying to help make the transition a little less scary.”

Typically, the first placement in foster care is a temporary one until the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) can find a long-term placement for the children. That means that after a week or two, they’re often picking up and moving again to another new home. Now they can take this duffel bag with their very own items with them.

“It doesn’t completely take away the sting, but we hope it reminds these children that the community cares about them,” Richardson says.

Thus far, the troop has filled a quarter of the bags, but they plan to continue to partner with local churches to fill the remainder.

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According to a local DCS coordinator, those bags will be used in Hendricks, Putnam and Morgan Counties. In the future, Richardson’s AHG troop might implement a similar program but pack the bags with school supplies instead.

Jennifer Perry has been pleased not only with the service projects her 9-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, has participated in but also with how AHG has enabled Elizabeth to grow.

“AHG has allowed our daughter to honor Christ while participating in community projects with her unit,” Perry says. “She’s come out of her shell and looks forward to AHG meetings and activities each week.”

For more information about AHG, visit americanheritagegirls.org.

AUGUST 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

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LOCALS GET THEIR WINGS AT HENDRICKS COUNTY AVIATION Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Last year Chris Johnson, owner of Nature’s Choice Landscaping in Brownsburg, took ownership of Hendricks County Aviation, a flight school on the edge of Avon that opened in 2005. Hendricks County Aviation may be the area’s best kept secret.

Not that it’s meant to be, but given that it’s somewhat concealed from public view (the runway ends just south of Rockville Road but is hidden by trees and railroad tracks), not everyone knows it exists.

Johnson has been involved in aviation most of his life, having moved in 1998 from the West coast to Avon for a job with United Airlines. Furloughed in 2002, he started Nature’s Choice Landscaping. When the opportunity to purchase the flight school came about last year, Johnson jumped on it.

“I’d been wanting to become involved in aviation again,” says Johnson, a licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. “This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Johnson employs two primary instructors — Richard Stevens and Dave Remondini. Stevens, 70, has been a flight instructor for the past 32 years, teaching hundreds of students and logging 14,000 in-flight hours. Stevens grew up on a farm in Crawfordsville and at age 10 got hooked on aviation when he accompanied his father on an airplane ride.

Stevens earned a degree in agricultural science from Purdue University in 1974, then returned to the family farm where he worked with his two brothers. Though

he enjoyed his livelihood, he still had a burning desire to learn to fly, so he started taking lessons in 1978. Though he had no intention of becoming an instructor, the GI Bill enabled him to obtain his commercial pilot’s license. In 1985, he began teaching and never stopped. He taught for 19 years in Crawfordsville before he was asked to share his skills at Hendricks County Aviation in 2005.

“I had retired from farming, so it was perfect timing for me to come over here,” says Stevens, who had envisioned this being a semi-retirement gig. Not so. During warm weather months, Stevens sometimes has as many as 15 students at one time.

The majority of the pupils who attend the

42 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

Richard Stevens

Hendricks County Aviation are looking to earn their private pilot’s license so that they may pursue flying as a hobby. A handful, however, go on to earn advanced ratings or certificates so that they may become a commercial pilot.

Getting licensed is a three-step process. The first phase is 15 hours of flight training and includes three takeoffs and three landings.

The second, called the “cross-country” phase, is learning how to go from Point A to Point B and involves flying from home base (the Hendricks County Airport) to a straight-line distance at least 50 nautical miles away.

“The student and I plan that flight and fly it together,” Stevens says. “We do that three times and by the third time, they’ll know how to plan it, fly it and work with air traffic control all by themselves.”

They also engage in some night training.

The third and final phase is taking the Check Ride exam with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

PlainfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2018 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 43

“YOU FIND THAT YOU EITHER WANT TO FLY OR YOU DON’T. FOR ANYONE STILL ON THE FENCE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE THE FIRST COUPLE OF FLIGHT LESSONS AND THEN DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO PROCEED.” RICHARD STEVENS

Pupils must log a minimum of 40 hours to get their private pilot’s license. The amount of time that takes is completely dependent on the student’s schedule.

“I’ve had people take as long as five years and others get it in a month if they’re out here every day,” says Stevens, whose favorite part of the job is when his students complete their first solo flight.

“When I get out of the airplane and they take off for the first time without me in the seat next to them, that’s a big deal,” Stevens says. “Their knees might be knocking a bit, but it’s not anxiety. It’s excitement. This is what they’ve been waiting for.”

Those who are intrigued by the prospect of taking lessons but are not convinced it’s for them may come out to the airport and, for a fee, participate in a “Discovery Flight” where they spend an hour with the instructor and are even allowed to take control of the aircraft.

“I’m not trying to sell aviation,” Stevens says. “You find that you either want to fly or you don’t. For anyone still on the fence, I encourage you to take the first couple of flight lessons and then decide whether or not to proceed.”

44 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2018 / PlainfieldMag.com

As for Stevens, he has no plans of retiring any time soon.

“There aren’t many senior flight instructors in the country, so I’m proud to be one of them,” says Stevens, who occasionally flies somewhere for a day trip. Not only is the view from the sky better than on the ground, but simply getting from one location to another is much faster by air.

“I can be to French Lick in 40 minutes by plane, whereas it takes a couple hours in a car,” Stevens says. “I can go, spend the day, and be home in time for dinner.”

Stevens’ teaching has spanned the demographics. He’s taught teenagers, adults and seniors.

“The high school students often come because they’re going to go to Purdue or Indiana State to pursue professional pilot training programs, and they want to get their private pilot’s license before arriving on campus,” Stevens says. “With the older folks, it’s often a bucket list sort of thing. I just think it’s nice anytime the flying bug has bitten someone, and they’re compelled to get their license.”

Seven years ago, a local high school student named Brady Burke, who studied under Stevens, went on to Purdue University and landed a job as a commercial airline pilot.

“Brady dreamed of becoming an airline pilot and saw his vision to fruition,” Stevens says. “It’s rewarding to know that the dream started here.”

Hendricks County Aviation provides flight instruction and aircraft rental services. Learn to become a licensed Pilot or add a rating if you are already a pilot.

Call today to schedule a Discovery Flight and learn more about becoming a pilot. H.C.A. is located at the Hendricks County Airport on the Avon/Danville line just south of Rockville Road.

2749 Gordon Graham Road, Danville IN.

Ask about our “Discovery Flight” which includes a half hour of ground lessons and a half hour of flight lessons where you will actually fly the airplane.

PlainfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2018 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 45

Thanks for your service

Thank you Chief Krieger for your service!

Chief Krieger retires this month after serving the citizens of Plainfield in a law enforcement capacity since 1982. Chief Krieger graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1983.

Throughout his career, he has performed functions as a Patrol Officer, Detective Patrolman, Detective Sergeant, Detective Lieutenant, Detective Captain, Support Services Division Captain and was appointed Chief of Police in November 2012.

We wish you a safe and happy retirement.

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