Avon Magazine September 2025

Shelter to Service

Plainfield Officer

STRINGS OF SUCCESS

AVON HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES

FOURTH STATE TITLE & A NEW WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

STRINGS OF SUCCESS Avon High School Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Fourth State Title & a New WorldClass Facility

HEROES AMONG US Susie’s Place Honors Community Champions at Annual Fundraiser

Plainfield Officer Transforms Rescued Dogs into Police K9s

Annual 4-Wheel Jamboree Revs Up In a New Location

(317) 496-3599

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

BROWN TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

STRINGS OF SUCCESS

AVON HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES FOURTH STATE TITLE & A NEW WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Photographer / Amy Payne

The Avon High School Symphony Orchestra will start the school year on a high note this fall, following their fourth ISSMA State Championship win in May.

The Symphony Orchestra is an auditiononly varsity group of musicians. During

the 2024-25 school year, fewer than 10 of the 110 orchestra members were in ninth grade. The vast majority are juniors and seniors.

Dean Westman, Director of Orchestras and Performing Arts Department Chair,

says success takes commitment.

“During sectionals we’ll have evening rehearsals, and we might have our bass orchestra work with a professor from Butler University, or another section work with another experienced musician,”

Westman says. “If you were a trumpet player in the marching band and the symphony orchestra, you could easily be rehearsing every single night. For some, it’s a massive time commitment.”

As competition season approaches, Westman says the students will learn a 25-minute program of professional-level classical music you might hear at Carnegie Hall or the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“The students in the band and the symphony in particular would say, ‘I’m exhausted,’ but I think all of the students would say it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve done in high school,” Westman says.

Looking back, Westman is proud of how the program has grown to be the largest in the state.

“I founded the program 18 years ago

“EVERYTHING IS SO INSTANT TODAY. EVERYTHING IS DOWNLOADABLE. I LOVE THAT LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT IS NOT. YOU HAVE TO DO IT THE SAME WAY BEETHOVEN DID IT.”

- DEAN WESTMAN, DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRAS

Choose Ascension St. Vincent 24/7 ER care

Ascension St. Vincent ER care teams are here for you, close to home. And we’re connected to Ascension St. Vincent Level IV Adult and Pediatric Trauma and Burn Center.

Find your nearest Ascension ER at ascension.org/StVincentCare

with 38 beginning orchestra students in a utility room in the building that is now Evergreen Elementary,” Westman says.

“Today, we have over 1,000 string players, grades 6-12, and the largest high school string program in the state with over 300 students participating at the high school level. We also have five full-time directors and four state championships.”

This fall, they are also celebrating a new facility at the high school, part of a series of projects and additions in recent years.

“I started in an old room that doesn’t even exist anymore, and now we’re sitting in the nicest facility in the country for high school orchestra,” Westman adds.

Not only are the acoustics ideal, they can now fit the entire orchestra in one room.

“We earned three state championships from our former choir room that could fit 75 people,” Westman says. “There were no windows and no acoustics, but we made it happen. Before this facility, the only way we could practice as a full orchestra was by using the band room.”

That partnership between all the musical programs across the district has been invaluable, Westman adds.

“We couldn’t have done it without our band,” he says. “They are busy and use their space all the time, so if they hadn’t made it a priority to allow us to use the space, there’s zero chance we’d be as big and successful as we are now. Now that we have this new facility, we’re able to return

the favor. The drum line might use this space to rehearse, for example.”

It’s all part of exposing students to the gift of music and developing their talent. Studies show students involved in music also excel academically, socially and in many other ways.

Westman notes that at the annual Evening of Excellence, held for the top 25 academic students each year, at least half are in the orchestra, band or choir. A year doesn’t go by without a valedictorian, salutatorian or class president who is involved and committed to the program.

It takes determination, dedication and a strong work ethic to juggle grades, extracurriculars and music, but the benefits are worth it.

“Everything is so instant today,” Westman says. “Everything is downloadable. I love that learning a musical instrument is not. You have to do it the same way Beethoven did it. We live in a time where things are all about clicks and ‘likes,’ and music doesn’t allow for that. There’s no app that makes you a great violinist. You have to work hard, break through, get past the challenges and struggles.”

The championship this past May is something to be proud of, but Westman says it’s not the point of the music program. They like getting trophies, but they like inspiring students even more.

He gives his students this example: If he broke his leg and interviewed surgeons to fix it, there would be many excellent options. They would all be smart and

have worked hard in school — but for Westman, he’d choose the cellist.

“I don’t know anything about surgery, but I know about musicians, and I know their standard is not just to pass or just get a ‘B.’ They were trying for perfection every time,” Westman says. “It’s not the trophy, it’s the human being these students

become when they walk out of here because of music. It’s the intrinsic value they receive from being a part of this.” The first opportunity to see the 202526 symphony orchestra will be this fall at the Symphony for a Dance Floor on Oct. 9. All six orchestras, including the state champions, will perform in

partnership with the Avon High School dance program for two performances that evening.

Tickets and information will be available on the Avon High School Orchestras website and Facebook page.

We’re serious about math

Kids who learn to love math gain confidence for a successful year. Mathnasium students learn from highly trained instructors in a fun and engaging environment. As their skills increase, they grow in confidence not just in math, but in all their subjects.

Mathnasium of Avon IN (317) 680-1980

mathnasium.com/avonin 621 S. Dan Jones Rd., Avon

Contact Us for a Free Assessment

www.mathnasium.com

•

GET TO KNOW JASON!

As the Executive Director at Avon Health and Rehabilitation, I’m honored to lead a team that shares my passion for delivering compassionate, resident-centered care. My journey in long-term care began as a Certi�ied Nursing Assistant, and that hands-on experience continues to shape how I lead—with empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges and rewards of caregiving.

Before joining Avon, I served as Executive Director at Albany Health and Rehab for nearly three years. I completed my Administrator-in-Training program at Bethel Pointe Health and Rehab, where I gained invaluable insight into the operational and interpersonal aspects of running a successful facility. I earned my degree in Biology Pre-Medicine from Taylor University and became a licensed Health Facility Administrator in October 2022.

I’m passionate about building a culture where residents feel truly at home and staff feel supported and empowered. I believe that strong relationships—with residents, families, and team members—are the foundation of exceptional care, and I’m grateful to continue pursuing my passion for leading a building with the goal of “family taking care of family” while building on Avon’s strong reputation and enhancing both care outcomes and quality of life.

Jason Gimre Executive Director

AROUND THE COMMUNITY,

SEPTEMBER

Submit Your Events!

3

EVERY WEDNESDAY WILD WEDNESDAYS

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 US Highway 136

Want to go fast? Want to see how your vehicle compares to others? Wild Wednesdays are open to all makes and models. Just bring your favorite car. visithendrickscounty.com

5

INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St. 7:30 p.m.

Cheer on the Fever for Opening Night of an exciting season. ticketmaster.com

SPECIAL EVENT: COREY HOLCOMB

Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St. Biography Video Website Click Showtime To Purchase visit indianapolis.heliumcomedy.com.

6 BILLY CURRINGTON & KIP MOORE: LIVE IN CONCERT

Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. 7 p.m.

Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).

COLTS 5K

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue

8 a.m.-noon

Celebrate the Return of Football and Finish on the 50! The 13th annual Colts 5K, presented by Ascension St. Vincent, is back and bigger than ever — now part of Home Opener Weekend!

SPECIAL EVENT: COREY HOLCOMB

Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St. Biography Video Website Click Showtime To Purchase indianapolis.heliumcomedy.com

7

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue 1 p.m.

14

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. DENVER BRONCOS

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue 4:05 p.m.

19

CODY JINKS - THE HIPPIES AND COWBOYS TOUR

Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.

7 p.m.

Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).

20 PLAINFIELD SKY DANCE

Hummel Park Performing Arts Center, 5373 Sugar Grove Rd.

7-9 p.m.

townofplainfield.com

25

IU INDIANAPOLIS JAGUARS WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. WRIGHT STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER

Carroll Stadium, 1001 West New York Street

7 p.m.

2025 IU Indianapolis Jaguars Women’s Soccer Season. Tickets are digital only and it is recommend all fans purchase in advance through Ticketmaster or IUIndyJags.com/tickets.

LEE

BRICE: WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT TOUR 2025

Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.

7 p.m.

Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).

26

THE

MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS

Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Noon, 7 p.m.

Doors open one hour before the show.

PAPA ROACH & RISE AGAINST: RISE OF THE ROACH TOUR

Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.

7 p.m.

Blankets, tarps, and lawn chairs are not permitted for this event.

27

THE

MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS

Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Noon, 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m.

Doors open one hour before the show.

VENTRILOQUIST DARCI LYNNE AT MAD HATTER

Mad Hatter Shows, 916 E. Main St. 7-9 p.m.

Actor/singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne was 12 years old when she paired her love of music with ventriloquy to hit the prime time stage and capture the hearts of audiences around. festivalcountryindiana.com

28

THE

MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS

Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

Doors open one hour before the show.

SHELTER TO SERVICE

PLAINFIELD OFFICER TRANSFORMS

RESCUED DOGS INTO POLICE K9S

afford one. Thanks to a new program led by Prichard, that’s all about to change.

“I liked dogs before I got Jocko, but he really made me fall in love with dogs,” he says. “We started volunteering at the animal shelter, and I noticed the world often looks at dogs in a shelter like you can’t work with them. They don’t have the same bloodline or lineage of police working dogs. I was working with these dogs and started thinking, maybe everybody has these guys wrong.”

He says not all of the dogs could undergo the training, but some, Prichard felt, were perfectly capable.

“They often have horrible backstories,” he says. “They’ve been beaten and neglected, but they’re still willing to give people a chance — and most people go through their lives never finding that kind of redemption or a second chance.”

A stray Malinois, Echo, came to the shelter

nearly frozen to death.

Prichard says many would label him “too much.” He was large and full of energy, but Prichard saw something different.

“I started training him every day and saw that Echo was born to do this,” Prichard says. “He’s a super sweet dog, too. After training Echo with his current handler, he’s gone on to serve with the Plainfield Police Department. In fact, he was recently a part of one of the largest drug seizures in the department’s history.”

He did it again with Newt, a boxer mix and victim of animal cruelty. The K9 and her handler serve at Plainfield High School and were just awarded the Giraffe Award, given to people (or dogs) who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

With two success stories under his belt, Prichard decided to move forward on a bigger scale.

He created the nonprofit program Redemption Ranch.

“We have a wonderful veterinarian partner, and I’m training the dogs alongside the new handler for free and giving the police department the dog for free,” Prichard says. “To date, 13 dogs have gone through our program. These dogs now have a home and a family, and our communities are safer.”

Those 13 K9s have gone to police departments across the state, from Tipton to Madison and towns in between.

Their next class will include dogs and handlers headed to Tennessee and Kansas, with more to come.

Prichard says in addition to providing police departments with a much-needed asset, he hopes communities will look at their animal shelter when they’re ready for a new fourlegged member of the family.

“Everyone wins here,” he says. “The department wins, the dogs win, the taxpayers win. I hope people will walk into their local shelter and you’ll see what I’m talking about. They know you’ve pulled them from a shelter.

They’ll show you gratitude for a lifetime. These dogs are not beyond reach. If you take them and genuinely care for them, spend time with them and invest in them, it’s worth it.”

Right now, Redemption Ranch is operating out of Prichard’s home, but with the support of the community and volunteers, he hopes to eventually open a permanent training facility.

“We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and operate solely off donations. No one on our board gets paid. I don’t get paid for this,” Prichard adds. “We’re currently operating on a caseby-case basis. We get the order for a police department, and I go out and scout one dog at a time. But eventually, I hope we can grab the dogs as they come through and maybe have multiple trainers and sites across the country. It’s going to take the volunteers, the funds and the awareness to make it happen.”

It also can’t be done without the law enforcement agencies interested in the service. Interested parties can apply at redemptionranchk9.com. Each course is 160 hours of training completed in three

HEROES AMONG US

SUSIE’S PLACE HONORS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Writer / Melissa Gibson

They play a critical role in investigating child abuse and neglect, providing forensic interviews for children in a childfirst facility. They also work to promote prevention, justice and healing for young victims of abuse and violence.

At Susie’s Place, you can imagine the number of staff, partnerships and volunteers it takes to make the muchneeded service a reality. This fall, they’ll once again celebrate those heroes — law enforcement, prosecutors, volunteers and others — at their annual Superhero Celebration.

“This event started around 15 years ago when we were doing a masquerade gala with the Avon Kiwanis Club, but as it grew, it became our largest fundraiser of the year,” says Founder and Executive Director Emily Perry. “In the past five or six

years, I think it’s become a signature event for Hendricks County.”

It may have started with a masquerade ball theme, and the superhero title might have you thinking about a favorite Halloween costume, but that’s not the type of event they’re putting on. Instead, it’s cocktail attire and celebrating the everyday people who have become superheroes to youth in the county.

“It takes an entire community that cares about kids to come together when we see these acts of kindness that end up as superhuman things,” Perry says. “We’re making such a difference in the lives of kids in big and small ways that eventually make a big impact.”

The Crane Bay’s Crystal Catering will provide a sit-down, served dinner to

guests. There will be unique items and experiences offered at the live and silent auctions. One of the packages up for auction this year is a private dinner with former Colts Coach Tony Dungy at Cunningham Restaurant Group’s Vida.

In addition, the popular Dessert Dash will return.

“We are the originator of the Dessert Dash,” Perry says. “We have beautiful cakes,

middle of the room, and our guests bid for the dessert they want. That alone raises between $25,000 and $35,000 each year. It’s a huge part of our event and a little healthy competition. It’s fun and interactive for

popular offering — a bourbon and cigar tasting in the outdoor area.

“It has a little bit of a speakeasy vibe to it, and I think it’s a fun part that many look forward

work with all year long.

“These people have stepped up in meaningful ways through donations or volunteering or through the work that they do,” Perry says. “Our local law enforcement, for example, have truly dedicated their lives to protecting our children.”

While the Superhero Celebration is a platform to recognize these important people, it’s also a fundraiser for the nonprofit. Very few individual tickets are available, as most tables are purchased through sponsorship packages.

“We only release around 30 individual tickets, but we know some people like to snag those up, so we make them available as the event date gets closer,” Perry says. Proceeds from ticket sales, the Dessert Dash and the silent auction provide the nonprofit with general operating funds for all three advocacy centers each year.

The Avon location opened in 2009, Bloomington opened in 2011 and Terre

Of course, financial support is always needed, but Perry says there are other ways the community can help.

“One of the things we’ve really been trying to inspire in the community is to get educated,” she says. “We need people willing to come to

community trainings and outreach so they can be those superheroes for kids. If a kid needs help, if they are scared or in danger, so few adults are prepared or equipped for that moment. We’d love to see our community members hosting these conversations at their church groups, moms’ clubs, civic clubs and others.”

Perry says the dangers of young people’s interactions online, as well as hands-on abuse and maltreatment, have created staggering statistics. Susie’s Place is seeing the need for educated volunteers grow.

They’re also looking for volunteers and groups to help clean, organize or restock at the facility. Groups can schedule a one-time event or develop an ongoing relationship with the staff to share their gifts and talents.

In 2024, Susie’s Place served 1,306 children across its three locations who were victims of crimes. They also worked with more than 100,000 children in their K-12 educational programs in schools across Hendricks County and beyond.

The Superhero Celebration at Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis is Oct. 4. Table sponsorships are available now, and individual tickets will be on sale soon. Visit susiesplace. org/events for more information.

• Garage/Basement/ Attic Cleanout

• Gutter Cleaning

• Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck Demolition & Removal

• Appliance / E-Waste Removal

• Stump Grinding

FULL-THROTTLE FUN

ANNUAL 4-WHEEL JAMBOREE REVS UP IN A NEW LOCATION

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jeff Luckey

Monster trucks, 4x4s, custom trucks or the daily driver – if you have something with four-wheel drive, you can join the fun at the annual 4-Wheel Jamboree this September.

If you don’t, don’t let that stop you. There’s plenty to see for spectators too.

The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals will come to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Complex Center for the first time this fall after more than 30 years at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Chief Revenue Officer at Events Inc., Andy Knapp, says to think of it as a motorsports event meets a truck show meets the world’s largest tailgate party.

“This event is really for anyone who likes an outdoor festival,” he says. “By September, the festival season is starting to slow down, and it’s like an end-ofsummer celebration at an incredible venue.”

Monsters of Destruction (M.O.D.) will be on hand with seven monster trucks and

four shows over the weekend.

On Friday, monster trucks will qualify for the racing brackets and compete in a Best Trick competition. Saturday will feature monster truck racing rounds up to the semifinals, followed by all seven trucks competing in Freestyle. Sunday will cap off the

event with the final round of monster truck racing, followed by two-truck tandem freestyle performances.

On Saturday, the Indiana Pulling League and Indiana Truck Pullers Association will showcase four classes of big machines and compete for a full pull and a spot in the Pull-Off finale.

With multiple events happening over the three-day weekend, perhaps what’s most unique is that the average truck enthusiast can get involved too. Register beforehand if you want to see just

what kind of power your truck or 4x4 has compared to a competitor.

“The Mud Bog is a four-foot, soupy mud pit. We do six different types of truck classifications throughout the weekend, and the goal is to get all the way through it with your vehicle and also to be the fastest,” Knapp says.

The Tuff Trucks competition invites drivers to try their hand at the monster truck course with their own truck. Both Stock and Modified Stock will compete. Competitors make a timed qualifying pass in each lane, with those times setting the field for eliminations.

The Side X Side racing is popular too. Bring your UTV and test your

Monetary prizes will be awarded for the Tuff Trucks and Side X Side competitions, but that’s not all.

“We have a burnout competition sponsored by Yokohama and Tire Rack, and that’s always fun,” Knapp adds. “People burn out their tires down to nothing for a chance to win a set of tires.”

For those who don’t want to burn out their tires or drag their truck through the mud, there’s a category for you too – the Show-N-Shine.

Awards include Best Make, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engineered and more. Not only is it fun to show off your favorite four-wheel-drive vehicle, but all of the events your average truck enthusiast can join come with some sort of recognition and can even lead to cash prizes.

“People enjoy participating in the events

because they can go home with money or trophies or in-kind products,” Knapp adds. “We have a lot of merchandise vendors and companies that donate prizes too.”

With all of the events testing the limits of vehicles both professional and amateur, there’s another entire show going on outside of the arena.

Car fans can check out the most recent developments in restoring, modifying and caring for the vehicle you own or hope to own someday among the dozens of specialty vendors set up all weekend long, or you may just enjoy the food and entertainment.

“There will be 60 different vendors with all kinds of fair-like food,” Knapp says. “There are always more than 2,000 trucks on display. Some of them are $100,000 trucks or more, and others are the typical daily driver. All of those are professionally judged. Visitors will be

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• More nutrients, air & water to the roots

• Thicker & deeper roots

• Decrease in thatch layer & soil compaction

• More room for new seeds to germinate (if overseeding)

able to check out the latest and greatest in manufacturers. It’s the best of both worlds.”

All 4x4s are welcome, even if you don’t want to participate in a competition or the Show-N-Shine. A cruise route is established, and throughout the day, hosts expect to see trucks cruising around all weekend. Think of it as a parade of offroad enthusiasts.

In addition, visitors and participants can camp at the fairgrounds over the weekend. With easy access to the live shows and vendor row, it’s an entire weekend full of fun and 4-wheels.

Knapp says the hosts at Events Inc. are looking forward to the change in venue and believe fans of the event will enjoy it too.

“One of the reasons we moved to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds was the absolutely beautiful, shaded property,” he says. “I think, if anything, we’ll increase our attendance numbers. We’re really excited to be here in 2025.”

The 44th annual 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals is Sept. 19-21 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Complex Center. Visit 4wheeljamboree.com/event/fall/ for a complete schedule or to register for your favorite event.

DARREN BOSTON DARREN@TOWNEPOST.COM

(317) 716-8812 TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT with INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH is a highly skilled orthopedics team of pre-surgery coordinators orthopedic surgeons nurses post-surgery coordinators physical therapists and rehab specialists

EVERY STRONG KNEE HIP SHOULDER, OR SHOULDER,

WORKING TOGETHER TO GET YOU BACK TO FEELING YOUR BEST.

Successful outcomes. A smooth recovery. When you’re ready to get moving again, the hip, knee and shoulder replacement experts are with you every step of the way at Indiana University Health.

Find out more and download a free video seminar.

Visit iuhealth.org/joints .