A Fresh Start
Hendricks County Arts Council
Rebrands as Hendricks County Arts Collective
Back Home Again
Serving School and Community
Plainfield Students Launch Hopeful Threads Closet
SCHWANEKAMP NAMED PRINCIPAL OF PLAINFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
This year at Avon Orthodontics we are celebrating Dr. Gregory Johnson’s 30th year of service to the Hendricks County community.
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Johnson has helped over ten thousand patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is full of friendly smiles from our team members, including the occasional tail wag from our office dog, Karma. Some of our employees here at Avon Orthodontics have been working for Dr. Johnson for over 20 years!
Our practice has a fun, easy-going atmosphere to welcome patients. Whether it is your first appointment with us, or you are a current patient, we will make it our priority to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Avon Orthodontics welcomed another doctor into the practice, Dr. Lauren Wright. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lauren trained and graduated from the Mayo Clinic, so their practice philosophy and approach to patient care is very similar. As our practice continues to grow, we are blessed to have Dr. Lauren as a part of our team.
Our Avon Orthodontics Team looks forward to serving the Hendricks County community for years to come!
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONDITIONS
Sprains
Strains
Fractures
Suspected
He was raised in Plainfield by parents who were educators, his dad serving as head football coach at Plainfield High School (PHS) in the late 1980s. Brent Schwanekamp graduated from PHS in 1998 and from an early age knew he wanted to be a teacher
He became just that, and this fall, he’ll serve as the new principal of PHS.
“I was really lucky. I had great mentors. My parents showed me what a great career education is, and I had amazing teachers in Plainfield. The superintendent at the time, Dr. Jerry Holifield, really encouraged me to get involved in community service, and I was lucky again when I was the first recipient of the Lilly Endowment scholarship with the now Hendricks County Community
Those mentors and leaders in Schwanekamp’s life continued making an impact as he graduated from Butler University and got his first teaching and coaching job at Ben Davis High School. Five years later, his alma mater was calling.
“The superintendent at that time, Mr. [Scott] Olinger, challenged me to be a leader in our building, and I went back to get my master’s without a grand vision of what I was going to do with it. Maybe I’d be an athletic director,” Schwanekamp said. “I played football throughout college and then coached at Ben Davis and PHS. I come from a family of coaches. My brother coaches football in Brownsburg; my brother-in-law is a college coach. Athletics are a big part of teaching so many lessons to so many students.”
Instead, Schwanekamp took the administrative route when asked to serve as assistant principal 11 years ago.
He was nervous to take the leap from leading a classroom to leading a school,
but as Schwanekamp took on more responsibilities, he fell in love with the role. In the past several years, with Principal Pat Cooney’s retirement on the horizon, he pushed himself further to prepare when the opportunity became available.
“You have to prioritize people. That’s my favorite part of the job. Talking to staff and knowing what’s going on in their lives — I love hearing the stories. I love the kids. My cup gets filled by interacting with these teenagers. I love being around them in the hallways, the cafeteria and out on the field,” Schwanekamp said.
Though his role has changed drastically over the years, Schwanekamp still enjoys helping his own four children navigate the math textbook and thinks of himself as simply serving in a different capacity.
“I think I’m still a teacher. Whether it’s teaching younger teachers or doing a presentation for our staff. I’m looking
at mindfulness and mental health for our staff, AI technology and things like that,” Schwanekamp said. “I see the value in always being the lead learner in our building. I learn stuff and then share it with others.”
Looking forward, Schwanekamp is excited about several new things coming
to the PHS campus.
They’re in the process of developing Quaker Creations, a work-based learning opportunity in the career technical ed program including digital design, broadcasting and other skills. They’re partnering with local businesses in the community to further enhance the program
and encourage exploration in those areas.
They’ve already begun offering financial literacy courses, a new state requirement for all schools.
“We’re in a great spot. We were already pushing career and technical opportunities and already offering classes that are now state requirements, but that thinking ahead is encouraged and rewarded,” Schwanekamp said. “We’ve had talks about looking at junior and senior schedules and how do we get them more oriented to a college schedule. That’s down the road, but as we work with diploma stipulations and changes coming from the state, we want to always be thinking ahead.”
It’s not uncommon for Schwanekamp to beam with pride when talking about his school and his community. There’s a lot of positive things happening, and he’s excited to be a part of it.
A summer like you’ve never heard before.
“We try to mirror our community in the way our leaders are always looking forward. When you think about our trails and parks systems, the new downtown Plainfield area and new developments — these didn’t happen by accident,” Schwanekamp said. “It was done thoughtfully and set up for success, and we do the same thing here at Plainfield Community Schools.”
This school year, Schwanekamp can’t wait to begin his new role, and he can feel the weight of its importance while teachers, staff and administration mentor the new generation.
“What I always go back to is, I’m just so grateful for the Plainfield community. From the elementary school I went to, to raising my own kids here. We have that small-town feel, and everyone looks out for each other. That’s how we’re wired. I’m grateful for growing up in a place like this, and I feel a lot of responsibility in this role. It’s something I take very seriously. I want to give back to the place that has given so much to me and my family.”
Sara H., patient
The LIV Golf Championship is coming to Chatham Hills Golf Club in August.
The tournament will take place August 15 – 17, with some golfers competing for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title, and all fighting to secure contracts for next season.
Expect to see top golf players at this tournament, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson.
Team captain of the RangeGoats GC, Watson joined the LIV Golf League in 2022. He is excited about the league’s future and views it to attract new and younger fans to the game.
“We’re entertainers. We’re trying to win
THE BIG TIME
THE LIV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO WESTFIELD
Writer / Stephanie Duncan
Photographer / Ramsey Baltz
a trophy and beat everybody in that field,” Watson said. “But at the same time, we’re trying to get people to love the game of golf, see the game of golf, get off video games and go outdoors. We got something for everybody.”
Hosting an international sports event in Westfield is a rare opportunity, and Mayor Scott Willis hopes it will open doors for more. “Westfield has carved out a reputation for hosting sporting events at Grand Park now for several years. But we’re now taking this international. FIFA announced Grand Park as a base camp location for the World Cup, and now LIV,” he said. The tournament is expected to draw up to 25,000 visitors and bring an estimated $21 million to $29 million in economic impact for that weekend.
Panelist Betsy Garfield of Henke Development Group, which orchestrated Chatham Hills, echoed her excitement.
“When we were first presented with the opportunity, it just seemed like we couldn’t pass this up,” she said.
“Professional, elite golf hasn’t been back in Indianapolis for almost a decade. This is a sports town. We rally for sports.”
LIV Golf is also working with boys and school golf teams from Westfield High School and Guerin Catholic High School, as well as representatives from the Indiana Special Olympics, inviting them to an on-course clinic with Watson.
The LIV Golf League features 54 players and 13 teams competing throughout a 14-event season for the Individual and Team Championships. The tournament
begins with a shotgun start — meaning all groups tee off simultaneously from different holes. Foltz said LIV Golf offers a supercharged fan experience that’s best enjoyed in person.
“What you’re going to notice is that everybody is in a better mood. They’re not afraid of their phone clicking at the wrong time or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don’t feel like walking around and following the bigname stars, you can stay in one place and watch every single star of LIV in a fivehour span,” he said.
A superior fan experience and festive atmosphere set LIV Golf apart from traditional golf events, but fans should still expect fierce competition. “The competition is real. We’re not goofing around,” Watson said.
He added the relaxed environment and team dynamic improve the player
experience. “I’ve always been scared inside the ropes, and when it gets quiet, it’s more demons in your head. It’s just you and the golf ball. With music going on, it quiets down the thoughts in your head,” Watson said. He also enjoys cheering on his teammates. “It’s been an amazing journey. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Chatham Hills is the last golf course designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who preferred hands-on construction over detailed plans. Garfield described the effort Dye and his wife, Alice, invested in the course. “They were out here all the time, and Pete would always bring his dog, Sixty,” she said. “Both of them actually hit inaugural tee shots on 10.”
Expect special events leading up to competition weekend, including live music and interactive fan experiences.
Three-day and single-day passes are available at LIVGolf.com, with discounts for students, teachers and first responders. Learn more about Chatham Hills at chathamhills.com.
DR. VICKI CRUM
Submit Your Events!
5
DROPKICK MURPHYS AND BAD RELIGION*
7 p.m.
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
6 BABYFACE
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis native Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is a 13-time Grammy Awardwinning artist, songwriter and producer.
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANS VS. OMAHA
STORM CHASERS
1:35 p.m.
Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St.
WILD
WEDNESDAYS
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 U.S. Highway 136 Open to all makes and models. Bring your favorite car.
8
BILL MURRAY & HIS BLOOD BROTHERS
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St.
Featuring artists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia.
9
INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY
8 p.m.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St.
TIM MEADOWS
7 p.m.
Shelton Auditorium at Butler Arts Center, 1000 W. 42nd St.
Actor and writer known for 10 seasons on “Saturday Night Live.”
10
CHRIS TOMLIN
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St. Time magazine called him the “most often sung artist in the world.”
16
PRESEASON GAME 1 –GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
1 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave.
23
INDY ELEVEN VS. MIAMI
IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
26
INDIANA FEVER VS. SEATTLE STORM
7 p.m.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St.
29 LOUIS CK | RIDICULOUS
7:30 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Mature content, 18+ only. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Laundries, Pantries, Wall Beds, and more!
A FRESH START
HENDRICKS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL REBRANDS AS HENDRICKS COUNTY ARTS COLLECTIVE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
They’ve been around for nearly two decades, but this year, the Hendricks County Arts Council has officially changed its name to the Hendricks County Arts Collective (HCAC), and artists and patrons are embracing the new direction.
“We wanted to move beyond the traditional arts council model, and the feedback we were getting was the word ‘council’ was a little off-putting,” said Anne Johansson, president of the board. “We moved to this collective brand for a more collaborative and inclusive spirit, and we’ve seen the numbers grow exponentially. It’s been a good change.”
With help from new member and graphic artist Madison Pence, HCAC established a new logo and website. The organization held a kickoff meeting this spring and refocused
its mission toward shared ownership among artists, patrons and community members.
HCAC is an independent volunteer organization, and it plans to concentrate on a few main pillars: art exhibitions at Hendricks Live! and other locations, educational workshops and public art.
Not only are patrons able to take classes from photographers, painters, sculptors and mixed media artists — the artists themselves are getting support, too.
“We’ve heard from artists who say, ‘I don’t know how to price my art,’ or ‘I don’t know how to file my taxes as an independent artist,’ and we’re looking at providing programs that support them as well,” Johansson said.
The public art piece was launched through the first-ever “Hues of Hendricks County Public Art Initiative.”
Renowned artists were chosen to create five vibrant public art installations in communities across the county.
“The funds come from the state’s READI 180 in Color grant — economic development funds specifically for public arts — and are distributed through the Arts Council of Indianapolis,” Johansson said. “We raised $90,000 and received a $90,000 matching grant. So, we’re putting $180,000 back into the county in public art.”
Four murals and one large-scale art installation are underway in five towns: Coatesville, at the A&D Hardware Building;
downtown Danville’s East Alley on the back corner of the Gallery on the Square building; an art installation in downtown Plainfield on the Center Street Parking Garage; the Lizton Fire Station; and along Broadway Street in North Salem.
“Each project celebrates the character of the community, and they’ll all be completed by the fall,” Johansson said. “We had an open call out for artists in March. There were 40 artists who applied from all over the world, and we had to choose five.”
HCAC selected experienced muralists Anthony Brooks, Angie Jerez, Andrey Kravtsov, Andrea Myers and Efren Rebugio Jr.
Each completed piece will be added to HCAC’s Mural Trail on its website, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore local art and perhaps plan a sightseeing or photo-op trip.
The Arts Collective is also partnering with Hendricks Live! for an annual juried art exhibition, with cash awards for winners. It’s open to all Indiana artists over age 18 with original work to display.
Opening Night Reception and Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, and the exhibit will remain open to patrons for viewing or purchase through Sept. 21.
“Main Street Plainfield and downtown Plainfield has completely transformed. Now, with Hendricks Live!, it’s really a different place. All of the performing arts groups — from the theater to ballet to the symphony — have a home now,” Johansson said. “We’re able to collaborate on these things because of this new space. It’s been a real game changer.”
Along with the kickoff and name change, HCAC introduced memberships for artists and patrons, with a tiered pricing structure.
“We’ve restructured to be member driven. If you’re a member, you have a vote and a say at how the funds are spent, and I think it’s a little more accessible to people. We want to make connections with individuals and with community partners like parks departments and town leadership too,” Johansson said.
Memberships include networking opportunities, exclusive events and workshops, a platform for artists to showcase their work, and a collective voice advocating for the arts.
Studies show that public art and its support greatly increase a sense of community and enhance the local economy as residents and visitors enjoy art and community activities.
“It really builds a sense of pride in your community — that sense of place. It inspires young people and brings color, both literally and figuratively, to the town,” Johansson said. “It’s important because without people getting involved and improving things and inspiring others, your community dies.”
Not all of HCAC’s activities are covered by membership fees. Sponsorships are always welcome for exhibitions and other events. For more information, visit hendrickscountyarts.org/collective.
ACROSS
1. Gulf war missile
5. Like an enthusiastic fan
9. Boxing maneuver
12. Cut down to size
13. Antler’s point
14. Flamenco shout
15. Divorce alternative
17. Outfield surface
18. Business orgs.
19. Smooths
21. Fizzle, with “out”
24. House adjunct
26. Poetic paean
27. Card game start
29. Small amounts
33. Grazing ground
34. Gratifies
36. Break
37. Nothing but
39. Doctor’s directive
40. Age of Aquarius, for one
41. Needs treatment
43. European viper
45. Extinguishes
48. Kind of flour
49. Half and half
50. Highflying industry
56. Dawn discovery
57. During
58. Australian export
59. Mouse catcher
60. Die
61. Duration of office
DOWN
1. Aromatherapy site
2. Is up to the task
3. Coffee holder
4. Two-spots
5. Bill producers
6. C’est la ___
7. Hostel
8. Block or dissuade
9. Incense stick
10. Soothing plant
11. Flower plots
16. Christmas song leapers
20. Elaborate
21. Equestrian contest
22. Heaven on earth
23. Pond swimmer
24. “Bullitt” director
25. Pub pints
28. British noble
30. Became mellow
31. Plain
32. Practice in the ring
35. Doesn’t go
38. Bark
42. Biblical patriarch
44. Stop
45. Extinction exemplar
46. Again, in different form
47. Whimper
48. Was a passenger
51. Flightless bird
52. Barbecue offering
53. Make like
54. Game show giveaway
55. Glade shade
SERVING SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY
PLAINFIELD STUDENTS LAUNCH HOPEFUL THREADS CLOSET
Writer / Melissa Gibson
During the 2024-25 school year, four sophomores and juniors at Plainfield High School were tasked with a class project.
The AP with WE Service program is a College Board initiative that asks students to connect what they’ve learned in the course with a service project that gives back to their community.
They came to Bridget Luce, mental health
coordinator at Plainfield High School, with an idea to start a clothes closet at the school.
“They wanted to ask me if I thought it was a good idea and get an understanding of the need in our school. We have a student assistance fund from the Class of 1968 that I use to buy outfits for students if they need some for school,” Luce said. “There’s more of a need than many realize. They might
not have shoes, or their shoes are in such bad condition they need to be replaced.”
The clothes closet they’re calling Hopeful Threads will be open this fall, and it’s not just for students in need.
In fact, the more people got involved, the more it developed into something every student could enjoy.
Members of the Plainfield Kiwanis Club meet with students.
“It’s for all needs — not just a student who might not have something, but if you spill something on your shirt or if you don’t have a coat, you can stop by and pick one out. They’ll also have toiletries,” Luce said.
There will be a sheet to sign out what you took anonymously so the students can replace items as the year goes on, but Luce said part of the beauty of it is more students are willing to ask for help when needed and are sharing what’s going on in their lives — taking away some of the stigma that used to be there.
If you ask Lori Lee, president of the Plainfield Kiwanis Club, Hopeful Threads is going to be downright popular.
“There were a lot of things happening at the same time. The Kiwanis Club was looking for a signature project in the schools. One of our members, Nicole
Schmitt, had heard about Hopeful Threads and suggested the idea,” Lee said. “By the time we’re done, I think it’ll be like a little boutique. We’ve bought coat racks, dressers, shelving and a beautiful mirror. The girls have strung lights with a remote control and everything matches. It looks really cool.”
Word got around, and others started donating too.
In addition to the clothing drive Plainfield High School students held earlier this year, Bryan Bowling, supervisor at Dick’s Sporting Goods, donated their stock from last year, giving the school brand new North Face coats, fleece, shoes, boots, gloves, hats and more.
“The girls found leftover stock from Walgreens, and now they have a bunch of Plainfield attire in there too. I think the cool kids are going to use it, and other businesses and community members are
going to want to jump on board,” Lee said.
The new principal at Plainfield High School is one Lee said has been on board from the beginning.
“I’m so proud of the four AP Seminar students who took part in the AP with WE Service program and used it as a springboard to create a comfort closet here at PHS,” said Brent Schwanekamp. “They saw a need, came up with a plan and made it happen. That’s the kind of leadership and heart we love to see in our students. Huge thanks to the Plainfield Kiwanis and our awesome community for stepping up and supporting them every step of the way.”
Luce said luckily, the four will return for the 2025-26 school year, giving them a chance to get others involved.
“They will oversee the stock while
they’re here, and we’ve talked about getting different clubs or teams to take two weeks or a month to volunteer to update inventory so it can continue on,” Luce said.
As the new school year approaches, the students are still sorting through all of the clothing donations, washing them, organizing and putting the final touches on the closet. They aren’t collecting clothes at this time but will intermittently advertise when needed.
What they do need is additional toiletries.
“If anyone wants to drop off shampoo, toothpaste, socks and things like that, they can come to the guidance office or drop off at Door 1,” Luce said.
Perhaps most inspiring — the girls have created a legacy for not only their high school but for other schools in the area.
“We’re supporting a clothes closet at 11 schools — all Plainfield elementary schools, the middle school and at four Cascade schools too,” Lee said. “There’s a chairman assigned to each school, and it’s just been amazing to work with these counselors at each school and collect the top five things they need.”
The Plainfield Kiwanis Club now has more than 100 members, and they routinely donate and give back to the community. This is simply another way to get involved. Whether one school requests a few shelves with socks and toiletries or another creates an entire closet like Plainfield High School is doing, they’re up for the challenge.
“There’s been a need in our schools for years, and we weren’t sure how to do it, but these four at PHS are go-getters. They made it happen and achieved their goal,” Lee said. “We’re excited to get more people involved as we move forward.”
Hopeful Threads will be located down an academic hallway in an old office room near the current guidance office on the Plainfield High School campus.
High Performing in Cancer Care
IU Health Medical Center, the academic medical center of Indiana University Health, is ranked #1 in Indiana and recognized as highperforming in cancer care by U.S. News & World Report
