Hendricks County Conversations with Rick Myers and Gus Pearcy

We are joined by one of the pioneers of education for special needs children and adults. Debbie Anderson is the founder and executive director of Strides to Success, an equine education provider in Plainfield. Anderson is credited with several innovations in therapy with animals, specifically horses. You will hear about the nonprofit and how it helps students and adults with learning some valuable life skills and more. You'll also hear about a special event coming for the holidays. As always, you will learn about a unique aspect in Hendricks County which we converse about, hence the name.

Hendricks County has a real gem in the Hendricks Symphony. One of the last all-volunteer orchestras in Central Indiana, the symphony is a group of dedicated musicians who just love what they do. One of the volunteers is Dr. Albert Lilly, who not only plays trumpet but is the president for the whole organization. Lilly is an accomplished musician who has a list of prestigious credits. He has played with several orchestras and plays on several recordings. He will share some details about the symphony's most popular concert of the year: Sounds of the Season. It's a holiday concert performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 575 W. Northfield Drive, Brownsburg. Tickets are still available for this concert filled with all of your favorites. Lilly says there isn't a tune you won't know. We also talk about the needs of the organization including time and treasure. It's an in-depth conversation that goes pretty fast.

Will Lacey has been with the Danville Parks and Recreation Department for 16 years. He's been the director for eight, so if anyone knows there way around the popular Winterland Light Show in Ellis Park, it's him. There are some new things happening in the park light show this year plus we will hear about the changes that have been made since the light show began some 24 years ago. We also stray off topic about the new facility for concerts in Ellis Park and we talk about Danville and the future. Lacey is also the assistant town manager, so he knows the intricacies about local government. This will get you in the holiday spirit! Winterland runs 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday for $5 a carload and 6-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday for $10 a carload. Closed Christmas Day.

So, you know you want to shop local, right? And you know you want to get your Christmas shopping done early, right? Well, this is the show for you. In partnership with Visit Hendricks County, the Hendricks County ICON published a local merchant gift guide. One of a Kind Finds Gift Guide which is also available on the Visit Hendricks County website at VisitHendricksCounty.com. There you want to look for "gift guide." Our guest is the  consummate communicator Josh Duke who did some of the shopping himself. This is an alternative look at this year's gift guide which has only items you can get in Hendricks County. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a gift guide and more importantly, items you could buy for me. Enjoy.

If you've never heard of the Honor Flights, then pull up a chair for this episode. Dale True is the chair of this organization which gives free trips to Washington D.C. to veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Indy Honor Flight has been flying veterans to the WWII Memorial in a one-day trip since 2012. You can't imagine the passion for honoring these men and women through this great organization. Not only does True explain the source of his passion, but tells us how to get involved. If you are inclined, visit IndyHonorFlight.org or their Facebook page for the latest updates. COVID-19 put the brakes to these flights, but True said he hopes they can begin trips again in April. It's a Veterans Day special on this episode of Hendricks County Conversations.

We've got a great episode today. Jim Graham of Brownsburg has a fascinating life story from Danville to Brownsburg through the Navy and Afghanistan, Jim, who is 88 years old, has certainly given back to his community and world. You won't believe what Jim had to do to get in the U.S. Navy or his accomplishments in Afghanistan along with his lovely wife Roberta, in ridding the world of polio and improving global health. It's a great story that begins when you hit the play button!

Anne is still getting her feet wet as the Downtown Danville Partnership Executive Director, but that doesn't mean she isn't busy. On this episode, we talk about upcoming events on the historic courthouse square, including the Christmas Tree Lighting next month. Anne has so much to report including new events coming soon. So please join us for this last podcast for October. Also, this was recorded before the passing of Rick Myers on Oct. 14.

NARFE is the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and our guest spent several years working for the federal government. Geraldine has some interesting tidbits to relay about the associations' Plainfield chapter. If you are a federal employee and NOT a member, you re missing out on really important information about your employment. Geraldine is the vice president and has examples of how the information has helped her. Plus, the meetings are so wild! Tune in to this week's episode.

Isn't Wolf a great last name for a naturalist? Sarah Wolf is a senior park naturalist for the Hendricks County Parks Department and they have so much going on. You won't believe the activities. Plus, she will tell us "why" they have them. One of our most-listened podcasts was with Sarah's boss Ryan Lemley, so we know this will be very popular too. With Sarah we explore more about the nature in the parks and a preview of what is coming when it comes to programs. Yes, we recorded it in advance, but you will enjoy listening to a naturalist. It's so soothing.

If you are unaware of Susie's Place, please take 30 minutes and listen to this podcast. This is one of the most important episodes ever as we speak to Lynn Clinton, the associate director of this child advocacy center designed to ease the pain and suffering of children who suffer abuse. You will hear the purpose of Susie's Place, why its needed and what you can do to help. It's heartbreaking that we even need a place like Susie's. As a special bonus learn about Susie Austin who advocated the need for an organization designed to ease the trauma of child abuse to the victim's. In addition, learn about other programs associated with Susie's Place. You won't believe your ears when you hear this week's episode. Please tune in.

There are almost 200 K9 law enforcement teams within 62 agencies in Central Indiana, but no training site available. So, a group of supporters created the Central Indiana K9 Association to not only rise funds for a training site for $2 million, but to assist K9 officers with medical issues after retirement. Theresa Brandon is the chair of the group and brings to us news about this vital aspect of law enforcement and what the organization is trying to accomplish. The group is having a huge fundraiser this Sunday. The All Fore K9 Fundraiser is 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at Top Golf in Fishers. The event will have so many guest stars such as Justin Melnick of the television show SEAL Team, Sculpture artist Susan Bahary, and Dixie the Praying Dog. Tickets are only $50 and available through the website at CIK9.org. You won't want to miss the latest on the group in this week's podcast.

In this episode, we speak with Josh Duke who is the communications manager for Visit Hendricks County. Josh explains the purpose of the nonprofit and where the fun is in Hendricks County. Yes, so many fall events going on in Hendricks County and Josh knows everything about every one of them. Within 30 minutes you will understand the terms agritourism, apple cannons and hard cider. You will also get the one website you need to know to plan your fall extracurricular activities. Join us for the fun and interesting tidbits hidden in this episode of Hendricks County Conversations.

This week we welcome one of our favorite peoples: John Mollaun. John talks about his passion Hope Healthcare Services and what it is, means and does for low cost health care in Hendricks County. Even if you have a golden parachute for health insurance, you need to be aware of the work that Hope does in our community. We talk about the beginnings of the low-cost health clinic in Avon and why John is so passionate about the mission. Plus, we talk about Sears and standup comedy. The time flies on this Hendricks County Conversations with Rick Myers and Gus Pearcy.

Many people know Suzanne Whicker from her days as the leader of Leadership Hendricks County. She also has been involved in the Danville Rotary Club for many years and joins us to talk about the organization and its signature Harold Martin Golf Outing. Suzanne regales us with stories and missions and more we bet you didn't know. The purpose of Rotary, how it got its name, what it does and so much more. It's a conversation that you'll be sorry you missed, so don't.

Brad comes to speak about all the neat things happening in Plainfield. And there's a lot happening. Learn about MADE@Plainfield, the new government town hall and the upcoming performing arts center. We also gossip about Quaker Days, the Farmers Market, Christmas decorations along U.S. 40 and what the town residents say they want out of Plainfield. It's an episode with history, humor and hysteria! OK, maybe no hysteria. Join us for a quick 30 minutes about the largest town in Hendricks County.

What up with the chamber in the burg? It's 30 minutes of chamber talk with Rhonda Wiles, the director. She tells us about the latest and greatest in Brownsburg and how the chamber is dealing with the growth. We also talk about video marketing and the cutting-edge things going on behind the scenes. Tune in for the fun.

Don Hodson stops by to talk about aquatic parks and fire stations. The Washington Township Trustee will give the complete picture about why we need a new fire station, where it's going and how much. Then we talk about his reasons for running for another term and what else he wants to accomplish for the area. Even if you don't live in the Avon area, you will learn about township government and what it does in this edition. There's plenty to chew on, here.

What does a nonprofit health organization need with a foundation? Find out in this episode with the HRH Foundation Executive Director Adam Scott. Sure, the work of the foundation is important, but the real news is about the foundation's annual Legacy of Giving Gala featuring a concert by Styx. You heard me: Styx. Yes, that Styx. Learn all about the concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As of this recording, tickets were still available, but there is a limit.

Witty banter ensues on this episode of Hendricks County Conversations with Rick and Gus.

Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars is coming up at 6 p.m. Aug. 21, 2021. We get a preview from Deanna Hindsley of the Hendricks County Historical Museum. This is a signature event for the museum which houses a bunch of neat stuff from the local past (?). We also talk about the museum, what it is, where it is, the catacombs under the courthouse and jails. C'mon, you will get a quick history of the county, some interesting tidbits to drop into any conversation and a preview of one of the most fun events around. It will only cost you 30 minutes.

It's a special edition of HCC with Rick and Gus: The World According to Jeff Binkley. Everyone knows Bink but do you really know Bink? All-around good guy and Hendricks County ambassador, Jeff Binkley joins us for a discussion of inflation, CBD oil, labor shortages and, naturally, guns. Should we be concerned about this ripple of distress floating through the economy. Plus, Jeff is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. It's the debut appearance of Jeff Binkley on this week's episode.

Prestwick Country Club manager and PGA Professional Jeff Schroeder joins us to share exciting news about the Hendricks County ICON. Around since the mid-1970s, Prestwick has had its share of struggles in the last five to 15 years, but today is under new ownership. Jeff speaks about the upcoming changes, teases us with golf cart and course news and talks about his career and family. His father was a golf professional as well. Also, the one tip Jeff gives all his students. Join us for this fascinating conversation about the future of Prestwick Country Club.

Nothing signifies midsummer like the Hendricks County 4-H Fair. Our guest is the Executive Director of the fairgrounds, Steve Patterson. He is a wealth of info about the 2021 version. Last year was, of course, not a public event and it certainly wasn't the same experience for the 4-H members. Nevertheless, the fair will kick off Sunday July 18 and run through July 24. There will be so much to see and do, but it won't be your daddy's fair. What are all the changes? If we tell you, you won't listen. 

Avon-Washington Township Public Library's Director Laurel Setser joins us to talk about Putt Puttin' on the Hitz coming July 10 in the evening. It's reservations only so check out the library's website at AvonLibrary.net to reserve a time for your foursome. Each library department developed a hole for the course, so it should be fun. 

We also talk about how libraries have evolved in the last ten to 20 years. It ain't your daddy's library, that's for sure. Did you know there are four types of libraries? Also, what's the timeline for the Avon library reopening the community rooms as resuming programming? It's all in this brisk podcast.

Eric Hessel has spent more than half of his life working with or volunteering for the Hendricks County Community Foundation. He’s the VP of programming and bills himself as the “spender” of foundation funds. Of course, that isn’t totally accurate, but to understand the difference you should probably tune in. Eric is the most recent recipient of the Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service award from Leadership Hendricks County. He and Rick talk about the award and what it meant to receive it. As always, we cover the purpose of a community foundation and why it’s so great to have one here.

You won’t want to miss this very special edition of Hendricks County Conversations with Rick Myers and Gus Pearcy.

After a COVID-forced hiatus, Ribfest is back! The 16th annual (well, sort of) event is tomorrow. All-knowing organizer and promoter Tom Downard joins us to answer everything. This year's Ribfest is from 4-10 pm. at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. There will be ribs, hot air balloons and beer! There is so much going on, we needed the guy who invented it to come and tell us all about it. Mild-mannered Downard spends the rest of his days as the executive director of the Avon Chamber of Commerce. In that capacity, he created the first Ribfest in 2005. Listeners will get a complete rundown of events and special moments to look for. It's so much packed into one episode, you'll want to listen twice.

There are so many new things going on in Plainfield we needed 30 minutes to explain it all. Robin Brandgard has been on the town council for nearly 30 years and has been the president for more than 20. He talks about the new performing arts center and the new education center called MADE and more! Brandgard has served the town for many years and he explains the idea of continuity of government and why it is important. If it's happening in Plainfield, it's in this podcast.

It's easy to picture State Representative Jeff Thompson as a high school teacher. We learned so much in this episode. Thompson has been in the state legislature a long time. His tenure is like the third longest and he's on the Ways and Means Committee which votes on any bill with money attached to it. Here's what this week's class syllabus included: What is the mechanism with which the legislature is using to come back into session according to a recent bill? We learn what will happen should Gov. Holcomb win his court case against the legislature and this new law. We also learn how to amend the Indiana Constitution. Then we talk about time and zones and school budgets and money and taxes. Trust us, you will want to listen to this episode twice to absorb all the knowledge our former teacher lays down.

Brian is very new to the HCEDP, but he has already secured a warehouse for Apple! It's a $100 million investment for the distribution facility operated by XPO Logistics. It will create nearly 500 jobs by the end of 2024. What a deal!! Where did Brian come from? What makes him tick? We investigate. Find out about the selling features of Hendricks County and what actually happened in the deal. (It's a great story!) Please listen.

You may have heard of the Hendricks County Solid Waste District. Probably not, though. Well, forget that. It's not that anymore. It's NOW the Hendricks County Recycling District and Executive Director Lenn Detwiler is this week's guest. Why? Because we make the rules!

Lenn is a real smart guy who's going to talk with us about recycling, why it's important and what it really is. Trust us, you'll be surprised. 

Also, Lenn will explain why the actions of a few ruin recess for us all...er...why Stilesville residents no longer have a recycling bin. It's a fascinating 28 minutes about Tox-Away days (8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday May 22 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex) and sorting your recyclables. It's a thing!

Ever heard of a "lick-off?" You must listen to this episode with Dogtona creator Cameron Johnson. The event is turning 19 this year and is better than ever. Plus, it will be outside! Dogtona is noon to 4 p.m. May 23 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Conference Complex. It's only $5 per dog. People are free! Johnson talks about the purpose of the fundraiser and how it's evolved. As a special bonus, we play some soothing music for your dogs at a frequency only they can hear. Play it for them! Tune in for this podcast which apparently is going to the dogs.

Renee Harlor and Cherie Fox founded Misty Eyes, an animal rescue dedicated to ending pet euthanasia. Renee joins us this week to speak about the 10-year-old organization and its growth. We talk about Kitty City and Canine Country, the new projects, and the RAISE THE WOLF! Celebration and fundraiser. What can you do? How can you help? Find it in your heart to listen to this powerful episode about compassion for our pets.

Yup, we've run out of people to talk to. It's lonely here is the studios overlooking the White Lick Creek, so we started talking to ourselves. It's a bio episode! Last September, Rick was named a 15 over 50 Leader Driving the News Industry Forward by Editor & Publisher magazine. So, I thought an intro episode was in order. We learn much about Rick and Gus and their history. We should point out that this is the longest episode we have recorded, a consequence of talking about yourself, I suppose. Enjoy the podcast!

Anne just became the executive director of the partnership this year. She's already jumping in with plans for events such as the Mayberry in the Midwest Days and an update on the Mayberry Man movie. What else does she have planned for 2021 and what is the Downtown Danville Partnership? These burning questions and general jocularity abound in only 30 minutes.

Hendricks County Prosecutor Loren Delp joins us this week to talk about crime. First he notes the decrease in many crimes over 2020, but there has been some notable exceptions. Sexual Assaults were up a whopping 74%. We also discuss the office of the prosecutor, the growth of the county and the need for more courtrooms? It's all here in a scant 30 minutes.

State Senator John Crane of Dist. 24 joins Rick and Gus to discuss the 2021 legislative session as it stands in late March. Legislation regarding a mechanism to recall the legislature in the event of a public emergency was discussed, as well as, mask mandates and civics in school. Get your state senator's take on the issues of the day in this Hendricks County Conversation with Rick Myers and Gus Pearcy. 

One of the largest guitar shows in the country is in Danville April 10-11. The Indiana Guitar Show is at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds where instruments of all kinds will be up for sale or trade. The dealers are looking to buy too. Our guest for this episode is promoter Eddie Prather. He is a guitar aficionado who has been promoting guitar shows for many years. In this episode, Eddie tells us about his brush with fame and it's a story you have to hear!

For more information about the Indiana Guitar Show, visit their Facebook page.

Our latest episode is with the superintendent of Hendricks County Parks & Recreation Ryan Lemley. The conversation stems from what is the county parks department, what parks do they operate and what is a Vandalia Trail? We also talk about Lemley’s favorite spot in the park system and what a Garlic-Mustard pull is. We focus on the newest park W.S. Gibbs Memorial park in Avon which will open this spring. It marks a change in the park system. Oh, and we talk about funding. Happy Trails to you!

Our guest this week is the new Executive Director of Leadership Hendricks County -- Monica Miller. We talk about her new role and her previous role in communications at the NCAA. Miller is a native of Plainfield and we learn about her deep connections to the county and her passion to be a "dot connector." You'll have to listen to learn about the programs and classes offered by this community partner.

Marina Keers joins us this week. She's the director of Hendricks Senior Services and we talk all things seniors and services. Subjects include activities, meals, transportation and the senior services unique perspective on the last year with COVID-19. Seniors were by far the most vulnerable population when it came to the novel coronavirus. Keers takes us back to the day the senior center in Danville could no longer have activities and host meals. It was March 13, 2020, she said. The scramble to serve and connect seniors was on and HC Senior Services adapted to the challenge. Find out how by listening now.

Is it over?

HRH CEO and President Kevin Speer stops by the studio to talk about -- wait, guess! Yup, COVID-19. It's been all he has thought about for 355 days. That's when the coronavirus started reaching the shores of Indiana. You won't believe some of the stories he relates from a very unique perspective.

Learn what happens when you reverse the pressure on an entire hospital. Learn when the leader of local healthcare plans to take a vacation break from all the craziness of COVID. It's a fascinating 30 minutes and a peek into this event which will no doubt be talked about for years to come.

He also composes the most heartfelt "Thank You" note to the county residents who sustained the staff and personnel during the early days of this wretched pandemic. 

What does a Humane Society do? Well, it's different in every location. Learn what the focus of the Hendricks County Humane Society is. It's not adoption. Tricia Pierce tells us about the goals of the HCHS and a bit about her background. She worked in the chicken industry. Yup. And we learn what cat caps are. Honestly, I didn't know.

Rick and Gus talk all things Danville with Kelly DiBenedetto who took over as the chamber executive director last year. Conversation ranges from what's coming to Danville (Starbucks!), new restaurants and a bit of background on Kelly. You won't want to miss this.

Hendricks County Conversations with Rick Myers and Gus Pearcy is brought to you by Abstract and Title and by Hendricks Power Cooperative.

One of the most loved nonprofits in our county is Sheltering Wings, the domestic violence shelter. Cassie Mecklenburg is the executive director and our guest for this episode. The conversation ranges from the impact of domestic violence, how do you know you're being abused, teenagers and abuse, and then we have some fun with board games.

Enjoy.

Our guest today is State Representative Greg Steuerwald who will speak about his police enhancement bill that is moving through the legislature this session. Greg describes the origins of the bill, how he worked diligently with police and the black caucus to create a bill that pleases several constituencies. The show is the first of an ongoing series.