The Putnam County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Putnam County.

This year marks the 26th year of this program, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will be awarded a full-tuition scholarship, including a $900 book stipend per year, for four years to any accredited school in Indiana. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in mid-December.

The five finalists include:

Megan Arnold of South Putnam High School, daughter of Andrew and Nancy Arnold

Alaina Chew of North Putnam High School, daughter of Jason and Alyssa Chew

Carson Hall of Cloverdale High School, son of Larry and Sheryl Hall

Ava Watson of South Putnam High School, daughter of Neal and Nikki Watson

Dunkin York of South Putnam High School, son of Christina York and the late Eric York.

These seniors were selected as finalists following an extensive review process by the Lilly Selection Committee of the Putnam County Community Foundation. The committee comprises eight voting members, two of whom reside in each of our four area school districts. The process included a blind review for the first two phases, followed by a dinner reception in which the selection committee met with eight semi-finalists. It concluded with an individual interview with each of the five finalists. The review process is based on scholastic abilities and intellectual pursuits, capacity to lead and motivate fellow students, social commitment and extracurricular involvement, and the ability to articulate career plans that demonstrate motivation and initiative. 

The Community Foundation’s nomination for the award is submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for approval of the recipient. ICI is a nonprofit corporation representing 30 regionally accredited degree-granting, nonprofit, private colleges, and universities in the state. Nearly 5,000 Indiana high school students have been awarded a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program was started by the Lilly Endowment in 1998 including over 40 in Putnam County. 

The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or plateletsnow and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.

People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on transfusions in the weeks ahead.

Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you for taking the time to give this fall, all who come to give Nov.1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice.

Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.  

 “USDA recognizes more must be done to ensure all customers have equal access to our programs and services,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Loan Assistance Tool is another example of USDA taking accountability and ensuring we update our existing systems, processes, and policies to make them equitable for all customers. The tool will help loan applicants better understand the application process and gather the needed documents before the process even begins.”  

USDA experiences a high rate of incomplete or withdrawn applications, particularly among underserved customers, due in part to a challenging and lengthy paper-based application process. The Loan Assistance Tool is available 24/7 and gives customers an online step-by-step guide that supplements the support they receive when working in person with a USDA employee, providing materials that may help an applicant prepare their loan application in one tool. 

Farmers can access the?Loan Assistance Tool by visiting?farmers.gov/farm-loan-assistance-tool  and clicking the ‘Get Started’ button. From here they can follow the prompts to complete the Eligibility Self-Assessment and start the farm loan journey. The tool is built to run on any modern browser like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or the Safari browser, and is fully functional on mobile devices. It does not work in Internet Explorer.? 

The Loan Assistance Tool is the first of multiple farm loan process improvements that will be available to USDA customers on farmers.gov in the future. Other improvements and tools that are anticipated to launch in 2023 include: 

A streamlined and simplified direct loan application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages. 

An interactive online direct loan application that gives customers a paperless and electronic signature option, along with the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns.  

An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment. 

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) encourages college students and recent graduates to apply for a paid Statehouse internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Baird said college sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as recent graduates and graduate students of all majors can apply for an internship with the Indiana House of Representatives. House interns will be paid $800 bi-weekly while working at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis during the 2023 legislative session, starting in January and concluding at the end of April.

"Every year, students and recent graduates from all sorts of backgrounds work together to help ensure a successful legislative process," Baird said. "It's a learning experience that looks good on any resume, and I hope to see some local faces at the Statehouse when session starts in January."

Interested Hoosiers should visit indianahouserepublicans.com/internship and complete the application before Oct. 31. According to Baird, intern interviews are currently taking place to fill positions in legislative operations, policy, and communications and media relations departments.

Internships are full time, Monday through Friday, and include free parking, career and professional development assistance, enrollment access to an Indiana government class, and opportunities to earn academic credits through the student's college or university. Interns are also eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses.   

The Greencastle Arts Council invites Putnam County to a festive evening of live performance, delicious food and local art at Tiger Pointe Country Club on Saturday, November 5, from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

“A Night to Celebrate Artists,” GAC’s fourth annual Bonne Soirée, will showcase the talents of musician Kade Puckett, performers from the Putnam County Playhouse, and local high school visual art students. The 2 West Bistro and Area Thirty will provide hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and a cash bar will be available.

Raffles, door prizes, live and silent auctions will provide attendees with the opportunity to support the group’s mission to build local arts capacity and deepen pride of place throughout Putnam County. A live auction, conducted by Garry and Susie Wolfe, also will include one-of-a-kind pieces donated by area arts collectors with 100% of the proceeds going to help support the mission of the Arts Council.

A frequent community collaborator, GAC partners regularly with the Civic League, Comprehensive Services, CVB, Main Street Greencastle, Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County Mural Project, and the Putnam County Museum. Recent projects include the annual Putnam County Adult Visual Arts Exhibition; monthly First Friday family art activities and “Meet, Greet and (Friendly) Critiques” at 10 Fold Projects gallery; the Middle School Banner Contest; and co-sponsorship of the Putnam County Festival Choir.

Admission to the November event is $25 for a single ticket or $40 for two; table sponsorships also are available for $200. Electronic tickets can be obtained online by visiting www.greencastleartscouncil.org. Paper tickets are available for purchase from board members or by sending a check made payable to: Greencastle Arts Council, P.O. Box 631, Greencastle, IN, 46135. For assistance, contact soirée co-chairs Lisa Cooper (765.719.03628 / treasurer@greencastleartscouncil.com) or Angie Wood (765.720.7644).

The GAC thanks Bonne Soirée event sponsor Eric Wolfe and the Prime Real Estate Group, and appreciates all community contributors helping to create a thriving arts presence in Putnam County.

For additional information, visit the GAC website, greencastleartscouncil.org.

McDonald’s restaurants across Indiana and Southwest Michigan are supporting teachers by presenting a series of MAC Grants this fall. Each $500 MAC (Make Activities Count) Grant is designed to help local teachers fund new and exciting projects designed to engage their students in creative ways.

Recently, local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Paul Jedele presented a $500 check to Chelsey Meluch, a teacher at Cloverdale High School. Meluch plans to use the $500 to launch a new project where students will study the reproduction of chickens. Students will incubate chicken eggs, hatch the eggs, and raise the chickens.

MAC Grants are designed to provide educators with the resources they need to create new and exciting learning experiences for their students. McDonald’s hopes this MAC Grant will allow for some unique projects and/or enhanced classroom experiences for students.

McDonald’s owner/operators are recognized in many communities throughout the country for entrepreneurship and their commitment to our local schools and communities. In an effort to continue that commitment, McDonald’s owner/operators in Indiana and Southwest Michigan will provide approximately 50 individual teachers with MAC Grants with the goal of helping build important personal career or business skills for students.

Bob Evans Farms Foods, Inc., a Xenia, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 7,560 pounds of Italian pork sausage products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The raw, Italian pork sausage items were produced on September 8, 2022. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 1-lb. chubs containing “Bob Evans Italian Sausage” with lot code XEN3663466 and a “USE/FRZ BY” date of 11/26/22, with a time stamp between 14:43 and 15:25.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 6785” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nation-wide.       

The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS it had received consumer complaints reporting thin blue pieces of rubber in the product.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.  

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Geo Money, Director of Communications, Bob Evans Foods, Inc. at 440-463-3264 or George.money@bobevansfoods.com.

On Saturday, October 29,  the Indiana State Police will be participating in a nationwide initiative headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the 23rd “Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” 

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.  Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction.  This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Citizens wishing to participate in this program may drop off their prescription drugs for disposal at the Indiana State Police Post on Saturday, October 29, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Liquid and pill medications will be accepted.  Syringes will not be accepted.

It’s that time of year again for drivers to be aware of deer darting into and crossing the roadways. 

Last year in the state of Indiana there were over 15,000 accidents involving deer.  Out of those accidents there were 366 with injuries and two fatalities.

The Putnamville State Police Post would like to pass along a few safety tips to help you avoid a possible collision with a deer this year.  

• Be cautious while driving during dusk or dawn hours 

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, but can appear at any time, especially during the mating season, which is in full swing from October through December. Please remember though that deer can appear at any time.  Ensure that you and your passengers are wearing seat belts at all times, in case you need to make a sudden stop. 

• Pay attention to deer crossing signs

Be alert and observe your surroundings for any signs of deer while on the road. Deer are abundant in forested areas, so it’s important to drive cautiously even if you’re no longer in a deer-crossing zone.

• Stay alert if you spot a deer

Deer tend to travel in packs so if you see one deer, slow down and proceed with caution, be prepared for more to follow.  If you see a deer, slow down, tap your brakes to warn others, or flash your lights and sound your horn to warn other motorists. It will give everyone an opportunity to slow down. 

• Take precautions when driving at night

If there is no oncoming traffic, turn on your bright lights. You’ll not only be able to see clearer, but you’ll have a greater chance of spotting a deer from a distance and allow you to react accordingly. 

• Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer

Do not swerve to avoid a deer collision. By swerving you put yourself at risk for a worse collision with another motorist or running off the roadway.  Brake firmly and stay in your lane.  

• Report the deer-vehicle collision

If you happen to get involved in an accident, contact local authorities to report it so you can get an accident report for your insurance company.   

Remember deer are unpredictable and could dart into traffic at any time, so be alert at all times!  

Indiana State Police Putnamville wants everyone to buckle up and hopes that everyone travels safely during this time of year.  

4-H enrollment has been open since October 1 and will continue to be open well into next year. Individuals should enroll no later than January 15, since project options begin to close and many clubs are moving forward with meetings at that time. This year as an incentive to get signed up early, the Putnam 4-H Council has budgeted five $100 awards to be given to those who sign up and pay early by 11:59 pm, Sunday, December 11. The selection method will be that a name will be randomly drawn from those who have both enrolled and paid by the deadline from each of the four county school corporations. In addition, a drawing from a fifth group representing individuals in the program from schools other than the four county school corporations will be made. The plan is that winners will be announced on Monday, December 12. Intention is that the families drawn for awards will come during that week to receive their award before the Christmas holiday break.

To sign up for 4-H, go to https://tinyurl.com/2022putnam4H which is a shortened URL to enter the 4honline portal for 4-H enrollment. If one has been in 4-H in the past, contact the Extension office first to save hassle as there would already be an online archived account that Extension staff can unarchive. If the online enrollment is a challenge for whatever reason, please contact the Extension office and we will be glad to help either at the office or by phone walk you through the screens.

Overall, the 4-H project guidelines appear to have had very few changes for those who have been in the program the past year. Extension staff will be conducting visits to third grade classrooms in the coming weeks at county schools so your child may be bringing home enrollment material. The 4-H program is open to youth in grades 3-12 and there is also a mini 4-H program we call “Exploring 4-H” that is only for second graders. The mini 4-H program materials will come out after the start of the year and school visits of second grade classrooms will be planned for late January/early February.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming events

Oct. 27, Fall Walking group, 9:00am, Big Walnut Sports Park

Nov. 2 – Master Gardener Roundtable, 6:30pm, Virtual, Register at: https://tinyurl.com/MGRound22

Nov. 6 – Putnam 4-H Volunteer Recognition, Member Achievement Program, 2 PM, York Auto Bldg. Fairgrounds.

Nov. 7 – Farmland for the Next Generation, 6:30pm, Virtual, Register at: https://tinyurl.com/Farmland22

Nov. 8 – Extension Office Closed for Election Day like all county offices

Nov 9 – Back to Basics for 4-H to Grow & Thrive, webinar, 7-8 pm

Nov. 11 – Extension Office Closed for Veteran’s Day holiday

Nov. 14 - Estate Planning program, 6:00pm, Fairgrounds, register at 653-8411

Dec. 5 – Junior Leader Officer webinar, 7:00-8:30 pm https://bit.ly/JrLdrOfficers

What started as a letter-writing campaign to President Nixon in 1969 has evolved into an impactful national movement for school bus safety.

National School Bus Safety Week takes place the third week of October, touching the lives of many every year.

National School Bus Safety Week (NSBSW) is October 17-21, 2022. 

According to School bus Fleet, in the 2018-19 school year, an estimated 479,867 yellow school buses provided daily transportation to students in the United States.

• • More than 25 million children ride school buses daily throughout the United States.
  • That accounts for 47,000,000 trips daily – before you include an estimated 5,000,000 more for activity trips.
  • Roughly 54% of all K-12 students in the United States rely on school bus transportation.

National School Bus Safety Week reminds students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety at the forefront. 

The Cloverdale American Legion is holding a benefit on October 28 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for Phil Morgan. There will be basket drawings, raffle for a Henry Lever Action 22 Golden Boy Gun and a 50/50 drawing.

Tickets can be bought, and donations accepted at the Cloverdale American Legion, license #000252 reference #153267. Winners do not need to be present to win.

On September 17, Phil Morgan was involved in a motorcycle accident, while on a charity ride, which left him with some paralysis and a broken fibula.  He is currently at a rehab facility in Indianapolis with an unknown prognosis. Anyone who would like to mail a card can send it to: RHI Phil Morgan, 4141 Shore Dr, Indianapolis IN 46254.

Both Phil and Kathy Morgan are very involved in the community.  They sell It’s a Ruff Life Dog Treats at the local Farmers Markets, Phil plays in the band Frequency, and he was inducted into the Wabash Music Hall of Fame in September.  Kathy serves on several local boards in the community like Putnam County Chamber and Cloverdale Main Street, among others.

There has been a donation account set up at Teachers Credit Union under Phil Morgan if anyone would like to make a monetary donation.   Please make any checks payable to Kathy Morgan. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon at 765-720-4527 or the Cloverdale American Legion Post 281 at 765-795-3472.

The Putnam County Public Library will be spending the week of October 17-23, 2022, recognizing its Friends of the Library group as part of the 16th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.

The Friends of the Putnam County Public Library Library are a group of invested individuals who pay a membership fee and dedicate generous volunteer hours to supporting the library. Currently over 100 community members contribute annually to the Friends, and several of these contributors actively volunteer their time to assist the group with fundraising efforts that include maintaining the Friends of the Library bookstore, organizing and planning the annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser, and pursuing eligible avenues for fundraising for the library.

The Friends of the Library generously support the library’s annual Halloween Party by purchasing 500 books for children to give away at the event. They also fund the library’s movie license, Summer and Winter Reading Programs, and programs and activities for children, teens, and adults.

Please contact the library at 765-653-2755 or visit pcpl21.org/about/friends to learn more about the Friends of the Library, and to find out how to become a member.

Ready to grow your farm operation, but unsure how to acquire more land?  During the Farmland for the Next Generation program hear from industry representatives, farmers, & extension personnel as they prepare you for your future land acquisitions.  

Farmland for the Next Generation is an interactive program series that addresses three paths to land access: leasing, purchasing, and receiving land through inheritance or gift.  It utilizes a skills-based approached that focuses on what people need to be able to do, not just on what they need to know.  This 4-session virtual workshop series will be offered on Monday evenings from November 7 – November 28 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm EST (5:30 – 7:30 pm CST). 

Industry representatives, farmers, and Purdue Extension Educators will be presenting a variety of topics throughout the 4-sessions that will help prepare you for future land acquisitions.  Some of the topics they will cover include:

• Financial Readiness
• Paths to Land Access
• Finding Farmland
• Assessing Farmland Suitability
• Success Stories

The registration fee for this workshop is $50.  Individuals wanting to participate in this virtual workshop can sign up at <https://tinyurl.com/Farmland22>.  The deadline for registration is October 31.

This curriculum was created by the American Farmland Trust, supported by a four-year Educational Enhancement grant from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program.

For more information, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Kathryn Weiss at 219-285-8620 ext. 2800 or weiss44@purdue.edu prior to the program. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

Oct. 27 - Fall Walking group, 9:00am, Big Walnut Sports Park

Nov. 2 – Master Gardener Roundtable, 6:30pm, Virtual, Register at: https://tinyurl.com/MGRound22

Nov. 6 - 4-H Volunteer Recognition, Member Achievement Program, 2:00pm Fairgrounds

Nov. 7 – Farmland for the Next Generation, 6:30pm, Virtual, Register at: https://tinyurl.com/Farmland22

Nov. 8 - Extension Office Closed for Election Day

Nov. 11 - Extension Office Closed for Veteran’s Day

Nov. 14 - Estate Planning program, 6:00pm, Fairgrounds, register at 653-8411

The Cougar Care Pantry is sponsored by the North Putnam JAG. It is free and open to the community on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Located at the North Putnam High School, items available include fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, and personal care items.

Use door 16 in the back parking lot.

Donations of canned goods, non-perishable food, paper goods, and baby items are always appreciated.

Water customers in Rockville are being asked to take part in a survey about the city's distribution system.  

Information is intended to aid Rockville look for grant money for an upcoming project.

You can click here to complete a brief questionnaire.

The survey must be completed by November 1.

Dr. Michael Seaman,  Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Italian Studies at DePauw University, will host a six-part set of talks on the history, art, and architecture of Italy in his series A Grand Tour of Italy, at the Putnam County Public Library this fall.

Beginning October 25, Seaman will present weekly talks focusing on the two northern Italian cities most famous for their history and art, Venice and Florence.

“This lecture series will be a Grand Tour of the history, art, and architecture of Italy,” said Seaman. “It will be loosely modeled on the Grand Tour of Italy undertaken by British aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries when young British gentry traveled to Italy in search of the foundations of Western Civilization, observing up close the history, art, and culture of the Bel Paese, the ‘Beautiful Country’.”

Seaman earned his graduate degrees in ancient history at UCLA. He and his wife, Francesca, have been teaching at DePauw for 18 years and have taken hundreds of DePauw students and alumni with them on tours of Italy.

Topics for the fall series of talks include:

Tuesday, October 25th – An Introduction to the Grand Tour of Italy

Tuesday, November 1st – The History of Venice, la Serenissima

Tuesday, November 8th – Medieval Art and Architecture of Venice

Thursday, November 17th – Renaissance Art and Architecture of Venice (note: this week meets on a Thursday)

Tuesday, November 22nd – The History of Florence

Tuesday, November 29th – Early Renaissance Art of Florence

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Attendees may attend one session or all six. Optional background reading will be made available for participants. Those interested can register at: https://forms.gle/wp2SycjZappw5DWY9 or by calling the library at 765-653-2755.

Dr. Michael Seaman Bio:

Dr. Michael Seaman has traveled through Italy over the past 30 years and knows the country intimately. Mike earned his graduate degrees in ancient history from UCLA and is currently Associate Professor of Classical Studies at DePauw University. He has taught a variety of classes at DePauw since 2004, including history classes on ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance. Together with his wife, Francesca (a Professor of Italian at DePauw), he co-directs the popular DePauw Summer in Italy Program. Since 2009, he and his wife Francesca have taken over 300 DePauw students to Italy and Greece for study and travel. Mike has also led sold-out DePauw alumni tours to Greece and Italy. His research focuses on ancient Greek and Roman history, in particular ancient Greek and Roman history and ancient warfare. His studies of ancient warfare have appeared in the journal Historia: Journal for Ancient History, as well as in edited volumes published by Oxford University Press and Wiley-Blackwell. He is currently completing a book entitled Ancient Greek Siege Warfare from Homer to Alexander and is editing a book forthcoming by Brill on asymmetric warfare in the ancient world. Mike and Francesca live in Greencastle with their six children.

Are you avoiding critical conversations about estate planning?  If so, you are not alone.  Evidence suggests that most adults have not planned ahead in regard to either their financial assets or personal property.  A majority of individuals die without a legal will. Even fewer have addressed what should happen to their personal property.  A lack of planning and communication too often result in not knowing if you are carrying out a property owner’s wishes, inaccurate assumptions, and regrets of “if only we had talked.” 

So, why don't family members talk about issues, which would make things easier?

Many reasons may exist as to why conversations about the passing on of non-titled property may be avoided.  Topics related to death and dying may be viewed as inappropriate or disrespectful.  Planning for what happens to possessions is to acknowledge the realities of loss of independence and death.  Talking about “who should get what” can be sensitive when there are estranged family members, siblings who never get along, or a parent and adult child who find little in common.  The potential for conflict is high when there has been a history of challenging family relationships.

Here are 10 tips for talking about inheritance:

1. Be clear about your own motives for raising the issue. What are your concerns, what do you want to have happen, and why?
2. Beware of making assumptions or jumping to conclusions about someone else’s motives, whether they are givers or receivers.
3. Respect the fact that others may not be ready or able to face their own or another's death.
4. Remember that listening is the part of communication we too often forget.
5. Ask "what if" questions. For example, "Dad, what would you want to have happen with the things in the house if you and Mom were no longer able to live here?"
6. Look for natural opportunities to talk. When a friend or relative is dealing with transferring personal possessions when someone moves or dies, use the time to start talking. Ask, "What would you have done if you were in that situation?"
7. Recognize that family members will have different feelings and opinions. Conversations should focus on discovering where those involved agree and disagree.
8. When another family member raises the issue, be willing to listen and talk. Adult children are just as likely to refuse to talk as parents or in-laws.
9. Not speaking up means that others will not know your opinions or feelings.
10. Use Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? ™ resources to jumpstart your conversations (i.e., workbook, video and others available at yellowpieplate.umn.edu).

If the topic of estate planning and talking about inheritance is something that you would like to learn more about, please consider joining our upcoming program, “Estate Planning,” on November 14th at 6:00PM. For more information, or to register contact Abbi (Sampson) Smith at 765-653-8411 or asmith22@purdue.edu.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

Oct. 5-16, TSC Store 4-H Paper Clover Campaign

Oct. 12, Conversations with Aging Parents Webinar, 12:00pm, register at https://tinyurl.com/ConvoAging

Oct. 13, 20, 27, Fall Walking group, 9:00am, Big Walnut Sports Park

Nov. 6, 4-H Volunteer Recognition, Member Achievement Program, 2:00pm Fairgrounds

Nov. 8, Extension Office Closed for Election Day

Nov. 11, Extension Office Closed for Veteran’s Day

Nov. 14, Estate Planning program, 6:00pm, Fairgrounds, register at 653-8411

The State Fair Advisory Committee is seeking public input to discuss the needs and issues pertaining to the State Fair's continued success, said State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), chair of the committee.

"The Indiana State Fairgrounds is a symbol of our state's heritage and continues to serve as a hub for residents to learn about and celebrate the Spirit of Indiana," Leising said. "It is important for the commission to strategically uphold this foundation, and receiving input from residents will provide insight on concerns regarding visitor experience at the fairgrounds."

The advisory committee serves as non-voting members of the Indiana State Fair Commission to provide legislative insight in ensuring successful representation of the state and partnership with the agricultural community.

The commission sets governing policy over the Indiana State Fair and provides strategic direction for the year-round operation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.

The advisory committee will meet at the Indiana Statehouse in room 233 on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Public comments will be received following presentations.

First responders will treat young ghouls and goblins to a free pumpkin painting party at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch on Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden, former Marion County Sheriff John Layton, Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps, and Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse will host the four-hour event at their nonprofit 62-acre youth training retreat, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, Indiana.

All K-6 Halloween visitors will be treated to free pumpkins, paints, desserts, candy, and drinks. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. This will be the second year for ISYR to host grade-schoolers for the free Halloween event. Support will again be provided in-part by Yankee Rose Gardens of Brazil.

Harden, Layton, Phelps and Plasse serve as volunteer directors of the nonprofit Youth Ranch for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.

Other ISYR board members include Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux, Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen, Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, Grant County Sheriff Reggie Nevels, La Porte County Sheriff John Boyd, Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain, and Ripley County Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth. UAW Local 933 President Gary Holmes and Southern Indiana auto dealer John Johns of John Jones Auto Group also serve as board members representing organized labor and business.

For more information, to donate or volunteer, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com, call 317-460-4242 or write to Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.

Natural Resources More than Meets the Eye

A fuzzy bunny, a majestic tree, a stream full of fish or a soaring eagle might come to mind for many if asked what is the first thought that comes to mind when thinking of Putnam County natural resources. While we are blessed to see many of these when driving the Putnam County landscape, there is so much more to know and understand.

Annually, Purdue Extension Putnam County along with the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District, organizes a natural resource field day for seventh graders hosted at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Thankfully neighbors also cooperate to allow students access to Big Walnut Creek and nearby riparian areas.

All four county schools participated in the day long event to experience a total of 15 stations, each with a different natural resource subject expert who provided about 15 minutes of hands-on, visual or other presentation activities. Approximately 400 students had exposure to topics that included fire science, soil science, soil & water health, forestry, invasive species, bees, bats, amphibians, drones, wildlife & conservation law enforcement, watersheds, water safety, habitats and whooping cranes.

While there are many examples of gaining understanding about tools and diagnostic uses of natural resource knowledge, one of my favorites is the difference between a left- and right-handed snail. No, this is not a joke but factual science. To determine the type of snail, hold an aquatic snail positioned upside down with the tail between thumb and index finger with the orifice closest to one’s body. If the orifice is positioned to the left, it is a left-handed snail while if the orifice is to the right, it would be right-handed snail. So, what, one can use this useless knowledge as trivia at the dinner table? As a matter of fact, this is very useful in biological stream assessments. Right-handed snails are very intolerant of pollution while left-handed snails are tolerant of pollution and contaminants. If a stream has mostly left-handed snails and no right-handed snails, one would be suspicious of the stream health. The biological assessment is very useful because species live in the stream year around and provide good indicators for stream health.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming events

Oct. 5-16 TSC Store 4-H Paper Clover Campaign

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Fall Walking group, 9:00am, Big Walnut Sports Park

Oct. 10 – Extension Office closed Columbus Day holiday

Nov. 6 – Putnam 4-H Volunteer Recognition, Member Achievement Program, 2 PM, York Auto Bldg. Fairgrouds.

Nov. 8 – Extension Office Closed for Election Day like all county offices

Nov. 11 – Extension Office Closed for Veteran’s Day holiday

Patrick Labhart, local IDNR Conservation Officer displays pelts and discusses wildlife with students (courtesy photo).

Sara Campfield, Putnam SWCD, discusses benthic macroinvertebrates for biological stream assessments in Big Walnut Creek (courtesy photo).

Retired Purdue Extension Educator, Jim Luzar, educates youth about the dangers and concerns of invasive species (courtesy photo).

Eric Sampson of Kirkham Hardwoods shares his forestry knowledge with youth at the Putnam 7^th grade natural resource field day (courtesy photo).

Claude Cymerman and Eric Edberg, DePauw Music emeritus professors, will be joining DePauw Music for a “Lunchbox Concert” at Music on the Square on Tuesday October 11, from 11:30am – 12:30pm. They will be sharing cello/piano arrangements of music by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Astor Piazzolla.

Edberg started the Greencastle Summer Music Festival (GSMF) in 2005 with Cymerman by his side. Over the years, the program has grown and even changed to survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Admission is free! Advance tickets are not required; however, registering helps the GSMF and everyone involved to plan for the event. Just visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunchbox-series-eric-edberg-and-claude-cymerman-tickets-408076536907?aff=ebdsoporgprofile to reserve a free ticket.

 
You can bring your own lunch, or purchase one from The Whisk (https://thewhiskgreencastle.com), the new restaurant and bar in town. It’s OK to just come and listen.

 
The cost for lunch from The Whisk is $15.00 (plus a $1.78 fee), and there are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. To purchase a lunch, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunchbox-series-eric-edberg-and-claude-cymerman-tickets-408076536907?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, click on “register” and then scroll down to “add-ons.” Lunches from The Whisk must be ordered by October 8, 2022.