We're "ON" It! - The Owen News

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite summer pastimes was to catch lightning bugs, better known as fireflies.

They are the small blinking insects that light up the night as they fly about. My friends and I would run around and catch them. We would then put them into an old mason jar with a lid on it. The lid had holes poked in the top for air circulation. It was like having a homemade flashlight.

At the end of the evening, when it was time for bed, the fireflies would be turned loose into the night air, dancing their way back to the darkness at hand.

The illumination part of the firefly is all rather scientific. To explain all the details would take all the fun out of it.

Fireflies aren't truly a fly, but rather a soft body beetle. The light is produced in special cells located near the end of their abdomen. A sort of chemical reaction takes place. The main purpose of the light is not for our entertainment but instead used to attract a mate. Obviously, it must work, though we often don't see the results – we just see the dance.

There are many different species of fireflies in Indiana. Each species has its own unique flash pattern. The best time to see them in Indiana is in the summer months of June and July. After that, their dancing time is winding down. They only have a lifespan of two months.

They're easy to locate. Some good places to find them are along the edge of the woods, in fields, meadows or in the yard.

One species of firefly is the official insect of Indiana. The Says Firefly, also called the Angle Candled firefly became the state's official insect when it was proclaimed so by Governor Eric Holcomb on March 23, 2018.

Fireflies are as much a part of summer as cookouts, corn on the cob and fireworks.

You could say it's nature's gentle firework display.

The poet, James Whitcomb Riley, wrote in one of his poems that, "Fireflies like golden seeds are sewn about the night."

Another poet, Robert Frost, perhaps penned it best in his poem, Fireflies in the Garden.

"Here come real stars to fill the upper skies. And here on earth come emulating flies. That though they never equal stars in size, And they were never really stars at heart. Achieve at times a very start. Only, of course, they can't sustain the part."

Fireflies fill the night air with their twinkles, like little stars, and give us a hint of the heavens. We should pause to enjoy the illumination, however brief. And even now, another generation of children are still awed by their charms.

Another mason jar has holes punched in its lid. And yet another child's imagination is stirred as they delight in the midsummer's night dance. The dance of the fireflies.

Enjoy the dance!
— Susan

One of the experiences of walking on MyPath is enjoying the wildflowers that display lovely blossoms along the way.

I can identify many of the wildflowers, but I frequently use the Seek app on my phone to help with identification. A lot of our Wednesday walkers can identify flowers or use other apps.

But this flower I'm looking at right now will not show up on my app. It is much larger than most flowers. And it is made of metal.

Several weeks ago, I was walking along the trail on a regular maintenance check. Another walker stopped me to talk about the trail and art. I met Thomas Maher, and several other local artists, a few weeks before, at a meeting of the new Sweet Owen Arts Commission. This new arts commission is an effort to gather and promote all types of arts in the community. It may be the topic of a future column.

On this day, Maher complimented the trail. And he suggested the addition of art along the trail would make the experience even better. I agreed. He explained that he recycles automobile and farm equipment into sculptures.

I'm a fan of art. But I also believe that not all art fits all circumstances. I started asking about his work. He shared several photos of machinery that he turned into flowers, birds and other things. Perfect. I shared my desire that the natural amenities remain the focus of MyPath. The art should work with nature, not overshadow.

Maher spent a day walking along the trail, evaluating locations and getting a feel for this project. Then we picked a day when I could meet him at the trailhead and help deliver the sculptures to their locations. As he described it, he wanted people to walk along the trail for a while, absorbing nature, before they encountered the first sculpture.

A flower greets visitors to the first major crossroads of the trail. In all, there are 12 sculptures along the trail. You may have to deliberately look for them to see them, and they blend in with the surroundings.

So far, the public response has been very positive. Some visitors have reported having a favorite sculpture. As Maher said, people, especially children, may have limited exposure to art. This is an opportunity for people to encounter art in a very approachable way, while they are enjoying the MyPath trail.

There may be more opportunities for artwork along MyPath. We already host the Owen County Public Library Trail Tale along the first part of the trail. The monthly children's stories are fun to read, and the book artwork is entertaining.

We have been in conversations about becoming a stop on the Enchanted Fairy Trail. We may bring poetry readings back to the fire ring at McCormick's Creek State Park.

There are many types of art and events that "fit" the trail. On MyPath, nature is the main show. The new sculptures by Thomas Maher, and future art, complement the natural display.

Kyle Hannon is the Project Manager for the MyPath Trail System. He has served in many community development and trail commission roles throughout the state. On many weekends, he serves as an Interpretive Specialist at McCormick's Creek State Park.

Why do we celebrate July 4th? On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence declared the 13 American colonies to be an independent nation. All rule and the monarchy were severed. Revolution! It took two wars to actually complete the task. The first anniversary of that day was in 1777 was celebrated with fireworks, parades and public readings of the Declaration of Independence. July 4th was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1870. Today, July 4th is still celebrated with fireworks and parades. I don't think anyone reads the Declaration of Independence as part of the celebration now. Fireworks are still an important part of the celebration.

Last night my slumber was postponed as a neighbor started their July celebration early. The sound of small firecrackers was accompanied by loud booms for over an hour. I did not see the sky lit up in flashes of color, so they had no rockets. July 4th is several days away as I write this. Maybe they are saving the rockets for later. I expect more of this before the actual holiday.

My father loved those big pyrotechnical displays. He made sure we attended several every year. The last time I saw him we attended a fireworks display. I remember the smile on his face lit up in the reflection of those exploding rockets. He passed away two weeks later. So still cherish that night.

What July 4th traditions do you have? I still like to attend firework shows. I often go with my sisters. It would be nice to share the experience.

Another tradition I like to observe is to have a ripe tomato hanging on the vine by July 4th. In the past, when I had space for a real garden, I often accomplished my goal. This year is a wash out, literally. We have had so much rain all of the things I am trying to grow are drowning. The basil seeds I planted in late April rotted. Planted a variety of herbs and vegetable seeds ate ready to bloom. No tomatoes yet. Growing everything in containers is not easy.

Another tradition in my family celebrates in July is berry picking. In the sweet back raspberries, they're almost gone. Blackberries are plentiful on the Ridge. Before we bought that property in the 1990s it was logged. The blackberry vines came in and flourished in the open spaces. They help hold the soil in place after logging and provide food and shelter for wildlife. A patch of briars is the devil to walk through, but they give a glorious bonus of sweet berries in mid-summer. Blackberries are a useful source of vitamins C, E and K. They also contain calcium and manganese, and they are not high in sugar content. If you go berry picking this week, be aware of the heat. Go early in the morning. You will avoid the heat and beat the birds to the berries. 'Til next time, Annie.

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $51,810 in Community Investment Grants to 13 local organizations that work to meet community needs and improve the quality of life across Owen County. These flexible, strategic grants reflect OCCF's mission to create lasting, positive impact—now and for future generations.

Investment Grant recipients support eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, churches and government entities addressing high-priority community goals identified in OCCF's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. This includes initiatives focused on financial stability and early education, wellness, access to food, information and basic community development needs.

"These grants support the best of Owen County—neighbors helping neighbors, organizations solving problems and communities working together," said Janet Rummel, President & CEO of OCCF. "We're proud to invest in projects that offer both immediate impact and long-term value."

2025 Community Investment Grant Recipients

Owen County Humane Society — Spay Neuter Assistance for Community Members. Received a $5,000 grant to offer financial assistance to low-income pet owners for spay/neuter services.

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. — Coal City S.O.U.N.D.S. Community Impact. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand their music education through instrument purchases, sheet music, accompanist piano lessons, and other services to help individuals and families stay cool during extreme heat.

Freedom Community Center — Upgraded Playground Equipment. Procured a $2,200 grant to replace aging playground equipment, creating a safer and more welcoming space for outdoor recreation.

Owen County Family YMCA — Upgrades. Acquired a $5,000 grant to enhance security with upgraded cameras and PA System, improve air conditioning for more than 36 members.

Owen County Boys and Girls Club — Salvation Community Township Volunteer Fire Department Furnace Replacement. Secured a $2,000 grant to replace the Freedom Firehouse, ensuring emergency readiness for 1,200 area residents.

Gosport Lodge Club — Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project. Obtained a $5,000 grant to install turf pavers and timber access gates in the Gosport Town Park as part of a broader revitalization effort.

Owen County Farmers' Market — Kids Club Program. Received a $1,010 grant to support Honor Guard services, holiday basket delivery, and a free Christmas dinner for families in need, especially those who have served in the military.

American Legion Paloff-Laurenster Post 141 — Coal City Community Support. Received a $1,010 grant to support Honor Guard services, holiday basket delivery, and a free Christmas dinner for families in need, especially those who have served in the military.

Owen County Fair — Grounds Improvement. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand this early literacy initiative, which begins free books monthly to Owen County children from birth to age five.

South Central Community Action Program — Owen County Beat the Heat 2025. Obtained a $5,000 grant to provide fans, A/C units, and repair services to help low-income residents stay cool during extreme heat.

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. — Coal City S.O.U.N.D.S. Community Impact. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand their music education through instrument purchases, sheet music, accompanist piano lessons, and other services to help individuals and families stay cool during extreme heat.

About OCCF Grant Opportunities

Community Investment Grants range from $1,001 to $5,000. Large Impact Grants of up to $30,000 support transformative projects, while Rapid Response Grants of up to $3,000 are available year-round to address urgent or time-sensitive donor support.

About OCCF

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public benefit foundation founded in 1994 as a resource to connect individuals with causes they support, enabling them to contribute toward broader Owen County! Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $1.2 million to local students, area nonprofits and charitable organizations in our community. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Owen County and for generations to come. For more information on the scholarships awarded or how to begin your own philanthropic journey, please visit owencountycf.org or call 812-829-1725, or stop by our office located on the Courthouse Square at 60 E. Market St., Spencer.

Visit five 100-year-old Indiana State Parks to enjoy their new challenges to help celebrate the history of Indiana State Parks.

Parks with centennial challenges include McCormick's Creek State Park (est. 1916), Turkey Run State Park (est. 1916), Clifty Falls State Park (est. 1920), and Indiana Dunes State Park (est. 1925).

The challenges kick off the celebration of this year's 100th anniversary of Indiana Dunes State Park and Pokagon State Park. For a hundred years, these parks have provided northern Indiana with natural playgrounds and conservation of unique natural resources.

"We have developed these unique challenges at many parks because we provide opportunities for physical activity through hiking, biking, and canoeing," said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for Indiana State Parks. "We are happy to add these opportunities to lodgers to open a window into some of the history and resources that each park offers."

Each challenge explores the history of the respective park's natural resources, pre-park establishment and important historical structures and stories. Guests who complete a challenge can earn a unique sticker for that park. The instructions for each challenge can be found online at dnr.IN.gov/healthy.