Zionsville Monthly-August 2023

Matt & Emma Meeks

18 COVER STORY

Herd of Hope: Helping People Live Healthier, More Satisfying Lives

This month, Zionsville Monthly is pleased to feature Matthew “Matt” and Emma Meeks representing Herd of Hope Equine Assisted Therapies on the cover. This dynamic duo is working to reimagine the not-forprofit Herd of Hope, formerly known as Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding, Inc., and to help people live healthier and more satisfying lives by connecting them with the matchless healing power of horses.

ZIONSVILLE MONTHLY

PUBLISHER / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803

PUBLISHER / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418

DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418

HEAD WRITER / Janelle Morrison janelle@collectivepub.com / 317-250-7298

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Cover photo // Laura Arick

Addressing Humane Society for Boone County’s Foster Crisis

animals are very destructive when they have separation anxiety and some run away and become strays. And the shelters are full of strays and surrenders because the animals no longer work with the family’s lifestyles. If people are going to rehome their animals, they should first try to rehome their animal to their family, friends or coworkers. They can better share what the animal is really like and help find the best fit for the animal.”

According to Austin, the national data that she receives shows that [shelter] intakes are up and surrenders are down, but the shelters are full of abandoned or lost animals that can be a danger to society while running loose or can cause serious accidents and be injured or killed if hit on a road.

“Animal welfare is not a pretty picture right now,” Austin stated. “We [the county] need to start looking at this holistically and HSforBC, BCSO and the municipalities have to all come to the table and be part of the solution.”

Ispoke with HSforBC Executive Director Susan Austin and Boone County Sheriff Tony Harris about the root cause of the rise of dogs and cats being abandoned and/or surrendered and what measures are being taken at the local county level to alleviate the stressors on HSforBC and its community partners when it comes to caring and sheltering dogs and cats in need.

OVERCROWDING IS A COMPLEX CHALLENGE

Addressing overcrowding in humane societies is a complex challenge that requires the commitment and cooperation of the entire community.

Looking back at one of the root causes of the current overcrowding issues that occurred [nationwide] during the pandemic, Austin shared, “Let’s remember that during COVID, we encouraged everybody to foster or adopt out of their shelters. COVID also shut down spay/neuter [clinics] and veterinarians. So, many animals were unable to be spayed or neutered and when

everything started opening back up, there was a backlog as well as a decline in the number of [practicing] veterinarians.”

Austin explained that the costs of spay/ neuter procedures [nationwide] have gone up over the last few years, and the wait time [in Boone County] averages two to six months.

In addition to health or financial hardships being a cause of people surrendering or abandoning their animals, some of the dogs that were adopted over the course of the pandemic and immediately following, are experiencing behavioral issues that are leading to these dogs being surrendered or abandoned.

Austin explained why. “The dogs that were adopted [during that time] and didn’t have an opportunity to be socialized with other dogs or people because everything was shut down and couldn’t go many different places are now experiencing their owners going back to work, and they haven’t had great obedience training and are showing some separation anxiety. So, some

Sheriff Harris added, “We continue to work with HSforBC as we always have, and we have a great relationship with them even with what we are dealing with right now. We want to make sure that people realize that [overcrowding] is a bigger problem than what the BSCO can handle. We’re just over a month since the BCSO Animal Control Officer position was vacated. We’re taking a step back and reevaluating [that position] to make sure we’re doing the right things to fill that position with the right person.”

Harris continued, “We need at least two more ACOs. And with those [positions], it will take a lot more resources and administrative support to care for the six kennels that we have. While BCSO hasn’t stopped its efforts, we [BCSO], HSforBC and all six communities need to get together and talk about the [animal welfare] issues.”

WHAT IT MEANS AND TAKES TO BE A FOSTER

Austin explained that HSforBC assists fosters with their animals by providing crates, food, litter [for cats], toys and treats, vaccinations and spay/neuter services.

“They just need to open up their homes and hearts,” Austin expressed. “We do vaccinations on the weekends with our amazing volunteer vets and vet techs so that the fosters don’t have to take time off

work to do that. We do the best we can to help find the best homes, and fosters are an important part of that process. They can share with us by providing information about the animal that can help us get the animal adopted more quickly.”

HSforBC does not receive funding from Boone County property taxes, so Austin emphasized the importance of residents supporting their local shelter.

“Raise your hand if you’re willing to foster,” Austin exclaimed. “Also, our website has lots of resources about rehoming pets, and we try to keep those resources as up-to-date as possible. Property tax dollars don’t come to HSforBC, and our donations come from this county, so we focus on what we can do for Boone County. “

HSforBC’s Director of Canine Foster and Adoption Christy Brubaker and Director of Feline Foster and Adoption Dawn Walker shared some of the current [foster] numbers as well as their personal experiences with fostering dogs and cats.

“I am getting 3-10 calls a week from people across the state looking for a facility to take their dog,” Brubaker shared. “Many

people have this need because they are losing their homes and have to move into apartments that either don’t take pets or have breed restrictions. Our country has an epidemic of unwanted animals. Dogs are being euthanized in shelters at alarming rates. We currently have 69 dogs in the system: 9 are at our facility and 14 are in 9 fosters. The rest are in what we call fosterto-adopt homes. I have a list of 30 dogs that I was unable to take. I provide the owners with resources to try and place these animals. When I have space, I try to reach out and see if they still need help.”

Walker added, “On this day [time of publication], we have 48 cats (mostly kittens) in foster care. I receive at least 10-15 calls a week. Sometimes I can help. Other times they are waitlisted until a foster is available or a spot at the shelter opens. I currently have 10 fosters at my house. Ideally, I would have one litter. Right now, I have the following [cat] fosters: 6 temporary, 12 inactive, 12 on a break, and 23 active [cat fosters]. It’s always nice to have the active number bigger. So, the regular fosters don’t get burnt out.”

Walker spoke about the requirements for being a cat foster.

“Give them love and attention,” Walker said. “Bring them to the spay/neuter appointments; bring them to clinic days at the shelter for their fosters. Help spread the word and provide cute, adorable photos to share on Facebook/website, and if they have their own animals—those animals must be vetted and fixed. Cat Fosters will be in close contact with me to ensure the animal is and stays healthy, and so that I can address concerns they may have.”

Please consider fostering a dog or cat and visit hsforbc.org for more information on fostering, adopting or donating!

&

Indulge in upscale dining and cocktails at Feinstein's, an intimate entertainment venue delivering a unique experience unlike any other in the

Indy Nights With Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends SOLD OUT

Freeform Concert Series Presents: Small Words w/ Rebekah Osborn | Free Entry

Brittany Brumfield Presents Baby Grand Dueling Pianos | Live Jukebox Experience

A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman | Critically Acclaimed Show Celebrating Cy Coleman

Jazz Brunch: Blair Clark Featuring Special Guest Jennie Devoe | 11:00 a.m. Show

Enchanté — Delightfully B urlesque (21+)

Ann Hampton Callaway - Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration! | Tony Award Nominee

Princess Tea Party | Snow Queen, Beauty, & The Frog Princess With Tea Party Food Included

Melinda DeRocker And Her Jazz Trio | Jazz Standards From The Golden Age

Freeform Concert Series: Stampede String Band w/ Electric Blue Yonder | Free Entry

Michael Feinstein | Two-time Emmy & five-time Grammy Nominee

Freefo rm Concert Series Presents: The Palace w/ John Boyle | Free Entry

DECEPTION: An Evening of Magic & Lies | Magic Show

Brittany Brumfield Presents Baby Grand Dueling Pianos | Live Jukebox Experience

Eric Baker & Friends Present: "The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute"

"Let Me Be Frank" Presented by Ben Jones and Ron Abel | Celebrating Music Of Frank Sinatra

Freeform Concert Series: Bronte Fall w/ Eric Pedigo & David Rosales | Free Entry

The Edwards Twins Presents: The Ultimate Variety Show! | Celebrity Impersonations

John Lloyd Young: Broadway's Jersey Boy | Tony and Grammy Award winner

Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael Wants To Know… Do You Believe in Magic?

David Ranalli is a globe-trotting magician, entertainer and motivational speaker. His latest show, DECEPTION: An Evening of Magic & Lies, is now playing to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Ranalli most often performs at corporate events, private parties and YouTube, and he has residency in Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, Indiana, through February of 2024.

Some of Ranalli’s work has been featured on TEDx, Entrepreneur, and TV commercials. He regularly performs for the world’s top CEOs, media personalities and athletes.

Ranalli believes that magic has the power to inspire people and wake them up from a world designed to distract them. His jaw-dropping illusions will make you laugh, think and feel a sense of wonder. He designs his shows to be interactive and to immerse you in the experience. He uses a variety of secret techniques and gets

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography /Michael Durr

inspiration from art, science, communication and hypnosis.

I spoke with this remarkable magician who graciously performed a few of his tricks for me, over a Zoom call no less, and left me completely amazed, baffled and believing that there is magic all around us. We just have to be willing to see it.

Don’t miss a minute of the magic! Get your tickets at feinsteinshc.com.

Janelle Morrison: I read that you got into magic at an early age while growing up in Chicago.

David Ranalli: I started doing magic when I was 13. I snuck in to meet David Copperfield at one of his meet-and-greets. Then I started looking up local magic shops and I found a good one where there was a lot of community. So, I would go and just hang out and learn on Saturday mornings. Then at 14, I started doing magic in a restaurant — going table to table.

JM: The world is full of cynics and hecklers. How hard is it for you and your colleagues to make people believe that magic is real?

DR: The fact that they stopped believing is part of the problem but that is why I stay employed. For me, it’s about connecting with what is real and what’s so magical about that in the first place. For instance, a bubble is very magical. Just because we know how it works doesn’t make it not magical. To me, magic is very real.

JM: How much of performing magic is understanding human nature and psychology?

DR: I feel like [performing magic] is a customer service job for the soul. I try to touch

on things where I can use psychological elements and also imaginational elements and make a game out of it so people have fun. And hopefully, I’m able to say something interesting about human nature at the same time so that people walk away and say, “I’ve never really thought about that.” I hope that as I continue to make my work more artful, it comes across that we are creating life as we go. The best thing that we can do is try to push back the negativity and feel that sense of wonder … and feel like every day we’re getting a chance to do something amazing.

JA: Does the onset of new technology such as AI hinder or help your industry?

DR: CGI screens exist because magicians helped innovate screens back in the 1800s. There is no right answer or correct way to approach this. We could argue that what we’re doing right now, virtually, [Zoom] is not the correct way to communicate and that technology can be overloading because we’re shoving electricity in our faces several hours a day. I think that technology, in terms of my craft, is yet another way to play with people’s perceptions. It’s another tool. But at the end of the day, I can just directly read your mind and write [the answer] down on a piece of paper and that will get a way better and more impactful reaction than me trying to incorporate some complex technology into it.

JM: Do you prefer smaller, more intimate venues over larger ones to perform your magic?

DR: Even the biggest stadiums can feel intimate if the

the venue [Feinstein’s] fits the vibe for what I’m doing.

JM: What do you enjoy most about performing at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael?

DR: Feinstein’s is by far the best residency I’ve ever had. I really love the venue, the team and the people who come in. I also love this stage and how it functions. And it goes without saying: the food is amazing! I try to give as many people as possible personal attention before the show. With that

gage with people and give them a “moment” so they feel they got something personal from the show. I try to make the show as energetic as possible. There’s a collective thing that happens that you have to be there [in person] for. Watching magic on TV is certainly not the same experience. You have to “buy the ticket and take the ride” as Hunter S. Thompson would say.

To learn more about the IMS Museum’s renovation and to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit imsmuseum.org.

CENTER PRESENTS: THE PALLADIUM // THURSDAY, OCT 5, 7:30 P.M. ET ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT

Known for its topical and multilayered humor that appeals to all ages, the Animaniacs TV series was an instant classic when it debuted in the 1990s. Now, the interactive stage production Animaniacs: In Concert stars the original Emmywinning composer, Randy Rogel, on piano and actors Rob Paulsen (the Emmy-winning voice of Pinky and Yakko on Animaniacs) and Maurice LaMarche (The Brain), performing tunes and sharing fascinating and hilarious behind-thescenes tales of how the characters, stories and songs were developed. Video clips from the series accompany this rollicking ride through the creative process. School group matinee performances are available. Contact schoolprograms@ TheCenterPresents.org for details. To purchase tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. It was one of the greatest honors of my entertainment journalism career to speak with Randy Rogel and Rob Paulsen via Zoom.

Janelle Morrison: I’m a fan of your other works, but Animaniacs came out when I was in high school —and now that I’ve exposed my age …

Rob Paulsen: Excuse me, but Randy and I were the entertainment at the last supper. My high school yearbook photo is a cave painting, so you don’t have to worry about your age.

JM [Laughing]: Animaniacs became such a part of our lives, especially for the tail end of Gen X. We still quote it to this day. And I think it was the last great cartoon of our generation.

Rob: I have to say this is the best part of our “job.” Randy and I are in the “happy” business. It’s kind of a remarkable thing to be associated with something that has not only proven itself inarguably that it is worthy of your kind of praise, but to get another crack at it a couple of years ago, with the “King of Hollywood” [Steven Spielberg], with Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell and Randy’s music again … talk about lightning in a bottle.

This is what our show is really about. It really nails that profoundly precious

part of your soul. It’s no different than remembering the smell of your grandmother’s cooking, your mom’s perfume or the first song you can remember lyrics to.

Randy Rogel: And you don’t have to know Animaniacs in order to enjoy the show. It stands on its own. What’s fun for a lot of the fans too is we’ll ask, “Do you want to hear a song that the network killed?” Or “Do you want to hear the original version before they made us change it?” And of course, with Rob and Maurice and all the incredible voices they do.

Rob: The laughter is the most precious part of what we do. It’s like having a superpower where all you have to do is say “Narf” or “Hello Janelle,” and that look on your face … there is nothing that can be more complimentary or gratifying for a performer, than knowing that you’re involved in something that with just one syllable, you can bring a smile to someone’s face. That is a really big deal for us, and we’re really glad to be able to come to your neck of the woods and do this.

Randy: It’s a really lovely, fun show. There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of great animations and a lot of wonderful songs and stories. And then these guys [Rob and

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography //Courtesy of the Center

Maurice] break into all these voices. It’s just as fun for us as it is for the audiences.

Rob: Laughter is universal … or Warner Brothers or Disney or whatever. [Laughing] Laughter transcends language, ethnicity, gender identity, and all this stuff that we’re dealing with now. Humans love to laugh. And you’ll see at the show, it’s just relentless, a relentless pounding of “happy.”

JM: I’m always interested in learning about people’s creative processes. Would you mind describing yours?

Randy: I have an engineering degree, and with that, you have these steps that if you follow, you will build a bridge and it will work or an airplane and it will fly. With art, nothing says, “When you spend an entire day writing [or] if you do these 10 things, you’ll have a hit!” It doesn’t work that way, and so there is always that know in your stomach. If you come to the show, I’ll show you exactly how some of these songs get created. Know your craft. If you’re a writer, musician,

actor or whatever, follow the people who really turn you on to the things you’re really passionate about. That will lead you to your creative place, and when you’re big and famous, you can be Mel Gibson and make “Hamlet.” But in the meantime, do the things that will hit the home runs, and that’s how you get a career.

Rob: It’s a deeply collaborative effort, and when it works, it’s magic. When I came to Hollywood, just after the Eisenhower administration, I was smart enough to know that I knew nothing. I have surrounded myself with people who are way better. The creative process is sort of nebulous. I don’t know if Andy Warhol could’ve explained to me why a picture of a Campbell Soup can works, but it’s iconic. If you’re here [Hollywood] long enough, you’ll get a shot. Capitalizing on it, making a career out of it and still working when you’re almost 70 years old, that’s a different story. I’m not going to be so falsely modest to say that I’m lucky. I’m fortunate that I was smart to put myself in a position to get lucky.

Randy: I was talking with Maurice, and he was asking me about this. I said that my job is to put it over the plate. And if I can get it anywhere near the plate, then a guy like Maurice or Rob can hit it over the fence. You can’t expect Rob to hit it over the fence if you give him crappy material. But if we work together and I can give them good material, oh my God … they elevate it into something else. And then, of course, we have the artists who draw it and the orchestra and everybody in the room has to bring their game, and when we all do, that’s when the magic happens.

JM: We cannot wait to see you in Carmel in September!

Randy: The real treat for me, Rob and everyone in this show is when we get to see the audience reacting to what we’ve written, what we’ve done and our performances. That’s really fun because we get to see how much joy it brings, and that is just an incalculable joy to us. Everybody, come! You’re going to love this show!

Jet Access

Car enthusiasts are clearly a part of the population that enjoys innovation and acceleration. So, as part of this year’s Artomobilia Weekend festivities, Jet Access is hosting a hangar party in collaboration with the organizers of Artomobilia to showcase the allure of private jet travel and a few choice examples of luxury jets.

Aside from the luxury and convenience of private jet travel, Jet Access offers safe, cost-effective, uncomplicated, and comfortable private jet travel. Jet Access is the first vertically integrated full-service aviation management company in the industry. Its team consists of highly experienced, qualified, knowledgeable and results-oriented professionals.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

Jet Access Executive Vice President of FBO Development Sean White spoke about the aviation services Jet Access offers and about hosting this year’s newest Artomobilia event: Veloce on Friday, September 8 at the Jet Access Center at the Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville. The five verticals that Jet Access operates are charter and management services, maintenance and avionics, FBO and

airports, aircraft sales and flight training.

“Jet Access is a multi-vertical aviation business,” White said. “While Jet Access is locally owned and based, we are a national company that operates the five aviation verticals. We’ve got about 400 employees across the country and all of our divisions. The company is primarily owned by the Ricker Family, who previously owned Ricker’s Convenient Stores. After [the Ricker Family] sold their convenience stores, this [was their next business venture. We have 10 FBO locations and 2

additional locations where we operate our flight school without the FBO. We do both international and domestic travel, and we operate out of the Indianapolis area, primarily, and we have a strong presence in Columbus, Indiana, with our flight training facility. We’ve certainly seen high demands in the flight training side of our business and a huge shift in interest coming from younger people. We are limited by supply [planes and instructors], not by demand for flight training.”

When asked why he thinks there has been an increase in the number of people interested in private jet travel, White responded, “Private aviation is not that inaccessible, and I think there are a lot of ways to get into private aviation,

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

their lives, in terms of saving time and returning them to their families safely and more quickly. A trip that would take you away from your family for 2-3 days can be done in a single day and have you back in time before dinner. That’s a game-changer for people.”

INTRODUCING VELOCE

Veloce is the largest, premium automotive and aircraft-focused hangar party in Indianapolis, hosted in the world-class Jet Access Center at the Indianapolis

as well as business and civic leaders from

an unmatched collection of wings and wheels that will engage and delight.

“Certainly, when you do something like this on an airfield, in a hangar, there’s a uniqueness that draws people out,” White observed. “I think people are usually interested in aviation; it’s one of those things that piques people’s interest, and it’s a different event. We are having a lot of fun making it into a nice indoor/ outdoor evening event where people have the opportunity to see not only cars but we’ll have a couple of charter aircraft

for people to view and walk through. There are a lot of commonalities between a crowd of folks who like fast cars and folks who like airplanes. So, Veloce is a fun mix of these two things.”

Artomobilia Event Director John Leonard added, “It’s the only hangar party in Indianapolis that will focus on supercars and hypercars. It’s a unique experience and one that I’ve only done one other time in 2019. It was a wild success, but COVID put a stop to it, and I’ve been told by more than one person that out of all of the Artomobilia evening events that we’ve done, the hangar party was their favorite. So, we’re rebooting it, calling it a different name and will be bringing out cars that will delight and amaze. In fact, the Lotus guys [Gator Motor Sport] are bringing some brand-new Lotuses from the UK, so there will be lots to see and something for everybody.”

To purchase tickets to Veloce, visit artomobilia.org, and for more information on Jet Access and all of its aviation services, visit flyjetaccess.com.

Smooth. Savory. Easy to drink. Taste award-winning avor with every sip. is is the way a Bloody Mary is supposed to taste. NOW

Bentley: An Iconic Bespoke Brand

Bentley Indianapolis is proud to be the first and only Bentley dealership in Indianapolis. If you want to get behind the wheel of a new Bentley model such as the Continental, Flying Spur or even the Bentayga SUV, then Bentley Indianapolis is your place.

TIMELESS AND SUBTLE LUXURY

Will Hobbs, representing both Bentley Indianapolis and Bespoke Xchange, spoke about the incomparable qualities of the Bentley brand and its legacy as well as a brand-new subscription service that is Bespoke Xchange.

“Bentley is a brand that has been somewhat dormant in Indiana for the past couple of years,” Hobbs said. “Bentley Indianapolis started almost two years ago here at 96th and Keystone [Parkway] by the same family [Barham] that started Coast to Coast Imports [1999]. The growth has been awesome, and two of the brothers, Yousef and Moe [Mohammed], continue to grow their brands here in Indiana. One of the things that really separates Bentley from a lot of other marques is that [Bentley] is subtle luxury, and for those in the know … it’s ‘small batch.’ Bentley is very similar to Rolls Royce, but we use a little less chrome.”

Hobbs described Bentley as being a bit of a “dark horse.”

“While a lot of people have gravitated towards 4 and 6 cylinders, Bentley’s kind of the twilight brand for its 12 cylinder presence,” Hobbs stated. “While Bentley is looking at hybrid options as well as full electrification, going with eco-consciousness as well as performance, Bentley applications that are hybrid are still going to be cranking out 600-plus horsepower. Everything Bentley does revolves around the quote from its founder W.O. [Walter Owen] Bentley, [who founded Bentley] ‘to build a good car, a fast car, the best in its class.’”

radars of U.S. drivers. A car subscription offers you flexibility and a convenient way to be in a car you actually want to drive, rather than be limited by the parameters of standard ownership.

Another great beauty of car subscription services is that if your car preference changes, so too can the car you get to drive. You can drive a different car every month, rather than having to wait years to drive the car of your dreams. With a car subscription, you pay as you go and do not have to worry about long-term commitments that come with leasing or financing a vehicle.

“Bespoke is completely revolutionary for Indianapolis,” Hobbs said. “You can subscribe for as many months as you need and want and have access to high-performance cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari or anything in that exotic [car] segment. We also have a subscription that is a little more entry-level if you want a nice Mercedes, Range Rover or something that’s in that luxury sphere.”

Bentley Indianapolis invites you to visit its showroom to learn more about the brand’s uniqueness and hand-crafted, “bespoke” offerings. They also hope interested enthusiasts will inquire about the brand-new Bespoke Xchange program.

Visit bentleyindianapolis.com and bespokexchange.com for more information, location and hours of operation.

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

Bespoke is completely revolutionary for Indianapolis...”

Herd of Hope:

Helping People Live Healthier, More Satisfying Lives

This month, Zionsville Monthly is pleased to feature Matthew “Matt” and Emma Meekses representing Herd of Hope Equine Assisted Therapies on the cover. This dynamic duo is working to reimagine the not-for-profit Herd of Hope, formerly known as Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding, Inc., and to help people live healthier and more satisfying lives by connecting them with the matchless healing power of horses.

Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding began operating in 1998. The current organization Herd of Hope Equine Assisted Therapies is located in the same location off 96th Street in Zionsville.

THE MISSION

The mission at Herd of Hope is: “to help the people of our community who are in need live healthier, more satisfying lives by connecting them with the matchless healing power of the horse

through equine-assisted therapies and activities in a safe, restorative, compassionate, and inclusive environment.”

Herd of Hope offers therapeutic riding programs Monday through Friday and also offers a broad array of equine-facilitated learning programs, including workshops, field trips, camps and corporate programs.

MEET THE SERVANT LEADERS

Matt Meekses is the Executive Director and Emma’s husband. The two married in 2019 and have one child

with one on the way. Matt is from Carmel, is a Carmel High School graduate, and is an IU Bloomington Alumni. He grew up on a hobby horse farm between Carmel and Zionsville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from IU and received a Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Indianapolis. After a successful career in medical device sales, he felt called to pursue a path that was service-focused.

Emma Meekses is the Director of Equine Programs and Operations. Emma is a

graduate of Zionsville Community High School and an accomplished equestrian. She began riding at age 3 and competed on the hunter/jumper circuit through college. Emma graduated with a bachelor’s in liberal studies and Sociology from Indiana University and a Masters of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. Emma is passionate about recruiting and training therapy horses as well as serving the community through equine-assisted therapies.

“This industry is fairly young,” Matt shared. “Humans have been working with horses for four or five millennia, but using horses for therapy is fairly young, as in the last three or four decades at most.”

The Meekses shared that Emma’s experience with her previous employer, located in a neighboring county, is not only invaluable to the mission and goals the couple has instituted at Herd of Hope but it has allowed her to grow the equine retirement program that she began under her previous role and has implemented as part of their current practices. The purpose of Emma’s retirement program is when a therapy horse is no longer willing/able to work, the Meekses rehome the horse to live out its life comfortably and happily out of appreciation for the service that the horse has provided throughout its therapy career.

Matt proudly shared, “Emma started building this massive network — we’re talking cold calling everyone that has a farm or horses. When it comes to the point that a horse is done ‘working’, Emma hits the phones!”

The Meekses have literally overhauled the entire organi-

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and Submitted

zation and have given the facilities a fresh makeover since stepping into their respective directorships this past January. The Meekses want to introduce or reintroduce their facilities and their programs to the community and to anyone in need of their programs.

“An old pastor of mine would say, ‘Live life lights on, windows open,’ and so this is where we’re at and what we’re doing. This is the real authentic ‘us’ and we want that for this organization. We rewrote the mission, vision and value statements, and for all intents and purposes, this is a re-founding of an organization that is now Herd of Hope. The name is different, the logo’s different and we wanted something new where the vibe and culture is a place of healing for everyone involved.”

Emma added, “My passion is utilizing horses to serve others and I believe in serving through the lifespan. Our youngest client is 2 and our oldest is 80. Being around horses my whole life and from researching and networking, I have found that horses are able to serve everyone in some capacity no matter what their story or struggle is. So that’s really my passion and why I’m here. Both of us have

ric population and people get stuck on not having a diagnosis and think they can’t get services without one. That is not the case with Herd of Hope! You do not have to have a diagnosis to be provided with resources or to join our programming. Our experience with individuals with unique and varying needs allows us to utilize the horse safely and effectively for therapies that work on activities of daily living, recall, and socialization… all of the things that improve quality of life.”

Matt shared, “Working with horses is a way that we can change healthcare in the U.S. and Emma and I bonded and latched on to this [concept] early on while we were dating. This is what we want to do and what we believe God is calling us to do.”

CALLS TO ACTION

The Meekses are eager to grow their staff in the wake of their growing clientele. Their goals include growing their herd from 8 working therapy horses to 10 by 2024.

“One of our biggest needs right now is growing our staff,” Emma emphasized. “Matt and I are wearing every hat you can imagine. We do have fantastic hourly employees but we are large enough now that we have a need to hire additional staff members who can not only take a load off of us but also help us move the needle forward for the organization and as we grow, make sure it is sustainable.”

The Meekses’ strategic plan includes positions for hire, increasing revenue via fundraising, and increasing their programming. The two are actively working on grants and building their donor base.

Additionally, the Meekses are looking to find donors to sponsor the horses or the entire herd if one should feel compelled to assist at that level.

“Faithful stewardship is our first core value,” Matt said. “We will be proper stewards of your investment that is an investment into the future of this industry which our ulti-

mate vision is to see this industry become a critical part of the mainstream healthcare continuum in the U.S.”

For more information about Herd of Hope’s services, upcoming fundraising events or to make direct donations, visit herdofhopetherapy.org. And be sure to follow Herd of Hope Therapies on Instagram and Facebook!

LT. BOB MUSGRAVE Recognized As ZPD’s Longest-Serving Employee

On August 1, 2023, Lt. Robert “Bob” Musgrave was recognized by Zionsville Mayor Styron, who proclaimed that day as “Robert Musgrave Day” in recognition of his service to Zionsville Police Department, which is 45 years and going.

Writer // Janelle Morrison •

Musgrave is the longest-serving employee with ZPD and is a beloved officer in the community. I sat down with Musgrave to discuss how his career in law enforcement began and why he chose to never leave his hometown [Zionsville] or its police department.

WHEN THERE WERE LESS HOMES AND MORE CORNFIELDS

Back on August 1, 1978, Musgrave started with the Town of Zionsville as a police officer — one of five officers at that time. He first served as a firearms instructor and worked his way up through several promotions.

Having grown up in Zionsville, a product of Zionsville Community Schools, Musgrave shared that he has “never changed

// Courtesy of ZPD

zip codes” and his passion for the community as well as for law enforcement, is what has kept him in Zionsville with the same police department and why he continues to serve our town as both a police officer and dedicated member of the community.

What many may not know is that Musgrave wanted to be a professional bowler or a trauma surgeon and never had his sights on becoming a police officer when he was a younger man growing up in the much less populated town of Zionsville.

“I was working at a hospital warehouse and had fallen and broken my foot that required surgery on my 20th birthday,” Musgrave shared. “I was bored one day, there was nothing to do, so I wondered if they [ZPD] would let me ride along in a police car. I went down to the police station

and asked if they would let me ride … they said ‘sure,’ and then I never left.”

Zionsville in 1978 had a population of about 3,900 people.

“It [Zionsville] was so small,” Musgrave recalled. “The Pizza King that was off of Zionsville Road was ‘too far out of town’ when it first opened, we had the one flashing stop light down Main St. and Sycamore — St. Rd. 334 at that point —and nothing existed beyond the Speedway station except cornfields. Everybody literally knew everybody.”

When asked why he never left either the town or the police department, Musgrave replied, “I liked what I was doing, and I didn’t see a reason to leave. It is home to me, and I just haven’t had the desire to live

MORE THAN FOUR DECADES LATER

As the decades went by, Musgrave witnessed many changes to the town’s real estate, and with that growth came changes to the police department.

“The town has changed a lot,” Musgrave said. “And the department has gotten bigger. We’re up to 43 sworn officers now. Technology and equipment have changed. We certainly have gotten into community policing, and we work really well at making sure that we get out into the public and let them know that we are here to help and we’re here to be their friends. We help build relationships and work to improve the bond we have with the community so they feel safe and that they matter. We are really blessed to have support from the Town, residents and the community as a whole.”

When asked if younger or newer members of ZPD take advantage of Musgrave’s knowledge and if he ever feels like the department’s “historian,” he replied, “If I know the answer, I’ll give it to them, and I’m glad to share it with them. The nature of the stories is fun to tell. There’s a few of us [in the department] with 30 years plus [service] and then there’s a gap, some down to 20 years, and then a larger gap from 20 years [of service] on down. But they’re all great officers and they’re all here doing a wonderful job, making the community safe and helping somebody if we can. That’s the most rewarding part.”

Photography

AN INSPIRATION TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS

I spoke with Musgrave about what it will take to inspire younger people to serve in law enforcement, given the current culture. He spoke honestly about the dangers of his line of work and the sacrifices made but countered the obvious risks with the perks and rewards that come with it.

“I think the last few years, ZPD has done a really good job of drawing people to law enforcement and our department,” Musgrave stated. “There are a lot of things about this job that get in the way of birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and all those things, but those of us involved in this work understand that’s part of the job. You’re going to miss things, but in order to be a police officer and do the job, you have to realize that you’re doing this [job] not just for yourself or your family but for all of our families too.”

Musgrave’s son, Ryan, decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps and joined the Boone County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy.

“I’m proud of him,” Musgrave expressed. “Everything he does, he does it better than

I do. I still worry about him. He’s got a family now, a wife and two kids. And I want him to be safe and come home every night, but he’s awesome at what he does.”

The evening that Musgrave received the official “Robert Musgrave Day” proclamation, he said it came as a complete surprise.

“It was certainly a total surprise,” Musgrave explained. “Nobody said anything, my wife Theresa didn’t say anything … I don’t even know if she knew [beforehand]. But it was a wonderful surprise, and I

didn’t expect it.”

ZPD Chief Michael Spears offered a few words about Lt. Musgrave’s commitment to the department and the Zionsville community.

“Bob serves as a wonderful example to others about how a career in public service and dedication to your community can be an extremely fulfilling career,” Spears expressed. “He touches so many lives and makes a difference in ways that are sometimes known and sometimes aren’t [known]. I’m extremely grateful that he’s devoted his entire adult life to the people of Zionsville. I can’t go anywhere around town without people telling me something positive about Bob or a story about how he helped them, whether it was Bob knocking on someone’s door to alert them that their garage door was left open or spending time with someone in one of their most desperate moments.”

Information on ZPD and careers in law enforcement can be found on its website at zionsville-in. gov/176/Police.

and Works of Nancy Documentary Film

Over the last decade, I was honored to not only cover the late renowned painter and activist Nancy Noel and produce several articles about her work and philanthropic endeavors, but I was also fortunate to have earned her respect and friendship. And it is with great humility that I am able to produce one more article to share with her fans and friends — an exciting announcement!

Noel’s sons, Alex and Michael Kosene, along with fellow collaborators Sami Mustaklem and Amy Pauszek, are sharing Noel’s life and works in a feature-length film, “Art and Soul: A Portrait of Nancy Noel” that will premiere later this fall.

A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE DOCUMENTARY

The documentary is a journey into the mind and spirit of Noel, who created not just paintings but a life that became her art’s inspiration.

Shortly before Noel passed on August 16, 2020, she sat down with her son Alex for an audio interview. This documentary is a precious collection of interviews with Noel, archived video and photos of Noel’s expansive library of original works and newly recorded interviews with Noel’s family, friends, fans and collectors.

It will also utilize many events and institutions around Indianapolis for opportunities to screen the film, including documentary screening to classical scores by Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes.

This powerful documentary is slated for its world premiere screening in October 2023 at the prestigious Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, “Art and Soul” will be submitted to international film festivals, art gallery exhibits and women’s conferences. Stay tuned for more details!

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

Producer Amy Pauszek has worked as a key producer and publicist on several award-winning feature films, shorts, TV shows and commercials. She’s also a freelance photographer for magazine and newspaper publications and for local and syndicated television productions.

Throughout her career, Pauszek has been intentional about the projects on which she works, and this particular documentary on Noel is no exception.

“My goal as a filmmaker is to make documentary films that truly make a difference,” Pauszek expressed. “I want to make films that highlight individuals who are or have done extraordinary things and when people leave the theater after watching [the film], they are inspired and feel empowered. It’s important to me that the documentaries I am involved with offer education and a new dimension or take on life. Art and Soul will give viewers a whole new perspective on Nancy Noel. With this feature documentary, Alex and Sami have been a joy to work with. Both are so professional, and I know that as a director, Alex appreciates me as I appreciate him and what we both bring to this film.”

Editor Sami Mustaklem has worked in multiple roles of content creation from writing, directing and editing films to producing and developing original ad campaigns as a partner at 3rd Strand Productions. Mustaklem’s works also include short films, TV documentaries, music videos, masterclasses and more.

Mustaklem met the Kosene brothers years ago in Zions-

ville, Indiana. Mustaklem’s parents owned and operated Zorbas, which used to be located off Main Street in the early 2000s.

I asked Mustaklem how daunting it is to be charged with editing an astronomical bounty of footage, interviews and photos related to Noel and her expansive collection of original art into a manageable timeframe conducive to a feature-length documentary.

“There’s a lot of editing that’s a bit of a black box,” Mustaklem explained. “You don’t know what you’re going to put into it, and all you know is that there will be an output. The [editing] process is not that dissimilar from the way that Nancy talked about creating her paintings. My favorite story of hers was when she told me about her painting ‘Sitting Bull.’ She said she turned off the lights and painted. When she turned the lights back on, there he was. And when it comes to the act of editing, it’s a similar process. With this documentary, it’s more like writing a story. With all of the different interviews and images that we have at our disposal, there’s just so much to play with and so many talking points to engage. It’s sort of beautiful in the way that it [the creative process] doesn’t work until the rhythm kicks in, and once you figure out [the film’s] rhythm, it all just suddenly works.”

Director Alex Kosene has worked in Hollywood, sports television, independent films, and advertising. He is the founder of 3rd Strand Productions, a video production company based in Brooklyn, NY. For the last 30 years,

Writer // Janelle Morrison Photography // Submitted

of a project we started in late 2020 into ’21, which was a short film about Nancy for her Celebration of Life event,” Kosene shared. “It was part of an exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. I think, at

that time, Sami and I thought there was a feature-length film there to explore, but I don’t know that we had any intentions of really producing a film this soon. The reason why we are doing this [film] right now is really because of Amy [Pauszek] and because of her belief in the film. She really was the catalyst of this documentary. And Sami said this could be really cool, that my mother was really inspirational to people, and I have a lot of great footage. We realized that what we had in 10 minutes [of the short film] could be over an hour and still be really

entertaining and dive deeper into those things that people may want to know about my mother that I take for granted because I grew up with her. I still find her mysterious, but not nearly as mysterious as people who knew of her.”

Kosene continued, “Micheal [Kosene] and Kathy Pierle are producers on an executive level and are responsible for helping us access a lot of the archival materials, providing interviewees and donations that we’ve needed to make the film. Michael is a successful entrepreneur and is making it possible for us to do what we do, in terms of assets and resources. And Kathy — who was my mother’s everything for 35 years — is essential to Michael and I having anything to do with my mother’s business and her art.”

interests of hers, whether it was Africa, the Amish, her own spirituality, and all of these things, as you know, when you sat down with Nancy, you’d experience a shift in perspective because of the way she talked about these things. Nancy had her own perspective that was unique. She was passionate and engaging. And I think that’s part of what is going to come through this documentary. It’s a deeper dive into Nancy Noel’s view of the world and how she created her artwork.”

Kosene concluded, “The most gratifying part of this journey, so far, has been me sitting down and asking people about their experiences with Nancy — hearing stories that I’ve never heard before. I get to rediscover my mother again … which is really exciting.”

Look for more announcements about the world premiere of “Art and Soul: A Portrait of Nancy Noel” as production wraps up and the official viewing schedule is announced. MemberWings

When asked what the most rewarding part about directing this documentary has been, Kosene thoughtfully replied, “We’re unpacking those chapters of her life and those