18 COVER STORY
Principal Karen McDaniel Is Ready to Soar with the ZCHS Eagles
This month, Zionsville Monthly is pleased to feature Karen McDaniel on its cover. McDaniel was unanimously approved by the ZCS school board as ZCHS’ next head principal, effective July 1, 2024. McDaniel sat down with us to discuss her background and her vision for leading the high school amid a period of growth and change throughout the district. With extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to student success, she shared her plans to foster a supportive and dynamic learning environment. McDaniel emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the community while maintaining high academic standards. She is excited to work collaboratively with staff, students and parents to navigate this transformative time and ensure the high school thrives.
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
Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville Preps Students for Success
In today’s competitive educational landscape, tutoring and test prep services play a crucial role in helping students navigate evolving state testing and graduation requirements. As educational standards and assessments continue to evolve, the demand for personalized support to meet these challenges has grown.
Tutoring provides students with targeted assistance in understanding complex concepts, improving study skills and boosting confidence in preparation for standardized tests. Whether it’s mastering new testing formats or meeting updated graduation criteria, tutoring ensures that students are well-equipped to achieve their academic goals. Beyond mere test preparation, these services foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and overall academic resilience, empowering students to excel amidst changing educational benchmarks.
THE HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER EXPERIENCE
Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville will happily work with local schools in Zionsville. Huntington’s certified teachers offer individualized and high-dosage tutoring, supporting educators and school districts to accelerate student learning through its accredited programs and data-driven approach.
A trusted partner in education, Hun-
tington Learning Center of Zionsville is more than just a leading provider of tutoring and test prep programs—it is your trusted partner in education.
Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville specializes in building your student’s skill sets, confidence and motivation for success in both academics and life. Located in Zionsville, Huntington understands the challenges parents face when students struggle in school—whether it’s mastering math, improving reading comprehension or preparing for standardized tests like the ACT or Digital SAT.
Huntington’s K-12 tutoring and test prep programs are personalized to focus on each student’s specific needs. With convenient and flexible scheduling options— offering in-person, online or hybrid tutoring—it accommodates busy parents and students involved in after-school activities or sports.
Huntington’s highly qualified teachers not only improve grades and test scores through proven programs but also instill a love of learning and essential skills that last a lifetime.
Deeply rooted in the Zionsville community, Huntington supports local youth and family events, engages in business networks and partners with schools to provide comprehensive tutoring support.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY
Eric and Nupur Motycka, owners of Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville, are dedicated to nurturing student confidence and fostering community partnerships. Since opening the center’s doors in February of this year, they have witnessed immediate success with students and families they’ve worked with. As the Zionsville community expands and educational standards for testing and graduation requirements continue to evolve, they look forward to continuing their mission of supporting students and families through these changes.
“We are both passionate about education and academia,” Nupur expressed. “When considering investment opportunities, we thought what better way than to contribute to a community where we can make a positive impact on students and their families’ lives? We are deeply passionate about academia and education.”
Nupur continued, “When considering investment opportunities, we thought, what better way than to contribute to a community where we can make a positive impact on children’s lives? COVID-19 underscored the challenges our own children faced, prompting us to seek ways to give back. It’s been immensely gratifying to receive positive feedback from parents who have already seen the impact of our efforts. Eric has dedicated his career to academia, holding a PhD, while I come from a family with a strong academic background. In my previous career, I worked as an engineer and architect. This venture brings us a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction. We feel very fortunate to be part of the Zionsville community and have experienced nothing but positive experiences. The people are genuinely nice and welcoming … even at the grocery store,
people are so friendly. It’s been wonderful to be a part of this community.”
Originally from Terre Haute, the Motyckas sought investment opportunities that would positively impact their community. Following thorough research and consideration, they decided to pursue their passion for education and academia. They relocated to Carmel and quickly identified the perfect location and community to establish their Huntington Learning Center.
“We wanted to invest in something that would have a positive impact on people and the community at large,” Eric shared. “We work with students in a proactive and impactful way. Our goal is to have them with us four to six months, depending on the program, and to get them where they need to be so that they have confidence, the skills and the motivation to move forward and work on their own. They’re in a much better position to go into the classroom and learn independently, which is great. We have found that the students we’ve been working with, in Zionsville, Brownsburg and the surrounding areas,
are coming to us highly motivated to do well and to improve. The parents have been very proactive, and we’ve been fortu nate in that regard.”
Eric stated that much of their center’s activity has recently been focused on test prep for the SAT and ACT.
“I think we’ll see even more [ACT/SAT] test prep as more universities and colleges are leaning away from ‘test optional.’
There will be an increased need for that, with the SAT and ACT going to a digital platform. We have those available at the center as well.”
GET AHEAD THIS SUMMER!
Eric encourages interested parents and individuals to contact his center before the start of the new school year to assess where their student stands and identify areas where they may need assistance.
“Since we’ve opened, we’ve had a lot of activity and enrollment,” Eric said. “It’s never a bad time to start, but getting help over the summer is a great time to come in for an evaluation and see where your student is and how we can help them improve. If
be devastating for the child—long-term. For us, the end game is to help students achieve their academic goals. Most of these students will go to college, and if they decide to take a different path in trades or the workforce, they will be better prepared academically and will be able to learn skills that they want and need to learn to make a career in this world.”
Contact Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville today and start your student’s journey to reaching their full potential and achieving their academic goals. Visit huntingtonhelps.com for more information.
EXPERIENCE OUR SUMMER LINE UP
Mixing Live Entertainment, Craft Cocktails & an Upscale Dining Experience!
8/11
8/16
8/17
8/18 8/22 8/23 8/30 9/7 9/19 9/20 9/21 9/22
JAZZ BRUNCH | Hosted by Blair Clark
BARRACUDA: AMERICA’S HEART TRIBUTE | BUBBLES UP! LET’S CELEBRATE JIMMY BUFFETT | Don Farrell
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH HOSTED BY PAT YO’ WEAVE | 11 am Show 21+ Only
SIMPLY THE BEST: A CELEBRATION OF TINA TURNER | Presented by Don Farrell
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David Ranalli
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
PAUL HUGHES | Tributes to Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin & Nat King Cole
SUMMER NIGHTS: THE MUSIC OF GREASE | Presented by Don Farrell
FRANK SINATRA: THE TRIBUTE | Presented by Don Farrell
ADAM B. SHAPIRO IN HOLLYWOOD OR BUST | Songs From The Silver Screen AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN | Emmy & Grammy Award Nominee
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Paris Or Bust!
Meet the 2024 Olympians Representing Carmel and Zionsville
The editorial team of Carmel Monthly and Zionsville Monthly is pleased to shine a light on the local Olympians and a local coach who will be competing in Paris. These athletes represent not only their respective sports but also the standard of excellence of their communities. Their dedication and achievements reflect the hard work and support of everyone in their hometowns, and we are proud to see them showcase their talents on the world stage. Please join us in celebrating their successes and supporting their Olympic endeavors. These athletes’ hard work and dedication inspire us all, and we are proud to cheer them on as they compete in Paris.
Drew Kibler
24 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Texas at Austin
• Son of Tracy Kibler
• Three-time All-American
• Three-time Big 12 champion
• 2019 NCAA champion (800 freestyle relay)
• Hobbies include fine art photography, slackening, drawing, painting and hiking.
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
• 1-time Olympian;
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 4th (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2023 – silver (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
Years of participation: 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men 2022, 2023; 100m Freestyle (SC) - Men 2022; 200m Freestyle - Men 2022; 200m Freestyle (SC) - Men 2022; 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Mixed 2022; 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men 2022; 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay (SC)
- Men 2022; 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men 2022
Medals: 5 (2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze)
Gold – 2022 (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men, 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men)
Silver – 2023 (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
Bronze – 2022 (4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Mixed, 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men)
Photos// Courtesy of TEAM USA and staff
17 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of California - Berkeley
• Her father, Nicholas, swam for Great Britain during the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996
• Her brother, Aaron, also made the swimming team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
• Hobbies include being outdoors and hanging out at the beach
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2023 – silver (4 x 200m Freestyle
Aaron Shackell
19 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Texas
• Grew up in Carmel, Indiana, approximately 30 minutes away from where he qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
• Shackell's father, Nicholas, was an All-American swimmer at Auburn University and represented England at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996
• Has two siblings, Alex and Andrew, who also competed at the 2024 swimming trials
• Trained at Carmel Swim Club, committed to the University of California, but is transferring to the University of Texas next season
Rajeev Ram
40 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Illinois on of Raghav and Sushma Ram Married to Zainab Saqib
Began playing tennis at age 4 avorite surface is grass
• Plumb has led one of the most successful club teams in the country over the last decade or so.
• Previously served on several junior international team’s staff
• Previously served as the head coach for
• In 2003, helped Illinois to a 32-0 season and the NCAA team title
• Hobbies include ping pong, music and golf
• Enjoys spending time with his family
• Does volunteer work for his charity
Won the mixed doubles at the 2021
Won the mixed doubles at the 2019
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist
lympic Games Tokyo 2020, 9th (Doubleslympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, silver (Doubles - Mixed), 9th (Doubles - Men)
Paris Or Bust!
Matt Anderson
37 years old
Hometown:
Education:
• M died in January 2010
• Ha and one older brother Joshua
• Marri
• Their son Mi
• Ha who is autistic
• Host to benefit autism awareness
• In
• Left c with the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in Korea
• Has played professionally in Russia, Italy and Korea
• At 25, was the youngest player on the 2012 U.S. Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team.
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
• 3-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 bronze)
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 10th (Team - Men)
• Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, bronze (Team - Men)
• Olympic Games London 2012, 5th (Team - Men)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2022 – 6th (Team - Men)
Years of participation: Team - Men 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
Medals: 1 (1 bronze)
Bronze – 2018 (Team - Men)
REDEFINING DENTAL Excellence
Principal Karen McDaniel
Is Ready to Soar with the ZCHS Eagles
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick
This month, Zionsville Monthly is pleased to feature Karen McDaniel on its cover. McDaniel was unanimously approved by the ZCS school board as ZCHS’ next head principal, effective July 1, 2024.
McDaniel sat down with us to discuss her background and her vision for leading the high school amid a period of growth and change throughout the district. With extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to student success, she shared her plans to foster a supportive and dynamic learning environment. McDaniel emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the community while maintaining high academic standards. She is excited to work collaboratively with staff, students and parents to navigate this transformative time and ensure the high school thrives.
A COURSE CHANGE THAT’S LED TO A FULFILLING CAREER PATH
Growing up on a family cattle farm in southern Illinois, McDaniel developed a passion for veterinary work and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and chemistry from Southern Illinois University. McDaniel also developed a penchant for tutoring and coaching her friends while in college and realized that her true calling was to be an educator. She earned her master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Southern Indiana, and she taught science and held several leadership positions in both rural and growing communities such as Evansville, Avon and Carmel. Now, she is
preparing to begin the new school year as head principal at ZCHS.
“I always wanted to be a large animal vet and had plans to move out West,” McDaniel shared. “I’m proud to say that my mom, who’s 77, is continuing on with our cattle farm after my dad passed away unexpectedly two years ago. Our farm is in deep southern Illinois, right on the Ohio River where Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky come together. One of these days, when I retire, I’ll be going back home to my beef cattle farm and will watch the river go by.”
McDaniel continued, “I worked at vet clinics during high school and college, and the closer I got to the end of it, the more I
realized that I enjoyed the teaching aspect more. I just love talking about genetics and the cell cycle and explaining detailed complex chemistry and biology. I started substitute teaching and got into a school where they had an immediate opening for a long-term substitute for a science classroom, and that was it. I loved it and went back to get my teaching certificate, and I got my first [teaching] job in Evansville.”
From Evansville, McDaniel went on to Avon High School, where she became an as sistant principal. Later, she accepted a position at Carmel High School and left CHS after 16 years, as an associate principal.
McDaniel added, “I decided to make the leap to Zionsville, and I’m thrilled. It felt like a really good time in my life for a transition, and I’m excited to be here.”
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE COMING INTO A GROWING COMMUNITY
Throughout her career, McDaniel has embraced various roles to better help kids. As she moved from classroom teaching to department chair, assistant principal, associate principal and finally principal, McDaniel shifted her focus from individual lessons to broader systems that support students. McDaniel developed a passion for organizational leadership and observing behaviors to understand what works and what doesn’t. She shared that her goal has always been to improve systems to better serve students, parents and teachers. Despite the administrative demands, McDaniel shared she still loves visiting biology classrooms to reconnect with her roots and to remind herself why she’s in this role and in this field.
“I think what I’m most proud of what we’ve done [at CHS] is that we put systems in place to help make sure that kids feel like they have a small school setting so that they don’t fall through the cracks,” McDaniel said. “We’ve had to look at things differently and had to adjust how we identified as a high school. We broke things down into smaller or different ways of showing support.”
When asked what McDaniel brings from her experiences, coming from the larger and second lowest-funded school district in Indiana to a growing and low-
the table with us as leaders as we plan for what our students engage in. I’m going to have a principal advisory committee, and I want to make sure that I have as many groups of students represented as I can. I want to know what we can do to make ZCHS the best experience.”
McDaniel added, “One of my mentors at Carmel says, ‘Let’s not be too quick to get to no.’ I want to be a ‘yes’ person as much as I can for our kids, our families and our teachers. I’m very excited to understand the Zionsville culture and community—its old parts and new parts. I love that everyone’s an eagle here … from kindergarten to high school. On a side note, the eagle is my favorite animal. My dad and I would look for eagle nests and watch for them … there are several eagles back where I lived. That is a big memory that I have, so it feels natural to be a ZCHS Eagle. I’m so excited, and I absolutely feel like I’m in the right place. I think my dad would be super proud that I’m here.”
It is up to us to create an atmosphere for our kids to feel like everybody has a home.
est-funded school district in the state, she replied, “It is up to us to create an atmosphere for our kids to feel like everybody has a home. I think as Zionsville continues to grow, we need to make sure that we are hearing and seeing all of our different families and that they feel like ZCHS is their home, too, and we can put additional systems into place to make sure that we are welcoming in every way.”
McDaniel continued, “I’m excited to see and meet the student body. What is also important for me is identifying groups that might, will and do feel underrepresented and [making] sure they’re around
Karen McDaniel CAREER OVERVIEW
• Began administrative career at Avon High School.
• Moved to Carmel High School in 2008.
• Served as Assistant Principal for Student and Special Services for 12 years.
• Served as Associate Principal for the last four years.
• Active board member of:
• National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).
• Indiana School Resource Officer Association (INSROA).
• Trained Indiana School Safety Specialist.
• Experience in supporting the broader community of learners:
• Autism Cadre Leader.
• Member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) in previous county.
• Member of an Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) legislative advisory committee to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Education Secretary.
EXCEPTIONALISM
Leads to State Championship for Zionsville Boys Golf
This month, we acknowledge the incredible achievement of the Zionsville Boys Golf Team, who secured a triumphant victory at the 87th Annual IHSAA Boys Golf State Finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel in June.
Their hard work, dedication and exceptional performance have brought immense pride to our community and to the program’s head coach, Adam Wood, an individual IHSAA state champion from Zionsville in 2013. This marks the program’s first state championship title in 20 years and the third team state championship in the program’s history, with the Eagles finishing with an overall score of 24-over-par 600.
Zionsville’s varsity squad was composed of Andrew Wall (T5, E), Max Steiner (T8, +4), Gavin Poole (T15, +7), Brycen Tisch (T39, +13) and Bryce Conlee (T78, +23).
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Coach Wood spoke with us about the incredible family and community support that the team received throughout the season, especially during the postseason. He also reflected on the dedication and effort required to lead the team to the championship and secure the win after a two-decade dry spell.
“I think everybody was just really excited about [the championship], and on the second day, you realize how much the community was there,” Wood expressed. “There were a lot of family, friends and
people who came out to watch and support the program, and I think everybody really enjoyed it. More than anything, I’m happy for the guys … those are memories that they’ll carry forever.”
When Zionsville Monthly featured Wood on the cover after he succeeded Coach Steve Simmons as the program’s head coach, Wood shared that a state title was one of his goals, but he had a pragmatic list of additional goals for the young men on the team.
“Winning the state championship was always sort of a goal of mine, but there were other things that I wanted to accomplish [this season] as well,” Wood stated. “How we performed on the golf course was important to me, but there were other things that I wanted to make an integral part of the program. As I’m helping them navigate through these years of their lives and helping them handle adversity, they are finding ways to accomplish things and solve problems. But yeah—it is nice to have won the big one.”
When asked what the magic formula that led them to victory was, Wood shared, “I think there were many things that went into it, a lot of different variables. Many important things contributed to the team winning the state championship, but for us, I would say our schedule has been important … playing a very competitive schedule, and frequently. We were in tournaments week after week, playing against the best teams. Our athletic department is very supportive, and they never tell us no. Within the team and certainly amongst the varsity squad, it was them not shying away from trying to be better than they were yesterday and not shying away from trying to accomplish big things.”
Wood continued, “Having high expectations is not a bad thing. I think it’s pretty important in how you handle going about achieving them or falling short and handling some adversity. I think that was number one for us in terms of having the mindset to go out there and compete to do something special. There were course strategies and competitive things we did throughout the season, and all of those things together helped.”
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Zionsville Golf State Championship Parents, Martha Conlee and JeAnne Poole
A POWERHOUSE TEAM;
INDIVIDUALLY,
THEY SHINE
Coach Wood took a moment to express his pride and share his observations about the program’s powerhouse five.
“I’ve told Brycen [Tisch] that the sky’s the limit for him and not to be surprised when he has quite a bit of early success,” Wood said. “He did extremely well this year, especially for a freshman. Bryce [Conlee] is a player with incredible ability. He hit some of the most extraordinary shots that I watched, in person, this year. Bryce is going to play [college] golf in Evansville, and I expect him to do great things there.”
Wood continued, “Andrew Wall was
that’s a pretty special memory. Gavin [Poole] had a terrific year and was our conference champion, which puts him on an elite list of players. He’s a naturally gifted ball striker and overall player … this season was by far the best he has played
was a great time for us to play some of our best golf, and that’s what they did … all the ly, I want to give credit to Coach Simmons.
to Its Pack
Writer
// Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted
Last month, the Humane Society for Boone County (HSforBC) announced the appointment of Melanie Evans as its new Executive Director. This change follows the retirement of the former Executive Director, Susan Austin, as the organization continues to pursue excellence in its mission to care for the animals of Boone County.
We sat down with Evans to learn more about her background and vision for HsforBC at a time when Boone County is experiencing and planning for exponential growth. After all, with more people comes … more pets and more responsibilities.
EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN ANIMAL WELFARE
During our conversation, Evans shared that she has an extensive background in animal welfare, behavior modification, training and environmental enrichment for animals. Additionally, Evans has experience in related program development,
project management, public education and communication.
“As a young child, my dream job was to grow up and be a zookeeper,” Evans said. “I’m from the Cincinnati area, and with that field, it’s—statistically speaking— harder to get a job than it is to be drafted into the NFL. It’s highly competitive. I went to school and earned degrees in environmental science and natural science. I started college at 17 with a four-monthold baby, and I was nursing her, working, and [going] to school full-time to pursue my dreams. I tell people this because I am proud and because life is messy. It is a journey. My daughter is 20 now, and she’s in the equestrian field. She was kind of the fire that was lit under me. I knew it was going to be hard, but I went after it. I did end up having a career at the Cincinnati Zoo Botanical Garden and was a zoologist there for 14 years.”
During her tenure at the Cincinnati Zoo, Evans was sent abroad for fieldwork. In 2018, she went to Madagascar to assist with the largest tortoise confiscation on record, involving more than 10,000 critically endangered radiated tortoises that Turtle Survival Alliance rescued from poachers. Additionally, she was sent to Panama, where she participated in primate research.
After nearly a decade and a half with the Cincinnati Zoo, Evans fulfilled a longheld dream by purchasing a log cabin in the woods of Kentucky.
“I took a position with the Kentucky State Parks as a naturalist and was stationed at General Butler State Park in Carrollton, Kentucky,” Evans shared. “I was also a recreation supervisor there and got to wear the curator hat at the park’s historic museum. I wrote curriculum[s] for the schools so they had nature and science-based field trips and create[d] programs for groups like the Girl Scouts on how to respect the environment and stuff.”
Evans added, “I’ve always been in the field of wanting to conserve animals, speak for wildlife and help nature. I’m all about being a good steward of the earth.”
RISING ABOVE TRAGEDY WITH RENEWED PURPOSE
During our discussion, Evans openly shared that a couple of years ago, she suffered the tragic loss of her husband, who had battled with his mental health. Evans moved to Indiana on a whim, looking for a new sense of direction and purpose.
“When I moved [to Indiana], I got a job with Indiana DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife,” Evans said. “I was an executive-level project manager. It was an office job downtown, and I really missed being in a nonprofit and having a more direct
impact helping animals. When I worked at volunteers—over 300—and I really valued my relationships with them. I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I could make positive and effective decisions that are super impactful. That’s always been my drive.”
Evans shared that she sincerely appreciates having gone through the interview process with HSforBC and how it allowed her an opportunity to share and highlight parts of her background beyond the functions of the job title. She was able to show where she took initiative and made opportunities happen where she was able to further develop herself.
Evans added, “Seeing other people notice and believe in me was just so humbling and uplifting. This has been a good refresh and renewal for my abilities and my strength.”
EDUCATION IS PARAMOUNT TO LEADING HSFORBC INTO THE FUTURE
Recognizing that Boone County is on the verge of a significant growth period that will expand and transform the trajectory of HSforBC’s mission, Evans eagerly delved into the data presented to her. She is collaborating with board members
and volunteers to learn everything she can about the Boone County community, aiming to best assess the immediate and future needs of the organization.
“We are aware of the growing population and the growing need to help pets as the community builds,” Evans said. “It’s so exciting to be on that cusp of growth and change. We’re going to try to stand up to that test of growing with the community to be able to serve greater numbers as well. Our volunteers have such diverse backgrounds, and a lot of them are from the community, so we have that history. I have such respect for their perspectives in comparison to mine. I’m dedicated to gathering all the information before decisions are made, and that includes hearing from their side of things, knowing this organization from its start is a grassroots organization. I’m super fortunate and grateful for our board of directors. They are also very talented. In addition to Susan [Austin], we have a lot of people that are here for the right reasons and have a lot of talent and skills that they bring … we just rock it over here!”
CALLING ALL ANIMAL ADVOCATES AND HSFORBC SUPPORTERS!
There are myriad ways you can contribute positively and support HSforBC. Fostering, volunteering and sponsoring events are the most impactful ways to offer your assistance.
“You can also give us Kroger points by setting us as your [preferred] organization when shopping at Kroger,” Evans explained. “There’s also an app called ‘WoofTrax,’ and if you’re a walker or runner, tracking your miles gives us points if you set us up as your shelter of choice. There’s more information about that on our website under the ‘Get Involved’ tab. We are also looking for sponsors for our 5K-9 Run for Rescue on October 26. It starts at L.A. Café and ends at Moontown Brewery in Whitestown. Interested individuals and/or businesses can reach out to me for sponsorship information. [Those] who want to register to run/walk can do that on our website at hsforbc.org.”
