SOUTH | Fall 2015

Standout Students / Mallow Run / Boys & Girls Club

Indy’s southside magazine

FALL 2015

Leading the Way Thomas Minar discusses his new role at Franklin College

30 S. Water St., Franklin, IN 46131

contents

106

Mallow Run Winery

ON THE COVER

Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar, page 80.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL

Feature Stories

80 88

Thomas J. Minar

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Bigger is Better

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Franklin College’s 16th president

High School Standouts Southside students boast bright futures

Dan and Debbie Hillenburg love their new home

Mallow Run Winery Life is good at this popular event spot

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contents

Departments

15

This & That

Southside News and Views

21 In Style

Cast Iron Cookware

25 Taste

Salads, Pumpkin Recipes

34 Worth the Trip Desserts

40 Arts & Lifestyles Art Classes

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Home Trends Bathrooms

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52 Health 58 Travel

Vision Therapy

North Carolina

66 Authentic Indiana 72 Goodwill Soap Makers

Boys & Girls Club

In Every Issue

8 Welcome 112 South weddings 116 Our side of town 122 Calendar of events 130 A look back 6

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welcome

It’s in the Air

E

EACH WEEK I HEAD into the offices at the Daily Journal for a managers’ meeting. And lately, as I’ve been walking the streets of Franklin, I’ve noticed a palpable change in the downtown vibe. And truthfully, it’s a change I’ve noticed all over the south side. Can you feel it?

Nearly every week, new businesses and restaurants are announcing plans to open on the south side, and the businesses that are already operational around here are moving, getting bigger and growing. We outline a few of these changes in our This & That section (p. 15) of this issue of South. And you know what? There’s more coming.

This year, new restaurants have been making names for themselves (Revery, Scotty’s Brew Club, Greek’s Pizzeria and Tapp Room, Court Street Cafe and more), and several boutiques and stores (byTavi, The Marshmallow Monkey, T.J. Maxx) are moving into bigger and grander digs this fall.

It’s an exciting time in both Greenwood and Franklin, and let’s not forget Bargersville. The downtowns of all three are experiencing growth

and development, creating an air of excitement among residents and guests.

The south side is quickly becoming a popular destination for diners and consumers, and it shows no signs of slowing down (although traffic certainly has). Greenwood Park Mall boosted the south side’s retail appeal decades ago, but now we see little boutiques and mom-and-pop stores helping to give the area its unique character. Franklin was already known for its quaint Jefferson Street lineup of antiques stores, its Historic Artcraft Theatre and popular grub stops like The Willard and Jefferson Street Pub, but add to that the new restaurants, breweries — and even an additional place to sit down for a cup of tea — and you have a recipe, as they say, for success.

Recently, Franklin Heritage Inc. began awarding Community Pride accolades to Franklin residents for the care they’ve taken of their historic homes.

I’d like to think the entire south side is deserving of such an honor. Each week, each month and each year, life on the south side just keeps getting better.

sdugger@indysouthmag.com

Read and share SOUTH online at indysouthmag.com

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SOUTH Indy’s Southside Magazine

FALL 2015 | VOL. 11 | NO. 2

PUBLISHER Home News Enterprises Chuck Wells

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Sherri Dugger COPY EDITOR

Katharine Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alisa Advani Katherine Coplen David Hoppe Teresa Nicodemus Amy Norman Nick Rassi Julie Cope Saetre Jon Shoulders Samantha Stutsman Jennifer Uhl CJ Woodring

ART SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST

Margo Wininger CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Laker Josh Marshall Haley Neale Scott Roberson Stock images provided by ©istockphoto

IMAGE TECHNICIAN

Matt Quebe

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Christina Cosner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Miranda J. Stockdall

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SOUTH Indy’s Southside Magazine

READER SERVICES MAILING ADDRESS

30 S. Water St., Second Floor Franklin, IN 46131

PHONE

(317) 736-7101

FAX

(317) 736-2754

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STORY IDEAS

info@indysouthmag.com (317) 736-2732

WEB SITE

www.indysouthmag.com

SINGLE COPY SALES

Copies of South magazine are available at southside Kroger, Marsh and Barnes and Noble locations.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

To subscribe to SOUTH magazine, please send $12 for 4 issues, or $24 for 8 issues to the mailing address above. Call (800) 435-5601 to subscribe by phone or place your subscription request online at indysouthmag.com.

ADDRESS CHANGE

Please send any address changes to the address or e-mail address listed above.

BACK ISSUES

To order back issues of SOUTH magazine, please send $5 per issue (includes S&H) to the mailing address above or call (800) 435-5601 to order by phone. ©2015

by Home News Enterprises All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited.

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this & that

COMPILED BY JULIE COPE SAETRE

Girl on Fire CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL grad Elisabeth Ann South does not live in her native Johnson County anymore, but this transplant to both coasts makes the home crowd proud by capturing her worldwide travels in photographs.

South’s first exhibition, “Face on a Journey,” was shown during June and July in downtown Indy’s Chase Towers, and her photos have been published by travel magazines, news organizations and online publications.

And if that isn’t enough, a prominent international book publisher soon will release a compilation of her photographs focusing on the millennial generation.

So how did this local girl go from graduating from Center Grove High School in 2003 to traveling the world?

“I was a child who couldn’t sit still. ... I think I came out of the womb with a suitcase and a passport,” she says.

After graduating from Ohio State University, she indulged her love of travel, going “any-

Inset, Elizabeth Ann South.

Above, photography from her exhibition, “Face on a Journey.”

where that I could find a job to fund myself to go see somewhere new.”

Now a resident of West Hollywood, South is planning two additional exhibitions for New York City (where she also has an apartment) and California. Her talents extend to voiceover work. She just completed a radio spot for McDonald’s.

And while she doesn’t make it back to the Hoosier state often, her parents frequently meet her at one of her many travel stops.

Narrowing down a favorite from those locations, though, proves to be a tough task.

South says she loves New Orleans (“It’s so gritty and raw and real and just visceral.

It’s got an energy unlike any other place in the world.”) and Costa Rica (“To me, it’s God’s land. It’s just beautiful and amazing.”). And then there’s Paris ...

“Look at me,” she said, laughing. “I can’t choose. I feel like every place I go is a beautiful gem in its own way.”

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this & that Franklin Heritage Architectural Salvage »A renovated city warehouse that once housed a bakery and a manufacturing company now hosts Franklin Heritage Architectural Salvage’s eclectic collection of vintage windows, doors, cabinets, hardware and other home decor treasures from the pre-1970s era.

The new location at 350 E. Madison in downtown Franklin is still owned and operated by Franklin Heritage Inc., and a hefty portion of proceeds from salvage sales benefits Franklin’s Historic Artcraft Theatre.

The Marshmallow Monkey »This popular floral and interior design destination closed at 436 E. Jefferson St. in Franklin on July 1 and reopened in August at 41 W. Monroe St. The draw: a spacious 6,000-square-foot building on the town square. Owners Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff will continue to stock fresh flowers, vintage furnishings and other home decorating items, including their signature marshmallow-scented line of antiquing paint, and will be adding hard-to-find European lines of furniture to its offerings.

The Marshmallow Monkey's new retail shop.

Simplify

BUSINESS NOTES Summer saw a flurry of business activity in Johnson County, with some local favorites moving into spacious new digs, while other entrepreneurs debuted new ventures.

Here’s a roundup to help you keep track of the changing corporate and retail roster.

COMING SOON

byTavi »A project of the Center for Global Impact, byTavi showcases boutique-style handbags and clothing crafted by Cambodian women. In turn, the artists — many of whom are victims of or vulnerable to human trafficking — receive vocational training, consistent employment and a living wage in an area known for poverty. The not-for-profit takes over the house at 436 E. Jefferson St. in Franklin recently vacated by The Marshmallow Monkey. Formerly, byTavi shared space with CGI. The new space, said byTavi director Kristen Baynai, “allows us to specifically market our beautiful handmade products and focus completely on empowering the poor through our sales.”

»A favorite of home decorators for the paint lines Heirloom Traditions and Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint and of gift givers seeking hand-crafted gifts from a collection of talented local artisans, Simplify gives everyone more to love at its new location (102 W. Jefferson St., Franklin). Just around the corner from its former North Jackson Street location, the generously sized space offers 3,000 square feet (up from 650) for roomier artist digs and an expanded product line. Try the new Bourbon Barrel Foods selections from Louisville, Kentucky, a line of spices and seasonings made with smoked bourbon. Or pamper yourself with the PuurBody line of soy candles, men’s products, perfumes, lip balms and more all-natural treats.

T.J. Maxx and ULTA are both expected to move into The Shoppes of County Line, just north of Greenwood Park Mall, this fall. ULTA, which will fill the space next to Shallo’s Antique Restaurant and Brewhaus, opened its new distribution center in Greenwood earlier this year. The retail location will sell cosmetics, shampoo, makeup brushes and more. T.J. Maxx is slated to move into the southwest corner of the retail center, taking over part of the storefront left empty when Planet Fitness moved to a building just north of the center this past April.

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this & that Q+A

Running South

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Soar Above Media Gone are the days when those wanting access to aerial photography had to depend solely on helicopter- or plane-bound resources. Drone technology has arrived and with it the advent of a new Franklin business, Soar Above Media, in April.

Launched by business partners Dakoda Johnson, a computer information systems graduate from Eastern Michigan University, and Josh Sabik, a 16-year military veteran and current military helicopter crew chief on a contract basis, Soar Above Media grew from the pair’s mutual love of technology.

“As new quadcopter (drone) technology developed, allowing small HD cameras to be attached and flown around, I knew I had to purchase one,” recalled Johnson. “I purchased my quadcopter in March of this year and began flying.”

About the same time, he spoke with Sabik and learned of his friend’s desire to start a local aerial photography business.

“Josh loves anything that flies or floats,” Johnson said. “If he can be on water or in the air, it’s a great day. ... Josh believes that quadcopter technology mixed with the capabilities of aerial video and photography is an extremely exciting technology.”

The result, Soar Above Media, combines the pair’s enthusiasm for all things air-bound. Since its spring debut, the new company has taken bird’s-eye images for real estate companies, golf courses and other area businesses. The technology also can be used for accident scene investigation, government applications, agriculture needs and extreme-sport video production, Johnson added.

“The list,” he said, “is nearly endless.”

For more information, visit soarabovephotography.com.

LADIES FIRST Expect food, fun and flair at the 2015 Ladies Night Out event, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 1 at Hilton Garden Inn (5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis, 317-888-4814). Vendors at this year’s event, which is hosted by the Daily Journal and SOUTH magazine, include American Cancer Society, Arni’s Restaurant, Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Franciscan St. Francis Health, JP Parker & Co., Ray Skillman Ford and more.

On Sept. 26, runners of all ages and abilities will pound the pavement around Southport High School as part of the fifth annual Coach Hathaway’s Running South event. Composed of a 10K, 5K, one mile and ¼ mile Kiddie Romp, this runner’s haven benefits the Perry Township Education Foundation. The not-for-profit organization provides grants to teachers and administrators in Perry Township Schools for innovative, hands-on, technology-enriched lessons in the classroom.

The event’s namesake, Tom Hathaway, taught biology and coached cross country and track in Perry Township Schools for 44 years. An avid runner, he participated in 131 marathons, as well as numerous half-marathons and other races, and at age 79, he was the oldest finisher at the inaugural Running South.

Today, Jason Wiesmann, assistant principal at Southport Sixth Grade Academy and second-year Running South race director, talks details about the 2015 event.

How many racers do you expect this year?

It’s grown every year. Last year, we had nearly 1,000 participants in all the races combined. And we look forward to growing again this year.

What’s new for 2015?

We have increased the spectator viewing by routing the course

by Perry Stadium. We have also reversed the second half of the 10K for a faster race and ease of participant flow. This year all elementary-age runners (no matter the race) will receive a participant medal.

How does the day unfold?

All the races start in front of Southport High School and finish inside Perry Stadium on the track. The 10K race and 5K race both start at 9 a.m. They share the first part of the course together and then split. Later in the day, there is a one-mile race geared toward elementary-school kids. And after the one-mile race, there’s a Kiddie SOU T H

Romp for younger kids who might not be school age. They run around Perry Stadium track, and we have a variety of mascots — the Southport cardinal, the Perry falcon, the Chickfil-A cow, Chuck E. Cheese, Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse — to run around the track with the kids.

Do you have a lot of spectators enjoying the action?

Yes. Parents cheer on their children, of course. There’s also a health fair that is coordinated with this. Last year, we had over 50 health fair booths. So people who come to the health fair in general to check it out also are spectators at the event. All in all last year, we had a couple thousand people at the event.

How does that translate into PTEF proceeds?

Last year, after expenses and everything, we raised $10,000 or $11,000, at least.

For more information, contact jwiesmann@perryschools.org. |

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this & that

BOOK NOOK

‘Future Crimes: Everything Is Connected, Everyone Is Vulnerable and What We Can Do About It’

By Marc Goodman » Marc Goodman, a global digital security consultant, draws on his technical skills to sort out and explain the hidden secrets of cybercrime, data exploitation and the privacy issues facing the public today. One example dates to 2011 when an attack carried out against South Houston, Texas, Water and Sewer Department involved hackers from Russia, who repeatedly turned a pump off and on, quickly causing it to fail. While no one was hurt, these examples show how many critical infrastructures put their security at risk when they go online. Most importantly, Goodman offers some great solutions and recommendations on how to improve data security. A fast and fascinating read. Reviewed

‘The Grace Keepers’

By Kirsty Logan » This lyrical tale is artfully written with just a touch of magic, helping to create a mythical world that quickly draws readers in. In “The Grace Keepers,” the world has been transformed into a watery planet with limited land. This change has caused humans to separate into those who live on land and the damplings who live on water. North is a performer in a traveling, dampling circus who has no desire to leave her life on the sea. Callanish is a gracekeeper who oversees the burials of damplings and has a deep regret she hopes to set right. The novel follows the intertwining lives of these two women as they come to find their own bit of home in a watery world. Reviewed by Valerie Moore, reference librarian, Greenwood Public Library

by Sheila Harmon, reference librarian, Greenwood Public Library

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‘In The Unlikely Event’

By Judy Blume » In late 1951 and early 1952, three airplanes crashed in the same town, where Judy Blume was living as a teenager. The time and place of these crashes sets the scene for her latest book. At the heart of the book is Miri Ammerman, a 15-year-old girl who experiences her first love, the dissolution of her best friendship and learning the truth about her father. Her life is overturned not only by the crashes, but also by the secrets that are revealed in the wake of the tragedies.

Blume has written this book for adults, but teens will still find much to enjoy. Reviewed

by Amy Dalton, reference librarian, Johnson County Public Library

‘The Royal We’

By Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan » Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan have teamed up to write a witty, fast-paced story that will have you burning the midnight oil to find out how it all ends between Bex Porter and her fiance, Nick, who is the future king of England.

It all starts with Bex becoming an American exchange student who happens to land in the same college as Nick. Bex has never been one to romanticize relationships, let alone ever desire to be a princess. However, the authors masterfully throw these two together slowly, with much hilarity. Pick this book up for an amusing read that holds some universal truths about relationships.

Reviewed by Susan Jerger, reference librarian, Greenwood Public Library

style

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW LAKER

Vintage Cornstick Pan Marked “7SA,” $12, Southport Antique Mall, 2028 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis, (317) 786-8246

It’s Elemental

»

In search of a perfectly seared steak, fantastic fried chicken, crispy cornbread or crumbly cobbler? Look no further than cast iron. Both durable and efficient, cast iron — considered by those in the know to be the queen of kitchen workhorses — gets hot and stays hot, providing even heating for your favorite holiday dishes.

Vintage Griswold pieces — typically found at antique malls — can easily be brought back to life (all it takes is a little re-seasoning) or shop around for great deals on pre-seasoned Lodge skillets, Dutch ovens and fry pans at these local stores. With a heavy dose of love and just a smidgeon of grease, your next cast iron purchase may quickly become a prized family heirloom.

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style

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7 3

6

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Lodge 7-Quart Dutch Oven, $49.99, Rural King, 860 U.S. 31, Greenwood, (317) 859-2903.

Lodge 10½-inch Ribbed Grill Pan, $26.99, Kitchen Collection, Edinburgh Premium Outlets, 11622 NE Executive Drive, Edinburgh, (812) 526-9764. 3 Lodge Grill Press, $22.99, Cracker Barrel, 4350 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis, (317) 784-7691. 4 Lodge Biscuit Pan, $24.99, Rural King. 5 Lodge Loaf Pan, $13.99, Rural King. 6 The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook, $24.95, Cracker Barrel. 7 Lodge Cast Iron Nation Cookbook, $19.99, Kitchen Collection 1

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taste

COMPILED BY JENNIFER UHL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL

It’s a

Tossup The colors are changing, but greens aren’t just for spring and summer. Here, four southside salads omit the iceberg and put fall on a plate in the form of tangy cranberries, smoky bacon, sweet maple and more cool-weather flavors.

Pear and Walnut Spinach Salad

Sassafras Tea Room

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taste

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taste

Revery

Apple Salad 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, reverygreenwood.com; $6 »Every dish at this darling of the southside dining scene is done with panache and a bit of the unexpected — mussels in a PBR beer broth, pina colada cotton candy — and the roughage portion of Revery’s menu is no exception. While it’s hard to pass up the memorable grilled Caesar (that crispy egg!), the Apple Salad is the obvious fall go-to.

Chef-owner Mark Henrichs and executive chef Danny Salgado regularly turn to Anna Belle’s Garden, a favorite vendor at Broad Ripple Farmers Market, for the salad’s spinach and arugula.

“We try to use (Anna Belle’s) as much as possible,” says Henrichs, who also orders goat cheese from Capriole Farm. Cherrywood bacon, which Henrichs describes as sweeter and smokier than applewood bacon, almonds and Revery’s housemade raisin vinaigrette top it all off, but what really kicks the salad into swoon-worthy territory is the addition of cinnamon-sugar croutons. Salad and dessert in one? Yes, please.

Nourish

Bulgur Wheat 931 S. East St., Indianapolis, thenourishindy.com; $7 » Seasonally driven menus are popping up at

restaurants all over the southside, but few take seasonal fare as much to heart as newcomer Nourish. The Fletcher Place hotspot is just a stone’s throw behind Eli Lilly, and Lilly employees pack the tables at lunchtime to order dishes elevated by surprising twists and additions, like bahn mi lettuce wraps with coconut quinoa and a burger with a stout caramelized onion aioli. Executive chef Eli Laidlaw’s farmto-table contemporary fare changes every other month or so; for fall, he’s concocted a bulgur wheat salad paired with kale, spinach and radicchio from local farm operation Growing Places Indy. The nutty bulgur is topped with purple cauliflower, roasted beets and a yuzu-maple vinaigrette. Like every other dish Laidlaw serves, it’s artfully plated and almost too pretty to eat, but that’s not stopping us.

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taste

Taxman Brewing Co.

Artisan Greens 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville, taxmanbrewing.com; $8 lunch, $10 dinner »If it seems that downtown Bargersville resembles a parking lot most nights, it’s because half the population of Center Grove (and many a northsider) is lined up to get a pint or two at Taxman Brewing Co. The wildly popular brewery-meets-gastropub is almost always at capacity come evening, and as the locally focused menu has expanded, it’s clear that patrons are coming back for more than their favorite farmhouse ale.

Though Taxman’s menu changes with the seasons, co-owner Leah Huelsebusch says one salad that won’t be going anywhere is the Artisan Greens, a blend of peppery arugula, bok choy, spinach and leafy greens (courtesy of Greenwood’s own Indy Family Farms) topped with sundried cranberries, housemade spiced pecans and balsamic vinaigrette, and goat cheese from Capriole Farm, located in southern Indiana’s small-town Greenville. The dinner salad, a bit larger than the lunch version, is a substantial starter, but for an additional $8, you can make it a meal with steak or wild-caught salmon.

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Sassafras Tea Room

Pear and Walnut Spinach Salad 229 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, sassafrastearoom.com; $9.95

» Even the Dowager Countess

of Grantham (for you Downton Abbey fans) would approve of the tea service at this family-owned establishment, where the best of British traditions and Southern charm meet. The relaxing, thoughtfully decorated dining room is popular with ladies who lunch on chicken salad sandwiches and quiche, and additional rooms in the houseturned restaurant are filled with bridal and baby shower guests on weekends. A year-round favorite with all the flavors of fall, the pear and walnut spinach salad features a fan of red or Bartlett pear slices over fresh spinach, topped with cranberries, parmesan cheese, Sassafras owner Cheryl Domi’s housemade candied walnuts and the raspberry vinaigrette house dressing. The added touch of a mini scone served alongside is seasonal in flavor — yours might be pumpkin, blueberry, cinnamon, even citrus — but always sweet.

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taste

FOOD FINDS

We’ve searched the southside to locate delicious bites — at a variety of price points.

ON THE

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OUT TO

ON THE

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LUNCH

TOWN

Contrary to what you may have assumed, self-proclaimed “crunchy” moms and gym rats aren’t the only patrons of the as-close-to-natural offerings at Greenwood’s Earth Fare; health-conscious shoppers simply in search of grass-fed beef and fans of the scoop-your-own-ravioli bin are also faithful customers. But avoiding artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup doesn’t mean you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. Quite the opposite, in fact. Just take a look at Earth Fare’s bakery case. Delicate fruit tarts and luscious cakes abound, but the prettiest-bites award goes to the row of colorful French macarons. The meringue-based cookies come in different flavors, but we recommend the pale green pistachio with its pillowy, almond-flavored filling, with the sea salt and caramel a close second. Each macaron is $1.50, or you can shelve the “everything in moderation” mantra and get three for $4.

Franklin foodies who lamented the passing of The Indigo Duck have happily crowded the tables at Court Street Cafe since its spring opening. The cafe’s menu boasts something for everyone, from plus-size burgers requiring both hands (and lots of napkins) to a generous number of salads that need no addons to make them a meal. But some good things still come in small packages, as evidenced by the chocolate mini parfait: The cheesecake-like concoction is served in a too-cute 3-ounce glass; the chocolate middle spooned between two layers of Oreo cookie crumbles and topped with whipped cream. It’s just enough to enjoy without worrying about your waistline, and it’s easy on the wallet, too, at only $2.

Vino Villa has earned a reputation as the southside’s best place to unwind with your BFF after a long workweek, preferably on the spacious outdoor patio. But whether you split a bottle of red over the antipasti plate on the outdoor patio or inside, we advise you to save room for a slice of chef Bob Battle’s carrot cake. The pecan-studded confection — a recipe Battle says “came from someone or another’s grandmother” — is filled with raisins, walnuts and, of course, a hefty amount of golden shreds of carrot. The cream cheese frosting is no sad imitation from the grocery aisle; instead, it contains real vanilla paste — a big step up from the liquid stuff in your kitchen cabinet. “It’s a little pricey,” Battle concedes, “but the taste speaks for itself.”

At 6-plus inches tall, each $8 slice is undoubtedly big enough for two, but you’ll be hardpressed to share.

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RECIPES

Pumpkin Rolls Courtesy of A Piece of Cake, 1275 W. Main St., Greenwood, (317) 887-2253, apieceofcakegreenwood.com

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PUMPKIN ROLL BASE

FILLING

2 cups canned pumpkin 6 eggs

1½ packages 8-ounce cream cheese

3 cups sugar

½ stick butter

3 teaspoons cinnamon

2 cups powdered sugar

Patch Perfect

3 teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons vanilla

2¼ cups flour

Nuts (optional)

Gorgeous foliage and sweater weather aside, the reason we most look forward to fall can be summed up in one word: pumpkin. Here, two of our favorite southside uses of the golden squash and its sippable counterpart, with nary a plain pie in sight.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix ingredients for roll base. Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan, line with wax paper and grease again. Spread roll batter evenly in pan and bake 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool 5 minutes.

Place wax paper on top, roll and cool completely. Once cooled, unroll base, mix ingredients for filling and spread filling over base.

Roll up and cover in powdered sugar.

taste

Coffeehouse Five Pumpkin Spice Latte Courtesy of Coffeehouse Five, 323 Market Plaza, Greenwood, (317) 300-4330, coffehousefive.com

2 shots espresso 3 pumps Torani pumpkin spice syrup 2 pumps Torani pumpkin pie sauce 10 ounces milk Whipped cream and cinnamon (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Prepare espresso shots. Add syrup to cup and add sauce to milk. Steam milk. Add shots to cup and then flavored steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.

PREP TIP

Talking Turkey »Crossing your fingers for a flavorful Thanksgiving turkey? Save last year’s wishbone win for something else and ensure you get a tender, flavorful bird with a few simple steps on brining the star of the show.

To start: Size matters. Make sure you have a pot or brining bag large enough for your turkey and enough room in your fridge. Thaw the turkey completely if frozen and remove the neck and giblets. Brine is simply one gallon of warm water mixed with ¾ cup of kosher salt, but you can easily dress it up (and add extra flavor) with aromatics such as garlic cloves, chopped thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, whole peppercorns and citrus peel. Place the turkey in the refrigerator and brine for 45 to 60 minutes per pound, or overnight. After removing the turkey from the brine, rinse and pat it dry; dry skin equals crispy, darker skin. To add extra color to your bird, rub the skin with butter or oil before roasting.

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Worth the Trip

The Comfy Cow

Macaron Bar

Sweet Surrender

Macaron Bar

Sweet Surrender

Sweet Surrender

The Comfy Cow

»

Buona Terra

The Comfy Cow

sweet escape Where date nights and road trips meet

By Samantha Stutsman

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SOME AMONG US would cross the desert for a dessert. Fortunately, there’s no need for such drastic measures. The south side is filling up quickly with local — and noteworthy — dessert shops, and with ice cream, cupcakes, cookies and cakes on menus throughout Johnson County, there’s plenty to choose from if you want to indulge in a treat with your sweetie.

But might we suggest a date night less traveled? To add a little extra adventure, sugar and zing to your romantic routine, hop in the car with your beloved and head to Cincinnati or Louisville. After all, fall is the perfect time to go for a drive; the leaves changing colors on the trees will brighten any crisp, cool autumn day. As for the sugar-laden delicacies each city offers its regulars and guests? They’re just the icing on the cake.

Worth the Trip

LOUISVILLE

Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen The Comfy Cow 1301 Herr Lane, Suite 118, (502) 425-4979, thecomfycow.com

Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” in January, this 6,500-square-foot shop boasts an ever-changing rotation of flavors. Owners Tim and Roy Koons-McGee glean flavor inspiration from various sources, including their mother’s red velvet cake to smells wafting from the restaurant making bacon pecan brittle down the street. The Comfy Cow tips a hat to its Kentucky roots, using Old Forester Bourbon as the signature ingredient in the shop’s bourbon ball ice cream. Other fan favorites include cake-flavored batter up and dulce de leche.

The Comfy Cow

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10 area locations.

(502) 459-8184, piekitchen.com

Before it was the pie kitchen, Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen was a lunch counter owned and operated by Mike and Gina Cox. Now owned

by Adam and Mary Lee Burckle, the business has expanded to 10 kitchens, which fire up daily at 4 a.m. The menu features more than 100 dessert options, and customers are often overwhelmed by the endless selection of pies and cakes. Look for the awardwinning Dutch apple caramel pie.

Other favorites are the upside-down caramel cupcake, meringue pie and the seasonal peach ice cream.

Sweet Surrender Dessert Café 1804 Frankfort Ave., (502) 899-2008, sweetsurrenderdessertcafe.com

It’s easy to surrender to the sweets at this café, which is nestled in a Victorian home built in 1894. Sweet Surrender Dessert Café opened in 1987. Jessica Haskell, who had worked at the café off and on for years, bought the spot in 2006. As visitors nosh away at the café’s popular offerings, which include bourbon caramel carrot cake or mocha concord, Haskell will make you feel right at home.

“I love what I do here. It’s great to be in a business where you’re making people happy,” Haskell says. “It feels really good when people come back.”

Worth the Trip

CINCINNATI

Macaron Bar 1206 Main St., (513) 813-8181, macaron-bar.com

Buona Terra

Buona Terra 1028 Delta Ave., (513) 386-9356, buonaterragelato.com

This is a gelateria, crepery and bakery all rolled into one.

Opened in 2012 Buona Terra, coowned by Eric Roeder, Matt Wu and Stijn Van Woensel, has become a thriving sweet stop for Cincinnatians and Queen City visitors since its opening in 2012.

Headlining the list of 10 signature gelato flavors is the white chocolate lavender. If you’re heading in for dessert crepes, make sure to try either the Belgian breakfast or the turtle mudslide.

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Sweet Petit Desserts 1426 Race St., (513) 443-5094, sweetpetitdesserts.com

Sweet Petit owner Taren Kinebrew served in the Army National Guard for seven years while working as an analyst for IBM. In 2009, she took a new path and decided to open her own bakery; a third-generation baker, Kinebrew grew up learning kitchen wisdom from her grandmother. “By creating simple flavors and unique artistry, I encourage my customers to lose themselves completely in the sweet sensuality of it all,” she says. Sweet Petit’s menu includes cake pops, double-chocolate delights, red velvet bites and lemon squares.

New to the Cincinnati dining scene, this sleek bakery with a mod concept was founded in 2014. The business has quickly grown to three locations, one each in the Queen City’s Overthe-Rhine, Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods. Nathan Sivitz, who trained in a macarons master class at Ecole Lenôtre in Paris, counts the rose, lemon, pistachio and salted caramel flavors among the shop’s bestsellers. He also offers classes at the company’s Over-the-Rhine location in case macaron lovers should want to master these difficult but worth it confections.

Macaron Bar’s macarons are gluten-free and $2 a cookie.

Patrick Moloughney and Sivitz are also focused on giving back to the community; 5 percent of their total revenue is donated to local nonprofit organizations.

Beneficiaries include the Freestore Foodbank, Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati and GLSEN Greater Cincinnati.

Arts & Lifestyles

PAINT THE TOWN Southside places to get creative

By Katherine Coplen

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FRIDAY NIGHTS CAN GET WILD at Starstruck Cat Studios. “We have a really diverse group of people,” says Susan DellaRocco, owner of the Greenwood fiber arts store and workshop that hosts open studio time on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. “It’s a social time to get people together and work on their projects and talk and have fun.”

Local shops like Starstruck Cat, The Nook Gallery and You Are The Potter provide a creative outlet and communal gathering spot for those looking for a beyond-the-ordinary night out with friends. In fact, there are nearly a dozen spots that host both private and public themed parties and events for artists and wanna-be artists. The southside offers spots to paint, sculpt, sew and knit to your heart’s content.

The good news is, regardless of where you choose to enjoy your artistic night out, “when you’re working with your hands in producing something, you have that finished project in your hands,” DellaRocco says. “Every project you do — it doesn’t matter what skill level you are — you always learn something.” Read on for more on where to go to flex your Michelangelo-like muscles.

Arts & Lifestyles

The Nook Gallery »Interested in buying handmade ceramics, a custom puzzle or another personalized piece of art?

The Nook Gallery is chock full of it. Want to just make your own?

Well, you can do that here, too. The Nook currently offers pottery wheel lessons (perfect for couples; limited to two participants per lesson at $40 per person), or you can purchase a Pottery Punch Card for $150, which offers you registration in five classes or allows multiple family members to participate in classes at a discount.

The Nook also offers pottery painting for individuals or groups; pieces are fired and ready two weeks after you paint them. The gallery gets walk-ins who want to paint daily, says Amanda Waddle, manager, but it also hosts reserved parties for birthdays, church parties, bridal showers or anything else you want to celebrate. 102 W. Pearl St., Trafalgar, (317) 878-9789, thenookgallery.com. Hours: Classes offered during store hours Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Starstruck Cat Studios »Investigate all things fiber at this Greenwood studio and shop.

The Starstruck Cat offers monthly weaving, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting and spinning classes.

October’s weaving class is an intensive three-day weekend; expect by your Sunday “graduation” to know all parts of the loom, as well as how to create a basic pattern and finish the fabric.

Owner Susan DellaRocco says her shop hosts a variety of opportunities for crafters to gather, including crochet-a-longs (where a group works on one project together), plus those Friday night open studios where attendees can work on whatever project they want. 3130 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite M, Greenwood, (317) 889-9665, starstruckcatstudio.com. Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sundays; class times vary.

Teal Canary

Kay’s Primitive Workshop

»This gallery and art studio hosts all kinds of group events, including monthly Sip and Paint (attendees bring in their own snacks and drinks while working on a 16-by-20-inch canvas; $30 each), private painting events for groups of eight to 24 artists (minimum $240 for the group), birthday parties (minimum $160 for a group) and private one-on-one lessons (prices vary). All prices include materials.

Featured artist and space manager Amy Hommell loves her parties but wants southsiders to know the studio is all in service of a greater mission: “impacting the community and creating intentional relationships through creativity and art.” The gallery and event space allow her to give back to causes she’s passionate about in the best way she knows how: by sharing art.

199 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, (317) 414-2066, tealcanary.com; facebook.com/ tealcanary. Hours: Events and classes are appointment-based; call with inquiries.

»Dig into a huge variety of crafts and creations at Kay’s Primitive Workshop, all with a country décor bent — think painted scarecrows, rag dolls, quilts, table runners and more. “All the classes are listed on Facebook,” Kay Kelley, the titular Kay of the downtown Greenwood shop, says. “They’re two- to three-hour workshops, and (attendees) always complete their project and take it home that night.”

Evening class sizes range from 10 to 15 people and generally trend female, though children and men are welcome to attend as well. “Most of the classes are for all skill levels,” Kelley says. “They’re about having fun and having a good time.” 202 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, (317) 350-3132, facebook.com/ Kaysprimitiveworkshop. Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays.

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OR TRY CORK AND CANVAS AT MALLOW RUN Participants in each class complete a colorful painting guided by a professional artist.

Registration ($35) includes everything you need, and there’s plenty of wine to choose from to get those creative juices flowing.

Reservations can be made online for the three-hour classes. For more information on Mallow Run, see our story on page 106 of this issue of South. 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, (317) 422-1556, mallowrun.com. Hours: Times and dates vary; call for schedule of fall and winter events.

GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER Artist Lisa H. Guckelberg will teach three twohour classes this fall, including a watercolor class covering fall trees (Oct. 14), an acrylics class on Thanksgiving’s bounty (Nov. 4) and a watercolor class covering Christmas still life (Nov. 18). Prices range from $35 to $37 each. 100 Surina Way, Greenwood, (317) 881-4545, lisaguckelbergart.com. Hours: Class times vary.

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE The Southside Art League offers a variety of painting classes, including explorations of oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic painting.

Beginners to intermediates are welcome at the wide variety of classes. Members of the league can display artwork in an on-site gallery. The Southside Art League celebrated 50 years as an organization last year and currently boasts 200 members. 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood, (317) 882-5562, southsideartleague. org. Hours: Gallery open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; see website for class times.

WINE & CANVAS This large chain of paint-n-party hot spots has locations all over the country, but don’t forget it was founded right here in central Indiana just five years ago. The southside location features the same tried-and-true formula that made the original Indianapolis location such a hit: a glass of vino and the instruction and guidance of a local artist help bring a painting to life from the brush of even the most nervous painter. Wine & Canvas also hosts private events like birthdays and bachelorette parties. 997 E. County Line Road, Suite H, Greenwood, (317) 914-2806, wineandcanvas. com. Hours: Event times vary; call for information.

YOU ARE THE POTTER Mugs, bowls, plates, vases — you name it, You Are The Potter has it for you to paint.

Once you’ve painted your masterpiece, it will be glazed, fired and ready for pickup within seven to 10 days. The shop is perfect for groups, with a variety of theme nights and special events, like Date Night Fridays, Wacky Wednesdays and Mommy/ Daddy and Me Tuesdays, which feature discounts. 1211 N. Madison Ave., No. 2, (317) 8844905, youarethepotter.net. Hours: Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m.; Fridays noon to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

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Home Trends

It’s A Wash

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Modern bathrooms mix beautiful designs with high-tech amenities

By Teresa Nicodemus

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FROM MIRRORED MEDICINE cabinets and pink toilets to garden tubs, tiled walk-in showers and double vanities for him and her, history has shown us time changes all things … even the bathroom.

The Overall Design Several recent trends are taking shape in bathrooms, including the space given to master bathrooms. Jon Conner, owner of Conner Contracting in Franklin who specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects, has seen the evolution in bathroom design over the past 25 years.

“More space than ever before is being afforded to the master bathroom,” Conner

says. “Larger walk-in showers, taller double vanities and high-end cabinetry and trendy free-standing tubs contribute to the need to expand space.”

“My clients want to better use their existing bathroom space,” says Mike Warner, owner of Warner Remodeling Solutions in Greenwood, “and often that includes getting rid of the outdated whirlpool tub and repurposing the space for a large walk-in shower.”

Part of any design process, according to Jo Levine, interior designer and owner of Exclusive Interior Design in Indianapolis, is to think of adjacency. “What’s next to the area you are designing, and how can

Home Trends

it be used to expand space?” Levine asks.

“In one of my design projects for a client, a long, skinny closet was along one wall of the bathroom. I opened the wall in two sections, placing a slide-out shelf for storage, and the other area was converted into the shower area, turning a small half bath into an expansive full bath.”

Comfort is King Spa-like showers and tubs, and appliance height all play a part in the comfort of your bathroom, experts say. Beyond comfort, heated floors can add a touch of extravagance, says Kris Ragsdale, interior designer and owner of Kris Ragsdale Designs in Greenwood. “Natural stone or ceramic tile flooring tends to be cool underfoot,” she explains. “Any of these types of floors can be heated with temperature controls that can be preset to warm the

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floor before you enter the room in the morning or any time of day.”

And appliance height is key to comfort. Kitchen-height double vanities of at least 36 inches, 4 inches above the standard 32-inch height, eliminates the stoop factor, Warner says, and toilets have risen to 16 inches, instead of the former 14inch height.

If you’re hoping to create a spa-like experience in your bathroom, look next to the tub and shower. Julie Pinson, showroom manager for Plumbers Supply Co. in Franklin, says free-standing tubs are increasing in popularity. What’s in, says Pinson: sleek rectangular or oblong tubs nestled in alcoves or centered in the room with a free-standing faucet arcing from the floor to the tub. Faucets, whether single handle or double handled, come in a variety of finishes from oil-rubbed or champagne bronze, brushed nickel or polished chrome.

“Your Bluetooth can be linked to specially designed rain shower heads to experience your favorite music in the shower.”

—JULIE PINSON

Tubs, says Pinson, are mainly soaker tubs with no jets or whirlpool features. But don’t be fooled by their simplicity. These tubs can still be techno-smart, with accessories like VibrAcoustic technology, which allows homeowners to plug into Bluetooth to listen to music.

Speaker systems also can be installed in showers. “Your Bluetooth can be linked to specially designed rain shower heads to experience your favorite music in the shower,” adds Pinson. The modern-day shower head has other capabilities, too. Some shower heads offer chromatherapy, in which the rain head fixture boasts specialized colored lighting to create soothing effects, and steam heads can make use of a remote steam generator to create scented steam for an at-home aromatherapy experience.

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All About the Bling Modern bathroom decor features a little bit of bling, with beveled mirrors, vessel sinks, rich woods and colorful tiles and an overall eclectic use of materials. “You can have a granite countertop with a terrazzo vessel bowl sink,” Ragsdale says.

“Terrazzo is a unique composite material that can be used for just about anything, including flooring. It can include any combination of colors under the sun. I recently used terrazzo flooring for a client’s master bath that included specks of glass and mother of pearl. We pulled out the mother of pearl color using a paint from the Benjamin Moore metallic collection.

The paint softened the walls with a lovely metallic sheen.”

Homeowners want elaborate tile designs, and manufacturers are meeting the demand with tile ensembles, offering a suite of colors and textures. Accent tile strips and borders are common ways to add decorative flair to ceramic or porcelain tiled walls and backsplashes. The materials — like travertine, marble and porcelain — often used in tiles, as well as the shape of tiles, can add elegance and movement to décor.

Warner says his customers regularly stagger tile flooring in decorative diamond and hexagon designs to enhance the aesthetics of their bathrooms.

With a little creativity, updating your bathroom design does not have to be an expensive process, adds Levine. Instead of adding a costly vanity to her full-bath remodeling project, she used a rustic potting bench as the vanity and designed the bathroom in a pond theme, using green three-dimensional floor tiles featuring frogs and lily pads. “The effect gave you the feel of the outdoors,” she says.

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Health

IN CLEAR VIEW

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Local physicians aim to correct vision problems in children

BY ALISA ADVANI

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FOR HALEY WATSON, school changed dramatically in the third grade. While she and her mother, Tracy Watson, knew that the independent reading and standardized tests required during this pivotal year were a big leap from the simpler lessons of second grade, nothing prepared them for the challenges ahead.

Neither Haley, her mother nor her teacher could explain why a bright, straight “A” student scored “barely at grade level” in reading assessments.

It turns out that Haley didn’t have an actual problem with reading itself. She suffered from convergence insufficiency, a

condition that occurs when the brain and the eyes fail to communicate smoothly.

Her eyes do not appropriately turn inward, which hinders their capacity to focus on things up close. According to the National Eye Institute, this condition affects 5 to 12 percent of school-age children and wreaks havoc on their reading proficiency.

The condition is only one of myriad eye disorders that mimic learning disabilities.

Amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed or wandering eye), eye-tracking deficiencies and focusing difficulties also cause serious complications for children just as they’re learning to read.

Health

Evelyn, a five-year-old VisionQuest patient, demonstrates eye therapy.

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“Convergence insufficiency is one of the most common ones that we see,” says Dr. Jenna Liechty, a pediatric ophthalmologist who works at Visionquest Eyecare in Greenwood. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders and offers vision therapy to her young patients.

As in Haley’s case, children find themselves unable to focus on the words in their books and on the tests. “We need the eyes to turn inward to see up close for reading. When they fail to do so, words

Health

jump off the page or get blurry,” explains Liechty. “Unfortunately, children often don’t realize that their experience isn’t normal, so they might hate reading out loud or doing homework.”

And therein lies the conundrum. More often than not, children pass vision tests at school, or they believe their blurry experience to be the conventional one.

Dr. Brandon Armstrong of Richard and Armstrong Optometry in Greenwood says he detects vision problems in 20 percent of cases. Conditions like amblyopia and strabismus often go undetected until a comprehensive eye exam takes place.

Such was the case for Haley. While her mother knew something was wrong with her daughter, she never suspected that her daughter’s eyes were the culprit.

“In younger grades, Haley managed by

Haley Watson

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Health

“When Haley returned to school for fourth grade, the initial reading test indicated that her Scholastic Reading Index had jumped 99 points over the summer. By the end of her therapy, her score had increased another 168 points.”

—TRACY WATSON

hearing the teacher read the story to the class,” Tracy says. “She became very dependent on her auditory skills.”

Tracy only uncovered the root cause during a fortuitous conversation with a fellow member of her church who overheard her talking about her frustrations with Haley’s grades and standardized test scores.

“Someone asked me if I had ever had her vision checked,” Tracy says. “I responded that ‘I think she sees fine.’” But as this woman spoke to Tracy about her

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own childhood experience with vision Through a series of exercises, patients develop better fundamental visual skills therapy, a cause and a solution for Haley’s and improved visual comfort, ease and problems took shape. proficiency. Unlike “I contacted Aaron other forms of exercise, Warner, our family eye the goal of optometric doctor, who sent us to vision therapy is not to Dr. Liechty for therapy after he made the strengthen the eye muscles. Instead, the repetidiagnosis,” Tracy says. tions build the synaptic “As Haley answered the connections between questions Dr. Liechty the eyes, muscles and asked, my heart was brain. During this breaking. My husband progression, children and I had no idea she experience a marked was having trouble change in how they prophysically seeing the Dr. Jenna Liechty cess or interpret visual words on the page. Of Visionquest Eyecare information. course, the school day felt long; of course, she The College of Optometrists in Vision Development’s webwas exhausted.” site also states that “20/20” only means After the consultation, Liechty that a child can see at a distance but may suggested individualized, weekly onelack the skills needed for learning and hour vision therapy sessions for Haley.

Health

further states that typical vision screenapy along with at-home reinforcement ings can miss at least 50 percent of vision achieved normal vision or had significantly fewer symptoms of CI. Only 43 impairments. These techniques fill a percent of those who critical need in pediatric completed home-based health care. therapy alone showed Before the National similar results.

Eye Institute’s groundbreaking Convergence Liechty says that Insufficiency Treatvision therapy often can ment Trial (CITT), prevent the need for which published in surgery but stresses its October 2008, eye care benefits as an adjunct to professionals debated surgery, too. “Surgery the usefulness of this is definitely sometimes treatment approach. needed, but then so is The 12-week long study therapy,” she says.

Dr. Brandon Armstrong established scientific Armstrong adds that Richard and Armstrong Optometry proof of the efficacy “many times an eye of office-based vision turn (strabismus) can be therapy in children with convergence managed with corrective lenses, glasses, insufficiency (CI). The CITT found that contacts or bifocals. After surgery, therapy can be helpful in teaching a child how approximately 75 percent of the participants who received office-based therto use both eyes together.

“With occlusion therapy, a patch is worn over the stronger eye to force the weaker eye to start focusing,” he adds.

Luckily for Haley, she didn’t need surgery. Glasses and therapy did the job.

After struggling through third grade, the youngster has turned into an avid reader.

With newfound hope, she spent about seven months retraining her eyes with Liechty, keeping her focus on the end result.

“When Haley returned to school for fourth grade, the initial reading test indicated that her Scholastic Reading Index had jumped 99 points over the summer.

By the end of her therapy, her score had increased another 168 points,” her mother says. “We were so grateful.”

Tracy urges other parents who recognize similar symptoms in their children to have them checked. “I have to believe that there are other kids struggling with reading who really have an undiagnosed vision issue.”

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Travel

Blue Ridge Parkway

Behind the Wheel

If the open road is calling, you might point yourself toward North Carolina, where there are destinations to suit most any traveler

BY DAVID HOPPE

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Travel

Biltmore Estate

Road trip anyone?

There’s no better time than autumn when temps are cooler and school days have thinned the summer’s herd of young vacationers.

Even more appealing is the free spectacle of fall colors as woodlands flip from shades of green to an infinitely warmer spectrum.

GETTING THERE We’ll visit several spots, including Asheville, Greensboro and Chapel Hill. But before we do, a few words are in order about what might be considered the Tar Heel state’s western gateway, the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The parkway has been called America’s longest linear park.

Spanning parts of North Carolina and Virginia, it runs 469 miles through the Blue Ridge mountain chain, a part of the Appalachian range.

In North Carolina, the parkway begins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940, this is the most visited national park in the United States.

Known especially for its black bears, the park is home to about 10,000 species of plants and animals, with over 100 types of trees.

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The North Carolina entrance to the park is at Oconaluftee, two miles from the town of Cherokee. You’ll find the park’s Visitor Center there, which is open year-round, as well as the Mountain Farm Museum, a collection of log buildings assembled from structures originally found in various locations around the park, depicting a mountain farm in pioneer Appalachia. The museum includes the John Davis Cabin, Enloe Barn, Messer Applehouse, the Baxter/Jenkins Chickenhouse, a meathouse, blacksmith shop and springhouse. Check the National Park Service website (nps.gov) for more information.

The park, of course, is a destination in its own right. But drive an hour more and you’ll find yourself in one of North Carolina’s most dynamic cities.

Asheville ASHEVILLE IS A HIGH ALTITUDE TOWN, founded in 1784. Located at the confluence of the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers, this region was once part of the Cherokee Nation.

The first European explorers arrived in the mid-16th century.

Asheville’s mountainous location provides a cooler climate than most other North Carolina communities. But it’s not just its weather that makes Asheville cool.

This city of 83,000 has been nationally ranked by publications ranging from Rolling Stone to AARP Magazine for its art scene, natural beauty and overall quality of life. It boasts an extraordinary array of Art Deco architecture.

Asheville is home to the world-renowned Biltmore Estate and Village, but the YMI Cultural Center, one of the nation’s oldest black cultural centers, is also located here, as is Black Mountain College, famous for its role in the development of American modern art and performance.

Asheville is a hotbed of experimental theater. Where else are you going to find an annual Americana Burlesque and Sideshow Festival? And its craft beer scene is one of the oldest in the nation.

Where to stay

Asheville is a kind of resort Valhalla. The problem isn’t finding a memorable place to stay it’s choosing what best suits you.

The Albemarle Inn (albemarleinn.com; 86 Edgemont Road; 828-255-0027), for example, is a Greek Revival mansion in the historic Grove Park residential district that

dates to 1909. Here you’ll find polished oak paneling and four-poster beds, complete with a veranda and garden for relaxing. It’s a 10-minute drive from downtown.

But if downtown is where you’d rather be, try the Haywood Park Hotel (haywoodpark.com; One Battery Park Ave.; 828-252-2522). The Haywood Park is a dog-friendly, Historic Hotels of America property that was once a department store.

It’s in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of such destinations as the St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville Art Museum and Grove Arcade.

For a truly over-the-top experience, check out the Grand Bohemian Hotel (Marriott. com/hotels/travel/avlak-grand-bohemianhotel-asheville; 11 Boston Way; 828-5052949). Adjacent to the Biltmore Estate, the Grand Bohemian is a delirious take on an Old World hunting lodge, complete with a massive stone fireplace and a menagerie of stuffed animals in the lobby. There’s even an art gallery. The Red Stag Bar & Lounge seems like the kind of place where Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger might have enjoyed a cocktail.

But since you’re in Asheville, why not go all the way? The Biltmore Estate (Biltmore.com) includes a hotel and an inn, not to mention 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge scenery for hiking, picnicking, biking, horseback riding and even fishing. The estate also includes 10 places to eat at a variety of price points, plenty of shopping opportunities and a winery.

Then, of course, you can tour the mansion.

George Vanderbilt, heir to an industrial fortune, finished the place in 1895. It has four acres of floor space, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.

Dining

North Carolina takes pride in its food ways, and Asheville is replete with great places to eat and drink. Where to begin?

Curate (curatetapasbar.com; 11 Biltmore Ave.; 828-239-2946), the creation of El Bulli alumna Katie Button (named one of Food and Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs for 2015) brings the Spanish idea of tapas to Appalachia. Try the fried eggplant drizzled in wild mountain honey and garnished with rosemary, or how about spicy chorizo wrapped in potato chips, or clams steamed in cider with chorizo.

Downtown Asheville

You’ll want to sample breakfast or lunch at Biscuit Head (biscuitheads.com; 733 Haywood Road; 828-333-5145). This family-run, environmentally friendly take on Southern home cooking is the place to find Sriracha maple sausage, fried catfish or country ham. But there are plenty of veggie and gluten-free options, too.

And then there’s Rhubarb (rhubarb asheville.com; 7 SW Pack Square; 828-7851503), chef John Fleer’s creative approach to American comfort food. Full plates include wood-roasted whole sunburst trout, with a summer squash ragout, miso glazed torpedo onion, yogurt and preserved lemon remoulade; seared IPA brined cauliflower steak; and rhubarb glazed duck confit.

Or explore the North Carolina Arboretum (ncarboretum.org; 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way; 828-665-2492). Here are 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Finally, be sure to visit the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center (southernhighlandguild.org; Mile Post 382, Blue Ridge Parkway; 828-298-7928) to see the finest in traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts. The center includes three galleries, a bookstore and a craft shop.

Exterior of Curate

Out and about

Asheville claims more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, with 21 craft breweries. There’s no end of beer festivals, tours and tastings. Some even provide a designated driver. To learn more, go to exploreasheville.com/foodtopia/beer-scene.

Food tours provide another way to enjoy Asheville. Asheville Food Tours (ashevillefoodtours.com; leaving from 1 Page Ave.; 828-243-7401) features guided walking tours to six or seven hand-picked restaurants and food shops, where you’ll sample their offerings and meet local chefs and purveyors.

Tours take three to five hours.

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Downtown Greensboro

Travel

Greensboro INTERSTATE 40 TAKES YOU NORTH AND east, out of the mountains and into the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Piedmont is another way of saying foothill. In North Carolina, the Piedmont also serves as home to a sprawling constellation of metro areas.

Greensboro is in what is called the Piedmont Triad, a cluster of cities, including Winston-Salem and High Point. Greensboro’s population is just under 280,000, but factor in the entire Triad, and you have a combined total of over 1.5 million people.

Greensboro was settled by Quakers in about 1750. It was eventually named in honor of Nathaniel Greene, the Revolutionary War general who commanded American forces at the battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781.

Greensboro was a textile hub; mills established by the Cone brothers were the largest producers of denim in the world.

Greensboro also holds a special place in America’s civil rights history. In 1960, four black students staged a sit-in at the downtown Woolworth’s lunch counter, sparking protests that would soon spread across the South. This site has been preserved, and the International Civil Rights Center & Museum (sitinmovement.org; 134 S. Elm St.; 336-274-9199) is now one of Greensboro’s most compelling attractions.

Where to stay

A bed-and-breakfast makes a great base from which to explore Greensboro and the surrounding area. The Troy-Bumpas Inn (troy-bumpasinn.com; 114 S. Mendenhall St.;

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336-370-1660) is a stately 1847 mansion, located in the College Hill Historic District and just a mile from downtown. It has four guest rooms, all with private baths and free Wi-Fi. The Dailey Renewal Retreat (dailey renewalretreat.net; 808 Northridge St.; 336451-7742) offers five bedrooms in a Victorian home, with a wraparound porch in Lindley Park, a tree-lined, residential neighborhood, not far from the Greensboro campus of the University of North Carolina.

But if you’re in the mood for something posh, try the Proximity Hotel (proximityhotel. com; 704 Green Valley Road; 336-379-8200).

This hotel, on the outskirts of town, features a terrific restaurant and fitness studio, and is not far from the Greenway, a jogging and biking trail.

Dining

A local fine-dining favorite, Undercurrent Restaurant (undercurrentrestaurant.com; 327 Battleground Ave.; 336-370-1266) invests new American cuisine with French elegance. The menu is regularly updated, but the fried oyster salad with organic greens, basil dressing, pickled peach, tasso ham and red onion remoulade, provides an excellent example of what’s available.

Table 16 (table16restaurant.com; 600 S. Elm St.; 336-279-8525), in the heart of downtown’s Arts District, offers an array of global flavors concocted from locally sourced ingredients. A Sakura Duroc pork chop includes a corn pudding muffin, rainbow chard and red eye bordelaise; the catfish is served with coconut basmati rice, black bean and mango salsa.

And if you want your Southern cuisine served straight up, check out Lucky 32

(lucky32.com; 1421 Westover Terrace; 336370-0707). One of two restaurants (the other’s in Cary), Lucky 32 prides itself on farm-to-fork, sustainably raised ingredients.

The menu features a virtual encyclopedia of Southern classics, nicely tweaked for contemporary palates. Grilled quail with spicy blueberry barbecue sauce is just one example.

Out and about

The Elm Street Arts District is a downtown gem, an avenue lined with Art Deco and Italianate architecture and, for shoppers, a wealth of opportunities in the form of antique shops and hip boutiques.

For an overview of the community’s background and culture, the Greensboro Historical Museum (greensborohistory.org; 130 Summit Ave.; 336-373-2043) is within easy walking distance nearby, as is the Greensboro Children’s Museum and the city’s Cultural Center.

The largest battle of the Revolutionary War took place just outside Greensboro, at Guilford Courthouse (nps.gov; 2332 New Garden Road; 336-288-1776), in March 1781.

The Americans lost but inflicted such heavy losses on the Brits, the battle is thought to have been a turning point in the conflict.

Guilford Courthouse is a National Military Park, managed by the National Park Service; it is heavily wooded and offers scenic, easily traversed walks along with a heady taste of time travel.

Finally, the Greensboro Arboretum (greensborobeautiful.org; 401 Ashland Drive; 336-373-2199) provides 17 acres and 14 plant collections and special display gardens. A 23-feet-tall trio of oversized wind chimes is a meditative delight.

Travel

Chapel Hill Drive a little farther east and you’ll come to the almost prototypical university town, Chapel Hill.

Home to the University of North Carolina, the nation’s first public university, Chapel Hill is one third of the Research Triangle, including Durham and state capital Raleigh.

The town grew up around a small Anglican chapel, New Hope Chapel, built there in 1752.

The university opened its doors in 1795.

Surrounded by gentle hills and towering trees, Chapel Hill and the neighboring town of Carrboro are laid-back, yet cosmopolitan.

It’s a great place to relax and explore for a day or two, while enjoying some of the hippest cuisine you’ll find anywhere. And for basketball lovers, well, this is it: home of the Dean Dome, where legendary coach Dean Smith’s Tar Heels, including the likes of Michael Jordan, have made a history all their own.

Where to stay

The Carolina Inn (carolinainn.com; 211 Pittsboro St.; 800-962-8519) has occupied the site once held by New Hope Chapel since it was built in 1924. Today the inn is owned by the university; a portion of its profits support North Carolina collections held by UNC’s library.

The inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers 185 guestrooms and suites and has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1997. The inn’s Carolina Crossroads Restaurant and Bar is a regional fine-dining destination.

But maybe you’d rather stay off campus. The Franklin (franklinhotel.com; 311 W. Franklin St.; 919-442-9000) is an elegant boutique hotel located at the epicenter of Chapel Hill’s main thoroughfare, Franklin Street. Walk out the door and you’re immediately in the thick of things.

Crook’s Corner

There’s live jazz in the lounge, and some guest rooms include balconies.

The Inn at Bingham School (chapel-hill-inn. com; 6720 Mebane Oaks Road, Mebane; 919563-5583) is something else entirely. Located in the countryside, 11 miles outside Chapel Hill,

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Franklin Street in Chapel Hill

it combines Southern hospitality with southern French atmosphere. There are four guest rooms furnished with antiques and fine rugs. Stroll the 10-acre grounds and learn to play petanque, a French version of bocce, or boules.

Dining

Bon Appetit has named Chapel Hill “one of America’s Foodiest Small Towns.” If anything, this is an understatement, since Chapel Hill is home to the James Beard Award-winning Crook’s Corner (crookscorner.com; 610 W. Franklin St.; 919-929-7643), where some folks say modern Southern cuisine got its start. But there’s nothing high falutin’ about this place; it’s housed in an old service station. The exterior is still adorned with hubcaps. It feels like (and is) a neighborhood gathering place. That said, the food is superb. Go for whatever is seasonal, like Bill Smith’s soft shell crabs or the pan-seared tuna.

Lantern (lanternrestaurant.com; 423 W. Franklin St.; 919-969-8846) is just down Franklin Street. Its chef/owner, Andrea Reusing, is a James Beard Best Chef honoree who does an ingenious job of combining Asian flavors with North Carolina ingredients. How about braised red poll beef shank and brisket in broth, rare sirloin, oxtail dumplings, local vegetables, fresh wasabi and sea salt in something called Japanese Pot On Fire? Or a crispy whole North Carolina flounder with garlic, chilies, tamarind, fresh lime leaf, carrot salad and jasmine juice?

But if you’re looking for something more primal, try The Pig (thepigrestaurant.com; 630 Weaver Dairy Road; 919-942-1133). North

Lobby of The Carolina Inn

Carolina is barbecue country, and The Pig will slay you with its antibiotic- and hormonefree, pasture-raised pork. This is the place for topnotch, downhome barbecue, but you can also order fried chicken and catfish, Po-Boys, even homemade hot dogs. Vegetarians are more than welcome. Try the country-fried tofu or the barbecue tempeh.

Carrboro Farmers Market

Out and About

The Carolina Basketball Museum (goheels. com; 450 Skipper Bowles Drive; 919-9622211), on the UNC campus, is a must for hoops fans, as well as anyone interested in better understanding the local culture. There are artifacts, videos, photos and interactive presentations about UNC’s 18 Final Four appearances.

On Saturdays, the Carrboro Farmers Market (carrborofarmersmarket.com; 301 W. Main St.) is a must. Featuring fresh food from within a 50-mile radius, this is a great place to munch, browse and take in the scene in what has been called one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America.

And since Carrboro basically blends into Chapel Hill at Franklin Street, you can easily turn your Carrboro visit into a Franklin Street shopping stroll, checking out used and new books, CDs and vinyl, and vintage clothing in various shops. There’s also high-end men’s wear at Alexander Julian and a nifty museum shop associated with the university’s Ackland Art Museum, just off the corner of Franklin and Columbia streets.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHAPEL HILL ORANGE COUNTY VISITOR BUREAU

Authentic Indiana

LOCAL PRODUCERS, MERCHANTS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Good, Clean Fun Regional soap makers have good scents STORY BY NICK RASSI

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In early America, people crafted soap by hand using lye from fire cinders, fat from farm animals and wildflowers or wild herbs. The process was messy and imprecise.

Today, soap making has advanced, but one thing remains: Hoosier ingenuity. Some regional artisans have embraced the timeless craft and advanced its classic processes, giving Indiana a standout market for handmade soaps.

Authentic Indiana

Herbal Art »When he moved to Indiana from North Carolina, Brian Paffen had trouble adapting to the Midwest’s harsh winters and hard water. He also didn’t know of anyone else making organic soaps in the state, so nearly 10 years ago, Paffen embarked on a mission to create superior body care products. Since then, he has developed his own process of crafting soap, using a hybrid of hot and cold press techniques, and creating a shea butter and honey-based formula for his soaps.

Paffen describes both his soap base and all of his projects as “mellowly uplifting” that provide a mix of “relaxation and invigoration.” For more information, visit herbalartonline.com.

SUDSY SELECTIONS The scents of Paffen’s Wine-n-Thyme collection are extracted from various wine grapes to give the bars real wine fragrances. The nonalcoholic soaps feature merlot, Champagne, chardonnay and mimosa fragrances. He has also begun production on a lemon poppy bar with lemon essential oils and exfoliating poppy seeds.

Curat Romania »Curat Romania handcrafted soaps started as a dream, a literal dream.

Deep in the throes of REM sleep, Indianapolis-based makeup artist and hairstylist Misty Al-Eryani found herself in the kitchen of her late aunt, a soap maker from Tennessee. In the dream, Al-Eryani’s aunt told her to make soap to get through a difficult financial time. Not one to ignore advice, Al-Eryani founded her soap company, Curat Romania, in 2010.

Inspired by her Romanian friends’ aura of independence, Al-Eryani gave her fledgling company the Romanian name (“curat” is soap in

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the Romanian language) and endeavored to design her soaps for people with independent spirits. She initially sold her soaps at First Friday events in Indianapolis, where they were well-received.

“Every soap would sell out quickly,” Al-Eryani says. As her finances were aligning and the soaps continued to sell, she was featured in the local media.

As her products’ popularity grew, she began creating new lines. One of her favorite collections is Vodka Star, based entirely on vodka, which uses alcohol instead of water as a base.

“Nobody else in the world makes soap with no water, just vodka,” says Al-Eryani. For more information, visit curatclean.bigcartel.com.

SUDSY SELECTIONS Shifting her focus to the south, Al-Eryani has concocted “The Big Chief,” “an ode to the Mardi Gras Indianans,” she says, that’s made with bourbon and scents of tobacco, wood and smoke. “Voodoo Queen,” another from the line, uses red wine, blackberries, rose and vanilla. The third, “4 p.m. at Café Du Monde” is made with coffee liqueur and smells of coffee and pastries.

Get Lathered »Pharmacist Rhonda Frye started making soap as a hobby to keep her mind engaged. Once she understood the scientific processes behind soap making, she says she began exploring the artistic aspect of soap crafting in search of the most aesthetically pleasing results. She enjoys the challenge and complications of the delicate balance of oils and chemicals. “A large part of the draw (to soap making) is finding the right combination of oils to give the soaps the creamy texture that doesn’t dry out the skin,” she says.

With her products’ rising popularity, Frye has had trouble keeping up with the production demands, but she gets by with a little help from her friends, who assist her when the balance is too difficult. Despite the increasing demand for her products, Frye plans to keep her production on a small scale. She currently sells her products on Etsy, at Homespun Modern Handmade and Twisted Sisters in Indianapolis, Gather in Bloomington and The Sterling Butterfly in Martinsville. For more information, visit etsy. com/shop/GetLathered.

SUDSY SELECTIONS Frye’s solid shampoos and conditioners have a loyal Etsy following, and her soaps come in a variety of vibrant colors and scents, such as Thai Coconut, Grapefruit Lemongrass and Patchouli Lovers.

Authentic Indiana

Soapy Soap Co. »Soap Co. founders Mohammed Mahdi and Anthony Duncan created their first product out of a simple necessity: They were out of soap. The Bloomington-based pair looked up a recipe and made a batch of soap, finding that they enjoyed the process. Faced with an excess, they sent a portion of their creation to their friends.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, they began designing new recipes.

“When we take on a project, we dive in and submerge ourselves in all the available information: online SUDSY SELECTIONS resources, YouThe Power Bubble, a Tube videos, rented rosemary mint bar, is a books,” Mahdi says. favorite of both its creators and their customers Looking for a path that, Mahdi says, lathers less traveled in the “beautifully.” The Soapy soap world, the pair Soap creators recently ditched the animal developed a lip balm line that accompanies products in their their soaps, also based in soaps, opting instead sunflower seed oil wax. to use sunflower oil.

Duncan, an Indiana

University graduate with a degree in linguistics, named the soap line Sabun, an internationalism that means “soap” in many languages. They researched and tailored their Sabun line to accommodate a variety of skin types and needs, and the line’s popularity grew quickly. The young entrepreneurs soon found a home for their products on the shelves of central Indiana’s Fresh Thyme Markets and Whole Foods in Indianapolis. They also sell their products at the Columbus, Bloomington, Smithfield and Irvington farmers markets.

Duncan and Mahdi invite community members to come to their workshops to learn to make soap for themselves. They host tutorials on the first Sunday of every month. For more information, visit soapysoapcompany.com.

Body Eclectic Skin Care »Indianapolis-based soap maker Jess Walton became interested in plants and herbs as a young girl, when she recalls picking weeds to identify and categorize from the side of the road. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, she apprenticed with an herbalist and began collecting books and encyclopedias about different plant and herb species soon after.

Walton sees her craft as a marriage of art, science and magic, all combined in

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her double-milled soaps. She wants her soaps to inspire a “return to your own divine temple,” she says, and she lovingly describes her soaps as a practice of “celebrating your inside, your outside (and) emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally taking care of yourself.”

Building on her love for plants and the body, Walton hopes to take this celebration further by opening an apothecary in Indianapolis.

For now, though, she is en-

tirely mobile, selling her wares at farmers markets, including the Noblesville and Irvington farmers markets, throughout the week and weekends. For more information, visit bodyeclecticskincare.com.

SUDSY SELECTIONS Check out Body Eclectic’s line of soaps dedicated to healing. One, Ganesh, features the Indian herbs holy basil and Indian lilac.

Maia, another healing soap, is designed to help eliminate acne and treat sensitive skin.

Daniels Creek Farm »Rose Brown of Peru happened into the business of soap making while seeking a remedy for her son’s illness. Her oldest child, Curtis, had been struggling to digest cow’s milk. Worried, Brown sought a solution. After a suggestion came from a friend to use goat’s milk as a substitute for cow’s milk, Brown and her husband, John, third-generation farmers, adopted and began milking dairy goats nine years ago. Soon the family had 27 goats on their farm.

The goat’s milk eased her son’s health issues, but the Brown family, drawing five gallons from each milking session, soon found themselves with too much milk on their hands. Brown began making soap.

Over the years, she has perfected her soap and essential oil combinations, and she now has a collection of many popular scents, like Ocean Breeze, Lavender and Orchard Rose.

You can find Daniels Creek Farm soaps around Indiana, including at Bear Hollow Wood Carvers in French Lick; Amboy Market in Amboy; Harvest Moon Foods in Rochester; The Herb Shop in Wabash; and at state parks, including Turkey Run, Brown County and the Potawatomi Inn. For more information, visit danielscreekfarm.com.

SUDSY SELECTIONS Daniels Creek Farm soaps start with a base of goat’s milk and vegetable oils.

Naturally smooth and simple, Brown’s unscented bars often sell out first. Another popular scent, which sells well at any market, is lavender, she says.

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Devanté Ash with Boys & Girls Club members.

Kids Count Boys & Girls Clubs of America impact young lives

By CJ Woodring Photography by Josh Marshall

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S

STANDING 6 FEET 1 INCH TALL and weighing 225 pounds, linebacker Devanté Ash is a formidable foe on pigskin turf.

The former Indianapolis resident earned All-Marion County honors as a linebacker at Perry Meridian High School. And in 2013 he made three solo tackles and clocked significant playing time as a member of the Gold Squad during his freshman year at Franklin College.

When not participating as a member of the Grizzlies’ defensive team, the 21-year-old is a team member at the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin, helping to shape young characters and lives.

Call it defensive strategy against life’s challenges.

Goodwill Teresa McClure and Michael Venne

“He’s probably one of the best staff members we’ve ever had,” says Teresa McClure, the club’s executive director for nearly 10 years. “He just loves kids and relates so well to them. He has a club experience in his background and has stayed with us because of that.”

In fact, Ash says, it’s that experience — a year spent in the Indianapolis Boys & Girls Club when he was about 8 years old — that enabled him to play football.

“The biggest impact the Boys & Girls Club had on me was giving me an opportunity to play football, which was my passion,” he explains. “From there, I played every opportunity I could, beginning in the sixth and seventh grades and then through high school.”

Ash is entering his junior year at Franklin College this fall and became involved with the Franklin club as a freshman.

During summer months, he’s a paid staff member; during the school year he’s involved there in a work-study program.

Ash says bonds formed with club staff and seeing the same people every day are important for young members.

“From my perspective as an adult, I want to be a role model to give (them) somebody to look up to. Having someone to help them, somebody they can always depend upon, no matter what, is very important. Everyone has to be treated

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS BY THE NUMBERS FOR 2014 GENDER 55% male 45% female AGES 5% 5 and younger 36% 6-9 30% 10-12 19% 13-15 10% 16 and older

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ETHNICITY 31% White 28% Black or African-American 23% Hispanic or Latino 5% Two or more races 3% Asian 2% American Indian or Alaska Native 5% Unknown 2% Some other race 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

INDYSOUTHMAG .COM

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS 60% of club members qualify for free or reduced price school lunches 320,000 ADULT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS 56,000 adult professional staff 239,000 program volunteers 25,000 board members

4,175 CHARTERED CLUB FACILITIES, INCLUDING APPROXIMATELY 1,500 in schools 500 BGCAaffiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide 300 in public housing 200 on Native American land SOURCE: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA 2015

differently, depending upon the situation,” he says. “But at the end of the day, kids just want to have fun and not have to worry about problems. Especially at that young age.”

Despite Ash’s own experience and while sports certainly are integrated within the overall curriculum, the club’s primary role goes beyond sports.

“I don’t think people understand that we used to be known as a sporting facility,” McClure says. “It’s not like that at all. Yes, we have basketball, soccer, flag football and T-ball, but there’s so much more for the kids to do. The program is more about character building and lessons that will carry them into lives as successful adults.”

FORMING A NATIONAL LEGACY

Mary and Alice Goodwin, along with Elizabeth Hammersley, first organized a

boys club in 1860 to keep young wouldbe ruffians from roaming the streets in their Hartford, Connecticut, community.

When 53 Boys Clubs in Boston merged in 1906, forming the Boys Club Federation of America, it began a nationwide movement and subsequent 1931 name change to Boys Clubs of America.

When girls were admitted in 1990, the name was changed to its current form.

The Atlanta-based Boys & Girls Clubs of America (bgca.org) celebrated its centennial in 2006. The nonprofit organization oversees more than 4,100 clubs, serving nearly 4 million young people through club membership and community outreach. Each club provides a safe haven with caring adult mentors who administer youth development programs on a daily basis.

The organization continues its initial mission of developing members’ characters while stressing academics, citizenship and healthy lifestyles, empowering youngsters to set and attain goals to reach their full potential. Fun, friendship and lasting relationships are an additional benefit.

“The biggest impact the Boys & Girls Club had on me was giving me an opportunity to play football, which was my passion. From there, I played every opportunity I could, beginning in the sixth and seventh grades and then through high school.” — DEVANTÉ ASH

Programs run the gamut and include character/leadership, education/career, the arts, health/life and sports/fitness/recreation. Specialized programs, including teen initiative, passport to manhood and Latino outreach, address unique needs of specific members, clubs and communities.

“Indiana Kids,” a state program, provides one-on-one tutoring for youngsters who need extra help with reading and math. The impact the BGCA has on young lives was reflected in a Harris Survey of alumni, in which 57 percent said the club “saved my life.”

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Ash leads a group activity.

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McClure says the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin (boysgirlsfranklin.org) receives substantial backing and support from United Way of Johnson County and the city of Franklin.

McClure cites foundations and grants, along with generous support from corporate and media partners, and individual donors whose efforts are ongoing throughout the year.

“Our partnerships are crucial,” she explains. “This is a very generous community, which has been very good to us, and we appreciate that. The club is a great organization, with a great mission, and I think people get that. Membership during the school year is only $32 a year. They can’t beat that.”

The Franklin Club has been operational since 1937 — girls were first admitted in 1992 — and at its current city-owned location since 1984. Open to anyone ages 6 through 18, the programs serve about 1,800 children annually.

McClure says an average of 210 children attend the daily after-school program. In addition, an average 150 youngsters participate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in the summer program, which includes a free lunch and two snacks.

For $60 per week, students can attend from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the summer. Those slots are limited, she says.

Enrollment between boys and girls is nearly equally divided, and socioeconomics “are all across the board in terms of parental income,” McClure says. “If a child

“Yes, we have basketball, soccer, flag football and T-ball, but there’s so much more for the kids to do. The program is more about character building and lessons that will carry them into lives as successful adults.”

— TERESA MCCLURE

is unable to pay, we offer scholarships. We don’t turn kids away; we’ll find a way to get them here.”

In addition to four full-time staffers, the club employs a part-time program coordinator and about 17 work-study students who assist on a daily basis throughout the year.

As with all nonprofit organizations, the club relies heavily on volunteers, who serve as athletic and leadership coaches, monitor overnight lock-ins and coordinate special events. A core of about 500 volunteers served in 2014, many from Franklin College, its fraternities and sororities, and from within the local community.

During summer months the club enrolls students from Indianapolis and outlying communities that include Center Grove and Greenwood. Because they contract with the Franklin school system to bus local children, McClure says it’s just a matter of parents’ or guardians’ ability to transport non-residents to Franklin.

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Justise Northrup leads a group of kids in games and crafts.

Above left, Talan Stainbrook, left, and Christopher Stout play foosball. Above right, Bella Dressler works on the computer.

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“Most are bused over from school, but some walk in from nearby neighborhoods,” McClure says. “We’re right across from the college and can walk to the park and swimming pool, so it’s very convenient.

“We highly encourage working on homework, and then they get to choose which programs they’d like to participate in ... game room, gymnasium, computer lab, library, arts and crafts. The Lego room is very popular.”

Seventh-graders and older can gain access to the Teen Scene, where video and card games, television and computers are available. “It’s just a lot of fun stuff that goes on so they don’t always have to be

around the little kids,” McClure says, “and it’s a privilege to be able to do that.”

It’s also a learning experience from a social perspective for those from more affluent families, she adds. “It’s good for them to be around other kids, to learn about diversity, to accept everybody, regardless of culture, race, etc. The older kids get involved in service projects, which has a lasting impact on our community.”

Good manners are also stressed — remembering to offer a simple “please” and “thank you” — and cellphones are not allowed, a major transition for youngsters most often tethered to electronic umbilical cords.

“No cellphones are allowed in the building,” McClure says. “We want them to interact and be active. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

In the end, the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin, as with all clubs, is about forming bonds and gaining trust with each child, offering mentorship and positive role models, and providing the tools each child needs to succeed in life, no matter his background.

“Relationships formed with staff are like none other,” McClure says. “These kids get so attached because they have a positive role model. You have to love kids when you work here, and, in turn, the kids look forward to being here. I think that speaks volumes.”

As for Ash, he says working with children is in his future following college.

“I will definitely do something to try to give back to the community and get involved,” he says. “I love kids and love the atmosphere of having a good time, but also believe in being responsible and respectful.

“The bonds you create with the staff at Boys & Girls Clubs is important to me, and it’s a great way to give back and show them there’s somebody out there who will listen and be their friend.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Franklin is located at 101 N. Hurricane St. Call (317) 736-3695 for more information or visit boysgirlsfranklin.org for details.

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Profile

BY JULIE COPE SAETRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL

The New Guy on Campus The 16th president of Franklin College moves in Thomas J. Minar

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Profile

I

IT’S A GRAY, rainy August morning on the campus of Franklin College, one of many in a record-setting season for precipitation. The faculty-staff summer picnic, scheduled on the grounds later that day, will need to shift inside. It’s not the first such H2O-related obstacle encountered by Thomas J. Minar, the college’s new president, since his arrival on campus June 15. His office has just become open for occupancy after a malfunctioning airconditioning unit caused water damage.

These are trivial matters for Minar, who shrugged off both his watery welcome and the impending picnic relocation. Representing the Grizzlies well in a navy blue blazer and similarly hued Allen Edmonds shoes with old-gold laces, he’s focused on his new role, which began officially on July 1. His overall goal: “Bring broader success to Franklin College.”

It’s a complex challenge, working with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders locally and in the greater Indianapolis area, but one for which Minar is well-prepared.

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Originally from the northern subdrastic change from the fast-paced intenurbs of Chicago, he worked in Illinois sity of Chicago and D.C. academic institutions for 23 years, With Indianapolis only 25 miles to including Northwestern University, the the north, Franklin has a unique nature, University of Illinois at he explains, retaining Urbana-Champaign, the feel and benefits of a Chicago Theological small-town college area, “Money’s a critical part Seminary and Roosbut benefiting from the of engagement, and yes, evelt University. After economic impact of the I think alumni should five years at the latter as larger city to its north. support the institution vice president for insti“That’s exciting,” he financially, but it springs tutional advancement says. “To me, that’s a forth from the passion and special assistant stimulus for coming to that they have for the to the president, he Franklin, Indiana. The institution and what relocated to take on the growth in this region is we do. And they can’t role of vice president really fascinating. And even have that passion of development and the economic growth if they’re not somehow alumni relations at and stimulus in the state engaged and involved.”

American University in is a part of the reason — THOMAS MINAR Washington, D.C. to be here. I think that A Midwesterner at Franklin College and heart, he considers his transition from other private institutions of higher the nation’s capital to Johnson County education have a real role to play in that. as “a celebrated homecoming.” And that And I want to be part of that. That’s a includes the bucolic setting of Franklin, part of creating change for wonderful even though it would seem to present a people in a wonderful place.”

Minar, left, introduces himself to sophomore Thomas Joseph (TJ) Ryan.

Minar’s successful track record in development and alumni relations will be a driving force behind that change.

At American University, for example, he oversaw the AnewAU campaign, which surpassed its $200 million goal by more than $14 million.

Already Minar has been on the road in his new role as the college’s 16th president, both in and out of the state, meeting with Franklin College alumni individually and in groups. But it’s not a matter of introducing himself and going for “the ask” for donations. Minar wants former Grizzlies to be involved from the heart, whether that means speaking to current Franklin College classes, providing internships, mentoring students

or simply attending college events. The dollars, he says, will follow.

“People think that I’m just a fundraiser and that I’m going to focus on the money,” he says. “Money’s a critical part of engagement, and yes, I think alumni should support the institution financially, but it springs forth from the passion that they have for the institution and what we do. And they can’t even have that passion if they’re not somehow engaged and involved.”

It was Minar’s own passion — for liberal arts education, for building internal and external collaborative relationships, for building bridges with the greater Indianapolis area business community — that appealed to Franklin College’s board of

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directors, said Christi Fields, the board’s chairwoman. That passion, combined with Minar’s energy and enthusiasm, make him “a visionary leader,” she explains.

It’s a sentiment shared by Minar’s former employer, American University President Cornelius M. Kerwin. “Tom has been a transformative leader for American University, building the infrastructure and professionalizing our alumni and development operations across the institution to improve dramatically alumni engagement and philanthropy,” Kerwin said after hearing Franklin College’s announcement of Minar’s hiring.

Such connections and development provide new and enhanced opportunities for students, another keystone in Minar’s vision. Now 51, he looks back fondly on his own undergraduate days at Pomona College, a small liberal arts school in Southern California, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in government.

Pomona enabled him to get to know the professors and administrators, including the president, and benefit from their advice and expertise.

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Portraits of former Franklin College presidents.

“My Pomona experience, both as a student and an alumnus, really helped shape who I am and my drive to spend the rest of my career in the residential college environment,” he explains. “It affects what I do every day here. It affects my understanding of the importance of interaction with students and with faculty and staff around campus. ... I know how much impact we each, as individuals, can have on our students. Every time I walk out onto

the mall here, that’s what I think about and that’s what drives me.”

He’s apparently quickly making an impression. Only six weeks into his new role, he was already known and notable among students, Fields said. Some even suggested to her that the college make bow-tie T-shirts in honor of Minar’s trademark neckwear.

He realizes that today’s undergrads face a set of challenges specific to the times. A still recovering economy combined with parental expectations and larger philosophical questions of sustainability on a number of domestic and global fronts can result in student worries both personal and societal.

“Young people are so driven today, and they’re so concerned,” he says. “I think they’re just worried, in a state of anxiety, because of the speed of our environment.

They express a lot of that anxiety in their concern for their world. They see folks in a couple of earlier aged cohorts as prosperous and having had lots of opportunity, and they’re concerned about whether they’re going to have the same opportunity for success and prosperity.”

Franklin College, Minar believes, addresses those concerns through formal instruction and what he calls “engaged learning opportunities” — forays beyond the classroom into the students’ fields of choice, whether those encompass the Biological Field Station on the college campus, the political halls of Washington, D.C., or the film studios of Los Angeles.

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“We’re determined to take advantage of lives, and this is the beauty of what we all of our connectivity to find students those do at Franklin College,” he says. “These kinds of pragmatic learning experiences people are prepared to retool themselves with which to enhance the classroom.” through the five or seven careers they’re Even more important, Minar adds, likely to have. This isn’t about task learning when you’re 18 to 22 years old. This is is the role a liberal arts college plays in about maturing intellects that will preparing students for the reality enable you to retool. To do that they most likely will anything you want to do.” switch jobs — even careers “Liberal education, It’s no surprise that — several times in their more than vocational Minar entered the world lives. Long gone are the education, educates people of academia. He’s fond days when a new college in a way that facilitates of calling it “the family grad entered the work retraining through their business,” so much so world confident that he lives, and this is the that he jokes that Deidra would remain an archibeauty of what we do tect or an engineer or a Baumgardner, the colat Franklin College.” lege’s director of commuteacher until retirement.

— THOMAS MINAR nications, will tire of hearing He cites a college classmate the phrase from the number of who majored in music and today interviews he’s given. His father was a is a dentist. political scientist at Northwestern Univer“Liberal education, more than vocational education, educates people in a way sity, his mother an educator in a variety of that facilitates retraining through their roles, and his brother is the chairman of

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the philosophy department at the University of Arkansas.

His father died when Minar was young, but he remains close to his brother, Edward H. Minar, and mom, Carola Minar McMullen. The sound of a barking canine suddenly drifts across the room, the ring tone for his mother, a dog lover. A few minutes later, a second ring tone, this time an old-fashioned telephone, calls out: his spouse, Dr. Frank S. Becker, an academic physician at Northwestern University and the director of pulmonary and critical care at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, who was spending the day with Minar’s mom. “They’re really not giving up, are they?” he says, laughing. “They’re together. If I didn’t answer for one ....”

The calls, he speculates, could be related to the arrival of an eagerly awaited gas grill at the president’s residence, home to a spacious patio perfect for cooking salmon. Cooking is one of Minar’s

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favorite pastimes, as is dining at a variety of restaurants. “I like food, perhaps a little too much.”

He burns off excess calories by working out, something he also enjoys.

It’s common for students to see “that guy on a bike,” casually dressed and pedaling around campus. His travels reach much farther, however. Minar has racked up visits on seven continents and to 50 states, savoring the “joy around cultural differences” and the personal growth that results from such trips.

Amsterdam and Bangkok stand out “because they’re sort of crazy and because there’s a lot of energy in those places,” he says. Other favorite destinations: “places where mountains meet water”

— Norwegian fiords, Alaskan waterways, the California coast. Sometimes those stays are at campgrounds in an aluminum Airstream trailer.

An avid photographer, Minar records his travels through the lens, often with striking results. He recalls standing in the bottom of the newly carved out Panama Canal expansion. “Now there are photos, let me tell you,” he says. “Experiences like that can’t be duplicated. And you can’t have them on your back doorstep.”

Even the monotony of a layover at a crowded airport can serve as a distraction. “I love people watching. I could sit in an airport all day. ... It’s part of the human experience.”

On this day, however, there’s a (now inside) picnic to attend. Afterward, Minar departs on another trip to meet alumni.

During his first 12 months in the president’s office, he plans to lead the college through a strategic planning process “and then talk about the identity of the college, so that we have common language by which to explain the college to people on the outside.”

The schedule can be exhausting, but the rewards of the “family business” keep him engaged and energized.

“We do this to help people lift themselves up and help them find their lives,” he says. “Sometimes it’s their professional lives. Sometimes it’s finding themselves personally. Enhance who they are as people, so that they live happier and better. We teach them to be service-oriented. We teach them to be leaders. All for the good of others. And that’s really important.”

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SENIOR SALUTE SENIOR SALUTE SENIOR SALUTE

BY JON SHOULDERS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL

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This year’s high school seniors have their whole lives ahead of them after graduating, but as the following individuals illustrate, many southside seniors have already accomplished an astonishing amount — scholastically, artistically, athletically and beyond. Each has big plans to build on those achievements both during and after their final year of high school.

Emma Clayton Age: 17 // Whiteland Community High School » Emma Clayton’s acting resume already reads like that of a seasoned professional, having performed in Whiteland High School’s productions of “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Pygmalion,” “On the Town,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Mary Poppins.” She received Whiteland’s Achievement in Acting award as a sophomore and junior, and is currently involved in her school’s show choir, jazz choir, drama club and National Honor Society, among other pursuits.

“What I like most about performing is the liberation it provides an actor,” Clayton says. “There is absolutely nothing more liberating than devoting your mind and heart to a character and story, and fully committing to it until the last curtain call. The theater truly is a place where you can explore the depths of your character without being ostracized for it, and that’s a hard thing to find in high school.”

With plans to study law and political science in college, Clayton looks forward to being a positive influence on Whiteland’s underclassmen as a senior. “High school is excruciatingly difficult, especially with no support system,” she says. “I want to make sure that no one feels alone, and they know with confidence that someone always cares.”

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Blake Andrews Age: 18 Franklin Community High School »A golfer since before he began kindergarten, Blake Andrews has stuck with the sport to this day and has become one of his high school team’s standouts. “Golf is the most challenging sport mentally,” he says. “I began playing when I was 4, so golf was just in my blood from then on. I started to take golf more seriously when I recognized how far you can go with golf.”

Andrews spends some of his down time roller skating, watching his favorite television shows and playing basketball and Ultimate Frisbee, but says golf occupies most of the time he spends away from classroom obligations. “If you want to be good at it, you must put time and effort into it,” he says, adding that he has high hopes for the 2015-16 season and expects the Franklin Community High School golf squad to qualify for the state championship as a team.

As a fan of math, art and science, Andrews plans on pursuing a degree in architecture at Ball State University and will participate in an architectural internship during his senior year.

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Bawi Phutin Age: 17 Southport High School » Being named on the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association’s 2014 Boys All-State Honorable Mention list as a junior is quite impressive in itself, but Bawi Phutin has every intention of improving on his success as one of Southport’s midfielders during the 2015 season. He shone during his team’s 2014 district soccer games, with two goals and one assist.

“I have another chance to be on the first and second All-State team, and I will try harder in my senior year,” he says. “I am also looking forward to getting good grades, getting scholarships and having fun with friends and teachers because it’s the end of high school years and you’ve got to have fun.”

With his sights set on studying and playing soccer at the University of Indianapolis after high school, Phutin expects a busy final year at Southport in the meantime. Currently a member of the National Honor Society and a former member of the school’s Green Earth Society, a group that attempts to make the high school more environmentally friendly through recycling and reusing programs, he plays recreational basketball and volleyball and watches action movies when taking a break from studying or honing his soccer skills.

Shalee Daming Age: 17 // Indian Creek High School »Since her freshman year, Shalee Daming has been heavily involved with FFA, an organization geared toward students interested in agriculture and leadership. Since then she has participated in a wide range of functions for the organization, from livestock contests to agribusiness and farm management demonstrations. “Agriculture is my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says. “The Indian Creek FFA chapter has made me become who I am today and who I will be in the future.” Daming served as the chapter president during her junior year, a title she will hold through the current school year as well.

Already an expert at raising and showing livestock, she has shown chickens, pigs, sheep, cattle and cats at fairs and 4-H events. Most of her weekends and spare time these days are spent showing pigs throughout the state and occasionally around the country.

After high school, Daming hopes to pursue a career in agricultural education and serve as an FFA adviser. “Teaching young people as well as adults about agriculture can make a big difference in the non-farming world and the farming world,” she says. “I want to be the one responsible for telling people farmers don’t carry a pitchfork around and have hay in their teeth all day. It is so much more than that. It’s serving others, it’s feeding the world, it’s having a passion for growing and raising living things, whether that’s chickens or soybeans.”

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Leah Biasi Age: 17 // Roncalli High School

Nathan Chelf Age: 17 // Greenwood Community High School

»As an alto saxophonist, guitarist and vocalist in his school’s marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band and vocal jazz ensemble, Nathan Chelf’s senior year looks to be chock-full of musical duties, and he looks forward to every minute of it. “It really started with me listening to music constantly on my iPod in elementary school,” he recalls.

“Then sixth grade started, and I began to play the alto saxophone in band, and I fell in love with playing music. The Greenwood band program is great and has helped me become the musician I am today.”

While Chelf feels excited about the variety of music classes his senior year will bring, he also looks forward to exploring some new territory. “For example, I’m taking a choir class for the first time this year,” he says. “I want all the experiences I can get. I love being able to show people my talents and express myself through music. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

After graduating, Chelf has his eye on pursuing music education studies toward eventually becoming a music teacher. “I’d love to help younger people find their love for music,” he says.

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»Leah Biasi joined Roncalli’s track and field team during her freshman year to stay active and meet new people, and learned fairly quickly that she possessed an unusual amount of talent for the sport.

The following year, she ran the third-fastest 800-meter time in the history of Roncalli’s track program, a time she hopes to improve on before graduating. “It was extremely rewarding to know that all my work had paid off,” she says. “I plan on cutting that time down by the time I graduate and hopefully will move up on the Roncalli record.”

Biasi began playing the upright bass in the fifth grade and for the past three years has been a member of the Indianapolis-based New World Youth Orchestra, which consists of more than 180 elite musicians from around the state, alongside her twin sister, Jennifer, a viola player. The group has been chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City next spring.

With a 4.3 grade point average based on her school’s 4.0 scale, Biasi is currently a member of the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society, which recognizes U.S. students who have excelled in at least three semesters of French language courses. “Roncalli is a family, and I will miss that family so much when I leave, so I plan on making the most of my last year in high school,” she says. “At Roncalli, being a senior means being able to lead the school academically, spiritually, in sports and in school spirit.”

Jennifer Biasi Age: 17 // Roncalli High School

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»Among Jennifer Biasi’s many accomplishments, an opportunity to showcase her viola skills at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April with the New World Youth Orchestra, an audition-based group of standout musicians from all over Indiana, ranks as one of her favorites. “I was shocked when I heard the news,” she says. “I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to play in such an amazing place with such an amazing orchestra.

I started playing the viola in fifth grade, and I feel like playing the viola has really shaped me into the person I am today, in that it has taught me perseverance and the importance of diligent practice.”

A member of Center Grove’s 4-by800-meter and 4-by-400-meter relay teams, both of which clocked times

last season that rank in the top five in Roncalli history, Biasi looks forward to her senior track season with enthusiasm and will compete in the 400-meter run and the 800-meter run, in addition to both relays, with her twin sister, Leah.

“Leah and I train together every day and run the same events,” she says.

“Racing with my twin is one of my favorite things about running track.”

Throughout the course of her high school studies, during which she has maintained a 4.3 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and become a member of the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society, Biasi has developed a passion for engineering and foresees a career in engineering or architecture after college.

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Megan Linville Age: 17 // Perry Meridian High School

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»Already an accomplished artist in multiple mediums, including pencil, oil and acrylic paint, ink and graphite, Megan Linville’s creative momentum shows no signs of abating any time soon.

Not limited to only visual arts, she also participates in Perry Meridian’s theater program and Creative Writing Club, and spends some of her down time searching for independent and classic rock albums from the ’50, ’60s and ’70s to add to her vinyl record collection.

Last May, Linville posted on her Twitter page an in-progress picture of one of her many recent artistic creations, an acrylic and pencil piece depicting images from the covers of two of her favorite musical albums, “Abbey Road” by the Beatles and “London Town” by Paul McCartney’s other former band, Wings.

A few days later she discovered that the image, which was commissioned by Linville’s fifth-grade teacher, had been retweeted by one of her musical heroes — McCartney himself. “My heart stopped when I saw Paul McCartney’s name pop up,” she recalls. “I’m just a huge fan.”

Linville looks forward to improving her artistic skills during her senior year and inspiring others in the process. “I seem to be my biggest critic, and although I am a pretty good artist, there’s always room for improvement,” she says. With her eye on Ball State University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, she plans to continue her art studies in college and looks forward to branching out into mediums not currently included in her high school art classes, including special effects makeup and glass blowing.

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Connor Osborne Age: 17 // Center Grove High School »Connor Osborne’s interest in engineering and technology was piqued when, in the sixth grade, he joined the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League, a team-oriented competition for ages 9 to 14 involving the design and programming of LEGO robots to complete specific tasks. That interest has blossomed ever since.

Luckily for Osborne, Center Grove High School has been home to Red Alert Robotics, an official FIRST team of students that takes on scientific and technological problems in the area of robotics, since 2005. As his high school years approached, Osborne promptly decided to continue his involvement with FIRST, which hosts an annual world championship for its ninth- through 12th-grade

division. Last April, the team performed sufficiently well at the Indiana state championship to secure a spot at the world championships in St. Louis, where it advanced to the robotics competition’s quarterfinals. Osborne was named one of two FIRST Dean’s List finalists at the state championship. “I have always been intrigued by science and technology,” he says. “It provides limitless opportunity to a creative mind.”

When he’s not masterminding his latest technological innovation, Connor enjoys playing soccer and video games, and also leads the youth group at his local church. He plans on further developing his talents in the area of science and technology by majoring in either computer engineering or mechanical engineering in college.

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Jasmine Kalia Age: 16 // Franklin Central High School »Well-rounded is probably an understatement when describing Jasmine Kalia, who, among other titles, serves as a Franklin Central student ambassador, president of the World Cultures Club, varsity tennis player and co-captain of the school’s Robotics Club.

As a two-time recipient of the Aspirations in Computing scholarship from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT), an organization that works to lessen the gender gap in the technology and computing fields, Kalia was chosen to present a speech last May at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s “REX: Real Voices. Extraordinary Ideas” event on the topic of female representation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. “NCWIT is a great opportunity for

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girls, and I encourage everyone to apply for the award, even if they don’t necessarily think they are techies,” she says.

Also an avid reader, Kalia cites John Steinbeck as one of her favorite writers. “I fell in love with his descriptive prose and his deeper message about the shortcomings of society,” she says. “Currently I am reading (Kurt Vonnegut’s) “Slaughterhouse-Five,” and it feels like my brain is melting — in a good way.”

While her academic interests are diverse, Kalia’s current plan is to enter the physics field after college. “My two passions are astrophysics and neuroscience, and I am having difficulty deciding,” she says. “Junior year, I took a lot of classes in hopes of narrowing my choices, but I just found more things that I am interested in.”

Jovan Swann Age: 17 // Center Grove High School »As the No. 4 football recruit in the state of Indiana for the class of 2016 according to Indianapreps.com, Jovan Swann has plenty to look forward to with regard to both his senior year of high school and the days that follow. The 6-foot-3-inch, 255-pound incoming senior has already received scholarship offers from several colleges and is ranked by 247sports.com among the top 50 national recruits in the defensive tackle position for 2016.

“I have been playing football since the age of 4 and put my first set of pads on early, at the age of 6,” he says. “The sport has always been a passion of mine. I’m most excited to attain a scholarship to the school of my choosing by the end of my high school playing days, due to the hard work and dedication I’ve stuck to for many years — a true blessing.”

Swann enjoys math as a favorite subject in school and likes to stay active even during his time away from the football field with hobbies like pickup basketball games with friends and weight training. “I’m looking forward to playing one last round of “Friday Night Lights” with my senior brothers and the rest of the football team,” he says.

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it feels like

HOME

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Elegance meets comfort throughout Dan and Debbie Hillenburg’s custom residence

BY JON SHOULDERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL

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In the back hallway of Dan and Debbie Hillenburg’s Franklin home, a large tree is painted, with framed pictures of their 18-month-old granddaughter, Madeleine, carefully positioned to appear as if hanging from its many branches. Perhaps no better example could serve to symbolize the couple’s aesthetic vision while conceptualizing the 6,800-square-foot home, which features a finished basement, four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. “We wanted something with plenty of style, but also something familiar and livable that would always make us feel like we’re at home,” Dan says.

In the spring of 2013, the Hillenburgs broke ground on a plot of land near The Legends Golf Club’s 27-hole course, and a sixmonth construction process began under the direction of Johnson County-based builder Rick Campbell. “We didn’t really have an idea of what we wanted as far as a floor plan, so at first we started driving around looking at homes,” Dan recalls.

“We came across one that Rick had done that was under construction at the time, and we asked Rick if we could take that floor plan as a starting idea and change some small things, and he said yes. It took us about a month to get the final floor plan nailed down.”

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The result is a practical home design with attached two-car garages on both sides — one of which serves as a workshop for Dan’s woodworking hobby, while the other features a finished attic that currently serves as a storage space.

From the earliest days of the design process, the Hillenburgs kept in frequent communication with Campbell and designer Brian Haggard, owner of Windsor Home Interiors, to ensure a unique result. “One of the coolest things about the house is that every single room is so detailed,” Campbell says. “Every bit of the interior trim is custom designed, whether it’s the built-ins, the corbels or the cabinetry. We took each room and tried to find as much character as we could to separate it from the other rooms.

That’s quite a bit different from what I normally do, which is look at the overall picture of the home.”

In addition to new furniture, Debbie and Dan incorporated several special pieces from their previous house near Franklin’s Hillview Country Club into their current home’s décor, including chairs and lamps 102

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for the central living space that belonged to Debbie’s mother, her grandmother’s antique rocker for one of the guest bedrooms and her mother’s desk for the master bedroom.

A granite fireplace and furniture displaying a wealth of warm browns, golds and tans complete the ground floor living area, which flows seamlessly into the kitchen, thanks to an open floor plan concept. Plenty of dark wood kitchen cabinetry complements multiple hanging light fixtures, tile backsplashes and a spacious, L-shaped island with a granite top and stools for extra seating. “I found all of the light fixtures and doorknobs in the house online myself, and I love to be able to dim the lighting so we have rheostats on every single light,” Debbie says.

To help strike the right balance between style and comfort, the Hillenburgs enlisted Haggard, who, in approximately two hours, painted the tree depicted on the main level’s back hallway that is now embellished with a growing number of pictures of Madeleine. “Brian had no shortage of ideas, such as all the cabinets, SOU T H

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doors and woodwork are knotty alder, which is a little different,” Dan says. “A lot of people look at the cabinets and say we have holes in them, and we tell them they’re knot holes and they’re supposed to be like that. I think small imperfections like that add character.”

Even a simple walk down the basement steps reveals the distinctive input Haggard brought to the home’s design, having cut and converted individual carpet runners into unique stair carpeting. Personal touches enhance the basement level’s aesthetic, including old family photos, a wooden cabinet in the guest bedroom that belonged to Debbie’s grandmother, an old church pew that Dan converted into a bench, and two walk-in pantries flanking a six-seat bar that feature images of lions, representing the mascot of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Dan’s fraternity at Indiana State University.

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Home building is nothing new to Debbie, 64, and Dan, 66, both central Indiana natives and high school sweethearts during their days attending Southport High School. After obtaining an associate degree in business at Indiana State University, Debbie went to work for her family’s business, Davidson Lumber Co., founded by her grandfather in Southport in 1925. Dan joined Davidson after studying industrial technology at Indiana State and spending 10 years as a home builder, and the couple remained with the company until their mutual retirement in 2005.

Having lived in Johnson County for most of their lives, including 22 years in their first home — for which they oversaw the design and building process — and a custom home near Hillview Country Club where they resided for 18 years after that, the Hillenburgs have come to appreciate their southside surroundings. “It’s nice and quiet here, and of course the interstate is close so you can get to Indianapolis and other places quickly,” Dan says.

Since retiring they have taken full advantage of their increased free time, including trips to a family cabin in Canada built by Debbie’s grandfather in 1961, winter sojourns in Phoenix and visits from their son, John, his wife, Laura, and their granddaughter, Madeleine. “We love to entertain and have friends over, too, either down in the basement for Colts parties or just hovering around the kitchen talking,” Debbie says.

Above, the Hillenburgs display family heirlooms, such as marriage licenses, report cards and photos. Left, a cabinet bought in Japan by Debbie’s father, and (to the left of the wine cellar door) artwork made by an Arizona artist from river rock.

Dan adds that he and Debbie originally planned to downsize from their previous home’s 3,500 square feet, but feel the results of their collaborative efforts are worth the unexpectedly larger layout.

“We somehow ended up downsizing to almost 7,000 square feet,” Dan says with a laugh. “But we love the way it’s laid out.

It feels right. Brian (Haggard) was here recently and asked us if it finally felt like home, and we said, ‘Without a doubt.’”

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Quality of Life With year-round events and beautiful grounds, Mallow Run remains one of the biggest little wineries in the state

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By Katherine Coplen Photography by Josh Marshall SOU T H|INDYSOUTHMAG .COM

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Mallow Run tasting room.

Below, John, Laura and Bill Richardson

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Bill and Laura Richardson’s children, Emma and Wesley

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THE GROUNDS OF Mallow Run Winery paint a bucolic scene. Country roads wind into green pastures; a baby calf grazes near a small, red horse barn. A new chicken coop dots the point between a historic house and a beautiful tasting room. The scene is serene. Most of the time.

Other times it’s a big party, as when the band Polka Boy waltzes in to play its rollicking cover tunes, or when the Carmel Symphony Orchestra returns for its yearly concert of patriotic hits around the Fourth of July, complete with fireworks.

There’s always something going on at the Johnson

County winery, run by John Richardson, his son, Bill, and Bill’s wife, Laura, along with a dedicated staff. The Richardsons count 2015 as their 10th operational year; they planted their first grape vines in 2000.

But the family’s history on the Bargersville property stretches almost two centuries into the past. That’s when John’s great-great-grandfather, Bill Mallow, settled the land in 1835. John was born in the house that Bill Mallow built, the same house that Bill and Laura now live in with their two children.

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“I

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The winery’s seeds were planted after John’s retirement in 1996 from teaching English in New Albany. He moved back to the family property in 1998. Initially, he says, he just wanted to grow grapes to sell.

But after bringing Bill think people just don’t (formerly with Charles think about the grapeSchwab, although he studied agriculture at growing industry as Purdue University) and a viable agricultural Laura (formerly a speech pathologist) on board, industry when they’re the Richardsons decided thinking about what to make a go of it in the wine business. they’re going to grow.”

Ten years later, the — LAURA RICHARDSON operation is one of the “biggest little wineries in the state,” Bill says. Big: The Richardsons produced more than 100,000 bottles of wine last year. Little: They bottled all those by hand with a five-person crew.

“There are different businesses, really,” Bill says, of the family’s yearly schedule.

“There’s (working in) the vineyard; there’s wine-making from all the fruit that we got

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from September, October, November, and then there’s the start of the soup season, January through March, where we’re making soups.”

Those soups play a role in Mallow Run’s Winter Warmup Weekends. They are just one of the winery’s events, including wine and painting nights, wine and pizza affairs, wine and flower arranging events and more. Wine, of course, they say, goes with pretty much everything.

And Mallow Run’s wine is of the award-winning sort. The Richardsons have garnered medals for several of their creations, including a gold medal in the 2014 Indy International Wine Competition for the Traminette, now available in dry, semi-sweet and sparkling varieties.

Traminette is the state’s signature grape, “chosen because it’s a grape that tends to be versatile and theoretically can grow in all parts of Indiana,” Bill explains.

“We are Indiana, we are Midwest, and the palate is sweeter,” Bill says of the company’s wines. “We make more rhubarb wine now than we did all wine when we opened.”

And the growth continues: The win-

ery’s owners will break ground for a new banquet facility, plus plan another packed calendar of events. They will continue to ship their offerings to 15 states — many bottles go to Florida, John says — and distribute to retail locations. Plus, they regularly send wine to local restaurants like Plainfield’s Black Swan Brewpub, Greenwood’s Vino Villa and Bargersville’s Taxman Brewing Co. “I just think we’re so fortunate because we’re close enough to so many communities that want Johnson County to thrive,” Laura says. “Franklin, Greenwood, Mooresville, Martinsville. All of those communities are within a 20-minute drive, and people can get here quickly.”

Though corn and soybeans are still grown on Mallow Run’s 600 total acres, along with a herd of 30 cattle, the Richardsons are going to expand their acreage of grapes, currently at about seven acres with 600 vines per acre. They also plan to begin canning their own hard cider with an assist from Bargersville neighbor Taxman Brewing.

One thing the family wishes for: more grapes grown closer to home. Only about

The private family residence 20 percent of the wine they produce is located on the winery grounds. made from grapes they grow on their own property. “There needs to be a lot more people growing grapes in Indiana,” Bill says.

“We would buy everything we could get our hands on if it was available,” Laura adds. “I think people just don’t think about the grape-growing industry as a viable agricultural industry when they’re thinking about what 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville they’re going to grow.”

(317) 422-1556, mallowrun.com So, besides more grapes, what do the Richardsons hope the future will bring to their winery?

“In 10 years, I hope that it’s still a farm,” Bill says. “I hope that there’s still that sunset over there for people to enjoy,” motioning toward a setting sun just over his shoulder.

“I hope that by having a couple of businesses, we can preserve the rest of (our land) and still be able to have horses, chickens, sunsets and quality of life.”

Mallow Run Winery

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weddings

Morgan Greenlee & Loren Snyder Aug. 8, 2015 Wedding and Reception at The Barn at Kennedy Farm in Lizton.

Morgan Greenlee and Loren Snyder met as students at Butler University.

“We both owned an English bulldog before dating (because we are both the biggest Butler fans),” Morgan says, “so now we’re a family of two English bulldogs.”

The two didn’t date while in college, but instead had several mutual friends who “brought us back together three years ago,” she says. Morgan and Loren began dating in October 2012. When it came time to propose, Loren created an elaborate citywide scavenger hunt to get the job done. “He selected places in the city that had played an important role in our relationship,” Morgan says. “The final location was at the sorority house on Butler’s campus where we first met, where Loren was waiting with a life-size Scrabble board that spelled ‘Morgan, will you marry me?’”

They were married on Aug. 8, 2015, at The Barn at Kennedy Farm in Lizton, where both the ceremony and reception were held. They will be honeymooning in South Africa later this year.

Photos by Amanda DeBusk Photography

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weddings

Casey Corsaro & Ashley Hatfield Aug. 8, 2015 Wedding at St. Roch Catholic Church.

Reception at The Palms Banquet and Conference Center.

Casey Corsaro and Ashley Hatfield ran into each other regularly on campus at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where they were both athletes and students. They first spoke to one another in front of the fine arts center on campus, and it was at that same spot that Ashley proposed to Casey in September 2014.

“He told me we were going to walk from campus to get something to eat downtown,” Casey says. “He stopped at the spot and took my hands, then he got down on one knee and proposed.

Afterwards, he told me he wanted to take a selfie, and when we went to take the picture, our families and some of our close friends popped out from behind the pillars of the fine arts center.”

They were married on Aug. 8, 2015, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Indianapolis. Their daughter, Paisley, served as a miniature bride in the wedding. The reception was held at The Palms Banquet and Conference Center in Plainfield, and they honeymooned in Cancun.

Photos by A+J Wedding Photography

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Daily Journal Street Party July 10 // Downtown Franklin 1. Steve Doty and Gayla Thompson dance. 2. Asher Van Velse, right, with his brother, Adam Piper.

3. Halle Wertz, 9, enjoys pizza from Brozinni’s Pizza. 4. Cooper Bland and his sister, Noelle, dance.

5. Andrew VanAtta pretends to drive the Franklin Fire Rescue truck while his sisters, Serenity and Tempi, wait in line.

6. Kristy Flowers and her daughter, Talia, purchase a cupcake from The Flying Cupcake.

7. Adam Kissee purchases cookies from Suzy’s Teahouse and Bakery. 8. The Daily Journal Street Party.

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PHOTOS BY JOSH MARSHALL

Join us for SOUTH Magazine’s 2015

FREE Admission & Open to the Public!

A night of great vendors, food samples, free gifts, demonstrations and a fall fashion preview!

Thursday, October 1 | 6-9 p.m. at Greenwood Hilton Garden Inn

Exciting Booths By: 7e Fit Spa | Aesthetics at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery | AHealthyYou - Michelle Shoemaker American Cancer Society | Arni’s Restaurant | Amanda Cottingham - Cottingham Realty/ Appraisal INC. | by Tavi Boutique Edinburgh Premium Outlets | Financial Center First Credit Union | Francisan St. Francis Health JP Parker & Co. | JUBU Corp/ Ming Wang | Petro’s Culligan of Johnson County | Ray Skillman Performance Ford Storm Chiropractic | Transformations Salon & Day Spa | The Marshmallow Monkey | Vision Quest Eyecare MAJOR SPONSORS

Amanda Cottingham

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Month, Ladies Night Out will have a pink theme, with a percentage of proceeds from our company-wide breast cancer initiative going toward local agencies associated with breast cancer prevention and care.

Valuable breast cancer information will be provided by the American Cancer Society

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WAMMfest Aug. 15 // Craig Park

1. Mitchell Condra, Chelsea Sully and Roy McWhirter shop at Christian Matthew’s Leather Goods.

2. Lorry Stobart and Lynsey Stanford from Copper Roots Studio.

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3. Sam Sewards and Melody Houpt.

4. Quincy Sanders of the band HT3 performs.

5. Michelle Mabis, Michele Cambridge and her husband, Steve, visit a booth.

6. John Schrock uses pen, ink and watercolor to create his art.

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Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair July 19-25 // Johnson County Fairgrounds 1. Fair queen contestant Allyssa Giddens during the on-stage question and professional wear portion. 2. Braxton Smith, 15, of Martinsville and Lacie Tekulve, 16, of Trafalgar ride the Sizzler. 3. The 2015 Johnson County fair queen contest. 4. Robert Tool, 6, plays a ring toss game. 5. Competitors fight for the longest distance during the Battle of the Bluegrass Truck and Tractor Pulls. 6. Fair queen contestant Julia Smith with emcee Stacy Dixon. 7. Fairgoers walk through the midway.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT ROBERSON

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Dining in the Dark Aug. 6 // The Indiana Masonic Home

1. Casey Hadley, Kim Bowden, Sarah Sheidt 2. Jan and Jack Barrett

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3. Jan Campbell 4. Joe and Anne McGuinness 5. Jenny Brebberman, Phil Barrow, Kim Smith 6. John Kindred and Mary Beth Piland 7. Jackie Miller, Joe and Sandee Trueblood

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8. Shelly Long, Ashyln Dewitt-Couch, Jacque Jones, Taryn Hilsmeyer 9. Don and Esther Jones 10. Bonnie Allio, Gary Ross, Coree Ross

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PHOTOS BY HALEY NEALE

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Calendar of Events

SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER

Nov. 4 | Saxophonist Jared Thompson performs at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis

BY AMY NORMAN

Park. The festival brings craft vendors, musicians, kids activities, delicious food, re-enactors, pony rides and more. Cost: Free. Location: Johnson County Park, 2949 E. County Road 950N, Edinburgh. Information: (812) 526-6809 or jocoparks.com

Sept. 13

Celebrate Labs and dog rescue during Labapalooza. Enjoy an afternoon with adorable pups, live music, food and wine.

Time: Noon to 6 p.m. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

» SEPTEMBER Sept. 12

Grab your running shoes and get ready for the 5K run/walk during the Greenwood Trail Trek 5K. The race begins and ends at the Greenwood Community Center. Cost: $20 in advance or $25 on race day. Proceeds will help provide the funds necessary to ensure the trail remains a safe and environmentally friendly area that encourages a healthy lifestyle. Time: 8 a.m. Information: greenwood.in.gov Stop by the Children’s Garden and learn about the benefits of eating your fruits and vegetables and have the chance to pick some fresh produce to take home.

No registration required. Time: Noon to 1 p.m. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7183 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org

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Sept. 14

Aaron Michael Morales will appear as part of the Kellogg Writers Series at the University of Indianapolis. His fiction has appeared in Superstition Review, Another Chicago Magazine, Passages North and MAKE Magazine. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Trustees Dining Room, Schwitzer Student Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Information: (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/arts

Sept. 17

Enjoy an evening of music and wine on the lawn during the Picnic Concert. Food trucks also will be lined up outside the tasting room offering a variety of delicious mobile eats. Live music by Back Country Roads. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

Martha S. Jones is a lawyer, writer, commentator, researcher and historian who will present the lecture “The Children of Loving v. Virginia: Living at the Intersection of Law and Mixed-Race Identity.” The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case of Loving v. Virginia overturned state bans on interracial marriage in 1967, but issues of racial prejudice and discrimination persist.

Time: 7 p.m. Location: Branigin Room, Napolitan Student Center, Franklin College, downtown Franklin. Information: franklincollege.edu

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Sept. 19

The Johnson County Farm Festival, an interactive showcase of modern agriculture, will feature agriculture education booths, tractor and equipment demonstrations, livestock, local food vendors, face painting and a pedal tractor pull. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 100 Fairgrounds St., Franklin. Information: (317) 738-2213 or jccf.org This year marks the 30th year for the annual Heartnut Festival at Johnson County

Enjoy an evening of great music with American English, a Beatles tribute band.

Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 day of the show. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

Sept. 19-20

Highland Reign and Clan of Desdin Glen perform at The Appleworks, 8157 S. Road 250W, Trafalgar. Information: (317) 878-9317 or apple-works.com

Sept. 20

Celebrate the culture and traditions of Latin America through a variety of special afternoon activities fit for the whole family at the Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Indianapolis Zoo. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 630-2001 or indianapoliszoo.com Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the patio with wine, snacks and live music by Davis & Devitt. Time: 2 to 5 p.m. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

Sept. 22

Lisa Ellena will discuss her current artwork, her creative process and her influences during “Recent Works by Lisa Ellena.” Ellena makes ceramic and encaustic work. Time: 7 p.m.

After the lecture, her work will be displayed from Sept. 22 to Nov. 3 at the Johnson Center for Fine Arts. Location: Johnson Center for Fine Arts, Franklin College campus, in Franklin.

Cost: Free. Information: franklincollege.edu

Sept. 23

Shonda Buchanan will appear as part of the Kellogg Writers Series at the University of Indianapolis. A poet, memoirist and fiction writer, Buchanan is a culture and literary arts ambassador whose presentations, workshops and lectures demonstrate her passion for exploring gender, ethnicity, family, heritage, landscape, environment and ancestry. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Trustees Dining Room, Schwitzer Student Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Information: (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/arts

Sept. 25-Oct. 4

The Buck Creek Players present “Cliffhanger,” a comedic thriller by James Yaffe. Mingling suspense and humor, this thriller follows all the unexpected twists and turns that result when a seemingly mild-mannered professor of philosophy is driven to apparent murder to protect his reputation and career. Times vary.

Tickets: $18 adults; $16 children, students and senior citizens (62 and older). Location: 11150 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 862-2270 or buckcreekplayers.com

Sept. 26

Learn the basics of how to transition your house plants from outdoors to inside for the winter during House Plants 101. Also learn basic care for many varieties of plants

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from spider plants to orchids. Registration required. Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $6.

Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7183 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, spread out on the lawn and enjoy great pizza by the slice during Pizza & Wine Night while listening to live music by Bigg Country. Free admission. Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

Sept. 27

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the patio with wine, snacks and live music

by Acoustic Catfish. Time: 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com

OCTOBER Oct. 1

Ladies Night Out. Expect food, fun and flair at the 2015 Ladies Night Out event.

Vendors at this year’s event, which is hosted by the Daily Journal and South magazine, include American Cancer Society, Arni’s Restaurant, Edinburgh Premium Outlets, The Marshmallow Monkey, byTavi, Franciscan St. Francis Health, JP Parker & Co., Ray Skillman Ford and more. Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn. Location: 5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 888-4814

Oct. 3

Franklin Fall Festival in downtown Franklin.

Location: Downtown Franklin.

Information: franklinparks.org In appreciation of all the wonderful visitors and supporters, admission is free to the conservatory for Visitor Appreciation Day. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free.

Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7183 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org The sixth annual Wine at the Line is a 5-mile run and 5K run/walk on the winery grounds and country roads of Bargersville. Registration fee is $35. Time: 4 p.m. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com SOU T H

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Oct. 5

Franklin Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Johnson County Recycling District for the annual costume swap at the Cultural Arts & Recreation Center Theater Room.

Bring a clean, gently used costume to swap for something else. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Franklin Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin. Information: (738) 2546 or recyclejohnsoncounty.com

Oct. 7-11

“Still Life with Iris,� a fantastical adventure theater production at Franklin College in Franklin. Iris is a young girl who lives with her mother in a magical place in which memories are kept in coats. The play is suitable for families. Tickets: $12. Times: 8 p.m. Oct. 7-10; 2 p.m. Oct. 11. Information: (317) 738-8029 or franklincollege.edu

Oct. 10-11

Grab your Halloween outfits and head to the Great Pumpkin Run at The Appleworks.

The event supports Habitat for Humanity.

The 5K Pumpkin Run is a run through acres of orchard, pumpkin fields, a corn maze and woodland trails. Location: The Appleworks, 8157 S. Road 250W, Trafalgar. Information: (317) 878-9317 or apple-works.com

Oct. 14

Jazz vocalist Rachel Caswell is best known for her improvisational prowess and her pinpoint accuracy of pitch and rhythm, but audiences are increasingly drawn to her depth of delivery and interpretation of popular song. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Information: (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/arts

Oct. 15-18

Whether you live just around the block or thousands of miles away, you are invited to come back to Franklin College for Homecoming 2015.

Information: franklincollege.edu

Oct. 17

Practice your photography skills during an early morning photography session before the conservatory opens. Space is limited.

Time: 8 to 10 a.m. Cost: $5. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7183 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org

Oct. 20

TEDxIndianapolis is a self-organized, local platform to share big, TED-like ideas.

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This year, TEDxIndianapolis is focusing on slowing things down. The theme is “Keep It Simple.” Time: Noon to midnight. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis.

Information: (317) 788-3368 or uindy.edu The Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Family Fun Walk is Halloween fun for the entire family. Register before Oct. 13 to save $5. Time: Check-in starts at 5 p.m.; race starts at 6 p.m. Location: Province Park, Franklin.

Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org

Oct. 23-31

The UIndy theater department presents “King Lear.” Time: 8 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 29, 31; 2 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets: $12. Location: Ransburg Auditorium, Esch Hall, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Information: (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/arts/ETC

Oct. 23-Nov. 1

Our Town Players presents “The Canterville Ghost.” An American family faces the ghost of an English country manor with good humor and amusement. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30, 31 and 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Tickets: $10 adults; $8 students and seniors 55 and older. Location: Franklin Active Adults Center, 160 E. Adams St., Franklin. Information: (317) 600-7518 or ourtownplayers.net

Oct. 24

Come to downtown Franklin for some fun and safe trick-or-treating during Trick Your Trunk.

Cars will be set up on North Main Street from 6 to 7 p.m. in downtown Franklin. Kids will be able to collect treats from decorated trunks and trucks and then head to the Artcraft Theatre for “Gremlins.” If you are interested in decorating a trunk and passing out candy, contact Holly at (317) 346-1198 to reserve a spot.

Reservations are free, but you must provide your own decorations and candy. Prizes will be awarded for the best “tricked” trunks.

Oct. 27

The Rev. Nathan Day Wilson presents “Is Better Always Best? Ethics in an Age of Enhancement.” Time: 7 p.m. Location: Branigin Room, Napolitan Student Center, Franklin College, downtown Franklin.

Information: franklincollege.edu

Oct. 28-29

Get spooked as you walk through this year’s Haunted Conservatory. It will be less scary from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the real haunting begins at 7 p.m., which is recommended for children ages 8 and older. Time: 5:30 SOU T H

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to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $2. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7183 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org

Oct. 31

Bring your dogs to Hall-O-Week for a doggy costume parade. Registration for the parade begins at 9 a.m. with the parade and judging at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the humane societies of Brown and Johnson counties. Location: The Appleworks, 8157 S. Road 250W, Trafalgar. Information: (317) 878-9317 or apple-works.com

NOVEMBER Nov. 4

Saxophonist Jared Thompson and his band Premium Blend have been performing in the Indianapolis area for more than a decade. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Information: (317) 788-3251 or uindy.edu/arts

Nov. 5

David Chandler will discuss “Unnoticed.”

His interest in photography began in Japan, where he grew up and graduated from high school. Time: 7 p.m. After the lecture, his work will be on display from Nov. 5 through Dec. 5. Location: Johnson Center for Fine Arts, Franklin College campus, in Franklin.

Cost: Free. Information: franklincollege.edu

Nov. 7

Woodcarving Magic Show and Sale in Franklin. Three woodcarving clubs, Franklin Chipmates, Indianapolis Circle City Carvers and Columbus Hoosier Carvers, will host the show. Admission: Free. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Franklin Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin.

Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org

Nov. 12

Eva Mozes Kor is a Holocaust survivor and a forgiveness advocate. She will present “The Triumph of the Human Spirit: From Auschwitz to Forgiveness.” Time: 7 p.m. Location: Spurlock Center Gymnasium, Franklin College, downtown Franklin. Information: franklincollege.edu

DECEMBER Dec. 4-20

The Buck Creek Players presents “Scrooge The Musical.” Celebrate the holidays

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with this musical extravaganza about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Times vary.

Tickets: $16 adults; $14 children, students and senior citizens (62 and older). Location: 11150 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 862-2270 or buckcreekplayers.com

Dec. 4

The Marshmallow Monkey Holiday Open House. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Location: 41 W. Monroe St., Franklin. Information: (317) 494-6020, themarshmallowmonkey.com

Dec. 5

Live reindeer at The Marshmallow Monkey. Time: 2 to 4 p.m. Location: 41 W. Monroe St., Franklin. Information: (317) 494-6020, themarshmallowmonkey.com

Dec. 5

Watch downtown Franklin come alive for the holidays. Several events are planned throughout the day and evening for the holiday lighting.

Information: discoverdowntownfranklin. org or franklinparks.org

Dec. 8

Franklin College student art exhibit opening reception. Time: 7 p.m. Artwork will be on display Dec. 8 through Dec. 15.

Location: Johnson Center for Fine Arts, Franklin College campus, in Franklin. Cost: Free. Information: franklincollege.edu

Dec. 10

Come enjoy some holiday cheer with Santa, music and refreshments at the Christmas Open House and Holiday Concert at the Franklin Cultural Arts and Recreation Center.

Santa will be in the lobby from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A holiday concert will be presented in Beeson Hall at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Franklin Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org

Dec. 12

Bring the entire family to have breakfast with Santa. Each child will receive a picture with Santa and enjoy some crafts. Time: 9 to 11 a.m. Location: Beeson Hall, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin. Space is limited so register early. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org Enjoy breakfast with the Big Guy in the Red Suit during Breakfast with Santa. Time: 9 to 11 a.m. Location: Greenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way, Greenwood. Information: (317) 881-4545 or greenwood.in.gov SOU T H

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A Look Back

Fired Up 1965 Greenwood High School cheerleaders.

Clockwise from top, Debbie Stewart, Linda Rawlings, Beverly Bryant and Joyce Jones.

PHOTO COURTESY OF

Johnson County Museum of History

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