New Southside Restaurants / Wine Cellars / Landscaping Trends
Indy’s southside magazine
Magnificent Manor
SPRING 2015
Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff transform their historic home
30 S. WATER ST., FRANKLIN, IN 46131
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OUR NATIONAL RANK
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2014 – 2015
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m i n g wa ng k ni t s.co m
contents
Susie Bixler
ON THE COVER
Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff, page 100. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL
Feature Stories
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78 84
Susie Bixler
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Model T Club
100
A friend of the community
Napa Valley Sip and savor your way through California
Local car enthusiasts hit the road
History Remade Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff renovate their home
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contents
Departments
15
This & That
Southside news and views
21 In Style
Wine and cheese
25
25 Taste
New in town
34 Authentic Indiana Distilleries
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Home Trends Wine Cellars
44 Community 50 Outdoor Living Aspire Johnson County
Gardening Trends
56 Community 60 Education Atterbury Job Corps
Franklin Community FFA
66 Health
Diabetes Management
72
Wuzzler’s
Worth the Trip
In Every Issue
8 Welcome 108 South weddings
34»
Klipsch Music Center
Cardinal Spirits
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112 Our side of town 120 Calendar of events 130 A look back
OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE
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welcome
Spring is in the Air
D
DEAR READERS, I hope you’ll take one minute to breathe in a great big sigh of relief with me. Spring has finally sprung. Though this past winter wasn’t as bad as our last, it certainly was cold enough and long enough and wintry enough to make this season’s rising temperatures and budding flowers seem like tiny glimpses of heaven on earth. The warm weather serves as a good reason to head outside and explore our great state. When spring approaches, members of the West Central Indiana Model T’ers climb into their cars to tour the Midwest and to educate fellow Hoosiers about their vintage rides. Skip ahead to page 92 to meet a few of these local antique auto enthusiasts. When you’re done there, stop by page 100 to see more history brought back to life in the beautiful home of Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff. Through their local boutique, The Marshmallow Monkey, the Nicoloffs introduced a service called House Calls in 2014, which allows clients to request at-home furniture restoration, home staging for real estate, special event decorating and more. And the Nicoloffs know plenty about home décor. They are putting the finishing touches on a massive renovation of the 5,000-square-foot historic home they purchased in Franklin last year. Community-wise, we checked in with Aspire Johnson County (page 44) and Atterbury Job Corps (page 56), and we offer you a quick overview of several of the latest additions to the ever-changing southside dining scene (page 25). If you’re a gardener like me, you will want to check out the story on garden and landscaping ideas on page 50. And when you’re done with all that? Head outside. Spring is finally here.
sdugger@indysouthmag.com
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SOUTH Indy’s Southside Magazine
SPRING 2015 | VOL. 10 | NO. 4
PUBLISHER Home News Enterprises Chuck Wells
EDITORIAL EDITOR
Sherri Dugger COPY EDITOR
Katharine Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alisa Advani Jen Bingham Katherine Coplen Garrett Kelly Teresa Nicodemus Amy Norman Julie Cope Saetre Jon Shoulders Clint Smith Catherine Whittier CJ Woodring
ART SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST
Margo Wininger CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
Amanda Waltz CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andrew Laker Josh Marshall Scott Roberson Chris Williams Stock images provided by ©Thinkstock
IMAGE TECHNICIAN
Matt Quebe
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Christina Cosner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Miranda J. Stockdall 10
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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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“Our friends love all the personal touches Drees put into our home. And we do, too.”
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Emerald Ridge
this & that
BY JULIE COPE SAETRE
Gordon Strain signs books at IndyReads. Above, Travis DiNicola and Dianne Moneypenny.
FOR BOOK LOVERS
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Franklin College’s Gordon Strain takes artistic pursuits to new heights. The theater department chairman and associate professor also is a scenic designer, an artist with works “in all shapes and forms” and a writer, with two stories recently published in “Indy Writes Books: A Booklovers Anthology.” Strain was invited to join the anthology by Travis DiNicola,
executive director of Indy Reads, a not-for-profit devoted to promoting and improving literacy of central Indiana adults and families. DiNicola had invited Strain to display a show featuring his paintings, photographs and sculptures at the Indy Reads Books shop and learned that Strain also writes short stories. For the anthology, Strain began revising some performance pieces he had written. His fiancée, Dianne Moneypenny, a Spanish professor, co-authored the works, which were also included in Spanish. The result: “Goodnight, Daddy” (“Buenas Noches, Papá”) and “Reader” (“Lector”). Both stories are loosely based on the character that was portrayed in Strain’s art show at the store. Published in November, the anthology places Strain’s work (he also included an illustration) alongside well-known authors such Dan Wakefield and John Green. “Every author donated their work, and the publishing was paid for through a generous grant. That means that all of the money from sales are going directly to support Indy Reads’ mission,” Strain said. “That’s pretty great.” SOU T H
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PROJECT PROM
Q&A:
Michael Budensiek As the founder of U-FIT, a personal training company on Greenwood’s southside, Michael Budensiek and his team coach clients through one-on-one and small group fitness sessions and boot camp courses. So he knows well how January’s New Year’s resolutions to eat better, lose weight and shape up too often melt away with the winter snow. In fact, he reports that some 90 percent of New Year’s resolutions in general fail to stick. Here’s his advice on getting back on track — and staying there.
Why do you think so many fitness and weight loss resolutions sputter out so quickly? A lot of people don’t really understand that your body goes through a huge hormonal change as well as a physical change when you’re trying to do something fitness related — especially if you’re trying to lose 20, 50, 100 pounds, especially during the first 90 days. Once you get past that point, then you usually start seeing those consistent changes. But a lot of people don’t make it past that first 90 days, so it’s very hard for them to see the long-term changes.
And what if someone doesn’t have a personal trainer? Even if someone isn’t seeing a trainer, we always recommend having some type of accountability partner that you can work out with, maybe around the same level as you, so you can push each other at the same intensity.
So what’s the secret to finding motivation during those first three months? We ask our clients on day one, “What are your concerns about not getting to day 90?” We address those things up front. ... Now that we know what obstacles might come up, here’s how we’re going to try to work around them. Maybe you need to pre-cook all your dinners, have pre-planned exercises set aside. And then from there, it’s holding our clients accountable — a quick text message, a quick call. .... Our job is to be a support system for them.
How often should someone work out? Generally, you’re going to want to be active a minimum of three days a week. Typically, if you can average 30 minutes a day, that’s going to be plenty for the average person.
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Do online support groups count? For some people they do. I personally think they don’t work as well as having someone right there. Typically a friend being there saying, “Hey, we really need to do this today” is better than someone just online.
Are strength and cardio equally important? It depends on your goals, but if you’re just trying to live a healthy lifestyle, you need both. Cardio training allows you to have a strong heart, get away from heart disease, burn body fat and lose those initial pounds. Weight training, on the other hand, allows you to build strong bones, joints and muscles, which will help with your posture and help you burn body fat long term.
INDYSOUTHMAG .COM
How important is nutrition to the mix? We coach a lot on nutrition. We believe that nutrition makes up 70 percent of the changes your body will go through; the exercise is the other 30 percent. ... Long term, you will never stay at any type of result without having the proper nutrition. We teach (nutrition) based on lifestyle. Are you a physical labor person or do you sit at a desk? That’s going to help determine how much you should eat and what types of food you should be eating. But some people hear “diet” and fear deprivation. We never call it a diet. We coach a lifestyle change. A diet is for a short-term change. We’re not going to deplete you down to nothing like diets do. We’re going to give you a healthy, balanced meal plan. You’re not only going to feel full, but it’s food that’s actually going to taste good as well. And for those who are planning their own meals? There are so many books and plans out there. Try to attend a complimentary nutrition seminar given by someone. If you can’t get to a seminar, online you can find a healthy lifestyle website that gives you a breakdown of what your total daily needs are. One of them is myfitnesspal.com.
» If you still get sentimental thinking about your high school prom, now you have a chance to help someone else create those magical memories. Project Prom ensures that teens who want to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event can do so in style. Held at the White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library, Project Prom allows teens to take home a prom outfit for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14. You can help by donating gently used prom and bridesmaid dresses, tuxes, shoes and accessories. Teens then browse the selections and take home their favorite outfit. Drop off your duds at any of the four county library locations: White River Branch (1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood), Clark Pleasant Branch (530 Tracy Road, New Whiteland), Franklin Branch (401 State St., Franklin) and Trafalgar Branch (424 Tower St., Trafalgar). Donations also are accepted at the event sponsors: Glam Designer Retail (1001 N. State Road 135, Greenwood) and Sophia’s Bridal, Prom and Tux (7015 S. U.S. 31, Indianapolis). Sophia’s will offer a $75 discount toward a new prom dress if last year’s version is donated by March 13.
this & that
A Good Cause IF THE IDEA OF A festive dance makes you want to shake off the last of the winter blues, Beth Harriman’s Black and White Ball on April 11 presents the perfect spring fling. The fourth annual event serves as a fundraiser for Community Angels, the not-for-profit organization Harriman founded in 2011 through the Johnson County Community Foundation to assist individuals facing a debilitating illness or disability. Volunteer “angels” help patients (and their overwhelmed families) with personal errands, child care, lawn and home maintenance, in-home pet care, meals, transportation and more — all at no cost to the clients.
“We may not be able to take care of all the needs the family has,” Harriman said, “but if we can help ease some of that burden and give the family a little less stress and some more quality time together, we have done our job.” The Black and White Ball has raised $30,000 since its inception. This year’s edition takes place in the Kellersaal Ballroom at downtown Indy’s Rathskeller restaurant. For 2015’s masquerade theme, guests are asked to don black and white duds accented with a mask (and/or other accessories) in a color associated with a cause (e.g., pink for breast cancer awareness, red for
COMING
SOON
»LATER THIS SPRING, you’ll be able to pedal your cares away through a new bike rental program by Greenwood Parks and Recreation. Thanks to a grant from the Johnson County Community Foundation, Parks and Rec will purchase eight bikes, which will be rented to guests longing for some fresh air and sunshine along Greenwood’s 20 miles of paved pathways. As part of the new program, the department also plans to run occasional bike tours. Bikes will be available for rent in front of the Greenwood Community Center. An exact launch date for the program was unavailable at press time, and rental fees had not yet been set. Look for updates at greenwood.in.gov.
Beth Harriman and her husband at the Black and White Ball
heart health, etc.). Admission to the 6 p.m. to midnight event includes a buffet dinner, dancing to live music from local band Tastes Like Chicken and a complimentary photo. A silent auction and cash bar also will be available. Ball tickets are $75 through March 21 and $85 March 22 through April 4 and are available through Eventbrite.com.
In Search of Excellence Kudos goes to Franklin Window and Door, which received Window and Door magazine’s 2014 Dealer of the Year for Excellence in Retail Sales/Showroom Design. Along with the recognition, the company received front cover and center spread coverage, which is quite an honor, says Franklin Window and Door sales coordinator Rachel Ford, because “Window and Door magazine is distributed nationwide and is the authority on the latest and most innovative window and door products on the market.” For more information, visit franklinwindowanddoor.com.
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Book Nook Provided by Greenwood Public Library
“What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” By Randall Munroe Randall Munroe, the creator of the XKCD Web cartoons and former NASA roboticist, has collected ridiculous questions from XKCD readers and gives valid, and usually sarcastic, answers. One of my favorites of the collection’s many random and off-the-wall questions involved finding out from what height you would need to drop a steak to ensure it was fully cooked when it hit the ground. In another answer, Munroe explained what would happen if you tried to hit a baseball that was traveling at 90 percent of the speed of light. (The answer: bad things … for the entire ball park.) “What If?” is a fun blend of science, mathematics and humor; it’s great for those who are already fans of the XKCD, as well as new readers. Reading the book made me feel like a little kid, before logic and practicality got in the way of hypothetical questions about the world around me. Reviewed by Aubrey Watson, reference librarian, Greenwood Public Library
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“First Frost” By Sarah Addison Allen It’s been several years since we left the Waverley sisters in Sarah Addison Allen’s best-seller “Garden Spells.” Now in “First Frost,” Claire Waverley has launched her own candy-making business, leaving her less time than she’d like to spend with her family. Her sister, Sydney, longs for a second child as she tries to help a co-worker with her baby. And then there’s Bay, now a teenager, who faces troubles at school when she falls for a boy who doesn’t know she exists. Changes arrive for the Waverleys as the season’s first frost approaches. Filled with small town charm, quirky characters and just a touch of magic, “First Frost” is a pure delight. Reviewed by Valerie Moore, reference librarian, Greenwood Public Library
“Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage” By Haruki Murakami Haruki Murakami is something of a superstar in his native Japan, where his books frequently sell out the day of release. His 2013 effort, “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki,” concerns character Tsukuru’s efforts to understand why his high school friends suddenly cut him out of their group, as they all began their transition to adulthood through college. It is roughly 15 years later when Tsukuru is told by his girlfriend, Sara, that he must resolve this painful past experience in order to continue to pursue their relationship. What Tsukuru discovers alters his self-perception, revealing the flaws inherent in measuring oneself against a group. All in all, I enjoyed the book for what it was. It was interesting enough that I found myself wanting to go back to it, and for such a thick book (the hardcover version is 400 pages), it was a quick read. Reviewed by Joanna Conrad, library clerk, Greenwood Public Library
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW LAKER
Professional Bartender Bottle Holder, $32.99 and Fireman Wine Bottle Holder, $29.99, Teresa’s Hallmark, 49 State Road 135, Greenwood, (317) 888-1206, teresashallmark.com
From Cork to Crackers Wine is fine, but wine perfectly paired with cheese? Yes, please. Cleanse your palate and prepare to swirl, sniff, sip and sate your cravings with these stylish food and drink accessories.
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Wine Message Tags, $3 each, The Marshmallow Monkey
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Corkcicle Wine Chiller, Color Top and Cork Top, $17.99 each, Teresa’s Hallmark
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Wine Bottle Ceramic Chiller/Holder, $17, The Marshmallow Monkey
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taste
BY CLINT SMITH // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MARSHALL
BREW-BY-U
New in Town
COURT STREET
With three new eateries and a place to brew your own beer opening for business, the southside scene continues to develop
WUZZLER’S
SUZY’S TEAHOUSE AND BAKERY
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Sherry Young and Kathy Shertzer
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Court Street Cafe TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, Kathy Shertzer and Sherry Young first met, becoming fast friends and bonding as single moms. “Out of a love for serving others, we began to do a lot of cooking and entertaining (for) large groups,” says Shertzer, “which eventually blossomed into catering special events for our friends.” Soon clients began urging the pair to open their own restaurant. “I think in our hearts we always knew we would — someday,” she says. Fast-forward to 2014, when the “door of opportunity suddenly opened for us,” Shertzer says. “When we learned that the space (the former site of Indigo Duck on Court Street) was available, the dream literally took on a life of its own.” Now the Court Street Cafe in Franklin is set to open for business in April, with made-toorder meals, like specialty pancakes, French toast and homemade biscuits and gravy, rounding out the planned breakfast menu, and soups, stews and sandwiches served for lunch. “We believe our burgers will quickly become a favorite,” Shertzer says, adding that the lunch menu will feature a stout bacon and bleu cheeseburger. “You will literally need a knife and fork to eat it.”
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Daily fare will include a signature Court Street pulled pork, served with house-made barbecue sauce and specialty salads with homemade dressings. The ambience of the new café will echo some atmospheric elegance from the days of Indigo Duck. “We haven’t changed the interior too much,” explains Young. “We put on a fresh coat of gray, French Linen paint,” she adds, describing sleek black tables and chairs, glossy wood flooring and relaxing, indirect lighting. Though no alcohol is served, Court Street Cafe is utilizing the bar area for bar-top seating. The pair also commissioned the construction of a 16-foot table for communal seating. “This is a place where people enjoy conversation with each other,” Young explains. All in all, the two 39 E. Court St., Franklin feel like “a restaucourtstcafe.com. rant seemed like a natural next step,” she adds. “When people are blessed by our food,” says Shertzer, “we are blessed.” For more information, visit courtstcafe.com.
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Wuzzler’s Grill and Spoon HAVING OPENED in September, Wuzzler’s Grill and Spoon has had some time to establish its rhythm, but its roots run back to the early 1990s. Business partners Jeff Board and Walter Bolinger are both Center Grove High School graduates and have, for decades, maintained a vision of operating a neighborhood restaurant. “We both have been in the restaurant/bar business since our early 20s,” says Bolinger. “And (we) have always wanted to open a place together on the southside.” Last year, the pair was notified that the venue formerly occupied by Margarita’s in the Center Grove area was becoming available. “So when we heard that,” says Bolinger, “we jumped on it.” Bolinger and Board share the same food service philosophies: “Great service, great quality food and local as much as possible,” Bolinger 1675 W. Smith Valley Road, explains. “We make 98 Greenwood | wuzzlers.com percent of all of our items in house, from our sauces to grinding our own beef to make the burgers.” and tenderloin sandwiches and And both have made good on salads, as well as a collection of creating a community-based desserts. But the burgers draw atmosphere at Wuzzler’s (the most of the attention. “The Trojan moniker means to “mix” and burger,” Bolinger says, features is a nod to the contrasting “100 percent Angus beef mixed combinations on the menu), with jalapenos and sriracha where all are welcome. “We have sauce.” Another popular option is a game room for the kids with a the Cheetos Chili cheeseburger,” chalkboard wall for them to draw which he lovingly describes as on and games to play,” he says. “messy and delicious.” For more As for the menu: Find pub information, visit wuzzlers.com. classics like fish-and-chips, brisket
Walter Bolinger
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taste Karen “Suzy” Buckler during the renovation of the Court Street location.
M Suzy’s
Teahouse and Bakery KAREN “SUZY” BUCKLER says
she’s had a dream of opening a coffee shop for more than 20 years, but, thanks in part to a few health problems, life got in the way. For relief of her ailments, she made a few dietary adjustments. She began eating only gluten-free foods and drinking bulk teas. And Buckler, now a fully certified herbalist, will have the opportunity to educate others on how she uses herbs as health aids through her new business: Suzy’s Teahouse and Bakery. At press time, she was putting the finishing touches on 25 E. Court St., Franklin her new operation, suzysteahouse.com which is scheduled to open in downtown Franklin in March. Suzy’s will specialize in gluten-free baked goods and confections including breads, from flowers, like dandelion, pies, chocolate chip cookies and rather than tea leaves). hummingbird cake, a variety of Buckler envisions Suzy’s banana-pineapple spice cake. Teahouse and Bakery “I (will serve) homemade ice blossoming into a destination. cream for those eating a slice “Tea lends itself to a slower of pie in the teahouse,” Buckler pace, which is different than says, whose menu also will that of a coffee shop,” she says. feature smoothies. Guests will be able to “sit at the As for the tea, she will front counter and look out the carry approximately 50 bulk window, relax with a cup of tea varieties (both sold by the on the love seat or join friends ounce and by the pound), as around a table. There is also a well as caffeine-free tisanes child’s table for the young.” (steeped beverages produced 28
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And though the shop, which will have tea accessories, handmade greeting cards and other items available for retail, offers some gluten varieties of baked goods, the focus will be gluten-free. “There are so many allergies I want to be known by the public,” she says. “I also want people to know that just because it is gluten-free, it still tastes good.” For more information, visit suzysteahouse.com.
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Jeremy Hough
Brew-By-U THROUGHOUT INDIANA, the craft beer scene
continues to explode, and brew enthusiast Jeremy Hough wants to help take the mystery out of making good beer. “I believe there is a sense of mystery when it comes to a lot of the products that we consume, and that includes beer,” explains Hough. “I have no idea how spaghetti is made. I assume in3021 Meridian Meadows Road, gredients are Greenwood | brew-by-u.com mixed together, and somewhere along the way something magical happens, which allows me to buy spaghetti off the shelf in the grocery store. The same is true with beer in that a lot of people know they like it, but have no idea what steps are taken to make it.” And so he opened his southside shop, Brew-By-U, to help educate customers on the beer-making process. At Brew-By-U, customers can use equipment, recipes, ingredients and instruction to become craft-beer brewmasters, if only for a day. After creating beer
on-site, they then wait two to three weeks (depending on the recipe) before returning to bottle and take home their creations. Ideally, what Hough and his team intend to do is introduce the craft of brewing to average beer-lovers and hopefully remove the mystery, he says. At Brew-By-U, beer is divided into three categories: Select (including Nut Brown Ale, Bavarian Hefeweizen and Oatmeal Stout); Signature (Scotch Ale, Porter, Amber and India Pale Ale); and Premium (Extra Special Bitter and IPA No. 2, which requires dry-hopping, a technique employed later in the brewing process). Irish reds and IPAs are currently the most popular, he says. In Hough’s estimation, one element in the craft beer scenario is unlikely to change. “Most booms are followed by at least a little pull back,” he says. “And I think that will happen with craft beer as well. However, I don’t see everyone going back to the large production breweries. The craft beer boom … in Indiana and across the country is here to stay.” For more information, visit brew-by-u.com.
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WINE, DINE AND FIND
WINE
Spritzers
» With spring comes a shift in our go-to beverages and a move from the fireplace to the porch or pool. Wine spritzers — really just a mixture of wine and carbonated water (sparkling water, seltzer water or club soda) — are a common way to enjoy more temperate climes. More than a few riffs of this bubbly beverage exist, including homemade varieties with your favorite whites or reds. If you’re wanting to make your own, adhere to a one part wine and one part carbonated water ratio. “With warmer weather, people are getting away from heavy reds and looking for something lighter,” says Bev Gillen, store manager of Payless Liquors, 1225 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood. “What’s really popular are refreshing, cleaner types of wines.” Moscato has, in recent years, enjoyed mainstream popularity for its crisp, pronouncedly sweet predictability. Combining the white wine flavor profile with bubbly body is the brand Santo Moscato D’Asti ($11 to $13), which, according to Gillen, has found a place on the menu at St. Elmo Steakhouse. When playing bartender at home, just measure a desired amount of Santo Moscato D’Asti with an equal part of effervescent water. Becky Coleman, store manager with Superior Beverage, 1097 E. Main St., Greenwood, says she’s noticed not only the popularity of spritzers in the spring, but a variation with a tropical twist. “Easley Winery’s Reggae Red ($8 to $10) has been popular for spritzers,” says Coleman, noting that some customers are picking up some club soda or seltzer water at the same time. “But something new I’ve seen is people adding a small amount of coconut rum.” Malibu Caribbean Rum with Coconut Flavor ($16 to $20), Coleman explains, has been a big seller along with the wine.
DINE
Greek’s Pizzeria and Tapp Room
» With sights set on early May for its grand opening, the owners of the coming Greek’s Pizzeria and Tapp Room are aiming to find their neighborly niche in Franklin. According to franchise owner Jason Tapp, this particular permutation of Greek’s “will serve as a onestop shop for great food and drink for the local Franklin community.”
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For the past 15 years, Tapp worked in banking and insurance, with many of his clients involved in food service. He jokes that this exposure gave him enough knowledge “to be dangerous.” Helpful, too, Tapp adds, are his associations and friendships with those in the restaurant, food supplier and craft brew businesses. Eventually, Tapp hopes the restaurant will become a destination for diners and drinkers throughout the surrounding areas, including Whiteland, Center Grove and Greenwood. “Greek’s will provide a clean, family-oriented restaurant, maintaining that local pizzeria vibe, while the Tapp Room will offer its
own menu of libations” and boast more of a pub decor with big screen TVs for sports and entertainment, he says. “As we’re all fully aware of the recent craft brew craze, I think Franklin could serve as the southside hub for all these great beers. I aim to start that shift with the Tapp Room.” Greek’s “will differ from other local pizzerias simply because of our pizza, but add a great beer selection to it, too, and now you have something,” Tapp says. For more information, visit facebook.com/pages/ Greeks-Pizzeria-and-Tapp-Room. PHOTOS PROVIDED
FIND
Matcha Tea
» Purported to possess numerous health benefits, green tea has long been a favorite for those keeping an eye on their overall wellness. And for a premium variety of green tea in powder form, Ashley Beasley, store manager of Nature’s Pharm in Greenwood, suggests matcha. She suggests that, compared to common green tea, matcha is believed by many to have more positive benefits. Nature’s Pharm carries several varieties of matcha powder: Green Foods Matcha Green Tea, Celebration Herbals Matcha Tea and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha (prices vary, depending on brand and size, from $13 to $36). Visit these locations for matcha products: Nature’s Pharm, 8215 S. U.S. 31, Indianapolis: Green Foods Matcha Green Tea, Celebration Herbals Matcha Tea and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha: $13 to $36; Fresh Thyme Market, 8750 S. U.S. 31, Indianapolis: The Republic of Tea Matcha Powder and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha: $11.99 to $16.99; Earth Fare, 2110 E. County Line Road, Indianapolis: U.Matcha Natural and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha: $13 to $17.99.
Relax. Taste. Enjoy.
8 02 4 N . stAt E ROA d 3 7 B LO O M I N GtO N , I N 8 1 2 - 876 - 58 0 0
OLIVERWINERY.COM
taste RECIPE
LOUNGE ACT Longtime Johnson County residents Simon and Julianne Robinson opened Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge in downtown Indianapolis 16 years ago, eventually moving it from its original location in the King Cole Restaurant on Monument Circle to an expanded location a quick jaunt away in the Guaranty Building in 2004. To celebrate the anniversary of this beloved basement cocktail lounge, we asked David McVay, Nicky Blaine’s general manager, to spot us a few recipes of the cigar bar’s signature drinks, as well as his top tips for entertaining on the fly.
BLUE GINGER
MAN EATER
BACK NINE
1½ ounces blueberry vodka
¾ ounce citrus vodka
Mint leaves Ginger beer
¾ ounce Island Blue Pucker schnapps
1½ ounces Deep Eddy lemon vodka
Blueberries for garnish
Splash of pineapple juice
½ ounce Deep Eddy sweet tea
Chambord
Soda water
Lemon twist for garnish
Lemon
» Mix ingredients, shake and strain. Pour in glass with sugar rim. Add a splash of Chambord. Garnish with a lemon twist.
» Mix first two ingredients and top with soda water in a tall glass with a lemon squeeze.
» Muddle the mint leaves and combine with blueberry vodka. Top off with ginger beer in a tall glass. Garnish with blueberries and fresh mint leaves.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
taste PREP TIP
A Full Bar
David McVay, Nicky Blaine’s general manager, offers these party-time tips.
»
Have plenty of limes and lemons around for a fresh squeeze over your cocktails.
»
Having small herbs available, so you can pick them right off the plant, makes a splash. Suggest your guests rub the leaves to get the extra “punch” of aroma under their noses.
»
Rhubarb, strawberries, mint, lemons and cucumbers are great transition flavors that work from spring through the summer.
»
Tea is trending heavily in cocktails. Consider having jasmine, hibiscus or green tea in small glass pitchers available, which can be easily mixed with gin or tequila.
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Authentic Indiana
LOCAL PRODUCERS, MERCHANTS AND ENTREPRENEURS
DISTILL, OUR BEATING HEARTS
W
Indiana distilleries continue to multiply after 2013 legislation changes BY CLINT SMITH
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WHISKEY AND BOURBON PRODUCTION is commonly associated with our neighbors to the south, particularly Kentucky and Tennessee. But once you consider that a mind-numbing amount of Indiana corn is exported to these states, one wonders what’s holding Hoosiers back from gaining some credibility on our home turf? A few years ago, the answer would have been legalities. But those restrictions have changed in recent years with the passing of the Indiana Artisan Distillers Act, a 2013 piece of legislation that (among other things) allows businesses to produce spirits and sell them by the bottle or glass directly to consumers on the distillery’s premises. The legislation still has a few “quirks,” says Jeff Wuslich, co-founder of Cardinal Spirits in Bloomington. Despite the need for some lawful and linguistic improvements with the bill, Wuslich says craft spirit producers are now in a position to educate customers about their products and get feedback from their guests. Better still, he adds, the craft spirits production should be good for Indiana’s economic development. Hoosiers are ready to wet their whistles with Indiana liquor, and Indiana distilleries are gearing up to feed the demand. Here’s proof. PHOTOS PROVIDED
Roncalli Salutes Our Newly Ordained Priests
Fr. Timothy Wyciskalla
Fr. Benjamin Syberg
On June 7, 2014 two Roncalli alumni, Benjamin Syberg R’06 and Tim Wyciskalla R'06, affirmed their call to the priesthood and were ordained priests by Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin. Father Syberg will serve as the new Associate Pastor at St. Barnabas, and Father Wyciskalla will serve as the new Associate Pastor at St. Malachy, in Brownsburg. Congratulations and thank you for your devotion to our Catholic faith.
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Authentic Indiana
Cardinal Spirits
» Having just begun full pro-
duction in January, Cardinal Spirits is one of the latest additions to the craft-spirit scene. “We’ve been building our business since 2013,” says Jeff Wuslich, who, along with his partners, moved swiftly to open the Bloomington-based distillery and tasting room to the public in February 2014. “Indiana has a reputation as an agricultural state,” he says, “and that’s true. We are excited to use local grain, grapes, lumber and botanicals for our spirits.” And then, there’s having just the right audience. “Hoosiers are some of the best drinkers around,” Wuslich says. “They have discerning tastes and appreciate well-crafted products.”
Bear Wallow Distillery » When Susan Spagnuolo decided to open
her Bear Wallow Distillery in Brown County, she didn’t know that her dream of operating an artisan distillery wasn’t yet legal. “Thankfully we discovered that there was a bill being presented to the Indiana Legislature that would allow it,” Spagnuolo says. Bear Wallow, located in quaint Gnaw Bone, was incorporated in 2012. From the company’s incorporation through the start of production in 2014, Spagnuolo spent time working with legislators and Indiana distillers to get the law passed. A year-long permit process for the distillery followed the 2013 legalization, and Bear Wallow officially opened its doors to customers on Aug. 1, 2014. “As one of the first artisan distilleries to open in the state, we are having fun being an agritourism business and educating people on how to turn Indiana grains into Indiana whiskeys,” Spagnuolo now says. This spring, she hopes to finish an outdoor seating area and incorporate food trucks and live music into weekend scheduling. She also is hoping to get Bear Wallow’s products into liquor stores, bars and restaurants around the state. Plus, there’s more legal work to do: Spagnuolo is working with legislators on a bill that will allow craft distilleries to sell liquor on Sundays. 36
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THE GOODS » Bear Wallow specializes in whiskeys made from 100 percent Indiana grains — wheat, rye and malted barley. Gnaw Bone Bourbon, the distillery’s first aged offering, was released in December. Also available: the Hidden Holler corn whiskey “moonshine,” Liar’s Bench un-aged rye whiskey and Bear Trap 120-proof un-aged white whiskey. The distillery has gained local fame for its “Farm-to-Fifth” tours and the “Moonshine Shake-Up,” a favorite cocktail among guests. For more information, visit bearwallowdistillery.com.
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THE GOODS » Cardinal Spirits produces vodka, gins, whiskeys, liqueurs and rum. Wuslich notes that in addition to finding the company’s products behind the bar or at your local liquor store, Cardinal Spirits offers cocktails, food, tours and carry-out beverages in the distillery’s tasting room. For more information, visit cardinalspirits.com. SOU T H
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Authentic Indiana
Heartland Distillers
» As opposed to some of the
smaller distillers in Indiana, the 2013 artisan spirits legislation did not affect Indianapolis’ Heartland Distillers much. Founded in 2008, it remains a production distiller. Vodka, gin and bourbon aren’t distributed on the premises. And for the time being, owner Stuart Hobson says Heartland will remain a production facility, but plans for the distillery include a tourist-friendly approach that will feature tours and public visits. Recently Hobson also partnered with several industry friends to open a second production facility called Hobson & Roberts Distilling Co. The new company, located just west of downtown Indianapolis, features bourbon production, and the spirits will be distributed off-site. “We’re doing things a little different than the craft guys,” says Hobson. “We’re going to be concentrating on producing our bourbon.” THE GOODS » Heartland Distillers specializes in vodka, also flavored vodkas, gin, bourbon and sorghum spirits. “Our original product is Indiana Vodka, a gold medal-winning vodka,” Hobson says. “We’ve since come out with Prohibition Gin, Sorghum Spirits and Spring Mill Bourbon.” At the end of January, the Hobson & Roberts Distilling Co. released its Spirit of America Bourbon, available in Indiana through Republic National Distributing. For more information, visit heartlanddistillers.com. 38
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Starlight Distillery » Certain legalities allowed Clark
County’s Starlight Distillery, founded in 2001 and an offshoot of Huber Winery, to produce fruit-based liquors such as brandies and applejack long before the state laws changed. The 2013 Artisan Distillers Act simply helped the company to expand its product line, says Dana Huber, Starlight owner. New laws have allowed the company’s venture into the production of vodka, gin, bourbon and whiskey, and the changes also led to the construction of a 12,500-square-foot building in Starlight that serves as the company’s base of operations. Now the distillery is in full production, with the company’s artisan distillers, Ted Huber and Jason Heiligenberg, incorporating techniques honed from years of wine production into their work.
THE GOODS » At Starlight Distillery you’ll find several infusions (raspberry, strawberry and peach) and a pair of ports: ruby and blueberry. There are also more potent players: the distilled spirits that include five types of brandy (a Huber blend, grappa, private reserve, apple and “Applejack”); an “1843” gin; a corn-based vodka; and a bourbon whiskey. The straight bourbon whiskey is a small-batch, limited-edition variety available in numbered bottles. For more information, visit huberwinery.com.
Virtuoso Distillers
» In operation since 2008, Mish-
awaka’s Virtuoso Distillers relied on sales of its 100-percent rye vodka to keep afloat. The vodka runs through copper stills 18 times, says Steve Ross, Virtuoso owner; hence the spirit’s brand name: 18 Vodka. As opposed to traditional vodka-crafting methods that utilize wheat or potatoes, Virtuoso employs a rye-based recipe, which, according to Ross, “accounts for the smooth, creamy texture.” But the passing of the Artisan Distillers Act offered the small distiller “a secondary income stream that is critical while we grow,” he says. And grow the distillery has. The recent legal revisions have encouraged Ross to update his facilities, adding a bar where customers can taste and purchase available spirits, and the distillery now carries 10-gallon barrels of whiskey for purchase. “We are just beginning to release our whiskeys,” says Ross, “and those who have tasted them can only rave about how smooth they are.” THE GOODS: » In addition to its rye vodka, Virtuoso Distillers carries gin, two types of rye whiskey (a traditional and an early American variety), as well as raspberry liqueur and limoncello. For more information, visit 18vodka.com.
Home Trends
t Storage Solutions
Size, temperature and style all play a part in stellar wine cellars By Teresa Nicodemus
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THE LOVE OF WINE was the inspiration behind Paul and Laura Jacquin’s decision to open Vino Villa on Madison Avenue in Greenwood after Paul retired in 2011. “We were finding ourselves driving to the northside of Indianapolis for a good bottle of wine,” he says. “We thought a wine shop offering fine wine was something Greenwood needed.” Now, Vino Villa offers 450 select wines and a cozy setting for guests to enjoy them. And as successful business owners, the Jacquins now have ready access to some of their favorite vintages to enjoy at home. The couple, however, needed space to hold their growing personal collection of wines. In 2002, Jacquin built the wine cellar of his dreams in their home’s basement. The 12-by-12-foot area, which holds 1,200 bottles, reflects his banking industry roots, as well as his passion for fine wines. “The cellar’s atmosphere is meant to emulate the wine caves in the mountainsides of Napa Valley,” he explains. “The cellar’s walls are a heavy plaster made to look like cave walls. The natural slate floor adds to the effect. I have a small dining area to sit in and enjoy a glass of wine.” Items salvaged from historic buildings in Indiana inspired many of the cellar’s unique attributes. “I spent 25 years in the banking industry,” he says. “Several of the cellar’s design ideas came from old bank buildings.” At the center of the cellar is a sleek marble tasting table, which came from the interior columns of the Indiana National Bank building in Indianapolis. The Old World feel of the cellar’s interior is enhanced with intricately carved mahogany trim salvaged from another downtown Indianapolis bank renovation. The tin ceiling tiles are 100 years old, says Jacquin, and came from a bank building in Bedford. The mahogany wine racks complete the room’s historic elegance. “Our cellar is temperature controlled with a thermostatic probe that is placed in a bottle of water to ensure the wines are kept at a steady temperature,” he says. PHOTOS PROVIDED
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Jacquin’s cellar is large enough to entertain in, but not all cellars need to be this large. “I’ve seen wine cellars under a stairwell with an insulated door or free-standing refrigeration units you can buy that can hold a dozen to several hundred bottles,” he says. For Jim Dunlop, memories of visits to Napa and Sonoma counties in the heart of California wine country influenced the décor for the small wine cellar in his Bargersville home. During the initial construction of the family’s home about five years ago, Dunlop hired a contractor, Distinctive Wine Cellars, who specialized in building wine cellars. Situated just off the kitchen, the 4-by-5-foot cellar holds up to 400 bottles and is often a conversation piece among guests. Behind an ornamental arched wooden door, the cellar houses redwood wine racks, decorative tile and crystal, and a granite countertop for wine tasting. 42
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Paul and Laura Jacquin’s home wine cellar. Left, Jim Dunlop’s wine cellar is just off the kitchen.
Rick Campbell, custom builder in Greenwood, has installed a number of wine cellars, like Dunlop’s, in new home construction. “Usually the cellars we have built have been in basements to keep the room temperature at a lower level,” Campbell explains. “The last wine room we built was a custom-made cellar with finished dry wall and an elegant wine vineyard mural painted on the walls. The custom-designed wine cellar door was in etched glass.” Cellars, Campbell says, can be elaborate or utilitarian with simple concrete walls and wine racks. “Typically it boils down to the family’s budget and how much entertaining they plan to do.”
THE MAKINGS OF A PERFECT CELLAR According to Jacquin, several things should be considered when creating an environment to protect and store your wine collection. LOCATION: The type of storage you create for your wines depends on how long you will store it, he says, whether you will consume it in a week or have a turnover of less than a month. You can keep it on a countertop rack if storing for short periods; however, when storing wine for longer periods, it is best kept in a cellar.
TEMPERATURE: Wine should be stored at 55 to 65 degrees, Jacquin advices, but even more important than temperature is consistency in temperature. “Wine is created to be aged; the thing it likes the least is change,” he explains. HUMIDITY: The insulation and vapor barrier are important in a wine cellar as well. Humidity plays a part in the temperature and impact of drying out the cork. “An environment with humidity and temperature controls is ideal,” Jacquin explains. Doors to wine cellars should be designed like exterior doors with proper sealing to provide insulation for the inside environment. LIGHT: Wine is best stored in a dark environment, not in front of a window or when lights are being turned on and off. VIBRATION: Wine should not be constantly jostled. Even the subwoofer of a stereo system or the surround sound in a theater room can affect wine, he says. STORAGE RACKS: “Bottles should be kept on their sides to keep the cork moist,” he says. “By keeping the cork moist, you keep a good seal on the bottle. “ Also consider the style and materials. “Will the racks simply be a place you store wine that no one else will see, or is it a room where you are pouring wine and entertaining?” Jacquin asks. “Your wine storage area can be as simple as a cabinet or it can be a full-size room that people walk into.” As for materials, he advises not to use pungent wood. “You don’t want a wood such as cedar to seep into the wines.” SOU T H
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Goodwill
Sally Eisbrenner
County Appeal Local leaders form a new organization to enhance life on the southside
A
By Alisa Advani | Photography by Josh Marshall
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Mike Crumbo. Left, Bonnie Pribush writes ideas during an Aspire meeting.
ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO, a group of key Southside business leaders came together to form Aspire Johnson County, a Johnson County Development Corp. (JCDC) community initiative program. Born from a collective, prevalent desire to make Johnson County a favored destination to live, work and play, the all-volunteer effort drives four key initiatives: countywide branding, talent development and retention, quality of life enhancement and infrastructure planning and expansion. Aspire Johnson County started when Cheryl Morphew and her executive committee co-chairmen, Larry Heydon, CEO of Johnson Memorial Hospital, and Brent Tilson, founder of Tilson HR, used seed funding from JCDC and the Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) to hire Lee Lewellen, a consultant with a long history in economic and community development. Lewellen facilitated an initial community discussion among more than 60 leaders, business executives, community trailblazers, educators, nonprofit managers and engaged residents
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Our average cost of stay is approximately half of that of our peer hospitals, according to data from the Indiana Hospital Association. Left to right: Jerry Engle, Michael Pauszek, M.D., R.J. McConnell, Larry Heydon, R. Martin Umbarger, Sandi Huddleston
Goodwill
Tandy Shuck and Gail Richards
Cheryl Morphew
Linda Gibson
from across the county, which led to the founding of Aspire Johnson County. “After identifying the leaders who wanted forward progress, we determined the target areas that make up Aspire Johnson County’s mission, with focuses on brand, workforce, infrastructure and quality of life,” Lewellen says. “Once the key people and the key initiatives were identified, Cheryl wanted to create a platform for all that to come together.” “The absolute beauty of this initiative is that it has continued to grow,” Morphew 46
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says. “It seems every month we have new leaders or residents coming to meetings because they ‘heard about Aspire’ and ‘want to make a difference in their community.’ To date, we have 130 people actively engaged in the Aspire JC program.” Lewellen’s work brought to light several key, untapped community assets worth touting. The proximity to downtown Indianapolis and Columbus makes Johnson County very desirable geographically, and the excellence of the county’s schools is undeniable, he says.
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Aside from geography and educational opportunity, the cost of living and the area’s safety profile add to the southside’s appeal. With these core concepts in mind, members of Aspire began tackling the other three initiatives. This past June, members of the group worked with local instrument manufacturer Endress+Hauser to invite eighthgrade students and their parents to look at the new face of high-tech manufacturing. “We want to start communicating with students early on so that Johnson County
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Goodwill
From left, Jeff Owen, Pat Sherman, Cheryl Morphew, Larry Heydon, Cindy Cook, Jody Veldkamp, Bev Martin, Tina Gross, Dana Monson, Lisa Fears, Gail Richards
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Goodwill
is at the forefront of their minds when Gross and her team are planning a they choose a place to live and work,” health care event for middle school students in the spring. Johnson Memorial explains Tina Gross, campus president Hospital and Franciscan St. Francis plan at Ivy Tech and Aspire JC’s talent team to co-host the gathering, which will be co-chairwoman. “We also want them to modeled after the Endress+Hauser event. see that manufacturing has changed tremendously.” Jane Blessing, Executives at director of Endress+Hauser the Johnson Community-Wide saw an excellent Memorial Aspire Johnson County Meeting opportunity to Hospital FounWHERE: Southland Community Church, dation, and build its future 5800 W. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood Joe Sagorsky, workforce while WHEN: 6:30 p.m. April 30 director of the helping Aspire Franciscan Johnson County St. Francis work toward its employer health solutions division, serve mission of retaining local talent. “Many as the project’s leaders. Details are still students, parents and educators are unaware of the exciting career opportunities being decided. that exist right here in their own backyard,” “St. Francis is happy to join Aspire says Brandyn Ferguson, vice president Johnson County in this effort,” says of human resources at Endress+Hauser. Sagorsky. The goal, he explains, is to “Many of these kids and their parents behelp the community foster excellent job lieve they need to go elsewhere to find a job opportunities and retain skilled professionals. in the engineering field.”
The next scheduled community-wide meeting will be April 30. Jody Veldcamp, Aspire JC’s infrastructure team leader, will be there to discuss Interstate 69 and State Road 37, among other issues. “We will look at how to develop valuable commercial corridors while protecting homeowners,” Veldcamp says. The infrastructure meeting will be just one of four planned community-wide assemblies in 2015. Each team will continue to seek further input from the corporate and residential sides of the region to refine their work. Morphew, who looks forward to all the next steps, has a clear view of Johnson County in the next 10 years. “Johnson County will continue to grow,” she says. “We are one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, as well as the Indy metro region. … I am confident that the work of Aspire JC will collectively make Johnson County a much better place.” For more information, visit aspirejohnsoncounty.org.
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Outdoor Living
Curb Appeal It’s planning and planting time for southside homeowners
O By CJ Woodring
OUR HOME’S INTERIORS bespeak of who we are and who we aspire to be. Increasingly, this includes outdoor environs, where hardscaping, water features and structures reflect personal style as clearly as placid pools. Beginning in the 1950s, barbecue grills, patios and pools ruled suburban backyards. But within the past decade or so, exterior spaces once designed for simple leisure have transitioned into luxurious retreats and outdoor rooms, replete with interior furnishings and accessories. Landscaping, which supports and enhances these areas, also has evolved to include more than grass, mulch and a few randomly planted perennials. Today’s sophisticated plantings, with a trend toward eye-catching natural and exotic elements, are designed to complement any yard, regardless of size, shape or contour. Planned for ease of maintenance, these florals, grasses, shrubs and trees provide curb appeal, privacy and a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s all about enjoying one’s home on every level. 50
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As with many industries, the landscaping business is tied to market trends. As owner of Majestic Landscaping LLC (majesticlandscapingonline.com), Todd Kirkham recognizes that susceptibility, along with homeowners’ reluctance to invest in non-essentials in down times. “The housing market is beginning to recover, although construction is not quite where it was prior to 2009,” he says. “But people are seeing homes as an investment again and are willing to put money into them.” Kirkham’s Trafalgar-based, full-service landscaping company has been serving residential and commercial customers in Johnson County and southern Indianapolis since 1992. Within the past two years, he says, interest in gas fire pits and outdoor
kitchens has ignited, fueled by lower prices. “The more popular they get, the more affordable they are.” Pavers have been available to homeowners for more than a decade, having originated in Florida’s theme parks, where they replicated more costly cobblestones and slate in period exhibits. A popular hardscaping material used for patios, walks and driveways, pavers are available in a variety of colors, sizes, compositions and price points. Kirkham, however, says that while pavers are still popular, he sees customers trending toward textured, stamped and stained concrete. “Concrete is a more stable product, and prep work is much less expensive than with pavers,” he explains. “It’s just more cost effective and seems like a better product.” PHOTOS PROVIDED
Outdoor Living
Customers’ plant requests haven’t changed much. Dwarf trees remain popular sellers, especially near homes and in shade gardens. Kirkham suggests Coralburst, a flowering crabapple tree that’s been on the market for about 10 years. Other ongoing favorites are Green Mountain arborvitae, one of the easiest evergreens to grow, and boxwood, whose multiple uses range from hedges to topiaries. Garry Ward, owner of McCammon’s Irish Market, opened his first garden center in the 1970s. McCammon’s was established in Greenwood in 1980, providing residential and commercial landscaping and gardening products, including patios, retaining walls, water gardens and outdoor living areas. “Nowadays, our customers want their own paradise and tranquility at home. They want to relax, have nice food, drinks, good conversation and music, and not have to travel hundreds and thousands of miles,” Ward says. “Many are concerned with expense and safety, so what better atmosphere than to have it all at home?” Ward says the popularity of outdoor kitchens has soared, along with combinations of amenities such as tiki bars and water features. There’s also the water and fire appeal: hot tubs (which can cost up to $10,000) and a fire pit. “We did one setup that was like a trifold,” he says, citing a family that could go from their hot tub to a lounge area to a beach area –– with a swing, sand and beach umbrellas — hidden from view behind a new privacy fence.
A pondless water feature installed by Greenleaf Landscaping & Lawn Care.
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A row of green giant arborvitae by Majestic Landscaping. Above, a flowering crabapple tree.
All are considered investments that increase the home’s value, he adds. Also in Greenwood, Greenleaf Landscaping & Lawn Care (greenleaflandscapeinc.com) has been operational since 1989, offering professional design, installation and maintenance of all phases of exterior environment. Owner Kent Fisher says one of the hottest features requested by homeowners is a pondless water feature that recirculates water over natural rock formations and into a hidden reservoir. The pump can be set to run only at certain times of the day (or evening) and is perfect for homeowners who want the ambience of a waterfall without the maintenance of a pond. Pergolas are also a hot trend, he says. “We’re seeing more structures of all types and styles, with wood or stone columns and different material at the top. Manufacturers are offering more of a variety in the choice of materials, as well as more design choices.” Fisher says pavers remain popular with his customers and suggests natural milled stones. “Materials have changed, and they’re more durable now and a lot
easier to maintain. Also, a lot of advances have been made when using pavers for driveway applications. They have better drainage now and may be more longlasting than concrete.” Popular high-end amenities, he says, include outdoor fireplaces, extensive grill stations with refrigerators, sinks and running water, and roofed structures in which cable television can be installed. “It’s all about outdoor living and having inside conveniences outside. The key is to keep everything on a scale with the home.” Finally, whether you prefer a row of colorful perennials or a shady rock garden, replete with cascading waterfall, landscaping should reflect your taste as a natural extension of your home’s interiors. Your only limitation is your imagination.
Flower Power It’s spring, a time of spiritual rebirth and new beginnings. »Birds are chirping, grass is growing and seasonal blooms and blossoms won’t be far behind. Flowers are Mother Nature’s annual response to Old Man Winter. According to botanist and horticulturist Luther Burbank, “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” Today’s gardeners — whether showcasing floral variations in lush cottage gardens, riotous with color, or displaying monochromatic palettes in placid rock gardens — have innumerable options of thinking outside the window box. Every house has its own personality and calls for a special look. But if you’re new to gardening, chances are myriad terms are buzzing around in your head like frustrated mosquitoes near a eucalyptus tree: Annuals. Perennials. Grasses. Succulents. Xeriscaping. Possibilities, it seems, are limitless. So where and how to begin? The first step is to research the many types of gardens. Does your inner feng shui seek a formal garden, cutting garden, rock garden, wild garden or secret garden? Do you want to attract butterflies? Hummingbirds? Are you intrigued by the concept of organic gardening? Does space or physical limitations demand you keep your garden small or indoors? Regardless of type or size, select a theme and/or color scheme. Clip photos from gardening books to present to your local gardening center or landscaper and learn if your dream garden is adaptable to your space and budget. One business in place to help is Dammann’s Lawns, Garden & Landscaping Centers. Founded more than 30 years ago, Dammann’s (dammanns.com) began operations on East 30th Street in Indianapolis. The locally owned and operated business has since added two other locations, including one on South Emerson Avenue. Twelve-year employee Dottie Wright is Dammann’s garden guru, serving as south greenhouse manager and buyer, as well as horticulturist and perennial specialist and speaker. Wright offers the following information as starting points. SOU T H
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Outdoor Living
COLOR TRENDS Trends come and go, and we select from among them those that speak to us. Or not. Each spring and fall, Pantone Color Institute (pantone.com) determines those colors that dictate America’s fashion, home furnishings and automobile industries. For spring/summer 2015, the institute has unveiled its “En Plein Air” palette of “soft, cool hues and nature’s neutrals,” according to the website. The foundation color is marsala (think robust wine), a natural, reddish-brown earth tone. “When paired with pale and dusty pinks, whites, silvers and richer reds, it’s very much a statement — very sophisticated, warm and inviting, and really very beautiful,” Wright says. TYPES OF PLANTINGS Annuals: Annuals, as their name suggests, live just one season and are Dammann’s biggest spring product, Wright says. “People especially love petunias, which come in many variations.” Dwarf trees: Dwarf trees (generally growing to 6 to 12 feet) remain popular favorites; the industry has responded by introducing new varieties each year. They work well in small gardens, grow slowly and require little maintenance. Edibles: Edibles are emerging as beautiful additions to flower beds, when light, moisture and pH requirements are compatible, Wright says. “Many people want smaller beds, so they’re incorporating lettuces, chard and beautifully colored kale. Blueberry and strawberry bushes and culinary herbs can also be used.” Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses, ranging from 3 or 4 inches to 12 feet, continue to gain in popularity. Wright says many homeowners are using them for privacy. “They’re a living thing, cheaper than a fence, very low maintenance and work in a sunny or shady spot, depending upon variety.” Perennials: Wright says those new to gardening invariably request longblooming plants. “That’s the first request before we even talk about color.” Unlike annuals, perennials live for more than two years. “Lavender is a big, big seller because 54
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“Containers are like the jewelry at the front of your house or patio.” — Dottie Wright
it’s great for places where nothing else will grow. My lavender is alive right now (mid-February), and it’s gorgeous and almost evergreen,” she says. “Day lilies are still very popular, as is clematis, our top-selling vine. We also sell a lot of salvia because of their long growing season.” Succulents: “We can’t keep enough of them,” Wright says. “Perennials are great, but more types and varieties are found in the tropical. Echevaria, jade, aloes, cacti and cascading types such as string of pearls and string of bananas. “I love a tapestry look, and sedum has so many varieties, is very low maintenance and can be used indoors, in a container or to edge a perennial bed. It can also be used in miniature or fairy gardening, another trend.” Tropical flowers and foliage: “Tropical hibiscus, bougainvillea and mandevilla are most popular,” Wright says. “Banana plants and other flowering tropical plants are stunning around pool areas and generally have high-impact color and large foliage.” Xeriscaping: Many annuals and perennials are drought-tolerant. They include “Peek-a-Blue,” a new dwarf variety of Russian sage, catmint and anise hyssop. “There are many color varieties. The favorite is agastache ‘Tutti Frutti,’ a long-blooming plant that smells like bubble gum. Hummingbirds love it,” Wright says.
Milkweed
GARDENING OPTIONS Container gardening: “Containers are like the jewelry at the front of your house or patio,” Wright says, “and you can go for something totally different every year to express yourself. They’re good for gardeners with physical limitations and can bring fragrance, butterflies and hummingbirds up close.” They’re also a great way to experiment with color trends, such as Pantone’s, she says. Habitat or native gardening: The use of native (indigenous) plants increases each year, Wright says. In addition to growing without benefit of chemicals, they attract birds and butterflies. “Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterflies; dill, parsley and fennel for the Swallowtail. Bee balm attracts hummingbirds and pollinating insects. “Native grasses attract birds for their seeds, nesting materials and shelter, and
shrubs such as chokeberry, elderberry and serviceberry provide nectar and fruit.” Hanging baskets: “People love the constant color. They’re huge, huge sellers,” Wright says. Vertical gardening: Lacking space for traditional horizontal gardens, homeowners with small — or no —yards are trending toward vertical gardens. Trellises, teepees (for veggies) and fences are put into use for growing vines such as clematis and its popular new variety “Sweet Summer Love.” Wright says to consider placing something whimsical in your garden. “One gardening magazine featured a great big, yellow metal butterfly. It wasn’t tacky at all. Garden sculptures are also popular, and we still sell a lot of gazing balls.” Finally, when basic garden plans are in place, go with your heart. And if it makes you better, happier and more helpful, as Burbank suggests, well ... consider it Mother’s Nature’s gift.
SPRING EVENTS AROUND CENTRAL INDIANA
Indiana Flower and Patio Show DATE: March 14-22 LOCATION: Indiana State Fairgrounds,
Expo Hall and West Pavilion, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis INFORMATION: hsishows.com/wp/ indianaflowerandpatioshow/
Herb Society of Central Indiana Spring Symposium DATE: April 11 LOCATION: Hamilton County
4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville INFORMATION:
herbsocietyofcentralindiana.org
Various Gardening Classes and Exhibits DATE: March 7 (“Successful Grass
Seeding” and “No Dig Gardening”) and March 28 (Plant Geek Gathering). Ongoing throughout the year; free or minimal charge. LOCATION: Dammann’s Lawn, Garden & Landscaping Centers INFORMATION: dammanns.com SOU T H
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Community
A Long Road In 2014, Edinburghbased Atterbury Job Corps celebrated its 50th anniversary — a staying power that speaks to the success of the organization’s programs. But it hasn’t always been easy.
J
BY CLINT SMITH
JEFF BYRD, Atterbury Job Corps’ (AJC) business and community director, says it has been a struggle over the years to remind surrounding residents about the mission and purpose of the job-training resource: to serve as an asset to the community. “Atterbury has always participated in community events, such as cleanups, food kitchens and holiday events each year,” says Byrd, but as quickly as the organization’s students would come in to help on community projects, local residents would forget about the value-added resource at their fingertips. In 2013, AJC officials decided to change the narrative, promoting the organization’s students as community resources to local businesses and organizations and highlighting their unique skills. Byrd had a conversation with (Franklin) Mayor Joe McGuinness at a Franklin Chamber of Commerce meeting that helped open the doors to a stronger community involvement for the organization. “I … spoke to him (McGuinness) about our mission 56
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and goals for our students,” Byrd recalls. “He was very supportive of the program.” That conversation “led to Atterbury Job Corps connecting with community initiatives like the 66 Water Street Cafe … (and with) projects with the Franklin Fire Department and the Franklin Boys and Girls Club,” Byrd says. At 66 Water Street Cafe, an initiative for Franklin College that “was being created to provide a cool coffeehouse atmosphere for Franklin College in the downtown area,” the college provided the materials and At-
terbury Job Corps’ facility maintenance, carpentry, electrical trade and painting students installed flooring and electrical wiring and painted ceilings and walls. In March 2013, AJC also developed a partnership with Franklin Heritage Inc., a nonprofit and historic preservation organization, which specializes in salvaging architectural components around Franklin. All of the profits from Franklin Heritage’s architectural salvage shop benefit local organizations like the Historic Artcraft Theatre. “Facility maintenance students and carPHOTOS PROVIDED
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A QUICK VIEW:
Atterbury Job Corps »A voluntary program centered on job-skill training for young adults (ages range from 16- to 24-year-olds), Atterbury Job Corps annually serves nearly 65,000 low-income Americans, providing training services to approximately 410 residential students. Though the majority of students are from Indiana, students from Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan also participate. The programs offered by AJC are rooted in technical career fields, with 14 vocational areas of focus. Among them are service trades in office administration, certified nursing assistant, construction and non-union trades and securityand military-prep programs. AJC also provides educational attainment through its high school equivalency diploma or high school diploma programs.
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pentry trade students provided skilled labor on the renovations of the historic theater and on two additional historic homes owned by the preservation group,” Byrd says. These experiences “provided students unique, real-life, hands-on training opportunities. You can watch videos and create mock builds for students, but getting in the real world and dealing with old materials, time constraints and human error is an education in itself.” Byrd suggests that as these types of restoration projects require skilled labor not easily found through volunteer recruitment, this type of relationship is “a perfect match” with which to accomplish goals of both AJC and Franklin Heritage. “I believe we have enabled Franklin Heritage and the Artcraft to accomplish some of their goals at an advanced pace,” says Byrd, “allowing them to entertain other cultural events and benefits to the community that may not have been planned until years down their timeline.”
Students work on the house that connects to the back of the Artcraft. Below, work is done inside the theater.
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Alex Seebaugh, 19, was one of those young people who was instrumental in the Artcraft project. He was a student from Buffalo Creek High School in Michigan and began working with AJC in July. “The overall (experience) was fantastic,” says Seebaugh, who originally signed on with AJC for welding, but transitioned to the facility maintenance program. For him, the success of AJC is owed to its instructors. “It’s (the program) free education and training for those who really need it,” he says. “And they have instructors who actually care and they’re actually concerned about your success.” In 2015, AJC will partner with Girls Inc., located down the street from the Franklin Heritage renovation projects. “There are
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plenty of projects to keep Atterbury Job Corps busy with hands-on training, even as we expand our community projects into the Columbus and Indianapolis communities,” says Byrd. “The final goal for our students,” he says, “is to find employment opportunities, so a program like ours needs a thriving relationship with local communities to connect with employers to identify those job opportunities and potential internship partners.” And while student profiles vary widely, each young person approaches the projects as opportunities to not only transform existing structures, but also themselves. “A successful student is a self-motivated individual who is focused on improving their place in life and building themselves a long-term career,” Byrd says.
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Education
LEARNING BY DOING
Franklin Community FFA chapter provides students plenty of chances to get involved By Catherine Whittier Photography by Josh Marshall
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THE FRANKLIN COMMUNITY High School’s (FCHS) sprawling, contemporary campus sits at the edge of thousands of acres of rural farmland, yet is also only two minutes from nearby subdivisions and bustling commerce. Allie Abney, 2013 FCHS graduate and former 20132014 Indiana FFA state president, feels that the Franklin FFA chapter is unique because it’s located close to Indianapolis, but is still in the country, which results in good diversity among its members. “There may be a student who grew up on a grain production farm working alongside a student that has never stepped foot on a farm,” Abney explains. Heather Dougherty and Ashley Langreck, FCHS’s agriculture teachers and co-FFA advisers, say that the Franklin chapter enjoys the involvement of active parents as well as the interest and participation of a tightly knit community. Both teachers have a special connection to the chapter as they are both FCHS graduates who were active in FFA during their middle and high school years. Dougherty has known some of her students since they were babies. The Franklin chapter has approximately 100 members, not all of whom are actively involved because of jobs and a wide variety of other commitments, but those who are able to participate in the full FFA experience reap the benefits of all that it has to offer. The Franklin chapter is endowed with the strong support of an alumni board that operates like a booster club. For instance, Dougherty explains, “We went to National Soils Contest the past two years in Oklahoma. It costs a lot of money to go, and we were able to go through donations. Local businesses funded our whole trip.” Though the Franklin FFA chapter regularly completes community service projects, the Molly Gibson Breakfast, which takes place during National FFA Week, is a special event that chapter members look forward to hosting every year. On the day of the event, students and FFA advisers begin their school day at 5 a.m. in the kitchen of the agriculture department, where preparations are be made to offer hearty breakfast casseroles, fruit and drinks to the community. The annual breakfast serves to support Pooh Bears for Molly, a program of the Johnson Memorial Hospital Foundation. The program, which provides stuffed toys, games and books to infants and children who visit the hospital, began as a memorial campaign to honor former Franklin FFA member Molly Gibson, who died in a car accident in 1998. “There is no fee for the breakfast, but we encourage people to bring a Pooh Bear or a monetary donation,” Dougherty says. “Then we donate it to the Johnson Memorial Hospital’s Pooh Bears for Molly program.” Other community service and fundraising projects include fruit and plant sales and road cleanup. This year, the chapter hosted its first Franklin FFA Truck and Tractor Wash. Students helped farmers wash their implements before putting them away for the winter. “It’s a way of saying thank you to our local farmers,” Langreck explains. The agriculture mechanics class does a variety of building projects, she adds. “They built picnic tables that were donated to the FFA LeadSOU T H
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“I thought it was only for people who wanted to farm, but it’s not. It’s a chance to learn by doing, it’s collaborative and service-oriented, and it kept me coming back year after year.” —ALLIE ABNEY
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ership Center in Trafalgar,” she says, and chapter members also built a wooden platform for the rabbit cages in the animal science area that Langreck oversees. The project served the purpose of getting the cages off the floor, which was an exercise in problem solving. “They do a lot of projects to help FFA while in class,” she explains. In the Classroom Dougherty says that the Franklin agriculture teachers/FFA advisers are striving to stay true to FFA’s Three-Circle Model, which incorporates classroom/ laboratory instruction, FFA and Supervised Agriculture Experience programs (SAE). This approach results in hands-on learning that leads to problem solving and critical thinking, which Dougherty says students find challenging. “It requires collaboration with classmates, and it requires digging in and working independently to find answers,” she says. In January of each year, high school students from the Franklin FFA chapter host
Above, from left, Justin Jones in the classroom. Heather Dougherty, FCHS’s FFA adviser.
an Agriculture Day for the eighth-graders at Franklin Community Middle School. This event serves to introduce students to the world of agriculture. FFA members at the high school pack up the plants from the greenhouse and the rabbits from the animal science room, as well as other materials to put on display. Students also contact local farmers and ask them to haul in small livestock animals. The school gyms are filled with booths in preparation for the younger students to tour and learn about various topics, such as agronomy, wildlife, forestry and more. Throughout the day, FFA members share what they love about their agriculture classes and how they benefit from their participation in FFA, and the event has proven to be an effective recruiting tool. For Gregory Murr, now a junior at FCHS, it was an important day that influenced his choices in high school.
When Murr attended Agriculture Day, he went to sessions on various topics, learning more about the blue jackets and about what FFA has to offer. He had no farm background but was always interested in farming. “I wanted to know things about farming — six-row combines and 12-row combines, etc. — I was like, ‘Hey, how does this work?’ We learn from history class that people used to go out with just a hoe and plant each seed individually — and what got us from there to here? That always kind of fascinated me, so that was the field I wanted to go into.” Murr’s family owns just under 30 acres, which had never been cultivated, so he decided to learn how to grow hay, which he now sells to local farmers. He also has an active Supervised Agriculture Experience, which consists of raising poultry. Murr, who serves as the Franklin FFA chapter vice president and the District VIII Sentinel, sells live ducks and chickens and eggs to his customers. He plans to study agriculture communications at Purdue University but will take a gap year to continue his SAE. “It’s going really well, and I’d like to see just how well my business does, and then after a year of not worrying about school or anything else, after seeing how profitable that (SAE) is, I’d like to go study ag business and ag communications at Purdue University.” Abney began her FFA career at FCHS in 2009. She was familiar with the world of agriculture — her parents own a first-generation beef cattle operation in Johnson County — but she explains that even she fell prey to common misperceptions about FFA when she entered her middle and high school years. “I thought it was only for people who wanted to farm, but it’s not,” she says. “It’s a chance to learn by doing, it’s collaborative and service-oriented, and it kept me coming back year after year.” Abney was involved with the leadership training aspect of FFA and enjoyed participating in Career Development Events (CDEs). During her tenure as the 2013-2014 Indiana FFA president, she traveled all over the state, visiting more
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than 75 chapters to serve in a leadership capacity. Now, as she studies for her double major in agriculture business and agriculture communications, she finds that the time she spent participating in CDEs during high school has been beneficial to her in college. Erin Bush graduated from FCHS in 2013. Her involvement in the Franklin FFA chapter also greatly impacted her life. “It got me to where I am today,” she says. “We were extremely success-
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ful in a lot of our events. I have a lot of gratitude for my hometown chapter.” Through FFA, she developed the leadership skills that have enabled her to approach people as an advocate for agriculture. Bush is currently studying agronomy at Kansas State University and is on the Soils Judging Team. “I want to be a soil scientist, out in the field taking samples and working with farmers,” she says. Overall, the Franklin FFA chapter has catapulted many bright students into the field of agriculture. “There’s a job to be done, and our generation can do it,” Abney says. “We can do the job of taking care of the 9 billion in 2050.” 64
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Health
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Local resources give practical advice for diabetes management BY ALISA ADVANI
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THOUGH BOTH Types 1 and 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet, exercise and vigilant self-care, the numbers of Americans with the disease are still alarming. According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million people, or 9.3 percent of the U.S. population, has diabetes. The disease “is a mismatch between the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood and the amount of insulin we produce in order for our body to utilize the glucose as cellular energy,” explains Dr. Derrick Plahn, a cardiologist at Indiana Heart Physicians. “This mismatch leads to elevated glucose levels, which in turn leads to excess inflammation and cell wall lining dysfunction.” Both forms of diabetes can surface from a number of causes, like stress, lifestyle choices and environmental triggers. In a world free from frosted cupcakes, however, diabetes might cease to exist. But in the real world, with cupcakes and all, practical advice from knowledgeable sources is needed to regulate this prevalent illness.
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The Importance of Diet Staci Small, a registered dietitian and owner of Wellness Philosophy in Greenwood, regularly sees diabetic patients who utilize diet and exercise to improve their overall lab results. “It’s most important to note that each situation is different,” she says, and although medications are often necessary to effectively control diabetes, a healthy, planned diet provides diabetics with a fighting chance. Smart meal choices that include lowglycemic, nutrient-rich foods offer multiple advantages to patients. “Diabetics should eat meals and snacks at regular times each day while adhering closely to their prescribed allotment of carbohydrates, protein, fat and total calories,” Small says. When planning meals, choose a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits to ensure varied and optimal nutrient intake. Maintaining an eating schedule with three regularly timed meals a day can help to ensure patients don’t eat too much or too
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SEE YOURSELF IN A little, she adds. Skipping meals or eating at irregular times can cause unhealthy highs or lows in blood sugar levels. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight also can make a significant impact on blood sugar as well as on blood fats (blood cholesterol) and blood pressure. “Managing diets for any condition involves ongoing education with my patients as well as regular monitoring (in conjunction with their physician) of the patient’s diet, labs and overall health,” says Small. Happy Feet As diabetes progresses, damage to the nerves and vasculature in the foot can cause serious problems. Poor circulation makes it difficult for the body to fight infection and heal, leaving feet particularly vulnerable. Compounding the issue is neuropathy, or nerve damage, which leads to a lessened ability to feel pain, heat or cold. This loss of feeling often means a foot injury can be missed and lead to infections. The presence of both poor circulation and diabetic neuropathy create a vicious circle of health concerns for patients.
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» Inspect feet daily Look for cuts, bruises, sores and blisters. » Wear good shoes Have shoes properly measured and fitted. Never go barefoot.
Charles E. Hughes, III, MD Jessica N. Gillespie, MD
“In my practice, patients who have had diabetes for many years often don’t realize that they have lost some of their protective sensation,” explains Wendy Winckelbach, a podiatrist at Southside Foot Clinic in Greenwood. “It can be a slow and gradual process, and it’s not until an injury occurs that a patient may become aware that their sensation has become impaired. Often this is after an injury or infection has been allowed to progress a little longer than someone with intact sensation would tolerate.” She tells her patients to inspect their feet daily, looking for cuts, bruises, sores and blisters. Have shoes properly measured SOU T H
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Health
and fitted, and never go barefoot, even in the home, as most foreign bodies she’s removed come from at-home injuries. Finally, she recommends that all diabetes patients need to see a foot specialist at least yearly to assess risks. Johnson Memorial Health’s Wound Healing Center, with two locations in both Franklin and at the Center Grove Professional Office Building, provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds that don’t significantly improve through conventional treatments. Often associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins and immobility, non-healing wounds lead to lower quality of life and may lead to amputations for many diabetes patients. “Patients often come with underlying wounds involving their legs,” says Dr. Gaston Dana, medical director for the Wound Healing Center for Johnson Memorial Health, in a video on the center’s
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website. “Often these wounds involve circulation. One of the things we do at Johnson Memorial Hospital is try to find the underlying causes for your wounds.” Open since June of 2008, the healing center offers treatments such as debridement, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education for people with non-healing and chronic wounds, as well as infectious-disease management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, laboratory evaluation and more to address total patient health. Kidney Health Controlling blood glucose levels is critical in kidney health. “Diabetes in general causes the kidneys to work harder,” says Plahn. A raised blood sugar level also can cause a rise in the level of some proteins within the kidneys, a diagnosis referred to as proteinuria. These proteins make the glomeruli (an important lining of the kidney only one cell thick) more “leaky,”
he says, which then allows proteins to make their way into urine. These proteins then often trigger a localized scarring process called glomerulosclerosis. “It usually takes several years for glomerulosclerosis to develop, and it only happens in some people with diabetes,” Plahn explains. “As the condition worsens, scarred tissue gradually replaces healthy kidney tissue. As a result, the kidneys become less and less able to do their job of filtering the blood.” This gradual failing of the kidneys may progress to what is known as endstage kidney failure, he says, when dialysis is required. Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) is one of the leading causes of kidney failure in the United States. Many studies have shown that in people with diabetes, medications can have a number of beneficial effects, including preventing or delaying the progression of nephropathy in patients.
Do Your Eyes Need a Lift? The ABCs of Diabetes Because Type 2 diabetes is now so common in the United States, educational resources are available nationally and locally. Although these guidelines should not be used in place of your physician’s advice, local and national experts, ranging from nurses to podiatrists, have weighed in on diabetes. Here are the ABCs of diabetes diagnosis and care. A for the A1C Test: The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The A1C test goes by other names, including glycated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c, but regardless of the name, the test results reflect the patient’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of the patient’s hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is coated with sugar (glycated). A higher A1C level reflects poorer blood sugar control and higher risk of diabetes complications. B for Blood Pressure: High blood pressure stresses the body in much the same way as diabetes, only through a different disease mechanism. Over time, if the force of blood flow is too high, the tissue that makes up the artery walls gets stretched beyond its healthy limit, causing damage within the vessels of the brain, heart, kidneys, legs and feet. In the already-stressed vascular structure of diabetic patients, this one-two punch proves especially perilous. “Diabetes patients should shoot for 130/80 as the uppermost limit of their blood pressure range,” says Dr. Sunil Advani, a cardiologist practicing at Indiana Heart Physicians on Southport Road. C for Cholesterol: Diabetes tends to lower HDL cholesterol levels and raise triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. This common condition is called diabetic dyslipidemia. Cholesterol, a soft, waxy substance found in the cells and the bloodstream, plays an important role in overall health. The body needs an ample supply of good cholesterol, or HDL. Like a subway system, the HDL cholesterol transports fats out of the arteries. The bad cholesterol, LDL, should be kept to a minimum as it causes fats to accumulate in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis. —American Diabetes Association
Your eyes tell a lot about you: your emotions, alertness and even your age. Heavy eyelids, fine lines and drooping skin can create the unwanted look of fatigue and poor health. Blepharoplasty restores and rejuvenates your overall appearance by creating a natural, well-rested look to your eyelids. Complementary procedures such as fillers, skin peels and Dysport®/Botox® can enhance the results of eyelid surgery to create a rejuvenated appearance without adding to your recuperation time. To learn more about what blepharoplasty can do for you, schedule a consultation with double board certified facial plastic surgeon Burke Chegar, MD.
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Special thanks to Chateau Bijou for hair and makeup. Photos by Dellarose Photography.
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Mini Facelift | Eyelid Surgery | Rhinoplasty Sculptra® Aesthetic | Dysport™ and Botox® | Restylane® Juvederm® | Belotero® | Aesthetic Skin Care
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BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE Klipsch Music Center’s VIP experience sounds like music to our ears
By Katherine Coplen
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Where are your seats for the show? If you’re in Live Nation’s Premium Seats program at Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, central Indiana’s largest outdoor music venue, they’re somewhere pretty choice. And for most members of that program, those choice seats will be yours all season long. Klipsch Music Center, owned and operated by concert giant Live Nation, brings in approximately 500,000 people for concerts each year. But a select few of those guests experience these shows in a totally different — and extremely high end — way. The VIP program, in some form or another, has been in existence since Klipsch Music Center (formerly Verizon Wireless Music Center and originally Deer Creek Music Center) was built in 1989. And 74
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John West, music lover and VIP customer since the beginning, has been there for all 26 seasons. “There have been numerous memorable shows, some of which I have enjoyed so much that if the show were to be repeated the next evening, I would have attended again,” he says. West makes specific mention of the care the venue’s staff takes to ensure a positive concert-going experience. “The VIP staff is focused on accommodating the customer and sincerely cares about the customer having a comfortable, entertaining experience,” he says. “I’ve always been confident that the VIP staff will go out of their way in order to ensure that my family, guests and clients will have a first-class experience.”
Worth the Trip
Those experiences are standard for each season’s Premium Seats program customers, says Robert Lower, director of sales for Premium Seats. Not much changes, he says, except “the number of shows that we have and what shows that we have. This year, what’s new is that our season program guar-
“The outdoor concert experience is a unique one, and few things compare to a night under the stars, singing your favorite songs with thousands of your closest friends.” — ANDREW NEWPORT antees (guests can attend) 25 concerts.” “The VIP experience isn’t designed around one particular aspect of the concert experience,” says Andrew Newport, Klipsch Music Center general manager. “It’s designed to be an enhancement to every aspect of the experience. The outdoor concert experience is a unique one, and few things compare to a night under the stars, singing your favorite songs with thousands of your closest friends.”
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THE VIP DETAILS
PARKING: “You’ll be able to park in the
THE SEATS:
VIP parking lot, a private section that gets guests in and out much more quickly than from the main lot,” says Robert Lower, director of sales for Premium Seats.
There are nine six-seat boxes in ultra-premium spots, Rob Lower including four and Erin Mullen flanking the venue’s sound booth. There are also 91 four-seat boxes throughout the pavilion. Prices for boxes (which include food and beverage service) run into the low five figures, but individual VIP seats in the upper pavilion start around $4,000 per seat for the entire season. Food and beverage service to the suites includes VIP Club food and premium drinks. “If a client wants Ritter’s ice cream, their server will deliver,” Mullen says. “We have about 70 to 80 percent
VIP CLUB: This tented area offers air con-
ditioning in the club and restrooms, plus multiple bars, a sit-down restaurant and live music before each show. THE RESTAURANT: “Call in advance to reserve
a table,” suggests Erin Mullen, another director of sales for Premium Seats. “Our restaurant opens an hour before the public gates do. You can sit down and order dinner from a menu, (and) you can sit inside the club or out in the patio.” The restaurant typically has featured specials on the menu, plus typical pub fare.
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THE 2015 SEASON
renewal rate year to year at Klipsch Music Center,” Mullen says of clients who return to claim VIP spots through the Premium Seats program. MEET AND GREETS: The one aspect of the
VIP experience Klipsch doesn’t provide is the meet and greet. That’s because, Lower says, meet and greets “have really become a marketable commodity for the tours.” Fans looking to meet their favorite music artists can visit individual band websites to find more information on backstage possibilities. The music center, however, does occasionally host events for season ticket holders that offer opportunities to go on stage, Lower says. “(Last year), we did a banquet on the stage as kind of a season kickoff, and folks got to tour the backstage area,” he adds.
Robert Lower says that while VIP tickets for individual shows are available, the Premium Seats program usually accommodates many more season ticket holders than individual purchasers. According to Lower, VIP tickets for mini-season (a pre-determined amount of shows) and single shows will be available for purchase in mid-April through ticket sales websites like Ticketmaster. For the full-season Premium Seats program, concertgoers must go directly through the VIP General Information line at (317) 249-2752 to purchase tickets. At press time, shows by retro glam songstress Lana Del Rey, Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer, and Nickelback were booked for the music center’s 27th season. More shows will be announced throughout the spring.
MAY 28: Lana Del Rey – Endless Summer Tour JULY 11: Nickelback: No Fixed Address Tour JULY 29: Vans Warped Tour Presented by Journeys AUG. 22: 5 Seconds of Summer: Rock Out with your Socks Out Tour AUG. 27: Foo Fighters World Tour
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A Magnetic Personality Susie Bixler makes friends fast
BY JEN BINGHAM PHOTOS BY JOSH MARSHALL
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Bixler with colleague Amber Welsh
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IT’S A COMMON JOKE among her friends: Susie Bixler can kick up friendships instantly with complete strangers. “We’ll be at an event and the person I was talking to will walk away, and my friends will say, ‘I didn’t know you knew so-and-so,’ and I’ll say, ‘I never met her in my life. I just started talking,’” Bixler says. “They make fun of me for that, but it’s just my personality.” And indeed, she has an instant warmth and a welcoming rapport that even makes a conference room in January seem cozy and inviting.
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Bixler brings her hallmark warmth and desire for connectedness to her job as well. Twenty-nine years ago, she took her first job out of college as a child life specialist at St. Francis Hospital. The hospital name has since changed — it’s now known as Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis — and so has Bixler’s position. She serves as the health marketing director. “Right now my main responsibility is to oversee the marketing for our Franciscan physician network,” she explains. “We have about 240 providers in probably 88
“She can see what others don’t, and (she) gives of her time with no expectation of anything in return. This unselfish caring is why she is so admired by her peers.” — PAUL ST. PIERRE
locations just in the central Indiana region, and I also serve on the corporate marketing board, so I help with the overall branding and awareness of Franciscan St. Francis.” Her favorite part of the job, she says, comes as no surprise: She most enjoys “meeting the new doctors as they’re coming on board, helping them build their patient volume,” she says. “You get to really learn about them more personally.” All in the Family Her interpersonal warmth, Bixler exSOU T H
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Clockwise: Bixler with daughters Stephanie Sutterfield and Nicole Bixler, along with friends Jackie Bowie, Allison Totty and Catherine Bowie in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Bixler with siblings Joe Betulius, Ann Loomis and Steve Betulius (minus oldest brother, Van) at a Purdue football game. With English springer spaniel, Macy, at Garfield Park. With daughters Nicole and Stephanie at Southport High School’s senior volleyball night.
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plains, runs in her family. “My dad was like that, and he’d embarrass us in church,” she recalls. “The minister would say, ‘Does anyone have anything to say?’ My dad would stand up and turn around to the congregation. He had nothing to say, but he was going to come up with something. We would die. That’s one of my favorite memories, and the minister would just start laughing.” Her father’s gregariousness taught Bixler how to connect with people. “It’s just relationship building,” she says. “I totally get it. If you met the rest of my family and my siblings, you’d just shake your head. Both of my parents were very outgoing, and they both had humor. All five of us (kids) inherited that, so we’re very, very lucky.”
Bixler remains close with her three brothers and younger sister despite the fact that all the children moved away from Evansville, where they were brought up. “Both our parents have passed away, so we lost that focal point where everybody goes,” she says. “I do a lot of road tripping.” Bixler looks back on her childhood with nostalgia. “I grew up out on the west side of Evansville, the country side of Evansville,” she says. “I had the best of both worlds. We went to nice dinners and then we turned around and had hay rides and bonfires and big volleyball parties, and everybody always came to our house.” At 52, Bixler is now the mother of two girls. Stephanie, her oldest, is 23 and a recent college graduate. Nicole, 18, is a senior at Southport High School. High school activities keep Bixler busy. “Right now, with Nicole being a senior, I have been helping with Southport High School’s Adult Athletic Booster Club,” she says. “We do all kinds of fundraisers.”
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On the Community Front She just finished her first year on the Johnson County Community Foundation board, and she served as a board member for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce for 11 years, stepping up as president in 2006. She is now on the Greenwood chamber’s nominating committee. “Susie Bixler has to be the most positive and supportive person I’ve ever served with on volunteer boards,” says Paul St. Pierre, president of Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, who served on the chamber board with her. “She can see what others don’t, and (she) gives of her time with no expectation of anything in return. This unselfish caring is why she is so admired by her peers.” Despite her many accomplishments so far, Bixler says she still wants to do more. “I would like to do more volunteer work in the community, especially with kids,” she says. “I want to make a difference.”
She loves to travel. This year, she plans to visit Cancun with Nicole and longtime friend Catherine Bowie and her daughter, Jackie. “Our girls are friends,” says Bowie. “They started hanging around together when they were in junior high, so we’ve (Bixler and Bowie) known each other
through that, through school and volleyball and other sporting events. Our girls are really close, so we became very close. We all take vacations together.” Bowie sees Bixler as a community leader. “People just love her wherever she goes,” Bowie says. “She just has that magnetic personality, which is refreshing.”
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IN GOOD TASTE
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California’s iconic Napa Valley offers endless opportunities Compiled by CJ Woodring
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JUST 30 MILES LONG and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is one of the world’s smallest wine-growing regions. But what it lacks in size, in makes up for in quality: More than 400 wineries (approximately 90 percent are family-owned) produce three dozen varieties of internationally acclaimed wines, from Albarino to Zinfandel. 86
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AND THAT’S JUST FOR STARTERS. Jenni Grimmitt, co-owner of Greenwood-based Wildflowers Salon & Spa, calls the central California region her “happy place.” Jill Ditmire, former owner of Indy’s Mass Ave Wine Shop, says a visit to Napa Valley is “an easy way to experience wine.” Then there’s Dean Wilson, former owner of Deano’s Vino Restaurant & Wine Bar in Fountain Square in Indianapolis and now a Napa resident. In 2013 Wilson headed west in pursuit of grape expectations — and found them. His take on the valley? “Vines and terroir. A winemaker’s dream.” But aside from sipping the fruit of the vine, what allure does the region hold for visitors? The answer: Six distinct communities (napavalley.com/explore) that offer a panoply of cultural events, award-winning restaurants, farm-fresh food, mineral pools, spas and upscale shopping destinations, all set against a backdrop of stunning, varied terrain.
Downtown Napa
Original Italian Ice Cream
WE HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE Native American grape varietals existed in Napa Valley prior to George Calvert Yount’s arrival. But the North Carolina native was the first to make wine there, planting a small vineyard in 1838. Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861. Napa Valley is a place where epicurean delights pair with culture, history meets artistry and hospitable hosts await guests at every turn. A temperate Mediterranean climate allows visitors to enjoy al fresco dining, hiking and shopping nearly every
season of the year. Fall — harvest time for wineries — is the most popular time to visit the region, and Ditmire’s favorite. “You can literally smell the juice being crushed in the air,” she says. From 1987 to 1992 Wilson was stationed in Napa Valley with the military. Returning to Indiana following discharge, the Beech Grove native revisited the region annually, intending to return to make wine by the time he turned 50. “And I’m doing it right now,” he says, “so actually I’m about five years ahead of schedule.” Wilson suggests visitors select a designated area, e.g., Oakville,
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Rutherford, Calistoga or Yountville. Scenic Silverado Trail has “some of the oldest wineries,” he says. “Stay in one area so you’re not going all over. If you want to see the entire valley, set up a four-day weekend and visit a different area each day.” WHERE TO EAT Wineries most often offer on-site restaurants and/or picnic sites. Family-owned Andrew Lane Winery (andrewlanewines.com), for example, excels in specialty “Cheval Blanc” and “Beaujolais” breakfasts in the family’s dining room. But along with wineries, dozens of restaurants have emerged from Calistoga to Yountville, turning the valley into a culinary mecca. Ditmire recalls an al fresco lunch at Tra Vigne (travignerestaurant.com) as “a lovely experience,” featuring fresh,
Tra Vigne
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The garden eatery at St. Clair Brown Winery.
local ingredients and Old World Italy cuisine. Lunch or munch at Redd Wood (redd-wood.com), one of Grimmitt’s favorites. Owned by famed chef Richard Reddington, the laid-back eatery offers a diverse menu featuring woodburning oven-baked pizzas, housemade pastas, small plates and more. A stone farmhouse — home to a French steam laundry in the 1920s — is the setting of The French Laundry (frenchlaundry.com). The menu changes daily at the award-winning venue, which excels in classic French cuisine and offers paired courses. Other options include St. Clair Brown Winery (stclairbrownwinery.com), a garden eatery with a microbrewery; Cole’s Chop House (coleschophouse.com) for steaks and wine in a historic setting; and Hot Island Oyster Co. (hotislandoysters. com), where hand-raised shellfish and clam chowder are the order of the day.
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The exterior and tasting room of Castello di Amorosa
DiRosa in Napa features more than 200 acres of indoor and outdoor gallery space.
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WHERE TO TASTE As a former wine critic and a certified wine taster since 1999, Ditmire has participated in tasting competitions worldwide. The Logansport native fell in love with Napa Valley on her honeymoon, she says, and with all things wine, prefers venues that are off the beaten path. Ditmire, who admittedly prefers sparkling wines, recommends wines from the following wineries. Some accept visitors; others do not. Clos Pegase Winery (clospegase. com), where art takes center stage, and Grgich Hills Estate (grgich.com). Owner Mike Grgich is a Vintner Hall of Fame inductee; his wife, Violetta, studied music at Indiana University many years ago. Louis M. Martini (louismartini.com) is steeped in history and tradition; Domaine Chandon (chandon. com) is renowned for sparkling wine and terrific still wines; étoile Restaurant is the valley’s only fine dining restaurant within a winery; and Sterling Vineyards (sterlingvineyards.
com) offers a panoramic mountain view. Ride the ski chairlift into the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges that abut the valley. And for dry rosés that Ditmire says are “divine,” visit Miner Family Vineyards (minerwines.com). Grimmitt first visited Napa about 20 years ago. The cross-country vacation led to annual visits for about the past 12 years or so, most often accompanied by her husband, Eric. “We hit the independent, sustainable spots as much as possible,” she says. “One of my favorite places is family-owned Castello di Amorosa (castellodiamorosa. com), which is modeled after a Tuscan castle. Its sister winery is V. Sattui Winery (v.sattui.com). “Brown Estate Vineyards (brownestate. com) is also family owned and operated, and is a very cool smaller operation.” Wilson cites Piña Napa Valley (pinanapavalley.com), Delectus Vineyard and Winery (delectuswinery.com) and Burgess Cellars as favorites. “Piña’s is owned by four brothers. They make 100 percent cabernets, no blends.” And, of course, there’s another Indy connection: The Andretti Winery (andrettiwinery.com), located on a 53-acre estate. In addition, don’t miss the Hess Collection Vineyards (hesscollection.
com), which features a winery in a historic stone building and an art museum that showcases select works by featured artists such as Franz Gertsch and Robert Motherwell. Ceja Vineyards (cejavineyards.com) is the creation of Pablo and Juanita Ceja, who migrated from Mexico to Napa Valley and metamorphosed from pickers to vintners. In addition to wine, the family is renowned for cuisine; recipes are featured on the website. Grimmitt suggests purchasing discounted tasting coupons offered by most hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as purchasing winery memberships. “Membership has its advantages, and nearly every place has one,” she explains. “It may not seem like much, but a few tastings every day for a group can add up.” WHAT TO SEE Napa vintners (napavintners. com) present new and exciting cultural attractions throughout the year, assisted by the vision and leadership of Arts Council Napa Valley (artscouncilnapavalley. org) and supported by Napa Valley Now (napavalleynow.com), which posts an online events calendar. Diversity notwithstanding, wine and food play an integral role in nearly every event. Just weeks after the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade (visitcalistoga.com) — which Wilson describes as “very cool” — the annual Napa Truffle Festival kicks off (napatrufflefestival.com) in mid-January. The sound of music fills the air through ongoing festivals that include Live in the Vineyard (liveinthevineyard.com), Music in the Vineyards, a chamber music festival (musicinthevineyards.com) and the Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series (robertmondaviwinery.com). BottleRock Napa Valley (bottlerocknapavalley.com) joined the lineup in 2013, bringing dozens of musical acts to the region each May. In June, Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (jazzgetaway.com) features jazz and R&B artistry in the heart of wine country, while Festival del Sole (festivaldelsole.org) melds music, theater and dance in July. SOU T H
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Napa Valley has emerged as a leader in film through the annual Napa Valley Film Festival (napavalleyfilmfest. org), which debuted in 2011 and is presented each November. Other major events include the month-long Arts in April (napavalleycollection.com/events/arts-inapril) and the Napa Valley Wine Auction (auctionnapavalley.org), a charitable endeavor that assists local families. Organizers ensure valley views at every level. Whether by balloon or helicopter, trolley or train, chauffeured limousine or classic convertible, motorcycle/ Napa River Inn. Inset, moped or bicycle, guests can enjoy the biking in Calistoga. many nuances of Napa (visitnapavalley. com/napa_valley_tours.htm). Prefer to ambulate? Foodies on Foot offers a three-hour tour in historic downtown Napa (foodiesonfootnv.com). If you’re sampling Napa Valley for the first time, Grimmitt recommends visiting the downtown Napa Farmers (christophersinn.com), a Market (napafarmersmarket.com), open boutique hotel located just May through October; pursuing a hot outside downtown Calistoga, air balloon ride; or luxuriating in a mud is perfect for a romantic bath. Many options are available for each. getaway. Finally, for a “must On a budget? see” experience, “Stay in one area Consider the Ditmire recommends standalone cottages Ca’Toga Galleria so you’re not at RiverPointe D’Arte (catoga.com), going all over. If Napa Valley Resort where owner and you want to see (riverpointeresort.com). world-renowned the entire valley, “They are really fancied artist Carlo Marchiori set up a four-day up trailers, but very has blended reality weekend and visit affordable and clean, and illusion, a different area and each has a private creating a unique each day.” deck,” Grimmitt says. wonderland. “It’s —DEAN WILSON For upscale incredible,” she says. accommodations, visit award-winning Solage WHERE TO STAY (solagecalistoga.com) or La Toque Napa Valley accommodations are nearly (latoque.com), located in the Westin limitless, with options at all price points. Verasa Napa. Upscale and elegantly Harvest Inn (harvestinn.com) stands appointed Cabernet House and Merlot out as Grimmitt’s favorite private hotel. House (oldworldinn.com) share a “It was very quaint, with a European central downtown location. Friendly feel in a perfect location, and a homey, staff and a second-floor river view are private feeling.” Christopher’s Inn 92
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hallmarks of the pet-friendly Napa River Inn located in the Historic Napa Mill (napariverinn.com), while guests seeking an upscale hillside getaway are drawn to Poetry Inn (poetryinn.com). Napa Valley is a smorgasbord of visual and sensual offerings, bursting with flavor and ripe for the picking. Select a concert here, an exhibit there. Toss in a languid afternoon at a spa and try a wine stomping on the side. Mix well with select libations. It’s the recipe for a perfect getaway.
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Ford focused
Model T club allows southsiders to relive the slower pace of a bygone era
By Garrett Kelly photos submitted by Kem Johnson
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Kem and Todd Johnson
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WHEN WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP residents Todd Johnson and his wife, Kem, bought a 1921 Model T Roundabout pickup from his brother in 2001, they wanted to share their love for the car with other like-minded car owners. They joined the Indy 500 Chapter, a local Model T touring club, that same year, but by 2011, they were ready to move on and to form their own club. “The other club was getting so big that it was kind of hard to manage,” Kem says. Todd is now the president of the West Central Indiana Model T’ers, and Kem serves as the club secretary. With 49 current members, the group has grown from its original 12. All Model T body styles are represented within the club, from touring models to pickups, and the vehicles were originally built between 1914 and 1927. A big focus of the club is to educate others on the history and importance of these Fords, and the group does this by getting behind the wheel. “We’re a driving club,” Kem says. “We’re not much into going and sitting to show the cars. When the weather is good, we tour every month, sometimes twice a month.” Todd says club members also like to get involved with community and school events. He says kids learn about Henry Ford and his assembly line in classrooms, but seeing and riding in the cars brings those history lessons to life. One of the reasons the Model T was such a success was due to its ease of customi-
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“We’re a driving club. We’re not much into going and sitting to show the cars. When the weather is good, we tour every month, sometimes twice a month.” —KEM JOHNSON
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join the club Besides owning a Model T, members are required to pay $12 in annual dues to cover the publishing costs of the monthly newsletter that the club circulates, a benefit for members who don’t have email and who live out of state. The officers and board members have the final say on whether someone will be granted membership. If any one of them dissents, the potential member won’t get in. “Life’s too short to have conflict,” Todd Johnson says. “But we’ve never turned anybody down, and we’ve got simple bylaws.” For more information, visit westcentralindianamodelters.com.
zation; the wood-bodied units could easily be turned into taxis, mail trucks, delivery wagons and more. “What we’re trying to do is to educate people on what the Model T brought to the forefront of the industrial revolution,” Todd explains. Jim Walker of Clinton is drawn to the Model T because the car offers a break from the fast pace of everyday life. Model T’s average just 25 mph while on the road, giving members more time to take in the sights. Walker, a Model T’er board member, says the annual tour of the covered bridges in Parke County is his favorite yearly trip with the group. “It’s a fiveday tour,” Walker says. “We have people from all over the United States, New Zealand and the Netherlands there. (I enjoy) the camaraderie you have with the people.” The Johnsons, too, love to slow down and enjoy the ride. Todd says while the cars top out somewhere around 35 mph, the club typically drives slower. There are no radios in the cars, so he and Kem spend their time talking with one another. Kem adds that the slower pace keeps the schedule on the trips flexible. “If we see something we want to stop to look at, we stop and look at it,” she says. “It’s just very relaxing.” Recently, 10 members of the club ventured on their longest tour to date, covering over 1,600 miles in a
span of 13 days, time that was mainly spent on back roads. A main goal of the tour was to take the Model T’s over Lake Michigan on the SS Badger, a coal-powered ferry that may stop operating soon, the Johnsons explain. The tour started in Indiana, went through Michigan and continued into Wisconsin. The members drove through Huron-Manistee National Forest, visited the Gilmore Car Museum and toured Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. According to Kem, club members aren’t the only ones excited about the tours. As the group journeys, other motorists honk horns, smile, wave and ask to have their pictures taken with the cars at stops along the way. “To see them (the Model T’s) driving down the road just makes people happy,” she says. “(We’ve met) old men who learned to drive in a Model T or rode in one as a kid, and it makes them happy to see and ride in them.”
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Historical Undertakings Brandon and Nicole Nicoloff add a personal touch to their Franklin home By JON SHOULDERS Photography by JOSH MARSHALL SOU T H
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ALL IT TOOK WAS ONE momentary glimpse for Nicole Nicoloff to fall in love with the historic Franklin home in which she and her husband, Brandon, reside with their children, Blaise, 12, and Olivia, 10. The Nicoloff family was living in a custom-built 1980s home on Valle Vista golf course in Greenwood when Nicole and Brandon opened The Marshmallow Monkey, a Franklin-based home décor and floral shop, in July 2013. Not long after their grand opening, a serendipitous event occurred that would allow the couple to apply their love of interior design and vintage treasure hunting to a piece of local history that would become their home. “We were commuting about eight miles to our shop every day, and every time I would leave the shop I would tool around Franklin and imagine what it would be like if I could have a bicycle with a basket on it and ride to work every day,” Nicole says. “I happened to spot this historic-looking house and saw a for sale sign, and I immediately could envision my grandkids playing out on the front porch.” By July 2014, the Nicoloffs had officially become the owners of the 5,000-squarefoot house on South Home Avenue that
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After
features four bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms and was built in 1905 under the direction of its original owner, A.J. Engler. As manager of a successful local lumber business, Engler used the Before knowledge gained in his trade to design and install unique quartered oak woodwork throughout the home. “It was really supposed to be his masterpiece According to the previous owner, Julie and his showcase house,” Nicole says, Hass, Engler sold the house before 1910, adding that the home was one of the first after which it remained in the same family for several generations until February residences in town to feature plumbing. 1987 when Julie and her husband, Paul, as“There are built-in gutters and even a sumed ownership. The Hasses undertook cold air return system under the cement several much-needed restorations during in the basement that would suck cold air their 27 years in the home, including a throughout the house. The original owner complete remodeling of the bathrooms was very forward-thinking for his time.”
A painted wall mural wraps around the dining room. Inset, looking into the living room from the staircase.
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The Nicoloffs stand in their renovated kitchen. Inset, before photos of the bathroom and kitchen.
with updated plumbing, a roof replacement in 1990 and a removal of downstairs carpeting to restore the original oak in the living room and maple in the kitchen and dining room. “We loved raising our family in that house,” Julie says. “We enjoyed the beauty, character and strength of the house. It made it easier for us to move on knowing we sold our home to a family that would love living there as much as we did.” Built in a turn-of-the-century style known as Free Classic, which is typically identifiable by overhanging eaves, frontfacing gables and prominent front porches, the home features distinctive wood patterns above each doorway, ornate fleur-de-lis designs on every doorknob and decorative wood molding in common areas — all speaking to the care that Engler took in his design process more than 100 104
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years ago. “Even after we were three or four weeks in the house, we would find little features that we hadn’t seen before, whether it was a woodwork detail or a small hidden storage space,” Nicole says. “We knew it was going to be an adventure.” A TRIBUTE TO THE PAST The Nicoloffs’ primary consideration while renovating the home, which features four levels including the basement and an unattached two-car garage, was to retain as much of the original charm as possible while making necessary upgrades and applying their own touches. In adding what she calls a cottage charm to the kitchen, Nicole chose granite countertops, a patterned backsplash and new ceiling light fixtures, all of which complement the blonde wood cabinetry installed by Julie and Paul Hass. “The custom cabinets they put in replaced the original cabinets, which were metal,” Nicole explains. “Like the rest of the house, we made our decisions for the kitchen based on the existing woodwork color and details, which we felt
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it was important to keep alive and pay homage to.” The Nicoloffs’ decision to paint over most of the home’s wallpapered areas, including the bedrooms and a small breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen, was the result of both aesthetic and practical motivations. “Instead of removing the wallpaper, we painted over it, because we realized it was holding up some of the plaster,” she says. “I hand sanded the seams before going over it with high-quality paint. We wanted to use some lighter colors in certain areas to make the woodwork pop more.” The breakfast nook’s east exterior wall now features a dark chalkboard finish on which Nicole added a few familial flourishes with chalk pencil, including an ornate letter N signifying the family surname, each family member’s initials and the name Hendricks in bold font, representing the French bulldog who joined the Nicoloff family in November. A desk belonging to Nicole’s grandmother and a well-worn dining room table
Nicole used chalkboard paint and chalk to personalize the walls of the breakfast nook.
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with sliding extension leaves, spotted by Brandon at a local garage sale, add subtle charm to the dining room, which also features a painted wall mural of a Madison landscape based off a photograph Julie says belonged to one of the home’s previous owners. The home’s 34-by-40-foot top level, which features dark wood benches around its perimeter and originally served as a ballroom and gathering space, now provides the dual functions of a storage area and what Nicole says is a kids lounge for Blaise, Olivia and their friends. “There was originally a cloud mural on the dining room ceiling, but it was painted over at some point,” Nicole says. “I actually have a fine arts degree from the IU Herron School of Art, and I’m going to take a stab at a sky mural up there on the top floor as a tribute to that original mural. The ceiling up there is a bit more conducive to it because it was redone when the previous owners redid the roof.” In an effort to breathe new life into the home’s basement level, the Nicoloffs installed a custom bar, round bar tables with high-sitting wood chairs and a liquor 106
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cabinet that Brandon and Nicole found at an estate sale. Leaving no area without unique accents during the original construction, Engler installed a tin ceiling with decorative hammered patterns in the basement that the Nicoloffs plan to showcase by removing unused electrical wiring installed along the ceiling by previous owners. “The final touch will be when we put slat board on the walls, because we want it to feel like you’re in a cellar,” Nicole says. “First we have to do some good insulation in the concrete walls and replace the windows.” PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE During the home’s construction, Engler installed knob-and-tube electrical wiring throughout — a method that was state-ofthe-art at the beginning of the 20th century but has since been supplanted by more efficient residential electrical systems. The Hasses updated the wiring in the kitchen, bathrooms and third floor, and the Nicoloffs enlisted the help of Indianapolis-based Quicksilver Electric to replace the remaining knob-and-tube wiring and install additional electrical outlets in several rooms.
A photo of Nicole’s grandmother sits on a antique dresser. Above, the master bedroom.
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Olivia’s room is accented in yellow and gray. Blaise’s renovated room features a nautical theme. “The biggest challenge is how slow things have had to progress, because we’ve always been people who do things very quickly and try to get projects done over a single weekend,” Nicole says. “If you want to keep the original integrity of a house like this, you can’t hurry, and it requires some thoughtfulness in how you go about doing it the right way. Even arranging furniture takes some thought since there is only one electric outlet in most of the rooms. The key for us has been in modernizing without compromising what makes the place great.” Given that most of their spare time is devoted to exploring garage sales, antique stores and estate auctions to keep The Marshmallow Monkey well stocked for the public, Nicole, 39, and Brandon, 44, take advantage of every extra second they have to acquire pieces for their home. Having spent the last 18 years in the health care industry, Nicole also spends much of her free time as an adviser for the Baird Group, a health care consultancy, while Brandon works at the shop on his days off from a full-time job as a firefighter for the city of Greenwood. “It’s been a lot
of work but so worth it,” Nicole says. “It’s great to have a shop that helps the local community and to also feel like we’re kind of contributing to the history of the town by taking the reins of this amazing house.” While several renovation plans remain on the Nicoloffs’ checklist, including new roofing and exterior paint, they have an extra special project in mind that they feel will be a fitting visual statement of their chapter in the home’s ongoing history. “I think we’ll look for a stained glass window with the letter M for above the garage door,” Nicole says. “It will stand for Monkey Manor, which is what we’ve named the house. I think it would be a nice way to make our mark.” SOU T H
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weddings
Elaine Maurer & Garrett Thiel Oct. 18, 2014 Wedding & Reception: Alexander Hotel, Indianapolis
Elaine Maurer and Garrett Thiel first met in 2009 at JFK Airport in New York. Both were going on the same study abroad trip and they ate lunch across from each other before boarding their flight to Singapore. The two quickly became friends, spending the next six weeks traveling together to Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. When they returned to the Unites States, they began dating. Traveling together became an annual routine, and in 2013, the couple had a trip planned for Disney World and the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando. The morning after a relaxing day at the pool and a gourmet dinner, Elaine awoke to a big surprise. Garrett pretended to bring her breakfast in bed but asked her to marry him instead. Back home, the couple planned to marry in the courtyard at the Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, but because of foul weather, the ceremony was moved inside. “Maxie Haber (of the Alexander Hotel) did an amazing job making our ceremony space beautiful, elegant and personal,� Elaine says. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Photos by Amanda DeBusk Photography
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Rhea Roller & Zach Watson Married Dec. 13, 2014, at Community Church of Greenwood. Reception at Franklin College.
Though both Zach Watson and Rhea Roller knew each other for many years as students at Center Grove, they didn’t begin dating until 2011 when a mutual friend set them up on a date. Two years later on a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with both of their families, Zach found the perfect moment, with loved ones gathered around a fire, to surprise Rhea with a proposal. “It was a special moment to share with both of our families,” he recalls. “We had a great time celebrating with everyone.” The couple married at Community Church of Greenwood, where Rhea has attended church since she was a child. Their reception was held at Franklin College, Zach’s alma mater. The couple took a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean for their honeymoon. Photography by Christiana Asselin
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Daddy/Daughter Dance Feb. 21 // Beeson Hall
1. Joe Maled and Natalie, 7. 2. Bryan Myers and Mya, 7. 2
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3. Will Lewis, Hamilton, 12, and Harper, 6 . 4. Joey Ott and Juliann, 4. 5. Jeff Alexander and Kyleigh, 3. 6. Ken Sandrock and Lauren, 11. 7. Jim Claprodt and Reece, 10. 8. Refreshment table. 9. Shawn McIntosh and Bryce, 9. 10. Eight-year- old Kaitlyn dances with her dad, Anthony Hovis. 11. Four-year-old Liona with her dad, Joe Mummert. 12. Brad Brunning and Brenna, 4. 13. Seven-year-old Emma Christoff (facing camera) gets fruit punch with her friends.
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14. Jerry Preilis and Gwen, 9.
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Daily Journal Bridal Show Jan. 25 // Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center
1. Carol White, left, Rusti White and Julie Bailey check out the Indy Cakes booth. 2. Lisa Patrick, Natalie Patrick and Omii Weaver of Younique Cosmetics 1
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4. Nancy Burk, left, Lyssa Sylvester and Jody Bleier staff the Stonegate Mortgage booth. 5. Mike Taylor works at his photography booth. 6. Tony Gillispie and Maximus take prospective brides on a carriage ride. 7. Sample cakes are on display at the Indy Cakes booth. 8. Christina Finkenbine signs up for a giveaway. 9. Lisa Kitchens from Grand Rental Station
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10. Debbie Horvath, left, and Susie Watson of JP Parker Flowers. 11. Jim Young, Kristie Bricker, Megan Kelly, Sunil Deo and Hamid Siadat, of Hilton Garden Inn.
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Taste of the Southside Feb. 22 // Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center
1. Jeff Holt, left, waits for his sample served by Tony Bero of Mexico City Grill. 2. Jay Rifkind entertains guests.
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3. Carrot Cakes from Stone Creek Dining Co. 4. Owners Mick McGrath and Nancy Duncan supply samples from Jockamo Pizza. 5. Danny Salgado, left, and Mark Hendricks make nitrogen popcorn. 6. Liquid nitrogen is poured into a pitcher of popcorn to make nitrogen popcorn. 7. Michael Leak of Stone Creek Dining Co. participates in the chef challenge.
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8. Stacy Olthoff of Hal’s Fabulous Vegas takes part in the mixology competition. 9. Dermeaka Parish, right, samples sangria from Johnny Carino’s. 10. Travis Wilkinson of Taxman Brewing Co. pours a sample for a guest.
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19th Annual Jim Rhoades Memorial Hog Roast
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Dec. 4 // Scott Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds
1. Franklin Rotary Club member Allen Anderson serves Mary Anna Speller of Franklin a pork chop. 2. Bob Murray, Dave Mickley, Stephen Brown and Gary Sparks perform. 3. Greenwood resident Carolyn Jacobson feeds 19-monthold Charlotte Greenbaum. 4. Indian Creek High School FFA member Kaitie Link, 18, serves homemade ice cream.
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5. Indian Creek FFA members Chris McGillem, 17, and Jake Orange, 16, cook pork chops with former Indian Creek FFA director Joe Park. 6. Franklin Community High School Interact Club member Ashlyn Smith, 17, serves pasta salad. 7. Dan Malone of Malone’s Catering refills a pan of fried chicken.
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Calendar of Events
MARCH, APRIL, MAY
March 7 through Aug. 9
“Gold! Riches and Ruin” explores the historical significance of gold in the American West. This exhibit looks at historic gold rushes in California, the Black Hills and the Yukon-Klondike, and features objects and images that tell the stories of people, their relationships with the landscape, and the gold they sought. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org
March 8
Bulb Show | March 6-13
Christian worship sensation Chris Tomlin brings his Love Ran Red tour to Indianapolis. Opening the show will be Tenth Avenue North. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $19.50 to $55.50. Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Information: bankerslifefieldhouse.com
March 10
ONGOING Through July 5
From a child’s coffin to a hair wreath, a field surgeon’s kit to pieces of Lincoln’s funeral bier, “So Costly a Sacrifice: Lincoln and Loss” explores the dark corners of death in the 1800s — the changing attitudes, evolving customs and the most famous funeral of the century. Location: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 232-1637 or indianamuseum.org
Through July 19
Hoosier photojournalist Bill Foley has spent decades capturing news and events in his photographs. “Art Meets News: The Work of Photojournalist Bill Foley” explores his career through the images he captured of iconic events. Location: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 232-1637 or indianamuseum.org
MARCH March 6-14
It’s springtime at the Garfield Conservatory. See the stunning display of tulips and other spring blooms against the backdrop of the permanent tropical collection. The
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bulb show is March 6 to 13. Bulbs will be for sale on March 14. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $3 per person; $8 per family. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory. org or (317) 327-7580
March 7
New in 2015, the 500 Festival Miler Series offers walking and running events at three unique distances that coincide with typical training programs geared toward the Mini Marathon. It’s the perfect, low-pressure opportunity for participants to gauge their progression in preparation for the Mini Marathon. 6-Miler race starts at 8 a.m. Cost: $16 early registration; $20 day of the race. Location: NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: 500festival.com
March 7-8
Enjoy satisfying soups, freshly baked bread and desserts that will warm your belly and your hearth. Featured soup: white chicken chili. Music: Davis & Devitt. Food is served from noon to 6 p.m. Live music is from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost: $8. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com
Jungle Tales is a popular preschool program that focuses on the rain forest and our local environment. Enjoy a naturerelated story, activity and craft. Ages: 2 to 5 with an adult. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $4. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 327-7580 or garfieldgardenconservatory.org
March 13-14
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra welcomes former music director Raymond Leppard back to Hilbert Circle Theatre to conduct performances featuring the works of British composer Elgar. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 to $81. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
March 14
The Ethos Art Show gives local artists a chance to showcase their talents. The show is open and free to the public. Ribbons and cash prizes will be award to first, second and third place in each category. Participants must register by March 9. Cost is $4 per entry (limit three entries). Hands on the Arts is a fun, free event for the entire family. Make and take projects, pottery wheel, painting, etc., will all be part of the event. This fun ALL CALENDAR PHOTOS ARE SUBMITTED
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art day is for people of all ages. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org The Johnson County Antique Market is a one-day show that offers a selection of antiques and vintage collectibles, including primitives, furniture, jewelry, glass, linens, tools, toys, advertising and more. Homemade breakfast and lunch are available at the market kitchen. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $2. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Information: jcantiquemarket.com Featuring selections of fine and rare wine from around the world, the Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction is a black-tie optional event that includes both live and silent auctions. All proceeds benefit the Indianapolis Zoo. All guests will enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner paired with exquisite wines and live entertainment following the auction. Time: 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $175. Location: Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Information: indyzoo.com
Together.” The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra shows how a team can achieve more, especially when performing on stage. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $12 to $40. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
March 16
Richard Ratliff presents an evening of vivid imagery and dramatic narrative, with music of European masters Scarlatti, Beethoven, Grieg, Kodaly and Shostakovich, along with American composers Joseph Schwantner and UIndy’s John Berners. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center’s Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis. Information: uindy.edu/arts
March 18
American dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp will speak as part of UIndy’s Sutphin Lecture Series. Tharp has choreographed more than 164 works. Her dances are known for creativity, wit and technical precision coupled with streetwise nonchalance. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $10. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center’s Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis. Information: uindy.edu
March 19-22
Twyla Tharp | March 18
March 14-15
Enjoy satisfying soups, freshly baked bread and desserts that will warm your belly and your hearth. Featured soup: St. Patrick’s Irish stew. Music: Mother Grove. Food is served from noon to 6 p.m. Live music is from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost: $8. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com
March 15
How does music take a bunch of individuals and create a unified team? Find out during “The Orchestra: Working & Playing
Zach De Pue brings virtuosity and eloquence to Samuel Barber’s popular “Violin Concerto.” The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dances,” the magnificent work that launched the young composer’s career overnight. Times vary. Tickets: $15 to $81. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
DOwNLOAD OUR
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March 20-Sept. 7
Immerse yourself in the beauty of butterflies during Butterfly Kaleidoscope. As you walk through the warm indoor garden at the Hilbert Conservatory, get a close-up look at 40 species of butterflies. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com
March 20-April 4
It’s spring break and the garden gnomes from far and wide have gathered at the conservatory for a tropical vacation during “Gnome Away from Home.” Come see the whimsical display of garden gnomes
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enjoying the tropical escape and see if you can find them all. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $3 per person; $8 per family. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory.org or (317) 327-7580
March 21
Celebrate creativity from a woman’s perspective at the Women in Art Market. See and buy one-of-a-kind handmade artwork from more than 40 regional artists, including works in basketry, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics, painting, photography and more. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org
March 21-22
Enjoy satisfying soups, freshly baked bread and desserts that will warm your belly and your hearth. Featured soup: Texas-style taco soup. Music: Acoustic Catfish on March 21; Wilson & Co. on March 22. Food is served from noon to 6 p.m. Live music is from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost: $8. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com
March 22
FREE Leather Upgrade with any piece of Stressless® Furniture. February 6 - March 23
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THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORT™
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band bring their Ride Out tour to Indianapolis. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $67 to $97. Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Information: bankerslifefieldhouse.com
March 23
Depictions of the idyll — a fleeting and idealized scene — permeate French postRomantic music. Elisabeth Hoegberg and Mitzi Westra explore incarnations of past poetic and musical idioms during “Recreating the Past: the Idyll in France.” Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center’s Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis. Information: uindy.edu/arts
March 27-April 5
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Imagine a room for mindfulness - a space for well-being that includes all the calm and relaxation you could ever dream of. A personal oasis of tranquility where time is your own and every movement is in slow A place to lean back, close your eyes and enjoy a well-deserved SOU T H | motion. INDYSOUTHMAG .COM time-out. This isn’t a fantasy. This is reality when you sink into the comfort of Stressless. For a limited time, imagine a first class upgrade from our introductory fabric program to our
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First produced on Broadway in 1989 and inspiring an Academy Award-nominated film, “A Few Good Men” tells the story of military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a highlevel conspiracy in the course of defending their clients, two U.S. Marines accused of murder. Recommended for mature audiences due to strong language. Times vary. Tickets: $16 for adults; $14 for children and senior citizens age 62 and older. Location: 11150 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 882-2270 or buckcreekplayers.com
March 28
Bring your family treasures and join experts from Cowan’s Auctions Inc. in Cincinnati and find out what your heirlooms are really worth. Cowan’s staff will provide on-the-spot appraisals of various items, including jewelry, timepieces, coins, paintings, documents, photographs and decorative arts. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $20 for the first item and $10 for each additional item, up to three items total. Call (317) 275-1310 to reserve your space. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org The American Pianists Association’s Jazz Fellowship Awards Final features the five finalists – Christian Sands, Sullivan Fortner, Emmet Cohen, Zach Lapidus and Kris Bowers – performing with Dianne Reeves and the Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra. One finalist will be awarded the 2015 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org The Johnson County Historical Society presents its annual fundraiser, “Wine and Cheese and All That Jazz.” Sample wines from local wineries, taste a variety of cheeses and hors d’oeuvres and enjoy live jazz. Guests can participate in a silent auction to bid on unique local gifts. All proceeds benefit the Johnson County Historical Society. Time: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Location: Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin. Information: johnsoncountymuseum.org
March 28-29
Enjoy satisfying soups, freshly baked bread and desserts that will warm your belly and your hearth. Featured soup: creamy chicken and wild rice. Music: Cari Ray on March 28; Kelleen Strutz on March 29. Food is served from noon to 6 p.m. Live music is from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost: $8. Location: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: (317) 422-1556 or mallowrun.com
March 30
Where have all the leaves gone and when will they come back? Explore tree buds, the start of next year’s leaves, through games, stories and crafts during “Tree Bud-dies.” Ages: 2 to 5. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $4 per child. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory. org or (317) 327-7580 SOU T H
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The Faculty Artist Concert Series season finale features a global tour of the 19th through 21st centuries, opening with a special guest appearance by composer Gabriela Lena Frank. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center’s Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis. Information: uindy.edu/arts
APRIL April 4
Hop on over for the annual Easter egg hunt in Province Park. Children ages 2 to 10 can enjoy this free event. The hunt will take place in a grassy area by Sunset Shelter. In case of rain, the hunt will take place in the Cultural Arts & Recreation Center. Time: 10 a.m. Location: 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org
April 9-11
Music Director Krzystof Urbanski conducts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, along with solo pianist Alice Sara Ott, in performances focusing entirely on Ludwig Van Beethoven. Times vary. Tickets: $15 to $81. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
April 10
Experience the history of proms in Johnson County with the opening of the newest special exhibit at the Johnson County Museum of History. To celebrate the opening, take a step back in time in the auditorium and attend the adult prom. Vote for prom king and queen and enjoy light refreshments. Time: 6 p.m. Tickets: $10, which includes snacks and beverages. Location: Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin. Information: johnsoncountymuseum.org
April 11
Plan to attend the fourth annual Black & White Ball, which benefits Community Angels, a nonprofit organization that assists families who are going through illness by providing services to help relieve some of the everyday burdens. This year, there will be a masquerade theme. Time: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 March 1-21; $85 March 22-April 4. Location: Rathskeller Kellersaal Ballroom, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. Information and to order tickets: Contact Beth Harriman at beb0321@yahoo.com
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Enjoy the sounds of the Greater Greenwood Community Band during its annual spring concert. Location: Greenwood Community High School, 615 W. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood. Information: greenwoodband.com
activity and craft. Ages: 2 to 5 with an adult. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $4. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory.org or (317) 327-7580
April isn’t too early to be thinking about your garden. In fact your family can start crops now, so you can enjoy them and then replace them with a summer crop. Discover hardy cold crops that you can plant in early spring and fall such as spinach, Swiss chard and kale. Learn how to get more out of your garden by taking advantage of every season during “Family Garden Day: The Early Spring Garden.” Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $6. Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory.org or (317) 327-7580
April 16-25
The Johnson County Antique Market is a one-day show that offers a selection of antiques and vintage collectibles, including primitives, furniture, jewelry, glass, linens, tools, toys, advertising and more. Homemade breakfast and lunch are available at the market kitchen. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $2. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Information: jcantiquemarket.com New in 2015, the 500 Festival Miler Series offers walking and running events at three unique distances that coincide with typical training programs geared toward the Mini Marathon. It’s the perfect, lowpressure opportunity for participants to gauge their progression in preparation for the Mini Marathon. 10-Miler race starts at 8 a.m. Cost: $18 early registration; $22 day of the race. Location: NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: 500festival.com
April 11-12
Power Recycling Weekend, where you can get rid of all your clutter and help the environment. Drop off your hold electronics, phone books, cardboard and paper ready for shredding. There is a $5 processing fee for TVs and monitors. In addition to doing good, you will receive a discount coupon for zoo admission. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com
April 14
Jungle Tales is a popular preschool program that focuses on the rain forest and our local environment. Enjoy a nature-related story,
The UIndy theatre department presents “Eurydice,” a retelling of the myth of Orpheus in modern times through the eyes of its heroine. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $12. Location: Esch Hall, Ransburg Auditorium on the UIndy campus, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis. Information: uindy.edu/arts
April 17-19
Butler Ballet presents “The Sleeping Beauty.” Experience the enchantment and majesty of this time-honored classic set to some of the most beautiful music ever written for the ballet. Tchaikovsky’s first ballet score is performed live by the Butler Symphony Orchestra. Times vary. Tickets: $21.50 to $28.50. Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 940-6444 or cloweshall.org
April 17
Neil Diamond comes to Indianapolis. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.50 to $150. Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Information: bankerslifefieldhouse.com
April 18
Mendelssohn’s Fifth Symphony, called “Reformation,” was inspired by his idea of a symphony that symbolized the Protestant Reformation not with a grand choral work on a sacred text, as might be expected, but with a four-movement symphony without words. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 to $53. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
April 19
Imaginations run wild when the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra brings characters of Saint-Saens’ colorful “Carnival of the Animals” to life. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $12 to $40. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
April 22
Let’s have fun with water during “April Showers.” Enjoy a story, craft and fun activity as we learn about nature. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: $4. Ages: 2 to 5. Location:
Calendar of Events
they turn a blank canvas or a hunk of clay into a truly extraordinary work of art inspired by the natural world. The artwork will be displayed from June 1 to Aug. 26. Artwork will be available during a silent auction on Aug. 27. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com
April 26
“An Afternoon of Stories and Music” is a family-friendly event hosted by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Time: 3 p.m. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
April 30
Enjoy “Happy Hour at the Symphony” featuring a performance by the artistsin-residence, Time for Three. Enjoy complimentary food and drink samples beginning at 5 p.m. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 the day of the show. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
Audra McDonald | April 25
April 30-May 1
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardenconservatory. org or (317) 327-7580
Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 to $57. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
April 23
April 25
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Mellon Curator, Christian Feest, will present “The Prophet Stick, or Crime and Punishment.” Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org
April 24
Celebrate our Earth during the Earth Day Extravaganza. Activities, crafts, snacks and the movie “A Bug’s Life” will be part of the fun. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. in Beeson Hall at the Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Children’s Choir perform Faure’s “Requiem” and Fairouz’s “Zabur.”
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Experience the flavors of the West with chuck wagon cook Randy Dyer. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org
The OneAmerica 500 Festival MiniMarathon Expo is the exciting start to the Mini-Marathon weekend. All participants are required to pick up race packets and goody bags. There will be no race day packet pickup. Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Location: Indiana Convention Center. Information: (317) 262-3400 or 500festival.com
MAY Every Saturday from 8 to noon beginning May 9, the Franklin Farmers Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, art and crafts, and fresh flowers. Location: Corner of Jefferson and Jackson streets in downtown Franklin. Information: (317) 3461258 or discoverdowntownfranklin.com
Five-time Tony Award winner and Grammywinning artist Audra McDonald joins the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Broadway legend dazzles audiences with classic show tunes and songs from her album “Go Back Home.” Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $30 to $80. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
May 1-2
The Indianapolis Zoo invites a group of 15 juried artists to make art “en plein air” (outdoors) at Naturally Inspired Paint Out Day. During the event, zoo guests have a special opportunity to observe the artists as
May 1-3
Kenny G, saxophonist and smooth jazz sensation, performs with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 to $91. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
The Broadway musical, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” is coming to Indianapolis. Based
on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. Times vary. Tickets: $28 to $82. Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis. Information: (317) 940-6444 or cloweshall.org
May 2
The OneAmerica 500 Festival MiniMarathon isn’t just for runners and walkers. Come down to the post-race party and cheer on the thousands of participants as they cross the finish line. Many activities are planned for all ages in addition to live music and a variety of food vendors. Location: Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. Information: 500festival.com The Finish Line 500 Festival 5K uses the same start/finish line as the mini, but it carries a strict 56-minute time limit for completion. Time: 7 a.m. Cost: $40. Information: 500festival.com
May 7-9
Jun Markel conducts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in concerts featuring French romantic composer Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.” Arabella Steinbacher will also be featured in her premiere performance with the orchestra soloing on violin. Times vary. Tickets: $15 to $81. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
May 8-9
Get ready for the Indianapolis 500 with the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, which will feature road course racing. The stars of the Verizon IndyCar Series take to the IMS road course to kick off the month of May. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapolismotorspeedway.com
May 9
The Johnson County Antique Market is a one-day show that offers a selection of antiques and vintage collectibles, including primitives, furniture, jewelry, glass, linens, tools, toys, advertising and more. Homemade breakfast and lunch are available at the market kitchen. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $2. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Information: jcantiquemarket.com Bring the kids to Monument Circle for the Chase 500 Festival Kids Day & Rookie SOU T H
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Calendar of Events
May 20
The greatest spectacle in tortoise racing at the Zoopolis 500. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com
May 21-23
The Here We Grow Again Indy South Spring/Summer 2015 Sale features gently used infant and children’s items. Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 21 and 22; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 23. Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Information: herewegrowagain.com The Johnson County Antique Market Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9
Run, the state’s largest outdoor free festival for children. Kids can ride a 70-foot Ferris wheel, race remote-controlled cars and test their skills in a race-car simulator. Time: noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $16 in advance for the run, which includes technical T-shirt; $8 the day of the event for the run; $10 technical T-shirt sold separately. The other events are free. Information: 500festival.com
May 9-10
Celebrate mom at the Indianapolis Zoo. Moms receive a “proud mom” sticker and a free cupcake. Participate in a zoo-wide scavenger hunt. Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com
May 15-16
Kurt Vonnegut’s libretto will be narrated over Igor Stravinsky’s work, “The Soldier’s Tale,” during “The Soldier’s Tale – Vonnegut Style.” Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 to $81. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
May 16
The Franklin Aquatic Center opens featuring an Olympic-sized pool with diving well, 190-foot water slide, a new heated zero-depth pool with a play structure including 16 interactive play features, water basketball, concession stand and sun decks. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information: (317) 736-3689 or franklinparks.org
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May 22
Learn how to do American Indian social dances during the Spring Social Round Dance. Time 1 p.m. Location: Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: eiteljorg.org Experience of traveling the rails on a miniature transportation network at Johnson County Park. The Indiana Live Steamers take you on a journey through forested park land, over several bridges, across prairies and along creeks. Time: noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $2 per person. Location: Johnson County Park, 2949 E. North St., Edinburgh. Information: indianalivesteamers.org
The 500 Festival Memorial Service will include the joint service color guard presentation of colors and performances by the Capital City Chorus. A wreath-laying ceremony, dedicated to the memory of all Hoosiers in all wars and conflicts who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation, will take place while the names of those Indiana service members who have fallen within the past year are read aloud. Time: noon. Location: north steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, downtown Indianapolis. Information: 500festival.com
Enjoy a hearty Hoosier breakfast, take a lap around the famed oval, tour the garages and experience Pole Day qualifying for the 2015 Indianapolis 500. Time: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $60. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapolismotorspeedway.com Enjoy a Victorian tea at the Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin. Information: johnsoncountymuseum.org
May 17
Enjoy an outdoor concert by The Greater Greenwood Community Band. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Greenwood Amphitheater, 100 Surina Way, Greenwood. Information: greenwoodband.com
Strawberries on the Square Streetfest | May 22
Enjoy Strawberries on the Square Streetfest from 11 a.m. until the strawberries are sold out. Location: Downtown Franklin. Information: (317) 3461258 or discoverdowntownfranklin.com
May 23
Platinum-selling and award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line headline the second annual Legends Day concert on the Turn 4 infield stage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Special guests Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard round out the lineup. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Information: indianapolismotorspeedway.com Get into the spirit of the Indy 500 at the IPL 500 Festival Parade as it celebrates 55 years of tradition. Time: noon. Location: downtown Indianapolis. Information: 500festival.com
EASTER AT MOUNT PLEASANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH
April 3 April 4/5
(ASL Interpretation available @ 6pm service)
Bibleopolis children’s classes provided for nursery-4th grade The 500 Festival Snakepit Ball will be rocking. The black-tie party includes red carpet arrivals by celebrities in town for race weekend and special VIP guests. Time: 6 p.m. Tickets: $275. Location: Indiana Roof Ballroom. Information: 500festival.com
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May 24
Get ready for an exciting race as the Indianapolis 500 continues to be “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Time: Gates open at 6 a.m.; racing begins at noon. Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Information: indianapolismotorspeedway.com
May 28
The final Happy Hour at the Symphony of the season featuring music of the “Mad Men” era. Enjoy complimentary food and drink samples beginning at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 day of the show. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org
HURRY! Don’t miss out on our Garden Home Spring Move-In Special! Call to schedule a tour and learn more about how you could be living worry free.
May 29-30
New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke leads the top 40s of the early 1960s during “The Cocktail Hour: Music of the Mad Men Era.” Times vary. Tickets: $15 to $91. Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. Information: (317) 639-4300 or indianapolissymphony.org To submit an event, email info@indysouthmag.com.
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A Look Back
A 500 Legend Gordon Johncock, 1973 Indianapolis 500 winner, sits in his race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was a resident of Franklin and donated his uniform to the Johnson County Museum of History.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
Johnson County Museum of History
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