history lesson Spring Break TWO LOCAL WOMEN GO IN SEARCH OF THEIR GENEALOGY STORIES
MAR +APR 2020
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FROM SWIMWEAR TO QUICK TRIPS, WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET AWAY
baked goods
MEET 6 LOCAL COOKS ON THE RISE AND SERVING UP SWEET AND SAVORY STANDOUTS
What's new for 2020?
The Atlas Cross Sport.
I was born and raised right here in Noblesville. I grew up in a home without domestic violence or assault – it wasn’t something I saw, or even heard about. But when I was introduced to Prevail of Central Indiana, I was shocked by the number of individuals who are affected by domestic violence. In 2018 alone, Prevail helped more than 4,000 clients in Hamilton County. (Nearly 80 percent of clients are women and children.) Domestic violence and abuse are hard topics to discuss, so you don’t often hear about them. But at Tom Wood Volkswagen in Noblesville, we’re breaking the taboo and raising awareness for Prevail, an organization that helps families in Hamilton County. – Mike Bragg, GM of Tom Wood Volkswagen in Noblesville
To help Hamilton County families affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse, you can donate the following items: • Art supplies (for children to journal and express their emotions) • Bottled water (8 oz. bottles, preferably) • Individually packaged snacks • Gas cards (many women have no access to funds after fleeing their abuser)
Drop off items at Tom Wood Volkswagen in Noblesville, 14701 Tom Wood Way.
All Atlas Cross Sport models come with a touchscreen infotainment display with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation is optional, as is a reconfigurable digital gauge display and SiriusXM satellite radio. Volkswagen's Car-Net connectivity app allows for remote starting and analytics while a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot allows occupants to remain connected to the internet with their smart devices while on the go. · Standard autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning · Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert · Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Fun to drive. Easy to cover.
Care • Committment • Convenience Tom Wood Volkswagen Noblesville
14701 Tom Wood Way Noblesville, IN 46060 317.853.4552
TomWoodVolkswagenNoblesville.com
Tom Wood Volkswagen Noblesville E. 146th Street
Kids have needs all their own That’s why storytime is a little different here
Care teams at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent deliver care personalized just for kids. We also provide easy online scheduling and access to ER and specialty care that’s right for your child.
Schedule online today at GetPeytonManningCare.com
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5th Annual
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APRIL 16, 2020, 11AM- 7PM Meet our Board Certified Physicians Learn about the latest innovative aesthetic treatments Get professional advice from the top leaders in the industry Take advantage of discounts on products and aesthetic services Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres
11455 N. MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 150 CARMEL, IN 46032
JENNIFER C. HUGHES hughes@cchalaw.com
LESLIE CRAIG HENDERZAHS henderzahs@cchalaw.com
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Begin from a position of strength. Secure your future by working with an experienced Family Law Specialist who will advocate your interests and prepare you for the next phase of your life. Forge your future. You deserve to embrace it.
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MERRILLVILLE 8585 Broadway St., Suite 860 Merrillville, IN 46410
317-773-2190 www.cchalaw.com 1
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the kit agenda STEP OUT FROM HIBERNATION
click. click. chic. SHOP AMAZON FOR SPRING STAPLES
Kit Mini: purse paradise SPRING VACAY IS IN THE BAG
health kit: midwives A DELIVERY EXPERIENCE FOCUSED ON MOM
Kit Mini: Susan’s Must-Haves PICK UP A FEW OF SUSAN BECKWITH’S SPRING ESSENTIALS
Kit mini: beach baubles PLAYFUL ACCESSORIES TO ELEVATE YOUR SWIMSUIT
Kit mini: flour shower GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE BAKER
Travel Kit: Midtown TAKE A STROLL THROUGH CARMEL’S MIDTOWN
FEATURES 27
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GENERAL AMERICAN DONUT COMPANY
fashion kit: Suit Up LAURA WALTERS SHOWS US SWIMWEAR TO FLATTER EVERY BODY TYPE
against the grain GET TO KNOW SIX INDY BAKERS DELIVERING SWEET AND SAVORY SATISFACTION
a hoosier spring break FAMILY FUN WITHOUT CHECKING A BAG
roots and wings GO ON A GENEALOGY JOURNEY WITH TWO WOMEN EXPLORING THEIR ROOTS
that’s what she shed EXPLORE THREE EXCEPTIONAL SPACES CREATED IN ORDINARY SHELTERS
ON THE COVER | Bread by Amelia’s + Photo by Chris Whonselter
50% OFF
SPRING INTO NEW
HOME DECOR
GREEN PLANTS DURING MARCH! IN STORE ONLY
refresh your home by filling it with energizing green plants and bright decor. Come explore our wonderful selection of premium house plants of all sizes as well as seasonal home decor and gitware arriving daily!
FLOWERS • DECOR • GIFTWARE 317-579-7900 | MCNAMARAFLORIST.COM CARMEL, FISHERS, FORT WAYNE, GEIST, GLENDALE, GREENWOOD, NORTH MASS, & WILLOW LAKE WEST
Prom at Amanda’s Exchange 715 E. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN 46032 317-573-4400 • www.AmandasExchange.com
CALENDAR MARCH + APRIL
THE KIT AGENDA SPRING CLEANING CAN WAIT. CENTRAL INDIANA IS BOOMING AND BLOOMING WITH EVENTS TO ESCORT US OUT OF HIBERNATION!
WE’VE FINALLY ARRIVED AT THE SWEET DAYS OF SPRING. TEMPERATURES ARE CLIMBING, MOODS ARE LIFTING AND OUR CALENDARS ARE FILLING UP WITH FUN AND FOOD.
arts & culture
Music & Entertainment FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD March 26, 8 p.m.
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road has all the grandiosity, sentimentality and glamor you’d expect. It’s a celebration of the showman’s entire career – a retirement party if you will – and serves as a “thank you” to all his fans. Be sure to grab tickets early so you don’t miss this amazing performance. Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis; (317) 917-2727; bankerslifefieldhouse.com
40TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 13, 11:30 a.m.
Get your green on and head downtown for the parade. More than 40 organizations, schools, corporations and families will march in celebration of Irish heritage. After the main event, stick around for the Tent Party. Downtown Indianapolis; (317) 498-5299; indystpats.com
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS March 3-29
This ultimate “whodunit” involves a luxury train trapped in a snowdrift, a dining car full of glamorous passengers and a dead body with multiple stab wounds. Follow Hercule Poirot, the world’s greatest detective, as he solves this intricate plot before the train moves on. Tickets start at $25. Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; (317) 635-5252; irtlive.com
NATHANIEL RATELIFF: IT’S STILL ALRIGHT March 17, 8 p.m. The It’s Still Alright Tour supports Rateliff’s first solo album since 2013’s “Falling Faster Than You Can Run”. The show promises a combination of solo/acoustic performances and Rateliff backed by a full band. Tickets start at $29. Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis; (317) 231-0000; oldnationalcentre.com
ELTON JOHN:
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
DAMN YANKEES
April 2-May 10
April 24-May 17
Inspired by the 1951 Academy Award-winning film, “An American in Paris” weds music and movement, song and story. It follows World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan, who makes Paris his home. But Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a Parisian shop girl with a secret of her own.
Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to Satan for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory against the Yankees. This wicked musical comedy is light, fastpaced and devilishly clever. It’s a homerun, packed with allAmerican subject matter and irreverent humor.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis; (317) 872-9664; beefandboards.com
The Studio Theater at The Center for the Performing Arts, 4 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; thecenterpresents.org
MATILDA April 24-May 9
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning masterpiece captures the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Tickets start at $51. The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; thecenterpresents.org
SHAMROCK THE DISTRICT March 13-15 For the third year in a row, Muldoon’s is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza. Get ready for a weekend of fun, food, green beer and fabulous nightly entertainment. Muldoon’s, 111 W. Main St., Carmel; (317) 571-1116; visithamiltoncounty.com
arts & culture
family & education SPRING BLOOMS
LET’S GET EGG-CITED AND BRUNCH
March 20-May 17
March 26, 6:30-9 p.m.
Warm up to the season by watching the magic of spring unfold with half a million blooms. Be sure to grab a beverage from the Beer Garden, too, which is included with admission ($18 for adults, $10 for youth, free for children ages 5 and under).
CARMEL ROTARY BOURBON FEST
Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis; (317) 923-1331; discovernewfields.org
Attendees can taste a variety of bourbons, sample food from local restaurants and listen to live music. The 21-and-over event will have a silent auction, which will end at 8:30 p.m. Limited VIP admission gets you in early (5:30 p.m.) for an expert-guided tasting tour. Platform 24, 12400 Meridian St., Two Meridian Park Place Suite 150, Carmel; (765) 387-7697; carmelrotary.com
March 28, 1-4 p.m.
Don’t miss nine days of inspiring gardens, plants, workshops and outdoor-living experts. The annual Indiana Flowers + Patio Show will host Laura Dowling, Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009-2015. Tickets are $15 at the door; children ages 12 and under get in free. Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis; (317) 705-8719; indianaflowerandpatioshow.com
March 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A Cut Above Catering, 12955 Old Meridian St., Carmel; (317) 575-9514; visithamiltoncounty.com
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers; (317) 776-6000; connerprairie.org
CARMEL CITY CENTER BRIDAL SIP AND SHOP
March 14-22
PASSPORT TO HI-TECH Young ones interested in science, engineering, biology, chemistry or computers will enjoy this STEM-centered event, which includes plenty of interactive activities. Kids can talk to experts from hightech companies and test out plenty of tech toys. It’s free to attend with the cost of general admission.
March 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
INDIANA FLOWER + PATIO SHOW
Join Chef Amy on a journey to create “The Perfect Brunch”. The owner of A Cut Above Catering will teach you a variety of recipes. By the end of this intimate, two-hour culinary experience, you’ll be able to cook a three-course Easter meal! Tickets are $75.
Brides, head to Carmel City Center for a one-stop shopping experience, including luxury wedding invitations, rehearsal dinner options, bridal registries, fine jewelry, lingerie, gowns and more! Toasting is in order, so take advantage of one of the five local businesses serving sangria and champagne. Tour Hotel Carmichael’s banquet space and guest rooms from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Carmel City Center, Carmel; Located at the southwest corner of Rangeline Rd. and City Center Drive, (866) 892-8990; carmelcitycenter.com
5TH ANNUAL ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT April 11, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Explore the vineyards at Blackhawk Winery with an adult Easter egg hunt! Prizes include wine-themed gifts, and you’ll receive a gift bag that matches your most “valuable” egg. (Every gift bag is worth at least $15.) The grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with music and food available all day long. Blackhawk Winery & Vineyard, 28153 Ditch Rd., Sheridan
GNOME AWAY FROM HOME March 21-April 5
Where do garden gnomes go for spring break? To the conservatory, o’course! This whimsical springtime display is fun for all ages and only $10 per family. The little ones can even build their own gnome or fairy house on March 28. Register online for this one-hour workshop. Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis; (317) 327-7184; garfieldgardensconservatory.org
INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL TRAIL EGGSTRAVAGANZA April 11
Head downtown for Indy’s largest public egg hunt! At least 15,000 eggs will be hidden along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, each filled with prizes and promotions. There will be a come-as-you-please hunt, as well as three “official” hunts – one in Fletcher Place, one in Chatham Arch and one on the Glick Peace Walk. Indianapolis Cultural Trail; Indianapolis; (317) 653-1948; indyculturaltrail.org
MUTT STRUT: THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN DOG WALKING April 25, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Mutt Strut is a one-of-a-kind event for pets of all shapes and sizes. Join the thousands of people (and animals) from across Indiana who participate. Walk the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, kiss the bricks and enjoy a fun day outdoors, all in support of IndyHumane. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis; (317) 872-5650; indymuttstrut.org
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KIT TEAM NOTE
LET’S CELEBRATE SPRING PUBLISHER Kelly McVey
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashlie Hartgraves
GUEST EDITOR Courtney Leach
WRITERS Alyssa Chase Brooke Reynolds Dawn Olsen Susan Beckwith Tessa Judge
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Whonsetler LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Wil Foster PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Benton PHOTOGRAPHER Julie Taylor Reed AD DESIGNER
HOME + FASHION Laura Walters FASHION STYLIST Sophie Fleetwood FASHION STYLIST Rachel Rae Hadley HOME STYLIST
MARKETING Gary Nickander
ADVERTISE WITH KIT sales@kitindy.com For a free subscription, visit kitindy.com For customer service, info@kitindy.com
Spring is my favorite time of year. I love to watch it unfold ... the first hints of purple in the woods, green leaves growing, the scent of lilacs in the air. From the moment my peonies burst from the ground, I watch for their blooms. In this issue of Kit, we celebrate longer, greener days by taking time to recognize traditions both old and new. In honor of Women’s History Month, we follow two women who’ve made a difference in Indiana on a trip to explore their family histories at the Allen County Public Library’s world-renowned Genealogy Center. On page XX, experience their discoveries firsthand— and use our kit to help you bring your own history to life. It’s so inspiring to learn about the women who came before us and all they did to pave our way. I inherited my passion for baking from my mother, Joan, and my Norwegian Grandma, Nettie, who made all kinds of baked goods, including donuts, rolls and date cookies. She inspired my sister, Kari Nickander, to open a donut shop of her own, which we feature on page XX. Kari, my other sister Carla, Mom and I honor our Norwegian ancestors by making lefse, a traditional soft flatbread made from potatoes. When we get together to roll dough and slip it on the griddle, we’re all full of flour from head to toe—sharing stories and making memories. Sometimes the beauty of baking is as much about the process as the product. Yet the product can be lovely, too, as you’ll see in our feature on page XX, which showcases six local bakers (including Kari) along with their creations and inspirations. Come on in and celebrate with us!
Printed by EP Graphics, Berne Indiana
KELLY McVEY, KIT PUBLISHER
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CLICK. CLICK. CHIC. Text by Sophie Fleetwood | Photo by Chris Whonsetler
The only essentials you need for spring travel are a reliable carry-on bag and these mix-and-match staples. Purchase these pieces to unlock countless feminine, fashionable combinations accented by a breezy, blushing floral. Wardrobe bliss is just a few clicks away.
Top Performer
THESE PRETTY PURCHASES
ARE AFFORDABLE AND ADORABLE. VISIT KITINDY.COM TO QUICKLY ADD THEM TO YOUR CLOSET!
Warm spring days often usher in cool night air. You won’t get caught with cold shoulders in this versatile coat. A denim jacket is the key to effortless transitions, helping you get the most out of your seasonal wardrobe favorites. JudyBridal denim jacket, $35
Buttoned Beauty
Elevate your basic white tank with this embellished closet cutie. It will quickly become one of your favorite pieces, as it plays nicely with others but is stylish enough to sport solo. Blencot fashion cami, $18
Spring Romance
Airy and lightweight, this skirt, plastered in petals, is the perfect piece to carry you right into warmer weather. Dress it up for a special dinner or go casual with a canvas shoe. Fashiomo midi skirt, $25
Shine On
Trendset as you jetset with these hammered metal gold earrings. It’s a trend we love at the moment because they pair nicely with any vacay look — a requirement for any lady who likes to pack light. Hongye rose gold earrings, $8
Wild for Wedges
These shoes check all the boxes; They’re cozy, cute and will look good with anything, from jeans and shorts to dresses and skirts. You can’t go wrong with a nice nude neutral. Lucky Brand Jenley Sandal, $40
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Step out in Carmel Find the uncommon Dine alfresco Delight in a show RENEW and recharge www.Carmel.in.gov
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PURSE PARADISE Styling by Laura Walters + Story by Brooke Reynolds + Photo by Chris Whonsetler
PACK YOUR BAGS! Head to the beach with these vacay essentials from some of Kit’s favorite local boutiques. Stay glowy and fresh-faced with hydrating creams and balms; smell like a dream with perfumes and tropical soaps; and take your look from beach day to ladies lunch with these versatile bags.
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1. Vash bamboo handled tote, $320 at Beauty + Grace 2. Cleansing Balm, $25 at Beauty + Grace 3. Lapcos face masks in aloe and aqua, $3 at Beauty + Grace 4. Hydrating Butter Balm, $12 at Beauty + Grace 5. Patricia Nash woven bag, $399 at Macy’s 6. Anine Bing sunglasses, $179 at Beauty + Grace 7. Kalastyle soaps in coconut and avocado, $11
at 14 Districts 8. Eau d’italie perfumes, $150 each at 14 Districts 9. Barrette, $10 at Endeavor Boutique 10. Veritas CBD-infused stemcell anti-aging cream, $55 at Endeavor Boutique 11. Wow sequin clutch, $98 at 14 Districts 12. Fossil lip change purse, $38 at Macy’s 13. AttDorned New York crossbody, $98 at Endeavor Boutique
is in full
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11405 allisonville rd. Fishers, In 46038
At SarahCare we keep families together by providing care for seniors in our center during the day. They enjoy great food, great fun, and great friends. We even provide safe, reliable transportation to and from our center so your loved one is home in time for dinner with the family.
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317.815.8300 of Indianapolis 2805 E. 96th Street, Suite E Indianapolis, IN 46240 Visit us at sarahcare.com/indianapolis
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EXPERT ADVICE
Understanding Thyroid: MORE THAN JUST TSH
BY STEPHEN P. ELLIOTT, M.D., LIVING WITH INTENTION, INC.
A word from Dr. Elliott: While I’ve tried to simplify this discussion of thyroid testing as much as possible, I’ll readily admit that some of this is a bit dense, at least first time through. So, please, try to hang in there. I hope you’ll find it worth your while.
While thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, is one of the most common health problems affecting millions of adults (especially women), it is also among the most frequently missed, under-diagnosed, and misunderstood problems, too.
HYPOTHYROIDISM: WHAT IS IT?
Simply stated, hypothyroidism refers to underproduction of thyroid hormone. It occurs when the thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, is unable, for whatever reason, to keep up with the body’s demand for that hormone.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
When that happens, when the thyroid gland can’t produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, it causes all kinds of different problems throughout the body, including: fatigue, unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight, increased sensitivity to cold, brain fog, memory problems, hair loss and/or thinning eyebrows, constipation, dry skin, muscle weakness, stiff and painful muscles, achey and/or swollen joints, slower heart rate, elevated cholesterol levels, and depression.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? WHY THE CONFUSION?
Here’s the problem, or at least one of the problems: Many of these signs and symptoms are non-specific, meaning that they could easily be caused by any of a number of health conditions that have little or nothing to do with the thyroid. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so confusing and easily missed. Another problem involves how we test for thyroid dysfunction. When I was in medical school, I was taught that the most accurate way to test thyroid function was by measuring TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. And while TSH can certainly be helpful, it’s not a thyroid hormone at all. It comes from the pituitary gland. The theory goes like this: When thyroid production is low, the pituitary gland should, if everything is working correctly, increase the signal it sends to the thyroid gland to make more hormone. What’s that signal? TSH. In other words, when thyroid production is low, TSH should go up. And, conversely, when thyroid production is too high, TSH should go down.
ADVERTORIAL
Now keep in mind, this feedback system only works if everything is working correctly, only if everything is “just so.” And there are a lot of things that can throw this system off. There are a great many things that can affect TSH measurements that can cause it to be a very poor indicator of thyroid function.
WHY NOT JUST TEST THYROID HORMONE DIRECTLY?
That’s a great question, and one that more and more physicians are asking. Why not, indeed? No reason, actually. Again, when I was in medical school (many, many years ago), I was taught that TSH could be measured with far greater accuracy than thyroid hormone could be. And while that may have been true back then, it’s simply no longer true today. Today, we can measure any of a number of thyroid hormones with great accuracy. As a result, the practice of relying solely or even primarily on TSH level as the best, most accurate indicator of thyroid function is, well, a bit outdated.
THYROID HORMONES? MORE THAN ONE?
If you’ve been reading closely, you caught me. Thus far, I’ve been referring to thyroid hormone as if it were just one hormone. But that’s not the case at all. It’s far more complicated than that. The thyroid gland, as it turns out, makes a number of hormones, two of which, called T3 and T4, are more important than others, at least when it comes to the kind of problems we’re talking about. To make matters even more confusing and complex, these two hormones can either be bound to a protein carrier, or not. If bound, they can do nothing. If unbound, or free, then they can actually do what they were designed to do. In other words, free hormones are active; protein-bound hormones are not. Why does that matter? Because it has implications for testing. If you want to know about thyroid activity, doesn’t it make sense to measure the active, free forms of those hormones, free T3 and free T4?
THE COMPLEXITY GROWS.
But wait, there’s more: Only one of these two primary thyroid hormones, free T3, actually does anything. The other, free T4, is inactive. Why does it exist? To serve as a backup for free T3. When inactive T4 loses one of its four iodine atoms, it becomes (you guessed it), free T3, which now has 3 iodine atoms. And then, to make matters even more complex, there’s Reverse T3. Why is it called Reverse T3? Because it’s the mirror image of free T3. Put a molecule of Free T3 up to a mirror and what do you see? Reverse T3. Now, Reverse T3 and Free T3 have very different effects. It may be helpful to think of Free T3 as an accelerator of sorts for your metabolism, It speeds things up and gets things going, if you will: increasing energy, warming the body up, stimulating hair growth, improving mood, etc.
Stephen P. Elliott, M.D. Living with Intention, INC 11979 Fishers Crossing Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317-863-5888 LivingWithIntention.biz
If Free T3 is the accelerator, then Reverse T3 is, well, the clutch. Not the brake, but the clutch. Reverse T3 doesn’t slow things down like brakes. Instead, it just makes it harder for Free T3 to do its job. Just like the clutch on a car, right? Push the clutch and the accelerator at the same time, and what happens? Well, nothing really.
GET THE FULL PICTURE:
So, clearly, there’s more to understanding thyroid function than looking at the pituitary hormone called TSH. Today we can measure all these hormones: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and more. We can see the whole picture. If you suspect that some of your health problems may be caused by thyroid dysfunction, ask your doctor for a full thyroid panel. Remember, it’s more than just TSH.
Stephen P. Elliott M.D. practices Functional and Integrative Medicine at Living With Intention, Inc. For more information call 317-863-5888 or visit us at www.livingwithintention.biz and www.lwimedtherm.com.
Andrew FiegA, ChFC, CLTC Financial Advisor
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DELIVERING COMFORT A NEW MIDWIFERY PRACTICE AT COMMUNITY NORTH FOCUSES ON A NATURAL, WOMAN-CENTERED APPROACH By Dawn Olsen
After shadowing a midwife in northern Indiana’s Amish community, Jill Kocher knew what she wanted to do – become a midwife herself. The opportunity to witness natural childbirths and interact, not just with a mother, but with an entire family, taught her how to approach childbirth holistically. “I was looking at it from a complete perspective,” Kocher said. “Emotionally, spiritually, everything.” Today, Kocher has a master’s degree in midwifery from the University of Indianapolis and 10 years of experience. She’s also one of four certified nurse midwives at Community Hospital North, the highestdelivering facility in the state. (In 2019, there were 5,000 deliveries!) Because of the high number of births, and because of the need to offer mothers more birthing options, Community North opened a new midwifery practice in November. When asked about the practice, C’Aira Hermesch, manager of operations for maternal fetal medicine, midwifery care, and multi-specialty care, described midwifery as “the healthcare of the future”.
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Currently, about one-third of babies in the United States are born via C-section. Hence the increased interest in midwives.
INTEREST IN MIDWIFERY IS GROWING. While OB/GYNs still provide care for a majority of women, the number of expectant mothers who opt for midwives is growing. That’s partially due to rising Caesarean rates; currently, about one-third of babies in the United States are born via C-section. The high rate of surgery, combined with other interventions, has led to an increased interest in midwives, who have cemented their reputation for offering a natural, woman-centered approach to birth. “When I take care of a woman, I want her to feel safe in the space that she enters into,” Kocher said. “I want her to feel comfortable chatting and telling me what she needs during that pregnancy and birth. I want [the mothers] to feel relaxed and that I will be there to meet their needs.” For Kocher, that means meeting with expectant mothers to discuss self-care during pregnancy, treatment options (both natural and prescription), how they would like to give birth and how they would like the room to feel during the birthing process. In other words, Kocher and her fellow midwives provide personalized care for women who want to experience childbirth as naturally as possible.
Jill Kocher (left), a midwife at Community Hospital North, poses with Bailey and Clay Orander. The Oranders’ daughter, Millie Kate, was the first baby born at the hospital’s new midwifery practice.
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MIDWIVES CAN PROVIDE THE SAME CARE AS OB/GYNS. “Midwives are health care professionals … who develop a trusting relationship with their clients,” Hermesch said. “Midwifery care is uniquely nurturing, hands-on care before, during and after birth.” She added that midwives can provide the same services as OB/GYNs, including annual gynecological exams, STI screening, family planning, labor and delivery care, preconception care, prenatal care, menopausal management and breastfeeding advice. The certified nurse midwives at Community North can also prescribe and/or administer medicine. “The biggest difference between midwives and traditional care,” Kocher said, “is that we like to present options and help facilitate conversations. That way, moms and families can make the best choice for their family in a nonjudgmental environment.
Violet Short (left) and her husband, Grant, welcomed Emery to the world on January 1. Emery was the third baby born at the new midwifery practice, and Community North’s first baby of 2020.
MEET THE MOMS WHO OPTED FOR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL NORTH. The midwives’ ability to listen – truly listen – to mothers’ needs is what sold Fishers couple Bailey and Clay Orander. They were among the first parents to use the midwifery program at Community North. Their daughter, Millie Kate, was born December 13, 2019, and was the facility’s first baby birthed by a midwife. Violet and Grant Short, who live in Indianapolis, were also one of the first couples to have a child at the new practice. Their son, Emery, was born January 1, making him the third baby born at the practice, and Community North’s first baby of 2020. “I was excited to have Jill in the delivery room!” Violet said. “I definitely felt that this delivery was much smoother, simpler and far quicker than my last.” Violet described the maternity ward as comfortable and beautiful, and said the environment was conducive to a peaceful birth. “Having a tub available for labor was another huge plus,” she added.
MIDWIVES ADVOCATE FOR MOTHERS. Because every mother is different, the birthing rooms at Community North have hydropathy (a tub), showers and squat bars, birthing stools, birthing balls and aromatherapy. In addition to providing various labor options, the midwives also ask, “What does this room need? What does it not need?” By focusing on the overall atmosphere, the midwives are able to create a comfortable environment where mothers feel safe and can focus on labor. For Kocher, it’s all about support. “I greatly enjoy being able to encourage women during one of the most transformative times of their lives.” Kocher’s approach to childbirth is what drew Violet to the idea of working with her. “To me, having a midwife is about having a friend that’s completely on my side, ready to hear my needs,” she said. “Women’s bodies are more than capable and should be treated as such.”
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND A DOULA? Doulas and midwives offer different services, even though they both support the childbirth experience. Midwives have medical training and focus on delivering a healthy baby. Doulas offer mental, physical and emotional support to the mother. Doulas also stay at a mother’s bedside as a “coach”. (Midwives, however, may have other patients to check on.) Interested in working with a doula? Check out the doula program at Community Health, where you can hire one for $350. It’s not uncommon for a midwife and a doula to work together!
WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DOES A MIDWIFE PROVIDE? Midwives can provide the same services as OB/GYNs, including annual gynecological exams, STI screening, family planning, labor and delivery care, preconception care, prenatal care, menopausal management and breastfeeding advice. They also provide reproductive education in fertility, nutrition, exercise, contraception, pregnancy health, breastfeeding and quality infant care.
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GET PRICING ANSWERS AND COST SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE WHO CARE. Community Health Network’s Pricing Support Center provides real estimates based on your specific healthcare coverage. So you’ll know the cost of your care beforehand. Learn more at ecommunity.com/pricing
EXCEPTIONAL CARE. SIMPLY DELIVERED.
MAMA
MUST HAVES
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SUSAN BECKWITH GUSHES OVER THE BABY GEAR SHE COULDN’T DO WITHOUT PHOTO BY CARPENTERPHOTO.COM
In May 2019, we welcomed our second baby, Savannah. The second time around I had a better idea of the products I truly loved and used. Sure, every baby is different, but these products have been staples for our family for both Savannah and our three-year-old son, Brody.
STROLLER SWOON
▢ TRANSPORTATION – The Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller System was the biggest ticket item on our registry, and it definitely hasn’t let us down. It offers a smooth ride, it’s lightweight, nimble and folds down to be quite compact. We’ve taken it on several different types of terrain and it always handles beautifully.
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
▢ DIAPER CREAM – Boudreaux Maximum Strength Butt Paste is hands down the best over-the-counter diaper rash cream I’ve found. ▢ BOTTLES – We tried different options but with Savannah, the Dr. Brown’s bottles worked best. There are more parts to wash due to the anti-colic mechanism inside, but none of the other bottles worked nearly as well to help reduce her gas. ▢ DIAPER BAG – There are so many adorable options out there, but one thing I highly recommend is going with a backpack style versus a one-strap bag. We have the Ticent waterproof diaper bag from Amazon. It’s affordable, has a lot of space and is highly functional. ▢ HANGERS – I 100% prefer the plastic baby hangers over the felt ones. They’re so much easier to maneuver and definitely cheaper at just $2.99 a package from buybuy BABY®. ▢ BOUNCER – The BABYBJÖRN® Balance Soft is a lifesaver. It’s the only thing that made it possible for me to shower on the days I was home alone during maternity leave. The ergonomic design of the seat responds to the baby’s movements. Another great feature is that you can remove the fabric slip easily and throw it in the washing machine if needed.
BREAST FEEDING ITEMS
▢ BREAST PUMP – The Spectra breast pumps are considered some of the most popular pumps currently on the market, but I really liked my Medela Freestyle® pump. It did a great job and handled a lot of usage without any problems. I do recommend getting the car adapter for those times you need to pump on the go! ▢ STORAGE BAGS – The Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are awesome for storing and freezing breast milk. They come pre-sterilized with a double zipper seal to prevent leaks. PRO TIP: Be sure to store bags by laying them flat. This makes it easier to stack them on top of each other in your freezer.
GADGETS
▢ WIPE DISPENSER – The OXO Tot PerfectPull™ Wipes Dispenser is simple in design, but so helpful. I can’t tell you how irritating it is when you have a wiggling baby on a changing table and you can’t get just a single wipe out of the package! This dispenser ensures you can pull one wipe out at a time instead of a huge heap. ▢ SOUND MACHINE – The Hatch Baby Rest is super cool because it’s not only great for babies but for toddlers, too. It’s a sound machine and night light and, as your baby grows, the time-torise clock comes in handy. Plus, all the features can be controlled by a.
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BEACH BAUBLES Styling by Laura Walters + Story by Brooke Reynolds + Photo by Chris Whonsetler
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NEWSFLASH: Your swimsuit is screaming for accessories. Because we’re wearing so little when we’re splashing around in a suit, it’s the details – like earrings, barrettes, and bracelets – that really make a statement. Laura with Style Riot loves a summery bohemian jewelry look, but if dripping in jewelry isn’t your jam, just choose one statement piece to punctuate your suit, without over-accessorizing.
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1. j.nicole bracelets, $34 each at 14 Districts Weekend 2. J.Crew gem necklace, $18 at Toggery resale 3. Beaded teal necklace, $14 at Toggery resale 4. Bangles, $8 each at Toggery resale 5. Cuff by Be-Je Designs, $195 at Beauty + Grace 6. Beaded bracelets, $40 each at Endeavor Boutique 7. Amy Draper earrings, $90 (both sets) at Beauty + Grace 8. Native Gem ring, $120 at Beauty + Grace 9. Pura Vida friendship bracelets, $6 each at Endeavor Boutique 10. Cream necklace, $24 at Toggery resale 11. Leather cuff, $68 at Endeavor Boutique
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FINDING RELIEF:
One woman’s road to freedom from pelvic pain “A year is a long time to go without knowing what was causing my pain.” Kimberly Metro of Whitestown thought she was having repeated urinary tract infections. She was at the doctor’s office every three months, getting antibiotics. But nothing seemed to help her pelvic pain — or her constant trips to the bathroom. “I didn’t understand why I was having these frequent UTIs,” said Kimberly. “The worst part was my disrupted sleep. I was getting up four to five times every night.”
a bladder condition that causes pelvic pain, a need to urinate urgently and frequently, and a feeling of pressure around the bladder and pelvis. It can also cause pain during sex. According to the International Urogynecological Association, 9 in 10 IC patients are women. “IC can be missed or misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to more common bladder infections or UTIs,” said Daun. “Women may be
“My life is back to normal. It’s been truly life-changing for me.” When a friend told her about Ascension St. Vincent’s Pelvic Health Center in Carmel, she went to see nurse practitioner Daun Hooley-Miller, WHCNP, NCMP. “Daun was amazing. She really took the time to listen to me. She was so knowledgeable,” said Kimberly. “I was so relieved to have an accurate diagnosis: interstitial cystitis.” She had never heard of the condition, and she’s not alone. Even some doctors are not familiar with it. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is
reluctant to talk about such personal issues so they live with the pain.”
Physical therapy at Ascension St. Vincent was “life-changing” for Kimberly Metro.
While there is no cure for IC, Daun offered Kimberly a range of options, from medicines to dietary changes to pelvic floor therapy. IC varies by individual, so the care plan must be tailored to each person. After trying a medication, Kimberly worked to identify which foods can trigger her IC. “Citrus fruits like lemons and limes are bad for me,” she said.
The treatment that worked best for her: pelvic floor work with a physical therapist. This therapy helps to relax tight pelvic floor muscles. Now Kimberly can do the things she loves without discomfort: biking, swimming, working out. “My life is back to normal,” she said. “It’s been truly life-changing for me.”
Find specialized care for women at Ascension Medical Group Carmel Women’s Pelvic Health and Menopausal Care. Make an appointment today, no referral needed. Call 317-597-6150. ADVERTISEMENT
Z suit up for
spring break Bring on the beach towels and sunscreen – swimsuit season has arrived! Not sure which style is the best fit for your shape? Don’t fret! Kit is here to save the season with swimwear that flatters real women’s bodies. Personal stylist Laura Walters, owner of Style Riot, scoured the racks (so you don’t have to) at local boutiques and department stores to find the best looks for sun, sand or surf.
Exotic Prints
Turn up the fun with these exotic swimwear prints. The bikini top offers superb underwire support and is adjustable around the neck. The one-piece camouflages the stomach area with smart ruching detail. These summer sandals offer versatility poolside and beyond. To top it off, these sleek hair ties won’t yank your hair out when your strands are wet and sandy. One-piece Calvin Klein swimsuit, $79.98 at Macy’s; Bikini top by Kate Spade, $98 at Macy's; Bikini bottom by Kate Spade, $75 at Macy’s; Carrie Forbes sandals, $88 at Toggery; Emi Jay hair ties, $11 at 14 Districts
Styling by Laura Walters + Story By Brooke Reynolds + Photos by Chris Whonsetler
Classic combo The Miracle Suit is this season’s best option for curvier gals. Opt for a comfy, stretchy, high-waisted pant. Because they are a bit dressier, you can wear them to lunch at the local cabana. The sandals are leather and suede – surprising textures for the beach. Miracle Suit, $168 at Macy’s; Ralph Lauren pants, $86 at Macy's; Wonderland sunglasses, $168 at 14 Districts; Kari slide flats by UGG, $110 at Macy's
French Riviera The vertical stripes on these two suits are slimming, and bonus! They both have a sweet little bow on the back. The bikini top offers reliable bust support, and the high-waisted bottom is a great option for tummy control. The coverup can double as a dress and, with the addition of a statement necklace, take you from day to night without ever heading back to your hotel room to change. The slide sandal has a heel to give you a little lift, and the cream color is an updated alternative to classic black. One-piece by Marlies Dekkers, $279 at Uplift Intimate Apparel $279; Bikini top by Marlies Dekkers, $189 at Uplift Intimate Apparel; Bikini bottom by Marlies Dekkers, $109 at Uplift Intimate Apparel; Coverup by Shan, $375 at Uplift Intimate Apparel; Daria dress sandal by Calvin Klein, $109 at Macy’s; Vintage statement necklace, $28 at Toggery resale
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Youthful Color Tie-dye is on-trend for the ladies, while Art Deco prints are having a moment with men. The tie on this suit is strategically positioned around the lower torso to flatter the midsection. Try a wedge in place of the classic flip flop, and throw on these raw edge jean shorts and a lightweight sweatshirt when it gets chilly at night. Rachel Roy swimsuit, $75 at Macy's; Saxx men’s trunks, $75 at Uplift Intimate Apparel; Josephine wedge shoes by Michael Kors, $130 at Macy's; Montana hat in navy, $31 at Endeavor Boutique; Raw edge jean shorts, $105 at Beauty + Grace; Zutter sweatshirt, $48 at Endeavor Boutique
FLOUR SHOWER Photos by Chris Whonsetler
We’ve gathered some exceptional books, accessories and cookware for the women in your life who finds beauty in baking.
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ICE BOX COOKIES BY MINOTAKESEIKA Enjoy 35 fun designs with step-by-step instructions and beautifiul photos. $19.95 at Silver In The City Carmel and Mass Ave.
APRON AND MITT BY BLUE Q
WOODEN CAKE STAND BY K&K
BAKING TEA TOWLS BY MUDPIE
A great baker once said, “There are 13 Ingredients in my famous chocolate cake and they’re all butter!”
This stand is the perfect piece to add warmth to your kitchen and proudly display your latest baked creation.
“I have enough cute unsoiled tea towls,” said nobody.
Apron, $40 and Mitt, $14.95 at Silver In the City Carmel and Mass Ave.
$140 at Linden Tree Carmel City Center and Noblesville locations
MACKENZIE-CHILDS CAKE STAND
MINI BUNDT CAKE PAN BY MUDPIE
MUG CAKES BY LESLIE BILDERBACK
Bakers, start your ovens! We adore this plate with a nod to Indy racing.
Serve up an extra special individual dessert for any special occasion.
Dig into 100 speedy ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.
$120 at Addendum in the Carmel City Center
$24 at Linden Tree Carmel City Center and Noblesville locations
$9 at Linden Tree Carmel City Center and Noblesville locations
$22.99 at Silver In The City Carmel and Mass Ave.
NATURALLY SWEET VEGAN BAKING BY MARISA ALVARSSON Sweet breakfasts, cookies, pies, puddings and more, sans the eggs and dairy. $21.99 at Silver In The City Carmel and Mass Ave.
PIE PLATE AND BIRD Out of the Blue Pottery is hand-made in Poland and microwave, oven and dishwasher safe! Add this adorable little birdy to help vent your pies. Bird, $20 and Pie plate, $62 at Out Of The Blue Pottery in the Carmel City Center
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AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION BENEFITTING RIVERVIEW HEALTH FOUNDATION By Brooke Reynolds
Don’t miss an evening of inspiration benefitting the Riverview Health Foundation from 4:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, at Indianapolis Marriott North. The featured speaker will be Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship. You’ll never choose Netflix over your workout again after hearing Minda tell her story. As an infant living in India, Minda contracted polio, resulting in paralysis of her legs. She was left in the care of an orphanage. After being adopted by an American family, she underwent a series of surgeries that enabled her to walk with leg braces and crutches. Undeterred by her disability, Minda became an independent woman with the intention and drive to face and overcome the many obstacles she has encountered throughout her life. As an adult, she discovered athletics and threw herself into the sport of triathlon. In 2013, she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship. She committed to inspiring people to move beyond their fear of failure to achieve their goals. Before she joins us in Indy in April, Kit caught up with Minda to get a peek into her world:
WHERE DOES YOUR COURAGE COME FROM? My parents. Despite having a disability, my parents treated me just like my other siblings. They raised us all to be very independent and encouraged us to go after our dreams and goals. For example, I backpacked through Europe, studied abroad in Spain and moved to NYC, all by myself. They supported me and believed in me every step of the way. They were at my first marathon, triathlon and Kona Ironman cheering me on. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THING YOU'VE OVERCOME? I think the biggest thing I’ve had to address in my life is being comfortable and confident as a person with a disability. WHAT LIFE LESSONS ARE YOU TEACHING AT HOME RIGHT NOW? I’m a mom of a very active and curious 5-year-old daughter. Some of the lessons we are teaching her at home are how to be confident, responsible and kind.
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WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY STUDYING/ LEARNING? As a working mom, on weeknights I am doing sight words with my daughter as an introduction to help her learn how to read. For myself, I listen to podcasts to keep up on the news. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT YOUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? In September, I plan to do a half ironman (70.3 triathlon) in Sydney, Australia, to complete my challenge of six Half Ironman triathlons on six continents. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR MESSAGE AT THIS RIVERVIEW HEALTH FOUNDATION EVENT? Among other things, having the courage to try. We will experience failures or setbacks in our lives and it’s just about getting out there and making an attempt because it’s worth it.
Riverview Health Foundation created a series of these inspiring events in 2004 to help raise funds for the Women of Vision Giving Club, which supports programs and services for women and children served at Riverview Health. The Women of Vision Giving Club is comprised of a group of empowered women who are dedicated to making a difference. The Club’s philanthropic focus is addressing the ever-growing healthcare needs of the women and children who come to Riverview Health. Ticket prices for the event on April 29 are $50 per individual and $1,000 for corporate tables of eight seats. Register at riverview.org/classes/ women-of-vision/
HEALTH FOUNDATION
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MOTIVATE INSPIRE ACHIEVE
An Evening of Inspiration with Minda Dentler When: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 | Network while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar–4:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker & program–6 p.m. Where: Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy. Tickets: $50-individual ticket | $1,000-corporate table Keynote Speaker: Minda Dentler, athlete, speaker and polio survivor. As the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship after being paralyzed from the hips down by polio, Minda will share her amazing journey to accomplishing what she was told would be impossible. Register by April 20, 2020 at riverview.org/womenofvision2020. Diamond Sponsor
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INSPIRED BY EARLY DETECTION AND YOUR NEXT CHAPTER IN LIFE Seeing you do what you love with the ones you love is what inspires us. If you’re over 50, preventing colorectal cancer can be as easy as getting a colonoscopy. The screening can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous and symptoms develop. Early detection saves lives and gives you, and the people who love you, peace of mind.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Schedule your colonoscopy Today! FranciscanHealth.org/ColonCare
AGAINST THE
Story by Tessa Judge + Photos by Chris Whonsetler
Get to know these six Indy-area bakers committed to exceeding your expectations
Residents in and around the Circle City have no shortage of options for immaculate homemade baked goods. From award-winning cupcakes and wedding cakes to thoughtfullybaked sourdough bread that promises to forever raise your standard for a savory loaf, it’s easy to eat well around here. And being able to support local businesses while appeasing your sweet tooth ... Well, that's just an added bonus. KARI NICKANDER is mixing up something sweet at the General American Donut Company.
We sat down with six standout local bakers to learn more about their thriving businesses, creative inspirations and downright delectable baked goods.
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What are your most popular items?
Our Vegan Donut and The Bennie Cronut are very popular. The Creme Brûlée is up there also, I think because of the house-made pastry cream. Everything we do is made inhouse. That sets us apart.
Who inspires you to bake?
general american donut company generalamericandonutco.com
For Kari Nickander, visiting her grandma in Minnesota always meant enjoying fresh, sweet and wonderful homemade donuts. “She really loved when we ate her donuts,” Kari said. “I can still remember her with them in her kitchen. We’d all sit down and she would get them out to let us roll them in sugar ourselves. They were so good.” After one memorable trip to Minnesota with her husband and kids, they realized that there wasn’t a good craft donut shop in Indianapolis. The pair already had experience running food trucks and her husband came from a family in the food industry on the West Coast, so when he suggested they open a donut shop, she jumped at the idea. With just her grandma’s cake donut recipe to start, the pair got busy researching everything they could about making donuts. “We’ve learned a lot about baking over the years, and I really enjoy it. I’m so happy with our yeast donuts today. We won best yeast donuts in Indianapolis last year,” Kari said. “We’ve gotten much more skilled and confident with both baking and the business and are always trying to expand. We want to offer Indy something that might not already be here; Something that we think people will like. That’s really fun for us.”
My Grandma Nettie. I’m also always looking for something that I’ve never seen before, so I keep an eye on shops in New York and other big cities. I’m inspired by other bakers and love seeing the beautiful pastries that other bakers come up with.
What do you love most about baking?
It sounds cliché, but baking truly is therapeutic, almost meditative. I just love making things. I feel a lot like my grandma in the shop and just really love feeding people with things we’ve made.
What's your personal favorite thing to bake? I really like making cookies because it’s a simple, fun dessert that you can do a lot of different things with.
Do you have any baking secrets or tips that you've learned over the years?
My go-to is my gut. A lot of people get nervous and truly, I think that if you just quiet yourself down and listen to your gut and do things the way you would like them done, that’s what you should do.
What's something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? I really like making things with my hands. We’re actually going to start selling things at the shop that my daughter and I have made together.
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gigi's cupcakes gigiscupcakesusa.com
What’s your most popular item?
Our No. 1 seller is the Wedding Cake Cupcake. My personal favorite is honestly the plain vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting. It’s the first one I ever got and every time my husband would go to Nashville, I’d have him bring me one home. It’s a kind of comfort food.
Who inspires you to bake?
My motivator is when little kids come in and I see the cupcakes take their breath away. One of the funniest moments was when an 18-month old came in with her mom and said, “Cupcakes!” Her mom was astonished and said, “I didn’t know she knew that word!”
What do you love most about baking?
Former nurse Lory Pappas and her husband met Gigi, owner of the original Gigi’s Cupcakes, five years ago at her first shop while they were on vacation in Nashville, Tennessee. Lory's daughters spotted the sign from their hotel room and begged for cupcakes. After some persistence, Lory gave in and they popped in to have the sweet treat for breakfast. “My husband said it was one of the best cupcakes he’d ever had and wanted to meet Gigi. She came around the corner and he told her how much he loved the cupcakes, mentioning that Indianapolis would be a great spot to expand,” Lory remembered. “She laughed and said she was never opening a cupcake shop ever again. So, everytime he traveled through Nashville, he’d swing through to say hi to Gigi and bring us home some cupcakes.” After about a year and a half, Gigi had expanded into nearby Franklin, Tennessee. Lory’s husband visited the new location and, to make a long story short, Lory’s family became the first non-family members to become franchise owners of Gigi’s Cupcakes. The original Indy location opened in the Keystone area ten years ago in June and the Fishers location has been open for eight years. You’ve probably also spotted their food truck at various local events, making the magic that is Gigi’s Cupcakes available all around town.
Going back to my 4-H days, I baked and did sewing as well. With sewing, I never liked my finished products. It always felt like so much work for something I would never wear. But with baking, when that finished product comes out, it’s just like, “Yes!”
What’s your personal favorite thing to bake? I really like to make our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake.
Do you have any baking secrets that you’ve learned over the years? Just not to overthink it. When Gigi presented her recipes to us, most of them were from her mom and grandma, things she grew up making. She kept saying, “Make it like you would at home. Don’t overthink it.”
What’s something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? I don’t really have much spare time! But gardening is probably my favorite thing.
Amelia's ameliasbread.com
BREAD WINNERS Charlie McIntosh is serving up savory satisfaction with his thoughtful sourdough.
When local entrepreneur Tom Battista originally wanted to open a sandwich shop but couldn’t find good, freshly-baked bread in Indianapolis, he turned to his nephew, Charlie McIntosh. Charlie had experience in food, but wasn’t yet a baker by trade and was determined to learn. He participated in intensive workshops and courses, and did a lot of reading and experimenting on his own. When Amelia’s first opened, they just baked bread for sister restaurant Bluebeard, but soon picked up some wholesale accounts, one being Goose the Market. Amelia’s has since grown and currently wholesales to about 20-25 restaurants and markets, but the brick and mortar shop in Fountain Square has its own charm. “Our retail store, which opened in 2015, has been really popular,” Charlie said. “People love having their own bakery in the neighborhood. There’s something special about that, especially when it happens to make really good stuff.” Amelia’s will turn eight years old this June and is as popular as ever. Customers can procure the freshly baked bread daily at their retail shop or at any of the numerous locations that carry their products around town. Each loaf is sheer perfection.
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What’s your most popular item?
We’re best known for our bread because it’s all naturally leavened, meaning sourdough, which is not that common. From mixing to baking, it takes a long time, almost 24 hours. Most people do it in a few hours. You can notice the difference in both texture and flavor, and I’m proud of that. We’re putting a lot of thought and effort into each item on our relatively limited menu, rather than offering dozens of items that are mediocre.
Who inspires you to bake?
The community I grew up in really showed me how food brings people together. That goes for all food, not just baked goods.
What do you love most about baking?
You know, baked goods are very ubiquitous. They’re everywhere and most are pretty mediocre. When you can bake something that makes someone stop and notice that they’re eating something different – something that was given more thought – that’s really exciting to me.
What's your personal favorite thing to bake?
I love baking a really simple French country style of sourdough bread. It’s super basic, but it’s my favorite bread. I’ve also been messing around with masa – what tortilla is made out of – which has been fun.
Do you have any baking secrets or tips that you've learned over the years? Just two: browned butter and good salt.
What's something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? I like to travel when I can, though I don’t get to do that too often. I really enjoy hiking locally with my family. We like to get outside and walk through the woods for a couple hours at least once or twice a week.
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the cake bake shop thecakebakeshop.com Since she was six years old, Gwendolyn Rogers loved to make the Betty Crocker shaped cakes as a creative outlet. She continued baking well into adulthood, becoming the go-to person for her friends and family, baking for many parties and events. She sat down one day with a pad of paper to write down all of her passions, which turned out to mostly revolve around cooking and baking. When she moved to Indianapolis in 2007, she began baking for her sons’ classes, sporting events and teachers, and soon she began to outgrow her kitchen. She knew she needed to seriously consider opening her own shop, and discussed potential business names with her husband. “He told me to call it what it is,” Gwendolyn said. “‘You bake cake, so call it 'Cake Bake.’ I added ‘Shop’ because it felt too short and didn’t roll off the tongue. That made it perfect.” Since opening Cake Bake Shop in 2014, Gwendolyn has seen it grow beyond her wildest imagination. “I never thought anyone would come,” she admitted. “When I opened, I just turned on the ‘Open’ sign, and they came. I still to this day have never spent a dime on advertising. I do all of it on my own using the website and social media. It’s crazy to think about how many people have eaten my cakes over the last 12 years. It makes me extremely proud.” You can visit the Cake Bake Shop in Carmel or Broad Ripple, and the menus are not limited to sweet treats. Enjoy a delicious quiche or a croquemadame with a glass of wine, and definitely leave room for dessert.
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What’s your most popular item?
My Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake. It was the first cake I started with when I decided to bake professionally and it remains my No. 1 seller.
Who inspires you to bake?
My family. My three sons love everything I cook and bake, and my husband is my best supporter. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the amazing support of all my boys.
What do you love most about baking?
Baking is therapeutic. I love to make something out of nothing. Combining all the ingredients together to create something someone is going to love is wonderful. Baking also creates memories. Every cake I have ever made my boys remember. Good or bad!
What's your personal favorite thing to bake?
All butter pound cake for breakfast. I love to wake my boys up with the smell of cake baking in the oven.
Do you have any baking secrets or tips that you've learned over the years?
Yes, every cake I make I bake it with care. The minute it goes in the oven, I watch it, talk to it and when it comes out of the oven, I give it a little pat to make sure it springs back properly. When it does, it’s complete happiness. I let it rest then I turn it out onto a pretty cake plate. A real secret is to use the right ingredients. The right salt is most important. I only use kosher salt because it brings out the best flavors and balance in anything you bake.
What's something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? Decorate! I love to decorate my shops and fill them with pretty things. I change out the decorations in both my shops for winter and summer. That’s almost a full time job. I plan a year in advance for what I will do to surprise my guests. Then when I have time, I like to make my home as festive as I can for my family. I love Christmas and I like for my boys to come home to a cozy, warm home decorated for the holidays. They help me, which makes it even more fun. Then we all end up in the kitchen cooking dinner and sharing stories.
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heavenly sweets heavenlysweetscakes.net
Tanya Marshall began baking at a young age in 4-H and fell in love with it quickly. Her mother saw her talent and let her have free rein in the kitchen, where Tanya would spend many summers baking away. She grew up, got married, had kids, and continued spending a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and baking fabulous things for her friends and family. In 1991, around Christmas, Tanya’s oven door was broken and she couldn’t afford to fix it. But her love of baking, especially during the holidays, got the best of her, so she started making six cookies at a time for her family out of her toaster oven. “I could watch them like a hawk and make them really pretty and fancy,” Tanya said. “My brother was impressed by what I was doing, so he and his son-in-law decided to buy me a used stove. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, and that’s when Heavenly Sweets really began.” By 1995, Tanya had moved to Noblesville and opened the brick and mortar shop that stands there today, giving her the opportunity to share her love of baking and sweets with even more people.
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What are your most popular items?
Our strongest seller by far is the White Almond Wedding Cake Cupcake. We sell out of that every day. We use natural almond, nothing artificial, and the cakes are moist and fluffy. The buttercream frosting isn’t overly sweet. It’s a big seller. My pecan pie recipe is one that I used to win “Clash of the Grandmas” on the Food Network. I’m also a very strong player in the wedding cake business. Our buttercream is so smooth that it looks like fondant.
Who inspires you to bake?
My mother was a great baker and a stay-at-home mom, so I grew up with lots of homemade baked goods. Pies were my mom’s strength. She also loved to make cookies, but cakes were not her thing. Cakes are hard for a lot of bakeries. I was definitely influenced by my mother, but I also have a sweet tooth and there would be times when I just wanted a really good cake. But that’s not usually something you can just walk to the corner bakery and find. Most of the time, you’re disappointed in it. I wanted to make a cake that people would love.
What do you love most about baking?
Getting to eat it! And I really enjoy that other people find so much pleasure in what I do and appreciate the quality of the work. People are so used to mediocrity, so when you go above that, they’re excited and tell others. We have people who drive in from Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, South Bend, all the way down to Brown County. What a compliment that is. A man drove 2.5 hours each way once to get four cupcakes for his wife for Valentine’s Day. Those are things that make me smile.
What's your personal favorite thing to bake?
Cookies! I also like to bake a quality cake, particularly a homemade German chocolate cake. But my go-to would be cookies. They’re quick, everybody loves them, and you can share them with lots of people. Banana bread is another one I really enjoy. I still use a recipe I’ve had since I was in my 20s.
Do you have any baking secrets or tips that you've learned over the years?
I have lots of baking secrets and that’s exactly what they are.
What's something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? I like to watch the cardinals and birds in my yard. I currently have an organic garden, so I enjoy mixing and matching and playing around to make really healthy food to counterbalance the sweets. I’m a competitive roller dancer. I go to Chicago, Bloomington, Franklin and the west side of Indy for training. Sometimes I hit them all in one week! That’s my hobby at this point, to live and eat healthy, which can be difficult when you own a bakery.
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the flying cupcake theflyingcupcakebakery.com
In 2006, Kate Drury owned a boutique in Indianapolis, traveling often to New York for trade shows. At that time, Magnolia Bakery was one of the hottest spots for baked goods in NYC, and Kate made a point to stop by to pick up a cupcake whenever she was in town. Inspired, Kate began baking cupcakes for her boutique customers at home and people quickly began asking if they could place cupcake orders with her. Thus, The Flying Cupcake was born. Kate signed a lease for their first location near Butler in 2007, where she did all the baking and decorating herself. Being the first cupcake bakery in the state, it took a little getting used to for the community. “People have been coming ever since we opened, but many were a little confused at first because a boutique cupcake shop was a little unusual,” Kate said. “But we somehow got through the recession in 2008 and started to get even more customers.” Kate now works more on the operational side of things, but still owns and is very hands-on with the entire company. Today, there are five Flying Cupcake locations, The Dancing Donut in South Broad Ripple and The Lemon Bar in Zionsville, all under The Flying Cupcake parent company. What began as a small niche baked goods shop has turned into somewhat of a local empire, satiating the sweet tooths of customers all around the Indianapolis area.
What’s your most popular item?
Definitely Red Velvet Elvis, which is one of our original flavors. It was included in a Buzzfeed article once, which was crazy, because that wasn’t something we had any control over. Someone somewhere thought we were worth adding to that list. I was on a whole other level when I saw that.
Who inspires you to bake?
At this point, it’s my customers. I take it very personally when we fail a customer, so we work really hard to try to keep that from happening. I feel so lucky that we get to be a small part of family celebrations, and I don’t take it lightly. The customers are always on my mind and we’ll go very far to make sure everything is taken care of. They’re awesome and always inspire me.
What do you love most about baking?
I just really love providing this product for my customers and families. That's the best part, hands down.
What's your personal favorite thing to bake? A BOUTIQUE CUPCAKE SHOP was once considered unconventional, but Kate Drury found a way to make it work. And we're so grateful she did!
I love baking the peanut butter cookie recipe that we use at the shop. It was my grandma’s recipe and it’s the best. A lot of our recipes come from my grandma, actually.
Do you have any baking secrets or tips that you've learned over the years? This might seem obvious, but I learned year one that baking really is a science. It has to be approached from a technical perspective because everything reacts. If you crack eggs too early or overmix something, it matters. Really follow your recipe to a T.
What's something you like to do in your spare time aside from baking? I like to travel. I’m a bit of a Francophile, so I love going to Paris when I can. I love to spend time with my family, go to movies and hang out with my dogs. I have five rescue dogs and I love them. Taking care of them and going out with them and my husband might be my favorite hobby.
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Spend Your
Spring Break
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SPRINGTIME IN THE
STATE GETTING AWAY CLOSE TO HOME By Tessa Judge
The welcomed arrival of springtime in Indiana means donning lighter jackets, enjoying longer days and planning for spring break. While this postwinter getaway can sometimes feel like an intimidating week (or two) to plan for, whether in terms of finances or taking time off of work, living in the great state of Indiana certainly makes it easier. With multiple destinations within driving distance of home, creating springtime memories can be done with a day trip, long weekend or full week. Pick one of these three cities and add these spots to your travel itinerary for a trip to remember!
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CORYDON
As Indiana’s original state capital, Corydon prides itself on maintaining its rich history while continuing to grow and modernize. Amanda Ramos, Marketing Manager at the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, says their recent rebrand is a big step in the right direction for locals and visitors. “We know who we are now and we’re excited to share it,” Amanda said. “We’ve seen a lot of grant money, state money and private investments coming in to revitalize historic buildings and bring new businesses into downtown.” Two of these new businesses are sister, locally-owned restaurants, 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks and Tavolo Italian Bistro. Both spots offer options for kids, ensuring that everyone who comes by for a meal leaves happy. “1816 is small and intimate and has a focused menu, with their twist on southern classics like fried green tomatoes. They also have a cocktail menu with a drink called the Old Capital Fashioned, an ode to Corydon being the first state capital, which I think is really cute,” Amanda shared. “Tavolo is a little bigger and contemporary. The menu is very pasta-forward and delicious.”
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As the weather warms up, you’ll want to lace up your walking shoes and enjoy some fresh air. Downtown Corydon is a very walkable area, with a four-mile urban trail that weaves through town and leads into a nature preserve. “The trail is mostly paved, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller,” Amanda said. “We’re trying hard to be better about accessibility tourism because we want everyone to be able to enjoy Corydon.” For history junkies, the Corydon Capitol building and the Harrison County Discovery Center are fun and interactive stops. For art lovers, Zimmerman Art Glass hosts live glass blowing demonstrations. For cave lovers, guided tours of the numerous caves and caverns in the area are strongly encouraged. Just two and a half hours south of Indianapolis, Amanda likes to describe Corydon as the perfect place to, “Stay close to home and ditch your car for the day.” We have to agree. Learn more about all there is to do this spring in Corydon at thisisindiana.org.
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FORT WAYNE
Indiana’s second-largest city is growing more impressive by the minute. Home to three rivers, Fort Wayne plays host to many nationally celebrated cultural attractions and parks, including the newly opened Promenade Park. Jessa Campbell, Marketing and Communications Manager with Visit Fort Wayne, says this park should be a top priority when visiting. As part of the city’s efforts to revitalize its riverfront, Promenade Park promises fun for the whole family. Engage in a little friendly competition with their ping pong tables or cornhole sets. Grab a bite to eat at the Trubble Riverside Cafe. And when the weather’s right, splash around in the Doermer Kids’ Canal or with a paddleboard, canoe or kayak rental. When you’re ready to escape inside, Jessa recommends a visit to Science Central. “The museum has more than 120 exhibits and is very hands-on. Younger kids can play in the preschool area, while older kids can enjoy the interactive exhibits throughout the museum.”
Jessa also suggests a factory tour of DeBrand Fine Chocolates, where visitors will learn about the company’s history and chocolate-making processes, and enjoy their fill of sweets along the way. Parkview Field (home of the TinCaps) is another spot insiders recommend for baseball lovers and families. “It’s a great downtown field, and visitors can walk around the entire facility, which you don’t usually get to do at a ballpark,” Jessa said. “There’s a playground with a splash pad when the weather is good, a rock wall, games and entertainment between innings.” A quick two-hour drive north of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne is bursting with activities and an easy road trip for all ages. Head to visitfortwayne.com for even more ideas!
CARMEL
Consistently named one of the best places to live in the country, Carmel continually strives to outdo itself. Whether your family enjoys the arts, museums, games, eating out or being outside, Carmel’s got you covered. Melanie Brewer, Project Manager in the Community Relations & Economic
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Development department at the City of Carmel, gushes about Meet Me on Main, which takes place on the second Saturday of every month. And as the months get warmer, the popular event only gets better. “Formerly known as Second Saturday Gallery Walks, we have live music performances outside, face painting, caricature artists and shops stay open late,” Melanie said. “It’s a really fun day for families and people of all ages.” Adjacent to the Monon Trail is an area known as Midtown Carmel, designed to connect the Carmel Arts & Design District with the Carmel City Center. What was once an industrial part of Carmel is being transformed into a family-friendly public plaza. “It’s a really fun spot. It’s lined by a few restaurants, like Sun King and Fork and Ale House, both with outdoor seating,” Melanie shared. “When the weather’s nice, there are cool chairs around the plaza, ping pong and pool tables, and green space for running around and relaxing. There’s also a candle-making shop, among other retailers. We really wanted to create a family-friendly community space, one that everyone would enjoy.”
When you’ve had your fill of shopping and eating, explore some of Carmel’s unique museums. The Museum of Miniature Houses is exactly that and definitely worth a visit. The Carmel Art Council’s World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery, officially designated by the Guinness Book of World Records, is a really fun spot to see budding local artists’ art on display. And just one block south of Main Street is the Carmel Clay Historical Society at the Monon Depot Museum, with rotating exhibits and seasonal programs for all ages. Making the drive immediately north of Indianapolis to explore Carmel is a great way to spend a few days as spring approaches. With more businesses and restaurants opening all the time, you can easily create a fun staycation. Find more at visithamiltoncounty.com.
1. Zimmerman Art Glass, Corydon 2. 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks, Corydon 3. Squire Boone Caverns, Corydon, 4. Historical Downtown Corydon, 5. Fort Wayne TinCaps 6. Harrison County Discovery Center, Corydon 7. Fort Wayne Zoo 8. Promenade Park, Fort Wayne 9. Meet me on Main, Carmel 10. Midtown, Carmel
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skin secrets: TRY NEW OPTIONS: UPDATE YOUR COMPLEXION FOR A FRESH LOOK As the long, gray Indiana winter starts to give way to brighter days, it’s pretty typical for many of us to want to metamorphose into a brighter version of ourselves, too. While drastic measures such as purging your closet of anything black, gray, navy or woolen can lead to dire consequences next fall, there are more and more options when it comes to updating your complexion. Revanesse® Versa is one of the newer tools in our arsenal of dermal fillers. This hyaluronic acid injectable can last up to six months and is one of Master Injector Amanda Bouslog’s favorite treatments to create a fuller lip. ‘Versa is fabulous to give that soft, pouty lip that so many women want. It’s not as firm as other fillers and it actually pulls water from your body to help create volume. I love that the finished look is full, but not super taut; the look is really natural.’ – Amanda Bouslog, Master Injector for Eppley Plastic Surgery While Versa is a great lip builder, Amanda finds that people tend to focus first on their eyes when they think of doing a ‘little something’, especially if they’ve never tried any injectable treatments. ‘Botox is my absolute go-to in terms of delivering results that the patient can see but are not as discernable to anyone else. If you feel like you look tired – a neuromodulator like Botox or Xeomin or Dysport is the answer. Eyes look lifted, brighter and wider after treatment. I also like to add a tiny bit to the tail of the eyebrow to give a lift there as well.’ With over a decade of experience, Amanda has learned how to assess each face individually to ensure her patients get the most out of their time with her. ‘So many of my patients have come to me for years, and over time I’ve modified their treatments based on how their faces age. That is the main reason I use so many different fillers and neuromodulators. There is no one perfect formula that works for every area of the face. Belotero, Restylane, Juvederm, just to name a few, are always available at our practice so that I can deliver. Lift, brighten, fill, sculpt – there are tons of possibilities.’ Master Injector Amanda Bouslog can be reached exclusively at Eppley Plastic Surgery at abouslog@EppleyPlasticSurgery. com or via phone at 317-706-4444.
TO MARK WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, we followed two influential women on a trip to the world-renowned Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center—one of Indiana’s best kept secrets—to explore and celebrate their past.
STORY BY ALYSSA CHASE + PHOTOS BY KELLY BENTON
Allison DePrey Singleton of The Genealogy Center helped Lisa DesadierSobek find resources that could help her locate ancestors in Africa.
M
arch is Women’s History Month, a time to highlight women’s contributions to our progress and culture. At Kit, we’re marking the occasion by featuring two local ladies who are making a difference in our community: Lisa Desadier-Sobek, who currently serves on the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees, and Danielle Carey Tolan of Westfield, who serves as Westfield Washington Township Trustee. (See their bios on page 53.) We wondered: How did these women’s history help shape who they are today, and what does it mean to them to discover their family stories? To find out, Kit publisher Kelly McVey accompanied both women on a trip to the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana—an international treasure just a couple of hours away. The second-largest genealogical library in the United States, The Genealogy Center doesn’t just focus on Indiana—its collection and databases include materials from throughout the United States, Canada, the British Isles and Europe, as well as African American and Native American/First Nation records and vast online databases. The center’s librarians are visionaries in their field, and also warm and welcoming. On top of all that, the center’s resources are free. “We help anyone from anywhere,” Allison DePrey Singleton, senior librarian, said. Here are some highlights from Lisa and Danielle’s experience.
Starting with stories
Both Lisa and Danielle had an interest in genealogy and had done some groundwork before their visit to the center in Fort Wayne. Danielle’s parents and their stories inspire her research. “We pull out boxes of old pictures and talk about aunts, uncles and grandparents,” Danielle, who hasn’t yet explored genealogy websites or DNA, said. “My parents know a lot about their history.” Lisa got involved two years ago through her cousin and MyHeritage.com. “It has always been an interest of ours,” Lisa said. “My family are descendants of slaves, and I knew I’d hit a brick wall in my search; there were so many unknowns. It was scary to think about what I might find.” A girls’ night with family and friends gave Lisa courage to dig deeper. “We’d heard stories that a man named Alton was my biological father,” she said. A search on the MyHeritage site led to Google and a hit: a Facebook page for the Alton in question. “It’s all a blur—so many thoughts were running through my mind in that moment,” Lisa said. Via Facebook, Lisa and her twin sister, Leslie, sent a simple message that included the words: “We think we might be related.” Alton immediately responded. They’d found their father!
SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
ELEVATE YOUR RESEARCH WITH A VISIT TO THE ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY GENEALOGY CENTER IN FORT WAYNE The Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center’s collection is immense, and growing. The largest public genealogical library in the United States, it includes access to vast resources, including North American, European, British Isles, African American and Native American/First Nation records. The center’s experienced librarians welcome everyone, from children to senior citizens, beginners to experienced researchers. Access and resources are free of charge.
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THE GENEALOGY CENTER
STATS
42,000
1.5 million
4 million
Square footage of The Genealogy Center
Physical items
Digital assets on website
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68,000
$0
Database subscriptions with free access in-house
One-of-a-kind family histories
Cost to use The Genealogy Center's assets and services
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Feel inspired to take a trip to The Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne? Use this checklist to prepare:
▢ Surf the website. Browse The Genealogy Center’s website, genealogycenter.org, for tips and special programs. To download a pedigree chart form, click on "How to Get Started", then go to "BYU Family History Library Forms." ▢ Line up help. Email genealogy@ACPL.info or call (260) 421-1225 to ask for advice or schedule a free 30-minute consultation (highly recommended). ▢ Grab a flash drive. Use it to save large files and skip the photocopier.
▢ Stock up on ones. Bring plenty of $1 bills for the copier. Your only other costs will be gas and parking.
▢ Pack a sweater. You never know what the temperature may be!
▢ Wear a backpack or bring a rolling bag. There are no lockers available, so be prepared to keep your items with you at all times.
▢ Don’t be shy. Speak up and ask questions. The librarians are there to help! There’s even an in-house DNA expert.
▢ Enjoy Fort Wayne. The center is a two-hour drive from the Indianapolis area. Consider traveling with family members to reconnect and prep for your visit. No open food or drink are allowed in The Genealogy Center, so plan a lunch break, too! The map on the center’s website notes several nearby eateries, or you can eat a packed lunch in other parts of the library.
Surprises and connections Now Lisa and Leslie have a great relationship with their biological father, who even asked his newfound daughters to share his last name, to which they agreed.
Contact with her father’s side of the family helped Lisa complete her pedigree chart, and much more. She now knows that one side of her family migrated to Indiana from Louisiana. She also learned that her maternal and paternal grandmothers were best friends, though she never met her paternal grandma. Danielle’s family surprises came to light during her visit to The Genealogy Center. During their consultation, Danielle and Allison reviewed materials going back to 1707. Danielle learned the real reason her great-grandpa Alva Carey, a World War II veteran, served as a veterinarian in the war. Military records showed he was a conscientious scruple—a synonym for conscientious objector. “That explains why they had to find him a noncombatant job,” Danielle said. “That was probably the most fascinating thing to learn.” Danielle also got clarification on a story about Viona Pugh, her paternal grandmother, who was orphaned at birth. “We always thought my greatgrandmother had died at birth,” she said. “But records showed that she died two days after my grandmother’s birth, of pneumonia.” The records also showed that, soon after her grandmother’s birth, Danielle’s great-grandfather moved to Los Angeles. “That’s part of the story, too,” Allison said. “The father remarried. He was alive. I’m guessing he was heartbroken.”
Clockwise from left: Lisa Desadier-Sobek’s maternal grandmother, Doris Carter, taught her to be a lady. Her paternal grandmother, Jefaye Desadier, owned her own business. Grandma Carter in later years. Lisa’s great-grandma “Bo” Juanita Ridgel completed a year of high school, a rare feat in the 20s.
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The women before us
Both Lisa and Danielle feel proud of and inspired by the women in their families. Danielle remembers spending time with her greatgrandmother, Laura (Taylor) Carey, while her dad was out in the fields. “She founded the farm we own now,” Danielle said. “I remember playing games with her—how caring she was. We rarely get to have those experiences with our greatgrandparents.” Danielle’s maternal grandmother, Ruth Estelle (Fletcher) Deckard, lived in Westfield on a small farmstead. “Not only did she teach me how to swim, dive and play tennis,” Danielle recalled. “She taught me lessons that helped form the work ethic I have today.” Danielle remembers that both of her grandmothers “dressed and acted with class. They were way ahead of their time,” she said. Lisa’s equally proud of her own female ancestors. “My maternal grandmother, Doris Carter, taught me the difference between being a woman and being a lady. She was the definition of a lady,” Lisa said. “She had a quiet strength and grace that I’ll always remember and keep with me.” After Lisa’s paternal grandmother, Jefaye Desadier, and her husband divorced, the full-time homemaker became a business owner, too. “I’m inspired by her entrepreneurial drive,” Lisa shared. “She owned a restaurant and lounge, and truly made something out of nothing, providing a space and service for the black community. She was a strong and classy lady, too. I have characteristics of both of my grandmothers, and that makes me proud.”
From Top: Danielle Carey Tolan’s family on the farm in Westfield: greatgrandma Laura (Taylor) Carey, Hugh Carey and Flora (Laudig) Carey. A portrait of ancestors Walter Carey, Hugh Carey, Flora (Laudig) Carey and great-grandpa Alva Carey (front row); Alva’s siblings Allen, Mary and Olive Carey (back row). Danielle’s grandma Ruth Estelle (Fletcher) Deckard, who taught her how to swim, play tennis and work hard.
At The Genealogy Center, Lisa learned that her maternal greatgrandmother, Grandma “Bo” Juanita Ridgel, had completed a year of high school. “That was unusual in the 20s,” Lisa said. “To me, this demonstrates how important getting an education was to my family, despite social and economic challenges.”
Seeking and sharing
Lisa and Danielle agreed that their trip to The Genealogy Center only scratched the surface of their family histories. Both are planning trips back to learn and share more. Lisa wants to know more about her great-grandfather, Lester Carter, who may have been the first free man in their family. “My great-great grandfather may have been a slave,” she said. “It appears his owner was a man named William Carter. Anything after that, there’s the brick wall—a dead end.” Fortunately, Allison shared new resources that may help Lisa pinpoint her maternal family’s origins in Africa.
At The Genealogy Center, Danielle Carey Tolan learned that her greatgrandfather, Alva Carey, who served as a veterinarian in World War II, had been a conscientious objector.
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Lisa wants to learn how her ancestors helped to create a future for the next generations, and how they survived and thrived at a time when black people were legally discriminated against, marginalized and oppressed. “That’s something I want our children to know about,” she said. “The past always informs the future. I want my sons to know where they come from and be proud of that.” Danielle plans to return to the center with her son, Ezra. “Once I find a resource like this, I want to share it,” she said. Danielle has been encouraging women in her peer group to visit the center, too. She also plans to share some of her family’s photos and documents with the center so they can be scanned and help others tell their own stories. “We need to do those things,” she said, “so the history doesn’t get lost.”
LISA DESADIERSOBEK
EXECUTIVE PROJECT MANAGER, BALL STATE UNIVERSITY Lisa hails from Gary. She attended Ball State, where she met her husband, Brian, before transferring to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. She holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked for years in sales and as a marketing product manager at Roche Diagnostics. Lisa and her twin sister, Leslie, lived on Indy’s west side before Lisa married Brian and moved to Noblesville to start a family. Serving on Noblesville Schools’ Board of Trustees is her way of giving back to the community, she said. “Being a regular parent volunteer in Noblesville Schools and spending several months meeting with minority students inspired me,” she shared. “I want to do my part to bring a diverse perspective through policies by helping to create an equitable and inclusive educational environment for all students.”
DANIELLE CAREY TOLAN WESTFIELD WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Danielle comes from a farming family that helped settle Westfield, moving north from Carmel in the 1830s. Westfield’s Carey Road is named after her family, which still operates a 2,800-acre farm in Westfield. Her devotion to public service came from watching her grandmothers, grandfathers, and mom and dad all serve the community. While appointed to the Westfield Planning Commission, she knew she wanted to give more, and was elected as township trustee. “I love the fact that my roots are here,” she said. “Westfield’s history is part of my family history, and I’ll always be dedicated to giving back to the community.”
HISTORY TIPS
9 IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOUR FAMILY RESEARCH Researching your family history is like trying to solve a mystery. It’s fun—even addictive—and there’s a celebration each time you discover a new clue. Whether you’re an experienced sleuth or just getting started, these tips from Allison DePrey Singleton, senior librarian at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, and Lauren Peightel, manager of genealogy and cultural programs at the Indiana Historical Society, will help you on your journey.
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Start with yourself. As family historians, we sometimes neglect to pay attention to our own documents, Lauren said. “We take photos on our phones and post them on social media, but what are we doing to save them for future generations?” This is one good reason to begin your family history with yourself, then work backward. Interview family members. And do it sooner vs. later, Lauren said. So many of us learn this lesson the hard way. When family members pass away or are lost to dementia, their stories are lost with them. Allison recommends talking to relatives of all ages. “You don’t know who has heard which stories and what has been passed on to whom,” she said. “Younger generations may have inherited materials you’ve never seen.”
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Put your blinders on. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, Allison said. “Every generation back, your family doubles, and that doesn’t even account for aunts and uncles! It really helps to focus on one line and be deliberate with what you’re doing.”
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Create a paper trail. Both Allison and Lauren recommend documentation. Find charts on The Genealogy Center website. Create research logs and to-do lists. “Noting where you get information is really important,” Lauren said. You don’t want to revisit the same sources.
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Avoid comparisons. Not every family history is easy, Allison said. “Getting from Point A to Point B is a journey, and there’s no set path.” The good news: The Genealogy Center is renowned for its multicultural collections, as well as its inclusiveness and commitment to every story.
Consider bloodlines and heartlines. There’s no rule that says you have to follow bloodlines, Allison says. “You can research your bloodline or your heartline. Your heartline is the people you love. Your bloodline is the people who gave you life.” Both are important, and both matter.
Be impulsive. Lisa DesadierSobek, who found her birth father while talking and laughing at a girls’ night, says the camaraderie helped her overcome her fear. “We create barriers for ourselves. If you really want to know about something, you just have to do it. Don’t overthink it. It’s scary, but it’s worth it.”
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Explore DNA. Researching DNA is a personal decision, Allison said. “Go into it with open eyes, because family secrets will often be uncovered.” For that reason, Lauren does not recommend giving DNA kits as gifts. Review privacy agreements before you choose a service, too. Once you get results, DNA experts at The Genealogy Center can help you interpret them, free of charge.
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Bring your history to life. “Family history isn’t just dates and names,” Allison said. It helps to learn what was going on in the world when your ancestors were alive so you can give their stories context and bring them to life. Engage people in your family by sharing those stories instead of recounting your genealogical research. Put together a book, make a video or create voice recordings.
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Midtown CARMEL'S
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WHAT AREA IS CONSIDERED MIDTOWN?
Midtown Carmel is a new, rapidly growing area near Elm Street and Monon Boulevard that lies between the Carmel Arts & Design District to the north and City Center to the south. The focal point of this redevelopment district is an expanded Monon Greenway that runs through the middle of Midtown – with a trail that has been widened from 14-feet to 140-feet, on which the City has added dedicated bike lanes, walking lanes, one-way streets for vehicles and an eclectic mix of public art pieces. Midtown Plaza has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for outdoor games, movies and music.
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DO PEOPLE LIVE IN MIDTOWN? Yes, they do. Midtown is bordered by a number of older homes (some of them historic) to the west of the Monon Greenway. In addition, two new apartment buildings recently opened on the Monon, one on either side of the Greenway, about a block away from each other. As they fill up, they will add hundreds of new residents to the area. Future plans also call for more residential opportunities on currently undeveloped land that borders the Greenway to the south.
FUN ON FOOT Get those steps in while you stroll past the activity and beauty of Carmel's Midtown.
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GAME ON! Activities are free and include the use of equipment.
RELAX OR RACK 'EM Whether you want to kick back or perfect your bank shot, Midtown has you covered.
FAMILY TIME Children and adults love the common areas.
DO PEOPLE WALK FROM OTHER AREAS LIKE CITY CENTER AND THE ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT TO MIDTOWN?
WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESSES ARE IN MIDTOWN? Two of the most popular businesses are Sun King Distillery and Fork + Ale Brewery, which border the Midtown Plaza. However, Midtown is more than just food and drink. There are corporate offices of Allied Solutions, F.C. Tucker and MJ Insurance; and Merchants Bank built a new headquarters right on the Greenway. Finally, Penn & Beech Candle Company, a social, creative experience for candle lovers, is among many small shops located in the area.
IS MIDTOWN FULLY DEVELOPED OR ARE MORE SHOPS/BUSINESSES BEING BUILT?
Midtown continues to expand and grow. As the Monon Greenway is widened from Elm Street south toward City Center Drive, we anticipate seeing more “street level” restaurants and shops along both sides of the Greenway with commercial or residential spaces above. Eventually, Midtown will extend all the way to the City Center and provide a beautiful connection between City Center and the Arts & Design District. Additional games, water features, public spaces and play scapes will provide more amenities south of the plaza.
Yes, they do … and that is by design. Midtown was envisioned to be the connecting link for visitors who want to catch a show at the Palladium, have dinner at Carmel City Center or step out of their room at the Hotel Carmichael and be able to stroll along the expanded Monon Greenway to enjoy the amenities and public art in Midtown. From there, they can continue another few blocks to Main Street and enjoy all that the Arts & Design District has to offer, including art galleries, specialty shops and more places to dine and enjoy a night out. Visit MidtownPlazaCarmel.com for more information.
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Honoring Inspiring Businesswomen Do you know a female business owner who has an inspirational story to tell? Nominate her for the 17th Annual Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman Award! Each year, the Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman Award honors a female business owner who shows courage, tenacity and selflessness in starting and running her own business.
Inspired by restaurateur Helen E. Marschke, who managed her own financial affairs well into her 90s,
Marti Starkey, a lawyer and pioneering businesswoman herself, founded the Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman Award in 1998 to recognize women’s heroic entrepreneurship.
Past Winners “The award speaks volumes to our clients, who trust us day in and day out with their livelihoods.”
“This award provides inspiration to young girls to be determined, focused, hardworking and goal-oriented.” VICTORIA “VICKY” LYRAS, 2018 Founding Artistic Director of Indianapolis Ballet and The Indianapolis School of Ballet
KRISTEN LUIDHARDT, 2019 President and Founder of The Prosper Group, which develops digital strategies for campaigns, advocacy efforts, trade associations and causes
“Receiving this award has given me a sense of responsibility to share the lessons I’ve learned with other female business owners in the community.” PAM PARKER TUCKER, 2017
“It’s humbling to be recognized for my vision to assist those in need in our state of Indiana— and also to be among so many dedicated female entrepreneurs who are doing amazing work.” NANCY SHEPARD, 2016 President and Founder of Indiana Women in Need Foundation, supporting individuals receiving treatment for breast cancer
President and Founder of JP Parker Flowers
Nominate a deserving woman today at www.indianapolismonthly.com/sewa Platinum sponsors are Indianapolis Monthly and Marti Starkey. Deadline for all nomination materials is April 1, 2020.
THAT'S WHAT
By Brooke Reynolds | Photos by Chris Whonsetler
Step aside man cave, the She Shed is having a muchdeserved moment. We went inside the carefully designed spaces of three women who transformed outdoor storage sheds into the refuge they needed. Feeling inspired yet?
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Wine shack R
achel Rae and her husband transformed a basic shed into what they now affectionately call the Wine Shack. “To build a sunroom or an area for entertaining onto a home, you’re looking at $20,000-$30,000, and we built this one for under $3,000,” Rachel said. The couple entertains in the Wine Shack from March through October. In the summer months, Rachel says she cannot be pulled away from this cozy space: She may drink her coffee there, read or watch the sunset. “It’s definitely a quiet retreat from work, stress and kids; we all need a break sometimes!” Rachel used a spray machine to paint the inside walls and ceiling white and then hand-rolled the outside of the structure. They installed a wood pine plank flooring topped with clear polyurethane to show the texture and knots of the wood.
Rachel purchased two faux white leather futonlike sofas, two rattan chairs and a beautiful bronze wall fireplace that adds ambience and heat on colder nights. The slipcovers are a crisp white with a tropical leaf pattern to match tropical faux leaves in clear vases. The walls are decorated with rattan woven placemats, small woven baskets and tropical leaf accents. “I think 10 years ago, my friends would have laughed if I said, ‘Well, I just finished a wall using my miter saw, and I finished roofing the She Shed yesterday,’ but here I am, using tools, wearing a tool belt and work boots."
Rachel and her husband, Chris, have three youngadult kids. They bought a farm north of Noblesville and are looking forward to building their dream home and adding a barn and a few She Sheds that will overlook a one-acre pond on the property.
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Kara and her husband, Wes, have triplet 5-year-old girls and one 3-year-old boy. They live in Noblesville during the school year, and at Lake Tippecanoe in northern Indiana during the summer. Besides home DIY projects, Kara says she loves planning over-the-top birthday parties for her kids.
Playhouse K
ara Whisler wanted a place where her four kids could experience imaginative play while being outdoors, so she created a little playhouse, complete with all the bells and whistles inside and out.
There is a small kitchen inside the structure, as well as a well-stocked art area with cushions and a chalkboard. But the real fun happens in the area around the playhouse. Along the pebbled pathway, Kara and her kids created an intricate fairy village with an array of pixies, pirates and pint-sized plants. “It's in these shady spaces where teddy bear picnics are planned, high teas are hosted and lavish ladies have lunch,” Kara said.
It’s the great landscaping around the playhouse that sets it apart. The wow factor comes in the form of scaleappropriate plants, bushes, flowers, stone walkway, paver stepping stones and a little accent bridge. The black and white playhouse blends in well with the exterior of the Whisler home, and the little shade-loving plants complement the varieties in the rest of the yard, so the playhouse is really an extension of its larger, real-life counterpart. “There is something extra gratifying when you are working within a small space,” Kara shared. “Everything is cuter when it's little!”
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Photo studio McKenna and Stacey, enjoy taking photos of people and animals. They like working together on shoots because they can bounce ideas off each other. Follow McKenna's Instagram: @kcorleyphotography
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cKenna and her mom, Stacey, transformed a storage barn into a photography studio shed after McKenna got her first indoor photography studio kit. They both love photography and thought it would be just the space they needed to go into business together.
The space is decked out with a couch, desk, refrigerator, hanging shelf and, of course, plenty of backgrounds and props for indoor photoshoots. Soon they hope to raise Pygmy goats at the shed and add to the outdoor landscaping to offer a variety of photography backdrops.
“We didn’t have the space available in our house and knew the photo studio needed to be about the size of a small bedroom,” McKenna said. A She Shed was the answer.
“Be creative and have fun with the decor! It’s an opportunity to do something maybe a little different or more edgy than you might do in your home,” Stacey suggested.
JP Parker Peony Fields
jpparkerco.com
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