In my world we tend to measure homes in square footage or price per square foot.
After more than 20 years in real estate, I am convinced that homes should be measured not in square footage or price per square foot, but in morning coffees, quiet conversations by the fire pit, and the echoes of that wear the walls.
The walls get worn further by backpacks scraping and teenagers jumping to slap the door frames - the floors get worn by our dogs thrilled to welcome us home and a pebble lodged in a toddler’s shoe.
There’s the dent from a dropped full dinner plate and the champagne stain on the ceiling, visible only in just the right light marks of two
I’ve handed over a lot of keys - keys left untouched because friends, family and neighbors use the garage door. But these keys represent an unlocking: Unlocking of the the first step; the what was vs what will be
I've learned to see this ceremony as not just the transactional transfer of keys but an unlocking of stories not yet told The stories spill beyond the walls, windows and roof that enclose our homes to our neighborhoods and communities.
“I’m home” unforgettable nights next chapter; impromptu;
The sidewalks with friendly waves; the driveways where parties and basketball games are impromptu; the backyard that is now our favorite BBQ joint - this is how communities are made: One unlocking at a time.
Thank you to all we shared stories with in 2024. Here’s to the unlocking of new chapters and the making of memories in 2025.
- Jason new chapters
Empowering Your Dreams
For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals through comprehensive wealth management services. Trust us to help support and protect your investments so you can focus on living your best life.
DREAM. INVEST. LIVE.
Love Letters
Dear Readers,
Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is coming up, and, love it or not, the aisles of the local stores are full of candy and cards. Though the holiday often gets a bad rap for being so commercialized, Valentine’s Day prompts us to express our love to those who mean the most to us. Whether it’s through the traditional gifts of flowers and jewelry or in a more nontraditional way, like getting matching tiny tattoos, we can all use this nudge to let our loved ones know how we feel about them.
This year, my husband has decided that he is going to handwrite letters to each family member on a regular basis. He bought us each leather journals in which to collect our letters. I, for one, can’t wait to renew this part of our relationship. Though it has been years since we have done it regularly, we actually fell in love through writing letters to each other. He moved to Germany shortly after we met; and, in the day before email and cell phones, writing letters was the most cost efficient way for us to stay in touch. After we were married, we continued to write each other letters whenever we were apart for any length of time. We have kept boxes and boxes of handwritten letters, and now we will have more to add to our collection.
Think of this issue as our love letter to you, our readers.
There’s so much to love about living in Carmel, and that’s why this month’s issue is called, “Love Local.” We share the stories behind several area businesses: Xchocol’Art, a chocolate boutique in the Arts & Design District; SkinWorks Indy, an aesthetics spa on Executive Drive; Better Bodies, a gym focused on personal training in the The Village of WestClay; and Alternate View, a new concept in eye care in Carmel City Center. We also highlight a nonprofit, The LOVE Pet Project, that is doing its best to care for and find forever homes for furry friends.
Whether you are looking for a gift for your significant other or are wanting to treat yourself, we feel sure you will love what these businesses have to offer.
Wishing you the opportunity to show love and feel loved this month,
AMY ADAMS, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Amy Adams | amy.adams@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brianna Richardson Photography, Stacy Able Photography, Joann Hofer, Claire Q. Thomas (The
Photography), Paola Williams Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
JOIN US FOR
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
502 East Event Centre, Carmel, IN 46032
Empower your leadership journey with inspiring speakers and meaningful connections. Experience Leadership, Empowerment, Advancement, Development and Service—secure your spot today!
PROFESSIONAL SESSION
• Networking
• Personal Development 11 AM - 4 PM
NOT
ALL
YOUTH SESSION | Ages 11 - 14
• Discover your future
• Career exploration 4 - 7 PM
PHYSICAL THERAPY IS THE SAME
Dry needling therapy helps release muscle tension and promote healing by going deep in the muscle to target the tight muscle and inflammation. We are one of the first to perform Dry Needling in all of Indiana.
We also do Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. What are the benefits of laser therapy?
- Pain Relief & Decreased Inflammation
- Acceleration of Tissue Repair & Wound Healing
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
@PUREBARRECARMEL
@ST.RICHARDS.SCHOOL
@OZWELLFITNESS
@DANCECLASSCARMEL
@CLAIREQTHOMAS
@SKINWORKSINDY
1: PureBarre Carmel and PureBarre Zionsville celebrate moms-to-be, Sara Clyde and Kassie O’Malley. 2: Ozwell Fitness “Pinks Out” for Breast Cancer Awareness. 3: Owner Candice Oman celebrates the anniversary of @thebunnyburrow_carmel with European Teddywidders, Cloette and Lottie. 4: These four cuties perform at the Dance Class Studio Fall Mini Session Recital. 5: Dr. Valerie Gathers, daughter Mackenzie and friend Olivia attend a Jack and Jill of America event. 6: Friends help Holly Kirsh, left, celebrate her birthday. 7: SkinWorks Indy owner Andrea Noto enjoys her time at a training retreat in Houston.
www.instagram.com/briannarichardsonphoto
www.facebook.com/briannarichardsonphotography
briannarichardsonphoto@gmail.com
Taste of Carmel Returns with “Dine at the Disco”
Carmel’s premier food and beverage event will be back Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at 502 East Event Centre. Celebrate good times at a funky evening of delicious cuisine and refreshing drinks from favorite local eateries, wineries and breweries — all in support of Carmel Clay Schools. Funds raised support scholarships, classroom grants, mental health initiatives and innovative programs for students. Tickets sell out, so get yours today at TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com .
New Bath Today Ranked Nationally as Home Improvement Pro
New Bath Today, powered by SageHome, was recently ranked 23rd on Qualified Remodeler’s 2024 HIP 200 List, which recognizes the top home improvement companies in the nation for exceptional growth. Also ranked on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 List, New Bath Today has a tradition of customer service, quality products and strong warranties to ensure our clients enjoy showers and baths for as long as they are in their homes.
OsteoStrong Set to Open This Month in Westfield
OsteoStrong is coming to Westfield at 3337 State Road 32. OsteoStrong uses osteogenic loading to stimulate bone growth and rebuild bone density. This cutting-edge method helps reduce fracture risk and enhances overall bone health. Plus, fall prevention and balance training help improve posture, stability and mobility. OsteoStrong is ideal for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia or for athletes looking to elevate performance. Find out more at Centers.OsteoStrong.me/Indy-Westfield.
Options to Clay Terrace
Sweetgreen is leading a movement to reimagine fast food for a new era and to build healthier communities by connecting people with real food. Having opened in late November at 14400 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste. 145, Sweetgreen now brings its menu of salads, warm bowls, protein plates and sides to Carmel. The restaurant brand features longtime favorites like the Crispy Rice Bowl alongside protein-packed options such as the Caramelized Garlic Steak plate.
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Alternate View Reframes Eye Care As Self Care, Relaxing and Enjoyable
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANNA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
In December, doors in Carmel City Center opened to an innovative concept for vision care and beyond.
Alternate View is the brainchild of Mollie Tavel Kaback, who, several years ago, began researching what people want and need when it comes to their eyes and the skin around them.
“The idea throughout the research is what is manifested today: ‘Eye care should be self care,’” Kaback says.
Kaback’s heritage in the eye care industry goes back to her grandfather. After serving as a captain in the Air Force during World War II, David Tavel opened Dr. Tavel’s Premium Optical in Indianapolis nearly 85 years ago. Today, Kaback’s father, Larry Tavel, M.D., and her uncle, Alan Tavel, O.D., co-own the Tavel group of more than 20 locations throughout the region.
Kaback’s own experience in the industry spans decades, as she worked in the retail side of the company throughout high school and college. Her career eventually took her to Texas to work with EssilorLuxottica, the largest lens manufacturer in the world. Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaback decided to move back to Indiana to apply her public relations and business expertise to ensuring the family business came back strong. Now, she is reimagining what eye care can look like.
“My family’s commitment to understanding the community’s needs, delivering care in ways people value and consistently exceeding expectations has been a guiding principle for me,” Kaback states. “At Alternate View, I’ve carried these values forward — paying homage to a long-running family industry and branching out on my own.”
While vision care has traditionally been thought of as a strictly medical function, Kaback points out that the experience doesn’t have to be solely clinical. Alternate View aims to provide a gateway between the medical and the aesthetic by offering an experience that is relaxing and enjoyable, including treatments for dry eyes, the skin around the eyes and the face — all in one place.
Opposite Left Bottom: Photo Provided Opposite RIght Bottom: Alternate View stylists create curated collections of eyewear for clients to try
CHANGE
THE WAY THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT EYE CARE AND EYE WEAR,” KABACK SAYS.
GOAL IS TO
“OUR
Optometrists at Alternate View tailor care for each individual, offering adult clients a thorough vision care experience that not only provides a prescription, but also educates them on their overall eye health, including a robust, complimentary dry eye evaluation.
“Dry eye disease is increasingly common, especially among millennials and those with heavy screen use,” Kaback explains. “Beyond discomfort, it can impact vision, productivity and overall well-being. Recognizing screen time is unlikely to decrease in today’s digital world, Alternate View reframes dry eye treatment as a vital part of self care.”
With a focus on addressing dry eye, Alternate View offers research-backed
treatments that include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Radiofrequency (RF) treatments, among others.
In addition to providing these specialized treatment options in a spa-inspired setting, Kaback knows that sometimes the hardest part of eye care comes after the eye exam, when choosing lenses and frames.
“We tailor every aspect of the eyewear experience to reflect quality and ease,” she says. “Our lenses are crafted using the most advanced materials and designs — all at no additional charge. By offering one all-inclusive price, starting at $200 for single vision lenses, we remove the complexity of upgrades or tiers, ensuring you always receive premium
lenses with the finest anti-glare coating — no compromises, no confusion.”
Alternate View features a collection of more than 600 unique frames, most of which aren’t available anywhere else in the area.
“We’ve designed our eyewear experience so that it mirrors the bespoke clothing process,” Kaback explains.
Clients are encouraged to sit back, relax, sip a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and allow stylists to do the work. Based on an individual’s face shape, skin tone, eye color and lifestyle, among other characteristics, Alternate View stylists do the legwork to put together a curated collection of eyewear for clients to try.
“What is your look professionally? What is your look personally?” Kaback asks. “We make sure your eyewear reflects who you are and not just functionality.”
And if you have a very specific look or fit in mind that you don’t find among all the options, Alternate View offers custom frame design services. They’ll help you craft frames of virtually any color or pattern, any shape and size, at an extremely reasonable price.
Beyond looking for that one “perfect pair,” Alternate View associates are committed to helping you create an eyewear collection that represents every aspect of your life.
CONTINUED >
Photo Provided
“You don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day,” Kaback says. “Why would you only wear the same pair of glasses everyday?”
Kaback refers to the Alternate View mentality as “Treat Yourself!”
“Treat yourself in terms of style and fashion but also in terms of the relaxation and skin care component,” she says.
Alternate View wants to make sure that you not only see your best in your new eyewear, but that you look and feel your best as well.
Experts offer consultations for eyelash growth and for temporary, non-invasive eyelid lifting with specialized drops. Also coming soon to the menu of services are injectables and fillers as well as RF facials and microneedling.
“Our goal is to change the way that people think about eye care and eyewear,” Kaback says. “We’re reimagining what eye care and eyewear can be — merging personalized service, curated luxury and exceptional quality. Our thoughtfully chosen services and eyewear reflect the diverse lifestyles in our community while offering something truly unique to the area.”
www.houseofcolour.com |
angie.scott@houseofcolour.com
We offer simplicity from start to finish .Our process includes a complimentary site review and water test conducted by WQA-certified technicians. During this process, we gather information, educate you on the scope of the repairs or installation, and answer your questions.
LET’SMAKE IT PERMANENT
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, people are often looking for creative gift ideas that will last. SkinWorks Indy has you covered. From aesthetics to maintenance-free makeup and tiny tattoos, Andrea Noto and Mady Frese, a mother-daughter team, want to help clients create lasting memories. In addition, newly offered paramedical tattooing can help people gain confidence in their skin.
Beyond Aesthetics, SkinWorks Indy Wants to Help People Create Lasting Memories And Love The Skin They’re In
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS
Noto and Frese bring their Aveda Institute training and experience to the area in a way that lasts beyond a single treatment.
A licensed cosmetologist, Noto has been doing permanent makeup for five years. Her services include lip blush, eyeliner and microblading, which is a process that uses semi-permanent tattooing to create the look of naturally fuller, tamed eyebrows.
“Before I even started doing permanent makeup, I had my eyebrows microbladed,” Noto says. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did it make me look younger, but it took the stress and worry out of getting ready.”
Noto says that permanent makeup gives her clients time back in the mornings while ensuring they always look their best.
A licensed aesthetician, Frese specializes in facials, brow lamination, waxing and dermaplaning, which exfoliates the skin with a medical grade scalpel.
Both Noto and Frese offer fine-line and tiny tattoos.
“Tiny tattoos allow people to create lasting memories with loved ones,” Noto says.
In fact, she says many of the tattoos they do are for multiple people coming in together. Whether they’re seeking matching tattoos or not, they want to share the memory.
“I love hearing the stories behind why people choose the tattoos they choose,” Noto says. “The majority of the time it’s to commemorate a person or special event. Sometimes it can get emotional, and we even cry together.”
Beyond aesthetic services and permanent makeup, Noto now offers paramedical tattooing services.
“Paramedical Tattooing is life changing in many ways,” Noto explains. “Scar & stretch mark camouflage can provide a sense of self-confidence, and 3D realism tattooing helps breast cancer survivors not only feel confident again but also provides a visual representation of what cancer took away.”
Noto encourages women not to forget to take care of themselves.
“Women particularly get busy,” she says. "We’re trying to manage a household and take care of kiddos and have a profession. All those things are wonderful, but we tend to forget about taking care of ourselves. You show love to everyone else, don’t forget about showing love to yourself.”
A Sweet Business
ARTICLE BY AMY
AND PROVIDED AT XCHOCOL’ART, JOANN HOFER BLENDS THE FLAVORS OF THE WORLD IN HER DELECTABLE CREATIONS
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ADAMS
PAOLA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Joann Hofer / Photo by Paola Williams Photography
You pass a small alleyway in the Carmel Arts & Design District. A rich, earthy aroma carrying sweet hints of vanilla wafts past you. Suddenly, you find yourself drawn into the alley and transported to a narrow street in Milan or Vienna. You see a set of French doors with one simple word above them — Chocolate.
Xchocol’Art was born in 2011 and debuted at the Carmel Farmers Market just a few years later.
“One of the things that touches me the most after all these years of making chocolate is the relationships I have made through the market,” owner Joann Hofer says. “I call them my ‘chocofriends.’ It’s a very sweet business in that way.”
The Hofer family moved from Austria to Indiana in 2000 because of a job transfer.
“We thought we would be here for about three years,” Hofer says. “And here we are. I would never have imagined I would be a chocolatier now.”
However, she experienced a light bulb moment while reading an article about the entire chocolate process, starting from the plant.
“This magical plant only grows five degrees north and south of the equator,” Hofer explains.
She realized that the cycle of chocolate from origination to culmination mirrors her own life. Hofer spent her childhood in Colombia, where cacao grows, and she married an
Austrian and moved to a place where chocolate is perfected in its preparation.
“I knew that chocolate would be my new medium,” she says. “I used to paint — acrylic, porcelain and oil. I love to cook, and I love elaborate recipes. So it really all began out of a love for art.”
Five years ago, Xchocol’Art expanded from farmers markets and events to opening a storefront near Anthony’s Chophouse.
Hofer says she wanted a location that would be in the Carmel Arts & Design District but off the main road.
“Our location has a lot of shade, and we need that to keep the shop cool, to always have the chocolate fresh,” she says.
A student at heart, Hofer has taken courses from well-known chefs throughout Europe and the US, and she puts what she learns to good use, reinventing and perfecting her creations. She has also traveled to source her chocolate, visiting the farmers and cooperative to ensure that her chocolate can be easily traced.
Hofer spends the early part of the week in her modern professional chocolate kitchen cooking and creating her beautiful, seasonally flavored chocolates.
“We make everything fresh,” she says. “I think the most precious products that we make are the truffle collections that we box for gifts in 9-piece or 12-piece boxes. We paint some of them. They are colorful and delicious.”
Photo by Paola Williams Photography
Photo by Paola Williams Photography
X'chocol'Art's Tea Truffle Collection and Chile Truffle have been acclaimed by the San Francisco Chocolate Salon. The Whiskey Honey Truffle and the Passion Fruit Caramel Truffle have been recognized by the Academy of Chocolate in London.
Xchocol’Art is open three days a week, Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and continues to maintain a presence at the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Hofer will be at the Carmel Clay Public Library on Feb. 3 to present “Travel Through Chocolate,” where she will introduce the process of cacao from the tree to the confection.
by Paola Williams
“One of the things that touches me the most after all these years of making chocolate is the relationships I have made through the market,” Hofer says. “I call them my ‘chocofriends.’ It’s a very sweet business in that way.”
JoannHofer/Photo
Photography
WELCOMING SENIORS
All private rooms in a bright and spacious home-like setting with the highest caregiver-to-patient ratio
Rehabilitation
Long-Term Skilled Care
Memory Care
The Restoracy of Whitestown 6712 Restoracy Dr, Whitestown, IN 46075
The Restoracy of Carmel 616 Green House Way, Carmel, IN 46032
Keeping ItPersonal
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY AMY ADAMS
According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), about 12 percent of gym memberships begin in January, making it the peak month for people to sign up. However, research also shows that a large portion of these members tend to drop off within the next few months.
“Gyms know that the majority of people won’t come in after January or February,” says Better Bodies owner Mitch Schroder. “They’re making a fortune off of people who are locked into a membership they are no longer using.”
Better Bodies in The Village of WestClay takes a different approach, offering personal training-focused memberships on a month-to-month basis.
HOW BETTER BODIES’ FOCUS ON PERSONAL TRAINING ENSURES SUCCESS
“WE DO DIFFERENT THINGS WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AND THAT’S THE JOY OF TRUE PERSONAL TRAINING. IT’S NOT WHERE YOU’RE AT, IT’S WHERE YOU’RE GOING.”
“We have to make sure we’re truly providing service for people where they’re going to improve a lot,” Schroder says. “If we don’t, we won’t see them again.”
How does the Better Bodies team earn the trust and commitment of their clients?
“It’s a whole different level of professionalism, competence and kindness,” Schroder says.
These values are at the heart of what has kept Schroder and Better Bodies in business for 30 years, despite the odds against the survival of fitness facilities.
“We have clients who have been here for decades,” he says.
Client loyalty and an emphasis on quality, service and knowledge have contributed to Better Bodies being named Best Personal Training Facility in the area for 13 years in a row.
HELPING PEOPLE
From an early age, Schroder wanted to be a doctor. When his grandfather had a stroke, he saw what the physical therapists did for him and decided that’s what he wanted to be able to do for those he served.
However, at some point, he had an epiphany.
“Why am I letting ailments happen to people as opposed to going out and trying to prevent them?” he asked himself.
He set out to change the model, and the result is the Better Bodies’ approach he refers to as “pre-hab.”
Better Bodies routinely sees clients referred to them, sometimes before or after surgeries. Many of those referring doctors are Better Bodies clients themselves, including psychiatric practitioners who recognize the importance of regular exercise for mental as well as physical well-being.
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
For Better Bodies, the process begins with an extensive evaluation.
“When we come in for an assessment, we’re looking at everything about a person,” Schroder says.
They record measurements like body fat, flexibility and circumference. They look at medical history, familial risks and medications as well as habits, nutrition, sleep and water intake.
This thorough evaluation allows trainers at Better Bodies to develop a personalized approach for each client.
From the Better Bodies Blog
Overall Benefits of Fitness: Working out can be a great way to improve your physical health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. Here are just a few of the benefits.
Stress Reduction: When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals that help you feel good. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels, lower anxiety and improve overall mood.
Self-Esteem: As people become more fit and reach physical goals, they often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. This can help improve self-esteem and confidence, leading to a more positive outlook.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health, and regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep patterns, leading to better sleep quality and increased energy levels throughout the day.
Brain Function: Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function, memory, focus and performance.
Social Connection: Joining a gym or fitness class can help you meet new people and form supportive relationships. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with social anxiety or isolation.
“We do different things with different people, and that’s the joy of true personal training,” Schroder says. “It’s not where you’re at, it’s where you’re going.”
GETTING THE RIGHT ANSWERS
The one constant in every client’s individualized plan is that each training session runs an hour so that there is adequate time for warmup, power, strength, cardio, shaping, toning and stretching.
“It takes 22 minutes to get into the fat burning zone,” Schroder says, “so when people are paying for a half hour, they’re only burning fat for eight minutes. Whereas if we have them for an hour, they can have a huge afterglow where they continue to burn fat at a higher rate even after their workout.”
Trainers also advise clients on nutrition to make sure they have the right fuels before and after workouts.
EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE
Better Bodies offers each client a proprietary book with both educational and tracking components.
However, Schroder isn’t just focused on educating clients.
“My favorite thing is mentoring people,” he says.
Schroder works hard to make sure Better Bodies brings in the best trainers and interns from all areas of expertise, like physical therapy, chiropractic and exercise science, and from all over the world, from places like China, France and Mexico. He has even had two trainers work with Olympic teams.
Beyond recruitment, trainers must pass a challenging test and go through a 27-step orientation in order to become an employee.
“We also spend a lot on our people’s continuing education,” Schroder says. “We make sure their certifications are valid and up to date so that we have competent people working with whoever comes in.”
This robust vetting and training process along with the thorough assessment of all clients is why Schroder can claim that in years of appointments, his trainers have seen no injuries.
GIVING PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
Better Bodies also offers equipment no one else in the area has, such as the Concept2 DYNO, and they provide individual bathroom and shower rooms.
Schroder says they are grateful to serve the people in this area and to offer them the best personal training experience.
“We care a lot about our people,” Schroder says. “Everything we have is because of them.”
It’s All About LOVE
At The LOVE Pet Project, LOVE Means Learning, Outreach and Veterinary Efforts
Most of you probably remember what you were doing in March of 2020 when the world first shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Denise Katz is no different.
“Just for fun, I started an animal shelter in my garage,” the doctor of veterinary medicine says. “My background is as a shelter vet. I needed something to do, and I wanted to help animals, specifically animals with health issues.”
That “just for fun” shelter kept growing. By September, The LOVE Pet Project had gained its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. During the first year alone, the organization took in around 700 animals.
“It grew bigger than my garage,” Katz says, “and it just kept snowballing into what it is today.”
This past year, The LOVE Pet Project has helped find homes for more than 3,000 animals.
“We take the dogs in, no questions asked,” Katz says. “We find out what’s wrong with them, and we treat them if possible.”
Katz and a second full-time veterinarian, Payton Thomas, perform any surgeries they can and seek additional support whenever they can’t, working with organizations like Indy Animal Surgery Center, Animal Allergy and Dermatology Clinic and the Purdue veterinary cardiology team.
ARTICLE BY AMY ADAMS |
“I wanted to take the shame out of sheltering. I don’t care how an animal comes to us. If they need us, we’re here. We find out what’s wrong with them, and we treat them if possible.”
“The vet community has been so welcoming to what we do,” she says. “We are so lucky to have those relationships. We spare no expense at all. We’re willing to take the risk to see if these dogs can live a full life.”
Despite many of the animals they bring in having medical issues, they have achieved a 98.9 percent live release rate, which means they lose very few of their rescues. They work with shelters in Chicago and Texas, where about one-third of their animals go after being spayed or neutered and having any health issues repaired. The other two-thirds of rescues are adopted locally.
Katz says there is often a lot of shame involved in the rescue process, whether it is shaming breeders, shaming those who surrender their animals or shaming those for whom placements don’t work out.
“I wanted to take the shame out of sheltering,” she says. “I don’t care how an animal comes to us. If they need us, we’re here.”
Katz describes The LOVE Pet Project as a collaborative environment, where everyone can work together to provide the best outcome for every animal. In addition, the nonprofit takes the rescue
process a step further, working to help the general pet population.
As a vet, Katz will track health issues with certain litters and take that information to breeders and let them know what they can do to keep the problems from recurring. Many times, the breeders are receptive to doing further testing and implementing recommendations to ensure a healthy outcome for future puppies.
Katz even helps with research for various treatment options as she has the pet population from which to draw meaningful data.
“I feel like that’s a really important part of our process,” she says.
The LOVE Pet Project holds adoption events on a regular basis and is available by appointment.
“We are always looking for foster homes and for people to volunteer,” Katz says. “There are a lot of different ways to get involved other than taking a dog home.”
To learn more about The LOVE Pet Project and to see animals available for adoption, visit TheLovePetProject. wordpress.com and follow them on social media @the_lovepetproject.
We're more than just a great rate
Finding a great rate on a CD is nice, but to get the most from your CDs, you need a strategy. Get in touch to learn more.
Please contact us if you have $1,000 or more to invest.
Jeremy Coons, CFP®, CWS®, Financial Advisor 2159 Glebe St Suite 150 Carmel, IN 46032 317-571-0522
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 12/26/24. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).
Fall in love with a new routine at Pure Barre Carmel with this exclusive offer for 10 classes at $14 each (over 50% savings!) There is something for every body with 4 different class types that offer low-impact, highintensity workouts dedicated to strengthening and toning your entire body in 50 minutes
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2ND
2025 Indy Lunar New Year Gala
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel | 3:30 PM
Indianapolis Chinese Community Center Inc. marks its 30th anniversary with a lineup of vibrant, energetic performances. Talented traditional Asian dancers, singers and martial artists will demonstrate the grace, agility and strength of the Chinese people and their heritage as they usher you into a new year of good luck and success.
FEBRUARY 3RD
Travel Through Chocolate
Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St., Carmel | 6:30 PM
Guests over 18 can join chocolatier Joann Hofer of Xchocol'Art for an informative tasting event. Your taste buds will "travel" the world as you learn about the nuances of different chocolate percentages as well as their origins. An opportunity to purchase sweet treats will be available at the end of the tasting. Registration is required at CarmelClayLibrary.org/events
FEBRUARY 7TH-22ND
Pride & Prejudice, Civic Theatre
The Tarkington, 3 Carter Green, Carmel | 7:00 PM
See one of literature’s greatest tales of latent love in this timely version of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. Bold, surprising and at times boisterous, this adaptation for a new era explores the ups and downs of finding your perfect, or imperfect, match. Matinees will be on Sunday, Feb. 9 and 16, at 2 p.m. Visit TheCenterPresents.org/tickets-events for specific dates and times.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Moonlight & Lanterns, Carmel Symphony Orchestra
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel | 7:30 PM
Featuring pianist Daniel Epstein, the first American to perform the famed Yellow River Concerto in 1973, this evening of brilliant music will celebrate the Chinese festivals of Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. In collaboration with Carmel’s Chinese sister cities and the International Center of Indianapolis, pre-concert activities will feature cultural entertainment, such as the traditional Chinese lion dance.
FEBRUARY 16TH
Lift Every Voice, Indiana Wind Symphony
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel | 4:00 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, join the Indiana Wind Symphony for a performance honoring the contributions of Black composers and musicians and featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Angela Brown. The IWS hopes the concert will spread a message of unity and hope and foster a sense of togetherness and inspiration.
FEBRUARY 23RD
Artist Showcase with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra
The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel | 4:00 PM
Led by Carmel High School’s Director of Orchestras, Maestro Thomas Chen, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present a concert dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of the young Indiana musicians selected as 2024 Concerto Competition finalists.
Want to be featured?
MON-FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-NOON
HAND - SELECTED, ONE - OF - A - KIND STONES
INDIANA’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED LUXURY STONE IMPORTER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Specializing in marble, granite, and quartzite. We travel to the world’s best locations where natural stone is sourced and personally selected for our expansive inventory of exotic natural stones. Open to the public, our team welcomes you in to experience our showroom and warehouse.
| 317-734-3862
A LEADING NETWORK OF HEART CARE SPECIALISTS
When you need expertise in heart care in Carmel, our entire network of cardiac specialists at Ascension St. Vincent is here for you. As the #1 cardiac program in the state, we connect you to the most advanced treatments and high-quality care that gets you back to what you love faster. And that’s true whether we see you at the Ascension St. Vincent heart location nearest you in Carmel or at the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center — the #2 ranked hospital in the country for cardiac care.
Find a specialist close to home at ascension.org/StVincentHeart
