Avon Magazine August 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

AUGUST 2019

MAGAZINE

Avonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Female Police Officers Share Experiences In Law Enforcement

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RIDE ALONG: AVON’S FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS SHARE EXPERIENCES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

When Jennifer Brahaum, an officer with the Avon Police Department (APD) for the past 20 years, was asked if she had always planned to become a cop, she shook her head.

AUGUST WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing Jamie Hergott

AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Payne / Brian Brosmer

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The Avon Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local Avon area residents. Magazines are direct mailed to homes and businesses and are also available in racks throughout the community each month.

6 Crossword 8 Cabin Coffee Brings Fresh Coffee

21 Riding With The Best: IndyWest

13 Knock Out: Rock Steady Boxing

27 Weightlifting And Students: Is It

and Food to Hendricks County

Improves Quality of Life for Parkinson’s Patients

18 A Dog Might The Heart's Best Friend

Harley-Davidson Celebrates Nearly 20 Years In Hendricks County

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32 Business Spotlight: Hand And Stone

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FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT: Darren Boston Darren@AvonMagazine.com (317) 716-8812

35 Ride Along: Avon’s Female Police

Officers Share Experiences In Law Enforcement 4 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

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Welcome Dr. Bell to our team!

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(317) 272-7000 | 7390 Business Center Dr. Avon | MohrSpineHealth.com AvonMagazine.com / AUGUST 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 5

AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE Football Presented by Park Square Manor

Presenter / Park Square Manor

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Cabin Coffee Brings Fresh Coffee and Food to Hendricks County Writer / Jamie Hergott Photography provided

Stephanie Yant has wanted to own her own business since she was 17. She met her husband, Jordan, nearly 10 years ago while both of them were working at the Avon Chick-Fil-A. Fast forward to this past Memorial Day weekend, the couple opened Cabin Coffee Company, giving their tale a happy ever after.

Owners Stephanie & Jordan Yant 8 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

Cabin Coffee is an upscale coffee shop and roastery that also boasts freshly made food. Its menu includes breakfast all day, such as bagels, biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos. It also serves soups and sandwiches for lunch. Beverages include fresh-brewed coffee and tea (hot and iced), Italian sodas, and smoothies. It’s known for its signature white coffee, a special kind of coffee that runs through the espresso machine. It has the most caffeine, and the most mystery, out of all the drinks on the menu. “We don’t even know the recipe,” Stephanie says. “None of the franchisees know. It’s very secret and specific to Cabin Coffee.” She says many non-coffee drinkers actually love the taste because it has a sweet, nutty flavor. Cabin Coffee offers two handcrafted versions of it — the palomino and the

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tumbleweed. Stephanie says that a lot of her business skills originate from her and Jordan’s time at Chick-Fil-A. She fell in love with the fast pace, the people, and the warm, family-oriented service. She became general manager and did a lot of marketing in her eight-year stint there, even serving a marketing internship at corporate, learning under Dan Cathy. “A lot of our culture comes from there,” Stephanie says of her experience. “We had been looking at a couple different franchises, and Cabin Coffee was a perfect fit. They loved us for our operations backgrounds, and we loved them for their company culture.” After living several places around the U.S., Stephanie and Jordan wanted to move back

to the west side of Indianapolis and open a franchise of some sort — they just didn’t know what, yet.

like this in Avon,” Jordan says. “The culture of Cabin Coffee matches what people are looking for here.”

While on an anniversary trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, they were in search of warm drinks and food after a snowshoeing trip. They stumbled upon a Cabin Coffee Company and were enamored with their experience, from the delicious coffee to the warm, friendly service. They especially loved the signature white coffee.

The store itself is located in what used to be Ritter’s Frozen Custard. The Yant’s expanded it to more than double its original square footage. It is spacious and homey, almost like an overgrown living room.

“We went home and raved about it,” Stephanie says. She and Jordan filled out the application to own a franchise that day, received a call from the owner the next day, and two weeks later drove out to Iowa for an interview. “We just knew there was a need for a place

The decor includes oversized seats, a fireplace, windows looking out over U.S. Highway 36, and even a Kids’ Corral, a small corner with toys. All decor on the walls can be purchased, and Cabin Coffee will simply replace it. The two highlights of their store, Jordan says, are their roasting room and their meeting room.

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The roasting room can be seen from the lobby and houses their roaster and their cases of ready-to-roast beans. Cabin Coffee has bean accounts for businesses and delivers fresh-roasted beans on a weekly or biweekly schedule. “Fresh roasted is just better,” Jordan says. “We’ll periodically do Coffee 101 classes and explain why. There are so many benefits to it and a better taste.” Their meeting room is offset and can be private with space for 30 people and a 65-inch TV that can be hooked up for presentations. The room can be reserved, free of charge.

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“This isn’t just about us making money,” Jordan said. “We want to serve people. We want people to come in and have lifechanging conversations right here on the couch. We want people to try our product that’s different and fresh, and we want them to feel like they’re at home.” They have already started getting involved in the community by becoming members of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, with plans to join the Danville Chamber as well “When a customer walks through those doors, you don’t know what’s going on in their lives,” Stephanie said. “They could be getting married next weekend or going through a divorce. We want to be able to be that light for people, even if just for a few minutes, no matter what they’re going through in life.” And if that wasn’t enough, their patio is canine-friendly, with good spacing between hitching posts so dogs have enough room to enjoy themselves as well as their owners. Cabin Coffee Company is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed on Sundays. It’s located at 5530 E. U.S. Highway 36 in Avon. For more information, visit them at cabincoffeecompany.com/locations/ avon-indiana-cabin-coffee.

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AvonMagazine.com / AUGUST 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 11

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MAGAZINE

12 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

Board Members, Juli Krizan & Angie Nelson

Rock Steady Boxing Improves Quality of Life for Parkinson’s Patients Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

Rock Steady Boxing is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit gym with a mission of empowering people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back. Originally founded in 2006 by former Marion County (Indiana) Prosecutor Scott C. Newman, who is living with Parkinson’s, he asked his friend Vince Perez, a former Golden Globes boxer, to help him launch the program. Ultimately, they created classes to meet various fitness levels at all stages of Parkinson’s, a degenerative movement disorder that can deteriorate motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.

According to Juli Krizan, volunteer staff director and certified RSB coach, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates that 1 million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed annually. Research has found, however, that forced, intense exercise slows the progression of Parkinson’s so Rock Steady Boxing improves quality of life through a non-contact boxing-based fitness curriculum. Rock Steady Boxing is much more than just a workout facility, though. It’s also a support group for those who come to box.

AUGUST 2019

“For some people with Parkinson’s, they’ve never been around someone else who has the disease, too,” Krizan says. “To be in a space where everybody gets what they’re going through is really powerful because they realize they’re not alone in this fight.” As a result, friendships develop. People check on one another if someone doesn’t show up to class. “For some, this is the only thing they do and the only place they go,” says Krizan, who notes that Parkinson’s presents itself differently in everyone. Some struggle with speech difficulties while others battle physical issues such as tremors, shuffling gait or balance difficulties. The average age of a Rock Steady Boxing participant is early to mid-60s, though it can vary greatly.

Each class begins with a “get-to-know-you” question that serves not only as an icebreaker but also as a way to work on voicing since Parkinson’s patients often struggle to get their breath sounds out. Next, they warm up with a bit of beach volleyball or walking in a circle. From there they engage in general fitness activities. Boxing works on alternative movement of the arms and trunk rotation as well as spreading the feet far apart and still maintaining balance while hitting the bag. This is key since Parkinson’s patients start losing alternating movement as the disease progresses. To work on rhythm, quick movement and reflexes, coaches incorporate heavy bags, speed bags, and reflex bags into the workouts to sharpen different skillsets. Some people hear the word “boxing” and envision jumping into a ring and taking a swing at their opponent, but that’s not what they do at Rock Steady Boxing.

“Currently, our youngest boxer is 42 and our oldest is 88,” Krizan says. Ability level also varies as some are rather mobile while others require a wheelchair to get around. The way folks come to join the Rock Steady program is typically by a doctor’s referral. However, others simply walk through the door to learn more. The first step is scheduling an assessment to determine the class that is the best fit.

“It’s totally non-contact,” Krizan says. “We hit bags and do some mitt work — all designed to improve balance, agility, movement and thinking.” Each class targets upper body, lower body and core strength. And they combine movements. For instance, students may be hitting a heavy bag while their instructor yells out numbers.

AUGUST 2019

Avon 4.75 x 7.125-JULY-070119-OUTPUT.pdf 1 7/1/2019 3:33:49 PM

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“That way they are working on voicing as well as speed and agility,” Krizan says. The Rock Steady headquarters, located on the northeast side of town, sends out a weekly plan to each of its affiliates. One week they may work on martial arts, another week balance. They even practice techniques for how to fall safely and get back up again.

Why Clients Love the Program “I learned coming to Rock Steady that it is not a killer contact sport but a killer method of exercise to slow the progression of PD.” - Betty Thomas “My handwriting had become difficult for a few years. The letters would get smaller as I wrote and I started having a hard time writing letters. After starting Rock Steady Boxing, I noticed I was getting stronger. Now with this strength in my right arm, I am able to write well again.” - Julie Kingery “PD comes at you from all sides. It tears at your selfworth by taking your ability to contribute physically, mentally and socially. It leaves a void in your soul, only leaving loneliness and fear of the unknown. Rock Steady empowers our boxers with Parkinson’s disease to provide the physical and emotional resources to fight back. It really comes down to you to bring the discipline, determination and commitment to continue the fight.” - Gary Paul Rock Steady Boxing is located at 1531 E. Northfield Drive, Suite 800 in Brownsburg. For more information, call 317-939-0166, email brownsburg@rsbaffiliate.com or visit brownsburg.rsbaffiliate.com.

“Often these folks haven’t been down on the floor in years, and they worry that if they fall down, they won’t be able to get back up,” Krizan says. “These classes give them confidence that they are, in fact, capable, and they prove to themselves that they can get up and down.” These 90-minute community classes (which are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening) typically consist of anywhere from six to 18 people. Each class includes between one and four volunteers who help ensure the safety of the students. Those who are susceptible to falling start out with a “cornerman” who stays by them during class until they are more stable. As time goes on, students may move between classes based on their changing abilities. The University of Indianapolis and Purdue University have both been doing some research with Rock Steady Boxing, and they are showing amazing efficacy with the program. Krizan has witnessed, firsthand, transformations in those who participate regularly. “Some people come in hunched over a walker, but in a matter of weeks, their posture improves, as does their confidence,” Krizan says. “Some are able to completely get rid of their walkers.” One man, after a few months in the program, bragged to Krizan that he mowed his lawn for the first time in years. He was over the moon about being able to do something that he had given up due to poor balance and endurance. Undoubtedly, this fitness regime is proving to significantly improve the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. Many others report feeling more energetic and less fatigued. The social component is paramount. “The thing I hear most is how much people appreciate being a part of such a caring, loving, supportive group,” Krizan adds. When Rock Steady Boxing-Brownsburg opened in October 2014, they were the 34th affiliate. In the past five years, however, Rock Steady Boxing has grown to more than 800 affiliates. Angie and Mike Nelson opened this location after Angie’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Krizan, who sits on the board of directors, got involved with the gym four years ago. A physical therapist by trade, Krizan was running a Parkinson’s support group at the Senior Center through Hendricks Regional Health when she met Angie. Once Krizan heard about Rock Steady Boxing opening in Brownsburg, AUGUST 2019

she knew she wanted to get involved. Because Rock Steady Boxing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they do not turn away anyone due to financial hardship. Their biggest limitation is the number of volunteers they have. “We can always use more hands,” Krizan says. If you are 18 years or older and are interested in helping out, contact Krizan. “We could use help not only with cornerman duties but also marketing and fundraising,” Krizan adds. Rock Steady Boxing holds an annual fundraiser each November. This year’s event, which includes a live and silent auction, raffles, speakers and a wine pull, will take place November 9 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Don Schumacher Racing. “This is our primary way of raising money for program development scholarships,” Krizan says. “If your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, let me know.”

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THE HEART'S BEST FRIEND Pets provide a form of social support, offering some of the same health benefits as human interaction. Now, it seems that your furry companion also may help your heart heal.

What the Studies Say

In a study of more than three million Swedish adults, people who lived alone and owned a dog were less likely to develop heart disease. In addition, those who owned a dog, regardless of whether they lived alone, were less likely to die from heart-related causes (or from other causes). Other research has found that owning a pet is linked to lower blood pressure and longer survival after a heart attack.

The Calming Effect of a Pet

So, how might pets protect your heart? Researchers think that the presence of a pet helps tame harmful changes in blood pressure and heart rate caused by stress. Dogs also help alleviate other stress factors, such as loneliness, social isolation and depression. And the benefits don’t stop at

Lesley Lautenschlager, occupational therapist, and Avery, IU Health West Hospital facility dog

18 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

social support – dog owners also tend to be more physically active and to spend more time outdoors. So, spend some quality time with a pet. Your heart may thank you for it. Not an animal lover? There are other ways to ease stress after a heart attack. Here are a few: • Be social. If you're feeling down, interacting with other people can be a real mood-booster. • Make time for a new hobby or a favorite pastime. • Be more active. Ask your doctor what kinds of physical activities are best for you.

AUGUST 2019

Is your child Prepared. For Life.® ?

Scouting offers invaluable experiences that teach life lessons which transform today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders. From building their own Pinewood Derby car to learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow with their best friends at a family campout, your child will LOVE being a member of the Boy Scouts of America.

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With fun and discovery at every turn, Boy Scouts of America programs make the most of right now. But what’s more, they build positive character and provide young people a foundation they can stand on to embrace opportunity, make new discoveries, and overcome obstacles. The more time kids spend in Scouting, the better the outcomes in character development Scouts are more likely to embrace positive social values than non-Scouts When asked what was most important to them, Scouts were significantly more likely than non-Scouts to choose “helping others” or “doing the right thing” versus “being smart,” “being the best,” or “playing sports” INFORMATION PART OF A 3-YEAR STUDY CONDUCTED BY TUFTS UNIVERSITY.

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IndyWest Harley-Davidson Celebrates Nearly 20 Years In Hendricks County Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewin Photographer / Amy Payne AUGUST 2019

ou know people are eager to welcome a new business to town when 150 people gather in the parking lot for the grand opening. Such was the case in November of 2000 when IndyWest HarleyDavidson opened its doors in Plainfield. “All day the place was packed — just wallto-wall people,” says General Manager Eric Schindler. “I’d never seen anything like that in a retail environment.” Right from the start, what set them apart is that customers could walk in and buy a bike immediately without having to order one and wait months for it to come in. Over the past 19 years, they’ve increased in size, erecting two separate warehouses. “Our strength is our inventory,” Schindler says. When it comes to dealership size, no one else comes close in the Hoosier state. There are several other dealerships in Indiana, and they all work well together to deliver great customer service. They do this by drop-boxing their inventory so each store knows what the others have. “We don’t just sell our inventory. We sell theirs as well,” Schindler says. “That transfers to the consumer as more choices. Inventory means volume and volume means better buying power. We can generally accomplish most every need that a customer has within reason.” IndyWest Harley-Davidson was originally planned to be housed in Speedway where the Sam’s Club is located, but members of a homeowner’s association were concerned about the clientele that would visit the store. “There’s a stigma associated with Harleys where people envision this grumpy old guy behind the counter who will bark at you for asking the wrong question, but we are very anti that type of culture,” Schindler says. Rather than engage in a fight with the homeowners in Speedway, however, the company looked for a different location. AUGUST 2019

“We found a much nicer area here in Hendricks County that provides an easyon, easy-off the highway,” Schindler adds. “We’re happy with where we are. We’ve been welcomed with open arms by the community.” Their popularity shows, having set many records when it comes to motorcycle sales, customer satisfaction, new to sport riders and test rides. They even offer a comprehensive three-day Riding Academy where they take those who have perhaps never been on a motorcycle and train them on the ins and outs of riding. The course encompasses both classroom learning as well as course training right on their lot. At the conclusion of the academy, riders are put behind the wheel — or the handlebars, as it were — to take a skills test. “We’re certified by the Motorcycle Safety Institute, Ride Safe Indiana, so if you pass our course, you’re qualified to go to the

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When it comes to riding, customer demographics are rather broad. According to Schindler, the core client is the 35- to 50-year-old male, though that’s changing. “Women and ethnic riders have grown immensely,” he says. “Younger riders have picked up, too.” He thinks popularity is mounting as more people learn just how awesome the experience is. Schindler describes the thrill of donning a leather jacket and mounting the bike for the first ride once the weather chills. “There’s nothing like the smell of leather on a cold day,” says Schindler, who loves riding down to Brown County as the brisk, crisp air hits his face.

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“I enjoy inhaling that sweet rotting leafy smell,” he says. “It’s like you’re in the dead center of nature. I’m getting goosebumps just talking about it.” Schindler maintains that there is a special bond among motorcycle riders and particularly among Harley fans. “Where does it come from? I don’t know except for Americana,” Schindler says. He suspects it hearkens back to the mentality of WWII and man’s desire to control heavy machinery. “Harleys bring back that feeling because these aren’t dainty little toys. They’re 500to 800-pound machines,” he says. “It boils down to, ‘I’m going to control this thing or

it’s going to control me.’ When we master the machine, we’re operating and loving life.” Another thing Harley owners like to do is give back to good causes. IndyWest HarleyDavidson has participated in a number of rides to benefit various organizations. For instance, they’ve done the RAMS Ride for Multiple Sclerosis and the Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital for Children. They’ve also teamed up with various organizations to benefit pit bull rescues as they are big animal lovers. IndyWest Harley-Davidson sells all different types of motorcycles. What clients buy depends on their riding needs. “If you’re doing eight hours of traveling, you need the high-performance touring suspension because your body is going to get beaten up,” Schindler says. “But if you’re just taking it through town to your buddy’s house, you don’t need to pull around an extra 300 pounds of weight.” Either way, clients ride away on a piece of heaven. That’s why Schindler loves his job. “We’re selling happiness,” says Schindler, who describes riding as “rolling Prozac.” A biker for the past 35 years, he had his first experience on a buddy’s 50cc motorcycle, a 5-speed. Though he learned the clutch real quick, while he was riding it, it dawned on him that he didn’t know the location of the brakes. “We were cruising through the middle of a cornfield when we came up on a wooden fence,” Schindler says. “I realized I didn’t know how to stop this thing and we went right through the barrier.”

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The crash didn’t temper his joy for riding, however. In fact, he couldn’t wait to go again.

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Hendricks County resident Jill Lindsey can relate. A motorcycle buff her whole life, she owned a sports bike before purchasing a 2016 Fat Boy at IndyWest Harley-Davidson. “I absolutely love riding. I just love speed,” Lindsey says. “When you’re on a bike, it’s such a feeling of freedom.” She notes that as a woman, riding gives her a great deal of confidence. She started off zipping around her neighborhood and when she felt more comfortable, she ventured out onto the streets. Ladies often approach her to say that they would love to ride but are too afraid to try. Lindsey encourages them to squash their fear and go for it. “I truly love the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy,” Lindsey says. “I can’t imagine not riding.” Harley enthusiast Dave Collins agrees. “Only bikers understand why dogs hang out the window,” says Collins, who has been riding since he was 16 years old. “Life is better behind handlebars.” IndyWest Harley-Davidson is located at 6201 Cambridge Way in Plainfield. For more information, call 317-279-0062 or visit them online at indywesthd.com.

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HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA 10409 E US Highway 36 Avon 317-559-3240 handandstone.com/locations/avon-in

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Brian Brosmer

When Kassie Haston told her husband, Tyler, that she was interested in becoming a franchisee owner, he wasn’t the least bit surprised. An entrepreneurial spirit was born in her DNA, starting with her grandfather, who worked overseas as a doctor during World War II. When he returned home, he opened a practice in a lower-income community on the west side of Indy, taking barters as payments because he wanted to help those who otherwise didn’t have access to health care. “That’s the basis for what we wanted to do,” says Kassie, who, along with Tyler, opened Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Avon in mid-July. “We wanted to provide higher quality luxurious experiences to the people of Hendricks County at an affordable price.” “Hendricks County residents are hardworking and family-oriented,” Tyler adds. “We wanted to provide a sanctuary for people who need an hour to pamper themselves and recharge.” The Hastons know the makeup of Hendricks County well since they both graduated from Avon High School (Kassie in 2005 and Tyler in 2006). Kassie went on to pursue a career in hospitality, working for a company that owns and operates five franchised Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in Indiana and Missouri. “I got experience in all different areas, including operations, marketing, sales,

human relations and accounting,” Kassie says. “That really sparked my interest in opening a franchise business.”

The first Hand & Stone opened in 2004. The concept rapidly took off and currently there are 430 locations.

Tyler, a former Purdue football player, worked as a police officer and now serves as Associate Attorney at Barnes and Thornburg LLP in its intellectual property department.

“We are growing at an incredible pace,” Kassie says. “In fact, we were just named on Forbes’ Top Ten List of Franchises to Buy, which is really cool.”

Tyler’s legal expertise comes in handy for reviewing documents and contracts while Kassie’s background is helpful when it comes to setting up vendors, marketing and sales. “We leverage each other’s strengths,” she says. Raising two young children, the pair recognize the need for planned relaxation, making Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa the perfect fit. 32 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

Clients can purchase a one-hour massage or signature facial for an introductory price of $59.95. If you choose to become a member, you can come in monthly for a service at that same price. They offer a variety of massages, including Swedish, Couples, Hot Stone, Himalayan Salt, Sports, Deep Tissue, Oncology, Prenatal, Post-Surgery, Decompression Therapy (or cupping, a therapy made popular by Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Michael Phelps). Their facials include Classic, Detox, Express, LED Skin Phototherapy, Microdermabrasion, Men’s, Teen, Rejuvenating, Sensitive Skin and NuFACE Microcurrent Therapy (which

Kassie describes as “an instant face-lift”). “Our research and development team at corporate is fantastic at staying on top of the latest and greatest in all treatments,” says Kassie, citing the new Dermalinfusion service that infuses a targeted serum into the skin. It’s a deep exfoliation that is quick, painless, and easy. “People are raving about it.” According to Kassie, two years ago, only 20% of the business was dedicated to facials and waxing. Now, however, it represents 35% of the business. “We have a wide variety of demographics in Hendricks County so my goal is to ultimately see more of a 50/50 split,” Kassie adds. They have a no-strings-attached cancellation policy, and should you need to cancel, treatments accrue so you can upgrade to a two-hour massage one month or indulge in a combination massage and facial. In addition, treatments are transferrable should you wish to share them with a family member. Speaking of family, Tyler couldn’t be prouder of his wife. “She has persisted through all of the struggles and setbacks that come with opening a business,” he says. “It’s so much harder than people realize. Watching her go through it all without losing any traction of being an extremely active mom has been amazing.” As for Kassie, she’s thrilled to provide the public with an elevated spa experience at an affordable price. “We’re so excited to open our first business back home where our roots are,” Kassie says. Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The spa is located at 10409 E US Highway 36 in Avon. For more information, call 317-5593240 or visit them online at handandstone. com/locations/avon-in. AvonMagazine.com / AUGUST 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 33

34 / AVON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / AvonMagazine.com

Jennifer Brahaum (Left) and Mercedes Spicer (Right)

Avonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Female Police Officers Share Experiences In Law Enforcement Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

AvonMagazine.com / AUGUST 2019 / AVON MAGAZINE / 35

“It’s always amazing when somebody comes up and says, ‘Do you remember me?’ You did this for me, and it turned my life around.” -Jennifer Brahaum

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hen Jennifer Brahaum, an officer with the Avon Police Department (APD) for the past 20 years, was asked if she had always planned to become a cop, she shook her head. “Actually, I thought I’d be a journalist,” says Brahaum, who minored in criminal justice and began to gain a greater interest in that field. Ultimately, she earned a degree in criminal justice and psychology with the intent of joining the FBI. After working for five years in a clerk’s office filing cases, however, she changed her mind. “It was good background experience, but I learned that I can’t sit behind the desk, dayin and day-out,” says Brahaum, a 1989 Avon High School alum. “I wanted to go out, drive fast and chase bad guys.” After researching the jobs that fit her needs and credentials, police work seemed ideal. When Brahaum was hired as the first female officer with APD, she expected to get some blowback from her fellow officers. “It was a rather smooth transition. They were just relieved to have another set of hands as they were short-staffed,” Brahaum says.

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She does recall a county officer who commented that women didn’t belong in law enforcement. He maintained that if there was a physical altercation with a perpetrator, a female wouldn’t be able to fight back. It was a fear that was unfounded as all officers who go through the police academy must prove their physical strength and stamina. Those who can’t cut it — regardless of gender — get the boot. “You have to pass every part of the physical exam,” explains Mercedes Spicer, the only other female officer in the department. “If you can’t do 25 pushups, you’re gone. If you don’t have a 16-inch vertical jump, you’re gone.” Though both Brahaum and Spicer have

witnessed men not make the cut, they still feel the pressure to continually demonstrate that they, as females, belong in uniform. “I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, and I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself more than the guys,” says Brahaum, who has been in a few situations where she’s had to go hands-on with people. But she always first utilizes her interpersonal skills to diffuse intense situations. “I may not be the biggest person in the room, but I try to deescalate situations by talking,” Brahaum says. Which is not to say she hasn’t had to pull out the taser from time to time. “Tasers are wonderful,” she says. “They take the fight out of people real quick.” For 16 years, Brahaum worked the evening shift, which is the stretch of time in which most of the action takes place. The night shift can be busy but usually tapers off by midnight. A typical day shift is patrolling neighborhoods and going out on runs, which may consist of lock outs, car accidents, burglaries and responding to business alarms that sound in the early AM. During warm weather months, they also get lots of calls for dogs being locked in hot vehicles. Both officers agree that the most rewarding aspect of their career is helping people in their times of need and, in some cases, transforming a life. “It’s always amazing when somebody comes up and says, ‘Do you remember me?’” Brahaum says. “You did this for me, and it turned my life around.” She shares the story of a 15-year-old girl who had been struggling with drug-addicted parents. Brahaum had been called out to the house on several occasions and one time the girl had downed a fifth of vodka and passed out. Brahaum debated whether or not to file charges because it was clear this troubled youth would benefit from intervention, not jail time. Ultimately, Brahaum did file charges because she knew that was the path

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towards better health. “I explained to her why I did it, and she was super ticked — slamming doors, stomping around,” Brahaum says. “I sent letters to the judges explaining what I thought she needed, and that was the last I heard of her case since we often don’t get follow-ups on juvenile hearings.” Three years later, however, Brahaum was in a McDonald’s parking lot when this girl—now a young, vibrant woman— approached her and confided that Brahaum had completely changed her life. She was doing great and looking forward to getting married. “That’s a great feeling,” Brahaum says. One of Spicer’s favorite aspects of her job is going to elementary schools to interact with students and participate in Q&A sessions. “They’re so happy to see us,” Spicer says. “If you’re ever feeling down, put on a police uniform and walk into a cafeteria at lunch and you’ll feel like a rock star.” With the highs, however, come the lows. The most challenging part of the job is

when civilians refuse to accept help that officers are offering. This is most notable in domestic violence situations. Research has shown that a woman usually tries to leave a domestic abuse situation three times before she finally works up the nerve to leave for good. Unfortunately, that may mean they get severely hurt before enduring that final straw.

Brahaum still vividly recalls her first fatality, which happened just a few months into the start of her career. It was a county car crash that she assisted on at the intersection of Dan Jones and 300 North. A man had run the stop sign and smashed into a vehicle which held three generations — a grandmother, mother and daughter. Only the mother survived.

“Mental illness — particularly bipolar and paranoid schizophrenia — are difficult to deal with,” Brahaum says. “There have been times when we’ve gone to the same house repeatedly. Things never change because family members enable the person to continue on their dangerous course of behavior.”

“I can’t imagine the anguish of losing your mom and your daughter in one fell swoop,” says Brahaum, who tearfully watched as a fireman pulled the 3-year-old girl’s body from the wreckage.

In these instances, not much can be done on the part of law enforcement. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for such cases to end in homelessness or suicide. “That’s one thing I really think we need in this county — better help for mental illness,” Brahaum says. Spicer agrees, noting that one of her most difficult calls she received was when she responded to a murder-suicide.

“I can still picture her little face, her brown pigtails, and her feet swinging as the fireman took steps,” Brahaum says. “That image has stuck with me for 20 years.” A Brownsburg officer who had five children of his own was highly emotional as he worked the scene. He later confided to Brahaum that one of the county officers told him that if he couldn’t hold it together, he was in the wrong line of work. “I completely disagree,” Brahaum says. “He showed great empathy, which, in my opinion, is an important quality to have as an officer.

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NECK CONSULTATION OR BACK PAIN CONSULTATION

For details, call

317.217.BACK For details, call (2225 or visit 317.217.BACK (2225) iuhealth.org/spine or visit

iuhealth.org/spine