Milwaukee Tools and Security Federal Savings Bank Facilitating Future Construction Careers for ABC Prep Academy Students
YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Everything You Need to Know About Attending Colts Training Camp
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
eCommunity.com/cancer
OUR PLACE INDEED
OWNER OF OUR PLACE COFFEE LIKES THE FLAVOR OF SUCCESS
Local coffee shops are often more than just a spot to get your daily caffeine fix. They are vibrant hubs that foster a sense of community, where people can socialize, conduct business and relax with others. Zionsville resident Paul Deinlein, like many others, deeply felt the loss of this community connection when a local coffee shop closed in downtown Zionsville.
“When that local coffee shop closed, I complained for years because I felt like it was the heart and soul of the community,” Deinlein says. “I complained for 10 years that someone needed to reopen it, but there is a saying that you shouldn’t complain unless you’re willing to do something about it.”
When a local spot became available, Deinlein did something about it. He opened Our Place Coffee, a unique establishment off the cobblestone-lined streets of downtown Zionsville, in October 2022. Deinlein enlisted his daughter, Brianna Noll, to serve as managing general partner. It was important to the family to bring back some of the unique traditions of the previous local coffee shop Deinlein
loved so much.
“We decided to use Julian Coffee Roasters for our coffees because they’re local,” Deinlein says. “We use many of the same recipes as the previous coffee shop, and we have the same self-serve coffee bar. It’s an honor system where people walk up, grab their coffee and put the appropriate amount of money in the jar without waiting in line.”
In addition to brewed coffee, Our Place Coffee serves fancy lattes in flavors like Caramel Cream Pie, Berries and Cream, and Red Velvet. They also offer breakfast options including healthy choices like a Protein Stack, and breakfast sandwiches such as the Monte Cristo.
“We serve comfort-food items like biscuits and gravy, but we wanted to offer some healthy alternatives too,” Deinlein says. “We’ve also listened to our customers and expanded our lunch offerings. We now have pulled-pork tacos, gyros and a kids menu.”
Deinlein says they also recently started offering online ordering for
people who want to order ahead and skip the line. He says they added three highly convenient parking spots for online orders in front of their building. He cleverly calls it Our Place Pick Me Up, a service designed to make your visit as smooth as possible.
“We wanted to make it as easy as possible for parents trying to get to their kid’s ball game across the street, or people on their way to work,” Deinlein says. “We love seeing people in the cafe, but know that’s not always possible for everyone.”
Deinlein and his family take customer feedback very seriously. They want everyone to feel like they’re a part of Our Place Coffee, just as Deinlein felt a part of that former coffee shop in previous years. They also offer facility rentals for bridal events, graduation functions and baby showers, recognizing the importance of community events.
“We also do a ton of fundraising for the community,” Deinlein emphasizes. “We support many different organizations. We felt the loss of community spirit when COVID-19 hit, and we were all at home for so long. We’re not just a part of this community; we’re here to help and support it too.”
Our Place Coffee is located at 65 South 1st Street In Zionsville. For more information, visit ourplacecoffee.com.
BIG O TIRES
Writer / Alli Donovan
Photographer / Michaela Hoover
Big O Tires in Lebanon is turning 20. The establishment, owned by Allen Romack, has been a pillar of the community for two decades. The anniversary is truly a testament to the business’s dedication, growth and community spirit.
When Romack purchased the business in 2004, he was no stranger to entrepreneurship. Before venturing into the tire industry, he owned a building maintenance company in Florida, and also operated a unique business called Celebrations, which offered an eclectic mix of gifts. But it was his childhood experience in his father’s service stations that ignited his passion for the automotive industry.
“My first job at the age of 9 was washing car windows at my father’s service stations,” he recalls. “I stood on a box to reach the windows as I pumped gas. Those early years instilled a work ethic in me that I carry to this day.”
Upon acquiring the Lebanon location, Romack faced the challenge of turning around a struggling business. However, he saw the opportunity to develop a
business that could help the community, and provide much more than just tire service to the Lebanon and Boone County area.
“We bent over backwards to provide excellent service and the community responded,” he says. “We wanted to be more than a tire shop.”
And it worked. Big O Tires in Lebanon offers tire repair and replacements, and also provides oil changes, brake checks and repairs, suspension services, and other mechanic services to keep your vehicle maintained and at its best.
This commitment extends to the everyday interactions with customers. Romack and his team pride themselves on a servicefirst approach, ensuring that customers leave satisfied. Unlike many Big O stores, at the Lebanon location about 60% of services is tire related, and the other 40% is mechanical. They rarely spend more than an hour to put your tires on the vehicle, provide rides to customers as requested, and enjoy giving back to the community.
“Almost all our money stays in the community,” Romack says. “We support local charities, provide scholarships to high schools and do business with other organizations in the community. We enjoy being in Lebanon and building relationships every day.”
The team at Big O Tires is also a significant part of the business’s success. With 16 employees including two managers, the business operates like a well-oiled machine.
“Our staff is incredible,” Romack says proudly. “[Managers] John and Lauren are excellent at managing the team, and our technicians and mechanics are the backbone of our operation.”
As the team at Big O Tires Lebanon looks to the future, the focus remains on maintaining the high standards of service that have marked of the last 20 years. Romack believes the key to continued success lies in staying true to the values that have served them well:
community involvement, exceptional customer service and a commitment to integrity.
“We’re here for the long haul,” Romack says. “As long as we keep prioritizing our customers and our community, I believe the next 20 years will be even more successful.”
To mark the 20th anniversary, the staff at Big O Tires Lebanon is planning several special offers in August as a thank-you to the community that has supported the business over the years. The best way to find out about these celebratory deals will be to follow the Big O Tires Lebanon Facebook page for more information as the deals are announced.
Whether it’s an oil change, a new set of tires or a mechanical repair, Romack and his team are ready to provide top-notch service with a smile.
FAIR GAME
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE INDIANA STATE FAIR
Writer / Devon Dean
Gird your loins, grab your sunblock, antacid, and a few friends and head to the Indiana State Fair August 2-18. While there’s plenty to explore, the food competition is always a huge attraction.
This year, the “Taste of the Fair” offers a literal smorgasbord of food and drinks to try out. Definitely bring an empty stomach and an open mind. Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite new food items by visiting any of the information booths around campus or by scanning the QR code that will be available at the concession stands.
The annual competition is for more than just bragging rights. The winning food stand will receive a $2,500 cash prize, followed by the second place receiving $1,000, and third place receiving $500. In addition, for the first time our partners at the World Food Championships will award the top three winners a Golden Ticket entry to the World Food Championships event taking place in Indianapolis this fall for the first time in history at the State Fairgrounds.
FAIRGOERS CAN HIT UP TO 43 DIFFERENT STOPS ON THEIR TOUR DE EATING. THE EXPANSIVE MENU INCLUDES:
• A Bloody Mary topped with a mini corn on the cob, cheeseburger slider, fried mac and cheese, fried pickles, waffle fries, hotdog slider, and a mini apple pie
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake
• Strawberry cheesecake funnel cake
• Pickle-flavored pale ale
• Deep fried golden Oreos
• Amish peanut butter pretzels topped with a peanut butter and marshmallow spread
• Dill pickle Dr. Pepper
• Dill pickle lemon shake-ups
• Peanut butter & jelly chicken wings
• Ultimate steak nachos
Yes, pickles and fried delights once again are playing a large role in this year’s competition.
OTHER STATE FAIR ATTRACTIONS
The State Fair is always held during what is traditionally one of the hottest months of the summer. To offer a respite, the MHS Family Fun Park will include an all-new splash pad for folks of all ages to cool off.
The Olympic Games in Paris are happening at the same time as the State Fair. WTHR will host the Olympic Zone to celebrate the Hoosiers competing for Team USA. This experience promises to capture the spirit of the games even from a continent away.
The Fair is also celebrating a historic moment - 60 years ago, a small group from Liverpool called The Beatles played at Pepsi Coliseum. Fair officials are celebrating the Fab Four’s legendary stop in the Circle City on August 3 with Beatles-themed entertainment all day, including a performance by tribute band
A Hard Day’s Night and a celebration of the music of Paul McCartney.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck. Not only is $2 Tuesday back on the schedule, but the $5 value menu offers a variety of options for everyone in the family.
Finally, the concert line-up for the fair is a mix of all genres of music. Gladys Knight, Buddy Guy, Bell Biv Devoe, Lita Ford, and Dogstar are just a few of the artists playing the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. If you are not familiar, Dogstar’s bassist is best known for his role as John Wick.
Discounted tickets and the complete schedule are available at IndianaStateFair.com. Don’t forgetthe fair folk need their rest too and are closed on Mondays. If you hit up the Indiana State Fair, be sure to share your photos on the Towne Post social media Facebook pages.
Zionsville Chamber to offer an employer clinic program as a Zionsville Chamber member benefit
What is HEALTHeACCESS and Advanced Primary Care?
Your workforce deserves access to comprehensive, cost-effective, personalized health care. Advanced primary care offers all of this and more including preventative care, disease management, cost savings, improved outcomes, provider relationships, convenience and so much more!
What are the benefits of HEALTHeACCESS?
• Patient-centered, continuous, comprehensive care
• Reduction in overall healthcare expenditures
• Lower wait times and longer visits
• Improved quality and experiences of healthcare visits
• Reduced barriers to seeking healthcare with no copays or out-of-pocket expenses
• Multiple access options – virtual, scheduled, and same day walk-in availability
• 14 locations across Indiana with convenient hours
What does HEALTHeACCESS include?
• Primary care services and treatment – well and sick visits
• 65+ included prescription medications – many dispensed at the time of service
• Wellness and biometric screenings
• Wellness portal – customized programming, announcements, newsletters, health incentives
• Navigator – appointment scheduling, referrals, patient support
• MyChart accessibility
• Urgent care availability included after hours
Who is eligible?
Companies of any size are eligible (even one employee) and covered participants include employees, spouses, and dependents.
What is the cost of HEALTHeACCESS?
Exclusive pricing for Zionsville Chamber members is $65 monthly per participating employees in this Zionsville Chamber member benefit. This price covers unlimited visits for the employee, spouse, and dependents.
14 locations available! Scan Me!
Writer / Matt Keating
COLE RAMSEY
Cole Ramsey, and incoming senior at the Western Boone Community School Corporation (colloquially called WeBo), always sets high academic goals for himself.
His mother, Jaime, said he always makes sure he does the best he can.
“He has been straight-A honor roll every year,” Jaime said.
Cole has also set his sights on breaking an academic record at WeBo.
“He is on track to have the highest GPA in WeBo history,” Jaime said. “Cole will be on a hybrid schedule during the next school year with WeBo and Wabash College.”
Jaime said this is the first time for any student to do this at either school.
“Cole was also just awarded the Advocate of the Year award from Mental Health of America,” Jaime said. “He has started the Boone County Youth Advisory Committee, which has sparked other counties to reach out, including Montgomery County and Tippecanoe County, and now they are beginning their own youth county coalitions.”
Cole also keeps very busy with other school activities.
“He is part of the National Honor Society and a member of WeBo student government,” Jaime said. “Last summer he was the youngest intern for the Indiana state senators.”
Cole is also highly active in several clubs.
“Cole is in the Key Club, Chess Club, Senior Fun Club, FCCLA, Spanish Club, prom committee and the Ecology Club,” Jaime said.
Cole is also active in sports during the school year.
“He will be playing football and golf for his fourth year,” Jaime said.
Cole has favorite subjects in school.
“He loves to learn about history, but at WeBo, Spanish is his favorite class,” Jaime said.
Cole also manages to find time to enjoy his hobbies.
COLE IS ON TRACK TO HAVE THE HIGHEST GPA IN WEBO HISTORY. HE WILL BE ON A HYBRID SCHEDULE DURING THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR WITH WEBO AND WABASH COLLEGE.
“He likes to trade on the stock market and he enjoys golfing,” Jamie said. “He also likes his job at Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar in Zionsville.”
Cole has also been busy making plans for college.
“He has always dreamed of attending an Ivy League school, but he also really likes Tulane University in New Orleans and Washington University in St. Louis,” Jaime said. “He hopes to double major in international business and political science, and eventually one day to be an American ambassador.”
Jaime said Cole enjoys living in Thorntown.
“He likes the closeness of the community,” she said.
SUPPORTING THE TRADES
MILWAUKEE TOOLS AND SECURITY FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
FACILITATING FUTURE CONSTRUCTION CAREERS FOR ABC PREP ACADEMY STUDENTS
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky would like to sincerely thank Milwaukee Tools for their donation of over 570 hand tools, worth in excess of $15,000, to the ABC Commercial Construction Prep Academy program in Fishers, Indiana! Your generous donation will help ABC train the future of the commercial construction trades for many years to come.
Additionally, we would like to thank the Security Federal Savings Bank for sponsoring the purchase of all student personal protective equipment (PPE) needs, to support the Prep Academy program’s seven training sites throughout the state for the 2024-2025 school year!
“The ABC Prep Academy provides a high school commercial construction training program, leading to paid summer internships or full-time employment with aligned postsecondary adult ABC apprenticeship
opportunities,” said Robert Kneberg, the Prep Academy outreach director.
“I didn’t feel like I wanted to pursue college straight out of high school,” said Samuel Anderson, a senior student at the Fishers ABC Prep Academy. “I enjoy learning through working with my hands more than sitting at a desk. When I learned about ABC, I knew that this program could get me the training I needed to go straight into the workforce. The program has given me opportunities to develop leadership skills and start professional training while in high school, and have a definitive path to a career.”
“Over a 25-year career in the construction trades, it has always been my dream to pass on my skills and knowledge to the upcoming generation of tradespeople,” said Rich Gregor, the lead instructor at the Fishers Prep Academy. “Through the ABC Prep Academy, I’m now living that dream. I want to personally say thank you
BUTTERBURGERS AND BEYOND
CULVER’S LAUNCHES ZIONSVILLE LOCATION
Writer / Macy Walts
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
In 1984, the Culver family started the first Culver’s restaurant in Sauk City, a village in southern Wisconsin. Forty years later, this family’s business has grown to be one of the largest fast-food chains in America, with nearly 1,000 Culver’s locations.
Culver’s continues to expand across the country, reaching into the west, south
and east - though its heart remains in the Midwest, where it has deep roots and a strong presence. Indiana, for instance, ranks among its top-five states. The recent 978th location is in our very own Zionsville, located on Michigan Road.
For Ian Kitcoff, Culver’s was his first job at only 17 years old. Now, over 14 years later, he owns and operates the new Zionsville location. The decision to open here was
driven by an admiration for the community. “We just really love the area,” Kitcoff says. “It’s definitely up and coming where we’re at.”
Culver’s commitment to the community is evident through its outreach programs, including sponsorships of various high school events and upcoming share nights in August with local schools.
Assembling the
right staff was crucial in launching this new location. Kitcoff takes pride in the team they’ve built. Many of these staff members are younger, making this their first job. “Culver’s was my first job, so I can relate to them on that level,” Kitcoff says. “One of the things I’m excited about is giving them the same opportunities that I had. We can be a good stepping stone into anything else they choose to do. I think there are a lot of valuable skills they can learn with us that are transferable to any other field. The biggest thing for me is molding and developing these kids that we hire.”
Beyond their renowned ButterBurgers and custard, Culver’s is most known for the friendly atmosphere, a quality Kitcoff aims to bring to the new location. “We’re looking for people that can show good hospitality,” he says. “They do the little extra things for us like hold doors open for people, smile, and greet people. I don’t think you’re going to eat anywhere where you’re going to encounter a friendlier group.”
This genuineness and hospitality helps to build connections with the customers. “We get to know our guests on a personal level,” Kitcoff explains. He recounts
one particularly touching instance at a past Culver’s where he worked, when the restaurant’s staff grew close with a pair of regulars that had been married for over 65 years. The staff spent time with the couple, remembering not only their orders, but also their birthdays and anniversaries.
This friendly restaurant is set to be a wonderful addition to the community. Offering delicious meals and fostering connections, Culver’s will undoubtedly enrich the lively spirit and sense of connection that characterizes Zionsville.
For more info, go to culvers.com.
Living the American Dream
GODBY HOME FURNISHINGS CELEBRATES A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / Sarah Browning
Jim Godby at his original Sheridan location
Jim Godby was born into a farming family in Terhune, Indiana, right here in Boone County, on December 10, 1941. He spent his youth in 4-H, FFA and athletics. These activities taught him commitment, self-confidence, leadership and determination.
“If you compete to the best of your ability, you can be successful at whatever life throws you,” he says. These valuable tools would be the foundation later used to serve his country and start a successful business.
Jim studied agriculture at Purdue University. He graduated with distinction while completing the ROTC program. He then served his country in Vietnam.
Coming home from the service, Jim began a career in agriculture until a friend in the furniture business offered him a job, which he accepted. After about three years he thought it was time to try it
On September 1, 1974, Jim opened a 600-square-foot showroom in Sheridan. He displayed four sofas, a few recliners, a bedroom suite and a mattress set. When something sold, he went to a wholesale furniture warehouse in Indianapolis and bought its replacement. He took help from friends and family whenever he could.
Jim was content with the status of the company when his son, Jeff, approached him about joining the company. Jeff saw the potential to grow the business to multiple locations. Jim actually wrote a letter trying to dissuade him, but in the end, they agreed to give it a try.
Jeff married Amy Anderson of Lebanon in 1992 and they purchased a home there. Around this time, the Taylor-Smock Furniture Store was closing. Jim and Jeff took the opportunity to expand to that
loan so he could start his new venture.
The extended Godby Family in 2016
Jeff ran this store while raising his family. His son, Sam, was born in 1995, and his daughter, Kara, in 2000. This new store venture in Lebanon turned out to be the launching pad for the continued growth of Godby Home Furnishings. Learning how to plan, merchandise and broaden their advertising resources for a new store was a key factor in the eventual opening of additional retail locations in Avon, Noblesville/Fishers, and Carmel.
Jeff is now the second-generation owner of Godby Home Furnishings. Jim has retired, although he’s still very much a part of the business. “My dad’s not wired to sit around,” says Jeff. “He’s officially retired but he still does what he calls the fun stuff, like mowing the yard at the warehouse and trimming the bushes. He’s also still a mentor to everyone because his work ethic is unmatched. He doesn’t know anything besides working, which garners a lot of respect from our employees.”
The Godby Home Furnishings team takes great care in providing a comfortable work environment. “It’s amazing when I go down the roster and see how long many of our staff have been with us,” says Jeff.
Many of their veteran sales staff members have been a part of
the team for so long that they are now selling to their original customers’ grandchildren.
Godby Home Furnishings employs around 100 people, the vast majority of whom have been there for a decade or more. The current staff has over 800 years of combined service to the company. They enjoy great benefits including a 401(k) program and a yearly Christmas party, with bonuses based on years served with the company.
Their loyal customers come back time and again, not just for the superior service, but also because of the high-quality products.
“That’s in our company motto: ‘Quality furnishings at affordable prices,’” says Jeff, noting that their starting price points are attractive. Plus, they treat all customers the same and never play games when it comes to cost. They are not about negotiating deals with customers. Everyone who walks in gets their best sale price.
That motto has been the foundation since opening in 1974. Fifty years later, Godby has locations in Avon, Noblesville/Fishers, and Carmel, as well as a clearance store in downtown Noblesville, becoming one of the largest furniture companies in the Midwest,
The Godby store in Lebanon when it opened in 1993. Formerly the site of Taylor-Smock furniture and currently the site of Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary
and verging on becoming one of the top 100 stores in the nation.
The stores are constantly refreshed with new products. Their aim is to help customers create their dream home at any budget. From the furniture to the accessories, down to the area rug, they take pride in providing everything needed. All of their sales associates have extensive mattress training because a great night’s sleep is the key to the comfort and well-being of their clientele.
Having their own 75,000-square-foot distribution center in Westfield allows them to stock most everything you see on their sales floor. You can have your new furniture delivered in a matter of days by their own team of drivers, or pick it up yourself on the same day.
Godby Home Furnishings is involved in philanthropic efforts to help the community, especially for causes that are important to their employees, such as Little League, church outreaches, or charities that employees are passionate about. They also are big sponsors for local programs like the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program.
“We had success in those early days because lots of friends and relatives came to that first store in Sheridan to make the whole thing happen,” says Jeff. “They wanted to see a local kid in the community make good.” And that he did, in so many ways. Happy 50th Anniversary, Godby Home Furnishings!
Godby Home Furnishings is open seven days a week with locations in Avon, Carmel, and Noblesville/Fishers. For more information visit godbyhomefurnishings.com.
Sam, Jeff, Amy, and Kara Godby
THE BLOOMING BEAUTY OF BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA
Boone County, Indiana, is a picturesque region known for its vibrant agricultural community and rich farming traditions. Among the county’s most charming attractions are its U-pick and U-cut flower farms, where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and handpick their own blooms. Three standout farms in Boone County—Dull’s Tree Farm, Anne-Marie’s Flower Farm, and WiseWood Farm—offer unique experiences for flower enthusiasts and families alike.
DULL’S TREE FARM: MORE THAN JUST CHRISTMAS TREES
Dull’s Tree Farm, located in Thorntown, Indiana, is widely recognized for its Christmas tree offerings. However, the farm’s appeal extends far beyond the holiday season. During the warmer months, Dull’s Tree Farm transforms into a floral paradise with a U-pick flower field that boasts an array of colorful blooms.
Visitors to Dull’s Tree Farm can wander through rows of sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and other seasonal flowers, snipping their favorites to create stunning bouquets. The farm provides all the necessary tools, including baskets and clippers, making the experience convenient and enjoyable. In addition to flower picking, Dull’s Tree Farm offers various family-friendly activities, such as a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides, ensuring a delightful outing for all ages (in season).
ANNE-MARIE’S FLOWER FARM: A HAVEN OF HORTICULTURAL SPLENDOR
Anne-Marie’s Flower Farm, nestled in the heart of Boone County, is a testament to the beauty and tranquility that flower farming can offer. This charming farm specializes in U-pick flowers, inviting visitors to stroll through meticulously maintained gardens brimming with a diverse selection of blooms.
At Anne-Marie’s Flower Farm, the focus is on sustainability and organic farming practices. The farm prides itself on growing flowers without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring that each bloom is as natural and eco-friendly as possible. The variety of flowers available is impressive, with everything from delicate daisies and bold dahlias to fragrant lavender and vibrant snapdragons. The farm also offers workshops and events, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about flower arranging and sustainable gardening techniques.
WISEWOOD FARM: CULTIVATING COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY
WiseWood Farm, located in Lebanon, Indiana, is another gem in Boone County’s floral crown. This family-owned farm is dedicated to cultivating a sense of community and creativity through its U-pick flower fields. WiseWood Farm is known for its wide variety of flowers, including peonies, hydrangeas, and wildflowers, which provide a colorful and diverse picking experience.
What sets WiseWood Farm apart is its commitment to education and community engagement. The farm hosts regular events, such as flower arranging classes, photography workshops, and farm-to-table dinners, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the land. WiseWood Farm also emphasizes sustainable practices, using natural methods to nurture their flowers and maintain soil health.
THE JOY OF U-PICK AND U-CUT FLOWER FARMS
The U-pick and U-cut flower farms of Boone County, Indiana, offer more than just beautiful blooms; they provide an immersive, hands-on experience that connects people with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply looking for a fun family outing, these farms offer something for everyone. The act of picking your own flowers allows you to appreciate the effort that goes into cultivating such beauty, and the fresh-cut blooms make for delightful, personalized souvenirs.
Are you looking for a spot for great photos?
A day with your friends or bridesmaids? Try U-pick floral farms! Each farm offers a unique experience, but they all share a common goal: to bring people closer to nature and spread the joy of fresh, locally grown flowers. So, grab your sunhat, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the blooming beauty of Boone County’s U-pick and U-cut flower farms.
For more information about Discover Boone County, visit discoverboonecounty.com or follow us on facebook.com/DiscoverBooneCounty
GRIEF AND GROWTH
BROOKE MARTIN’S NEW BOOK DETAILS DIFFICULT JOURNEY AND LESSONS LEARNED
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Michaela Hoover
Imagery is an essential tool in writing. It can evoke emotion from the reader without explicitly telling them what that feeling is. When Emmy-winning news anchor and reporter Brooke Martin faced a fatal diagnosis of her unborn daughter, she dealt with the tragedy publicly on air for eight months.
“This marked the beginning of our family’s journey, a journey of walking through a pregnancy we knew had no chance of survival and a child we knew we were going to say hello and goodbye to all at once,” Martin shares. “I had a choice to keep this private and walk through my pregnancy on air with everyone thinking everything was fine, or to be honest, real and vulnerable. I chose the latter. And from that point, the story made its way around the world.”
The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with people sharing their own stories of devastating pregnancy loss. Martin says many of those stories were filled with hopelessness, pain, regret and sadness. She says her experience was different. Martin and her husband, Cole, experienced the total opposite. She says while the pregnancy and ultimate loss of their daughter, Emma Noelle, was gut wrenching, it led to a profound awakening in their faith.
“I was driving one day and this image popped into my head,” Martin says. “It was a burned-out forest, and with it were the words ‘controlled burn.’ This beautiful concept came to me as to how to view life’s pain and suffering, but on the other side, it is incredible redemption and beauty.”
While she was determining what the vision meant, she posted it on her website to take the time to figure out the best way to share her message. She was then contacted by a literary agent who immediately sent her a contract to pen a book. Martin fleshed out the concept and wrote her book, “Controlled Burn: Rising From the Ashes to Forge an Unshakable Faith,” detailing spiritual advice for navigating life’s fires with grace, dignity and resilience. She says she never set out to write a book, but felt a higher calling when dealing with her pain.
“I’ve always said if this book can help one person, then it’s worth all the effort,” Martin says. “I got a call from the final proofreader, and I received a message from the proofreader saying the book helped heal so many things she didn’t even know she needed to heal. I thought, there was my one person before the book was even printed. So, I’m letting God and the book do what they need to do.”
Martin says her experience taught her how our response to life’s fires can be the difference between our destruction and our growth. She says in her career as a news anchor, she felt she always had to be perfect. Navigating her pregnancy loss in front of viewers allowed her to shed those layers of feeling like she had to be liked by everyone. She felt total freedom in who she was as a person.
“Controlled Burn: Rising From the Ashes to Forge an Unshakable Faith” will be available on August 24. For more information or to order the book, visit morewithbrookemartin.com/book.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING COLTS TRAINING CAMP
Writer / Vince Welch
Just like kids returning to school for a new academic year, summer vacation is over for the Indianapolis Colts. Class is in session. Training camp is in full swing.
The games don’t count until the Houston Texans visit Lucas Oil Stadium September 8 for the regular-season opener, but hope for a run into the postseason has its foundation laid in the preseason at training camp. If the Colts are to improve on last year’s 9-8 record and take the next step into the playoffs, much of that groundwork will be set in motion during these practices at Grand Park in Westfield.
Grand Park, in its sixth year of being home to the Colts training camp, is scheduled to host a dozen practice sessions, wrapping up August 5 with a joint practice and scrimmage against the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Training camp is full of opportunity, whether it is quarterback Anthony Richardson showing he’s healthy and sharp after last year’s season-ending surgery, or first-round draft pick Laiatu Latu giving indication the Colts were spot-on when making the UCLA pass rusher the first defensive player taken in the draft.
But one could argue training camp is as much about the fans as it is the team. The Colts organization recognizes the chance to connect with those buying jerseys, purchasing tickets and living on the edge of every third-and-one scenario.
“We are one of the few teams in the league where training camp is open to fans for every practice,” noted Stephanie Pemberton, Colts vice president of marketing. “It really does allow fans to be part of the players’ journey.”
The practice sessions at Grand Park provide fans their first glimpse of the team they’ll be cheering this season. For the armchair quarterback, it is an opportunity to absorb the detail and intricacies that go into each play. It’s easy to find your favorite player on the field and watch his every move. It is access a fan never gets once training camp concludes.
Of course, what happens on the field is critical for second-year Coach Shane Steichen and his staff, but it’s what happens off the field that makes training camp unique. When practice is over, most players are accessible. In the player interaction, you often see a personality and friendliness typically covered by pads and a helmet. Yes, NFL players are real people too! Fans have a chance to get close to the players who are usually only seen from the distance of a stadium’s upper deck, or the lens of a television camera - and training camp definitely provides the best chance for an autograph or a much-desired selfie with a favorite player.
Training camp provides something for all ages and levels of fandom. The kids can test their prowess at running, throwing and catching on a special field at Colts City. Even the big kids (yes that’s you, mom and dad) have fun on the turf showing the youngsters some of their old moves from the glory days.
“The expansiveness of Grand Park allows us to build out the fan experience to the fullest,” Pemberton said.
With the elevated heart rate from some fun exercise, and the sweat from a hot summer day, Colts City concessions are stocked and ready to hit the spot. After getting your thirst quenched and your belly full, you’ll want to check out the Pro Shop for the latest
gear to make you look and feel like a true Blue fan. All purchases are cashless, so don’t forget your credit card.
While training camp is about the fun and games, there are some important details to note. It is possible for a training-camp session to be sold out, especially during weekend or evening practices. You must have a ticket to attend, and you get your ticket in advance. Tickets are not available via walk-up at Grand Park. Visit colts.com/ camp to get your ticket for the day(s) you want to attend. Generally, tickets are free, but there are some exceptions. In a change from from previous years, five training-camp practices will have a $5 admission for adults 18 and over. The proceeds will benefit the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis flag football program. Tickets for kids 17 and under are always free.
Once you arrive for training camp at Grand Park, plenty of parking is available. You can purchase parking for $5 in advance, or $10 the day-of. ADA-accessible parking and seating are also available.
“Getting your tickets and parking early, and having them in your phone’s mobile wallet, allows us to expedite your entrance into the facility,” Pemberton added.
Keep in mind that a clear-bag policy is in effect at training camp, so do yourself a favor and arrive prepared.
It is always a good idea to check out colts. com/camp to make sure you are aware of the opportunities and requirements for your day at Colts training camp; make sure you don’t get to the goal line only to be intercepted. See, there’s something you and Anthony Richardson have in common! Go Colts!
