OCTOBER 2019
SERVING MERIDIAN HILLS, WILLIAMS CREEK AND NORA
MAGAZINE
Broad Ripple Dog Park Reopens With New Amenities & Fresh Terrain
atBrip.com
105 In
(3 Creamer Elson & O’Brien REALTORS since 1986
Open Ev e 9 A M - 1r y d a y 1PM John Creamer 317-250-5646 jcreamer@c21scheetz.com
lling e s w no D oil cB
Rick Elson 317-490-5646 relson@c21scheetz.com
We’re an independently owned smoke shop that specializes in tobacco paraphernalia and smoking accessories, as well as glass art, E-Cig & Juice, Premium Cigars and more!
WELCOME MOLLY!
Mention this ad to get 10% off (Certain Restrictions Apply)
Molly Creamer 317-413-5646
mmcreamer@gmail.com
Eileen O’Brien 317-445-0393
eobrien@c21scheetz.com
Angie Kubacki 317-695-7372
akubacki@c21scheetz.com
(317) 253-6551 • Headlinessmokes.com 1056 Broad Ripple Ave. Indianapolis, In
One-on-one, Student-Focused Tutoring
Greg Brelage Brelage Greg
NEW CLIENTS
Business Insurance Specialist
5451 Emerson Way Indianapolis, IN 46226
317-591-2660 brelageinsurance@gmail.com
Auto • Home • Business • Life
941 E. 86th Street, Suite 100 • Indianapolis, IN 46240
317.205.9215 www.bender-rocap.com
Standardized Test Prep: ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, HSPT, SSAT and ISEE
Subject Specific Tutoring:
Mathematics, Science, English, World Languages and Elementary Tutoring
How to contact us
Fill out a Contact Us form on our website, Bender-Rocap.com Call us at 317.205.9215 or Email: maggie@bender-rocap.com
2 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
We’re sh p access clot
Men
Who’s Been Selling Homes For 10 Years?
I AM MORE
than my migraines. I am Kelly. As the mom of a toddler, I don’t have time for migraines. Thankfully, my doctor saw through my symptoms and treated one of the root causes: my allergies. At Eskenazi Health Primary
ThompsonHomeSales.com Chad Thompson • 317-519-3542 Chad@ThompsonHomeSales.com
Care, doctors from IU School of Medicine work with some of the best nurses in Central Indiana. They don’t just see me as a patient. They see me. For more information, please visit EskenaziHealth.edu. H E R E FO R YO U > > >
3 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
The perfect alternative to home storage of your most treasured automotive possessions. ONLY 12 SPOTS LEFT FOR STORAGE!
Storage Services Provided: • Battery Tender installed and maintained • VIP service for car collectors • High Security and Private Storage Area • Climate Controlled Environment • 3 Master Technicians that service and maintain your car • Video Cameras to see your car from anywhere in the world
(317) 283-7555 • 2525 E 56th St | Indianapolis • ericgrabovsky@gmail.com • petesservicecenter.com
M i l d l e S e n WYour #1 Real Estate Rtesoouw rce
Serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas since 1968 • Ten year warranty • Attention to detail • Clean and professional
Call 317-252-5265, request a free quote www.elkroofingllc.com/request-a-roofing-quote/
Indy Scene Real Estate Team RE/MAX Ability Plus 317.902.2989 711 E. 65th Street | Indianapolis, IN | 46220 | IndySceneTeam.com
4 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE PUBLISHER
10
Tom Garriott
Tom@atBRip.com / 317-797-8135
TOWNE POST CEO Tom Britt
Tom@TownePost.com
TOWNE POST PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt
Jeanne@TownePost.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Robert Turk
Rob@TownePost.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Austin Vance
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Valerie Randall
EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown
Josh@TownePost.com
EDITOR
Samantha Kupiainen
GO FETCH: BROAD RIPPLE DOG PARK REOPENS WITH NEW AMENITIES & FRESH TERRAIN
Dogs throughout the city now have a revamped and refurbished park in the heart of Broad Ripple in which to frolic and play. Indy Parks and Recreation leaders recently undertook a complete overhaul of Broad Ripple Dog Park including an artificial turf infield, new play equipment, a hexagonal shelter for protection from the elements, a drinking fountain, new benches and tables and a free stainless steel dog wash station.
18
15
OCTOBER WRITERS
Samantha Kupiainen / Jon Shoulders
OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Durr / Belinda Russell
SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Broad Ripple Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. Business Spotlights are sponsored content The Broad Ripple Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local Broad Ripple area residents. Magazines are distributed via direct mail to more than 10,198 Broad Ripple area homeowners and businesses each month.
7
Business Spotlight: Curt Bennett Allstate Insurance
10 Go Fetch: Broad Ripple Dog Park
Reopens With New Amenities & Fresh Terrain
15 Sculpting Success: Vogue Co-
Founder John Ross Is Carving Out a New Career
18 The Crown of Indy: Crown Hill
Cemetery Is a 156-Year-Old Historic & Scenic Destination
22 17th Annual Drumstick Dash
Returns to Indy: Popular All-Ages Race Benefits Wheeler Mission
5 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone / Fax: 317-810-0011
DOWNSIZE INTO UPSCALE Chatham Park is Indianapolis' newest and best option for modern, high-end living. Located in the historic Chatham Arch neighborhood and steps from Mass Ave, Chatham Park provides the rare opportunity to customize a place downtown that you can call home—at a level of craftsmanship and sophisticated beauty beyond compare. Residences available and on sale now.
Contact our design center today to experience the new standard for luxury living.
ResidencesAtChathamPark.com HIGH-END | CONDOS | SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
6 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
CURT BENNETT ALLSTATE INSURANCE 1051 East 54th Street Suite B Indianapolis (317) 790-2992 Allstate.com
Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Belinda Russell
When new and existing clients walk into Allstate insurance agent Curt Bennett’s office on East 54th Street, he strives to make each and every one feel like more than simply another customer. “Everyone has different challenges and a different end goal in mind, and different things that they’re trying to protect. I enjoy meeting each person’s needs and establishing that relationship to help achieve their goals,” Bennett says. “We can help you reach those goals with guidance, education and the right planning.” In addition to personalized auto, home, commercial and life insurance options, Bennett offers retirement and financial planning for those just starting to think about or nearing retirement. “What drew me to Allstate was the opportunity to provide education for clients, whether that’s on their home, auto or commercial insurance, as well as providing the financial planning piece,” Bennett says. “We can help you protect and build your assets.” An Indiana University grad, Bennett moved to Indy after obtaining his degree and served as an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year, after which he worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “It was a great experience working for those organizations for three years of my life, and I think that carried over into the way I treat customers now, with that feeling of contributing to the community that surrounds me,” he says. “I want clients to feel like I’m part of their community, working and living in the same place and sharing many of the same experiences.” In 2010, Bennett transitioned into the insurance and financial planning industry where he’s been ever since, and he feels Broad Ripple Village is the perfect setting from which to serve a wide range of clients. “I grew up in a small town and this area is kind of like a small town 7 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
itself, with that village feel,” Bennett explains. “The eclectic feel with all the activity on the Monon Trail, and the shops and small businesses, is so welcoming. My grandparents owned a hardware store and I kind of grew up around a small business, so that drew me to this area.”
Married with two children ages 8 and 5, Bennett spends as much time with his family as possible during his time away from this office, including youth soccer and basketball coaching duties. As a sports fan, he spends time participating in golf, flag football and half-marathons, as well as watching IU basketball and Notre Dame football games whenever possible.
Good Hands Within arm’s reach.
Bennett describes his business as family-centric, with a focus on personal service from the initial sit-down or phone call with a client until long after a professional relationship has developed and a personalized plan established.
®
“For both younger people who are getting their financial footing, and those who are established and have been in their careers for a while, we can help out most anybody,” he says. “That’s what I like about being where I am in Indy — it’s a diverse demographic of people that I can offer insurance and financial planning services.” Bennett says clients can expect a no-hassle process when exploring coverage options. Allstate typically undergoes a thorough analysis for each individual client’s needs to develop the right plan and adjust or supplement that plan as needed down the road.
I’m proud to protect Indianapolis because I know Indianapolis. As your local Allstate agent, I know the ins and outs of all your insurance needs. Call, email, or stop by my office any time so I can provide protection for the things you love.
“If it’s home, auto or commercial insurance, let’s find out what it is you’re trying to protect, and then we can do a coverage comparison for you,” he explains. “Based on that, we’ll establish what your need is and make sure you’re properly protected. What I tell people is, let’s find out where you’re at and where you want to go, and then we can offer the guidance to get you there.”
Curt Bennett 317-790-2992
1051 E. 54th St., Ste. B Indianapolis
Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
10788855
Proud to offer our community Good Hands® protection and service.
Interested in scheduling a visit to obtain a quote or get more info? Visit Allstate today at 1051 East 54th Street Suite B in Indianapolis, or call 317-790-2992, to discuss home, auto, commercial and life insurance products and to explore financial planning options.
8 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
FREE WHITENING WITH FIRST OFFICE VISIT!
Hartman Dentistry | 317.581.0215 | www.carmelsmiles.com
3091 East 98th Street, Suite 220 Indianapolis
TINY HOUSE TOUR AT THE
VIP Preview Party THU, OCT 24
$15
Early Bird ends Oct 11
LLC IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRY IT TINY,
| OCT 25-27
Arthur M. Glick JCC
6701 Hoover Road • Indianapolis, IN 46260-4198 (317) 251-9467 • JCCindy.org
9 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
JCCindy.org
Broad Ripple Dog Park Reopens With New Amenities & Fresh Terrain Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Michael Durr
Dogs throughout the city now have a revamped and refurbished park in the heart of Broad Ripple in which to frolic and play. Indy Parks and Recreation leaders recently undertook a complete overhaul of Broad Ripple Dog Park including an artificial turf infield, new play equipment, a hexagonal shelter for protection from the elements, a drinking fountain, new benches and tables and a free stainless steel dog wash station. “The dog park has been loved very dearly by many of our patrons and has endured a lot of wear and tear,” says Don Colvin, deputy director of Indy Parks. “It was time for an upgrade, and we’re very glad to be able to offer this to the city.” It’s the first such upgrade for Broad Ripple Dog Park, which was the first of Marion County’s four dog parks, having opened back in 1999, and the city contracted with Morphey Construction for the site work including chain link fence reconstruction and installation of artificial turf and concrete slabs. An additional 10,000 square feet was also appended to the enclosed park. A few key pieces fell into place in recent years to help make the renovation a reality, including a $15,000 grant for the park in 2016 as a result of a second-place performance in the Beneful Dream Dog Park Makeover Contest. “Also, we were doing a Broad Ripple Park master plan, and that’s a very high-level vision for the whole park and how the different areas work together and complement
each other,” Colvin explains. “So it was the perfect time to engage the community and ask what their vision was for the Dog Park, and out of that plan came the improvements that you see out there today.” The design process for the Dog Park started in July of 2017, and construction ran from February until September of this year. A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in August with Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot in attendance. “We heard a lot of great feedback at the grand opening when we were able to meet and greet some of the Dog Park goers and their furry companions,” says Ronnetta Spalding, chief communications officer for Indy Parks. “We’d been talking about redoing the Dog Park for several years now, so actually having something finished and functional that looks really great compared to what it was like is satisfying.” Colvin says synthetic turf has become a trend nationwide in urban dog parks, and Broad Ripple Park’s new surface consists of 12 inches of compacted stone under the artificial turf material. An irrigation system was also added to help keep the park clean and sanitary. “We needed to maintain the park at a little higher level. We tried re-sodding park terrain multiple times, but because of the park’s large size at just under two acres, that was an inconvenience because we always had to close the park for quite a period of time,” Colvin says. “The artificial turf is a good medium to put down and eliminates many challenges with mud, even though you can’t completely avoid mud and dirt.” Indy Parks officials decided to add a few small hills to the previously flat terrain, which Colvin says was the result of patron feedback. “We heard from the community and people wanted places for their dogs to run and experience activities, so we made some earthen mounds to add variety and break up the spaces a little bit,” he says. “We also
added a kiosk so the community can post information for guests.” Colvin says the response he’s gotten from locals so far has been positive, particularly from dog owners with small yards at home who depend on local parks to afford their canine companions the exercise they need to stay healthy. "We have a few maintenance items still to take care of with some of the grass and things, and we’re hoping to solve that this fall,” he says. “Overall we’re getting good responses.” Broad Ripple Park serves more than 300,000 people annually, including approximately 1,500 patrons at the Dog Park, which is open year-round. For info on Broad Ripple Dog Park fees as well as rules and etiquette, go to indy. gov/activity/find-a-dog-park.
Hooverwood & Kraft Commons Assisted Living REHABILITATION & SKILLED NURSING | MEMORY CARE ADULT DAY SERVICES | KRAFT COMMONS ASSISTED LIVING
Call us for more info or to schedule a tour of our brand new Assisted Living!
7001 Hoover Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46260 | 317.251.2261 | On Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus 13 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
plan that’s in step with your life?
I Can Help! Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.
Call me at 317-430-7094 for personalized service today! HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental
Danna Green Licensed Insurance Agent
317-430-7094
dgreen@healthmarkets.com HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. 14 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com HMIA000556
Vogue Co-Founder John Ross Is Carving Out a New Career Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Michael Durr
15 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
As a lifelong devotee of the arts and cofounder of two of Central Indiana’s most successful music venues — The Vogue Nightclub in Broad Ripple and The Bluebird Nightclub in Bloomington — it was perhaps only a matter of time before John Ross found his own stride as an artist. It wasn’t until he reached his 40s when he fully jumped into the sculpture and painting that occupies so much of his time these days, but Ross says he was always being influenced by art and artists in one form or another throughout his life. As a kid, he and his father fashioned soapbox cars in their garage, and he recalls being taken on a tour of several major European museums by his mother as a teen. “I think those things, when you add them all up, must have made an impression on me,” Ross says. “I did a little photography later on, and I always liked working with my hands and making things like furniture. So all that stuff probably factored into giving me the bug for sculpting and painting.” That bug has turned into a full-fledged passion that he says is likely to be a lifelong pursuit, and now Ross spends time honing his craft in his studio space at the Stutz Business & Arts Center on Capitol Avenue. His medium of choice these days is sculpture with wood, plaster and cast resin among other materials. Ross describes many of his sculptures — which include close-up busts, life-sized figures, and even an interactive robot with a button that, when pressed, prompts the sculpture to offer a compliment to the observer — as deliberately rough and imperfect in their finished forms — an aspect he finds inspirational in and of itself. “I call it perfect imperfection, which is a term Sam Phillips the record producer created,” Ross explains. “He realized that if something is perfect, there’s nothing more you can do with it. To me, that closes down the meaning that other people could read into a piece of work. To me, it seems more real having something imperfect and a little rough with some humor to it.” 16 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
Born in 1946, Ross grew up in Washington, Indiana and worked as a reporter after high school, first in the U.S. Army and then for a newspaper in Bloomington. In 1972, he and a friend decided to make a foray into the entertainment industry and opened The Bluebird Nightclub in Bloomington, which went on to become a fixture of the city’s music scene. Six years later Ross co-founded The Vogue in Broad Ripple with similar success, and the many musical acts that came through both venues helped to further ignite his passion for artistic expression. He says the local and regional funk and rock acts he hired were major influences in particular. “I don’t think you can be around that much good music and not let it get into your bones,” Ross says. “Seeing all those great performers made me want to do something creative.” Ross sold The Vogue to his brother Steve and Steve’s business partner in the mid1980s, and a few years later he decided to make use of his newfound freedom to enroll at the Herron School of Art and Design, where he started out with a concentration in painting but eventually obtained a degree in sculpture. “I still like painting but it’s stationary, and with sculpture, I like that it’s more physical and you’re moving around and have things to lift,” says Ross, who resides near Broad Ripple Village. “It comes back to liking that physical process of working with my hands.” Ross says German painter and sculptor Georg Baselitz was a major influence on his decision to undertake wooden sculpture, for which he frequently uses a chainsaw with Basswood or plywood. He views the imprecise nature of his chainsaw carvings as a metaphor for human beings themselves. “Wood is fun because it’s living and has human qualities, and you might get into it and find cracks and imperfections - just like people,” he says. “You never know what you’re going to find.” For more on John Ross’s artwork, explore johnrossart.com.
MORE ENERGY. MORE STRENGTH.
MORE LIFE
EXPERIENCE THE 1-HOUR FULL-BODY WORKOUT THAT GIVES YOU MORE. More motivation. More results. And a more vibrant life. We use heart rate-based training that burns calories longer and produces results from the inside out. There’s technology to track your progress. And every workout is led by certified coaches that tailor your workout to your fitness level.
BOOK A FREE WORKOUT * AT ORANGETHEORY.COM
OTF Broad Ripple 5858 N. College Ave, Ste B | Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317.616.3800 *First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of OTF IP Holder, LLC. © Copyright 2019 OTF IP Holder, LLC and its affiliates.
17 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
The Crown of Indy Crown Hill Cemetery Is a 156-Year-Old Historic & Scenic Destination Writer / Samantha Kupiainen Photographer / Michael Durr
 18 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
F
ormer-president Benjamin Harrison, novelist Booth Tarkington, and businessman Eli Lilly all share one thing in common — they’re all buried at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Crown Hill Cemetery, the nation's third-largest nongovernment cemetery, has been serving the Indianapolis community for more than 150 years. Although it’s a cemetery and final resting place for upwards of 200,000 people, it’s a popular destination for tourists, school children and residents alike. “First and foremost, we are a place to bury loved ones and provide a lot of benefits that impact the city,” says David Rieck, President of the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation and Crown Hill Cemetery. As a major cultural tourist attraction, the cemetery memorializes countless public figures and loved ones and is home to more than 4,000 inventoried trees, which brings a steady flow of visitors year-round. Debatably, its most popular feature — The Crown — draws large crowds seeking an iconic view of the Indianapolis skyline from the highest hill in the county. Constructing and Dedicating the Cemetery Crown Hill was established in the mid-1800s. The historic cemetery is nestled between Newfields and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, along 38th Street and right off of Interstate 65. However, it looks a lot different today than when it was founded in 1863. “When Crown Hill was founded in 1863, there was a movement within the country called a rural cemetery,” Rieck says. “The cities around the U.S. were getting overpopulated, if you will, with burials. There was a need for large amounts of land where they could bury loved ones.”
19 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
With rural cemeteries, the representative from cities would buy up big plots of land in the county and create cemeteries. “The cemeteries were also then used as parks and outdoor recreational spaces,” Rieck says. “They were the parks before the public parks we know today.” According to the Crown Hill History page, on Oct. 15, 1863, its first 236 acres were purchased from three local farmers for just $51,000. In today's value, that would equate out to nearly $1M. Today, Crown Hill boasts 555 acres. The new cemetery was dedicated on June 1, 1864. The very next day it had its first burial, that of Lucy Ann Seaton. She was the wife of Civil War Union Captain, John Seaton, and succumbed to tuberculosis at 33. New to Indianapolis and describing himself as a “stranger to this city,” John advertised her funeral in the newspaper seeking attendees, which proved successful. Gothic Architecture By 1866, a total of 480 burials were recorded. In present-day, it's estimated that there are some 200,000 burials at Crown Hill. That same year, on August 27, the U.S. Government purchased land on Crown Hill’s campus to create a national cemetery. According to its history timeline, the first 707 soldiers were moved to this section in November 1866. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Crown Hill National Cemetery is closed to new interments. Those buried within Crown Hill National Cemetery are members of the armed forces dating back to the Revolutionary War. Notable features of Crown Hill also include its abundance of gothic architecture. The cemetery’s first piece, it’s Gothic Chapel, was designed by D.H. Bohlen and constructed by Peter Routiers in 1875 for $48,922.25. According to the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation, “This building stands as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture and was the first of a number of historic structures and landmarks to be erected over the next 135-plus years, all which stand alongside generations of monuments to human achievements and epitaphs of remembrance.” According to the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation,
David Rieck, President of the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation and Crown Hill Cemetery.
the chapel, which was originally named the Gothic Vault, once held the body of James Whitcomb Riley while “those in charge of his affairs debated his proper place of interment.” He was later buried on The Crown, and in present-day, the chapel is used to host public and private events, including lectures, tours, funerals, memorial services, weddings, concerts and dinners. Other notable pieces of architecture on Crown Hill’s grounds are its Gothic Gate and Waiting Station, which are located at the intersection of 34th Street and Boulevard Place, and its mausoleum, constructed in 1951. The Crown Aside from its burials, Crown Hill is a popular destination for visitors all-around. It’s currently No. 9 out of 144 things to do in Indianapolis on TripAdvisor. “We are a major cultural tourist attraction,” Rieck says. “The cemetery provides many educational opportunities and programs for the community, from the events that we host to our popular tours that we offer throughout the year.” Rieck says that Crown Hill is a place where people can get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Indianapolis, while still being in the city. Its property has 25 miles of road, which is popular among walkers, runners, bikers or those looking to have a scenic view with their picnic. Visitors also enjoy its tree tours and tours of the cemetery’s history. “The enjoyment of nature is certainly another reason why people come here,” Rieck adds. One of its most popular features is The Crown, a hill with an elevation of 842 feet. The Crown is the highest hill in the county and gives visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the Indianapolis skyline. “The iconic view from The Crown, is another reason why people come and visit Crown Hill — to take in the view and beauty of the cemetery and the city from one of the highest points in Marion County,” Rieck says. Crown Hill Cemetery is located at 700 West 38th St. For more information about the cemetery, such as its history or tours, visit crownhillfoundation.org.
17TH ANNUAL DRUMSTICK DASH RETURNS TO INDY POPULAR ALL-AGES RACE BENEFITS WHEELER MISSION Writer / Jon Shoulders Photography Provided
This Thanksgiving Day why not help to increase awareness for a worthy cause, while simultaneously increasing your own appetite with some exercise before loading up on turkey?
at 10:15 a.m. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment on Broad Ripple Avenue prior to the race and a group of Fun Patrol volunteers will be amongst participants mid-race handing out goodies. “The best part is that this has always been kind of a quirky event - people dress up, we’ve given out post-race turkey dogs and omelets at certain races over the years, and people are always dancing,” Crispin says. “Each year we always try to make it different and fun, and the idea from the beginning was to not do what everyone else does with their race.”
The 17th annual Drumstick Dash, benefiting Wheeler Mission, will take place in Broad Ripple at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, and the race event has grown from more than 1,300 participants in its first year back in 2003 to about 20,000 last year. Wheeler Marketing Director Brian Now the second-largest race in Indiana behind the OneAmerica 500 Crispin says the organization expects to reach that number again this year, Festival Mini-Marathon, the Drumstick Dash has grown to become the which is Wheeler’s 125th year in operation. second-biggest Thanksgiving Day race in the U.S., and it’s now a top-50 timed running event in the country as of 2018, according to Crispin. In 2003 Wheeler Mission Chief Development Officer Steve Kerr had been trying to drum up a fundraising idea that would serve as the “I think it’s very cool how big it’s gotten since it’s still owned and operated signature annual event for Wheeler, which helps the homeless and today by a homeless shelter,” Crispin says. “We have vendors who help, disadvantaged with meals, temporary shelter and various programs. and there are usually more than 1,300 volunteers who come out, and While at a Thanksgiving Day race with his family in Ohio, Kerr realized beyond that, it’s the Wheeler staff operating this nationally recognized how fun it could be for Hoosiers in Central Indiana to have a similar event.” race to benefit Wheeler, and once he realized there was no existing Thanksgiving Day race in Indy, he got to work. This year everyone who registers will receive their own fundraising page “Steve got together with a couple local businesses and the first year was a big success,” Crispin says. “The Drumstick Dash is now our biggest fundraiser of the year by far and has helped us grow.” The all-ages race includes 4.6-mile and 2.75-mile courses in Broad Ripple kicking off at 9 a.m., as well as a Lil’ Gobblers Run for kids 12 and under
for a chance to further help Wheeler Mission. Those who raise at least $250 will have their entry fee refunded down to one penny and can opt to have their registration packet mailed directly to their residence for free. In 2014, Wheeler began the #OuttaTownDashAround, which allows those who can’t attend, or who prefer to run in their own neighborhood,
22 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
17TH ANNUAL DRUMSTICK DASH When: Thursday, November 28 Where: Broad Ripple Village (race begins on Broad Ripple Avenue, east of the former Broad Ripple High School)
Registration info: Visit drumstickdash.org for full pricing and an online registration page. Registrants can visit the event Expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Harvest Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 27 for race packet pickup (including official longsleeved event shirt and race bib), or have their packet mailed directly to their home or business. *Note there will be no race day registration. Event proceeds benefit Wheeler Mission. For additional information on Wheeler’s services and programs, go to wheelermission.org. to participate virtually by joining a Drumstick Dash satellite location and take part in a photo submission contest. “As the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise, the event has helped us continue to have a stable base of donations to help us continue to serve those people,” Crispin adds. “We don’t take any government funding, so we rely on the community to keep our doors open and grow when we need to grow. Last year alone we served about 367,000 meals, and we have nine locations now. The Drumstick Dash has been a big part of what we’re doing.”
Ripple Chiropractic Dr. Brian Lumsdon
Ripple Chiropractic, Dr. Brian Lumsdon
6507 Ferguson St. Suite 101 Indianapolis, In 46220
M/W/F: 9am - 5:30 pm T/TH: by appointment
Email: blumsdc@gmail.com Web: ripplechiro.com
317-439-2751 6507 FERGUSON ST. SUITE 101 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46220 M/W/F: 9am–5:30pm T/TH: By Appointment
23 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com
Email: blumsdc@gmail.com Web: ripplechiro.com
24 / BROAD RIPPLE MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2019 / atBRip.com