Carmel Magazine November 2021

MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2021

Meet the Murphys DUO IS THE SPIRIT BEHIND CARMEL’S CHRISTKINDLMARKT

VALUING OUR VETERANS LOCAL AND NATIONAL RESOURCES HELP VETERANS NAVIGATE POST-MILITARY LIFE

TAKING HIS SHOT 5 BY 5 COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDER SEES HIS DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

TownePost.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.

2 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com HMIA000556

A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

For advertising information, contact:

IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLISHER GARY WEITZEL gary@townepost.com 317.366.8198

13

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DOCTOR

Dr. Doug Strobel Talks Successful Balm Business

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

16

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

MEET THE MURPHYS

Duo is the Spirit Behind Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ROBERT TURK rob@townepost.com 317.810.0011

20

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

Shoopman Homes

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™

16 23

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT JOSH BROWN CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL HACKER GRAPHIC DESIGNER ROBBY BERRY COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

4

Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery

VALUING OUR VETERANS

Local and National Resources Help Veterans Navigate Post-Military Life

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

8

24

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Purse Strings

26

DINING DISTINCTION

The Italian House on Park Receives Top 100 Honors From OpenTable

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™ Spray-Net

10

28

5 By 5 Communications Founder Sees His Dreams Take Flight

Springhetti Dentistry

TAKING HIS SHOT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / GARY W. WEITZEL / HEATHER HUNTER JUSTIN SICKING / MATT KEATING / MARIAH KRAFFT RENEE LARR / ROBEN CHRISTIAN BELLOMO / SETH JOHNSON

VALUING OUR VETERANS LOCAL AND NATIONAL RESOURCES HELP VETERANS NAVIGATE POST-MILITARY LIFE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Justin Sicking

22 at the time, was tasked to be Scarton’s escort.

Matt Modleski enlisted in the Air Force in 1980 fresh out of high school. During his 20 years of service, he served as a jet engine mechanic, air traffic controller, pilot, and pilot instructor. In August of 1985, a car bomb in Ramstein, Germany, killed 19-yearold Airman Frank Scarton. Modleski, just

“It was humbling to have that duty assigned, but for a young kid to be asked to do that really brought home the gravity of what the job was,” Modleski says. “I don’t think I ever looked at the uniform the same way after that. It was a sobering reality of what it meant 4 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

to be in the military.”

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a diverse organization, and the largest percentage of their membership is still Vietnam veterans. According to Dan Clare, chief communications and outreach officer with the DAV, Vietnam veterans are focused on making sure the next generation gets a

Matt, his wife Dianne, Mr. & Mrs. Modleski

Matt Modleski

different kind of welcome than they received when returning home.

“Our tagline is, ‘Keeping our promise to America’s veterans,’” Clare says. “We provide services that are substantive and important to veterans, to make sure they are able to get a different jumpstart on their lives as they transition out of military service.”

They start by making sure veterans get the benefits they earned. The DAV also helps veterans find employment by hosting career fairs that connect veterans with potential employers. They are sure to recognize those employers who hire veterans. The City of Carmel currently employs 75 veterans.

“Some employers assume that veterans have PTSD from combat experience and are ‘broken,’ and therefore not a good fit for their organization,” Clare says.

Fortunately, mental health challenges are addressed much more frequently these days. In fact, the DAV funded the research that was behind getting PTSD recognized by the American Psychological Association.

“Veterans who enroll in Veterans Affairs health care are less likely to commit suicide than other veterans,” Clare says.

The Carmel Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post aids veterans by having a certified veterans service officer on call to assist with mental and/or financial concerns. Any veteran seeking mental help or suicide prevention can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-2738255 (press 1). Ken Lange, senior vice

Is Your

Health Insurance Premium Making You Nauseous?

Maybe It’s Time To Check Out A More Sensible, Affordable Healthcare Option.

AffordaShare

Simple-Affordable-Healthcare

Open Enrollment All Year Long DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER! 30-60% Less Than Health Insurance! www.AffordaShare.com (317) 431-7541

AffordaShare is a Veteran-Owned Business TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 5

military is participating in, so the needs are greater because they have had to do multiple war deployments over the course of the last 20 years.”

commander of the Carmel VFW Post 10003, maintains that the best resource available to veterans is companionship with other veterans who share similar experiences.

“Veterans organizations such as the VFW and American Legion, the Veterans Administration, and local veterans service officers, which we have one at our Carmel VFW, assist veterans with an array of issues they may have, along with their spouses,” Lange says.

Veterans service officers also help veterans with the paperwork of VA medical claims

and compensation. Plus, they provide an experienced Honor Guard for the military funerals they support throughout the year.

The old “bar and lounge operation” stigma that goes along with veteran organizations is starting to fade as soldiers of all ages and stages of life utilize services and resources.

“It used to be pretty unusual to find someone who was a three-war veteran,” Clare says. “That was usually World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Now you have Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, and so many different operations going on simultaneously across the world that our

Bring Your Landscape to Light!

custom outdoor lighting solutions that make your property shine and add safety and security to your home

francoland.com 317-858-3858

Contact Us For A Free Lighting Demo

6 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Later in his military career, Modleski was hired into the United States Air Force Thunderbirds to fly as a solo pilot for the 1996 and 1997 show seasons. He did six weeks in Europe, flying the red, white and blue jets in Romania where they were welcomed warmly.

“The crowds were pro-American,” Modleski says. “Tens of thousands of people were enthused that we were there and so happy to feel their own freedom because it was relatively soon after Ceausescu was overthrown. It was really powerful.”

Modleski, who has two sons, Keaton, 20, and Jacob, 16, with his wife Dianne, says the highlights of his military experience were the friendships that were formed.

“The older we get, the more those friendships matter as you look at the picture that is your life in the rearview mirror,” Modleski says.

Each year the City of Carmel hosts a Veterans Day Ceremony to celebrate veterans in the community. The program incorporates area elementary school choirs, essays written by middle school students, and posters created by students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

These essays and posters will remain on display at the Monon Community Center throughout November. Modleski will also speak at the ceremony.

Local products for

worldwide problems

“The best ways civilians can honor our servicemen and women is by just saying, ‘Thank you for your service,’” Lange says.

“We don’t expect anything except respect, support and understanding.”

You can also put your gratitude into action by volunteering to drive for a local veteran organization, as reliable transportation, especially to medical appointments, is always needed. Along the way, strike up a conversation.

“I find that veterans generally keep their time in the military to themselves, but if asked, they have some great stories to tell,” Modleski says. “I encourage everyone to sit down with a veteran and ask.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), the Carmel VFW (317-8460917), the American Legion (legion. org), and the Indiana Veterans Center (indianapolis.va.gov) all offer great resources. Visit their websites or call them to learn more.

• Itchy Dry Skin / Eczema • Nerve, Muscle &/or Joint Pain • Skin Tightening • and More!

Families

Athletes

Nature Lovers

Dr. Doug hand-crafts each of his healing balms to help people like you to Protect, Heal & Restore their skin.

To learn more and receive 10% off your order, scan:

www.drdougsbalms.com TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 7

DINING DISTINCTION THE ITALIAN HOUSE ON PARK RECEIVES TOP 100 HONORS FROM OPENTABLE

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Mariah Krafft

The Wolf family has made an impact in the local restaurant scene, and they’re now being recognized nationally. The Italian House on Park was recently included in the 100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021 by online company OpenTable.

Scott and Nyla Wolf opened The Italian House on Park in November of 2015 after a lifelong desire to open an Italian restaurant.

“At a young age, my parents always wanted to open up an Italian restaurant,” says Alec Wolf, area director. “Their dream of a Little Italy restaurant got outshined by Wolfies for nearly 10 years. When things settled down, they found this location by chance, and the dream came true. Naming it The Italian House was simple, given the aesthetics of the store and our cozy atmosphere.”

The team was surprised and delighted when they received word of the honor.

“We were ecstatic to receive this award,” Wolf says. “We’ve always felt we had our own little gem here. It’s an old house that we converted to be a restaurant. We’re located on Park Street, surrounded by old homes, so it does feel like we’re in a neighborhood.”

later this year called Nyla’s,” Wolf says. “It’s going to be located next door to The Italian House. We started renovating the building.

It has an old-style barn look on the exterior.

We’ll have high-end steak and seafood inside.”

OpenTable used internal data to create the list, highlighting the restaurants that contribute to the character of their neighborhoods. Customer reviews played a major role in the decision-making process.

The Italian House on Park is located at 219 Park Street in Westfield. For more information, call 317-804-5619 or visit theitalianhouseonpark.com.

“We always knew we had something special,” Wolf says. “It’s the reinforcement the customers give us each time they come in and write a review that makes us feel like we’re doing something right.”

The family owns six Wolfies Grill restaurants in Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Geist and West Lafayette. They also own the Broken Barrel in Carmel. They plan to open a new restaurant later this year.

“We’re going to be opening a new concept

Wolf Family Restaurants WOLFIES GRILL Carmel Fishers Geist Reservoir Morse Reservoir West Lafayette Westfield

BROKEN BARREL Carmel Geist Reservoir

THE ITALIAN HOUSE ON PARK Westfield

COMING SOON!

Nyla’s in Westfield

8 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

CONGRATULATIONS!

Named to the

“ 100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021”

by Open Table.

One of only two restaurants in Indiana!

The Italian House on Park 219 Park St. Westfield, IN 46074 theitalianhouseonpark.com

Esli Alfaro, Executive Chef with Area Director Alec Wolf

FOR RESERVATIONS AND MENU

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 9

Alan Kungu Mbathi

TAKING HIS SHOT

5 BY 5 COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDER SEES HIS DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Justin Sicking

When Alan Kungu Mbathi, owner and founder of 5 By 5 Communications, was younger, he dreamed of both flying and owning a business.

The company specializes in promotional production, commercial production, event coverage and podcast production, both livestreamed and prerecorded.

“I have military experience, having served in the U.S. Army for six years,” Mbathi says.

Today, his dreams of taking to the skies and “Prior to emigrating to the United States running his own business have both taken from my homeland, Kenya, I trained as a flight - just in a different way than he initially pilot with the goal of flying commercially, imagined. but the cost of training got prohibitive.”

“My business, 5 By 5 Communications, a creative video agency, operates out of Noblesville,” Mbathi says. “Most of my work is done in Carmel, but I do have past and present clients in the surrounding Indianapolis area, and as far as Lexington, Kentucky.”

with a bachelor of arts in communication arts, with an emphasis on audio, visual and cinema production. After graduating, I did a three-month stint as a production assistant with WTHR channel 13.”

After that, Mbathi went to work at Fox 59 and CBS4 as an editor.

“I spent two years doing that, and then I was finally able to move on as a full-time photojournalist at the station for the next four years,” he says. “That is where I cut my Mbathi decided to change his goals. teeth learning to tell stories, and keeping up with the fast production pace of the news “I’m trying to pivot my life to something I business. I was somewhat of an oddity at the could do apart from flying, so I discovered station. It is not often that editors break in to video production,” he says. “I got my becoming photojournalists at a big-market bachelor’s degree from Anderson University station.”

10 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Mbathi was still determined and focused on photography opportunities. He did this until he was able to prove his worth as a solid photographer.

“I led the station in exploring and implementing their ‘Air Force,’ a fleet of drones for news gathering,” he says.

“I helped them establish the drone operation of which they were a leader in Indiana. After six years at the station, I was fired as a result of downsizing, due to acquisition by a new management company.”

Mbathi now also works with WFYI. “5 By 5 Communications is my creative outlet, where I pursue things other than news,” he says.

Per son a l T rusts & Estat es

In December of 2010, Mbathi enlisted in

Doug Tirmenstein

Brian Senninger, CTFA

Beth McIntire, JD, CPA

Trust Legal

Wealth Management

Personal Trusts

Trust Legal, Tax and Estates

Proven Expertise You Can Trust For more than a quarter century, attorneys, accountants and other trusted advisors have relied upon our Personal Trusts and Estates Group to provide their clients with a wide range of fiduciary services:

Mbathi says he loves Indiana.

“I immigrated to the United States in June 2007,” he says. “I came over with my wife, who is American. My plan was to do the five-year process of naturalization. As I had always wanted to join the military, and because I was enrolled in school, I was a part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid select service program. I figured that was an opportunity to explore something I had always wanted to do.”

Angie Berg, JD

◆ Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts

◆ Charitable Trusts

◆ Estates

◆ Guardianships

◆ Special Needs Trusts

◆ Directed Trusts

We deliver local expertise as well as the highest level of personal service, confidentiality and attention to detail. Discover the reasons so many trusted advisors trust us.

317-261-9790 ©2021 The National Bank of Indianapolis

www.nbofi.com

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 11 Client/Filename:

NBI

10165 WM_PT&E_8.125x10.625

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

the Army and attended basic training.

my personal goals, which was video.”

“After training ended, I was surprised to learn that an opportunity for citizenship was open for me, so I took it,” he says. “It was a simple, relatively quiet process. Since I enlisted in the reserves, I was only obligated to one weekend a month, and two weeks during the summer. I enlisted for a six-year contract, and opted to get out instead of reenlisting. I felt that I had served my country as needed. I also needed the time to pursue

Mbathi has high hopes to grow his business.

“I just use my personal contacts for now, but I am hoping to grow so 5 By 5 becomes its own entity,” he says.

For further information on 5 By 5 Communications, call 317-985-4072 or visit 5by5communications.com.

Health Coverage Made Easy As your health insurance broker, we can help with all of your health insurance needs including Medicare, individual coverage on or off the Health Insurance Marketplace/healthcare.gov, small group plans, dental and vision coverage.

Our services cost you nothing and are available to you anytime of the year.

We are here to help. Call us today.

Call 317-253-1990 or 866-236-4181 insurance@indianahp.com Angie Mercer

Matthew Kubal

12 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Matthew Mundy

Dr. Doug Strobel

Not Your Average Doctor DR. DOUG STROBEL TALKS SUCCESSFUL BALM BUSINESS Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Roben Christian Bellomo

While he may wear a lot of hats, Dr. Doug Strobel considers himself a problem solver above all else - a skill he says he learned while serving in the military.

A Marine and Navy veteran, the Carmel resident works as a neurologist by day at Community Hospital East. In his free time, however, the lifelong athlete also enjoys taking part in rigorous outdoor adventures like those put on by The Endurance Society.

Through taking part in some of these races, Strobel found himself in search of a remedy TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 13

to the skin-care problems he and his athlete friends were having while out on the trails.

Rather than being satisfied with the current products on the market, the self-described “mad scientist” got to work on concocting his own.

“I was using everything that was out there,” he says. “I think they’re all great products, but I wanted something that was a one-stop shop, where I could control the goals I was trying to achieve.”

In search of his own solution, Strobel began experimenting with ingredients to try and make his own skin care product.

The flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

“I was making it in my kitchen,” he says.

“I even made it in my hotel room with a flipped-over iron, melting it and trying to get it to the right texture.”

After finding the perfect formula, he started bringing his homegrown remedy out to races, sharing it with racing friends who gave the product its Miracle Balm name.

Grand Opening!

The Escape Room USA Westfield 16848 Southpark Drive Book an Adventure by November 15 for any date in 2021.

“They wanted to know where I bought it,” Strobel says. “Well, I didn’t buy it - I made it. I started making it for my crew.”

After personally experiencing the Miracle Balm’s success in preventing blisters, Natalie Gardner brought up the topic of starting a homegrown balm business with Strobel while the two were getting dinner at Capri Italian Restaurant.

Use Promo Code WESTFIELD21 for $20 off one room.

“Natalie said, ‘I know how to do business development. Let’s run this as a business,’” Strobel says. “I said, ‘Do you really know how to do that?’ Because they don’t teach you that in medical school.”

Now a co-founder of Dr. Doug’s Balms, Gardner gets full credit from Strobel for the growth of the business in recent years.

escaperoomusa.com

14 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

“My common comment is, ‘I’m Dr. Doug, but she’s Dr. Doug’s,’” Strobel says. “It would just be something I made in my kitchen if it wasn’t for her guidance and

leadership. It’s the best of both worlds because I don’t know anything she knows, and she doesn’t know much of what I know.

We complement each other well. That’s how we got to where we are.”

Currently, there is a variety of Dr. Doug’s Balms products available for purchase, both on the website and in various retail locations. Since starting out with their Original Miracle Balm, the team has expanded its offerings, with balms that are made for athletic needs, family needs, nature lovers and more. As the product line has expanded, the customer base has too.

“We didn’t really meet a lot of our [initial] customers face to face because I was giving it to all the people who I met,” Strobel says.

“Then it spread via word of mouth, and bit by bit we got out there. One becomes two, two becomes four and four becomes eight. We’ve grown every year over the past five years. Some of our best customers and strongest advocates we’ve never met, which

is a new experience for us. We’ve sold it in Greece. We’ve sold it all over the U.S.” Although Dr. Doug’s Balms has become an international brand, the team still makes sure to outsource locally when possible.

“We want to really keep it local, so we’ve even tried to procure our containers and our labels,” Strobel says. “We get our labels from Greenfield, and they’re world-class labels.

We’ve tried to be very supportive of the Village, Carmel, Hamilton County and the state of Indiana because we’re locally grown, and we want to keep it that way. There are some things we have to farm out for, but people are loyal to us, and we want to be loyal to the local populace in the city.”

In looking back on his growth through the years, Strobel has a greater appreciation for the athletic coaches and teachers who pushed him growing up, but ultimately he believes the military is the reason for his entrepreneurial success today.

“It really took my military service to gain the maturity and the recognition, and then be turned loose on my own to let it flourish,” he says.

For more info, visit drdougsbalms.com.

Kroger Gardis & Regas, LLP 111 Monument Circle Ste 900 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (812) 430-7320

KGR attorneys want to thank the courageous and honorable service of our veterans! We are located in Indianapolis and serve the legal needs of the Hoosier state and beyond. For more information, visit www.KGRLAW.com

We are just passionate about helping people realize and understand that they don't have to live in the pain that they are in.

Alizabeth Van Dyun, CEO

Muscle Mobility Performance and Wellness

Dr. Christopher Owens (Chiropractor), Glenn (Massage Therapist), Michael VanDuyn (Operations Manager, Founder), Alizabeth Van Duyn (CEO, LMT), Tabitha (Massage Therapist), Micah (Massage Therapist)

Scan to see our listing and offers on TownePost.com

160 W Carmel Drive Suite #184 • Carmel, IN 46032 TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 15

Meet the Murphys DUO IS THE SPIRIT BEHIND CARMEL’S CHRISTKINDLMARKT

16 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Maria and Brian Murphy with their dog Pummel

Writer / Heather Hunter Photographer / Justin Sicking

While the rest of Carmel looks ahead to Thanksgiving, Brian and Maria Murphy are preparing for Christmas.

As the masterminds behind Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt, they have plenty to do before the date comes.

“Planning really begins in January,” says Maria, chief executive officer and market master.

By now she and Brian, who serves as chief operating officer, are tying up loose ends before the market officially opens on November 20.

“It’s a long process, but it also means we get to celebrate Christmas year-round,” Maria says.

The Murphys are Indiana natives who bring their passion for adventure into their work. Maria experienced her first Christkindlmarkt as an exchange student in Germany. She still draws inspiration from the old-world markets of Europe.

“We want to make ours as authentic as possible, but still give it that stamp of

Hoosier charm,” she says.

Brian focuses on that vision with his pragmatism. Outside of work he’s an avid backpacker, which has given him confidence in his decision-making skills and trained him to focus on what’s truly important in every situation.

On his first-ever backpacking trip to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, Brian and his group explored the region’s slot canyons - deep, quiet crevasses just several feet wide. It reminded him of exploring the model cave systems in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in his youth. The trip sparked his motivation to seek adventure in his life and travels.

“Any time you can get out into the wilderness, you have the opportunity to enjoy new challenges and learn about yourself,” Brian says. “All the peripheral things - emails, bills - they fall away very quickly. You experience successes and failures and get to learn from both.”

Brian will often apply specific situations from his travels to guide him in his life and work. Backpacking, he says, is always a learning experience.

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 17

“Failure will happen,” he says. “Mistakes aren’t the end of the world. I’ve learned to give myself time to second-guess and explore big decisions, and to balance that with trusting my own judgement. It’s served me well in the time since.”

Maria also enjoys the outdoors. In fact, she discovered her off-season passion, monarch butterfly rearing, while on a walk through a wooded area nearly a decade ago.

“The sun was coming through the trees and caught this monarch chrysalis hanging from a leaf,” she says. “It looked like a little piece of jewelry.”

She took the leaf home and watched as the chrysalis slowly turned transparent, then released the butterfly once it hatched.

Since then, Maria has raised and released a handful of monarchs every year. Her favorite spots to find eggs include Eagle Creek Park and in the vegetation alongside roadways.

Once the caterpillars hatch, she feeds them milkweed and watches them grow. When the butterflies are ready, she releases them back into the wild for their migration to Mexico.

Monarch Watch

Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt

This year is Maria’s first year tagging her monarchs for study through an organization called Monarch Watch. Their website lists care instructions for those interested in rearing their own monarchs.

“I love that a caterpillar can transform from one thing into something completely different,” Maria says. “It speaks to how we don’t have to be stuck in our current state, which is such a beautiful and hopeful thing to me. I was a banker for 10 years. When I took the position with Christkindlmarkt, it felt like tapping into another state of being.

I literally could not have imagined I would be running a German Christmas market in Carmel, Indiana. It would be like telling a caterpillar it would grow wings and be able to fly.”

For the first time, Actors Theatre of Indiana will perform a musical revue in a sing-along style perfect for families. The shows will take place four times per day on Saturdays and Sundays.

When it comes to COVID-19, the team is working on signage and hand sanitizing stations. They plan to keep a close eye on the situation as it unfolds.

“We have a plan A, but we also have a plan B, C and D based on what’s happening in November,” Maria says. “Our goal is to keep both our vendors and guests safe, and we’re Though she’d had some experience volunteering on a committee for the market, confident we’ll be able to do that.” taking on the role of market master was a In the future, Maria is looking into expanding daunting task. kid-friendly activities and spaces at the market. She also plans to add more programs “It took a lot for me to trust my wings and and shows. For now, though, she and believe I could step up to the challenge,” Maria says. “It’s been such a beautiful gift to Brian are doing their best to make Carmel Christkindlmarkt 2021 as magical as possible. be able to create an experience for families to come together and make memories for a lifetime.”

“I think it’s going to be the best year yet,” Maria says. “This event will mean so much more after everything that’s happened over The duo’s tenacity and open-mindedness the past two years.” make them a great team to run the market.

They constantly seek ways to improve and are excited for the changes to come this year. Carmel Christkindlmarkt will begin on November 20 and run until December 24.

New features will include a pavilion with covered seating, a less-congested ice-skating For a full list of dates and more information, visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com. Brian and queue, and some new food options like Maria are excited to see you there! chimney cakes and doner kebabs.

For over 55 years, O’Malia’s Living has been bringing family, friends and neighbors together whether it is around the fireplace during the holidays, on the patio for summer evenings or together for a barbecue on the grill. The family feature recognizes local families who are part of our community. We are proud to support this monthly story in Carmel Magazine.

VILLEROY AND BOCH GERMAN PORCELAIN AND GLASS

Trade Ex LLC, 317.316.1440, tradeexllc@gmail.com, HUT 11 at Carmel Christkindlmarkt Founded in 1748 in Lorraine, Holy Roman Empire and now headquartered in Mettlach, Germany, Villeroy and Boch is known for elegant porcelain and glass tableware. Known through the centuries for such creative designs as transfer printing on porcelain from engraved copper plates (1824) to Phanlith (1900) to modern glazes such as CeramicPlus(R), "VB" is renowned for timeless elegance, innovative design, and outstanding quality.

18 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

AMAZING Leather & Furniture Repairs

SAVE 10% With TownePost coupon only.

Expires November 30, 2021.

fibrenew.com/imn fibrenew.com/imn 317-849-5000 317-849-5000

We We Rips, Rips,T Body Bo

50+ 5 STAR reviews!

A lifetime of confidence Amazing Leather Repairs! fibren31 317 Amazing Leather Repairs!

317 starts here fibrenew.com/imn Custom Re-Dye

Custom Re-Dye

Custom Re-Dye

Pet Damage

Mention this flyer and $ave 10%

SAVE 10% On Any Project

Mention this flyer and $ave 10%

fibrenew.com/imn 317-849-5000

At KinderCare, we’ll make sure your child317-849-5000 has everything they need.

Scuffs

Pet Damage

Clean, C

Clean, Co

with TowneClipper coupon only. Expires 2/1/2017

Leather/Vinyl Repair: Residential Furniture • Vehicles • M We Rips, We Rips,BoT

Body

Teachers who care. Classrooms where safety is priority number one.

A nurturing place to try new things and explore the world. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you’re welcome in our circle.

C Custom Re-Dye

To learn more about our NEW centers call 833-905-3276

Pet Damage

We're right in your neighborhood!

Custom Re-Dye Mention this flyer and $ave 10%

COMING SOON! Carmel KinderCare Mention this flyer 10910 N. Michigan Road

and

Pet Damage Amazing Leather Repairs!

COMING SOON! North10% Indianapolis KinderCare $ave 91 W 91st Street

COMING SOON! Trader's Point KinderCare 8750 Zionsville Road

Amazing Leather Repairs!

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 19

Clean, C

Mention

Clean, Co

31

317 fibren 317

CUSTOM HOMES ON A PRIVATE LAKE IN CARMEL tall, electronically secured gatehouse, which guards the only entrance and exit to the area and grants a high level of security and privacy for homeowners. The large lots, some nearly an acre in size, provide ample room for expansive luxury homes and easy access to the huge Big Bass Lake.

Once a homebuyer is ready to start building, Shoopman Homes offers a unique experience. So often these days, builders’ standard features are incredibly slim. This means that when clients go to the showroom to make their final selections, they may spend an additional $40K to $50K or more on additional items.

11685 West Rd. Zionsville, IN

833-525-3466

waterfrontofwestclay.com

50-year custom builder veteran Paul Shoopman in front of one of two model lakefront homes at the Waterfront of West Clay in Carmel.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Paul Shoopman, a luxury home builder in Carmel, Indiana, knows how much folks love to live on the water. However, new waterfront options in the Carmel area are rare these days. Fortunately, the Waterfront of West Clay community, located on the north side of 116th Street just east of Michigan Road and five minutes east of Downtown Zionsville, offers stunning lakeside lots nestled among trees and green spaces.

“If you want to live in Carmel or be in the Carmel-Clay School District and be located on the water, this is a great option,” says Shoopman, president and founder of Shoopman Homes.

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD FREE LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE.

“That’s not our program here,” Shoopman says. “You can build a Waterfront home with us and not have to upgrade any products because everything automatically comes standard, with granite countertops as well as upgraded cabinets, appliances, and flooring.

In fact, the minimum here is probably two stages higher than what would come in other homes.”

The Waterfront also features luxury ranchstyle homes. Homeowners love main floor master bedrooms, but unfortunately, almost no builders in Carmel, Indiana, offer ranch homes for sale or even have ranch model homes to tour because they won’t fit on traditional sized lots. They require wider and deeper lots to accommodate for their bigger footprint. Shoopman Homes, however, has some great custom ranch builds available in Carmel.

“Any time you can have all of the functioning rooms you need on one level of your home, all the better,” says Shoopman, who spent two years designing functional floor plans for these ranch-style homes. He The Waterfront’s prime area, the Island, clearly hit the mark because he’s had no features 14 remaining oversized lots for requests from clients so far asking to make buyers in the $1.1M up to $5.0M range.

The Island stands behind a majestic 40-foot- changes to the plans.

20 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

The main floor of these custom ranch homes ranges from 2,700 to 3,600 sq. ft., with options to expand or add flex rooms. For example, many homeowners are interested in adding covered rear porches. Others want to add an office, fourth bedroom or a fourth car garage.

According to Shoopman, custom ranch homes have grown in popularity in recent years because their design has evolved substantially over time.

“When I started building in the early 1970’s, rooms in homes were compartmentalized. Every room had to have four walls,” Shoopman says. “Today it’s all about functionality, flow and visibility.”

Ranch ceilings also are much higher, and windows are taller and wider, enabling daylight to pour in, which makes the space more inviting.

Visit waterfrontofwestclay.com to see the ranch and two-story plans as well as the virtual tours of the Falcon, Hawk, Heron, and Owl Waterfront ranch homes.

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 21

COMING NEXT MONTH! Local retailers - promote your holiday gift items in our December issue starting at just $150! Want to promote several items in your store? Ask about our co-branded holiday pages!

27 E Cedar Street, Zionsville | 317.973.5252 Tue - Thur: 10am - 5pm | Fri & Sat: 10am - 4pm 22 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Village Home private label upholstery, Made in North Carolina with a variety of fabric selections!

INDIANA ARTISAN GIFTS & GALLERY 22 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032 317.964.9455 / indianaartisan.org

BAKERS LOVE THESE So sharp, the Yukon Bread Knife slices bread, even right out of the oven, practically crumbless. Pair it with a bread board Harry Gigous, Warsaw. $32.50

MEANINGFUL, MODERN PENDANT

COOKIE-BAKING TIME

Turquoise accents the Star of David beautifully.

Jill Dunn, Carmel $80

BOURBON-SOAKED FRUIT CAKE Loaded with fruit, doused with bourbon. You don’t have to like fruit cake to love this moist treat.

Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand $19.50

Pottery batter bowls are ready to make your favorite winter or holiday recipe Mary Thomas Firestone, Lafayette $50

SEASON SOMEONE’S DAY Handsome and handy, cherry salt grinder/ pepper mill set adds flavor in style Lee Ellis, Fishers $100

LET IT SNOW Miniature clay snow people trimming the tree – sure to become a winter favorite Sue Scamihorn, Wabash $12

HOOSIER PRIDE

STRIKING GLASS

Indiana ornament is hand-painted silk framed in a glass orb Carrie Wright, Muncie $18

Fused glass plate is stunning on a table or standing on a shelf.

Dawn England Harless, Nappanee $135

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 23

Clay Terrace Mall 317-846-8372

BRUMATE If you like your beverages ice-cold, Brumate is the perfect gift. This favorite drinkware is available in a wide selection of styles and colors.

Cheers! $20 AND UP

Fashion Mall at Keystone 463-210-8167 Hamilton Town Center 317-678-8956

MUDPIE S’MORES KITS AMBRE BLENDS

Add warmth and sweetness to your holiday season with these perfect family gifts. $25-$50

Indiana made- Our 10ml Oil Essences are more than an enhancement of your senses – they are the beginning of a newfound sense of self. $51

UNO DE 50 Each piece is uniquely handcrafted in Spain. Imagine something new from scratch offering a different point of view. This is UNO de 50. $125-$185

ELLA STEIN CROSS NECKLACE Doing diamonds differently by creating sterling silver and diamond jewelry as affordable as it is sustainable. $109

HAMMITT HANDBAGS VIP Medium Handbag - Hottest handbag designer in America. Designing a functional, fresh approach to modern handbags. FEEL ITT. LOVE ITT. HAMMITT. $295 24 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

DUKE CANNON Made in USA - Stuff more stockings the easy way this holiday season with Duke Cannon’s premium Lump of Coal soap. It’s the best way to clean up after mischief and shenanigans. $11

BY A WOMAN, FOR A WOMAN

BY A WOMAN, FOR A WOMAN

BY A WOMAN, FOR A WOMAN

SMITHSONTHESQUARE.COMTownePost.com

/ NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 25

(317) 773-3383 98 N 9TH STREET NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060

™

Spray-Net. A New Way to Renovate Your Home.

Discover the next generation of kitchen cabinet and exterior painting!

SMALL < 30 CABINET DOORS

$3,500 - $5,500

MEDIUM 30-40 CABINET DOORS

$4,500 - $7,000

LARGE 40+ CABINET DOORS

$6,000 +

BEFORE

NOW

The price to Spray-Net kitchen cabinets starts as low as $3,500 and go upward depending on the size of the kitchen and number of cabinet doors.

Most people dream about redoing their kitchen or exterior siding, doors and windows but don’t get past the concept as more than a daydream when they think about the high cost of replacement.

The time required to plan and renovate the space is another reason why homeowners are turning towards Spray-Net as an alternative to replacement to fulfill their home renovation dreams.

What makes Spray-Net unique is they have custom manufactured coatings created specifically for each surface for a finish that looks and feels brand new, not painted. With a patented process for application onsite, the transformation is achieved in as little as one day and has long-lasting results.

The product won’t chip or peel and it’s made to last much like any factory painted surface such as brand new siding, doors, or windows. Spray-Net backs their product with a 15-year warranty against peeling and chipping.

The recent kitchen trend for 2021 has been white with the simple and warm white, Oxford White which is a top choice by designers and customers alike. Oxford White is a soft muted tone which can pair well next to marble and draw out the grey undertones.

Another top pick is black pepper, a dark shade of grey which many homeowners have opted towards for an ultra modern yet sleek look for their kitchen cabinets.

Oxford White

Black Pepper

Spray-Net hosts a custom visualizer on their website so homeowners can design the drastic color change of their kitchen or the exterior of the home. By uploading photos and selecting from the Spray-Net color pallet, it’s easy to visualize what the transformation will look like for each project (Check it out at spraynet.renoworks.com).

Spray-Net | (317) 671-7525 | www.spray-net.com 26 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

BEFORE

NOW

HERE’S A LIST OF SURFACES SPRAY-NET CAN PAINT WITH THEIR CUSTOM COATINGS: KITCHEN CABINETS • Two Component Crosslinking Polyurethane • Exceeds all KCMA Finish Requirements • Washable, Flexible, Adhesive, Scratch Resistant, Chemical Resistant DOORS & WINDOWS • Two-Component Crosslinking Polyurethane • Combats UV rays & other elements • Factory Hardness, Maximum Adhesion, High-Traffic Scratch Resistant, Fights Fading & Warping VINYL SIDING • Duo-Coat Vinyl Shield System • Dark colors an option due to cutting- edge solar- transparent pigements that prevent heat build up • Optimal Adhesion, Extreme Flexibility, Fights Fading & Warping, Washable

AS SEEN ON

ALUMINUM, FIBER CEMENT & HARDIE BOARD SIDING • Crosslinking Technology • Tight microscopic bond results in smooth, factory-hard finish that resists peeling, fading, & washing • Factory Hardness, Maximum Adhesion, Weatherproof, Fights Fading, Optimal Gloss BRICK • High-performance breathable stain • Chemical bond allows brick to breathe, Mechanical bond creates optimal adhesion • Natural, permanent finish, High breathability, Waterproof, Reduced Efflorescence STUCCO • High-performance stucco coating • Ultra-thick finish with just one coat • Superior Breathability, Extreme Flexbility, Stain-Blocking Power, High-Build Coverage, Texture & Insulation

F E A T U R E D

Spray-Net’s cabinet and exterior painting process is so unique that it’s been featured on HGTV and is a US patent holder. What’s more, Spray-Net’s 15-year warranty on peeling, is transferable, a value-added feature for anyone looking to sell their home. You can head to www.spray-net.com to check out the range of colors offered (custom colors are always an option, too).

Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s value, dramatically increase the curb appeal or give an out-of-date kitchen a refresh, this new, innovative, and eco-friendly trend in home renovations is available to you!

Like your kitchen or exterior but are not in love with it anymore?

Go for it. Rethink Renovation with Spray-Net’s custom coatings and application.

I N

“We’re excited about helping homeowners throughout the entire Indianapolis area find a high quality and cost-effective solution to transform and update their homes,” says Rodney Kuhl, local Spray-Net North Indy franchise owner. “While we offer a unique solution, customer service is our true passion. The smiles on our customers’ faces after they see their home for the first time is what drives and inspires us.”

Rodney Kuhl is a local entrepreneur and has partnered with Spray-Net to open the first location in the Indianapolis area.

Call 1 (317) 671-7525 or visit www.spray-net.com to schedule a free quote.

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 27

SPRINGHETTI DENTISTRY Dr. Aaron Springhetti

Writers / Gary W. Weitzel and Renee Larr Photography Provided

How can education, competition and attention to detail combine to qualify a person to be among the best in any endeavor? From cosmetic dentistry to endurance sports like the Ironman Triathlon, Dr. Aaron Springhetti shares a special set of talents, accomplishments and expectations with his patients at Springhetti Dentistry. The office is conveniently located along the Michigan Road corridor in West Carmel. A world-class athlete, Dr. Springhetti is inviting new patients to join Springhetti Dentistry.

Dr. Springhetti opened his practice in January of 2020, nearly two years after finishing the prestigious Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, competing against approximately 2,400 of the best endurance athletes from 82 countries. His clinic offers traditional dental care, including cleanings, checkups and preventative care for the whole family.

For patients needing advanced dental care, Dr. Springhetti and his highly trained

team specialize in cosmetic and advanced restorative dentistry.

FIRST STEP - EDUCATION Oral health plays a critical role in total body health, and education is vital. Dr. Springhetti and his team not only improve patients’ smiles, but also demonstrate how full-body health starts in your mouth.

“It’s my job to educate my patients, and provide them with the tools and resources to become healthier,” Dr. Springhetti says.

“It’s important for patients to first practice proper hygiene, but just as integral to oral health is understanding how nutrition, medical conditions and medications affect the health and longevity of our teeth.”

SECOND STEP DIAGNOSIS What can you expect from a skilled dentist who studied as an artist and competed as a world-class athlete?

“Every new patient receives a full series of photos, a scan of their mouth, and 28 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

digital X-rays including a 3-D image,” Dr. Springhetti says. “We’re using our digital dentistry to get all the information necessary to accurately diagnose any concerns. This also allows our dental team to explain the care that may be necessary with the patient.”

Springhetti Dentistry can then offer cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, porcelain toothcolored crowns, cosmetic dental bonding, teeth whitening and gum recontouring.

“I have an affinity for cosmetic dentistry,” Dr. Springhetti says. “It’s an art, and along with a minor in art in college, I have sought out considerable education in the aesthetics of what makes a smile beautiful. I’m not just making a subjective assessment on a smile. I’m taking into consideration all these different natural parameters. There are many things, big and small, that can be done to improve someone’s smile. We’re not just improving the way a smile looks.

We’re giving patients back the confidence that comes when you have a healthy and beautiful smile.”

THIRD STEP - ATTENTION TO DETAIL Commitment to a high level of detail is showcased in the design of his office.

“We were shut down for about eight weeks during the height of the pandemic,” Dr. Springhetti says. “I took that time to remodel the office, and I did most of it myself. My parents have a five-acre hobby farm in southern Indiana where I have set up a wood shop in one of my dad’s barns. I would go down and build furniture for the office. My fiancée and I created this really neat wood wall as an accent piece in the office. Patients love to see that and all the unique, handcrafted furniture.” His furniture is used throughout the office.

FOURTH STEP GENEROSITY Giving back to the community is as big of a priority for Dr. Springhetti as his patients.

“I work at the Heart and Soul Clinic in Westfield on the first Saturday of every month and provide basic dental services,” Dr. Springhetti says. “The clinic offers free medical and dental services to the underserved. Patients can either be scheduled or walk in. Growing up, my parents were heavily involved in community service. I think it’s important to share your talents with the community because we have to remember not everyone has had the same opportunities as us.”

Dr. Springhetti is opening his office on November 19, 2021, to serve patients

unable to afford traditional dental care.

Springhetti Dentistry will provide free dental work such as fillings, extractions, cleanings and more.

Appointment times are limited to an hour so his team can serve as many people as possible. These appointments are on a firstcome, first-served basis.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE THROUGH HEALTH, SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND COMPETITION Dr. Springhetti is an avid endurance athlete.

He’s competed in the Ironman and Half Ironman World Championships, and has run the Boston Marathon twice. He believes his focus on his health shows his patients his commitment to their health.

“Growing up, I played all the sports, but I wasn’t an avid runner, cyclist or swimmer,” he says. “I was introduced to endurance sports by a friend, and I started dabbling in it. After graduating from dental school, I raced in my first Ironman race. I fell in love with the sport that first race, and ultimately set a goal of qualifying for the Iron Man World Championships. I achieved that goal in 2018 at the world championships in Kona, Hawaii.”

GOOD DENTAL CARE IS A CHOICE - CHOOSE SPRINGHETTI DENTISTRY Dr. Springhetti knows patients have many options when choosing a dental practice for TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 29

10485 North Michigan Road, #150 Carmel, IN

317-886-1304

springhettidentistry.com

CONNECT their oral health care and cosmetic dentistry.

Both he and his patients know what makes his practice unique.

“We provide an exceptionally high level of care, and we truly care about our patients,” he says. “I believe we have a higher level of connection with our patients, and there is mutual respect between the team and our patients, which is paramount in any provider-patient relationship. We love smiling and laughing with our patients, and that makes happiness ubiquitous in the office.”

We hope to provide that joy in your life!

2021

COMING NEXT MONTH

PRESENTED BY

Have your local charity, non-profit, or church showcased in our 2021 Giving Guide. Visit TownePost.com/Giving-Guide or scan the QR code to learn more!

30 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

YOUR HOME REMODELING HEADQUARTERS!

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE.

Full Remodel Services Available!

Designed by professionals.

Installed by professionals.

CABINETRY | COUNTERTOPS | FLOORING | REMODEL Carmel Showroom

Indianapolis Showroom

3217 Shadeland Ave 14570 River Road Indianapolis, IN 46226 Carmel, IN 46033 TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2021 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 31 317-720-3171 317-563-0934

2021 Holiday at Clay Terrace • • •

Santa’s Arrival + Tree Lighting

Friday, December 3rd The Village Green From 11-2PM

Santa Photo Experience

•

Friday, December 3rd till Friday, Dec 24th

•

See mall website for hours

• •

• •

• •

• •

Paws & Claus

Monday, December 6th and 13th From 6-8pm

Cookies with Claus

Saturday, Dec 11th From 11-2pm

Meet & Greet Santa’s Reindeer

Friday, December 3rd & Saturday, December 4th, 11th, 18th From 11-2pm

Carriage Rides

Friday, December 3rd, 10th and 17th From 5:30-7:30pm

Visit ClayTerrace.com for more information!

32 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com