Carmel Magazine December 2018 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

DECEMBER 2018

MAGAZINE

SECOND ANNUAL CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT RETURNS WITH NEW FEATURES FOR THE WINTER SEASON

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. CARMEL MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Tom Britt

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PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt

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EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown

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DECEMBER WRITERS

Josh Brown / Kelly Wallace Kelsey Musick / Matt Keating Megan Jefferson / Seth Johnson

EXPLORE THE MARKET: SECOND ANNUAL CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT RETURNS WITH NEW FEATURES FOR THE WINTER SEASON

Grab your steins and save room for some raclette, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is back. The much-anticipated second year of the market started Nov. 17 and will run through Dec. 23.

6 The Right Fit: The Shop Owner Talks Success of New Carmel Location

8 Luxury Cakes: New Bakery Brings Made-From-Scratch Desserts to Carmel

10 The Icing On Top: Gigi’s Cupcakes

Owner Talks Success of Northside Locations

12 Explore the Market: Second Annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt Returns With New Features For the Winter Season

17 Do You Hear What I Hear? Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert Returns Dec. 8

18 Business Spotlight: James Allen Insurance

20 CHS Teacher, Students Inspire

Buddy Benches to Encourrage Open Communication

22 Health Spotlight: Orangetheory Fitness

24 Spreading Christmas Cheer:

Good Samaritan Network Annual Christmas Drive Returns Dec. 8 to Hamilton County 4H Fairgrounds

DECEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Allison Mayer / Beth Maier Brandy Hornback / Brian Brosmer Michael Durr / Ron Wise / Ryan Woodall

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Carmel 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

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26 Larger Than Life: Local Artist

Pamela Bliss Talks Painting the Iconic, 60-foot Tall Reggie Miller Mural In Indy

atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 5

atCarmel.com TownePost.com

Co-owners Alex Janeczek and Brian Kelly

The Right Fit The Shop Owner Talks Success of New Carmel Location Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Ryan Woodall

Since 2015, The Shop has been offering Indianapolis residents with fashionable Indiana-centric attire. Now, the retail company has opened up a new location at Clay Terrace in Carmel, providing Carmel residents with another locally driven store to buy clothes at. Located at 14395 Clay Terrace Blvd. Ste. 160 in Carmel, The Shop’s new location will continue with what the store’s original location established, offering up a variety of hand-printed sports and culture apparel.

From vintage Pacers shirts to custom Hoosier-themed headwear, The Shop has no shortage of stylish attire, and it’s all affordably priced as well. According to The Shop co-owner Brian Kelly, the store’s initial Broad Ripple location started out of necessity. “I had been buying vintage-inspired sports shirts from companies outside of Indiana and wondered why our state didn’t have something like it [The Shop],” he says. “I am a graphic designer by trade, so it made sense to try and make it happen. I started a company called Hayes & Taylor, and we 6 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

started offering shirts back in 2011 online. “As we grew, I met Alex Janeczek who had his own company called TheBrickShirtHouse where he had his own line of apparel and screen printed himself. I contracted him to print all of our merchandise for H&T, and then we eventually decided to team up and form one brand, which became The Shop. We opened our first retail location in Broad Ripple in May of 2015.” When The Shop first started, Kelly says their offerings were pretty “bare bones.”

“We offered our usual line of vintage sports-inspired designs and some local throwbacks like Deer Creek,” he says. “At that time, it was mostly just T-shirts.” Since then, The Shop has added all kinds of other custom products including fleece, glassware, hats, koozies, magnets, stickers, tote bags, aprons and more. And of course, all of these products are designed with the utmost care. “We take pride in both the story of each design and how the product looks and feels,” Kelly says. “We don’t want to be the brand that only slaps logos on shirts and calls it a day. We try to really research a story or a moment in time and bring it to life on a shirt.” After initially being approached about a holiday pop-up at Clay Terrace, The Shop owners inquired about opening up a permanent store location at the mall instead. About seven months later, their wish was granted as The Shop’s Clay

Terrace location opened in September 2017. “We had been wanting to expand to the north side of Indy for a while so that we could make the travel for some of our customers easier,” Kelly says. “The spot at Clay Terrace was right in the middle of everything, so it really made sense for us.” Those who have visited The Shop’s Broad Ripple location can expect a little bit of a different atmosphere at the Clay Terrace store.

“Our Carmel store looks a lot less rustic than our Broad Ripple location,” Kelly says. Regardless, The Shop’s Carmel location still offers all the same products. “We have put more of an emphasis on women’s and kids styles at that location also,” Kelly adds. “And of course, we have a lot of Carmel High School designs there as well.” The Shop’s Carmel store is located at 14395 Clay Terrace Blvd. Ste. 160. You can also visit them online at TheShopIndy.com and give them a call at 317-669-2559.

Upcoming Admissions Events: *

December 7: Storytime December 12: Welcome Wednesday January 9: Welcome Wednesday January 17: Preschool - Grade 4 Info Night February 1: Storytime

*as reported by the Indiana Commission of Higher Education

For more information visit heritagechristian.net | 317.849.3441 | 6401 E. 75th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

I n s pi r i n g Ed u c at i o n | P r e s ch o o l -1 2 atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 7

Owner, Sandra Newkirk

New Bakery Brings Made-From-Scratch Desserts to Carmel Writer / Megan Jefferson Photographer / Brandy Hornback

When Sandra Newkirk was young, she spent her free time hanging out with her grandmother, a professional baker in Latvia. She loved the process of mixing messy flour with sugary goo to create beautiful pastries that taste delicious. Her grandmother encouraged her love of baking by spending days with her, in the kitchen, teaching her how to whip up treats.

in Indianapolis. This provided the perfect opportunity for Newkirk who wanted to visit and explore the US for a year. It was here she met and married her husband and chose to make Indiana her home. Working in a high-end restaurant was stressful for Newkirk. Not wanting to head back into that type of job, Newkirk knew she wanted to focus on baking, as it is less stressful and can be a calming experience. In 2014 she opened a bakery. However, her kids were small, the business was getting very busy and she made the decision to focus on her family and close up shop.

Newkirk attended culinary school in Latvia and, after graduating, took her first job as a line cook. Later she became the head chef in a 4-star restaurant. As her kids grew, her time opened up and she was ready to jump back into the baking At the time, Newkirk’s cousin was living business. Newkirk recently opened Luxury

8 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

Cakes at 254 Veteran’s Way in Carmel. The neighborhood response to the new bakery has been great. “People here pass along the word and support me,” Newkirk says. There is construction outside my store but people make sure they get here. Our community is wonderful.” Luxury Cakes specializes in macaroons, giant cookies and different style cakes for all occasions. The macaroons filled with Italian buttercream are a best seller. Everything is made from scratch, there are no preservatives or chemicals added to the pastries. Any leftovers that are free of allergens (particularly peanuts) are donated

to churches and food pantries and are placed in kid’s lunches the following day. Currently, Newkirk manages all the operations by herself. She dreams of one day hiring a crew of stay-at-home moms. When she was raising her own small children, she found it hard to find work that would accommodate her busy schedule and provide a focus that was just for her. She wants to provide the opportunity to busy moms who may only have short periods of time to work to come in and help out at the bakery. Newkirk’s favorite part about owning a bakery is seeing how pastries and cakes make people happy and help make positive memories. “If someone comes in and is having a rough day, they get a pastry and say it makes them feel better,” she says. “That makes my day.” Luxury Cakes is located at 254 Veterans Way Suite F. You can give them a call at 317-6039772 or visit them online at luxurycakes.net.

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Gigi’s Cupcakes Owner Talks Success of Northside Locations Writer / Kelly Wallace Photographer / Ron Wise

A generous swirl of decadent icing tops all Gigi’s cupcakes. It’s called the Gigi’s Cupcakes signature “Gigi’s Swirl” and it’s what local franchise owner Lory Pappas says makes Gigi’s Cupcakes special.

Nick and Lory Pappas, and business partners Paul and Kathy Arduini, opened their first Gigi’s Cupcakes location in May 2010. Gigi’s Cupcakes locations in the Greater Indianapolis area now include 8981 E 116 St. in Fishers, 2454 E 146 St. in Carmel and 8487 Union Chapel Rd. #440 Indianapolis, near The Fashion Mall

Gigi’s Cupcakes started as a small, singlelocation bakery in Nashville, Tenn. in 2008. The store was opened by Gina “Gigi” Butler, who decided to pursue entrepreneurship after a decade of chasing a music career in Nashville. Butler used family recipes to develop the menu, and the store’s popularity grew quickly. When Lory and Nick Pappas tried the cupcakes in Nashville years ago, shortly after the store opened, they knew the bakery could grow into more than just a singlelocation cupcake shop. The Pappas were persistent in visiting Gigi’s Cupcakes until Butler finally began franchising the business. Today, there are nearly 100 locations in 27 states. Gigi’s Cupcakes plans to open 10 more locations in the coming year, according to gigiscupcakesfranchise.com. 10 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

at Keystone. Lory Pappas is based at the Fishers location, while Nick Pappas runs the Carmel location, and Paul Arduini runs the Indianapolis location. Lory says even though she spent several years working as a nurse, she has always enjoyed baking, worked in a bakery in high

school and has always baking at home, so the business was a great fit for her and her family. Lory says she often works 12 hour days from 4 a.m.-4 p.m. and jokes that she is the “butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.” “It’s hard work,” she says, but she enjoys that “no day is the same.” The stores have all become highly successful, and each location not only sells cupcakes and other sweets at the store but is available for catering desserts for special occasions such as weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, office parties and more.

Cupcakes currently cost $3.65 each. Cupcake flavors include Wedding Cake, Scarlett’s Red Velvet, Midnight Magic, Strawberry Shortcake, White Midnight Magic, Chocolate Pappas says they try to serve the community Chip Cookie Dough, Double Stuff, Lemon Icebox, Confetti Fun, Chocolate Salted by donating leftover cupcakes to local Carmel, Triple Chocolate Torte (Gluten non-profit organizations and has enjoyed Friendly) and Wedding Cake (Gluten meeting members of the community Friendly). Fall seasonal specials include through the business. S’Mores, Haystack, Pumpkin Spice Latte and “I’ve met some really neat people,” she says. Pumpkin Spice Latte (Gluten Friendly).

The store also sells signature stuffed cookies, mini cupcakes and more. Store hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and closed Sundays for the Fishers and Carmel Locations, and 9:00 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Fridays-Saturday and closed Sundays for the Indianapolis location.

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SECOND ANNUAL CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT RETURNS WITH NEW FEATURES FOR THE WINTER SEASON

Writer / Josh Brown Photography Provided by Brian Brosmer, Allison Mayer, Beth Maier & Christkindlmarkt

Grab your steins and save room for some raclette, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is back. The much-anticipated second year of the market started Nov. 17 and will run through Dec. 23. Market Master Maria Murphy has a personal connection to the festival and is excited to be back at the helm of the event. Many years ago, Murphy had the opportunity to travel to Germany as a foreign exchange student. The experience

and relationships made with her host family left a lasting impression for her. So, when Mayor Jim Brainard announced that Carmel would be bringing its firstever Christkindlmarkt to the city last year, Murphy did everything she could to be involved with the process.

market to Carmel, my heart leaped.” The inaugural Christkindlmarkt last year was successful to say the least. Around 150,000 people attended the market, enjoying the German traditions, foods, shops and more. The feedback from the public has been “tremendous,” according to Murphy.

That involvement blossomed into a full-time position. Today, Murphy serves as the Carmel Murphy says the market has been so well Christkindlmarkt CEO and Market Master. received because Indiana is more in tune with German culture than people might “I really enjoyed my experience in Germany,” think. According to the Indiana German Murphy says. “I speak German and I stay in Heritage Society, in one of the last censuses touch with my host family to this day. It was for Indiana, 25 percent of Hoosiers marked a life-changing experience for me. When I that they had some sort of German heritage heard the Mayor wanted to bring a German in their family. 12 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

“That is a pretty high number,” Murphy says. “Indiana is very rich in its German culture. A lot of people feel connected to the market because of their German heritage. It is special to them. To bring something from their heritage here is a really special thing.” Last year’s Christkindlmarkt had just about everything, and this year’s market takes it to another level. Plenty of crafts and gift shops line the market with items like nutcrackers, candle arches, ornaments and more available for purchase. And no Christkindlmarkt is complete without food and wine. Guests that flocked to the market last year enjoyed popular German items like the laugenbrezel, a handrolled German pretzel, raclette, a Swiss-German dish where a large wheel of cheese is melted and scraped onto plates to be enjoyed with bread and charcuterie, and more. This year, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt has added even more food selections for guests. Some new items include Kartoffelpuffer, German for potato pancakes, and Döner Kebab, a popular street food in Germany with German bread, gyro meat and fresh vegetables. A Grill Hut has also been added this year with a German, open-air grill to bring authentic smells and tastes into the market. Perhaps the biggest, and most noticeable, change that guests will see when they enter the Christkindlmarkt this year is the brand new German Glühwein Pyramid. Murphy partnered with Steinbach, a German company known for its nutcrackers and handmade wooden products, to bring the massive pyramid to the Christkindlmarkt. The Glühwein Pyramid stands at 33 feet tall with more than 3,000 lights on display and weighs in at 10 tons. The very top of the pyramid includes rotating fan blades which are powered by an electric motor. Its an impressive new feature to the market and is sure to be a hotspot for selfies and pictures with friends and family. More than that, the pyramid’s base will hold the Glühwein — the German mulled wine sold at the market. “One thing we learned last year is people really enjoy Glühwein,” Murphy says. “The pyramid is beautiful and impressive. It is based on a German tabletop decoration. Over the last few years, it has become really popular to make giant versions of them. There isn’t anything like this anywhere in the United States. We are excited for people to see it this year.” atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 13

Murphy says other feedback they got last year was that there weren’t enough activities for smaller children at the market. This year, the Christkindlmarkt offers a Kinderecke — a new kids corner for families to enjoy. The new feature offers crafts, coloring, activities, demonstrations and more for children. The Christkindlmarkt is also bringing Nikolaus, Germany’s version of Santa, to the market on Dec. 6 for photo opportunities, and he will also have small gifts for the kids.

Market Master Maria Murphy

The Ice at Center Green, Carmel’s popular ice skating rink, will also be back at the market. New to the rink this year is the ability to make reservations online for ice skating. To make reservations, visit theiceatcentergreen.com. “The market really brings multi-generations together,” Murphy says. “Grandparents, parents, teenagers, smaller children will all be able to enjoy the Christkindlmarkt.” Among many of the new vendors this year is a new gift wrapping station. Guests can bring gifts they’ve bought at the Christkindlmarkt, or even gifts that they have purchased anywhere else, to the station and have them personally gift wrapped. The year’s market also includes a new glass ornament hut and a three-tier, elaborate train display. The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre at Center Green will also be providing an interactive character, Helga, that will go through the market and bring cultural and educational presentations for guests. “There are so many new features this year for people to enjoy,” Murphy says. “The Helga character talks about German Christmas traditions and it will be really interactive and funny. She also takes pictures with the kids and guests.” If you didn’t experience last year’s Christkindlmarkt, don’t miss out this winter season. The market runs now through Dec. 23, and it’s an event that Murphy says you won’t forget. “I’m really excited to welcome everyone to the market this winter,” Murphy says. “Last year, people were surprised at how well it came together in such a short amount of time. People that didn’t make it out last year have now heard from family and friends about how fun it was. So it will be really exciting to see new people out this year. It is really special to be a part of this event.” The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is located at 10 Center Green. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com. 14 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

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DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? CARMEL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY CONCERT RETURNS DEC. 8 Writer / Megan Jefferson Photography Provided

she was living in New York City and has been a passionate musician ever since.

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was founded in 1975 and is comprised of 85 professional and passionate Resident Orchestra musicians. Monthly performances are held at The Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“The greatest part of my job is making music with this fantastic group of people,” she says. “I also love the programming, meeting people in the community and hearing what they would like to hear from our orchestra. Performing at the Palladium is a dream. Our staff and board are fantastic and all our donors, sponsors and volunteers are amazing. But, at the end of the day, what makes me tick is making great music.”

CSO has an exciting line up of concerts for the holiday season and beyond. On December 8, they will play a concert full of familiar holiday music. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will be performing with the orchestra and a fantastic soprano singer, Sarah Kate Walston, from Virginia, will be performing as a special guest. An earlier, shortened concert will be held for kids at 3 pm, with a special appearance made by Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Music Director, Janna Hymes, says this concert promises to be a great entrance to the holiday season. This is Hymes’ second year with CSO. Versatility, passion and innovation are the hallmarks of the conductor’s style. She is renowned for her inspiring performances, musical depth and energetic presence. She started playing piano as a young girl when

In January, Pet Corp is sponsoring a pops concert that will be a salute to veterans, active military and first responders. The Wright brothers, Jennie DeVoe, members of the Actors Theater, the Singing Hoosiers and some dancers will also perform. “It’s a really wonderful way to give back to the community, to veterans and to people who allow us to live life the way we want,” Hymes says. “It’s a really special concert, and we’re really excited about it.” They’re building this program from the bottom up, arranging pieces and getting all the guest artists to suggest pieces that they would like to sing. atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 17

People often get nervous when they think about attending an orchestra performance. They may feel they won’t fit in. However, these concerts are very family friendly. Hymes says that often people attend for the first time not knowing what to expect. They end up loving the experience and subscribe the next day. Hymes often gives pre-concert talks. She talks about Mozart or Tchaikovsky, who may seem serious, but she insists they were not serious or standoffish. They were great human beings who infused their unique personalities into the music. The history she imparts helps everyone connect to the composers and their music in fun and exciting ways. “I think people should give CSO concerts a chance,” Hymes says. “I think you will be amazed and surprised by what you hear and how the music makes you feel. There is nothing like the power of 75 people playing their hearts out. It is really very exciting.” You can find out more information and buy tickets at carmelsymphony.org or purchase tickets at the door.

JAMES ALLEN INSURANCE 11611 N. Meridian St. Suite 600 Carmel, Indiana 46032 (800) 965-5580 jamesalleninsurance.com

Back row (left to right): Janis Stewart; Nathan Garrett; Jim Craig; Tim Craig; Brad Rickey; Kristen Craig (not featured) | Front row (left to right): Mary Wilson; Elizabeth Hauser; Misti Hampton; Penny Ladd; Dawn Young; Carol Craig; Christine Anderson

JAMES ALLEN INSURANCE: CREATING A LEGACY THROUGH NATIONAL COVERAGE “We’ll be celebrating 50 years in August and writes insurance programs and policies 2019,” says Jim Craig, chief underwriter officer for areas of coverage that are new to the and board chairman at James Allen Insurance. general marketplace or are of a highlyniched nature. James Allen Insurance ( JAI) is an Indianabased business that underwrites various About that upcoming gold anniversary. Jim insurance programs for several domestic is referring to his wedding anniversary to insurers and on behalf of their partners Carol, manager of accounting and billing at at Lloyd’s of London. Its primary focus is James Allen Insurance (which is in its 28th on farm and ranch products for the top year). He and Carol have known each other agricultural agents in the United States, since high school and attended the same and it specializes in rounding out coverage college, Cincinnati Christian University. in emerging areas of need. In addition to They are two of the four Craigs who make underwriting services, JAI creates, develops up the family business. 18 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

Their son Tim, CEO and Lloyd’s of London correspondent, jumped on board at JAI in 1998 after graduating from Ball State University with a major in business management. A father of five, with children ranging from newborn to age 10, he is married to Kristen Craig, farm underwriting manager at James Allen Insurance. “Innovation,” Tim says. “We always wanted to create something for farmers that was necessary but non-existent at the time. We don’t want to be like the status quo. We aren’t like everyone else. Once you work

with us, we believe you will see it. We are leaders – best packages, best coverage, best availability – we don’t come in second. When no one can figure out how to do it, we do and we execute.” Work ethic along with innovation runs in the Craig family blood, and it’s safe to say the legacy has just begun. BECOMING JAMES ALLEN INSURANCE In 1994, Jim was introduced to Lloyd’s of London, an insurance and reinsurance market located in London, United Kingdom. After a successful dinner with Lloyd’s executives, Jim entered into a partnership that would go on to create something bigger than he anticipated. After the initial meeting, the Craigs were overseeing both retail and agribusiness insurance. Retail insurance agents deal directly with an insurer to arrange coverage. Retail agents also work with managing general agents or wholesale brokers to secure coverage for their clients. Agribusiness insurance offers coverage for companies that manufacture, process and distribute agricultural products. Agribusiness insurance agents work to develop superior coverage plans with specialized protection for the agricultural industry.

client should receive, how much the client should pay for it, or whether they should even accept the risk and insure the client. Along the way, the Craigs made a strategic decision to continue solely with general agribusiness underwriting. From there, they started laser-focusing and building what they have now – researched and developed niche products and countrywide underwriting.

Since then, the Craigs have traveled to London more than 75 times.

Tim is passionate about new products, such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRS), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PED), African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Tim’s passion has definitely paid off as James Allen Insurance has the only PRRS, PED, ASF and FMD coverage in the nation. While a farmer may not face these threats every day, it’s devastating when they hit. Such is the case this year with already 20 international ASF outbreaks.

With momentum flowing in the right direction, Tim decided to start underwriting. Insurance underwriters evaluate the risk and exposures of potential clients. They decide how much coverage a

Jim’s inclination for agribusiness is firmly rooted in his early years working on his grandfather’s farm, while his business aptitude has been nurtured and mastered over the last nearly three decades.

“On the agribusiness side, I realized that farm pollution was an untouched niche,” Jim says. “On my first trip to London in 1995, I placed my first farm pollution policy. Tim had always been interested in joining me, so eventually we teamed up and decided to take on the areas no one else had thought of, let alone would even consider.”

atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 19

A THANKFUL FAMILY “Family business has its challenges,” Jim says. “You’re always trying to balance family versus the company, so it is important to draw those lines and be prepared to hold them. Thankfully for us, we haven’t butted heads too much, and we have given each other the room to grow. I attribute this to our mutual respect, foundation and Christian principles.” James Allen Insurance also believes in giving back to the community. This past year, JAI donated each month to a charity chosen by one of their 11 employees. In 2019, they will begin donating every month to a charity on behalf of each of their employees’ interests. Not to mention, three Hoosier college students are currently being sponsored by James Allen Insurance. “We find immense joy in giving back to our community and contributing to the success of others,” Tim adds. “That is why Christmas is such a special time for us. It is a time to reflect and feel gratitude. At James Allen Insurance, we have a lot to be thankful for.”

Writer / Matt Keating

Luther Lofland, a Special Needs & Basic Vocational Education teacher at Carmel High School who was diagnosed with lymphoma of the skin, is getting a lot of help from his buddies through the school’s Buddy Bench. “I was diagnosed with lymphoma of the skin, at which time I was also researching the subject on the internet,” Lofland says. “I found where various organizations had started to recycle bottle caps as a different type of fundraiser to be able to provide Buddy Benches for different organizations.” Lofland took the concept and turned it into an educational experience for his students. “My students are a part of a vocational program to learn real-world skills as well as academic skills,” Lofland says. “These students are cognitively challenged, yet can master some work skills in order to be employed within the community. Many of my students first volunteer at some business or non-profit, and then later are placed in a job setting in which they are an employee of a business earning minimum wage or higher.”

Lofland took the Buddy Bench and bottle cap ideas and “thought we would collect bottle caps for a short period of time, and then donate them to a school who was attempting the same project to teach the concept of gift giving to a charity. We did so well in collecting bottle caps, that we decided as a class to try and collect 200 pounds of various bottle caps and lids to earn our own bench.” The bench is located in Lofland’s classroom.

“I have used it in the classroom when I have a student come to my desk, and I say something like, ‘Have a seat and let’s talk,’when I can tell they need to talk about something on their mind, whether positive or negative,” he says. “I also use it for the students to come sit on the bench and talk to another student. Most of my students lack social interaction skills, so the students can sit on the bench and talk to another student, as well as staff. This creates the opportunity to interact appropriately with someone else in the classroom.”

“It will (later) be moved into the hallway on the third floor of the Freshman Center, where In the classroom, the students know it is a my classroom is located,” Lofland says. place of conversation, not just a place to sit. The bench is made out of all types of bottle caps, such as soft drink and water bottle caps, as well as other items, including Cool Whip type lids, caps from a large orange container and kitty litter containers. “The lid also had to have the recycling triangle on the lid somewhere,” Lofland says. “Green Tree Plastics of Evansville is the company that recycles the caps.” Lofland, who is in the Functional Academics program, has used the bench a lot. 20 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

“This concept is an intentional strategy on my part to create interactions with one another,” Lofland says. “Another personal belief on my part is that educational experiences must be intentional in the environment where the skills will be used. This project afforded a perfect learning environment.” The Carmel High School staff and students were the primary bottle cap collectors. “As a part of my Basic Vocational Education

class, the students were sent out to collect caps and lids from various teachers who indicated they needed their caps picked up,” Lofland says. “I role played with my students the expectations of approaching a teacher, or other adults, and what to say when they arrived at the teacher’s door and then the appropriate ‘thank you’ conversation. One of my teaching philosophies I believe is, ‘I get from my students what I expect from my students.’ I have very few rules in the classroom, only expectations.” The project also included developing greater social interaction skills with other adults, counting and recording who collected the most lids or caps into a data table and, most importantly, the math concepts.

“Two hundred bottle caps filled up the back of my Kia Soul, barely able to close the hatch,” Lofland says. “I personally paid the $180 for the processing fee for the first bench. A second bench has been ordered, and this bench is being funded by Allegion, a major business in Carmel who heard of the project and wanted to support our project.”

Lofland says that students and staff will collect bottle caps until December. “At that time, I hope we have enough lids and caps for a third bench,” he says. “Any caps we collect after December will be donated to another group within the Carmel Clay Schools.”

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“The math concepts included counting, sorting and organizing by one hundreds to make a group of thousands,” Lofland says. “The concepts of graphing were a big part of using a data table based on the number of caps the various students brought to math class. The data from the data table was used to create line and bar graphs on the X and Y axis.” A few students used the counting process to work on improving physical limitations due to hand or finger impairments. They also had to place the caps on a grid with numbers one through 25, thus translating into the concept of money.

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“As you can see, this was not just a project to collect caps and lids to give to a charity,” Lofland says. “It developed into something even larger, a project exceeding the expectations from the time it was presented.” There was a processing fee that was required to be able to earn the bench along with the 200 pounds of caps and lids.

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atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 21

Central Indiana Orangetheory Owners: Carolyn and Shaun McDonald (Carmel, Fishers-Geist, West Carmel-Zionsville and the future Fishers-Nickel Plate), Katie Douglas (Greenwood and Downtown Indy), Lyle Feigenbaum (Avon) and Jennifer Haas (Ironworks and the future Broad Ripple).

Writer / Julie Young Photographer / Bradley Kercheval

Looking for a total body workout that adheres to your schedule, offers guidance not guesswork and helps you continue your path to progress long after the workout is over? Then Orangetheory Fitness may be the perfect fitness solution for you. “We have classes scheduled throughout the day with nationally certified coaches who monitor your progress and make sure you are not over or under training,” says Carolyn McDonald, owner of Orangetheory studios in Carmel, FishersGeist and West Carmel-Zionsville. The newest studio, Fishers-Nickel Plate, is set to open in January 2019 directly across from Fishers City Hall. Shortly after, a Broad Ripple/Butler area studio will open at the intersection of Kessler and College in Indianapolis. Developed by former Pilates instructor, Ellen Latham, Orangetheory is a sciencebased workout that gets results. It is centered on the principle of EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) that suggests if one challenges their body at the correct intensity, they will experience an effect that keeps them burning calories even after the workout is over.

“If you spend 12 or more minutes of the hour-long workout in the ‘Orange Zone,’ which is at 84 percent or more of your maximum heart rate, you will experience the afterburn,” says Katie Douglas, owner of Orangetheory studios in Greenwood and downtown Indianapolis. “You don’t have to work out every day because your body will be burning calories even as it recovers.” With 1,000 locations throughout the US (and seven here in Central Indiana), Orangetheory is designed for all fitness levels and they boast a diverse community of clients with a variety of fitness goals. Staff members and coaches take the time to get to know each member, build a rapport and assure them that they will get the maximum benefit from the Orangetheory workout. McDonald says each member wears a heart rate monitor that tracks their progress in real time throughout the class and gives them (and their coach) insight into their performance. Orangetheory takes the guesswork out of your fitness regimen and creates a reciprocal relationship between you, your coach and other Orangetheory members. Plus, the workout changes every day and that variety keeps members engaged. “The level of community created in each studio is one of my favorite aspects about the Orangetheory program,” McDonald 22 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

says. “The coaches work hard to ensure that every member is comfortable and they are wonderful about offering modifications as needed to ensure everyone feels successful in their workout.” Everyone on staff is trained to offer a welcoming, energetic environment and each location offers a robust schedule of between 60-70 hours of training each week, so Orangetheory is ready whenever you are. “Members schedule classes during the times most convenient for them either in person or with our app,” Douglas says. “In addition, because all Orangetheory memberships are reciprocal, members are welcome to take classes at any studio in the country.” McDonald believes Orangetheory is the future of fitness and she is proud to be part of it. “We have grown so quickly over the past four years here in Central Indiana and our members are constantly building on this incredible TEAM OTF community and culture,” she says. “For local residents, your first class is free, so why not come by and see what we are all about?”

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GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DRIVE RETURNS DEC. 8 TO HAMILTON COUNTY 4H FAIRGROUNDS

Writer / Kelsey Musick Photography Provided

The Good Samaritan Network (GSN), which is a collaborative of nonprofits that assist at-risk and underserved families in Hamilton County, was founded in 1980 by Nancy Chance, a long-time member of the community. Chance, who was well-known for her work with child abuse victims, founded GSN

when firemen from Fishers, Noblesville and Carmel approached her, seeking a centralized system for the distribution of holiday-season baskets. “I started the program and became the central hub of the distributions,” Chance says. “I have always been passionate about people, so I wasn’t intimidated. I wanted to help solve the community’s problems. When the community decided something had to be done, they saw me as the solution.” 24 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

According to Chance, everyone in Hamilton County works together for the greater good, and there is no other community like it. Years back, Hamilton County even received an award for being one of the most innovative counties in the country. “We [GSN] want to take care of people and do a good job,” Chance adds. “We communicate constantly through monthly meetings so that we keep everyone on the same page. We have so many people that

need our services, and we want to make sure everyone gets their fair share of support.” With values and aspirations centered around serving the physical, financial and emotional needs of the community, volunteers are always needed. Those with an interest in volunteering can visit gsnlive.org and signup. According to Chance, a community thrives when its residents can provide for themselves and their families. Meeting the needs of people in emergency situations is GSN’s passion. Last year, GSN served about 26,000 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to Chance. This year, on December 8 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, GSN will hold their annual Christmas Drive. “It’s a distribution,” Chance says. “Not a handout. About 10,000 or so families will come – and all these people are working

multiple jobs – and the fairgrounds are all set up like a giant store, so the families can go through and pick out clothes and food, and the children can pick out toys, anything the family might need.”

monetary means have the opportunity to give something to a child or family in their community – it’s truly a blessing,” she says. GSN also provides Christmas Eve Meal Deliveries to “elderly, disabled or shutin Hamilton County residents.” The registration deadline is Dec. 1.

According to Chance, it’s priceless for families to receive help for their children at Christmas, as well as for the parents to receive much-needed food. And through this, the families are teaching their kids to reach across the lines and help those in their community.

GSN is located at 12933 Parkside Drive in Fishers. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The organization can also be reached via phone at 317-842-2603.

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atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 25

Local Artist Pamela Bliss Talks Painting the Iconic, 60-foot Tall Reggie Miller Mural In Indy Writer / Josh Brown Photographer / Michael Durr

As Pamela Bliss walks by the now famous 60-foot tall mural of Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller she stops, like most people who pass by, and stares up at the work of art. Her admiration for the mural is a bit more personal than the average passerby. Bliss is the local artist who was tasked with painting the Reggie Miller mural. After more than a month of hard work, she completed the masterpiece in mid-October. Now, for those who see the intricate detail of the massive mural portraying Reggie lining up a three-pointer with his trademark jump shot, it might be hard to believe that Bliss didn’t even start painting until she was 30 years old. Her uncanny knack for art all started with a turkey. “My mother will tell you I started drawing when I was two years old,” Bliss says. “I painted a turkey at Thanksgiving, and she said it wasn’t the typical scribble that a child might make. You could really tell it was a turkey, and that was unusual for a two-year-old. For as long as I can remember, I always had a pencil and paper in my hands. I never considered it could be a career, though. But by the end of college, I knew I wanted to go into art. I’ve always paid great attention to details. “I had a teacher in high school that told me I couldn’t paint. She was an English teacher filling in as an art teacher that year. I always knew I could draw, but I never knew really if I could paint. I took a four-day workshop when I was 30 years old, and I realized that I could. I just needed to be shown how to mix paints.” Bliss grew up in New Castle and went to high school in Cambridge City, Indiana. Aside from moving and finishing her last two years at a high school in California, Bliss has been a lifelong Hoosier. She earned her undergraduate degree from IU’s east campus and her masters from IU Bloomington. She has been an Indianapolis resident since 2001.

Earlier last year, Bliss was approached by Ben Jafari — the owner of the office building at 127 E Michigan Street — about possibly painting a mural on the side of his building. Jafari, a lifelong Pacers fan, knew he wanted a Pacers legend to be painted. The decision for the mural to be Reggie Miller came quickly, but the process took much longer. Jafari and Bliss had plenty of hoops to jump through to get the mural approved, between approval from Miller himself for the use of his likeness, the city of Indianapolis to the Indiana Pacers and the NBA. Bliss worked on the mural many hours a day, often from early morning up until dark, for more than a month. She says the hardest part, aside from dealing with cold or rainy weather, is being up so high to paint the mural. “It’s the tallest mural I’ve ever done,” Bliss says. “I have a fear of heights actually. I just have to zone out. I always get butterflies in the beginning when I start. I use a lift to get up there and all of them are different. Some are jerky. After a few days, I realize I’m not going to die, and I can carry on and focus more on the painting. I start from the top down because paint drips. So I’m high up from the very beginning, which helps get the highest part over with.” This isn’t the Hoosier artist’s first rodeo with murals. Those walking along Mass Ave have marveled for years at the detailed mural of one of Indy’s most famous authors, Kurt Vonnegut. Hoosiers have Bliss to thank for that masterpiece as well. Bliss has also painted the jazz musicians that can be seen along Indiana Avenue. She has even worked with the Pacers in painting a Hall of Fame mural, which resides in Bankers Life Fieldhouse. But her most recent mural might be her favorite of all. “I’ve been wanting to paint Reggie for years,” Bliss says. “He deserves it. I’m just honored to have been selected to do it. This isn’t just a mural of Reggie Miller. It also depicts a moment in time when Hoosier hysteria was at its height with the Pacers. This mural ranks No. 1 for me. Part of the reason I wanted to move to Indianapolis back in 2001 was to paint large murals around the city.” The responses from the community, as you can imagine, have been overwhelmingly positive for 28 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2018 / atCarmel.com

Bliss. Indy residents, tourists visiting the city and more have flocked to stop by and see the mural, and they never leave without first taking a selfie. The response has been so positive, Jafari says they may soon add a selfie station on the corner for guests that stop by. The building owner couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. “Only Reggie could fill this space,” Jafari says. “I always see people stopping to take pictures. It has really been great for the community of Indianapolis. I’m just honored to have the mural on our building and grateful to Pamela for creating this amazing piece of art.” Perhaps the highest praise for Bliss came from Miller himself. After seeing images online of the finished mural, the Pacers legend took the time to reach out to Bliss and congratulate her. “He called me one day and said, ‘This is fantastic. I can’t wait to come back and see it in person and give you a huge hug,’” Bliss says. “That was really amazing. Most people are critical about pictures of themselves, much less a painted portrait. I was surprised, honestly, when Reggie even gave the approval for me to do it. I’m very happy that he is happy with it.”

Local artist Pamela Bliss worked for more than a month to complete the Reggie Miller mural.

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As for the future, Bliss isn’t sure what will be next. She says she would love to paint other legendary Indiana sports figures like Peyton Manning or Tamika Catchings, among other non-sports figures. For now, she is happy to have her most recent masterpiece completed. Either way, she’s sure to have a paintbrush in her hand for whatever project comes next. The Reggie Miller Mural is located downtown at 127 E Michigan St. For more information on Bliss or to view more of her artwork, visit pamelabliss.gallery.

atCarmel.com / DECEMBER 2018 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / 29

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