FIRST FARMERS BANK & TRUST’S NEW CARMEL OFFICE WILL OFFER A PERSONAL TOUCH WHILE HANDLING CLIENTS’ LENDING NEEDS
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New FREE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
As the holiday season approaches, Hamilton County, Indiana, transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive activities and enchanting experiences. The Holiday Adventure Pass is your ticket to exploring the best of what the county has to offer. Visit pass locations to earn exclusive holiday prizes. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Step into a traditional German Christmas market at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Located on Carter Green next to The Palladium, this market features charming wooden huts offering unique gifts, handmade ornaments, and delicious German treats. Enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink, sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine and soak in the festive atmosphere with live music and entertainment.
CIVIC THEATRE
Experience the magic of live theater with Civic Theatre’s holiday performances. This season, the theater presents a lineup of heartwarming and entertaining shows that are perfect for the whole family. From
Discover the Magic of Hamilton County with the Holiday Adventure Pass
classic holiday tales to modern favorites, the Civic Theatre brings the spirit of the season to life on stage.
CONNER PRAIRIE: MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Conner Prairie during the Merry Prairie Holiday event. This interactive history park offers a unique holiday experience with candlelit paths, historical reenactments, and festive activities. Meet Santa Claus, take a ride on the Kringle’s Carousel and enjoy the beautiful light displays that illuminate the prairie.
NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS: HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES
All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a magical holiday train ride! These themed excursions offer a nostalgic journey through the scenic landscapes of Hamilton County. With festive decorations, holiday music, and a visit from Santa himself, the Holiday Train Rides are a delightful experience for passengers of all ages.
THE PALLADIUM
The Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of holiday concerts and performances that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. From symphony orchestras to popular music acts, the Palladium’s stunning architecture and acoustics provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday show.
With the Holiday Adventure Pass, you can enjoy all these wonderful events, make magical memories and earn prizes. Make the most of your holiday season by exploring the best of Hamilton County’s festive offerings. Claim your free Holiday Adventure Pass at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/holidays/holiday-pass/.
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County Tourism
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND First Farmers Bank & Trust’s New Carmel Office Will Offer a Personal Touch While Handling Clients’ Lending Needs
GIVING Carmel Rotary Toy Drive Celebrates 24 years
PUBLISHER
LYNDSEY BROWN lyndsey@townepost.com (317) 402-0569
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
LYNDSEY BROWN DEVON DEAN
MELISSA GIBSON CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING
RENÉE LARR AMY PAYNE JEFF WORRELL
The Sharing Place Food Pantry Assists Those in Need Throughout Marion and Hancock Counties
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
DECEMBER-JANUARY PROGRAMS
ADAPTIVE BOARD GAME CLUB
Wednesdays, Jan. 8-29 | Ages 15+
Monon Community Center | $45
The Adaptive Boardgame Club is a weekly gathering for individuals of all abilities to come together and play a variety of board games. We will provide a fun and supportive space for players to engage in strategic and social gameplay, while promoting a sense of community and camaraderie. Join us for a game night like no other! *Program is designed for individuals with disabilities.
interactive poses that promote physical flexibility, balance, and strength while encouraging teamwork and communication. Registration is per family. Please only register one person per household.
different species of animals through the snow!
build confidence and have fun being active. Please wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Loaner paddles and pickleballs are provided.
SEA DRAGONS SWIM TEAM
Mondays & Wednesdays, Jan. 6-Apr. 23 | Ages 5-14
Monon Community Center | $215
Go Sea Dragons! The Sea Dragons Swim team works on endurance and speed at a competitive level for all swim strokes. We will have two swim meets this season, and purchase of the team swimsuit is required. There is an additional $18 fee outside of the registration fee to access the Swimmingly app which will keep track of your swimmer's times and scores at each swim meet. Please email ahofstetter@carmelclayparks.com for swim team requirements.
Adjusted To You.
COPPER TRACE MAKES ROOM
FOR NEW RESIDENTS
Copper Trace — CarDon & Associates’ senior living community in Westfield — has now opened its doors to new residents and families.
CarDon recently unveiled the community’s $8.6 million expansion, which more than doubled the number of assisted living apartments, with the 40 new apartment homes consisting of 27 one-bedroom, 6 large one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom residences.
Other benefits of the expansion include such new amenities as a renovated dining room, fireside lounge, piano lounge, activity area, and new fitness room. This adds 37,500 square feet full of fresh décor, fun activities and friendly faces to the main campus building.
“This expansion comfortably accommodates the growing needs of seniors in Westfield and surrounding communities,” said CarDon President and CEO Kent Rodgers. “It offers opportunities for seniors who want to remain self-sufficient with the assurance of assistance when needed, as well as individuals coming out of short-term rehabilitation who might benefit from assisted living care.” (Rehab stays are available for all ages — Copper Trace recently provided care for a 34-year-old military dietitian.)
With assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term care and memory support, Copper Trace provides a comprehensive continuum of care.
“It’s the best around,” resident Jan Rushing said. “The nurses really care, and it’s beautiful here. People here have been very comforting to me and my family.”
Other residents describe the community as a home that not only suits their needs and brings them comfort but pleases their loved ones as well.
“It’s so easy to get to know people here and make friends,” resident Betty Belshaw said. “Everyone is so friendly and feels like family. I feel very at home, and I love the new expansion. It’s very warm and cozy.”
AMENITIES INCLUDE
• The Bistro — an expanded, fully renovated dining venue.
• The Colonnade private dining room.
• The Fireside Lounge — a double-sided fireplace lounge where residents can chat with friends and family over coffee from the Fireside Café.
• The Harmony Lounge, where everyone can enjoy live piano music.
• Copper Terrace, an outdoor living space perfect for reading, bird-watching, you name it.
• A beauty shop, movie theater, activity area and more!
Consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in Indiana and the country, Copper Trace’s home base of Westfield is close to such family-friendly attractions as Conner Prairie, the Clay Terrace Mall, Birdies Miniature Golf and the Grand Park Sports Campus — home of the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp and Pacers Athletic Center.
Copper Trace’s new assisted living apartments are now available for reservation. Contact the community today at www.cardon.us or call Copper Trace at (317) 844-5050 for more information.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
FIRST FARMERS BANK & TRUST’S NEW CARMEL OFFICE WILL OFFER A PERSONAL TOUCH WHILE HANDLING CLIENTS’ LENDING NEEDS
Doug Hill, Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender
Alice Rexing, Vice President, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager
Greta Notz: Treasury Management Officer
Tim Haak: Vice President, Business Development Officer
Matt Maher, Hamilton County Regional President
As the name suggests, First Farmers Bank & Trust originally started out as an agricultural bank in 1885, serving local businesses, families and farms. Since its inception, the bank’s mission has been to deliver personalized financial services that foster a commitment to the relationships that serve and grow their communities.
“We’re extremely proud of the bank’s tradition and history,” says Tade Powell, senior vice president of communications and public relations. “However, the organization has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years, particularly as we have moved into larger markets.”
Over time, several significantly larger banks retracted from key market areas like Kokomo, Marion and Peru. Although First Farmers is still heavily involved in meeting agricultural customers’ lending, deposit and financial needs, the evolution of the organization has allowed them to enter major metropolitan markets like northern metro Indy, Lafayette and Terre Haute. As First Farmers has gotten increasingly involved in these newer metro markets, many have appreciated the bank’s concierge style of service.
“We accommodate our clients in a way that they feel valued, they feel heard, and they understand that we’re trying to help in every way possible,” Powell says.
This means that instead of putting their
customers in a box, they think outside the box to come up with timely alternative solutions.
“We tailor solutions to the customer rather than trying to fit the customer into a box, as all customer needs are different from each other,” says Matt Maher, Hamilton County regional president of First Farmers Bank & Trust. “This really strengthens our relationships with our customers.”
Originally from Kokomo, Maher moved to Westfield three years ago. Maher, who has spent most of his career in commercial real estate lending, is on the IU Center for Real Estate Studies advisory board. He has been with the bank for more than five years, currently located at the bank’s branch in Carmel at 117th and Pennsylvania. A new 3,300-square-foot Carmel branch is being erected that will offer an urban blend that is crisp, clean and modern.
“Our downtown Lafayette office is an example of this type of footprint, and this location will also be very visible in a great area,” says Mark “Doc” Holt, president and CEO of First Farmers Bank & Trust.
The new Carmel branch, which is set to open in March, will be located on Rangeline Road, across from the Indiana Design Center. The bank will be located on the first floor, along with 1933 Lounge.
“We chose this location because this area is going to be a destination for the
community,” Holt says. “We like the idea of interweaving ourselves right into the heart of the downtown district of Carmel that’s hopping with foot traffic.”
This location not only provides increased visibility, but also the promise of getting involved with small area businesses and the community at large.
“When our teams interact with the community in all facets, that’s when our business model truly clicks,” Powell says. “Even if we aren’t your bank, we want to be part of what’s going on in your area.”
First Farmers recently signed an agreement to be the official banking partner for the Indy Fuel and the Fishers Freight. They’re also on the board of OneZone Chamber of Commerce.
“Being active in our local communities has been an important part of our company’s history, and we plan to continue that as we grow throughout Indiana,” Maher says.
This Carmel office will offer full-service banking that will include lending, credit, portfolio management, treasury management, mortgage banking, wealth management and retail. The team includes several longtime employees who care deeply about the communities in which they live and serve. For instance, Doug Hill, vice president, senior commercial lender, possesses a diverse banking background, having focused on commercial
and industrial (C&I) lending as well as ag lending.
“We want to continue to grow the C&I and small-business lending here in the area,” Maher says.
Hill has lived in Carmel his whole life, so he has created good ties in and around Carmel. Tim Haak, vice president, business development officer, is a longtime Zionsville resident, was the first mayor of Zionsville, and has been with First Farmers for nearly two years.
Greta Notz, treasury management officer, is helping the bank expand its reach into deposits. Alice Rexing, vice president, commercial loan portfolio manager, has been with the organization for more than a decade.
“The number of employees and loan officers we’ll have in the Carmel branch will make it our third-largest employee branch, and we’ll have 38 branches by then,” Holt says. “We’re making a big commitment to this branch, and we’re really excited about our team.”
While First Farmers is a $3.3 billion bank, they still provide that down-home community bank feel.
“When people bank with us, they get that personal touch, yet we can still handle our customers’ larger lending needs, which puts us right in that sweet spot,” Maher says. “We truly value customer relationships because we’re a relationship bank.”
“We’re trying to be reactive and reflective to what people expect of a bank now,” Powell says. “As clients have evolved in the way they like to do business, we try to provide a space that’s accommodating. At First Farmers Bank & Trust, we all work in our respective specialties and as a team to provide stellar service that far exceeds our clients’ expectations. We look forward to meeting them at our new Carmel branch.”
First Farmers Bank & Trust’s newest branch in Carmel will be located at 111 South Rangeline Road. For more information, visit ffbt.com.
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Diamond
Joining Forces to Deliver a Good Day in Carmel
MORE THAN A THRIFT STORE: GRACE IN EVERY PURCHASE
HOW GRACE THRIFT STORE TURNS GENEROSITY INTO MEALS, MEMORIES, AND MOMENTS OF COMPASSION
Writer & Photographer / Jeff Worrell
There is much more to be found at the Grace Thrift Store than beautiful, trendy sweaters, kitchen gadgets and small appliances, stylish jewelry, and warm winter coats. The store routinely displays all those things and throws in as many hugs as you can handle for free.
“The coolest thing about our store is that every purchase generates the money to stock our Choice Food Pantry and feed over 600 families weekly,” said Grace Thrift Store Director Leslie Clarke.
In a spacious, clean, orderly area of Grace Church at 146th Street near Hazel Dell Parkway, Clarke and Kym Steager lovingly prepare heavily discounted items for shoppers’ delight. Steager is the director of the thrift store warehouse, where they accept donations in good condition through the
back door, while Clarke displays and prices items to go out the front door.
“I was a volunteer here before and I was moved by the mission to apply to be the director. It’s a win win,” Steager said. “By helping others, it helps me. I feel like I am making a difference.”
Clarke noticed the thrift store, which has been operating since 2019, while attending a Bible study. “I peeked in and could feel the love,” she said. “I was so impressed that I wanted to help spread the love, and so I applied to be the director.”
The thrift store is part of the Grace Care Center, which also includes the Choice Food Pantry. The Grace Care Center
Scan this QR code to view the first of many videos with Good Day Carmel’s Jeff Worrell and Carmel Magazine’s Lyndsey Brown.
exists to instill hope, dignity and sustainable change, one friend and volunteer at a time. Clarke was quick to point out that care for the volunteers is just as important as serving their clients in need.
“We want to love the volunteers who help us fulfill our mission,” said Clarke.
It takes hundreds of volunteers to accept, organize, price and display items in both the thrift store and food pantry. Volunteers are not necessarily from just Grace Church, but also from across central Indiana. To volunteer, go to gccfoundation.us.
Steager shared a recent experience that especially touched one of her volunteers. An older lady came in looking for a dress. She wanted it to be special, so she asked for help. As the volunteer tried to find the perfect fit and style, and to make just the right statement, she learned the lady was shopping for her funeral dress, as she was suffering from terminal cancer. Hugs, tears, and kindness were warmly shared as the Grace Thrift Store surpassed its mission that day.
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STRETCHLAB
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INDY FACETS
A GEM OF A JOURNEY IN CUSTOM JEWELRY
Writer / Lyndsey Brown
Nestled in the heart of Carmel, Indy Facets
Private Jeweler is redefining the world of fine jewelry with a unique experience.
Founded by Shaun Goodyear, a graduate gemologist with a keen eye for beauty and craftsmanship, Indy Facets has quickly become a destination for those seeking more than just stunning jewelry - they come here for an intimate, one-on-one journey in bringing their vision to life.
At Indy Facets, each appointment is a personalized event. It’s not merely about selecting a piece, but also creating a story. Goodyear and his dedicated team spend time getting to know each client - their tastes, their milestones, and the meaning they wish to express in each piece. From dazzling engagement rings to meaningful heirloom redesigns, every custom project at Indy Facets transforms jewelry into a piece of wearable memory.
THE CUSTOM DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Among Indy Facets’ offerings, one experience shines brightest - their signature Custom Design Experience. Imagine allowing a loved one to bring their jewelry dreams to reality, crafting every detail exactly as they envision. This isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s a gift that opens the door to a truly unforgettable journey.
Here’s how it works. The giver visits Indy Facets to purchase the Custom Design Experience, setting up a future appointment for their loved one. Instead of receiving a preselected piece, the recipient gets something even more special - a chance to design a unique piece from start to finish. Imagine the delight of a loved one, days or weeks after a holiday or birthday, as they walk into Indy Facets to create something they’ve always dreamed of wearing.
Each appointment unfolds like a personal design consultation. Guided through every step, the recipient brainstorms ideas, explores options for stones and metals, and crafts a vision under the expert guidance of Indy Facets’ designers. With advanced CAD renderings and 3D-printed models, clients get a tangible preview of their piece before a single stone is set, ensuring every detail aligns with their dreams.
The Custom Design Experience doesn’t just produce beautiful jewelry; it creates memories. For the recipient, it’s a chance
to design something deeply personal, while Indy Facets ensures impeccable quality and precision with a lifetime warranty that speaks to their dedication to durability and craftsmanship.
If you’re looking for a gift that resonates beyond the ordinary, or if you’re dreaming of this experience for yourself, consider Indy Facets as the first step in your journey. This isn’t just jewelry; it’s an invitation to create something unforgettable, a keepsake that celebrates not only life’s special occasions, but also the story behind each one.
For more information, visit their website at indyfacets.com.
Give the Gift of Creation This Holiday Season
This year, give something truly unique: an experience to design a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece. A memory they’ll unwrap before it’s even made. The Custom Design Experience
• A personal design session to create something one-of-a-kind
• The perfect holiday surprise for your loved one
• Available in any amount to fit your occasion
• A memory they’ll treasure for
Make this season unforgettable with a gift as unique as they are.
Wrap up the holidays with the truly personal gift—purchase a Custom Design Experience in any amount.
SCAN TO GIFT THE MAGIC OF CREATION
BRANCH LOCATION
SAMBOL’S TREE FARM CLOSES IN ON 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Writer / Renée Larr
Nothing fills a home with Christmas cheer like the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. Lance and Susan Sambol purchased an 18-acre farm in 2008 with the intention of turning it into a tree farm. Growing and selling that first tree takes patience and seven to eight years of growth. In 2015 the couple opened Sambol’s Tree Farm in Fortville, selling Canaan fir trees to families throughout the holiday season.
“We’re a full-service tree farm, meaning we provide everything our customers need to cut down their perfect Christmas tree,” Lance Sambol says. “From there, we take the tree, trim it, shake it and bail it for the customers. After they cut down their tree, their job is done. It’s really nice because they can take the tree inside once they get home, and it’s ready to go.”
Sambol’s Tree Farm also augments its supply of beautiful trees by offering pre-cut, locally sourced Fraser firs from Northern Indiana. This is a smart choice for families who want a live Christmas tree without the process of cutting it down.
“Both of these types of trees are perfect for Christmas trees,” Sambol says. “They’re really the Cadillac of trees because of their needles and coloring. The trees vary in height from 6- to 10-feet tall.”
The Sambol family also sells fresh, handmade wreaths, garlands, and grave blankets to honor loved ones during the holiday season. Susan painstakingly decorates 300 to 400 wreaths each year, and she makes all the ribbons by hand. They even sell local handmade items such as ornaments, candles and apparel in their gift shop.
“I was in the golf business before this, so I want the farm to be aesthetically pleasing and beautifully manicured for our customers,” Sambol says. “I only wanted to focus on trees for our farm and nothing else. We have people who bring out their family and dogs to take photos because it’s so pretty out here and well-maintained.”
The farm also includes a structure where people can sit by the fireplace, warm up and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while they wait for
their tree to be bundled up. A food truck is on hand each weekend serving yummy goodies including chili, hot cocoa, cookies and more.
“We’re only open for a few months a year, so it’s really important for us to catch up with our customers,” Sambol says. “We only see them once a year, so we like to chat and see how their families are doing, as we’re a family business.”
Even the Sambols’ 16-year-old gets in on the holiday merriment and memory making, by working the family business each weekend. Lance works the farm full time, while Susan still has another full-time job. The family loves providing a small piece of their customers’ holiday experience.
Sambol’s Tree Farm is located at 7783 North State Road 9 in Fortville. For hours and more information, visit sambolstreefarm.com.
HOLIDAY GIVING
CARMEL ROTARY TOY DRIVE CELEBRATES 24 YEARS
With the holiday season in full swing, Carmel has a wonderful opportunity to come together for a worthy cause. The Rotary Club of Carmel, in partnership with WRTV6, is hosting its annual Toy Drive on December 6.
Celebrating 24 years of bringing joy to children in need, this beloved tradition has brought holiday cheer to thousands of local families. All community members are invited to participate and help make this holiday season brighter for those who need it most.
The Toy Drive gathering will begin at the Woodland Country Club at 11:30 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive and join in the festive spirit. Participants will have the chance to meet longtime WRTV6 Meteorologist Kevin Gregory and the Toy
Writer / Lyndsey Brown
Drive crew, who will be there to document the donations and share stories from the drive’s 24-year journey. Gregory will also be giving a brief overview of the Toy Drive’s mission, and the impact contributions have had on local families.
This drive provides gifts to children from infancy to age 13, with donations going directly to families who need extra support this holiday season. To help maximize contributions, participants are encouraged to consider choosing smaller items that allow gifting to go further.
While the drive welcomes all donations, there are a few recommended guidelines - avoid food, candy and toy guns. Recommended clothing donations include cozy hats, scarves or glove sets. Additionally, all toys should be unwrapped so volunteers
can sort them by age and gender. If your gift includes small or delicate items, consider packing them in gift boxes with lids so volunteers can keep them secure.
Participants who would rather not shop themselves can contact a volunteer shopper, Bec Hunter, who is available to purchase gifts on behalf of those who prefer to contribute this way. Simply reach out to Hunter at 317-407-1445 or at bec@ bechunter.net.
GIVING IS THE GOAL
THE SHARING PLACE FOOD PANTRY ASSISTS THOSE IN NEED THROUGHOUT MARION AND HANCOCK COUNTIES
In the late 1880s, a group of church leaders in Indianapolis got together to discuss a plan to care for the growing number of orphans in the area.
What began as a mission to help youth continued to expand, creating residential programs and community programs such as case management services, 24/7 crisis intervention and family preservation services.
They’ve changed and adjusted over the years, but one of the long-standing ministries remains.
Back in the 1970s, Lutheran Child and Family Services (LCFS) began serving food to those in need under a the name The Sharing Place. They’ve always served numbers into the tens of thousands, but in recent years the volunteers are seeing an increase they would have never expected.
Writer / Melissa Gibson
The Sharing Place served 55,149 people in 2023, and this year the food pantry has served 49,553 people so far - on track to serve more in 2024 than ever before.
The post-pandemic world has created hardships for families across the globe. Jobs were lost, prices increased, and it’s harder to make ends meet.
“I think it’s the inflation we’ve seen,” said Public Relations and Communications Coordinator Kristen Livingstone. “When we look at 2021, we served just under 28,000 people, and watching that number double in two years is the result. The numbers just continue to climb.”
They operate out of the Lawrence Township School Foundation building and serve zip codes in Marion and Hancock counties. Partnering with local grocery stores and Gleaners Food Bank, which makes regular deliveries, they’ve been able to keep up
with demand for food, but they can always use donations from volunteers in the community.
Consistent needs include pasta, rice, peanut butter, toilet paper, toothpaste and laundry detergent. These can be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on most weekdays.
Perhaps more importantly, The Sharing Place is in desperate need of volunteers. Without people, it’s difficult to serve those in need.
“Individuals can come twice per month and they don’t need a referral - just proof of residency at each visit,” Livingstone said. “We do the client choice method, which means it’s set up like a grocery store and you shop with points, based on the number of people in your household. Each person is assigned a volunteer and that person shops along with them, guiding the process.”
Clients can choose among canned food, fresh produce, breads and meat. There are free items too - those that don’t require a point to place in the cart.
They’ve made it easier for volunteers to sign up through an online scheduling program. Those interested can simply click on the pantry and see where the gaps are in volunteer needs.
Though some might find it intimidating to volunteer when you don’t have prior experience, Livingstone said it’s easier than one might think.
“We’ve definitely seen a decrease in volunteers, and the bulk of the work is helping clients shop and pick things out,” Livingstone said. “If you’re not a big people person, there are opportunities throughout the week to stock shelves or clean and organize the pantry. There is a wide variety of things volunteers can do.”
Despite a lower number of volunteers to get the work done, The Sharing Place isn’t stopping. They are still partnering with organizations in the community and finding other ways to help. Most recently, they’ve expanded offerings through the Silver Box program, delivering pre-made boxes of food to clients’ homes. “This is in partnership with King of Glory Lutheran Church,” Livingstone said. “It’s for people with transportation issues. We deliver on the third Friday and Saturday of every month, and right now we’re putting clients on a wait list, but the more volunteers we have, the more we can serve.”
The Sharing Place team is hopeful the new program continues to expand by fostering partnerships with additional local churches and gaining volunteer delivery drivers.
Delivering to a homebound person or to someone with no transportation often sparks long-lasting friendships and community bonding.
In addition, the Emergency Diaper Dispensary is available for those individuals referred through caseworkers. If eligible, clients can submit a request and pick up the diapers a few days later. Diaper and wipe donations are welcome, and should be delivered to: 1525 North Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis IN 46219.
The Sharing Place operates out of 6501 Sunnyside Road, Door 5 in Indianapolis. Visit lutheranfamily.org for more information.
ONEZONE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2024 RECAP
Writer / Lyndsey Brown
In the past year, OneZone Chamber has made impactful strides across Hamilton County, focusing on meaningful connections, advocacy, and creating pathways for business success.
As we create a more inclusive economy, our partnership with XBE businesses has been a priority, along with efforts to advance child care solutions and promote disability employment initiatives. These critical programs support equitable growth and ensure everyone has access to opportunities.
Our commitment to fostering future talent is evident in our extensive engagement with schools throughout the county, where we’ve worked collaboratively to inspire the next generation of leaders. With over 60
events designed to connect our members, we provided forums ranging from coffee meetups to lunch gatherings and after-hours networking opportunities, each tailored to help local businesses build meaningful relationships.
Additionally, our advocacy work remains a cornerstone of our mission, with dedicated efforts at the local, state and federal levels. We continue to champion the interests of Hamilton County businesses, ensuring that our voices are heard and our members’ concerns are addressed. Together these initiatives reinforce OneZone’s role as a catalyst for business growth, collaboration and regional prosperity.
FLAVOR FOCUS
FORK AND ALE BRINGS FRESH MENU UPDATES AND EXPANDED LIQUOR OFFERINGS
Writer / Renée Larr
The City of Carmel may be landlocked, but one local restaurant is bringing coastal cuisine to its tables. Fork and Ale Houses Kitchen and Brewery recently changed its menu, and it was important to Owner Jeff Blair to add one of his New Orleans favorites, unique and flavorful chargrilled oysters, to the list. The new menu also offers fresh fish, grilled asparagus, roasted parmesan cauliflower and roasted Brussels sprouts, alongside sandwiches, salads and burgers.
“I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years in different capacities,” Blair says. “I served as vice president of culinary operations for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in New Orleans. One of my favorite New Orleans foods is chargrilled oysters, and you don’t see them in the Midwest, so I thought they would be a perfect addition to our menu at Fork and Ale.”
Blair purchased the restaurant in 2023 after previously working with it as a consultant through his company, Blair Culinary Consultants. After a few months of working with the previous owners who were looking to retire, Blair decided to buy the restaurant, vowing to make minor changes along the way.
“The ‘fork’ in Fork and Ale is really crucial because I wanted to make sure people thought of us as more than just a brewery, and also as a scratch kitchen,” Blair says. “The new menu has much more influence on fresh seafood and healthier items. I wanted to offer more than just fried food.”
Alongside serving up tasty bites, Fork and Ale is a local brewery, making its own
handcrafted brews. Blair says it is important to him that Fork and Ale beers stand up to the competition. He nudged local master brewer, Mike Abel, to enter competitions, which led to a first-place accolade for his Pilsner by Nature in the Beastside Brewfest. He said the acknowledgment of Abel’s hard work helped instill confidence in the staff.
Another significant focus of change for Blair was attention to efficiency, hospitality and customer service. He says previously, the staff didn’t have dedicated hosts, but rather, everyone pitched in as a team. Blair says it’s important each customer is greeted upon arrival, and acknowledged and thanked upon leaving. He says a high level of service is what sets a great restaurant apart from competition.
Blair says he’s working on adding a private room to the existing space for larger groups. He also renovated the kitchen in order to offer those chargrilled oysters two ways. The first is Ale House style, basted with garlic herb butter, topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. The other is aptly titled Jacked Up, with Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño, bacon and garlic butter. He’s also
started selling Fork and Ale merchandise, including apparel, tumblers, koozies and mugs.
Blair says he’s also expanded liquor offerings, adding a wide variety of cocktails and offering happy-hour deals Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. He says he likes offering daily features for his customers to keep things fresh and exciting.
Fork and Ale Houses Kitchen and Brewery is located at 50 Veterans Way, Suite 150 in Carmel. For more information, visit forkalehouses.com.
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BOILER UP
Writer / Devon Dean
Brush Creek Distillery, a Wyoming-based small-batch distillery with deep Purdue ties, is releasing a new straight bourbon whiskey in partnership with the Purdue for Life Foundation.
Founded by prominent Purdue alumni Bruce and Beth White in 2010, Brush Creek Distillery is part of Brush Creek Ranch, a luxury ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. The release of this bourbon reflects the White family’s continued dedication to Purdue University. Bruce White served as a Purdue
trustee from 2011 to 2015 and made significant contributions to the school. Although Bruce White passed away in early 2023, this bourbon honors his legacy and passion for his alma mater.
“We are thrilled to unveil this specialrelease whiskey with Purdue for Life, and to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to engage alumni and strengthen the community,” says Distillery Managing Director Andrew Wason. “Inspired by fellow Boilermakers, this whiskey combines
innovation and sustainability to deliver a strikingly bold spirit, layered with rich flavors and a lingering finish.”
As another nod to Purdue, the straight bourbon whiskey was derived from nine different distillates in Indiana, all aged seven years. “The multiple mash bills include a high rye bourbon blended with a wheat bourbon,” Wason explains. “The aroma and taste will appeal beyond whiskey aficionados to a much wider audience.”
True to its Boilermaker spirit, the bourbon is crafted with meticulous care. Here’s what you can expect in each sip:
APPEARANCE
Boilermaker gold.
AROMA
Spiced honey, graham cracker, light citrus zest, baking spices and herbaceous mint notes.
PALATE
The palate is rich and dense with layers of vanilla custard, light caramel, dark chocolate, candied fruit, and hints of black tea and spearmint. The mid-palate highlights light oak, cinnamon and a well-rounded mouthfeel.
FINISH
Full, lingering finish with notes of vanilla, pipe smoke and spice hints.
96 Proof | 48% Alcohol by Volume | 750 ml
“The bourbon is perfect for the changing seasons,” Wason explains. “It’s a perfect ‘warming spirit’ that can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or on the rocks.”
The bourbon is packed with symbolic connections to Purdue University. The price of $74.18 pays homage to 1874, the year Purdue opened its doors for classes. The seven distillates from Indiana, aged seven years, symbolize the seven degree programs offered at Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The Whites met on campus in West Lafayette and fell in love. In 2009 Bruce White gifted $5 million to establish the White Lodging School, which has since become a top destination for students pursuing hospitality careers. The school, named in honor of Bruce White and his company, is renowned for its hospitality and tourism management programs. Bruce graduated from Purdue with a degree in management, while Beth earned a degree in coordinated dietetics.
Formed in 2020, the Purdue for Life Foundation builds lasting relationships among Purdue students, alumni and future Boilermakers. The foundation offers numerous ways to stay involved, including events, volunteer activities, and philanthropic efforts that support Purdue’s mission and community.
Wason says Brush Creek’s goal is to serve this whiskey on campus at the Union Club Hotel and the upcoming Boilermaker Ball fundraiser in Indianapolis on March 1, 2025.
The Purdue for Life Foundation special release is available at brushcreekdistillery. com and bourbonoutfitter.com, or by visiting the distillery itself in Saratoga, Wyoming.
In other Purdue-related news, Sun King Brewery is paying tribute to legendary Purdue men’s basketball coach Gene Keady with a special beer crafted in honor of his 25-year tenure. Named Play Hard Lager, officials with the Indianapolis-based brewery say they worked with Keady’s family to develop the beer’s artwork and style. The beer is described by Sun
King officials as a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop character. It is said to symbolize the lessons Keady taught his players as a coach, including the benefits of teamwork and resilience.
Keady coached the Boilermakers from 1980 to 2005, and made 17 NCAA tournaments and two Elite Eight appearances.
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