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HOOSIER VILLAGE EXPANSION ENABLES MORE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY COMMUNITY, KINDNESS AND CARING
Winter Fun
It’s time for winter fun in Hamilton County. Warm-up during the coldest season with seasonal activities.
Skate into the season with ice skating at The Ice at Center Green in Carmel. This outdoor ice skating rink offers 90-minute skate sessions. Indoor ice skating is also available at Carmel Ice Skadium, The Artic Zone and Fuel Tank in Fishers. Or take a winter hike at Cool Creek Park, Central Park, Flat Fork Creek Park, MacGregor Park, Strawtown Koteewi Park or on the Monon Trail or White River Greenway.
Take a breathtaking slide down Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes, located in Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville. Slide 700 feet down in custom snow tubes to a soft landing, and then ride the tow line back to the top for another run. If it snows, you can also take your own sled to the 60-foot sledding hill at Flat Fork Creek Park, Forest Park, Simon Moon Park and West Park.
See live concerts and performances at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Their three venues including The Palladium, The Tarkington and The Studio have a full schedule including Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Cirque de la Symphonie and Romeo & Juliet.
Explore the outdoor grounds and historic building at Conner
Prairie in Fishers. While the museum center is closed for renovation the outdoor areas will be open through the winter.
Get cozy in an igloo at Field Brewery, Sugar Creek Winery, Urban Vines Winery & Brewery or chalet at Vivante at the Hotel Carmichael. Hit the rails for a train ride with Nickel Plate Express.
Find more fun things to do in Hamilton County at VisitHamiltonCounty.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What’s on your fall bucket list? Tag us in your fall adventures using #VisitHC, and follow @VisitHamiltonCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A life saver
$49 can save your life.
A simple heart scan could be the key to a longer, healthier life. At Riverview Health, we make it easy to access this life-saving screening with no referral required.
A heart scan is performed using a CT scanner to determine the amount of hardened plaque inside your coronary arteries. This screening can reveal hidden risks, giving you the power to make informed decisions about your health and providing peace of mind.
LYNDSEY BROWN lyndsey@townepost.com (317) 402-0569
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
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
PARENT CHILD YOGA
and interactive poses that promote physical flexibility, balance, and strength while encouraging teamwork and communication.
BEESWAX CANDLE MAKING
making beeswax candles for you to take home, showing one of the many uses for beeswax. Come learn all about bees, what they produce, and their significance in our day-to-day lives!
JUNIOR ARTISTS SERIES
through fun, hands-on activities tailored to your interests. Choose between Drawing & Sketching, Acrylic & Watercolor painting, or Clay & Mixed Medium and then choose your day of the week to attend. All necessary materials will be provided.
NATURE KEEPERS: SEASONAL EXPERIENCE HALF-DAY CAMP
Where do all the animals go in winter? Do they hide? Do they fly? Do they freeze? The mysteries of winter survival have baffled humans for some time. Join us as we delve into the crisp cold of the outdoors to
YOUTH FITNESS SWIMMING
Designed for experienced swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. Instructors will help swimmers perfect their technique in all four competitive strokes, while guiding them through workouts to build their endurance in the water. Swimmers should have some knowledge of freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly and be able to swim at least one length of the pool independently.
Come get in the Valentines spirit by making a variety of special gifts for the special people in your life.
This program is designed for individuals with disabilities.
www.carmelclayparks.com/program-offerings/
“I AM GONNA MAKE IT THROUGH THIS YEAR IF IT KILLS ME.”
—THE MOUNTAIN GOATS, “THIS YEAR”
RESOLUTE FOR 2025
A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION GUIDE
Writer / Devon Dean
2024 is in the history books, and we’re now collectively bundled up and ready to tackle 2025. Each time the ball drops in Times Square and people uncork the Korbel, it’s a chance to reset the balance and state some good intentions for the next 365 days.
A recent study by the American Psychiatric Association showed some 76% of adults in the U.S. will make resolutions this year, and more than a quarter of these (28%) are focused on mental health, with many of us setting our sights on improving wellness through both mental and physical/habit changes:
• 67% plan to exercise more.
• 49% plan to meditate.
• 40% plan to focus on spirituality.
• 35% plan to see a therapist.
• 31% plan to take a break from social media.
• 26% plan to journal.
• 21% plan to use a mental health app.
• 21% plan to see a psychiatrist.
• 3% plan to try something else
(Source: psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/making-a-mental-health-newyear%E2%80%99s-resolution-one-i)
Dr. Anne Mary Montero is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of behavioral health at IU Health North. She says change can be elusive, particularly when it comes to lifestyle.
“Certainly, there are excellent mental health benefits to setting and achieving goals for change toward wellness, but it is helpful to anchor goals in a few ways to maximize both the psychological benefits, and to minimize risk, including if we don’t achieve everything we set out to do,” she says.
“Psychological risks to goals that are unrealistic or too harsh can be demoralizing and even lead to anxiety or depression, but envisioning change, and being motivated to try, is the first step toward mental health support for yourself, helping you see the change you want to create with your resolution.”
GOAL-SETTING STRATEGIES
• Keep goals anchored in values. What is most important to you will help you stay motivated when initial enthusiasm may wane, and the impact of achieving your goal will mean the most to you when you reach it.
• Stay positive with a healthy balance of discipline and selfcompassion; even the most driven people benefit from grace, and you can support yourself best if you stay in a positive frame of mind. In fact, studies of happiness show that we are not only in a better mood, but we are actually more productive and effective when we keep a positive outlook. Also, keep in mind that self-care is critical, particularly with winter in full swing.
• Consider counting steps. A large goal can be less overwhelming if broken into components or sequential steps, even micro steps, toward change. While it’s healthy to dream, we want to set our sights on a balance of vision and achievability to keep positive success realistic and within our reach.
• Write goals and progress down. You will not only keep yourself accountable, which usually serves to help with motivation, but you can count steps toward progress that support and reinforce the excellent impact your efforts can have.
“Another critical strategy can be to ask for help,” Montero says. “Telling your plans to someone who cares about you and asking for a regular check-in about this can serve both as an accountability check and a built-in reminder.”
Montero’s final piece of advice is to use positive self-talk. She says reminding yourself of your power and emphasizing your progress can be especially powerful. “You are the ultimate authority on what you are feeling and how you expect to move forward,” she says. “You are aware of your efforts against all the forces that challenge you, and you can uniquely and authoritatively acknowledge the good you have done.”
DRY JANUARY AND BEYOND
WHY THE SOBER LIFESTYLE IS GAINING POPULARITY
Writer / Devon Dean
January is the darkest and coldest month of the year. It can be overwhelming to tackle major lifestyle changes or to get motivated to fulfill a New Year’s resolution.
However, anyone wanting to make small strides can start by observing Dry January. Far from a reference to how your hands and face will feel after venturing into the cold, Dry January refers to abstaining from alcohol for the first 31 days of the year.
Cutting alcohol for even a month can make a noticeable difference in your health.
A study in “BMJ Open” showed regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for a month slept better, had more energy and lost weight, while lowering their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
According to a 2024 Civic Science Magazine report, 27% of U.S. adults over
21 were “very likely” to try the challenge, with another 22% “somewhat likely.” Both statistics have grown since 2023, signaling an increase in sober curiosity.
That curiosity has blossomed into a larger movement toward sobriety, including alcohol-free liquor stores like Orangily in Carmel.
Formerly known as Loren’s AF (alcoholfree), Orangily was founded by Kristen Patrick and Andee Simpson. The two sisters chose sobriety in 2021 and wanted to give sober-curious people better options than what was in the grocery store.
Patrick says the pair read about similar stores popping up along the East and West coasts and felt the timing was right to take a shot at it in central Indiana. “We started off thinking that we would have this little store with a niche audience,” she says. “We didn’t anticipate how many people would come through the door looking to make a change for one reason or another.”
Those reasons are rooted in improved physical and mental well-
being. “They’re interested in having a clear mind or looking for a different buzz,” says Simpson. “We sell drinks infused with ashwagandha, kava, and lion’s mane, which can make you feel relaxed or energized differently. You’re still going to get home OK and have a fun night.”
A PANDEMIC SIDE EFFECT
Simpson and Patrick believe much of the trend toward sobriety came as a direct result of the COVID pandemic and accompanying lockdowns. Retail alcohol sales increased 34% early in 2020 across the U.S. Since the lockdowns ended, people have begun to rethink their relationship with booze. “In many ways alcohol is becoming passé and I think we’re at the very beginning of the bell curve on that,” says Simpson.
Will that lead to a return to Prohibition? It’s highly unlikely, but more people are choosing to change their habits, with Dry January being the perfect place to start.
“Yes, we have visitors for Dry January, but we more frequently see people who’ve said, ‘Hey, it’s a new year and I’m making some changes for the year - I’m thinking beyond the month,’” says Patrick. Both expected their revenue to drop after January. Instead, people became repeat customers to see how long they could last without alcohol.
THE JOURNEY TO SOBRIETY
For Simpson and Patrick, the pair had to work at going fully sober and it didn’t happen overnight. “Sometimes people want it to be an overnight decision and, unfortunately, alcohol is highly addictive,” says Patrick. “It’s hard to give it up in one try. If you can commit to eliminating it for any amount of time, whether it’s three or four weeks, you’re going to feel better.”
That idea was the key to their sobriety. “It was all of these little side effects that we did not anticipate at all,” Simpson says. “I say now I couldn’t go back to drinking because of the sleep quality alone. My skin was better. I had much creativity - all of these things that I didn’t think would happen when I just was trying to quit alcohol and be a little healthier, but it was transformative.”
Walking into the shop feels like you’re in a high-end liquor store - artfully designed bottles, wine racks, specials, tastings and more - just all zero-proof.
Even if you’re not ready to be fully sober or don’t want to be, there will be no judgment when you enter Orangily to browse. “We’re not going to wave our fingers at you if you still consume alcohol,” Patrick says. “Shopping at our store, we care very much about the products we carry, including having extensive product knowledge. We want to listen to where you’re at and meet you there. What makes our store special is people come in and feel comfortable being vulnerable.”
Beyond observing Dry January, the pair both recommend checking out free daytracking apps and reading up on what they call “quit lit”, or literature about the benefits of sobriety.
OTHER HELPFUL HINTS:
Avoid Temptations - Remove alcohol from your home; meet others for coffee or lunch rather than drinks; substitute afterwork drinks and other drinking habits with activities that don’t involve alcohol.
Manage Cravings - Mints, gum and candy are great ways to help those “I’m thirsty for a drink” moments. Studies have also shown engaging in cardiovascular activity helps with cravings.
Find Sober People - Breaking habits is hard. Connect with other sober people who have walked this journey and can relate. Try an in-person or virtual support group.
To get more tips, visit the Fishers Health Department website at health.fishersin.gov/ resources/community-resources.
Orangily is located at 5790 East Main Street, Suite 150 in Carmel. More information is available at orangily.com.
HOOSIERS ON INAUGURATION DAY
A PRESIDENT AND SIX VPs
Writer / Rob Brown
With Inauguration Day just a few weeks away on January 20, it is interesting to look back at the role the Hoosier state has played in presidential elections. Since the end of the Civil War, Indiana politicians have been nominated as major party candidates for president or vice president 18 times. Indiana
was a swing state from 1860 to 1928 and its 15 electoral votes (11 today) consistently put it in the top five or six prizes for any presidential candidate.
Here is a look back at the Indiana politicians who stood on stage in Washington and took
SCHUYLER COLFAX
the oath of office, three of whom would go on to be directly connected to Carmel.
(Note: With the passage of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1933, Inauguration Day was moved from March 4 to January 20.)
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1869 TO 1873
Schuyler Colfax was the first Hoosier to take the inaugural stage in Washington, being sworn in on March 4, 1869, as America’s 17th vice president, serving under President Ulysses S. Grant. Colfax was 46 years old at the time and Grant was 45, making them the youngest president-vice president tandem in U.S. history until 1993, when Bill Clinton (46) and Al Gore (44) were elected as president and vice president respectively.
Originally from New York, Colfax moved to Indiana as a boy, eventually settling in South Bend. He would go on to become a congressman from Indiana’s 9th district and then, in 1863, speaker of the House of Representatives, where he presided over the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. Colfax was so enthusiastic about passing the 13th
Amendment that he asked the clerk to call his name during roll call on the house floor so that he could vote “ay.”
Whereas Colfax was seen as a successful house speaker, his time as President Grant’s vice president went much differently. He was nicknamed “Smiler” for his friendly personality, but many of his peers considered him to be untrustworthy. That accusation was proven true when he was accused, with dozens of other politicians, of taking bribes in one of the largest political scandals in American history, known as the Crédit Mobilier scandal. An investigation into his finances revealed troubling evidence. With his term as vice president nearing an end, he avoided impeachment and retired from politics.
THOMAS A. HENDRICKS / U.S. VICE PRESIDENT IN 1885
Thomas Hendricks served as the 21st vice president of the United States, elected with President Grover Cleveland. Hendricks was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1851 and 12 years later was appointed to the senate. He ran for governor of Indiana three times, losing twice before narrowly winning his third attempt in 1872.
By this time, Hendricks had made a name for himself as a northerner with southern sympathies (for example, he was pro slavery), which was considered an appealing political trait in the mid-19th century. This characteristic made him a national figure in the democrat party and he soon found himself
as a vice presidential nominee, coupled with presidential candidate Samuel Tilden in 1876. Tilden and Hendricks made history as the first presidential ticket to win the popular vote but lose the electoral college, by one vote, after the electoral votes from South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Oregon were disputed by the republican party and eventual winner Rutherford B. Hayes.
Eight years later, Hendricks joined the ticket of presidential candidate Grover Cleveland as vice presidential hopeful, this time successfully taking the White House. However, the celebration would be short lived, as Hendricks died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 66 while visiting his home in Indianapolis. Interestingly, after Hendricks’ death, the position of vice president remained vacant for the rest of President Cleveland’s first term, a span of over three years.
BENJAMIN HARRISON / U.S. PRESIDENT FROM 1889 TO 1893
Benjamin Harrison has the distinction of being the only U.S. President from Indiana, having taken the White House in the 1888 election. He unseated sitting President Grover Cleveland, who at the time did not have a vice president after Vice President Thomas Hendricks died just eight months into office.
Harrison was a noted ally of African Americans in the United States, having supported attempts to provide federal funding for their education and the protection of their voting
rights. While his efforts in this regard did not succeed, he remained a supporter of civil rights for all Americans regardless of race. The Harrison administration benefitted from a national budget surplus, the result of tariffs implemented by his predecessor. His enthusiasm for America’s natural beauty led to the creation of national forest preserves, protecting America’s places of geographic wonder for years to come. Six states were also added to the union during Harrison’s tenure, the most of any president. These are North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Wyoming.
President Harrison’s re-election efforts were stymied by the man he had defeated four years prior, Grover Cleveland. Cleveland won the 1892 presidential election, and thus the first (and so far only) Hoosier presidency came to an end in 1893.
CHARLES FAIRBANKS / U.S. VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1905 TO 1909
We come to our first vice president with a connection to Carmel, Charles Fairbanks, who served as our 26th vice president under President Teddy Roosevelt. While there has been some suggestion that Fairbanks had lived in Carmel, according to a 1945 article in the Noblesville Ledger, it was actually his daughter and son who lived here. Adelaide FairbanksCausey purchased the Cricklewood farm of Caperton A. Woods in 1945 and lived there for many years thereafter with her husband and brother. The land was sold in the 1960s to develop neighborhoods. Fairbanks Drive, located on Carmel’s east side, is named in honor of the family’s connection to the city.
As for Vice President Fairbanks, he was at odds with President Roosevelt from the start. A rather infamous incident involving Fairbanks and Roosevelt occurred at Fairbanks’ mansion in Indianapolis in 1907, where a luncheon had been planned. A friend of Fairbanks’ wife, Cornelia, had been helping with arrangements on
the day of the event when she noticed cocktails were missing. She frantically called the Columbia Club in Indianapolis, who quickly delivered 40 Manhattans before Roosevelt and Fairbanks arrived. The only problem was that Fairbanks was very publicly anti-alcohol - so much so that his nickname was Buttermilk Charlie. When Roosevelt and Fairbanks arrived at the luncheon, along with other high-profile guests such as James Whitcomb Riley, they were both shocked to find alcoholic beverages awaiting them. Fairbanks was highly embarrassed and national newspapers relentlessly attacked his character thereafter, giving him a new nickname, Cocktail Charlie. His already tenuous relationship with Roosevelt suffered a further blow, and the hopes of running for president himself in 1908 were dashed, with Roosevelt instead endorsing future President William H. Taft.
However, eight years later Fairbanks would again find himself on a presidential ticket, this time as the vice presidential nominee for presidential candidate Charles Evans Hughes. The pair were unsuccessful in preventing President Woodrow Wilson from winning a second term, whose running mate was another fellow Hoosier vice president, Thomas Marshall.
THOMAS MARSHALL
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1913 TO 1921
Thomas Marshall, the 28th vice president, served under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921. He had previously been governor of Indiana. In 1912 Marshall had sought the presidential nomination himself, but was instead nominated to run as vice president. Interestingly, Marshall had refused to ever take campaign contributions, instead paying all costs himself. He was certain that anyone giving money to his campaign would expect favors, thus he considered these donations unethical.
Marshall was known for his dry sense of humor, which made him an excellent campaigner and came in handy as he advocated for the United States to enter the World War I on behalf of the Allies. This advocacy for U.S. support of the war had nearly gotten him killed in 1915, when a German professor planted dynamite next to his office near the senate chambers in
DAN QUAYLE
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT FROM 1989 TO 1993
Serving as the 44th vice president under President George H.W. Bush, Dan Quayle had made a name for himself by becoming the youngest senator ever elected in Indiana, ousting three-term Senator Birch Bayh in 1980. Quayle is another Hoosier vice president with a Carmel connection, having owned a home in Carmel until 1999, though he had relocated to Arizona three years prior.
As vice president, Quayle was named as the first chairman of the National Space Council by President Bush, where he sought to raise awareness about potential asteroid impacts on Earth. He was also well-known as a proponent of traditional American principles. In 1992, in the midst of surging crime and violence in America, he opined that popular culture was contributing to a “poverty of values” and bemoaned
Washington, D.C. Fortunately the timer on the dynamite went off prematurely, at night, and no one was injured. Despite this and other threats against his life, Marshall refused extra security.
After being the first vice president to ever lead a cabinet meeting (while President Wilson was in Europe assisting with World War I peace talks) Marshall found himself in another unusual situation four years later when President Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke. Marshall was urged by many to assume the duties of acting president, but Wilson’s wife, Edith, refused to let her husband’s condition be fully known, thus preventing Marshall’s assumption of presidential duties. Wilson served out the rest of his term (nearly 18 months) in seclusion, with Marshall nominally filling in for ceremonial presidential roles.
the degradation of conventional family structures.
Throughout Quayle’s time in office, he found himself regularly lampooned by the national media, most notably for his role at a spelling bee in New Jersey where he incorrectly informed a 12-year-old student that the word “potato” should be spelled with an “e” and thus spelled as “potatoe”. While he later tried to downplay the incident by claiming the word was misspelled on his cue card, Quayle was already on shaky ground with the public for his uneven handling of questions related to his background and the regularity of his verbal gaffes.
Quayle left the vice presidency in 1993 after he and President Bush were defeated in their re-election bid.
The most recent vice president from Indiana also happens to live here in Carmel. Mike Pence, who joined President Donald Trump
MIKE PENCE
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT FROM 2017 TO 2021
as the 48th vice president, was also the 50th governor of Indiana. Prior to his ascension to the governor’s office, Pence had served as a congressman for 12 years.
Pence became known as a staunch conservative, departing from the Trump administration on several key issues, leading to a falling out between the two. Among Pence’s chief accomplishments as vice president, he helped oversee the White House Coronavirus Task Force, where he assisted several federal agencies in their efforts to help slow down the deadly pandemic. He was also a champion of American military influence around the world, with the TrumpPence administration taking a hard-line position against global terrorism and
ultimately eliminating some of the world’s most dangerous people and terrorist organizations.
In the 2020 presidential election, Trump and Pence were defeated in their bid for a second term by democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Four years later Pence sought the republican presidential nomination, but was ultimately unsuccessful as former President Trump won the republican nomination and the 2024 presidential election.
Mike Pence currently lives on the west side of Carmel with his wife, Karen, and regularly attends local political events.
It is clear that Indiana is a place where reliable political figures can be found, a characteristic that has existed for over 150 years and is still going. As for the City of Carmel, it has its own tradition of being home to some of the country’s most influential people. Whether it is Charles Fairbanks’ daughter buying Cricklewood Farm or Dan Quayle choosing to spend his post-VP years surrounded by the beauty and charm of our fair city, it is clear the Carmel reflects the heart of Hoosier influence around the world. With former Vice President Mike Pence now residing in Carmel, the legacy of our great hometown continues - a legacy of which all Carmel residents can be proud.
FUELING EDUCATION WITH THE 22ND ANNUAL TASTE OF CARMEL
Writer / Ashley Watters
Taste of Carmel returns this year with its 22nd annual fundraiser.
Hosted by the Carmel Education Fund (CEF), Taste of Carmel raises money for initiatives that benefit Carmel Clay students in the coming year. Prepare to be delighted and come dressed in your best platform shoes for this year’s Dine at the Disco theme.
The event will take place on Friday, March 7 at 502 East Event Centre in Carmel. The event offers samplings of local flavors and guests are invited to peruse and taste as much as they like.
“This event will have more than 1,200 guests, all aged 21 or above,” says Stacey Hetrick, program manager with the CEF. “It is a great way to not only taste new foods, but also enjoy favorites from past years.”
Tickets are available in three tiers, ranging in price from general admission for $75 to VIP admission for $175, and a reserved table for 10 at $1,300.
“Reserved tables are limited and popular, and they tend to sell out early,” says Hetrick. “Early-bird pricing ends January 12. The VIP party is popular because of a featured chef and full-pour cocktails.”
This year’s lineup includes culinary sensations from Monterey Coastal Cuisine, Bier Brewery, Convivio, 1933 Lounge, Yats, and Aroma Experience, along with a wide array of other popular local eateries, wineries and breweries. A silent auction will also feature a fun selection of items.
“Our robust silent auction will include unique items such as family outings, trips, gift baskets, jewelry and so much more,” says Hetrick. “A popular item will be two premier tickets to an Indiana Fever game on July 12.”
VIP members can expect early entrance, and also access to premier silent-auction items.
“The VIP party will also include an exclusive raffle item from Indy Facets,” says Hetrick. “The silent auction will go live in February and is presented by Fanning Howey. Items included in the auction range from in-home wine tastings to gift baskets, a Cincinnati Zoo experience, other local experiences and one-of-a-kind getaways.”
Proceeds raised during the event will allow the CEF to invest in students, teachers and district-wide programming. The group focuses on classroom and real-world readiness, funding efforts such as diverse reading material and a hands-on water study within the community. The CEF has targeted some additional student initiatives they are hoping to fund this year.
“We are growing our Achieve Initiative, which is a focus on preparing students for real-world readiness,” says Hetrick. “We would like to raise enough funds to ensure that we can fund every fifth-grader to attend JA BizTown, expand our speakers series, which partners local business leaders with students in middle and high school, and to expand our Rise and Grow program to provide education resources focused on health and wellness to our students, families and community.”
Local vendors and sponsors are still needed, but space is limited and expected to be filled by the end of January or early February. All interested parties and those wanting to purchase tickets should visit tasteofcarmelindiana.com for more information.
Friday, March 7, 2025 • 502 East Event Centre
First Taste VIP Party: 5:30 PM • Main Event Entry: 6:30 or 7:00 PM
Celebrate with Us at
Dine at the Disco”!
Don’t miss an unforgettable night of culinary excellence, fun, and community spirit—all for a great cause. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor inquiries, visit www.tasteofcarmelindiana.com or contact Jennifer Penix at jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us or 317-844-9961 x2680.
Let’s disco together to support the students of Carmel Clay Schools!
Joining Forces to Deliver a Good Day in Carmel
Writer / Jeff Worrell
On the west side of Carmel sits a 125-acre public park, compliments of Jesse and Beulah Cox. The couple, married for 60 years, donated the funds and land necessary to create Coxhall Gardens off of 116th Street, west of Hoover Road.
The money used to restore the former Cox home into the mansion to be enjoyed and used by the public was donated to the nonprofit Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc. (FHCPI) Founded in 2006, the foundation is entrusted to advance development, promotion and preservation of the county’s public parks and green spaces for the recreational, cultural and educational benefit of Hamilton County residents and visitors. FHCPI accomplishes this by actively seeking donations, grants and other financial support through relationships and partnerships with patrons, donors and granting organizations, sustaining an enthusiastic corps of volunteers, and abiding by informed, visionary and creative practices.
I first became aware of the effort to raise money to support Hamilton County Parks through the popular annual fundraiser Posh Picnic. Money raised from that event has been used to enhance Coxhall Gardens for many years.
“It really is a best-kept secret that we don’t want to be secret,” Executive Director April Williams said of Coxhall Gardens, including the mansion. “It’s a gem that the Cox family created specifically for the public to enjoy.”
FHCPI carries out various fundraising activities to support many aspects of parks and recreation in our area. A scholarship for students interested in studying for a career in parks and recreation is one unique program. If all goes to plan, The Youth Recreation Leader Scholarship will raise $25,000 over the next five years and use those funds to encourage post-high school study in parks and recreation.
“The best part of my job is getting to know the public and listening to project ideas that will benefit all parks in Hamilton County,” said Williams. One of those new project ideas is Active People
Scan this QR code to view the first of many videos with Good Day Carmel’s Jeff Worrell and Carmel Magazine’s Lyndsey Brown.
Healthy Hamilton County. Available to all eight municipalities in Hamilton County, Active People is designed to foster the creation of new amenities aimed at improving the health and quality of life for residents and visitors. Each municipality can apply for up to $50,000 to develop projects that encourage physical activity, in line with the goals of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active People, Healthy Nation initiative. This national program seeks to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.
In the summer months, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra holds concerts at Coxhall Gardens using the gazebo and tiered amphitheater seating, which is perfect for an outdoor entertainment experience.
We can extend thanks to Jesse and Beulah Cox for creating an oasis amongst the sea of homes, and to the FHCPI for making sure their dream continues for generations.
LIVE STREAMING
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
ON YOUR TERMS
LUXURY LIVING OPTIONS FOR THOSE 55 AND OVER
Writer / Melissa Gibson
By the age of 55 or 60, many adults have owned homes, raised their families, mowed their lawns and replaced their roofs. As many people get older, however, they consider other, more convenient living alternatives.
HighGround development properties have you covered.
“This is market-rate apartment living for the 55-and-over, active adult group,” said Allison Raley, regional property manager with T&H Management. “It’s maintenance free, and you don’t have the ownership and responsibility of a condo or home. Our residents want to have a space they are comfortable in. They can mingle with friends, meet new neighbors and enjoy activities with like-minded people.”
GrandView is the first of several properties. It is complete and residents began moving in this fall. It’s situated near Grand Junction Plaza and other new residential developments.
Vista at RiverWest is in Noblesville and scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2025. They are currently taking reservations and pre-leasing.
The third property is CityView in Fishers, and HighGround plans to break ground on the project after the first of the year.
All three properties are located near restaurants, entertainment and other activities.
“All three communities are located near access to trails for walkability,” Raley said. “There’s a beautiful courtyard, fire pits and and outdoor entertainment area. There are pickleball courts and a group fitness area.”
Inside the main building on the property, residents can take advantage of the lounge spaces, and a bistro with a theater and game areas. There’s even a pet park and spa on-site for residents’ four-legged family members to enjoy the day.
“We offer tailored maintenance services so we can have someone come in and assemble furniture for you or mount the television on the wall,” Raley said. “We offer housekeeping services too. The goal is to meet the residents’ needs on their terms so they are free to do what they want to do.”
Raley said when potential residents come by for a tour, it’s not uncommon for adult children to come with them. It can sometimes be a family decision.
After all, retirees want to spend time with their grandchildren and get together for weekend visits. If they downsize, where will the family stay?
HighGround has thought of those scenarios too.
“We have a guest suite available for rent,” Raley said. “It’s a two-bedroom option if you’re in need of extra space for the weekend or a visit. It can also be used for friends coming into town that are considering a move to the community and want to get an idea of what life looks like here.”
So far, those who have moved into GrandView in Westfield have loved every minute of it, and Raley said the tours are one of her favorite parts of the job.
“This can be a big life change,” Raley said. “We want to provide as much transparency and customer service as possible.”
Visit vistaluxury55living.com or livegrandview.com to explore these properties and all they have to offer for your next phase.
CONNECT
vistaluxury55living.com live-grandview.com
Finding Home
HOOSIER VILLAGE EXPANSION ENABLES MORE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY COMMUNITY, KINDNESS AND CARING
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / Brian Brosmer
Hoosier Village is a fullscope senior living community that provides the full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, longterm care and rehabilitation. They offer a diverse array of fun activities and outings that enrich residents’ lives emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially.
BHI Senior Living, Hoosier Village’s parent company, came about in 1904. Since then they have worked to create an ideal home for older adults to age in place and live the kind of lifestyles they deserve. Mindful about offering life enrichment programs at all levels, BHI polled their social directors and asked for resident feedback, providing opinions and suggestions for tweaking offerings that cater not only to current residents, but also future seniors coming in.
“OUR RESIDENTS HAVE WORKED HARD AND THIS IS THEIR RETIREMENT. WE’RE HERE TO MAKE SURE IT’S THE RETIREMENT THEY’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF.”
—MEGAN ULRICH
“This is important as we know it’s going to continue to change,” says Megan Ulrich, vice president of marketing and public relations for BHI Senior Living.
These days many residents are interested in sustainability and environmentally friendly products and services. Therefore, they’ve got community gardens and recycling programs across their campuses.
“Our residents have worked hard and this is their retirement,” Ulrich says. “We’re here to make sure it’s the retirement they’ve always dreamed of.”
Seniors report that they don’t want the stereotypical retirement community from yesteryear. Though they may be downsizing, they still want to host holidays and entertain grandchildren. They want intergenerational activities right on campus.
“We make it easy so that residents don’t
have to worry about mowing the yard or shoveling snow while hosting activities,” says Mindy Kantz, executive director of Hoosier Village.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the 85-and-over population is going to double from 6.7 million in 2020 to 14.4 million in 2040. As such, senior care providers need to be ready to accommodate this growth.
Hoosier Village, which has a landscaped 300-acre campus including three dog parks and lots of walking paths, is expanding the property by building three-story
townhomes on the south side of campus, which will be available in early 2025. These three-bedroom, two-bath homes each include an elevator, and all have full access to everything Hoosier Village has to offer.
Hoosier Village also has a food service partner that provides multiple dining venues on campus to ensure that residents’ culinary needs are met.
“As we expand our brand and image, particularly here at Hoosier Village, our flagship community, we’re looking at how to be here for the senior of the future,” says Kantz, who notes that 61% of seniors today are interested in more amenities as well as a “community feel” where they reside. “They’re coming to independent living because they want to be a part of something. They also want a worry-free lifestyle that includes meals, transportation, social opportunities and philanthropic opportunities.”
This is precisely what Hoosier Village resident Carolyn and her husband longed for in retirement living.
“We were looking for a place with a sense of community and a place where we would
find all the levels of support and care we might need in the coming years,” she says. “Once we saw all that Hoosier Village had to offer, we knew our search was over.”
Carolyn’s fellow resident, Suzanne, concurs. Although her husband, Frank, was initially skeptical of the continuing-care retirement concept, after touring Hoosier Village he was sold, calling it “the gold standard.”
When residents move onto the Hoosier Village campus, which consists of four neighborhoods, they can be as involved as they want to be in activities, sports and clubs.
“Once you’re here, you can stay within the Hoosier Village community and, as your needs progress, move to the next level of care,” Kantz says.
They offer different home sizes depending on a resident’s lifestyle and needs.
“Someone may want an extra bedroom while someone else may want a basement or an open-concept floor plan,” says Kantz.
While the median age for a person to move in is 83, they have people in their 60s as well as those over 100, and a range in between.
“In our Frankfort community, a resident turned 112 last month,” Ulrich says. “Yet, we also have people here who are still working. There really is a wide range.”
One of the factors that makes the community so special is the residents, who look out for one another in many ways. For instance, there’s a welcome committee run by the residents who go above and beyond to ensure new residents feel welcome and informed.
With roughly 700 residents on campus, Kantz compares it to a small college.
“You find what’s important to you and get plugged in,” Kantz says.
For some, that might be golfing. For others, a daily swim in the indoor pool or a walk on the trails. There are also teaching kitchens, cookouts, book clubs, pickleball tournaments, as well as movies and concerts in the park. This past fall, 12 daring residents went skydiving. Truly, the sky’s the limit!
Keeping seniors active can improve happiness, longevity and general wellness. Although a brand-new resident may feel nervous, once they settle in and meet people, they thrive.
“We’ve seen so many times when someone comes here depressed because their spouse just passed or they’ve been lonely in their house,” Kantz says. “They get here with all these opportunities and next thing you know they’re blossoming.”
Such is the case for a Hoosier Village family member, the mother of a woman named Caron. “She’s healthier and happier than she’s been in many years,” Caron says. “This is the most beautiful place for my mom to be.”
Residents often lament that they didn’t move in sooner. Anna Wellman, marketing coordinator for Hoosier Village, notes that it’s never too early to start doing your research on retirement communities. “We
encourage folks to tour the community to see if it’s the right fit for you,” Wellman says.
If you know this is where you’d like to be down the road, it’s smart to get on the waitlist. Once you do, you’ll receive community updates and invites to special events in order to begin building relationships.
“Let us know your needs,” Wellman says. “We value the opportunity to connect with our prospects and understand their needs. Finding the perfect home is not just about the property itself, but matching it with their desires and lifestyle.”
For more information, visit hoosiervillage.com.
Carefree Living with
CarDon
With winter weather and the new year upon us, now is a good time to think about making the right move for you or your loved one.
CarDon & Associates’ northside communities — Copper Trace, Hamilton Trace and The Lodge at Harbour Manor, offer comfortable, carefree living, especially desirable during the winter months.
“At our communities, you don’t have to worry about shoveling walkways or digging your car out of the snow,” said CarDon’s Director of Marketing Susan Bonner. “We provide all maintenance, inside and out — from keeping the communities warm to clearing away the snow. We also offer scheduled and unscheduled transportation so residents don’t have to worry about navigating the winter wonderland.”
CarDon’s communities are also among the best places to be safe and cozy and avoid the winter doldrums. Help is just down the hall, and friendly faces are around every corner.
These northside communities feature the following:
• Weekly housekeeping and flat linen service
• Three delicious restaurant-style meals served daily
• Kitchen with microwave and refrigerator
• All utilities (including phone and cable television)
• Social, cultural, and educational programs and activities
• Beauty salon / barber services
CarDon’s northside communities work hard to keep residents active and in good spirits. Residents can stay busy with engaging daily activities (such as craftmaking, bingo tournaments and musical performances), as well as community parties and outings.
Copper Trace, Hamilton Trace and The Lodge are ready to give more seniors a warm welcome to a new home this winter!
“I love it here,” said CarDon resident Marti Lee. “My kids have noticed it too. They say, ‘Mom, you seem so happy!’ I really am.”
For more information about all CarDon communities near you, please visit cardon.us or call 844-4-CarDon.
SHEPHERDING POSITIVE CHANGE
THE SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF HAMILTON COUNTY HELPS THOSE 55 AND OLDER WITH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Writer / Natalie Platt
/ Brian Brosmer
The Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, open since 1985 and located in Noblesville, offers five different programs that provide resources for seniors 55 and older. The programs have no income requirements and welcome any Hamilton County resident 55 or older, or caregivers in the county who are caring for someone 55 and older.
Those who qualify are invited to take part in the five main programs: Community Caring, Counseling Program, Guardianship Program, Reaching Resources, and Together Today.
Community Caring, launched in 2009, helps older adults age in place safely through volunteer support, while the Counseling Program provides free counseling services with a licensed therapist. The Guardianship Program promotes the dignity of incapacitated adults through legal advocacy, Reaching Resources connects seniors
with aging-related resources in Hamilton County. The last program, Together Today, prevents isolation and works to create a community for adults 55 and up.
“We’ve seen amazing growth in our Together Today program,” says Lauren Guynn, executive director. “It’s a great way to connect with others in the same stage in life. Social isolation is an epidemic and a lot of seniors that come into this program are just looking for ways to connect to others.”
loved ones qualify for,” Guynn says. “We really need to be here as a resource for our community and those caring for each other.”
In 2025 the Shepherd’s Center is focusing on one of the largest areas of need - case management, which involves connecting people with any resources they need to address aging, and expanding those resources to caregivers.
“Caregivers struggle too because they don’t know what is available and what their
The center sees a huge demand for their Counseling Program, an increase Guynn saw post-pandemic as people have continued to become more and more aware of how their mental health affects their overall well-being.
“Our aging residents are combating the
Photographer
stigma and truly committed to address any mental health issues they’re having,” Guynn says. “We really want to serve and fill that gap as best as we possibly can by supplying the resources needed.”
Looking ahead, Guynn says she has seen an increase in numbers of volunteers and is excited about how many people are stepping up and helping the aging community. Volunteers are essential to the
overall growth of the Shepherd’s Center, and she hopes to see the trend continue throughout 2025. Guynn says some of the growth is a silver lining of the pandemic, as there was fruitful collaboration between the community at large and local health partners, and more people became aware of what the Shepherd’s Center does.
“Volunteers are essential to our growth” Guynn says. “We have a small but mighty
team and our volunteers are the fold of our organization. We are so grateful for them and look forward to a promising year.”
The Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County is located at 1250 Conner Street in Noblesville. You can reach the center at 317-674-8777, and learn more at shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org.
SEEKING SYNERGY
GET INVOLVED WITH SYNERGIZE’S SIXTH ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Writer / Ashley Watters
If you haven’t yet recognized the power of synergy, now is your chance to see how relationships can work in your favor.
Synergize is hosting its sixth annual membership drive on January 28 to help show Indy professionals the power of connection, while showcasing featured charities.
Synergize is a Carmel-based organization that provides a refreshing new take on social and professional networking. The group hopes to foster meaningful connections that go beyond traditional networking groups to create a lasting community impact.
“We believe that relationships are at the foundation of any successful business,” says Megan Daggett, member and public relationship coordinator with Synergize. “Without genuine connections, you’re stuck in a cycle of purely transactional interactions. We have created a space where members can come and network in a casual environment of good-hearted people.”
Beyond business relationships, Synergize wants to create a welcoming space for meaningful conversations where everyone has a voice.
“We are a community for mission-driven individuals who want to belong to an impact-centered network where relationships inspire
collaboration, align efforts and create meaningful change,” Daggett says.
Membership is open to anyone in the Indianapolis area looking to create genuine connections. Daggett says the group does have a single criterion for elimination known as the “no jerks” rule, but anyone who shares mutual respect for others is welcome to join.
“Our community welcomes members of all ages and professions, because we believe everyone has something unique to bring to the table,” she says. “Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a spot for you here.”
The Synergize team believes in the power of community, and wants to offer a platform and place where members feel comfortable doing business and being social with one another.
“At Synergize we believe that your story is more valuable than your business card,” Daggett says. “Sure, we encourage members to do business with each other, but what is most important is that members have a place to go for business advice, personal friendships and community impact.”
There are four paid membership options that vary in price from $279 to $49 per month, each with its own set of perks. As part of its annual membership drive, Synergize is offering a special
membership offer, which you can view at synergizeindy.com/ special-new-member-offer. All members can take part in monthly events, including The 4:30 Meetup and The Synergize Experience.
“The 4:30 Meetup event spotlights a different local nonprofit each month, giving them a platform to share their mission with Synergize members and guests,” Daggett says. “The Synergize Experience is a gathering that focuses on community building and collaboration. Both events let members contribute to the ripple of impact that Synergize creates,” she says.
Daggett wants to encourage anyone considering membership not to be intimidated. The group promotes inclusion at every event and with every new member.
“Expect kindness,” she says. “All of our members are very welcoming and love to chat. Becoming a member of Synergize is an invitation to the community. Expect to be immediately welcomed into a wonderful community of people who are passionate about business, community, relationships, and creating ripples of impact.”
To learn more about Synergize’s sixth annual membership drive, go to synergizeindy.com/the-6-year-kickoff.
