Carmel Magazine June 2023

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023 Congratulations

Roberto Abascal Bolado

Tyler Scott Abbey

Megan Paige Abbott

Maria George Abdelmalek

Omar Ayman Abuhamdieh

Tanay Nayan Acharya

Elijah Carlyle Ackley

Gavin Charles Adams

Theresa Rose Adamson

Miles Ethan Adelsperger

Israel Osamudiamen

Adenisimi

Rhea Bhavini Adesara

Itay Adi

Ella James Agnew-Roberts

Luis Eduardo Aguilar

Aleena Sarfraz Ahmad

Rida Surriya Ahmad

Luke Joseph Ahrbecker

Hudson Alexander Akers

Yousif Al Rammahi

Abigail Lauren Albright

Aiden Ali Alfayyad

Blake Patrick Alford

Sarah Alhaddad

Madison Morgan Alig

Richard Kwadwo Amoako

Charitha Choudhary

Anamala

Alexander Anderson

Brandon Collin Anderson

Calista Ravelle Anderson

Deaglan Brodie Anderson

Luke Robert Anderson

Shawn Isaiah Anderson

Matthew David Andres

Miles Robert Andrews

Tynan Archer Anfield

Sophia M AnkneyAnderson

Emma Carolina Arana

Cervoni

Elizabeth Araujo G

Ana Maria Araujo

Guadarrama

Joseph Hayden Armfield

Taha Asad

Brooklyn Noel Ash

Ellaxandra Jane Asher

Riley Ann Aslin

Jennah Aliyah Atia

Shrivardhan Chowdary

Atluri

Joshua Tex Atwell

Camren Elijah Avant

Saimedha Avula

Brigid Grace Ayer

Forrest Bradley Bacon

Jordan Isaiah Bacon

Abigail Grace Bailey

Grant Evan Bailey

Jacob Dempsey Bailey

Isaac Michael Bailor

Charles Nicholas Baker

Maddison Nicole Baker

Vladislav Alexander

Balaban

Tomas Simon Balcius

Gabriel Andres Baldoni

Dominic Christian Ball

Dylan Thomas Ball

Lily Mae Banks

Lance Barber

Kevin Matthew Barbour

Mason Frederick Bardwell

Megan Elizabeth Barkocy

Benjamin James Barnhart

Emma Kate Barrett

Cameran Elizabeth Basler

Jack William Bates

Maddison Kendall Bates

Josh William Baxter

Cole Patrick Bayer

Jase Allen Beach

Lauren Abigail Beaster

Catherine Marie Beck

Sydney Elise Beebe

Nicholas Alexander Beidl

Alexander Matthew Belanger

Hugh Carter Bell

Reece Anthony Bellin

Evalyn Rose Bellotti

Abigail Paige Bembenek

Matthew Berigoj Benedetti

William Steven Bennett

Abigail Annamarie

Bentivoglio

Carson Skeens Benton

Berit Isabell Berglund

Maya Hallie Berglund

Winston Richard Berglund

Ziya Eren Berker

Maya Lucretia Betelak

Hamdaan Ishrat Bhat

Neely Margaret Biggerstaff

Wes Todd Biggerstaff

Remi Irene Billanti

Brooke Elizabeth Bir Donovan Brennan

Birkinbine

Morgan Elizabeth Bishop

Trinity Patricia Bittermann

Brenley Shaye Blackman

Virginia Mae Lacsa Bocade

Bridget Elizabeth Bodey

Brandon Ryan Boehm

Jaylen Robert Boehm

Adam Islam Bolad

Jared Jerome Bonds

Abigail Ruth Bontrager

Jordan Matthew Booth

Sydney Leigh Booth

Michele Laura Boston

Jacques Connolly Bougard

Karim Boulos

Laura Catherine Bowers

Elijah Scott Bracken

Noah Ryan Bradbury

Hailey Catherine Brady

D'ahni Shadiai Branch

Jack Linden Brennan

Julia Cleary Bricker

Carter Richard Brimer

Joshua David Brinkman

Reagan Olivia Brinkman

Hannah Kali Broadnax

Payton Marie Brock

William Brogan

Nathaniel Edward Brooking

Wyatt Thomas Brooks

Lucy Frances Broughton

Amya Neveah Brown

Arianna Zoe Brown

Elijah Xavior Brown

Ethan Scott Brown

Jaydon Allen Brown

Ahni Mataya Brown Harbin

Kayla June Brumet

Owen David Bruner

Kenneth James Bruntlett

Nona Olivia Bryant

Grayson Robert Buck

Connor Robert Buckley

Hannah Rose Buhr

Karli Morgan Buis

Trever Asher Buis

Lynsey Christine Bunting

Scott Wesley Burgess

Colin James Burke

Lauren Katherine Burley

Abigail Rose Burnham

Henry Allan Burnham

Abigail Rose Burns

Gavin Charles Burns

Jacob Scott Burns

Makenzie Jordan Burns

Trenton Tyler Burns

Laura Gabriele Burr

Jessica Nichole Butler

Taylor Jordan Byrd

Adam Charles Byrne

Catherine Ryan Byrne

Ava Emerson Cabellon

Aydrian Harrison Caldwell

Joshua Matthew Calvert

Carmela Jane Campbell

Cecilia Rose Campbell

Matthew Francis Campbell

Margaret Grace Cannon

Sophie Elise Cannon

Jacob Denis Carlin

Everett Jerald Carlisle

Shandi Giselle Carlisle

Nathaniel Ian Carlos

Kaitlyn Taylor Carlson

Spencer William Carlson

Cameron Daniel Carmichael

Ally Sophia Carroll

Elijah Michael Carter

Harrison Reese Carter

Francisca Maria Carvajal

Ethan Lewis Case

Sophia Elizabeth Cassidy

Larine Casso

Carson Ashton Castle

Olivia Rae Caves

Andrew David Cebalo

Anthony John Cercone

Bethzayda Cervantes

Dimas

Hugo Gabriel Chacaltana

Rivera

Stella Katherine Chalex

Isaac Marcus Chalkley

Tyler Mitchell Chandler

Ashlie Ann Chapman

Radhika Gonella Chatterjee

Dhruv Vinay Chavan

Thomas Rex Cheesman

Emma Kexin Chen

Jonathan Chen

Sarah Yuyan Chen

Jeremiah Stephan Chery

Geetika Chitturi

Eunseo Cho

Kevin Kun Choe

Oreem Mahnoor

Choudhary

Emily Rose Christman

Erick Bradley Christman

Meghan Kathleen Christman

Carly Suzanne Christy

Elliot John Clancy

Alexander Clark

Alexis Marie Clark

Lauren Riley Clark

Mia Clark

Morgan Kathleen Clark

Nicholas Loren Clark

Molly Louise Cleary

Andrew Trester Cline

Tyler Lewis Cockrell

Ethan Thomas Cody

Hank Ira Cohen

Alexander Jonathan Collins

Lauryn Naomi Collins

Valeria Colmenarez Leyva

Christopher Adam Compton

Ryan Christopher Conley

Cooper Coolidge

Courtney Anne Cooney

Tara Ann Corra

James Logan Correa Rau

Jacob Charles Cortelyou

Marielle Jeanne Cortelyou

Liam Tag Courtney

Grace Ann Covington

Benjamin Foster Cowles

Audrey Ruth Cox

Ethan James Crile

Mallory Anne Crinklaw

Thomas David Crispin

Scott Robert Croner

Sarah Kathleen Crook

Hannah Marie Crosby

Corbin Erik Crossen

Jenajhia Ella Cruz

Eliza Grace Culbertson

Abigail Jane Culver

Bailey Elizabeth Culver

Josie Marie Cumming

Erin Amelia Cummins

Kendall Rose Cunningham

Theodore Isaac Curtis

Alex David Cutsinger

Christopher Endsley

Dafforn

Ryan Endsley Dafforn

Vikram K Damodaran

Tsion A Daniel

Aidan Thomas Darke

Cameron Patrick Darnell

Elijah Marcus Dashiell

Alexander Drake Dasilva

Allison Elizabeth Davis

Darcy Kathleen Davis

Logan Thomas Davis

Sarah Nader Dawood

Kristen Elizabeth Dawson

Katherine Grace Delaney

Ryan Iden Deldar

Gabriella Noemi Delgado

Macie Kwas DeLillo

Gabriel Bounsana

Dengmanivanh

Karli Grace Denny

Caleb Ryan Dent

Joseph Daniel Derksen

Nicole H Dettmer

Lucy Katherine Devenney

Thomas Michael Devir

David Allen Dial

Selena Diana Diaz-lopez

Audrey Maria Dickson

Zoey Eva Dickson

Danielle Catherine Dierckman

Nathan Scott Dierckman

Davis Christopher Dilling

Samuel Christian Dillon

Annika Liv Dimon

Julia Lily Dong

Zachary Ryan Doran

Lauren Katherine Dossey

Sharon Oluwadara Dosunmu

Julien Gerith Doty

Donovan Curtis Dowdell

Eryn Huen Dowdy

Jack Ryan Downey

Drew Elizabeth Dubish

Bethany Rose Ducat

Ian Alexander Duffin

Desmond William Duffy

Gabriella Noelle Duke

Sukhraj Singh Dulay

Anna Lee Dumke

Isaac Demarco Duncan

Ashley Nina Durnil

Ryann Dushane

Madeline Sophia DuVall

George Benjamin Dvorak

Aiden Michael Eads

Ryan Michael Earl

Seth A Eaton

Peter Ebraheme

Gus Elliott Eckelbarger

Mackenzie Shannon Edwards

Edward Oluwadamilare

Efuntoye

Grant Andrew Egger

Clare Kristin Ehnes

Joseph Chad Ehret

Jack Henry Ehrgott

Piper Kay Elling

Jackson Paul Elliott

Ethan Matthew Ellis

Quinn Thomas Elshire

Adisyn Leigh Empie

Aubree Marie Empie

Taher Enahaisi

Isabella Mae English

Caroline Grey Enzor

Layne Matthew Epple

Sophia Noel Esposito

Dontae Samuel Esqueda

Emerson Grace Evans

Gabriel Evans

Anna Elizabeth Everhart

Gabrielle Olivia Fadlevic

Thomas David Fagan

Amelia Lyn Fahl

Ian William Fairbairn

Neil Robert Fairman

Ariana Huu Farrell

Elizabeth Fitzgerald Farrell

Charles Archer Featherson

Kyle Gary Fedorcha

Jacob Lee Feinstein

Tyler William Fenwick

Matthew Kelley FerchminRowe

Colin Michael Fettig

Jacob Austin Feuer

Marissa Leigh Finney

Damon Alexander Fiocca

Gillian Alene Fiol

Abigail Marie Fisher

Finley Anna Flanary

Gavin Mason Fleming

Jacob Todd Fletcher

John Arthur Forbes

Joseph Scott Forster

Clara Fortin

Drew Fouts

Evelyn Grace Foutty

Amari Miyon Fowlkes

Anna Josephine Franiak

Esther Hazel Franklin

Joseph Andrew Franklin

Leah Marie Fredericks

Ian Robert French

Katherine Marie Fresen

Adam Reed Frey

Carter Kelly Fritz

Nicholas James Fuertges

Alyssa Nicole Fuhrman

Caitlin Claress Fultz

Clara Michelle Funk

Stuart Daniel Funke

Klay Tyler Gabriel

Greta Varian Gale

Isabella Bronwyn Galka

Trevor Alden Gallagher

Andres Gallardo

Pierangely Gamardo

Somayeh Marie Gambles

Dimitri Alexan Gamboa

Alleson Ziyuan Gao

Angela Peng Gao

Patrick Jie Gao

Daniela Garcia

Sydney Gargiulo

William Scott Garner

Samuel James Garrard

Cole Martin Garriott

Anna Garrison

Christian Wyatt Gasche

Daniel Gabriel Gaslawski

Avery Gates

Kathryn Elizabeth Gehrlich

Lily Claire Getchell

Samuel Jacob Geyer

Luke Sam Ghabril

Adam Nabil Ghalayini

Alan Joseph Gibson

Maxwell Bonham Gibson

Aiyana Nicole Gifford

James Bradley Gilbert

Jack Ryan Gillihan

Kendra Marie Gingo

Evelyn Rose Ka'ilialoha

Girardi

Carol S Girgis

Talen S Girgis

Victoria Constance

Gladkov

Eva Rose Glazier

Isabella Marie Glenn

Natasha Joy Glenn

Hollis Todd Glover

Jayda Marie Glynn

Joshua Thomas Goedde

Cole Lorenz Goehl

Tarunika Gogineni

Ryne Edward Goldsmith

Nicole Alexandra Gomez

Luciano Gonzalez

Katia Gonzalez Aguilar

Oriana Sofia Gonzalez Machado

Daniela Gonzalez Stolk

Isabel Sara Gossett

Sarah Elizabeth Gould

Isiah Tobias Gourgue

Cherrie Hurley Graf

Nicholas Graham

Keshaun Marquis Grasty

Cardon Whitcomb Gray

Elisabeth Anne Green

Matthew Zion Green

Zoe Isabel Green

Cameron Michael Greenawald

Robert Patrick Greene

Samantha Hongtu Grief

Alicia Nicole Griffin

Gavin Matthew Griffin

Jacob William Griffin

Anjalina Lillyan Grimes

Lillian Ehrlicher Grubb

Logan Mathew Grubbs

Matthew Haydon

Grumbacher

Stephanie Elizabeth

Grunwald

Dayvion Latrell Gueyser

Ashwika Gummalla

Hannah Terese Gunsett

Andrea Camila Gunther

Avery Evelyn Guo

Eric Liangcheng Guo

Zachary Matthew Guo

Arjun Dev Gupta

Ritika Guragain

Kyle Jose Gutierrez

Gage Joseph Guzzi

Adare Renee Haas

Thomas James Haas

Timothy Patrick Haas

Maryam Hafeez

Yara Mona Hage

Emily Hahn

Reegan Emma Hahn

Caroline Elizabeth Hale

Charles Theodore Hall

Kathryn Lyon Hall

Noah Michael Halteman

Jackson Hamblen

Celia Hamilton

Conner Egan Hamilton

Benjamin Thomas Hammond

Leo Joseph Hammons

Hayden Christopher Hanna

Lindsey Tarek Hanna

Alexandria Elise Hanning

Gabriel Christian Hansen

Florence Ann Hargitt

Brody Edward Harlan

Christopher Browning

Harlow

Jessica Shayne Harmeson

Julian Bard Harmon

Quintyn Harrington

John Barlow Harris

Sophie Jade Harris

Elijah James Harter

Alden Alexander Hartman

Kathryn Sharon Hartung

Mya Corinne Hasken

Caroline Reagan Hatfield

Jenna Hattab

Emilee Joann Hawkins

Canaan He

Cameron Ray Heaney

Madeline Grace Heavey

Nicole Erin Heidrich

Morgan Elizabeth Helding

William Henry Heldt

Fritz Wilbur Henderson

Olivia Shirley Henderson

Peyton Elizabeth Henney

Carson Wayne Henry

Joseph Benjamin Henry

Takiya Henson

Cristian Aurel Herascu

Alexander Thomas Herring

Ryan Henry Herris

Gregory Daniel Hesser

Greta Jane Heyl

Jasmine Sky Hickman

Stephen Todd Hilbert

Andrew Michael Hillsman

Madelyn Alice Hines

Amilyn Wang Ho

Audrey Elise Hockins

Aeneas Robert Hoffman

Melchizedek Mthokozisi

Hogo

Trinity Angel Hollins

Gavin Lincoln Holmes

Theresa May Hommel

Ari Michael Honig

DaJuan Hooten

Ryan Michael Hoover

Avery Rhys Hopper

Embry Clark Horal

Ayden Todd Hornsby

Charles Theron Horrocks

Riley Jane Hosack

Emma Marie Houser

Alvin Hu

George Huang

Shaoyang Huang

Carolyn Larson Hubbard

Quinn Ryan Huber

Sophia Christine Hudak

Taylor Leeann Hudnall

Hyrum Joseph Humiston

Haley Kellen Hunt

Thomas Baker Hunter

Joseph Benjamin Hutton

Gabriella Ignacio

Aiko Temisan Ileleji

Timothy Andrew Irons

Andrew Toshikazu Ishii

Meghna Shivani Iyer

Cameron James Jackson

Kiah Louise Jackson

Seth Howard Jacobsen

Adam Steven Jaeger

Nicolas Jay Jagelka

Lauren Keilani Jai

Sanjana Jain

Ingrid Jasmin JaramilloJaimes

Mina Jarial

James Carter Jay

Viswanaath Jayasankar

Jack William Jentz

Calvin Jett

Alan John

Amelia Christine Johnson

Anthony Clayton Johnson

Daniel Robert Johnson

Jack Christian Johnson

Reagan Elias Johnson

Troy Ashton Jonas

Chloe Cecilia Jones

Ireland Grace Jones

Karina Lauryn Jones

Nehemiah Daniel Jones

Ashilyn Joseph

Jayden Joyce

Riya Shelly Juneja

Alex Henry Kaczmarek

Archit Kalra

Trista Renee Kane

Hayun Kang

Joshua Christopher Kania

Drew Michael Kaplan

Camille Jean Kapsalis

Aqsa Karim

Pouyan Karimi

Keira Lynn Kask

Hayden Kauffman

Samuel David Kaul

Manaspreet Kaur

Ella Faith Kavicky

Jackson Paul Kazmierczak

Benjamin Patrick Keleher

Morgan Louise Kelnhofer

Michael Callahan Kemple

Austin Kent

Signs of Life

BE LIKE BILL ORGANIZATION AIMS TO INCREASE SURVIVAL RATES FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Sarah Browning

When Jeff Utzinger goes for a run in his neighborhood or spends time with his family, he can’t help but think about the neighbor who saved his life.

“I was running in my neighborhood in June of 2017 in the Bay Hill subdivision, and I collapsed with sudden cardiac arrest [SCA],” Utzinger says. “My heart just failed to pump blood to the rest of my body.”

The only reason Utzinger survived is because an unknown neighbor named Bill Schlies stopped to help.

“Schlies called 911 and did CPR on me for four minutes, until a Carmel policer officer showed up with an automatic

external defibrillator [AED],” Utzinger says. “He effectively used the device, which shocked my heart back in rhythm. I was still unconscious when they took me to the ER. I didn’t wake up until later that evening. The whole thing was a blur.”

Utzinger, who works as a recruiter, is now friends with Schlies.

“If it wasn’t for Bill Schlies, I wouldn’t even be here,” Utzinger says. “I don’t even remember anything after the night of the run or my week in the hospital, but just tried to comprehend that I was extremely lucky. I had about a 3% chance of surviving. It was all because Bill had the decency to stop and help another person. I think about that all the time. My family does too.”

Schlies, a franchisee for Jani-King, also just happened to be taking a different route that day, which was a blessing in disguise for Utzinger.

“Bill said he just went the wrong way that day and wound up seeing me,” Utzinger says. “He missed his turn. There were just so many lucky things that worked out for me that day. I couldn’t have been more thankful for how everything turned out.”

Utzinger says he and his family are grateful every day for everything Schlies did.

“We also decided to do something positive to help other people who might be in my situation,” Utzinger says. “Bill Schlies and I created a nonprofit called Be Like Bill, that has a few messages that we deliver. Specifically, our organization spreads awareness and education about sudden cardiac arrest. We also help tell people

what to do in a cardiac emergency, and raise money to buy and donate AEDs to communities. We are a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.”

Utzinger, founder and president of Be Like Bill, says he and Schlies are currently working with Carmel city leaders to help fund a public-access defibrillation program that would make the life-saving and simpleto-use machines more accessible along the Monon Trail and in Carmel parks.

“It’s so important to have public awareness about SCA and AEDs, and we want to see these AEDs more readily available to more people,” Utzinger says. “I’m a living example as to why it’s so important.”

For more information, check out belikebill.org.

PEST PROS

THE LADYBUG PEST AND WILDLIFE CONTROL YOUR BUG AND ANIMAL EXPERTS

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Photographer / Laura Stroup

Four years ago, when Boone County resident Jaclyn Ricci found herself counting change to buy groceries, a light bulb went off.

“I thought, ‘This is ridiculous. I’m smarter than this. My husband is working overtime all the time. I want better and we have to change things up,’” Ricci says.

Ricci had noticed the number of posts on social media in which people were looking for pest control. Who can treat for ants? Who can take care of the beehive on the back porch?

She also noticed there didn’t seem to be any local companies in the Boone County area.

“I started doing some research and learned of courses at Purdue to get certified,” she says. “I convinced my husband Johnny to do it too, and we both earned our license.”

They created a website for the LadyBug Pest and Wildlife Control, bought insurance, and were ready to officially launch the business, when the Riccis discovered a raccoon in the attic.

“Johnny was super excited,” Ricci says.

“He set traps and got the raccoon the next day and released it. We realized in pest control, a lot of it is animals - raccoons, squirrels, birds and bats. So, we contacted the Department of Natural Resources and became certified for the animals too.”

In the first 10 months of business the Riccis earned more than $500,000, and by then had both quit their full-time jobs.

“Today, we’re a multimillion-dollar business and we have 12 full-time employees,” Ricci says. “We did this not out of a passion for animals and bugs, but a need to better our lives, and that’s what made us so strong. The passion has followed. I love what I do. I no longer complain about work. It’s fun for me. We both love researching and solving problems, and we’re on the brink of

something big for LadyBug.”

Along the way, it became apparent that the issues with animal control were much bigger than ants and bees on the back porch.

“There are two big things happening here,” Ricci says. “We have a major bat problem in central Indiana. We just recently filmed a short documentary for our YouTube channel where we removed 1,000 bats from a historical church in Zionsville. You can’t remove bats by hand. You have to channel them out because they are federally protected. The problem is, since

they can’t be touched or relocated, they leave one house and go to another.”

The second issue is an environmental one.

“We’ve taken away trees and started new developments, which has created a major wildlife issue,” Ricci says. “They have nowhere to go. As a result, we’re actually humanizing these animals. They are eating our human food out of the trash. Most raccoons have one liter per year. If you have 10 raccoons in your neighborhood, that can quickly become 50.”

The team has a few solutions. They relocate every animal they can, releasing them back into wooded areas with access to water. Secondly, they specialize in sealing a home to ward off additional critters finding a space in the residence.

“We do inspections and take pictures of any entry point the circumference of a pencil eraser,” Ricci says. “We are very diligent and provide a report showing the customer the entry areas. A lot of people think this is interesting because you look at your house and think it’s buttoned up well, but there’s actually some weaknesses there that need to be closed.”

“THERE IS A HUGE DEMAND FOR PEST AND WILDLIFE CONTROL. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO ADD NEW TEAM MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR EVERGROWING FUN AND PASSIONATE FAMILY.”

- JACLYN RICCI -

In fact, Ricci says she has more construction team members on the staff than any other specialty.

The company is a family-run and operated business with two sets of siblings that also work there. LadyBug Pest and Wildlife Control does a great deal for its employees, too, always making sure their team is well taken care of. Last year the company took its team to Vegas for Pest World and the other trip was a side-by-side retreat. All 12 employees live in Boone County, and LadyBug is also looking for more people to join their team.

The team is routinely preventing animal entry and re-entry by patching holes and sealing spaces, with materials that can’t be chewed through or torn off.

“Once we get them out, they desperately want to come back in,” Ricci says. “It’s not uncommon when we do exclusionpatching openings - that birds or squirrels will come up to the guys and chatter at them.”

Due to new home construction, team members have noticed rodents on the rise. Since rodents are on the rise, so are snakes.

“We found a house in Brownsburg that had nine snakeskins at least 10’ long,” Ricci says. “We’ve pulled owls out of chimneys, hawks out of warehouses, and cats stuck in crawlspaces.”

As Ricci says, the company is on the brink of some big things.

They were voted the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2022.

“There is a huge demand for wildlife control,” Ricci says. “We’re currently working on franchisee packages and we hope to expand throughout the state in the next few years.”

Find more information at calltheladybug. com, and call 317-601-2873 for additional details. Also be sure to like their Facebook page and check out their YouTube videos.

Siblings Logan and Madi Northcott

Siblings Brett and Kaiti Hall

Owners Jaclyn and Johnny Ricci and their son Jadin Ricci

INTERIOR DESIGN, REIMAGINED

DOVETAIL GROUP TAKES A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO DESIGN AND REMODELING

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Amy Payne

Dovetail Design team (left to right) Elizabeth Stewart, Jake Griffin, Liz Curtis, Kayla Stauffer, Brittney McKenney and Rhiannon Sollars.

Just like a dovetail joint in woodworking, Dovetail Group’s Co-Founders and Senior Interior Designers found that their individual areas of expertise easily fit and work well together. Liz has a background in home furnishings, finishes and fixtures, while Kayla has experience with construction management and interior design. Combining their skill sets resulted in a unique business that not only provides services for interior design and remodels, but also provides support for furnishings and decor.

The concept of blending two aspects of the furnishing and decor industry that are usually separate has paid off. Clients appreciate a full scope of services, which range from initial planning through trade installations including cabinetry, countertop surfaces, lighting and plumbing fixtures, plus finishing touches of furnishings and decor. After being in business since 2015, the firm recently moved to East New Market Street in the Village of WestClay. Although it is a new location, the building is familiar.

“The move was destiny,” Kayla says. “It was

meant to be. In 2016 we were designers for the space, and since then have continued to do both commercial and residential projects for the owner of the building. It is as current as it was seven years ago, which is the goal for all our work. We still love the flooring and the paint!”

“It was spur of the moment, not a planned move,” Liz says. “Our landlord told us a tenant was moving out. Our company and team were growing. Now we have more natural light and more room for displays. We have doubled our space and our team.”

The duo shares that they don’t have a “signature” style. Instead, care is taken to ensure each project exhibits the client’s taste. Nothing is forced on them. A balance is struck between the homeowner’s style and the architecture of the home.

“We want to make sure their home reflects them and not us,” Kayla says. “We really get to know them. Recently we had a great experience working with a couple who has been in their home for 18 years. It was an entire main-level remodel in a traditional architectural setting. Besides the remodel, they took advantage of the help we provided with home furnishings and finish and fixture selections. It was a fun collaboration and flowed well. Now they want to do phase two and work on the upstairs and lower level.”

Both Liz and Kayla want to be involved in every project. The first step of any project begins with a complimentary consultation, where both of them meet with the potential client at the site or space to be worked on. The second meeting occurs in the firm’s studio, where a customized design agreement is reviewed for approval.

“For each client, during the design process, there are three contacts - the two of us plus one of our Interior Designers,” Liz says. “We have great designers who support and collaborate with the homeowner. They visit the space to be worked on, field measure, draw up a floor plan and do a 3D rendering alongside us.”

“After a complete design package is developed, contractors are consulted,” Kayla

says. “We have long-standing relationships with vendors and contractors, and figure out the right fit for each job. As the project progresses, we are the advocates for the client.”

For anyone thinking of updating their home, the two women offer a couple tips. Liz feels that people want to simplify life through clean lines and neutrals, and yearn for a brighter atmosphere overall. Kayla concurs that it’s a good idea to stick with neutrals and add layers of color through upholstery, rugs and artwork.

lighter and crisper. While gray will always be a choice, the trend is a shift away from cool grays and towards greige - a neutral blend of beige and gray. One of their favorite paint colors happens to be Dovetail

“WE HAVE GREAT DESIGNERS WHO SUPPORT AND COLLABORATE WITH THE HOMEOWNER. THEY VISIT THE SPACE TO BE WORKED ON, FIELD MEASURE, DRAW UP A FLOOR PLAN AND DO A 3D RENDERING ALONGSIDE US.”

Gray, a tone with a lot of warmth.

relationships with a home and the people in it.”

Dovetail Group is located at 12805 East New Market Street, Suite 300 in Carmel’s

Gone are the days of gold or red walls. Warmer whites provide a backdrop that is

“We are grateful every day to our wonderful clients who have entrusted us with their homes. We live and breathe to have

Village of WestClay. For more info, call 317-503-7891 or visit dovetailgroupindy. com. Also view them on Facebook, Instagram and Houzz.

Hats Off

NFL PLAYER IS RAISING FUNDS FOR VILLAGE OF MERICI THROUGH A CREATIVE ENDEAVOR

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Justin Sicking

An act of friendship toward new teammates is blossoming into a full-fledged philanthropic endeavor for Cincinnati Bengals player Ted Karras. When Karras moved to Cincinnati, he wanted to gift his new teammates with something special — a hat emblazoned with the word Cincy and a large cat scratch mark. Fans and local media quickly took notice of the players wearing hats in the locker room, peppering them with questions about where they got the hats and how others could get their hands on one.

Karras is looking to capitalize on the newfound attention for the piece of apparel by selling them online, with the proceeds going to the Village of Merici in Indianapolis. The organization provides direct support services, learning opportunities, and independent living through partnerships with various developers. The Village of Merici currently supports more than 75 people throughout Indianapolis with a goal of self-reliance.

“The hats were originally a fun gift for my new teammates through a

family friend’s golf supply business,” Karras says. “I figured everyone loves to get a piece of gear, and the response from my teammates, Bengal fans, and media members was extraordinary. The demand for the hats grew rapidly thanks to my teammates wearing them in interviews, and we decided to sell them, but it had to benefit Village of Merici.”

Karras’ involvement with Village of Merici is thanks to childhood friend Matt Renie. Karras and Renie both attended Saint Matthew Grade School and Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Renie recently stepped in to facilitate the logistics of producing and selling the hats.

“Ted grew up as a family friend observing his friend’s brother who has intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Colleen Renie, Executive Director of Village of Merici, and Matt’s mother. “Ted also has a family member with autism. He saw the potential in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and

their desire to live independently as they grew up, just like other people want their own place to live, have a job, do fun things in the community and have money to achieve those goals. Ted saw the struggles of his friend’s brother who had limitations in earning money, trying to find affordable housing, and acceptance in the community and finding friends.”

There are currently three hats available, with a fourth in the works. The hats retail for $35 each, and customers can choose from black, orange or white. Matt says the pair hope to sell as many as possible. The fourth hat will be white with a black logo to match one of the fans’ favorite new uniforms.

They’re utilizing some of the people served by the Village of Merici to assist in packaging and shipping the hats. Colleen says finding employment opportunities for the individuals they support is critical.

“It’s still a little up in the air, but we’re hoping to involve the community there in some of the logistics,” Matt says. “We’re considering making this an employment opportunity for some of them and a volunteer opportunity based on volume.”

Colleen says the funds will go to supporting the programs that teach and support individuals in independent living skills to enable them to be successful. The selling of the hats is really a two-fold win for Village of Merici.

“Not only are we helping to raise needed funds, but we’re also looking to get the name of the organization and what they do out in the world,” Matt says. “Many people resonate with the idea of knowing an adult with developmental disabilities but haven’t heard of Village of Merici. We’re hoping to start a conversation.”

Colleen says the people Village of Merici serve know and love Ted. She says he visits when he’s in town, and they watch him play on Sundays. Ted has even brought his Super Bowl rings for them to see and try on. He’s also spent time teaching them card games, and he texts with several of them. They know how he supports their lives with his donations and sincere interest.

“I am so grateful that a fun gift and project has found a special purpose,” Karras says. “It’s a great hat with an awesome design that I hope can become the unofficial hat of the Bengals. Our goal is that these hats can provide an income stream for the Village and involve many villagers in the process. The Village of Merici is a very special place that does so much good. Any way I can ever help their cause is a special opportunity for me.”

To purchase a hat, visit thecincyhat.com. The website also offers a link for donations for Village of Merici. For more information regarding Village of Merici, visit villageofmerici.org.

“I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT A FUN GIFT AND PROJECT HAS FOUND A SPECIAL PURPOSE.”

— TED KARRAS, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Nominations Now Open!

TOP LOCAL

NOMINATE YOUR TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES

We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!

HOW TO QUALIFY

To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher

Listing on TownePost.com

Supports Local Charities

Locally Owned

OWNERS: JILL SLAVIN

ADDRESS:

921 N RANGELINE RD CARMEL, IN 46032

WEBSITE: CARMELCLUBCANINE.COM

PHONE: (317) 669-2162

RATING: Google: 4.9

Club Canine in Carmel received 6 nominations from loyal customers citing a clean facility, caring staff, excellent grooming, and a robust training program.

Jill Slavin, owner of Slavin Enterprises, LLC, an Indiana company, says that she is very proud of the reputation and business that they have built in Carmel - and their Google rating supports her claims. With over 200 reviews, Club Canine boasts a 4.9 star rating out of 5.

Philantropically, Club Canine donates to several local charities throughout the year, including:

• Carmel Clay Schools Silent Auctions

• Carmel Gala: Design Bright Futures

• Carmel Youth Assistance Program

• Carmel Library Book Guild

• Carmel Police Department

• Liam & Reece Kelly Foundation

• Temple Sisterhood of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

• Carmel Girl Scout Troop 1898

• Carmel High School Sport Schedule Poster (Spring & Fall)

• On The Run Lost Dog Recovery (Hamilton County)

Congratulations Jill and the entire Club Canine team for operating a local business, with a high Google rating, that is listed on TownePost.com, and most importantly gives back to the greater Carmel community.

Uptown Carmel

2271 Pointe Parkway (116th west of Keystone)

Uptown Noblesville

809 Conner Street (On the Courthouse Square)

Uptown Indy 6404 Rucker Road (64th & Binford)

Sunrise Fishers 9767 E 116th Street (116th & Cumberland )

Uptown Market

Enjoy our house-made items at home. Purchase breads, biscuits, muffins, rolls, salads, sauces, dressings, condiments, and more online at: www.uptowncafes.com/shop.

WITH A KICK

SPICEKICK LIVENS UP MEALS WITHOUT FILLERS, ADDED SUGAR OR GLUTEN

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

It’s such a relatable issue. The family calendar is jam-packed with events, yet come mealtime, the famished troops crave something yummy, healthy and fast. In 2019 Michelle Dudash, a registered dietitian, wife, and mother to two daughters aged 9 and 14, came up with a solution to this age-old meal problem by creating Spicekick, gluten-free seasoning mix packets with no added sugar or fillers. Made exclusively with real-food ingredients like dried herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, Spicekick comes in nine flavors including Taco, Sloppy Joe, Lettuce Wraps, Curry, Chili, Tuna Salad, Tikka Masala, Ramen, and Marinara. The Taco blend, filled with real ground chiles, minced onions and crumbled oregano, out-flavors typical taco seasonings.

“People tell me that once they try Spicekick Taco, they can’t go back to the other brands,” Dudash says.

Sloppy Joe contains diced whole dates that melt into the meat, giving the sandwiches a naturally sweet flavor. Her Tuna Salad seasoning mix, containing chives, lemon, celery and dill, is her bestseller.

“You just need tuna, mayo and the entire spice packet to make a batch of tuna salad that lasts all week,” she says. “It’s great with chicken salad too.”

Dudash, a cookbook author and regular kitchen guest on WISH-TV’s “Life.Style.Live!” program, says she has three groups of customers who use Spicekick. The first are those who don’t know how to cook or put flavors together.

“They say Spicekick helps them make an amazing meal,” Dudash says. “They’re

surprised they could actually make a dish that tastes so good.”

Another group loves the convenience of grabbing a packet, adding a protein and a vegetable, and - boom - dinner’s made.

“It’s a built-in meal planner and major time saver, giving you 30-minute meals with a restaurant taste,” Dudash says.

The third group includes people who follow a gluten-free diet, require foods with no added sugar, need low-sodium meals, avoid MSG, are dairy free, or have another type of food sensitivity.

“Now they, too, get to enjoy the convenience and flavor of a spice packet,” she says.

Dudash, whose company is based in Carmel, was recently awarded a $10,000 national women-owned business grant to expand her seasoning mix line, as she expands into retail stores across Indiana and the Midwest. Currently, Spicekick is available nearby at Joe’s Butcher Shop, Needler’s Fresh Market in Carmel, Zing! Cafe, Broccoli Bill’s, and the Carmel Farmers Market.

“My goal is to help as many households as possible get nutritious family meals on their tables,” Dudash says. “It’s humbling to know how many thousands of Spicekick spice packets have been sent across the country, from Hawaii to New York, landing on dinner tables everywhere.”

To order Spicekick meal spice kits online, visit spicekick.com.

PAVING THE WAY

PAVER RESCUE RESTORES BROKEN OR DIRTY PAVERS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Years ago, Tony Lausas, hardscape installation specialist and owner of BPI Outdoor Living, was sitting in a seminar when the speaker said something that really struck him.

“He stated, ‘You can go to the moon and back with how many pavers are installed in the U.S., but only 5% of those pavers are maintained,’” recalls Lausas. “I thought that was crazy.”

The startling statistic sparked an idea that took root, and in 2011 Lausas launched Paver Rescue, a company that repairs,

restores and maintains existing paver and concrete surfaces. Each year tens of thousands of homeowners install paver patios, walkways and driveways. Many of those homeowners assume that the pavers require no maintenance, but they’re mistaken, as the elements take a toll.

“The reality is they require low maintenance, not no maintenance,” says Lausas. “Pavers are designed to move with freeze and thaw, so you don’t end up with a slab of concrete that cracks. When they move, sometimes they require a bit of repair because they become uneven.”

Paver Rescue can bring back the original luster and color of a homeowner’s beautifully designed installations by employing a five-step process. Step one involves repairing broken, cracked or uneven pavers. Step two replaces edging restraint that has failed over time. Step three is a thorough cleaning of the surface using a high-pressure sprayer with heated water and a specially formulated cleaning solution to diminish dirt and stains on the paver surface. Step four is replenishing the polymeric sand, filling any joints for stability and eliminating gaps that could potentially trap dirt and debris. Step five is applying a

sealant tailored to the homeowner’s specific surface.

Once the Paver Rescue team restores a patio, it’s wise to join their annual maintenance program, which includes a light wash and sand touchup. They also do an inspection of the patio to look for pavers that have moved, as well as fix any edging that has come out of the ground. A client can stay on the maintenance program for three to five years before there is a need to reseal their paver patio or driveway again.

“When I first got into the business, I thought the sealer was going to be the main thing everyone was worried about, but honestly the biggest thing that fails in pavers is the sand not staying put,” says Lausas, who designed the maintenance program to provide members peace of mind that their outdoor investment will be properly maintained into the future.

Lausas recommends that homeowners refrain from pressure washing their pavers in an attempt to deep clean them. For practical paver do’s and don’ts, visit the Paver Tips section at www.PaverRescue.com.

“That blows out the sand and once you do that, it’s really hard to fix,” he says. The result is dirty, dull, chipped and cracked pavers.

“People love to entertain on their patios and are proud of their space,” says Lausas. “Our maintenance program allows clients to do that because your paver patio will continue looking great year after year.”

Contact Paver Rescue today for a free estimate. Paver Rescue is located at 9386 Castlegate Drive in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-259-4880 or visit paverrescue.com.

Paver Rescue professionals can fix or replace old pavers that have sunken down over time. If your patio pavers are pooling water after rains, give them a call.

COVID GOT YOUR SNIFFER?

WE CAN HELP YOU SMELL THE ROSES, AGAIN!

Neurofeedback from Grey Matters for long-COVID symptoms such as loss or distortion of taste or smell.

Whether you have no smell, or everything smells like your teenagers rotten gym bag, with as few as 1-5 sessions of Neurofeedback, you could smell (and taste) normally, again!

Lost smell & taste for 6 months.

Lost smell for 2 years.

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Got it back in 1 session!

Female, Age 46

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Got it back in 3 sessions!

Female, Age 39

Everything smelled like burnt rubber for 5 months.

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Got it back in 1 session!

Male, Age 54

GREY MATTERS OF CARMEL