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Nicholas St. Germain, MD
PUBLISHER AMY SKIRVIN amy@townepost.com (317) 412-4652 KEY CONTRIBUTORS TEENA CATT
COCHRAN KATIE HOSEA JOHN WALES
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
- Kody M.
Abby Shuck Todd Shuck Monica Park Kalin Roberts
Writer / Teena Cat
HOMETOWN HERO Monica Anderson
The American School Counselor Association Indiana School Counselor of the Year award for 2025 was given to Franklin’s very own Monica Anderson.
Anderson is a school counselor at Franklin Community Middle School (FCMS). Originally from Columbus, Indiana, she attended Franklin College and ended up making Franklin her home. She resides in Franklin with her husband, Brian, and their three sons, Max, Reid and Graham.
Her career began in the Healthy Families program with adult and child services as she worked on her master’s degree. She has served as a school counselor now for 18 years.
In January she and Brian flew to Washington, D.C., as part of the award recognition. Counselors across the nation were brought together for two days of events including sessions on Capitol Hill and a beautiful gala. Anderson said the experience was “affirming and energizing to meet likeminded and career-driven people.”
“The spotlight is uncomfortable for me; I like to stay in the back,” she said. “I was honored to be chosen, and for people
I respect to honor me with this award.”
While discussing her role as a school counselor, Anderson explained how the job has evolved from what was once referred to as guidance counselor, to a more professional role beyond discussing career goals or behavioral issues. Today’s school counselors are immersed in making connections with the students. Her job is centered on students and being an advocate of all kids, regardless of circumstances. Anderson said she thinks of her job as growing and developing better humans.
hard to navigate in some circumstances as well. She says she genuinely believes it “takes a village” to raise children.
Anderson sees an average of 30 to 35 students weekly on an individual basis. Along with that, she goes into classrooms once every three months in a mentoring role. She oversees the class of 2030, which includes 358 students.
When asked what challenges she faces daily as a middle school counselor, Anderson said social media and internet forces are huge. Middle school children are already notorious for their feelings, whether emotional, physical or psychological. This creates a challenge for not only the kids, but also for the parents and educators. Advocating to parents for kids has been
Anderson said the best feeling is to see students after they leave the middle school - to have a student come up to her and fill her in on how their life is going, how circumstances may have changed for the better, and also let her know they recognize how she contributed to that change. Those are the moments when she feels the rewards of her job.
“Working alongside Monica Anderson is magical,” said Tina Tracy, FCMS school counselor. “She is happy every single day, and brings cheer and joy to all those around her. As a school counselor she is collaborative, progressive, uplifting and driven to serve our students in the best way possible. As a longtime friend and coworker, she is trustworthy, empathic and steadfast. Monica gives everything to the staff and students at FCMS, and I am truly happy she is finally being recognized for all the hard work she has put in over the years. Her dedication and passion make a lasting impact on everyone she meets, and there is no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Cakes (Birthday, Anniversary, Holiday and Wedding)
Cookies
Cookie Cakes
Cake Jars
Cupcakes
Cake Pops
Jenna Elkins, Baker/Owner
317-449-3902
www.toptierindy.com
EASTER
DIRT CAKE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
TOPPINGS:
• 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates
• ½ cup mini Oreo cookies (for topping)
• Optional:
• Sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips
• Jelly Beans
• Reese’s Pieces
collin.m.bopp@mwapreg.org
DIRECTIONS:
1. Crush the Oreo cookies in a plastic bag or using a food processor until they are finely crushed.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
4. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed Oreo cookies as the base layer. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie layer.
5. Pour the pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreo cookies over the pudding layer. Top with pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreo cookies for decoration. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Cut & Enjoy!
FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE
LEADERS PROMOTE CHALLENGER LEAGUE PROGRAM
Cassel Turner and Dustin Taylor are passionate about baseball - specifically, Franklin’s Little League program. They are on a quest to grow the current program, and bring awareness to an all-volunteer organization specializing in serving our youth through the long-lasting pastime of baseball. This program includes tee-ball and softball. In addition to the conventional sport, Franklin offers a Challenger League opportunity.
Turner is the information specialist for the Little League and has spent countless hours as a player, coach, father on the sidelines, and mentor for kids. He has had six of his own children involved in the program. Taylor is the Challenger division leader. His youngest daughter, Sophia, is currently involved in this special program for young people with physical or intellectual disabilities.
For many generations, the Little League program has been a summer activity for families. Travel sport leagues have infiltrated the sporting world, and athletes have gravitated toward participating in travel teams. Franklin Little League leaders want to get the
Writer / Teena Catt
Photographer / Christina Cochran
word out that they are alive and well, and have much to offer young players of all types.
Organizers are pushing the boundary areas to expand interest in Franklin’s program. Turner and Taylor want residents not only in Franklin, but also Edinburgh, Whiteland, as well as the east and west portions of Johnson County, to invest in the program. The Little League has implemented social media this year and has Facebook and Instagram pages for additional information.
Little League has baseball and softball programs for youths of all ages. It is open to male and female athletes.
The Challenger League is an inclusive sports program designed specifically for children ages 5 to 21 with physical and intellectual disabilities. This league provides a fun and supportive environment where every player is encouraged to participate at their own pace. Each player is buddied up with a Senior League player who guides and
protects the player during the game. The focus of this program is teamwork and sportsmanship. This program is a one-day program at zero cost. The oneday event will take place in June, with the date to be announced.
“We want families to come out, relax and watch their children participate in a positive environment of play for a few hours,” said Taylor. The organizers hope this program allows the kids to feel represented and seen outside of their normal restraints, and to experience success. Eventually Taylor hopes to see this program grow to the point where a league season is possible.
To learn more, go to franklinlittleleague.com.
Cruisin’ Franklin
Writer / John Wales
Hot Rods come in all shapes and sizes. For decades, inventive gear heads have souped up, customized and created rolling works of art that rumble. Perhaps no car is more iconic in the hot-rod world than the Ford Model T.
Last built in 1927, the Model T ushered in a new form of transportation with just a few more units of horsepower than the buggies and carriages it replaced. Almost immediately, mechanics looked for ways to increase the performance, and by the 1950s “greasers” had converted the tiny cars into full-blown hot rods barely resembling the cars they once were.
Often referred to as a T Bucket or a Bucket T, they were small, lightweight and easy to modify. The body consisted of a small, bucketshaped shell sitting on an exposed frame. The engine and tires were also exposed, giving the hot rod its distinctive stripped down appeal, proving popular with gear heads looking for speed and a custom appearance.
Avon native Dustin Cooper has always loved the traditional T Bucket rods. His father, John Cooper, an Indiana car show legend, introduced his son to hot rods before he could even walk. The elder Cooper and his wife, Susie, would often attend car shows with young Dustin and his sister, Amanda, in tow. One rod in particular always stood out to Dustin, a customized 1923 T Bucket. The car literally left an impression on young Dustin, as he burned his leg on the car’s header pipe when he was 8 years old - and he still has the scar to prove it!
The Bucket was originally hand built by Chuck Otter in 1971 and named Enginuity. Otter entered the car in various indoor car shows and it started collecting trophies. He would later sell the car, only to buy it back in the late 1980s. Later he would sell it to John Cooper in 1996 and Dustin would fall in love with it.
The Coopers would eventually sell the car and it disappeared from the show circuit. Dustin grew up and would open his own shop, Cooper’s Paint and Body, where he would
customize cars for customers, but he couldn’t stop dreaming of Enginuity. In 2018 the car reappeared for sale on Facebook Marketplace and he jumped at the chance to buy it.
Unfortunately time and decay had set in, and the car was in complete shambles. It no longer ran, and to most eyes it wasn’t worth the time to fix. This car had too much history and sentiment for Dustin so he knew he had to resurrect it.
His plans were to get the car running and cruise it as a “survivor” rod, keeping the wornout, dirty look in which he found it.
“The more I worked on it, and with dad’s persuasion, I decided to build the car again,” he said.
And so the rebuild began, to return it to showcar status.
The body was heavily modified and coated in House of Kolor Brandywine Candy over silver by Dustin himself, then Litl Bill laid
down the gold leaf and brushwork. Every chrome piece on the car was re-chromed, so the car gleams under the lights on the indoor show-car circuit. All the gold on the car is actual 24 karat.
The 355 Chevy power plant was even customized, as Dustin ground the engine block and polished it during the rebuild. The grey crushedvelvet interior was installed by Jeff “Stitch” Dempsey in Bargersville.
Since completion, the car has been on the International Show Car Association tour, winning trophies all over the country. It finished the 2024 season winning second place in the Rod category for the entire nation. Dustin plans to put the car back on the street after a few years of show touring. It can be seen at the 2025 Indianapolis World of Wheels this month.
Enginuity is the car that he always dreamed of building. However, it is far more than a car to him. Most of the great memories he has of the car, and the new memories he has built, are of the time spent with his dad working on and showing the car.
“Always spend time with your dad, and if you can’t do that, spend time with a kid,” he said. “Take that kid to a car show or for a ride in your old car; they might get the bug. It worked for me.”
Good advice, Dustin. Until next time, keep cruising.
NEW TO FRANKLIN MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC
FOOD TRUCK TO FAMILY TRADITION
THE BURGER POET’S JOURNEY IN FRANKLIN
Writer / Katie Hosea
When you walk into The Burger Poet in Franklin, you’re not just stepping into a place that serves delicious, freshly made burgers; you’re entering a labor of love.
Brandon and Linda San Agustin started their food truck business in August 2023 with the support of their family. This is a family business in every sense of the word, with everyone from the youngest to the oldest involved in making it a success.
Since opening their food truck, and then their brick-and-mortar restaurant in November 2024 on North Morton Street in Franklin, The Burger Poet has not only captured the taste buds of the Franklin community, but also their hearts.
The driving force behind The Burger Poet is a family’s desire to work together and share something meaningful. “Our entire family has been involved in running The Burger Poetdesign, creative development, food ideas, cooking, taste testing, the list goes on,” says Brandon San Agustin. It’s this deep-rooted connection to the work that has helped shape both their food and their mission, which is creating a place where their kids can be involved in something to be proud of, all while serving the community they love.
But what sets The Burger Poet apart from other local eateries? “I don’t want to say that we are so much different than other restaurants in Franklin,” San Agustin says. “We do our best to provide great customer service and delicious food to share with others. We are happy just to be able to serve alongside them.”
It’s clear that their focus isn’t on competition, but rather on collaboration and contribution to the community - something that resonates deeply with the locals.
As for the menu, The Burger Poet has won over a loyal following and is constantly
welcoming new visitors, thanks in part to their crowd-pleasing smash burger. Described as the original smash burger by the team, it’s a stack of juicy beef topped with cheese, pickles, house sauce and grilled onions. “This style of burger was the only burger we offered when we started the food truck, and it became a crowd pleaser,” San Agustin says. “It’s still the fan favorite.”
But beyond the food, it’s the people who have helped shape The Burger Poet’s success. When recalling who has made the biggest impact on The Burger Poet, The San Agustins say it’s the customers, without hesitation.
“We have received so much support, encouragement and feedback from our customers, from the beginning of running our food truck to opening our restaurant,” San Agustin says. “It is only possible with them.
We’ve been coming to the Franklin area since we started our food truck and have enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people.”
It’s this sense of community that has become a key part of the restaurant’s identity.
The Burger Poet prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, and everything is made to order. They’re also planning to launch online ordering soon, so it will be even easier to grab a burger on the go.
The Burger Poet is located at 175 North Morton Street in Franklin.
•
Roofing Systems is a family
Franklin, Indiana. For over three decades, Cornett Roofing
Restorative Beauty
DOLCE BELLA AESTHETICS EXPANDS THEIR SERVICES
Writer / Katie Hosea
Aimee Hamm, nurse practitioner and owner of Dolce Bella Aesthetics looks forward to bringing her business to the next level at her new location just south of Franklin, near Franklin Lakes. With more room and a comforting, spa-like experience, Dolce Bella is now located at 600 Ironwood Drive, Suite M. Despite her love for the little bungalow where she grew her business, Hamm realized
she needed more space to continue developing Dolce Bella Aesthetics. With this change, she is bringing in additional staff and having more rooms for her clientele. Dolce Bella Aesthetics will also have the opportunity to provide additional services through this growth.
When Hamm opened Dolce Bella Aesthetics, her primary services were Botox, fillers, and some weight
management procedures. Continuing to offer these services, she now does regenerative medicine as well.
Hamm provides platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration, as well as new laser treatments. PRP treatments can either be patient plasma or stem cells. Hamm explains that PRP “stimulates the release of growth factors to those
Before After Before After Before After
areas, and those growth factors stimulate collagen production and tissue repair, which strengthens the hair follicles or whichever cells are targeted in that area.” This can be used to treat hair loss for scalp treatments, for skin rejuvenation in the face and neck, and for preventative therapies as well.
When researching hair loss treatments, a common concern Hamm saw was
the pain level during procedures. She provided this service to her clients without levels of pain that would make them hesitant to return. Through this research, Hamm found the best solution in both topicals and Pro-Nox. With this nitrous oxide and oxygen combination, Hamm can help her clients meet their hair rejuvenation goals in comfort. Pro-Nox is a great solution for pain management and anxiety with any of
the procedures offered. Plus, with ProNox you stay conscious, and within 10 minutes of the procedure, you’re ready to drive home.
Laser treatments are another great way to boost collagen production and rejuvenate skin cells for healthier, younger-looking skin. Hamm uses the InMode laser device, which includes Morpheus8. This is a well-known treatment that combines
PBF (PRP for filler)
PRP Hair restoration (at 6 months)
Lumecca IPL- after just 1 treatment
microneedling and radio frequency to treat a wide range of skin-care concerns including skin laxity. Hamm says the device “creates little micro-injuries under the skin, and then your growth factors flock to that area. The growth factors repair tissue and cells, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. The heat then tightens the skin.” This is great for skin texture, tone, acne scarring, fat reduction, and even promoting skin tightening and elasticity in problem areas such as the stomach, legs, arms, and neck. With pain management being a concern for many clients, Hamm is able to reduce pain using a combination of topicals and Pro-Nox for this as well. Downtime is minimal with all the aforementioned treatments, so most clients are able to return to their normal routine within 24 hours.
Dolce Bella Aesthetics also welcomed McKinsey Miller to the team recently. Miller is also a registered nurse with a background as an assistant in plastic surgery. Now, Miller loves being able to use the skills learned through plastic surgery in nonsurgical treatments. For Dolce Bella, Miller specializes in facials that treat a variety of skin-care concerns including acne, aging, rosacea and more. She says that “being able to use my creativity while giving facials is what I love. Any facial is customizable based on client preference or need.” Miller offers 30-minute, one-hour, and dermaplaning facials, so every client has a facial to fit their needs. Miller says she enjoys giving her clients a “zen vibe” through the spa-like atmosphere while also providing effective treatments. Combining these facials with medical-grade skin care from Zo Skin Health and Glymed+ will provide visible, lasting results.
Hamm is passionate about her treatments and how they help clients who feel like they’ve tried it all without results.
Each new client begins their journey with Dolce Bella Aesthetics with a highly personalized consultation to ensure their concerns are addressed. Hamm explains that most of her clients come in with a specific concern they would like to address.
“They schedule a consultation for a particular reason, then once we start discussing everything, they bring up additional concerns that they have,” Hamm says. Their concerns are all heard and each treatment package is highly customized to fit their needs and budget. Dolce Bella Aesthetics places emphasis on educating clients so they are comfortable with the process and can make informed decisions.
Hamm is looking to add services soon including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
To book a consult, call 317-526-8576 or visit DolceBellaAesthetics.com.
MEET MAVIS!
Mavis is 7 attends Webb Elementary and enjoys playing outside (especially going on walks downtown Franklin) she loves being on her school dance team, plays volleyball, and loves to tell a good joke!
“What’s a grasshoppers favorite music?”
“HIPHOP”
Millie’s Ice Cream Co.
A SONG OF RESILIENCE
ANGELA BENNETT DEFIES THE ODDS AGAINST PARKINSON’S
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
Angela Bennett’s life is a symphony of resilience - a dance that defies the quiet encroachment of Parkinson’s. After a tragedy that saw her parents perish in the MGM Grand fire in Las Vegas when she was only 12, she vowed early on to live a life that honored their memory. That promise led her to a career in nursing, a calling where compassion and
determination walked hand in hand. Now, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, her story shines as a beacon of hope.
At 49, when Bennett was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s, the news hit like a second tragic loss. Anger and despair roiled within her, emotions that
echoed the pain of losing her parents. Yet she chose not to be defined by sorrow.
“The most important thing is to just keep moving,” she insists - a mantra that propels her forward even on the hardest days. This relentless determination transforms every setback into a steppingstone toward a fuller, richer life.
Despite the weight of her diagnosis, Bennett refuses to be boxed into a story of decline. Instead, she shares the unfiltered truth about Parkinson’s. “Parkinson’s can be classified as young onset, early onset or regular Parkinson’s,” she says. “I have early onset. Michael J. Fox has young-onset onset. He was in his 20s. It is a destruction of part of the brain that produces dopamine. Why is dopamine important? It’s one of the chemicals in our brain, similar to serotonin or epinephrine. It helps us move. It keeps us from being stiff, slow, depressed, sad, nervous, or freeze. That’s what happens.” Her words remind us that beyond the visible tremors and slowed steps lies a complex struggle - a battle against a depletion of dopamine that affects every facet of life.
Not one to be limited by her condition, Bennett channels her strength into adventures that many wouldn’t dare to
CARIBBEAN RESORTS FOR ADULTS
dream of. Currently training for a bike ride from Cincinnati to Cleveland, she has already conquered the vast expanse of Missouri on the well-known Katy Trail. Each pedal stroke is a rebellion against the rigidity of Parkinson’s, a declaration that she will not allow the disease to dictate the pace of her life. Her commitment to physical activity is a powerful statement that the constraints of illness do not measure life, but by the passion with which we pursue our dreams.
Yet Bennett’s spirit doesn’t end at the bike trail. In the garage of her Franklin home, she loses herself in the joyous art of tap dancing. The rhythmic tapping of her shoes is a dance of defiance, a way to keep her body agile and her heart light. And every week, when she spends precious moments with her baby granddaughter, a new generation witnesses the embodiment of courage and grace.
Bennett’s battle is not fought without its challenges. Medications like levodopa offer temporary relief, often shadowed by side effects such as dyskinesia. There are moments when the medication wears off, leaving her vulnerable to freezing spells that threaten to halt her progress. Even so, her deep brain stimulator stands as a silent ally, easing her symptoms so that she can continue to meet life headon. She admits that the off times “feel terrible,” yet she never loses sight of the importance of humor and movement.
In Angela Bennett’s life, Parkinson’s is not the whole story; it is just one chapter in an epic narrative of overcoming, inspiring and loving fiercely. Her journey reminds us that beneath the surface of every diagnosis lies an intricate tapestry of emotion, strength and hope. Her spirit teaches us that while Parkinson’s may challenge the body, it can never conquer the heart. And so, with each ride, each tap and each smile shared with her granddaughter, Bennett proves that the human spirit, when set in motion, knows no bounds.
Over water Villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica
IOZZO’S ON JEFFERSON
A TASTE OF ITALY IN THE HEART OF FRANKLIN
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
For those in Franklin longing for an upscale Italian dining experience, the wait is over. Iozzo’s on Jefferson has officially opened its doors, bringing with it the rich history, authentic flavors and impeccable service that have made its Indianapolis counterpart a destination restaurant for years.
At the helm of this exciting expansion is Katie Harris, owner and founder of the Iozzo’s Restaurant Group, which includes the well-known Iozzo’s Garden of Italy in Indianapolis and now Iozzo’s on Jefferson in Franklin. She also produces her own line of limoncello, which is served in both locations and can also be found at local liquor retailers such as Total Wine & More.
Harris had long envisioned an expansion, recognizing that her original location was often at capacity - a wonderful challenge to have. But it wasn’t just about business growth; it was about community. Being a Johnson County native, Harris saw a significant gap in Franklin’s dining scene. The downtown area lacked a high-end, sit-down Italian restaurant, and she knew that had to change.
That vision led her to discussions with the Franklin Development Corporation and Mayor Steve Barnett, both of whom embraced the idea with enthusiasm. The Franklin Development Corporation suggested a location on East Jefferson Street, and after purchasing and bringing the building up to code, Harris and her team took over, designing an elegant space that blends classic Italian charm with modern sophistication.
The first-floor dining room, bar, and kitchen are now complete, offering a warm, intimate setting reminiscent of Iozzo’s Garden of Italy. Future plans include completing the second story for additional dining and event space, a testament to the early success of this new venture.
No great restaurant is complete without a masterful chef, and Harris knew she needed someone exceptional to lead the Franklin location. Enter Chef Kathy Jones, director of culinary operations for Iozzo’s Restaurant Group.
Jones has been with Harris since the
beginning, briefly stepping away before returning to help launch the Franklin location. Her expertise in multiunit operations, training and development has been instrumental in bringing Iozzo’s on Jefferson to life.
Joining her is Chef Brian Dunn, a 33-year industry veteran who describes working at Iozzo’s as the most unique and rewarding experience of his life. Dunn was chosen not just for his culinary skill, but also for his passion and leadership, ensuring that every dish leaving the kitchen upholds the Iozzo family’s legacy.
Their team has expanded the traditional Italian menu to include premium steaks, recognizing the demand for a fine-dining steakhouse in Franklin. Steak and pasta are a classic combination, reminiscent of traditional Italian steakhouses, and Iozzo’s delivers on both fronts with in-house, freshly made pasta and expertly cooked steaks.
The lunch menu has also been expanded, offering guests a variety of lighter but equally decadent options. For those who want to
bring a taste of Iozzo’s home, the restaurant sells its fresh, house-made pasta for carryout, available cooked or uncooked.
The story of Iozzo’s begins with Santora “Fred” Iozzo, an Italian immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 17. After working on railroads in Boston and Ohio, he settled in Indianapolis in 1924, eventually opening Naples Grill in 1930, later renamed Iozzo’s Garden of Italy.
The restaurant quickly became a regional hotspot, but in 1940 an unfortunate incident forced its closure. Despite this setback, the Iozzo family’s culinary traditions never faded. In July 2009, Harris revived her great-
grandfather’s legacy, reopening Iozzo’s Garden of Italy in Indianapolis. The restaurant has since thrived, with guests traveling from all over to experience its rich history and flavors. Now, that same legacy is thriving in Franklin.
At Iozzo’s on Jefferson, diners can experience generations-old recipes passed down through the Iozzo family. Signature dishes like house-made pasta and meatballs (crafted with veal, pork and beef), wedding soup featuring the same legendary meatballs, and five-cheese lasagna with Alfredo and Bolognese sauce, showcase the authenticity that sets Iozzo’s apart.
Even the signature seasoned tomatoes served with olive oil and bread before each meal have deep roots, originating from Harris’s great-uncle, Vincent, whose photograph, along with those of Fred Iozzo and the original restaurant, adorns the walls.
From the moment guests step inside, Iozzo’s on Jefferson transports them to an upscale Italian eatery, complete with dim lighting, romantic ambiance and the soothing sounds of classic crooners playing in the background.
The clinking of glassware, laughter of satisfied guests and impeccable presentation
of each dish make for an experience that feels straight out of a major city - yet it all happens right in the heart of Franklin.
Jones notes that the opening weeks have been “flawless,” something she says is rare in the restaurant world. Dunn recalls the excitement and energy of the opening night, a moment when the entire team realized their hard work had paid off.
Their hiring approach has also been unique, prioritizing personality and passion over experience. This ensures a strong, driven team that shares the restaurant’s vision. Many of the staff trained at the Indianapolis location before launching in Franklin, helping to create a seamless transition and consistent experience across both locations.
No fine dining experience is complete without an exceptional drink menu, and Bartender Davin Hill takes pride in crafting high-quality cocktails that complement the cuisine. One standout is The Jefferson,
featuring Jefferson bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, walnut bitters, a Luxardo cherry, an orange peel garnish, and a large ice cube - a drink as rich and refined as the restaurant itself.
Justin Anderson, part owner and director of hospitality, has a personal connection to Franklin, having graduated from Franklin College.
“The Franklin location was an easy choice,” Anderson says. “I’ve always known how amazing this town was and continues to be. They have welcomed us with open arms
and supported us every step of the way. The commitment to family that holds true in this amazing community is the backbone of the Iozzo name and legacy.”
That family-first mentality extends beyond the ownership and into the restaurant’s daily operations. The staff and chefs take immense pride in their work, ensuring that each guest leaves feeling not just satisfied, but truly cared for.
For more info, go to iozzosonjefferson.com.
BOUND TOGETHER BOOK CLUB - APRIL
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
As the seasons shift and the world awakens in April, Bound Together Book Club invites readers to immerse themselves in “The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year” by Margaret Renkl. This beautifully written book, chosen in honor of Earth Day, is a celebration of the natural world and our place within it.
Renkl, a beloved essayist and New York Times columnist, guides readers through a yearlong meditation on the changing landscapes of her own backyard. Structured in 52 short essays, one for each week of the year, “The Comfort of Crows” is both a personal reflection and a call to environmental awareness. Through intimate observations of the flora and fauna around her Nashville home, Renkl weaves together themes of life, loss, renewal and the urgent need for conservation.
The book begins in the quiet dormancy of winter, with Renkl marveling at the resilience of life even in its stillest moments. As spring arrives, she watches as birds build nests, bees return to pollinate, and wildflowers bloom, offering a reminder of nature’s cycles. Summer brings both abundance and hardship - lush greenery, but also the threat of climate change and human encroachment.
And in autumn, as the world cools and prepares for rest, Renkl contemplates the passage of time, memory, and the deep connections between nature and human experience.
What makes “The Comfort of Crows” especially compelling is its blend of personal storytelling and ecological insight. Renkl’s lyrical writing captures the wonder of simple, everyday encounters with the natural world. Whether describing the joy of spotting a hummingbird or the sorrow of witnessing habitat destruction, her words encourage readers to slow down and appreciate the delicate balance of life around them. The book is also illustrated with stunning artwork by her brother, Billy Renkl, adding another layer of warmth and intimacy to the experience.
Renkl has long been an advocate for environmental stewardship and the preservation of biodiversity. In her previous books, “Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss” and “Graceland, At Last”, she explored similar themes of family, memory and the environment. Through her New York Times opinion essays, she continues to champion causes related to climate change, wildlife conservation and the beauty of the Southern landscape.
Bound Together Book Club’s selection of
“The Comfort of Crows” for April aligns perfectly with the spirit of Earth Day, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with nature and consider the impact of their own choices on the environment. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a gardener or simply someone who finds solace in the outdoors, Renkl’s reflections will resonate.
“‘The Comfort of Crows’ is a howling love letter to the world, the story of what we’ve lost and what we can save, and the abundance of wonder in our own backyard. Margaret Renkl is a singular, spectacular writer, and this book, like life itself, is a cause for celebration,” says Ann Patchett, author of “The Dutch House”.
The discussion will take place on Franklin Magazine’s Facebook page, offering a chance for community members to share their own experiences with nature, sustainability and the themes woven throughout the book. Copies of “The Comfort of Crows” are available at Wild Geese Bookshop or at your local library branch.
Join us this April in celebrating Earth Day through the power of literature and reflection. Let “The Comfort of Crows” inspire you to notice the beauty in your own backyard and to take steps, however small, toward preserving the natural world.
APRIL CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Opposite of rural
7. Daughter’s child
8. Common
10. Juveniles
12. Complete disorder
14. Rushed
16. Glass pots
17. Looking very undernourished
20. Significant
23. Brought under control
24. Most fortunate
25. Sense of the absurd
DOWN
1. Dethrones
2. Not here
3. Wide smile
4. Grind (teeth) together
5. Bone specialist
6. Unexpended
9. Hotel foyer
11. Male family head
13. Large deer
15. Disobey (rules)
16. Mixture
18. Indecently
19. Inflexible
21. Deep wound
22. Den SOLUTIONS
1
PROJECT PROM
Johnson County Public Library, Franklin Branch, 401 State St.
Don’t have formal wear for prom? Choose from a selection of dresses, tuxes, shoes and accessories. All formal wear is FREE! No appointments are necessary.
10 HERE WE GROW AGAIN - INDY SOUTH KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE
Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairgrounds St. 9 AM - 8 PM
The organizers pack out two expo halls with more than 40,000 items from more than 200 families.
11 FISH FRY
Johnson County Shrine Club, 751 W. King St.
The Johnson County Shrine Club’s Spring Fish Fry will be held on April 11 and 12, Friday 4 -8 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM.
12
DOWNTOWN
FRANKLIN EASTER EGG HUNT
Franklin Amphitheater, 237 W. Monroe St. 10 - 10:15 AM
Come out for an Easter egg hunt right in the heart of Franklin. Children aged 2 through 10 are welcome to participate in this familyfriendly event.
19
GRIZZGRAPPLE SERIES JIU JITSU COMPETITION
Johnson County Armory, 325 Minute Man Way 5 - 8 PM
Riders First presents the Grizzgrapple Series Jiu-Jitsu competition. This adrenalinepumping event includes matches for all levels.
24
SENIOR EXPO
Compass Park Event Center, 690 State St. 9 AM - 12 PM
Learn ways to be healthy and age well. It’s sure to be a day of fun, information and giveaways, with numerous vendors on hand.
25 DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS COMMUNITY SHOW
The Performing Arts Center at Franklin Community High School, 2600 Cumberland Dr. 7 - 8:30 PM
