Geist Magazine July 2021

MAGAZINE

JULY 2021

THE MAN WITH A PLAN

EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR KENNITH MEEKS HAS A CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH

TRUE COLORS

Local Artist Jenna Cook Talks Process & Professional Plans

FEELING FLORAL

Julie’s Flowers of Geist is Thriving After More Than Two Decades

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JU LY 2021

True Colors: Local Artist Jenna Cook Talks Process & Professional Plans

10

Shake it Up: Shake Shack Opens in Fishers

14

Family-Owned Kincaid’s Meat Market Brings Legacy of Excellence to Fishers

18

Business Spotlight: Purse Strings

20

Fishers Maker Playground Encourages Serious Tinkering

22

The Man With a Plan: Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kennith Meeks Has a Client-First Approach

26

In the Bag: Shop Fishers Summer Series Returns July 16-23

29

Feeling Floral: Julie’s Flowers of Geist is Thriving After More Than Two Decades

32

Fusion of Flavors: Spanglish Factory Blends Peruvian and Puerto Rican Cuisine

34

Wild Blackberry Farms to Host Inaugural Blackberry Festival July 24

36

Indy’s Urban Wilderness: Local Nonprofit Seeks to Improve Connectivity and Quality of Life in Geist

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TRUE COLORS Jenna Cook

LOCAL ARTIST JENNA COOK TALKS PROCESS & PROFESSIONAL PLANS Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

After a short stint in Chicago, Jenna Cook has returned to the Geist area. Motivated by a desire to be close to family during the pandemic, the local artist has put down roots around the people who inspire her.

Her unique works are also influenced by her interpretation of current and world events.

Each multilayered piece represents hours of intense creative effort, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind artistic production.

“I am self-taught,” Cook says. “My art background started when my mom taught me how to make paper. My first experience with all sorts of art mediums was when I was young and my parents signed me up for an art class in the neighborhood. Growing up, we had a craft room right off of the kitchen.

My parents and siblings were always coming 8 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

up with projects that involved paper, shirts and paintings.”

Cook’s art can be found in private collections in Chicago, Florida, Georgia, Los Angeles and New York. Using mostly acrylics but also oil and watercolors, she prefers working by commission, but also sells pieces from her website. Her work typically commands prices ranging from around $100 to more than $5,000, and she is currently developing a line of prints and gift items offered at accessible prices under the brand Art By Marley’s Mom. Cook’s abstracts, landscapes and portraits are vibrant with color. Some of her large commissioned works come with time-lapse videos of her process. Her smallest canvases are 8”x10”, and her largest, a 4’x18’ life-size race car, hangs inside Daniel’s Vineyard, her family’s business.

Until June of 2019, when she left to focus on her art full time, Cook served as a wine

maker at Daniel’s Vineyard. She shaped the brand of the winery, creating signature designs and packaging. The label on the company’s Riveter Rosé won Label Design of the Year at the 2019 Indy International Wine Competition. Another acclaimed label crafted by Cook is titled “Circle of Lights,” featuring downtown Indianapolis. Several pieces of Cook’s art hang on the walls of the vineyard facility, and contribute to its energy and upscale atmosphere.

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“I’ve learned in this last year that I have the ability to move the eye beyond the vibrancy of the surface of each piece I create,” Cook says. “With each piece, it’s my goal for one to begin to imagine the depth of the layers beneath the final piece, especially after watching some of my art time-lapse videos.”

Cook says each piece of art she creates holds emotion.

Cook has a history of donating works to charity fundraisers. Throughout 2020, she donated pieces to organizations for auctions during their events. In the last 12 months, her gifts of art raised a combined total of

“I love my nieces and nephews, and get a huge inspiration seeing the world from their point of view,” Cook says. “I’ll never forget how proud I felt with each elementary art project I completed. With the pandemic and wanting to be close to family, I am opening up a multi-use space that will function as a studio, gallery, and place for youth classes, besides private lessons for all ages.”

“Our days, at all ages, revolve around our interpretations to make sense of what is happening in the world around us,” she says.

“That carries over into each piece I create.

I’ve found my happiness in the process.”

For more info on Jenna Cook’s artwork, visit JennasArt.com.

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SHAKE IT UP

SHAKE SHACK OPENS IN FISHERS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

The first Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New York’s Madison Square Park, selling burgers, chicken sandwiches, beef dogs, frozen custard and crinkle-cut fries.

Popularity quickly grew, and through the past 17 years the company has expanded to more than 300 locations in 27 states, as well as more than 100 international locations including London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Philippines, Singapore and Mexico.

“We’re a modern-day burger stand, selling fresh, high-quality food that’s served in a fun, lively atmosphere,” says Hannah Yoffa, midwest regional marketing manager.

10 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

Recently, Shake Shack opened their first Indiana location in Fishers, across from IKEA and Topgolf.

Guests appreciate the made-to-order style, and Shake Shack takes the time to get he best ingredients for all menu items.

“We are culinary driven and offer seasonal items,” Yoffa says.

For instance, right now they offer the Avocado Bacon Burger and Mango Passionade lemonade. Featured seasonal shakes include the Strawberry Rhubarb and Chocolate Pudding shakes. Many guests don’t realize they sell a variety of beer and wine as well.

“We select local beers that are tailored to each location,” Yoffa says. “We also have red, white and rosé wine.”

The Fishers location uses the Shack Track General Manager Stuart McLaren app-thru lane, which enables guests to preorder meals from their smartphone and select a pick-up option for inside or at the window. Users then receive a text alert when At the recent grand opening, local musician Jeffrey Bowen entertained the crowd by their order is ready. playing piano and singing. Indy Balloons did a balloon installation above the doorway “It’s super convenient,” Yoffa says. “You don’t even have to get out of your car, which and Shack Track app-thru pickup window.

Team members gave out fun swag bags filled is especially nice in the climate of COVID. Even when we’re not in a pandemic, though, with bubbles and Shake Shack-branded disposable masks. guests appreciate the convenience of these awesome digital elements.”

To ensure they can take care of both digital and walk-in orders, the company limits app orders per day, so it’s wise to place your order on the app early in the day.

“It was so much fun,” Yoffa says. “We had our first guest in line before 9 a.m., and by the time we opened at 11 a.m. we had a line of 50 to 75 people. That’s how the entire day went.”

“As we get a good flow and understand our peak times, we’ll open up more time slots,” Yoffa says.

At the grand opening of every Shake Shack, the restaurant has historically partnered with a local charity to donate a portion of TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 11

proceeds from a menu item. The company shifted and slimmed down their menu during COVID-19, and now at openings they have a meal match program. Locally they worked with Fishers Youth Assistance Program, and for every meal that was purchased on opening day, they donated a meal to the organization.

In addition, for the Fishers grand opening the franchise donated $1 from every meal to the survivors fund resulting from the FedEx shooting that took place on April 15 on the west side of Indianapolis. In 2020 alone, Shake Shack has donated more than 5,000 meals from their grand openings.

“Our motto is to stand for something good, so we’re always looking for ways to help our

communities,” Yoffa says.

This approach extends to every aspect of the business, whether that’s working with vendors, hiring the right people, taking care of their teams or taking care of guests.

“We’re excited to continue to find ways to work with the community,” says Yoffa, noting that as the pandemic abates, they plan to begin participating in community events again.

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“Our team members love getting out into the community for custard scoopings and golf tournaments, and just mingling with people,” Yoffa says. “That kind of mentality is so ingrained in our culture.”

Each Shake Shack design is unique to its community. The Fishers location features distinctive tile work and interior lighting, as well as a dog-friendly covered patio.

They offer “pet parking” for guests who want to pick up their food and leave their pooches outside with a dog bowl and biscuits. Down the road, they may add fun programs like “Yappy Hour” during which patrons can hang out with their canines on the patio to enjoy happy-hour specials.

“The patio space lends itself to so many fun types of programming,” Yoffa says.

The next Shake Shack to open locally is a downtown Indy location, later in 2021.

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Shake Shack is located at 9701 East 116th Street in Fishers. For more information, call 463-215-6946 or visit shakeshack.com.

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Jonathan Dugdale

FAMILY-OWNED KINCAID’S MEAT MARKET BRINGS LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE TO FISHERS Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Eli Beaverson

Jonathan Dugdale, owner of the new Kincaid’s Meat Market at Fishers District, 11547 Yard Street, Fishers, couldn’t be more pleased with the location.

“The Kincaid's in Fishers adds to the legacy of excellence by broadening our footprint in the area, as well as extending how many people that we can get our product to,” Dugdale says. “We sell the highest grade and quality of meat available in the country.

There is no one around here that comes close to the quality that we sell, so we are very happy to up the level of product available to the people in Fishers.”

Kincaid's has a strong reputation for 14 / JULY 2021

excellence and is family-owned.

“Kincaid’s is owned by myself, my brother, Joseph, my father, Joseph, and my mother Kathy,” Dugdale says. “Our family has a long history in the meat business, starting back to when my grandfather worked in the Chicago stockyards. Then my grandfather went to work for Stark and Wentzel here in Indianapolis. In 1975, he started Dugdale Beef Company. My father went to work for Dugdale Beef Company in 1975 as well.”

Dugdale continued on until 2014 when it was sold.

“My father still runs Dugdale for the current owner,” Dugdale says. “I started working at Kincaid's in 2002 when I was 18. My

brother started at Kincaid's in 2005.”

L.E. Kincaid & Sons opens its doors in 1921 and has been on the north side of Indianapolis for more than nine decades. The Indianapolis store is at 5605 N. Illinois Street. It was started

by L.E. Kincaid and passed through the generations to his grandson, David Rollins. It was sold to the Kincaid family in 2015.

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“(Going) back to my grandfather, my family started supplying Kincaid's with its meat about 70 years ago,” Dugdale says.

EXCELLENT PRODUCT Dugdale believes their high-quality product has kept them in business for so long.

“If we had to pick one thing that sets us apart from other stores it is our beef,” Dugdale says. “Our beef is unmatched.

Period. No one sells what we sell, cuts the way we cut, trims the way we trim, or offers the variety of cuts that we do. That is what has made Kincaid's so successful.

“There was a time before the Dugdale family had ownership that Kincaid's was not doing the greatest,” he adds.

“Competition was strong. We all know if you are not willing to adapt to change, then you are destined for failure, and that is where we came in and rescued Kincaid's. We have raised the quality of product to where it is today and have put Kincaid's back on the path of greatness.”

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FISHERS LOCATION Dugdale has high hopes for the Fishers location.

“We could not be more excited to be in the Fishers District,” Dugdale says. “We have always wanted to expand, and this just seemed like the perfect spot. With the supporting cast of amazing restaurants around us and permanent residences above us, we feel there is not a better fit anywhere else in the state. The number of top-quality restaurants is astonishing. You have the 1933 Lounge

by St. Elmo, that brings only the best customers to the Fishers District. You have Sangiovese, which has the best Italian food around. There is Havana Cigar Lounge, which is going to bring the highest quality cigars and spirits imaginable. This is just to name a few. It is the perfect combination of places to bring a recipe for success.”

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Dugdale and Kincaid’s staff have seen a great turnout so far at the newest location.

“The customers have loved that we now have a fresh fish case, as well as a selection of more than 60 different, unique wines,” Dugdale says. “Beef is always what really draws people in I think, but everything else just adds to their excitement. We love it here and are pleased to be on board with all of the other tenants.”

MORE INFORMATION

Kincaid’s Meat Market at the Fishers District is located at 11547 Yard Street, Suite 870 in Fishers. For more information, call 317-537-2207 or visit them online at kincaidsmeatmarket.com.

SHANE WELKER

Milestone Home Lending Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer 317.496.2782 / swelker@Milestonehl.com Milestonehl.com 16 / JULY 2021

Changing Lives one Smile at a time Have a great and safe 4th of July!

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PURSE STRINGS

13185 Harrell Parkway, Suite #400 Noblesville, IN

317-678-8956

pursestrings.shop

CONNECT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

For 12 years, Paul Braun perfected the art of customer service at Nordstrom where he rose through the ranks to become a

buyer in the Women’s Shoe Department.

In 1999, he set out to learn the wholesale business and sold Brighton Accessories and shoes to specialty stores across the Midwest and Northeast. He eventually became the National Sales Manager for My Saint My Hero based in California. In 2018, the owners of Purse Strings announced their retirement and would be closing their stores. This led to an opportunity Braun could not refuse. With a blended family of six kids and the opportunity to be home, Paul was ready to fulfill his dream of having his own retail store. In September 2018, Braun re-opened Purse Strings at Clay Terrace. His stores offer the latest trends in fashion accessories to both women and men in Hamilton County.

“I changed some of the lines to what I believed the Carmel and Westfield area could appreciate,” says Braun, noting that he wanted to offer options for everyone. Purse Strings sells 12 different handbag lines ranging from $29-$600.

In November 2019, Braun opened a second Purse Strings location at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. This past April, he opened a third store at Hamilton Town Center — allowing him to be even closer to home as he and his wife, Heather, reside in the Geist area.

18 / JULY 2021

“Purse Strings carries an array of items that are fresh and on-trend,” Braun says. “We sell handbags, jewelry, home accessories and even offer the latest selection of quality men’s products.”

With kids heading back to school, Purse Strings now offers Fjallraven Backpacks and accessories. Braun is excited to have this hottest trend for students at all three locations!

One can find the latest Instagram favorites, Hammitt Handbags, Hobo, Consuela, Carla Mancini, BedStu, Sherpani, Beside U and Vera Bradley in stores, too. Given Hammitt’s limited distribution, Braun is proud to have the largest selection of Hammitt products in the Midwest.

Additional jewelry lines include Uno de 50, eNewton, Brighton, My Saint My Hero, Ghirelli, Katie Loxton, Pura Vida and more.

Purse Strings also includes home décor with Mud Pie and Demdaco. They offer an exceptional gift-giving opportunity for house-warming gifts, weddings, birthdays and special occasions.

Braun is passionate about offering and supporting unique Indiana Brands such as BruMate, UnPlug Soy Candles, Vera Bradley, Reissued Books, Peepers Reading Glasses and DD Bird Handbags.

Back to School shopping with

“I’ve always loved retail and the everchanging environment it brings,” Braun adds. “Trends come and go, what drives me is the ability to offer micro-trends as well as core brands to my customers.”

Thankfully, the tide has turned with the pandemic and people are out shopping again. Now is the perfect time to check out the new Purse Strings location at Hamilton Town Center.

As the youngest of 12 children, his core values of faith, family and community are vitally important to Braun. Having a stepson with special needs, Braun has supported many organizations such as Down Syndrome Indiana, Best Buddies, Riley Dance Marathon and Special Olympics.

“I love having the opportunity to support many local schools, charities and churches with special shopping events throughout the year,” Braun says. “Connecting with the community and supporting those who support us is what truly drives Purse Strings!”

When shopping for that perfect gift for a loved one or yourself, Purse Strings is the perfect destination! All three stores offer an ever-changing selection of many unique options. Shop in-store or online at Pursestrings.shop and follow them on Instagram at @purse__strings or Facebook at @PurseStingsCarmel.

Clay Terrace Mall Fashion Mall at Keystone Hamilton Town Center 317-846-8372 463-210-8167 317-678-8956 Email: customerservice@pursestrings.info JULY 2021 / 19

FISHERS MAKER PLAYGROUND ENCOURAGES SERIOUS TINKERING to work with their hands, tinker and be creative.”

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided by the City of Fishers

With the growing responsibilities of adulthood, some people lose their sense of whimsy and wonder. Fishers Parks and Recreation wants to spark that interest again with the creation of the Fishers Maker Playground. Located in the Hub & Spoke building, the playground offers tools and machines to let individuals aged 16 and older create without limits.

“The idea began with the inception of the Hub & Spoke building,” says Sarah Sandquist, Director of Parks and Recreation at the City of Fishers. “The Fishers Parks Department is now based out of the building as well. We're thrilled that our space now happens to have both offices and ample classroom space to offer, rentals to the community, programming for the community, and the maker playground. which is full of all kinds of things to encourage people

The 15,000-square-foot space includes a community workshop, metal shop, 3D printing space, welding, CNC routers, a laser cutter and classrooms.

“CNC stands for computerized numerical control,” Sandquist says.

“It’s a manufacturing process in which you pre-program software.

You would first use computer software to layout your project. Then the CNC machine executes your project.”

The four classrooms are designed for STEAM — that is, science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — learning, experiential learning and collaboration spaces.

“The classrooms will be utilized to teach, train and inspire makers to craft their next project,” Sandquist says. “It will all be based on

20 / JULY 2021

science, technology, engineering, math and art. We want kids to come in and work with their hands for ideation.”

The Fishers High School robotics team will start using the classroom spaces for their meetings in the fall.

“The classrooms will be used for curriculum during the day and then we will have special events in the evenings and weekends,” Sandquist says.

“We would like to expand on people getting familiar with the tools we have in the space.

That means teaching them the proper usage of a hammer, all the way to operating the CNC machine.”

The Maker Playground isn’t the first of its kind but is unique because a city parks department is operating it.

“Maker spaces are popping up all over the country, but most of the other maker spaces are either private ventures or through libraries,” Sandquist says. “Ignite at Hamilton East Public Library is a great partner of ours. We look forward to collaborating with them. We like to think that Ignite is a great space for an entry point into the world of making. Then our maker playground is the next step. If you're ready to expand and utilize some more advanced equipment, then you'd come to the maker playground, as well.”

Guests can purchase daily passes or memberships. The memberships are open to individuals aged 16 and up and are based on a tiered structure. The Maker Playground is located at 8100 E. 106th St. in West Fishers, near the intersection of 106th Street and Nickel Plate Trail.

For more information, visit fishersmpg.com/490/Fishers-MakerPlayground.

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THE MAN WITH A PLAN EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR KENNITH MEEKS HAS A CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH

22 / JULY 2021

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

This former linebacker at Ball State University imagined pathways into the NFL or coaching football.

However, when Kennith Meeks enrolled in a finance class at Ball State University, he had no idea that it would define the trajectory of his life in coaching others.

"I grew up considering finance an unspoken language. It wasn't something to discuss with family, friends or a financial professional."

It was certainly true in his own family. One day when he was sharing with his beloved grandfather what he had learned in class, his grandfather revealed emotions Kennith had never seen before.

“It was the first time I witnessed the most uplifting person I knew come to tears,” Meeks says. “He simply wished there was someone that could help him navigate his journey with money. That’s when I first discovered a light in coaching people through difficult financial decisions."

After a decade of experience, the light his grandfather provided him continues to shine each time he is provided an

expect to speak with the Financial Advisor that both understands and is responsible in helping you implement your financial Today, Meeks is a certified financial planner plan. I simply think of being that one person (CFP) with Edward Jones, primarily serving people aren’t afraid of talking to about those in the Geist and Fishers communities. money within our community. opportunity to connect the dots of a client's priorities, purpose and actions.

“However, I wanted to be “Every day I think about being more than the person my the resource for people grandfather could my grandfather wishes discuss his goals he had,” Meeks says. and money with,” “Each time I sit Meeks adds. down with "I SIMPLY HOPE "I wanted to someone I THAT MY STORY be someone think about contributing held to one CAN MAKE THAT to the story of the highest DREAM A REALITY of their life education, FOR OTHERS." the way my experience —KENNITH MEEKS grandfather and ethical wishes someone standards within could have our industry. contributed to his.

So, I decided to become a CFP I think about being Professional. As a CFP, I can the person being inspired help people navigate some of the more by his values, priorities most complex financial decisions of their and purpose than his statements. This is lifetime.” what led me to opening an Edward Jones office in our community. When someone calls or stops by an Edward Jones office they The childhood dreams of being seen on television tackling or coaching in the NFL aren’t speaking with countless robots and representatives disconnected from their full have been replaced with the reality of financial plan. At Edward Jones, you can struggling to tackle and gain the attention JULY 2021 / 23

Kennith Meeks and his wife Carrie

span of coaching his three sons in baseball, football and basketball locally.

“However, the delayed odds and dreams of me making an impact on the financial wellbeing of those in my community are much bigger,” Meeks says. “I simply hope that my story can make that dream a reality for others. That’s one of the things I love about Edward Jones.”

When people seek help with their physical health there is an 85% chance their doctor is certified by an accredited board. However, when it comes to people seeking help with their financial health there is a less than 20% chance the financial professional they work with are certified by the CFP Board.

“You can have a heart surgeon who is knowledgeable and understands all of the nuances of the heart, but if they can’t relate that information to you when you’re navigating your options, the results may not be what’s in your best interest,” Meeks says.

When clients first come to see him to discuss their financial needs, he starts by asking them to share their story.

“The story of a person usually reveals more than the story of the commas on a statement,” Meeks says.

Sometimes people are anxious about going to see Mason (3), Douglas (6) and Kayden (7) a financial planner because they don’t know where to start someone to get the data needed to drive a or perhaps they don’t feel confident about more robust retirement plan,” he says. what questions to ask. Meeks likens the experience to finding a new doctor. Is this Meeks and his wife Carrie have been person qualified? However, the answer to married for eight years, reside in the Fishers those questions will not be discovered until community and have three sons—Kayden we take the action to find out.

(7), Douglas (6), and Mason (3) — who are actively involved in sports in HSE The questions Meeks most often hears from Schools. Meeks, a former linebacker at Ball clients include, “Am I going to be okay?” and State University, coaches baseball, football “What is it that I can be doing differently?” and any sport his boys play.

He fields inquiries about taxes, insurance, inflation, politics, interest rates, estate planning and college planning, as well as more nuanced relationship-based questions. For instance, parents want to know how they can help their children with their finances but not put themselves in a position where their children will have to help them down the road.

Financial planning can be a complex process, but Meeks helps simplify the process by bringing it down to the simplest terms, asking his clients, “What do you own? What do you owe? What do you spend? What do you save?”

“When you start asking these questions in those simplistic terms, it’s easier for 24 / JULY 2021

“I’m passionate about coaching because I had a lot of great coaches when I played football in high school and college,” Meeks adds. “I like lending the things they taught me and the ability to impact the lives of younger men.”

He also excels at financial coaching, so give him a call today.

Edward Jones is located at 10142 Brooks School Rd Suite 207 in Fishers.

To contact Kennith Meeks, call 317516-5109 or email kennith.meeks@ edwardjones.com.

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In addition to general & specialty orthopedic care, we offer the following services at our Fishers Orthopedic Care Center: • Walk-In Clinic for sudden injuries (no appointment needed)

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IN THE BAG

L to R: Brianna Tappendorf, Schoolhouse 7 Café, Roz Harris, Fit Chicks!, Mackenzie BakerRobinson, Fishers Flower Farm, Kayti Robinson, Fishers Flower Farm, Angela Castelli, Roman & Leo, and Gina Glaros, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Relations for the City of Fishers. “Last SHOP FISHERS year, we launched the SUMMER SERIES RETURNS summer series, and we held it every Wednesday JULY 16-23 throughout August. This year, we’re doing to summer series again but revamping it. It will be a week-long event in July.”

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

The Shop Fishers Summer Series is back July 16-23. The event showcases local restaurants and businesses while also offering shoppers discounts and specials throughout the week.

“This event started a few years ago as an additional event to Small Business Saturday,” says Stephanie Perry, Assistant Director of Community and Public

The event includes 50 to 60 local businesses highlighting their products and services.

“Obviously, we want to support local businesses year-round,” Perry says. “The holiday season is a natural time to do that with small business Saturday and giving Tuesday.

We wanted to offer our community a way to rally around local businesses during a different time of year. July tends to be a slower month with people traveling and busy with summer plans. So, we thought it was a great opportunity to showcase local businesses and what they have to offer.”

Each business will offer a different special or deal during the week.

“We wanted to give residents an incentive to support them so each participating business will offer a promotional discount or special that the city can then promote,” Perry says.

Many businesses participate in the Shop Fishers Series year after year.

“We have a lot of local businesses that participate each year, and in both events,” Perry adds. “They find it a fun way to get new eyes on their business.”

“The summer series includes an array of different businesses,” Perry says. “There are restaurants, retail stores, gyms, spas and Roman and Leo, the only all-boys clothing medical centers. We want to highlight all the boutique in the Midwest, participates each different types of businesses Fishers has to year. offer.”

Offering an event in the summer and small business Saturday is essential to the city and its leaders.

26 / JULY 2021

“We cater to little boys from baby to about ages 7-8,” says owner Angela Castelli. “It’s fun, unique, modern and trendy clothing

for boys. When my boys were little, everywhere we went, people would ask me where I found their clothes. I just had the idea I wanted to shop where moms could be excited about dressing little boys. That’s where the idea started.”

Castelli thought it was important to join the Shop Fishers Series when she realized the uniqueness of the program.

“I’m in a group with other boutique owners around the country,” she says. “They thought it was amazing how much our city gets behind its local businesses. I think residents don’t realize how many different local shops we have here.”

Roz Harris, owner of Fit Chicks!, is participating for the first time.

“Fit Chicks! is a complete weight loss and fitness program that works,” Harris says.

“We offer personal training, nutrition counseling, and well-being consultations designed for women. I see Fit Chicks! as a place of community where women want to come together to live healthy, happy and strong.”

do it at Fit Chicks!” Harris says. “I think when we share our stories with others, they realize they can try something new and succeed.”

Fit Chicks! is offering a promotional special on personal training sessions.

“This year is our ninth anniversary, so we wanted to do something special,” Harris says. “For the Shop Fishers Summer Series, if a client buys one personal training session, they get three free. We want people to have the opportunity to come in and try it out for a few weeks. They can fill out a form on the website, call us, or stop by. All a person needs to do is tell us they want the deal.”

The city knows road closures can affect businesses located in the Nickel Plate District.

Harris wants to show Fishers residents that they can find a sense of belonging in her business.

“We know people may be intimidated to get out while 116th St. is closed or to visit the businesses in the area,” Perry says.

“We’ve created a business access map on our website to show residents how to get to a particular business affected by the road closure. This event supports all Fishers businesses, but we wanted to make sure those in the Nickel Plate District are supported even more during the road closure.”

“You may think that you don't fit in, but you

Perry encourages Fishers residents to utilize

social media to see what each business is offering.

“We will have an app again for guests to see a complete list of all the businesses participating,” Perry says. “We’ll be doing a ton of social media such as Instagram lives with businesses. We’ll be doing giveaways on our networks. We encourage everyone to follow the city of Fishers and hashtag Shop Fishers to learn more about the event.”

For more information, visit thisisfishers.com/ shop-fishers.

MORE INFORMATION

JULY 2021 / 27

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Feeling Floral JULIE’S FLOWERS OF GEIST IS THRIVING AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES

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bouquets. Unfortunately, we had to stop those for a while due to the pandemic.”

While government-mandated shutdowns halted many businesses, Hollis found hers thriving.

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

“We ended up focusing more on our daily floral deliveries,” Hollis says. “We visited more Geist homes this past year than we had in the previous 24.”

Julie Hollis has provided residents of Geist with beautiful floral blooms for more than As a nine-year cancer survivor, Hollis 24 years. She opened Julie’s Flowers of Geist knew from the beginning that she was at a in 1997 as a stay-at-home mom. high risk for COVID, but still pushed her business forward.

“I wanted to do something where I could be available for my kids, but also express “Like everyone else, we had to pivot,” Hollis myself creatively,” Hollis says. “I started with says. “We were one of only three florists in weddings and events, and it just progressed Indianapolis open for business. People still throughout the years. As I had more time needed to connect, even if they weren’t in become available, I was able to pivot and person for birthdays and holidays. We took change the dynamics of the business.” our floral design to a new level.”

The business expanded to customized local floral deliveries, corporate events, and assisted do-it-yourself parties.

Hollis procures her flowers from local farmers and local wholesalers.

“Before the COVID outbreak, we would have up to 35 people at the gallery,” Hollis says. “Everyone would have wine and play around with the flowers, creating their

“We specialize in a quality product that is uniquely designed,” Hollis says. “We’re not like a big online service. We try to give non-pedestrian flowers to people that are specially created for them. Customers get 30 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

twice as many flowers that are nicer than if they ordered from an online service. That’s one of the things people love about us.”

Hollis also started a glass vase recycling program, to focus cost on flowers during the shutdown.

“Due to the shutdown, there was a shortage in glass,” Hollis says. “We created a program where customers could bring in their old vases to be reused. That way, we could spend more on flowers, and they got a great value for their money.”

Hollis feels grateful for community support at a time when many businesses have suffered.

“I’ve lived in this community a long time, and I love my community,” Hollis says.

“When someone calls for a fundraiser, they don’t go to the big company. They come to us small people because they know we live and work here, too. We care, and we are a physical part of this community.”

Word of mouth has helped grow the business through the years.

“Most people hear about us because someone used us to send them flowers,”

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FUSION OF FLAVORS

SPANGLISH FACTORY BLENDS PERUVIAN AND PUERTO RICAN CUISINE

Joel and Carolina Fuentes Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Robby Berry

Spanglish Factory is a local food truck fixture at the Marathon gas station on Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis. The truck serves Puerto Rican and Peruvian fusion

food. Joel Fuentes and his wife, Carolina Fuentes, own and operate the mobile kitchen.

“I’m originally from Puerto Rico, and my wife is originally from Peru,” Joel Fuentes says. “The food we serve is a mash-up of the 32 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

two cultures.”

Fuentes arrived in the United States 12 years ago, and his wife arrived when she was 15 years old. The pair met through mutual friends.

“During our relationship, we shared our love for food,” Fuentes says. “My wife taught me about her culture and her food, and I did the same. After a year I decided to propose to her. She was the woman I had been looking for all my life. I had never had a relationship with a Peruvian, but I knew she was the love of my life. We got married on May 1, 2011.”

The pair have visited each other’s home country.

“I had the opportunity to visit Peru a few years ago, and learn about its culture and gastronomy,” Fuentes says. “I tried the famous street foods such as salchipapas, anticuchos and picarones. With that trip, I fell more in love with Peruvian culture and food. Two years ago my wife and I went to Puerto Rico, and I had the opportunity to show my wife my culture and food. This is how our dream started. We created a little space where we can fuse two cultures in our food truck.”

dogs and pan-fry them. Then we toss them with fries, and top with ketchup, mayo, mustard and Peruvian chili.”

The grandma’s plate, or plato de la abuela, is a nod to Fuentes’ roots.

“The grandma’s plate comes with yellow rice, Puerto Rican beans called habichuelas, fried eggs with fried plantains, and one piece of rotisserie chicken,” Fuentes says.

It’s vital to Fuentes to serve the kind of foods he and his wife like to eat.

Even the drink menu gets the Puerto Rican and Peruvian treatment.

“We want to introduce our types of foods to those in the local area,” he says. “We live here as well.”

“We offer Inca Kola, which is a soft drink from Peru,” Fuentes says. “We also serve Coco Rico, which is a Puerto Rican soft drink flavored with coconut extract.”

Menu items include salchipapas, a traditional Peruvian street food.

“It’s more like a street vendor-type food,” Fuentes says. “We take thinly sliced hot

Desserts include flan, tres leches, and chocolate cake with Peruvian chocolate fudge.

The community response has Fuentes considering a brick-and-mortar location in the future.

“Our customers love the food,” Fuentes says. “We have a great thing going on here.

I would consider opening a restaurant if everything fell into place.”

For more information on Spanglish Factory, visit spanglishfactory.square.site.

MORE INFORMATION

TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 33

WILD BLACKBERRY FARMS TO HOST INAUGURAL BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL JULY 24 FORTVILLE’S WILD BLACKBERRY FARMS WILL HOST ITS INAUGURAL BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JULY 24 FROM 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. Enjoy live music, food trucks from FoxGardin and Three Dolls Bakery, local wine from Daniels’ Vineyard and sours from Upland Brewery, including varieties made from Wild Blackberry Farm’s very own blackberries, a flower bar for creating an amazing bouquet for your own farm table at home, Kona Ice, various kids’ activities, lawn games, pony rides (weather permitting), petting zoo and, of course, U-PICK BLACKBERRIES! U-Pick at Wild Blackberry Farms is a summer tradition you and your family won’t want to miss! Remember the days of catching fireflies in your grandma’s mason jars? The sound of cicadas high in the trees? July’s sun and a warm breeze in your face while you rode your bike all day long until mom finally hollered blackberries for picking and animals on the roam for your for you to come in before dark? These are the days of summer enjoyment throughout the entire months of July and August! all of us will always remember and your kids will, too.

So, whether you make it to the festival or not, be sure you make it to the farm sometime this year. There is always huge, delicious

You can purchase your family’s ticket to the inaugural Blackberry Festival by visiting wildblackberryfarms.ticketleap.com.

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INDY’S URBAN WILDERNESS LOCAL NONPROFIT SEEKS TO IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN GEIST

Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Photography Provided

development. This basically describes Geist - beautiful landscapes hidden in plain view.

What is an urban wilderness, and why does Indianapolis need one? Sargent Road Nature Park was just purchased and we have Fort Harrison State Park, as well as Skiles Test Nature Park. The Monon Trail is also not too far away.

A small group of Geist residents got together and Indy’s Urban Wilderness (IUW) officially became a nonprofit in August of 2019. They have wasted no time getting to work. IUW is a community partnership designed to bring together our government, businesses, the public and other nonprofits to create a better Lawrence Township.

By definition, the phrase urban wilderness is a place to experience adventure and solitude, and perhaps see rare and endangered species, on the edge of modern 36 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

Their mission is to promote a sustainable trails system, providing safe connectivity

for social, economic and healthful recreational pursuits in greater Lawrence Township, while advocating for respect and preservation of the natural environment.

Can this be achieved, and has anyone done this? Board President Bruce Lockhart, an area dentist, along with other board members, traveled to two cities that specifically designed a trail, path and park system, connecting residents for biking and hiking access. The public and private partnerships in Bentonville, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, developed plans to create a better lifestyle for residents and more.

Over a 10 year period, leaders in Bentonville, known as the corporate headquarters of Walmart, developed a plan by hiring a park designer to create a comprehensive trail system that connects neighborhoods with paths and trails through the community to museums, restaurants, shops and parks. The plan was a major success, leading to a major improvement in the quality of life for residents.

Perhaps a more tangible result, beyond community pride, is the economic impact.

Homes located on the trails and paths experienced a 7% to 10% increase in property values. The overall impact for Bentonville is $100 million annually to the local economy.

Memphis achieved similar results with homeowner values, and an annual impact of $50 million per year to the local economy.

For IUW leaders the needs were different, in that there is a lot of infrastructure already in place, so enhancing quality of life is based on creating a plan to connect what already exists and enhancing existing locations. While this might sound easy, this project will require a complete public-private partnership.

THE OVERALL VISION FOR IUW IS AS FOLLOWS: 1. To improve the options for walking and biking around the community for healthier lifestyles.

2. To preserve green space because the natural character of our township needs protection.

3. To offer safe connections (including 82nd Street, Fall Creek Road, 96th Street and Sargent Road, particularly at rush hour) for unlimited, safe access from neighborhoods to green spaces, amenities and recreational areas.

4. To develop valuable infrastructure to strengthen Lawrence Township for businesses, to attract and retain families.

Lockhart and the rest of the IUW board are very passionate about the potential to improve the quality of life here in Geist, while also providing connectivity to surrounding communities.

“We have all gone out of town and visited some special place where we enjoyed the ability to bike or hike from where we were staying to a nice restaurant, coffee shop or ice cream cone and back, without ever getting in our car,” Lockhart says. “The experience of enjoying nature with family or friends often creates indelible memories which can last a lifetime.”

The group is currently working on completing the Fall Creek Greenway, a paved multi-use trail along Fall Creek from downtown Indianapolis to Fishers and beyond, via the City of Lawrence and Fort Harrison State Park. This is a 22-mile regional connector, of which all but six miles has been completed. This project was originally part of George Kessler’s Park and Boulevard Plan. The group is working closely with several municipalities, and needs the cooperation of the Department of Natural Resources to achieve this goal.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has committed $90 million for the development of trails and paths throughout the state, so the group is encouraged by the recognition of each project’s potential. The recent acquisition of 25 acres of land along Sargent Road and 82nd Street, to be called Sargent Road Nature Park, brings the total to 60 acres of protected land in the community.

Once there is a safe way to connect neighborhoods, residents will be able to spend an evening or day biking to areas that would ordinarily require a car, such as Fort TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 37

Harrison State Park and shops in Fort Ben, or shops on the Geist Marina. Residents will see and feel a difference in their community, and locally-owned shops, restaurants and parks will naturally benefit too.

work, and experience a weekend that feels more like a vacation.

“We have a unique opportunity in Lawrence Township to create central Indiana’s healthiest and most desirable Imagine being able to walk or bike to dinner, neighborhoods for generations to come,” enjoy a relaxing hike after a stressful day at says Dr. Franklin Roesner, an IUW board

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