Geist Magazine November 2022

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 MARKETING

CAMERON WEST cam@townepost.com 317.627.1761

UNBEATABLE

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Walker Photography

When Chris Impagliazzo was visiting family in McCordsville in November of 2021, he occasionally stopped in at the Body Evolution CrossFit gym to work out while in town. The owner mentioned the gym would be closing soon. Impagliazzo returned home to Tampa, Florida, where he owned his own CrossFit gym.

CROSSFIT LUPOS

“I got to thinking about it, and discussing the opportunity with my wife to purchase the gym in Fishers and move to Indiana,” Impagliazzo says. “It was a great time in the market to sell our house in Tampa, so within six months we had moved.”

Impagliazzo finalized the purchase of the gym in May. Since then, he’s changed the name to CrossFit Lupos. In Latin, “lupos” means “wolf pack,” and Impagliazzo says the pack mentality is part of the gym’s mission and vision.

The space is one of the larger CrossFit gyms in the area, and calls it the Mercedes-Benz of CrossFit gyms. The gym includes a lounge area, office space, small retail area, and chiropractic office. CrossFit Lupos offers programs for adults and children ages 7-17, from beginner to pro.

A sense of family and belonging is a big part of Impagliazzo’s vision for the business. He hosts movie nights in the lounge for members to enjoy. He also says many of his clients have children who are welcome in the gym while their parents work out.

“We don’t have child care yet, but it’s something we’re looking into,” Impagliazzo says. “What’s unique to our gym is our community. If you’re busy doing your workout, other parents are here to lend a helping hand.”

For those who might be intimidated by the idea of CrossFit, Impagliazzo offers a ladies-only Happy Hour class. He says it’s a fitness class for beginners, catered toward

professional women and working moms.

Impagliazzo says the best thing about CrossFit is the individualized coaching and attention each member receives. He teaches seven functional human movements including squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing, pulling, rotating and gait (running/walking). The gym also provides nutritional counseling and in-house chiropractic care.

“We use the term scaling to describe modifying the workout for someone who might not be able to do each exercise,” Impagliazzo says. “There are ways to modify every movement the client performs, and a coach there to assist. We keep the classes small enough so our coaches can provide one-on-one attention.”

CrossFit is heavily invested in the lives of veterans. Impagliazzo served as an aviation maintenance technician in the United States Coast Guard. Impagliazzo worked on and flew in helicopters. While he retired in 2021, Impagliazzo says his time in the Coast Guard heavily influenced how he runs his business.

“I think the nine years I spent in the Coast Guard taught me a lot about discipline, which is important for health and wellness overall, personally and for business,” Impagliazzo says. “More so than that, the helicopter rescue swimmer training I did was some of the hardest physical training a human can do. There is no problem or hurdle within the business I can’t overcome after going through that training.”

Indiana War Memorial Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free; donations appreciated

Soldier and Sailors Monument Hours inside: Please call for hours at 317-234-6999

Hours outside: Open from dawn to dusk

Admission: Free

of Honor Memorial Hours: Open from dawn to dusk

Admission: Free

LIFE IN INDY

INDIANA MEMORIAL SITES

Writer / Michael Durr Photographer / Daniel Woody

November 11 is Veterans Day in America, and we want to take this opportunity to encourage you and your family to take a pause, not only on the holiday, but also at other points throughout the year, to remember the sacrifices that many service members have made for our country.

Indianapolis is truly a unique place of remembrance. According to indianawarmemorials.org, we have 25 acres filled with one museum, three parks, and various monuments and memorials. Indianapolis ranks first in the nation in the number of acres dedicated to honoring our veterans, and second only to Washington, D.C., in the number of monuments.

“When you are deployed, you miss out on a lot of the day-to-day life that many might take for granted,” says Blaine Zimmerman, president and CEO of INvets. “I like to think at least for a day that people pause and reflect back on the sacrifices that have been made.”

INvets is a nonprofit organization founded by veterans that helps former service members transition to civilian life, by

connecting them with Indiana employers and providing career-building resources.

Zimmerman is a veteran himself and works hard to cultivate talent throughout our state. He and his team attend seminars at 25 active-duty bases around the country, in all four branches of the military.

Zimmerman’s team represents about 450 companies throughout Indiana, and informs transitioning service members why Indiana is a great place for veterans to start the next chapters of their careers.

We encourage all of you to pause this month and visit some of our city’s incredible memorial sites, educate yourself on the history and sacrifices that were made, and share your experiences with others in our community.

Here is some information on some of our most impressive sites.

The crown jewel of the War Memorial Plaza is the prominent Indiana War Memorial, which was built to honor Hoosier veterans of World War I. What many people might not realize is that the monument is also a museum that is free to the public from Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are unable to get to the museum in person, you can also take a virtual tour by scanning the QR code in this article.

Another impressive location is the Medal of Honor Memorial, located in White River State Park along the canal behind the Indiana State Museum. It is the nation’s

only memorial honoring Medal of Honor recipients - the country’s highest award for military valor. This incredible memorial pays tribute to Medal of Honor recipients representing 15 different conflicts. It consists of a series of 27 curved glass walls that are etched with the names of all recipients, their branch of service and the locations of their heroic actions. Every day at dusk, the Medal of Honor Memorial plays recorded stories of medal recipients or of the conflicts in which they fought.

Of course, one of the most recognizable locations is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which stands as a prominent icon of our city. Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both Indianapolis and Indiana. Located in the heart of downtown in Monument Circle, it was originally designed to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. It now commemorates the valor of Hoosier veterans who served in all wars prior to World War I, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars, and the SpanishAmerican War. One of the most popular parts of the monument is the observation deck, with a 360-degree view of the city skyline from 275’ up.

For more information, you can visit indianawarmemorials.org, and be sure to learn more about the incredible work that INvets is doing for veterans throughout Indiana and beyond.

Blaine Zimmerman, President & CEO INvets

Image Provided

Medal

Whoever said You Can’t Mix Business with Pleasure, Never Had the Pleasure of Doing Business with Steve & Jada.

Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying, “You can’t mix business with pleasure.” Realtors® Steve & Jada couldn’t disagree more with this sentiment. Their approach to real estate is to offer a no-nonsense, straight forward and knowledgeable style of service provided by two respected agents.

But to Steve & Jada, that doesn’t mean they have to be stuffy, reserved, or worse, boring. No, Steve & Jada are perhaps two of the friendliest, warmest and most fun-loving professionals you will ever have the pleasure to do business with. “We are very serious about protecting our clients’ best interests at all times, but we always keep a sense of humor,” Jada says.

You couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable team to work with. When you buy or sell your next Geist area home, why not mix business with pleasure? Enjoy the incredible service of Steve & Jada. Call Steve & Jada for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your home sale or purchase. It’s your most important investment. Turn to proven professionals with a successful track record.

8150 Oaklandon Rd, Suite 104, Indianapolis, IN 46236

FISHERS YMCA

WISHBONE 5K ENTERS 12TH YEAR

BELOVED RACE RETURNS THANKSGIVING DAY

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

For the 12th year, the Fishers YMCA is sponsoring the Wishbone 5K scheduled on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) from 8-10 a.m. From serious runners to families who enjoy a bonding activity, this run/ walk is an opportunity to participate in a fun event while giving back to the community. The race has a virtual 5K or 10K option as well as being an in-person event, but registration for either choice includes a t-shirt and finishers medal. For those attending inperson, there is the opportunity to win prizes.

“The Wishbone 5K has become a family tradition for most of our participants. We really focus on making it a memorable experience and not just a race,” says Ambur Beasley, Associate Wellness Director. “We have amazing pies to be won, great door prizes, live music, and of course the amazing community that comes out to make this event an absolute blast! We love that we can make it accessible for not only the competitive racer, but for whole families and participants that want to include their fur babies too!”

“Over 1,000 people come. There are strollers, groups of friends and dogs on leashes. It is a great activity for a group of friends or a club

since the fourth registration is free for every three that are paid. The money raised goes toward memberships and programs for Fishers families who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” adds Rebecca McVay, Marketing Director.

The mission of the YMCA is to make sure everyone in the community has access to all it has to offer. Membership rates and program fees are based on household income. A sliding scale begins for families with a total income of $55,000 per year. Thanks to donor contributions, the Annual Campaign and money raised at the Fishers Wishbone 5k, the YMCA and its programs are open and accessible to all.

Since the Wishbone 5K began in 2011, nearly $450,000 has been raised to ensure the programs offered at the YMCA, which provide a pathway to physical fitness and educate the community, are available to all. Offerings include classes, camps, sports programs and childcare in an environment where all feel welcome and valued. Classes focused on lifestyle changes and chronic disease prevention address issues like blood pressure monitoring, arthritis management, and building up muscle mass and strength in cancer survivors.

The run/walk begins at the Fishers YMCA, located at 9012 East 126th Street, and finishes on the Nickel Plate Trail. Awards are given to the top three male and female winners as well as the top three male and female finishers in the age 40+ Masters category. Both male and female age group awards are given in 10-year increments from nine and under to age 70 and up.

Registration from Oct. 31 to day-of the race is $39 for both inperson and the 5K/10K virtual option. Virtual participants have the luxury of mapping out their own route, plus the time of their choosing. Packet pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 12-8 p.m. at the Fishers YMCA or on race day from 6:30-7 a.m. inside the main entrance.

“We are anticipating 1,500 to1,600 participants this year! Our goal is to keep growing this wonderful event so everyone can create great memories with their loved ones,” says Beasley.

The Fishers YMCA is located at 9012 East 126th Street in Fishers. You can give them a call at 317-595-9622 or visit them online at www.indymca.org/fishers.

For information on registering for the Thanksgiving Wishbone 5K, visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Fishers/ FishersYMCAWishbone5KRunWalk.

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jim White has flown presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress and heads of state in a military service career that spanned 20 years.

VIEW FROM ABOVE

FISHERS AIR FORCE VETERAN TALKS 20 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE

Writer / Noah Alatza Photography Provided by Jim White and Walker Photography

At 26 years old, he was given control of a multimillion-dollar airplane. He’s flown presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress and heads of state in a military service career that spanned 20 years. Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Fishers resident Jim White says serving his country has been the honor of his lifetime.

Originally from Lafayette, White attended Purdue University for premedical studies, and thought he would go to medical school. That pathway changed when White had a lottery number to get drafted. In late 1969, the United States held its first draft lottery, which gave young men a random number

corresponding to their birthdays. The lower the number, the earlier those young men would be called to serve their country.

“I thought, ‘If I’m going to get drafted into the service, then I want to go to the Air Force and I’d like to learn how to fly,’” White recalls.

At the tail end of the Vietnam War, White was assigned to fly a C-141 plane. He was stationed in Southern California, where his flight paths often took him over the Pacific and through countries across Southeast Asia. By 1973 White had left the service to join a commercial airline.

However, he received a letter to rejoin the Air Force again in 1981, and says he

could not turn down the offer. “They asked me to come back in because they needed experienced pilots,” he says.

From 1985 to 1991, White was assigned to the presidential support wing at Joint Base Andrews during the Reagan administration. He says he flew former first lady Nancy Reagan often, and she was a quiet lady.

“We really only talked about what the weather was going to be en route to the destination, or if there was any turbulence,” he says.

One of White’s most fond memories of working for the support wing included getting to know former Vice President and President George H.W. Bush, and former

first lady Barbara Bush.

“I flew with then-Vice President Bush a lot, and he would always come to the cockpit and talk to us,” White says. “He had a good sense of humor. I remember Mrs. Bush was like a mom to everyone. They had a birthday party on board during a 1988 campaign trip, and she comes up to the cockpit and has half a cake, and tells us to ‘take this home to your kids.’ They were both just down-toearth and caring people.”

White says he was comfortable flying highranking officials, and had a sharp attention to detail.

“Our job was to do the job no matter what it took,” he says. “We expected perfection out of ourselves when we would fly with a dignitary, and we would give them landing times while in flight. We got pretty good at being able to get them where they needed to go at the exact time we said.”

He says there was an element of excitement to the job.

“I wouldn’t say I was nervous doing it, but the adrenaline would start pumping and the blood pressure would go up a bit the first time I flew someone,” White says. “We needed to be cognizant of what we needed to do, and we were certainly planning on being on top of our game.”

White also served as the director of nuclear airlift for the Air Mobility Command, where he was responsible for the transportation of all tactical nuclear weapons from Europe and South Korea.

“When I was flying nuclear weapons, we wanted to reduce exposure on the ground so I flew the first air refueling mission,” White says. “I did a lot of air refueling, which was fun to do.”

White met hundreds of high-ranking government officials and says it’s important to know they are normal people just like everyone else.

“There’s no greater honor than to serve your country, and I would encourage others to look at those opportunities,” he says. “I’m extremely proud to be a veteran and serve our country through great flying assignments. Everything I did, it was an honor to do.”

Since leaving the service in 1993, he’s remained active in the local community. From 1996 to 2001, he served as a professor of aviation technology at Purdue University.

“That was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done because the students we had were very competitive and smart kids, and they kept you on your toes.”

He was even named Purdue’s professor of

the year in 1996.

“I think the reason was that I came from the real world and not from academia, and had a lot of war stories from my 20 years that I would take to the classroom, and it didn’t matter what you were studying - you could relate to something,” he says.

White made his mark across the world and here at home. He served as transportation director for Hamilton Southeastern Schools from 2003 to 2018.

From 2021 to July of 2022, White served as president of the Service Club of Indianapolis, which promotes the collective and individual interests of former service members.

“It’s just an amazing group and they had great stories to tell,” White says. “We had about five men in the group who served in World War II and many Korean veterans, and you could just walk in the room and feel that camaraderie.”

White currently serves on the board for the nonprofit Hollis Adams, as well as the Fishers Police Department’s advisory board and the Fishers Armed Services Commission.

“It has been a privilege to serve all these years, and I’m honored to continue giving back,” he says.

There’s no such thing as too much teamwork.

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Now, more than ever, we want you to remember that when you’re part of a community, you’re never alone.

Let’s start the journey together at eCommunity.com/cancer

WELCOME TO LAWRENCE

Welcome to Lawrence, where residents, schools and businesses unite in its appreciation for the excellent location and strength of community. With great people and great schools, Lawrence is the ideal place to live, work and play.

The City of Lawrence offers a unique retreat within Marion County while maintaining strong connectivity to the urban core of Indianapolis and Central Indiana. A strong metropolitan school district, tightly knit business community, rich history, and a strong residential market bolster Lawrence’s unique Fall Creek Valley terrain and numerous arts, recreational and athletic amenities.

Population growth, educational enrollment and attainment, and gross assessed values are all important community progress indicators that have upward trends. Through continued powerful partnerships between governmental entities and units, dynamic organizations, such as the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, area businesses,

A Letter from the Mayor

large and small, and our caring and committed residents, the City of Lawrence continues to be a distinctive place that fosters growth.

Lawrence has many tangible assets, including Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison. This area has seen a tremendous and ongoing rebirth as the center of the City of Lawrence with the convenience of easy access to multiple interstate systems. The Fort Ben Cultural Campus features the first permanent installation of musical swings and is home to Theater at the Fort.

There are year-round community events such as the Fort Ben Farmers Market, Spring Fling egg hunt, 4TH Fest including a spectacular fireworks display, Community Safety Day with its annual wing eating competition between the Lawrence Police and Fire Departments, Lagers in Lawrence, the City’s Oktoberfest celebration, as well as “A Lawrence Christmas” tree lighting and parade, the signature event of the city’s Winterfest celebration. A Black History

Month Celebration, Fiesta Lawrence, Juneteenth, and Dia Latino de Lawrence celebrate the City’s diversity. These and so many more events offer something for everyone.

Lawrence is home to one of the highest ratios of green space to total land area in the State of Indiana. Encompassing over 1700 acres, Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and the Fort Golf Course are favorites for residents and visitors alike. Lawrence Parks are home to premier youth sports facilities such as soccer, baseball, a skate park, and the newest amenity, pickleball courts.

Strong civic organizations, community engagement, an educated and capable workforce and local business leaders who are committed to improving and investing in the City of Lawrence make Lawrence an ideal community. Again, welcome to Lawrence, a place where everyone belongs.

Steve Collier, Mayor City of Lawrence

INDIANA! LAWRENCE TAKE A TOUR OF

COMMUNITY SAFETY DAY

WINTERFEST

events,

parks at

Experience a month-long city celebration, starting with A Lawrence Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Enjoy German music, food, dancing, unlimited beer samples, and weiner dog races!

IN LAWRENCE

FORT BEN FARMER’S MARKET

Lawrence offers public events worth the trip, interactive experiences at the Cultural Campus, beautiful State Park trails, and the IndyGo Purple Line will connect it all, extending 15.2 miles to downtown Indy.

Tour Lawrence Bike Share

IndyGo Purple Line

Fort Harrison State Park

Fort Ben Cultural Campus

HAND IN HAND, SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

School Foundation (LTSF) was launched by visionaries from both the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (LT Schools) and the community working together to support LT students. Fast forward 40 years, and the same collaborative spirit drives the continuing vision and mission of LTSF.

“It takes the community working shoulder to shoulder to create impact in LT Schools by fulfilling the mission of matching resources to the needs of our students and staff,” shared Jen Gibbs, LTSF Executive Director. “We work hand in hand with LT Schools’ administrators to identify those programs that are of greatest value to our students and our staff in terms of academic achievement and student experiences in our growing school district. LTSF then creates opportunities for our responsive community to serve, support, and give together.”

The funded programs are balanced across all 21 buildings, including the early learning centers, elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as the faculty and staff.

Healthy Body/Healthy Mind, and Today & Tomorrow.

This help may come in the form of the VEX Robotics League which furthers students’ interest and skills in STEM related subjects. It may be student scholarships. It may be Legacy Field Study Trips or bringing an industry expert into the classroom via technology to enhance learning. It could be Creative Impact Grants, giving teachers the opportunity to apply for funding that supports creative and innovative projects.

“We’re dreamers,” explains Natalie Stewart, Harrison Hill Elementary Principal. “The Foundation seeks to eliminate the opportunity gap and provide enriched experiences for all students. For example, we had a teacher who wanted to create a unique reading garden so students would have a comfortable place to read in hammocks surrounded by nature, and the Foundation made that dream a reality.”

Milo Ellis, Lawrence Central Coordinator of Performing Arts and Co-Director of Choirs chimes in, “We know our why, we need our how, and that is where LTSF assists.”

Think back to 1983. The Apple Macintosh computer was born. Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was dominating the airwaves. The world wide web didn’t exist. Costco was founded. And, the Lawrence Township

“Our Foundation’s hard work allows for our school community to provide additional resources to our students that go beyond local, state, and federal funding,” adds Superintendent Dr. Shawn Smith. “They support innovation for our district to be the ‘District of Destination’.”

The programs fall into one of four categories. These student centric initiatives include Year 13 Prep, Hands on Learning,

The Foundation hosts and participates in multiple community gatherings throughout the year. There are two golf outings, and the funds raised at the fall golf outing are designated to the Bridge Fund which ensures that all students can participate in all school aspects such as academics, athletics, performing arts, and extracurricular activities without limitations. In addition, each spring LTSF

hosts its annual celebration where the entire community - school administrators, faculty, staff, business partners, alumni and donors – comes together to honor and recognize the significant and meaningful impact. At the Celebration on March 10, 2023, LTSF will kick off the 40th year of impacting MSDLT students and staff. It’s going to be a mega celebration worthy of reaching the 40-year milestone, while looking to the next 40 years!

“We want our donors and community partners to understand and witness firsthand the impact they’re making. When you aggregate the power of each individual donor, the collective impact of we is exponential,” says LTSF Board President, Mike Gibson.

John Kendrick, LC 2022, is an example of the significant and meaningful impact. After visiting Howard University in Washington, DC during the Historically Black Colleges & Universities tour funded by LTSF in the

fall of his sophomore year, John decided attending Howard was his goal. John not only met his goal of being accepted at Howard, he also applied to LTSF for and received the Power & Sons scholarship to offset his college expenses. John is studying Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration “Had it not been for LTSF, I would not be attending and thriving at my dream school,” he says.

“LTSF is investing and positioning for growth,” Ms. Gibbs adds. “We are the connector, matching community resources and donor passions to the needs of our students and staff. We are grateful to this supportive community for facilitating almost 40 years of impact and positive outcomes.”

If you would like to learn more or get involved, please visit the LTSF website at www.msdltf.org or call 317-423-8300. LTSF is located at 6501 Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis.

GLC STAFF

STAYINGConnected

The Greater Lawrence Chamber Champions Local Businesses

and Community Members

The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce (GLC) exists to further the interests of local businesses and organizations while supporting the community. Originally tied to the City of Lawrence, it has expanded as Lawrence Township has grown. Its members are located throughout the northeast corner of Marion County and Indianapolis, which includes not only traditional Lawrence, but also the areas of Binford, Castleton, Geist and Oaklandon.

Members enjoy the perks of belonging to the GLC in an area that is continuing to expand and thrive. They find making contacts becomes much easier with increased opportunities for interaction. Membership also enhances credibility. Since February of 2020, the GLC has been enthusiastically led by President Brad Klopfenstein.

“Businesses or organizations benefit by joining the chamber,” he says. “It gives members

the chance to network and be exposed to potential clients and customers. Belonging shows employees that their employer cares about the community. The chamber supports various festivals and many organizations such as the Lawrence Advisory Council on Disabilities. The chamber also attends mayor’s meetings, council meetings and city committee meetings. We stay up to date on issues affecting the community and we are a conduit of information to our members. Plus, we are here to help members negotiate the bureaucracy of government.”

The GLC offers five levels of membership and corresponding benefits. Nonprofit organizations receive 20% off the price of any tier. Membership begins at $275 for the Copper level, and includes base amenities. These include job postings, coupons and press releases on the GLC website, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony and host duties for

GLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. April Krowel, The Brain Center, Board Chair

Dusty Simmons, Financial Center

First Credit Union, Past Chair

Michael Shreves, MSD of Lawrence Township, Treasurer

Alan Becker, Bose McKinney & Evans, Secretary

Michael Webster, Freije

Mark Clark, Huntington Bank

Scott Maskel, Morgan Stanley

Dani Carter,   Arts for Lawrence

Ryan Smith, BMO Harris Bank

Vanessa Coles, Fortune Academy

Angie Dunst, Community Health Network

Mark Forcum, Envoy

Shari Hinds O’Riley, USI Consultants

Nichole Reynolds, Stock Yards Bank

Dave Humes, LPL Financial

Brad Klopfenstein , President

Jodi Petty , Marketing & Events Coordinator

an after-hours business mixer.

Each level adds increasing support. The midpoint membership stage is $1,600 for Silver, and this is the level where brand exposure kicks in. Logo placement and the opportunity to create a mini web page on the GLC website are some of the perks. The highest level is Platinum, for $5,500. At this point advertising is increased, and tables of eight are reserved for important city occasions such as State of the City and State of the School addresses.

The organization is structured in a way that promotes and advances both its members and the community. It is led and governed

by a volunteer board of directors who serve two-year terms. Day-to-day operations are executed by a professional staff of Klopfenstein and Jodi Petty, marketing and events coordinator. A dedicated group serves as ambassadors, and works to recruit and maintain members.

“What is so great about the Greater Lawrence community is the diversity of people that you don’t find anywhere else in Indiana,” Klopfenstein says. “We have such a broad range from the whole City of Lawrence, Castleton, north Shadeland and Binford. There is still a bit of military presence and the hub has shifted to the revitalized historic Fort Harrison campus,

where you can walk to restaurants and businesses. It’s even got a 1,700-acre Fort Harrison State Park.

Klopfenstein says the organization has room to grow.

“Our goal is to give our members a feeling of belonging and a sense of place, with a leg up on everything Lawrence has to offer - and it’s got a lot,” he says.

The Greater Lawrence Chamber is located at 6501 Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis. For more info, call 317-541-9876, email info@greaterlawrencechamber.org, or visit greaterlawrencechamber.org.

MEMBER DIRECTORY

*All directory information provided by the 2022 Greater Lawrence Chamber

Supporting local nonprofits such as the Arts for Lawrence, Elana Thompson Executive Director.

ADP

10475 Crosspoint Blvd, 420 Indianapolis, IN 46256 adp.com alexis.lagow@adp.com

AES Indiana 1 Monument Circle Indianapolis, IN 46204 iplpower.com tanya.sovinski@aes.com

Alexander Screw Products, Inc. 8750 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46226 AlexanderScrew.com larry@alexanderscrew.com

American Structurepoint

9025 River Road, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 Structurepoint.com registrar@structurepoint.com

Amerifence

4340 Hull Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 https://amerifenceusa.com/ frankspeek@gmail.com

Apex Consulting LLC 9130 Otis Ave Suite A Indianapolis, IN 46216 apexconsultantco.com admin@apexconsultantco.com

Arts for Lawrence THEATER at the FORT 8920 Otis Ave Lawrence, IN 46216 artsforlawrence.org judybyron@artsforlawrence.org

Association of the United States Army 10813 Stable Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46239 ausa.org Cynthia.Gatto@Militaryonesource.com

Beck Financial Strategies, Inc

5825 N Post Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 beckfs.com admin@beckfs.com

Benjamin Harrison YMCA 5736 Lee Road Lawrence, IN 46216 indymca.org jsera@indymca.org

Beyond Monumental / Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben P.O. Box 55488 Indianapolis, IN 46205 beyondmonumental.org Riley@beyondmonumental.org

Big O Tires

5801 N German Church Road Lawrence, IN 46235 https://bigotires.com/location/inindianapolis-46235/014102 zacw@mahkadvertising.com

Bloomerang

5724 Birtz Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 https://bloomerang.co/ ross.hendrickson@bloomerang.co

BMO Harris - Shadeland Ave. 7652 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46250 bmo.com/main/personal danielle.morris@bmo.com

BMO Harris Bank - Castleton 7652 N Shadeland Ave Indianapolis, IN 46250 bmoharris.com andrew.johnson@bmo.com

BMO Harris Bank - Sunnyside 5835 Sunnyside Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46235 bmo.com/main/personal katharine.hottle@bmo.com

Bose McKinney & Evans LLP 111 Monument Circle, Suite 2700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 https://boselaw.com/ jjett@boselaw.com

C.R. Heroes Family Pub 10570 E 96th Street Fishers, IN 46037 crheroes.com crheroes@sbcglobal.net

Cafe’ Audrey 9134 Otis Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46216 cafeaudreyatfortben.com jonestamela@outlook.com

Camp Bow Wow Lawrence 10830 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46250 campbowwow.com/Lawrence lawrence@campbowwow.com

Cathedral High School 5225 E. 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 gocathedral.com grodecap@gocathedral.com

CENTURY 21 Scheetz, Jeanne Morton, Broker 270 E Carmel Dr Carmel, IN 46032 jeannemortonhomes.com jmorton@c21scheetz.com

Certified Hospitality LLC, dba AJ’s Bar & Grill 9755 Fall Creek Road Indianapolis, IN 46256 ajsbarandgrillindy.com kevinlabarr@gmail.com

Citizens State Bank 902 S Rangeline Rd Carmel, IN 46032 mycsbin.com jdelucia@mycsbin.com

City Barbeque 6303 E 82nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 citybbq.com castleton@citybbq.com

City of Lawrence 9001 E. 59th Street, Suite 301 Lawrence, IN 46216 CityofLawrence.org scollier@cityoflawrence.org

City of Lawrence Department of Public Works 9001 E. 59th Street, Suite 300 Lawrence, IN 46216 CityofLawrence.org wanthony@cityoflawrence.org

City of Lawrence Fire Department 9001 E. 59th Street Lawrence, IN 46216 CityofLawrence.org dbatalis@cityoflawrence.org

City of Lawrence Police Department 9001 E. 59th Street Lawrence, IN 46216 CityOfLawrence.org

Cochran Exteriors, LLC 8461 Castlewood Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250 cochranexteriors.com ross@cochranexteriors.com

Cohron’s Manufactured Homes, Inc 9623 Pendleton Pike Lawrence, IN 46236 cohronhomes.com bmjsc4@aol.com

Community Cupboard of Lawrence 7101 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46226 ecommunity.com/cupboard mburkemattocks@ecommunity.com

Community Health Network 7330 Shadeland Station Indianapolis, IN 46256 ecommunity.com JOelschlager@ecommunity.com

Connected in Community 7002 Graham Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46220 connectedincommunity.org charla@connectedincommunity.org

Context Design 5825 Lawton Loop East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46216 context-design.com contact@context-design.com

Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC 5845 Lawton Loop E. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46216 ckflaw.com danacraig@ckflaw.com

Creed Improvements 6226 Green Leaves Rd Indianapolis, IN 46220 creedimprovements.com chris@creedimprovements.com

Crossroads of America Council, BSA 7125 Fall Creek Road North Indianapolis, IN 46256 crossroadsbsa.org delser@crossroadsbsa.org

Crown Trophy Indy 1311 North Shadeland, Suite A Indianapolis, IN 46219 CrownTrophy.com crownindy@yahoo.com

Culver’s of Lawrence 5525 Post Road Lawrence, IN 46216 www.culvers.com/restaurants/lawrence-in

Curran Architecture 5719 Lawton Loop E. Drive, Ste. 212 Indianapolis, IN 46216 curran-architecture.com scurran@curran-architecture.com

Current Publishing 30 S Range Line Road Carmel , IN 46032 youarecurrent.com info@youarecurrent.com

DehlerPR 10569 Camille Ct. Indianapolis, IN 46236 dehlerpr.com/ Jeff@DehlerPR.com

Denver’s Garage Pizza and Brews 110 E Broadway St Fortville, IN 46040 denversgpb.com fritz@denversgpb.com

Eads Murray & Pugh, P.C. 9515 E. 59th Street, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46216 eadsmurraypugh.com tom@indianahoalaw.com

Electronic Strategies, Inc. 8050 Castleway Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250 esitechadvisors.com mcollis@esitechadvisors.com

Elite Beverages

5780 Sunyside Road Lawrence, IN 46235 elitebeverages1@aol.com

Embroidery Sew Into It 9130 Otis Ave Suite C Indianapolis, IN 46216 esii.biz sales@esii.biz

Encore 55+ Boutique Apartments 6675 East 75th Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 LiveEncore.com encorebinford@mysamco.com

Envoy 8890 E. 116th St. Fishers, IN 46038 envoy-cm.com rich.taylor@envoycompanies.com

Fast Park Airport Parking 8550 Stansted Road Indianapolis, IN 46241 enrollnow.thefastpark.com/8084a145-e592-441b8083-62d6281bf7e9 tscully@thefastpark.com

Financial Center First Credit UnionMain Center 7101 E. 56th Street Lawrence, IN 46226 fcfcu.com dsimmons@fcfcu.com

First Financial Bank 9050 E. 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46216 bankatfirst.com

Fitzgerald’s Lunch House and Catering 9130 Otis Ave Suite D Indianapolis, IN 46216 fitzgeraldscatering.com dana@fitzgeraldscatering.com

Flanner & Buchanan Geist 7855 Cork Rd Indianapolis, IN 46236 flannerbuchanan.com mlindley@buchanangroup.org

Fort Harrison Veterinarians 9160 Otis Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46216 fortharrisonvets.com dedtoad@sbcglobal.net

Fort Harrison Reuse Authority 9001 E. 59th Street, Suite 202 Indianapolis, IN 46216 fhra.org heather@fhra.org

Fort Harrison State Park Inn 5830 N. Post Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/ftharrison/lodging.html

Fortune Academy 5626 Lawton Loop, E. Drive Indianapolis, IN 46216 thefortuneacademy.org Lchastain@thefortuneacademy.org

Forum Credit Union 5760 Sunnyside Road Indianapolis, IN 46235 forumcu.com ashley.barth@forumcu.com

Freedom Academy, Inc. 4330 N. Post Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 psleeper@att.net

freije Engineered Solutions 7600 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, Indiana 46226 fes-co.com mwebster@fes-co.com

Friends of Fort Harrison State Park 5753 Glenn Road Indianapolis, IN 46216 friendsoffortharrison.org friendsoffortharrison@gmail.com

Garmong Construction 5988 Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46228 garmong.net rberry@garmong.net

George’s Neighborhood Grill 6935 B Lake Plaza Dr., Suite B12-B15 Indianapolis, IN 46220 georgesneighborhoodgrill.com jim@georgesneighborhoodgrill.com

Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

6501 Sunnyside Rd., Suite A216 Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://lawrencechamberofcommerce.org info@greaterlawrencechamber.org

Greentree Real Estate Group 7037 Indian Lake Blvd., W. Indianapolis, IN 46236 MargeCrouch.com marge@margecrouch.com

Gregory and Appel Insurance 1402 N. Capitol, Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46202 gregoryappel.com aappel@gregoryappel.com

Hampton Inn NE Indianapolis/ Castleton 6817 E. 82nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 hamptoninn3.hilton.com andrew.flett@hilton.com

Harris & Ford, LLC 9307 East 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46216 harrisandford.com tth@harrisandford.com

Hillcrest Country Club 6098 Fall Creek Road Indianapolis, IN 46220 hillcrestccindy.com pattie@hillcrestccindy.com

Hindel Bowling Lanes 6833 Massachusetts Ave. Lawrence, IN 46226 hindelbowl.com hindelbowl@comcast.net

Hoosier Security 5841 Thunderbird Rd Suite G Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://hoosiersecurity.com/ ben@criminalshateus.com

Imprint Branding Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://imprintbrandingus.com/ hello@heathersherrillphotography.com

Indesign, LLC 8225 E. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46216 indesign-llc.com jwsawyer@InDesign-LLC.com

Indian Lake Country Club 10502 E 75th St Indianapolis, IN 46236 indianlakegolf.com genmgr@indianlakecc.com

Indiana Custom Embroidery 7750 Records St. Indianapolis, IN 46226 indianacustomembroidery.com stacy@indianacustomembroidery.com

Indiana Funeral Care 8151 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250 harrymooremortuary.com david@indianafuneralcare.com

Indiana Tech 107565 Lantern Road Fishers, IN 46038 Indianatech.edu KJohnson2@indianatech.edu

Indy Counseling Professionals, LLC 5660 Caito Drive, Suite 126 Indianapolis, IN 46226 indycounselingprofessionals.com jtimke@indycounselingprofessionals.com

Indy Data Partners, Inc 5649 Lee Road, Ste 1 Indianapolis, IN 46216 indydatapartners.com angie.gleim@indydatapartners.com

Indy Luxury Motorsports 10242 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46236 indyluxurymotorsports.com scottjefferes@me.com

InPwr, Inc. 10640 Deme Drive Suite M Indianpolis, IN 46236 inpwrinc.com/ sinskeep@inpwrinc.com

Insurance by George 9105 E. 56th Street, Suite 207 Indianapolis, IN 46216 insurancebygeorge.com randy@insurancebygeorge.com

Ivy Tech Community College 9301 E. 59th Street Lawrence, IN 46216 ivytech.edu lhandy1@ivytech.edu

Jack’s Donuts of Lawrence 9105 E 56th Street, Suite E Indianapolis, IN 46216 jacksdonuts.com againes84@gmail.com

Keystone Group 47 S Pennsylvania Street, 10th Floor Indianapolis, IN 46204 keystone-corp.com info@keystone-corp.com

Lawrence BranchIndianapolis Public Library 7898 N. Hague Road Indianapolis, IN 46256 indypl.org ghill@indypl.org

Lawrence Community Parks Foundation, Inc 4455 McCoy Street, Suite 500 Lawrence, IN 46226 lawrenceparksin.org shawndenneyin@gmail.com

Lawrence Exchange Club PO Box 26851 Lawrence, IN 46226 lawrenceexchangeclub.com lawrenceexchange@yahoo.com

Lawrence Sunrise Kiwanis Club PO Box 26513 Lawrence, IN 46226 lawrencesunrisekiwanis.org

Lawrence Township School Foundation 6501 Sunnyside Rd Indianapolis, IN 46236 msdltf.org corinnekorn@msdlt.k12.in.us

Lawrence Township Supported Employment

7250 E 75th St Indianapolis, IN 46256 ltschools.org kellydecrane@msdlt.org

Lawrence Township Trustee 4455 McCoy Street Ste. 100 Indianapolis, IN 46226 lawtwp.org stalley@lawtwp.org

Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services

5215 N Shadeland Ave Indianapolis, IN 46216 legacycremationfuneral.com/ tdavis@buchanangroup.org

Legal Shield & I.D. Theft ProtectionClark & Associates PO Box 26832 Indianapolis, IN 46226 cc747.wearelegalshield.com/benefits indybeetle@att.net

Level365 9130 Otis Ave., Suite H Lawrence, IN 46216 https://level365.com jjohnston@level365.com

Littler Mendelson, P.C. 111 Monument Circle, Suite 702 Indianapolis, IN 46204 littler.com mmoffatt@littler.com

LPL Financial - Dave Humes, Financial Advisor Indianapolis, Indiana 46236 davehumes@comcast.net

Lushin, Inc. 5655 Castle Creek Parkway North Drive Indianapolis, IN 46250 https://lushin.com dan@lushin.com

M.S. Woods Real Estate

9465 Counselors Row, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 https://mswoods.com/Indianapolis-homes-forsale-city.htm office@mswoods.com

Managepoint 9119 Otis Ave Indianapolis, Indiana 46216 Managepoint.biz blyons@managepoint.biz

Marten Construction Management, Inc.

5719 Lawton Loop E Dr, Ste 211 Indianapolis, IN 46216 Martencm.com Tamjr@martencm.com

McKean Law Firm

Harrison Centre - 9105 E. 56th St,. Ste 317 Indianapolis, IN 46216 mckeanlaw.com jeff@mckeanlaw.com

McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology

7250 East 75th Street Indianapolis, IN 46256 ltschools.org carlettasullivan@msdlt.k12.in.us

Merici Village Apartments

5707 Lawton Loop East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46216 villageofmerici.org janine@merchantsaffordablehousing.org

Meyer Najem Corporation 11787 Lantern Rd Suite 100 Fishers, IN 46038 meyer-najem.com SMishelow@meyer-najem.com

Meyer Plastics 5968 Sunnyside Rd Indianapolis, IN 46236 meyerplastics.com/ rmeyer@meyerplastics.com

Midwest Landscape Industries 2828 N Catherwood Ave Indinapolis, IN 46219 mli-in.com abossung@mli-in.com

Midwest Studios 5742 N Post Rd Indianapolis, IN 46216 midweststudios.com scott.thiems@midweststudios.com

Milestone Contractors

7661 N. Perimeter Rd., Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46241 milestonelp.com mark.blade@milestonelp.com

Minuteman Press 9105 E. 56th Street, Suite E Indianpolis, IN 46216 https://indyeast.minutemanpress.com/ diana.renollet@minutemanpress.com

MO Strategies 47 S. Pennsylvania St. Suite 201 Indianapolis, IN 46204 mostrat.com kwalker@mostrat.com

Monarch Distributing, LLC 9347 E. Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://monarchdistributingllc.com/ shernandez@reyesholdings.com

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, LLC 800 E. 96th St., Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46240 morganstanley.com scott.maskel@morganstanley.com

Mozel Sanders Foundation Inc. 709 N. Belmont Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46222 mozelsanders.org Stephanie@mozelsanders.org

MSD Lawrence Township 6501 Sunnyside Rd Indianapolis, IN 46236 ltschools.org shawnsmith@msdlt.k12.in.us

Oaklandon Youth Organization (OYO) 12150 E. 62nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46236 oyoball.org kbamanderson@gmail.com

OfficeWorks 12000 Exit 5 Parkway Fishers, IN 46037 officeworks.net cdecker@officeworks.net

Old National Bank - 56th St. 8930 E. 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46216 https://oldnational.com/index.asp Dinetra.taylor@oldnational.com

Old Oakland Golf Club 11611 E. 75th Street Indianapolis, IN 46236 oldoaklandgolfclub.com sarah@oldoaklandgolfclub.com

Options Behavioral Health 5602 Caito Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46226 optionsbehavioralhealthsystem.com

Ospa Massage 11651 Fox Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://ospamassage.net Thomas.w.brink@gmail.com

Pellinore Advisors LLC 8716 Sturgeon Bay LN Indianapolis, IN 46236 pellinoreadvisors.com jatorr@pellinoreadvisors.com

Phoenix Data Corporation 5777 North Post Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46216 phoenixdatacorporation.com pbarrett@phoenixdatacorporation.com

Poindexter Excavating, Inc.

P.O. Box 36399 Indianapolis, IN 46236 poindexterexcavating.com jfohl@poindexterexcavating.com

Poindexter Transport 10443 E. 56th St., P.O. Box 36399 Indianapolis, IN 46236 poindexterexcavating.com ronfrick99@yahoo.com

Porter Books & Bread 5719 Lawton Loop E. Dr. Suite 101 Lawrence, IN 46216 porterbread.com wpworleyv@gmail.com

Primrose School of Geist 7615 Oaklandon Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 primrosegeist.com aboyd@primrosegeist.com

Purple Ribbon Office Solutions LLC 5625 Sunnyside Road Indianapolis, IN 46235 purpleribbonofficesolutions.org purpleribbonoffice@gmail.com

Ray’s Trash Service

Drawer I , 3859 E US Highway 40 Clayton, IN 46118 raystrash.com dcraighead@raystrash.com

Regions Bank 10869 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, IN 46236 regions.com kim.borges@regions.com

Restore Skin Therapy, LLC 5719 Lawton Loop E Dr, Suite 03 Indianapolis, Indiana 46216 restoreskintherapy.com breena.yates@gmail.com

Roche Diagnostics Corporation 9115 Hague Rd Indianapolis, IN 46250 roche-diagnostics.us thomas.barnett@roche.com

Rotary Club of Indianapolis NE 5613 Skyridge Dr Indianapolis, IN 46250

Saint Lawrence Catholic Church and School 6944 East 46th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 saintlawrence.net Mking@saintlawrence.net

Schmidt Associates, Inc. 415 Massachusetts Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 https://schmidt-arch.com/ dseifert@schmidt-arch.com

Schneider Geospatial 8901 Otis Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis, Indiana 46216 https://schneidergis.com/ mcarter@schneidergis.com

Sharing Place Food Pantry (program of the Foundation for Lutheran Child and Family Services) 6501 Sunnyside Road, Entrance #5 Indianapolis, IN 46236 lutheranfamily.org/ sharingplace@lutheranfamily.org

Shepherd Insurance 111 Congressional Blvd, Suite 100 Carmel, IN 46032 shepherdins.com borr@shepherdins.com

Shrewsberry & Associates, LLC 7321 Shadeland Station, Suite 160 Indianapolis, IN 46256 shrewsusa.com/ claw@shrewsusa.com

Sign Craft Industries 8816 Corporation Drive Indianapolis, IN 46256 signcraftind.com gbeyerl@signcraftind.com

Ski Landscape 9786 E. 56th St. Lawrence, IN 46236 skilandscape.com jwolski@skilandscape.com

Smoothie King 9940 Pendleton Pike Suite A Indianapolis, IN 46236 smoothieking.com rwallmeier@yahoo.com

Sondhi Solutions 47 S. Pennsylvania St, Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204 sondhisolutions.com jroeder@sondhisolutions.com

SpartanNash Logistics 5752 Wheeler Rd Lawrence, IN 46216 https://snlogistics.com/ frizzelld@brtls.com

STAR Financial Bank 9165 E 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46216 starfinancial.com Dusti.hamilton@starfinancial.com

Stock Yards Bank and Trust 6840 Lake Plaza Dr Indianapolis, IN 46220 syb.com nichole.reynolds@syb.com

Sycamore Reserve Independent Senior Living 8275 Craig St. Indianapolis, Indiana 46250 sycamorereserve.com info@sycamorereserve.com

Teachers Credit Union 6710 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220 tcunet.com llarson@tcunet.com

The Brain Center 8202 Clearvista Pkwy, Ste 9E Indianapolis, IN 46256 braincenterindy.com drkrowel@braincenterindy.com

The Carey Wilkins CommUNITY Foundation 12403 CRYSTAL POINTE CIR Lawrence, IN 46236 rochelle.carey@indy.gov

The Goddard School-Lawrence at Geist 10925 Cork Place Indianapolis, IN 46236 goddardschools.com lawrencein@goddardschools.com

The Mobile Hook Up Catering 5625 Sunnyside Indianapolis , IN 46224 mobilehookup.com 2019thehookup@gmail.com

The National Bank of Indianapolis 6807 E. 82nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46250 nbofi.com amandabaker@nbofi.com

The Otis at Fort Ben 9310 Otis Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46216 theotisfortben.com manager@theotisfortben.com

The Otis Bowen Center PO Box 80067 Attn Ashana Fuqua Indianapolis, IN 46280 bowencenter.org ashana.fuqua@bowencenter.org

Total Reward Solutions, LLC 7962 Oaklandon Rd., Suite 112 Indianapolis, IN 46236 totalrsolutions.com Cassandra@TotalRSolutions.com

Towne Post Network, Inc. 8800 North St., Ste. 117 Fishers, IN 46038 townepost.com tom@townepost.com

Tremain Tile and Marble 8101 E. 47th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 tre-main.com mtremain@tre-main.com

Triton Brewing Company 5764 Wheeler Rd Indianapolis, IN 46216 tritonbrewing.com info@tritonbrewing.com

United Surety Agents, Inc. 5153 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46226 unitedsuretyagents.com usalws@aol.com

USI Consultants, Inc. 8415 E. 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46216 usiconsultants.com shinds@usiconsultants.com

Vegas Lounge and Bar 723 Broad Ripple Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220 vegaslounge.bar tan.davis@live.com

VFW Post #7119 6525 Lee Rd Indianapolis, IN 46236 vfwpost7119@yahoo.com

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 295 9450 E 59th Street Indianapolis, IN 46226 vva295.org

Voelkel’s Collision Repair, Inc. 6201 Oaklandon Road Indianapolis, IN 46235 voekelscollision.com info@voelkelscollision.com

Wessler Engineering 6219 South East Street Indianapolis, IN 46227 wesslerengineering.com tylerg@wesslerengineering.com

Westminster Village North, Inc. 11050 Presbyterian Drive Indianapolis, IN 46236 WestMinsterVillage.com lroman@westminstervillage.com

Wickshire Senior Living at Fort Harrison 8025 Doubleday Dr Indianapolis, IN 46216 elmcroft.com pdixon@wickshiresl.com

Williams Comfort Air 12640 East 59th Street Indianapolis, IN 46236 https://williamscomfortair.com/ AP@williamscomfortair.com

Women In Networking (WIN)

712 Creston Point Circle Indianapolis, IN 46239 nafewin-indy m.aurtrey@sbcglobal.net

PASSING THE TORCH

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sam Zachrich

For 33 years, Steve Collier enjoyed a rewarding career in education, working at Lawrence North High School as a teacher, coach and administrator. His wife, Chris, was also in education, working as a first-grade teacher and reading specialist at Harrison Hill Elementary School. The pair opted to retire in 2010, but Collier used the opportunity to try something new.

“Quite frankly, I could have seen myself staying busy by wearing a red vest, working at Ace Hardware,” Collier says. However, multiple friends kept encouraging him to get involved in Lawrence politics.

“When I was asked to run for a council position, I was so naive, I had no idea what district I lived in,” Collier says. He filed for District 5 councillor and won by an impressive margin. After being a history teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, athletic director, and football, wrestling and baseball coach at Lawrence North, people in the community knew and trusted him. When Paul Ricketts was defeated in the mayoral election, Republican party leaders asked Collier to be their next candidate for mayor.

“Frankly, I was pretty reticent,” Collier says. With his family’s support, he ran and defeated the incumbent. He’s now serving in his seventh year as mayor but has opted to retire, finishing up in December of next year.

“Chris, bless her heart, has been a coach’s wife, principal’s wife and now a mayor’s wife,” Collier says. “She’s done her time.”

Through the years Collier has been asked what makes him qualified to be a mayor.

“I call it reluctant leadership,” he says. “A lot of people are leaders because they’ve shown leadership abilities, and so while they don’t seek it out, people trust them because they aren’t afraid to make decisions.”

Such was the case with Collier, who says that his education background has benefitted him in his political career.

“That has paid off in spades for me, in terms of being able to make smart decisions,” says Collier, who has worked with Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.

“You quickly learn that mayors help one another out,” Collier says. “A lot of the skills and tools I’ve used, I’ve begged, borrowed and stolen from other successful leaders.”

When Collier originally took office, he and his team got on firm financial ground rather quickly. Since 2018 the city has been able to maintain a 20% operating reserve, which has allowed them to do capital projects.

“We were able to utilize municipal leases, and replace the entire fleet of fire and police vehicles - the same with utility and our Department of Public Works,” Collier says. “All these things really make the city look progressive.”

During Collier’s time as mayor, economic development has been hugely successful.

“We’re about to put a cap on $400 million of investment right here in downtown Lawrence,” Collier says. Four projects will either start or finish up in the next 12 months.

“It’s always good when businesses that are someplace else want to bring their

Right to left: Tony Gigli, Laura Rupp, Humphrey Nagila, Jared Hooton, Steve Collier, Tyler Douthit, Sri Venugopalan, Cori Korn and Daniel Beyer

company here,” says Collier, who notes that the biggest project the city has ever seen is about to happen. It’s a $60 million, multiuse building that will include apartments, office space and retail. Next door will be a five-story apartment garage.

He’s also happy that the public library, which was supposed to be erected 25 years ago, is finally being built and will open in the fall of 2023.

When economic development comes in, property taxes can go up. According to Collier, the city’s net asset valuation increased 18% this year (it is normally at about 4 or 5%). These projects create value in the city, which, in turn, enables the city to do more capital projects.

“We’ll probably see the same thing happen for the next two or three years,” Collier says. “The key is to maintain that 20% operating reserve.”

Having an overly large savings account in municipal government isn’t always good, as the goal is typically to keep investing back into the city. That’s why 20% is a sweet spot. In his free time, Collier likes to garden. Though he calls himself a “frustrated farmer,” he and Chris have produced fruitful gardens, often putting up 80 to 120 jars of tomatoes and salsa each year. He also makes jalapeño jelly.

In retirement, Collier and his wife plan to visit England, France, Normandy, Italy, Germany and Belgium. They have already traveled through most of the U.S., having made it to 45 states. One of their favorite spots is the Black Hills of South Dakota, which Collier calls the “non-touristy Yellowstone.”

At one point, the post-retirement plan was for the couple to spend summers in South Dakota, working at a state park. Who knows? That may well be Act III for Collier.

“I don’t think I could ever be fully retired,” he says. “I started delivering newspapers when I was 12 years old and never stopped working. Clearly, I like it.”

LAWRENCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2016 UNDER MAYOR STEVE COLLIER

• Wages of all city employees have increased nearly 34% since 2016

• By 2023, nearly $40 million will have been invested in water and sanitary sewer infrastructure

• By the end of 2022, nearly $8 million will have been spent in paving

• By the end of 2023, residents will have seen the following economic development projects:

• Meyer Plastics

• Williams Comfort Air

• frēijē Engineered Solutions Company

• RaceTrac

• Police Headquarters

• Fire Department Station 38 (rebuild)

• David Weekley Homes

• Marion County Public Library

• Cultural Campus

• Tru by Hilton

• Five-story parking garage

• Davis Townhomes

•

Construction of nearly 250 new single-family homes

• Keystone Group mixed-use development project

• Installation of critical infrastructure in the Trades District

With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, what better way to support the City of Fishers than by shopping local during the Shop Fishers 2022 event?

Shopping local helps to support local businesses, keeps money local, creates local jobs, supports nonprofits, creates personal connections and is cost-effective for shoppers.

The Shop Fishers 2022 fall and winter event begins Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 31. Residents shop and dine local while enjoying special deals and promotions at businesses throughout the city. Last year, a record number of more than 70 different businesses participated.

“Last year, we had a record turnout of participating businesses,” says Stephanie Perry, Assistant Director, Community & Public Relations for the City of Fishers. “We hope to meet or increase that number this year. It’s always an array of different types of businesses that participate. We have everything from home and garden, home improvement, home decor, boutiques, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, spas and salons. They always have great discounts or deals on items in-store or gift card deals, which are great ideas for holiday stocking stuffers.”

There are typical brick-and-mortar type businesses involved every year, but in the

last few years, Perry says the event has also seen an increase in online or e-commerce businesses. She says it’s a great way to support local businesses that residents might not see daily throughout their city travels.

Fishers Woodworking is an online retailer of custom tables for outdoor barbecues, Kamado, Big Green Egg, RecTeq, grills and smokers. Owner Michael Cook is participating for the third year in a row. He describes Fishers Woodworking as a hybrid business with orders placed online but hand-built in his shop at home. He says this allows his customers to see examples of the products and get scheduled on the build calendar. The longtime Fishers resident says his business is offering the “ShopFishers” discount code valid for $100 off any custom BBQ table from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31.

“I love participating each year,” Cook says. “It really is a win-win opportunity for business owners and customers alike. I love the chance to introduce new customers to my business and welcome back repeat clients. Likewise, customers can support a local business often while taking advantage of a Shop Fishers discount.”

For the second year in a row, the Shop Fishers event is celebrating Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 so residents can support local businesses while also giving back to nonprofits around the Fishers community,

too. Last year, a select number of companies partnered with 16 local nonprofits to donate a portion of their sales that day.

Holyn Alexander, Brand Manager for Unplug Soy Candles, says their business participates because they thrive off of small business energy. They love the community and relationships that come with having a small business. She says the event is a great way for them to engage locally, learn, and grow more within the community. Unplug Soy Candles is offering a Free Gold Tin candle ($13 value) with any purchase over $75.

Shop Fishers has doubled in size over the last five years. Perry adds that each year the participants see record sales numbers throughout the event. She says it’s a testament to how much the community has rallied around local businesses.

“These business owners are part of the fabric of our community,” Perry says. “They’re our neighbors, friends and entrepreneurs who have been greatly affected the last few years due to COVID-19. The last few years have been more important than ever that our community rallies behind them and shows our support for our local restaurants and shops. It’s a wonderful opportunity as a resident to knock out your holiday shopping and enjoy some great deals you can’t find any other time throughout the year while also knowing that you’re supporting a local

Michael Cook, Fishers Woodworking

Jennifer Sturgill, Unplug Soy Candles

Kelley Richards, Wishes Dance Studio

business. You’re putting the money right back into our community.”

Wishes Dance Studio opened in Fishers in 2004, and owner Kelley Richards says the event is great exposure for her studio.

Wishes Dance Studio offers classes for babies up to high school-aged students. They are offering a buy one month of classes and receive another month for free promotion.

“The participating businesses are spread throughout the city, not just the downtown corridor,” Perry says. “We ensure to include all the businesses residents know and love along with some businesses they might not have heard about or are new to the area.”

Greg Glaros, the owner of Handel’s, says he’s participated since the beginning of the Shop Fishers event. He says his company strives to stay connected with its customers and the city of Fishers. The city promotes Handel’s during the busy shopping season and helps to drive customers to his store. Handel’s is offering two small waffle cones for $8 beginning Small Business Saturday and running through the end of the year.

Be sure to follow the City of Fishers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and #ShopFishers for social media giveaways leading up to and during the event. For a full list of businesses participating and to get more information, visit thisisfishers.com/ shop-fishers/.

Sajjad Shah, MOTW Coffee & Pastries

Remington Ramsey, Parks Place Pub

Writer / Noah Alatza Photography Provided

Clarence Clemons has been busy working inside schools for the past 34 years. In 20 of those years, he’s never missed a single day on the job. Recently, he retired with that perfect attendance.

He has been with Forest Glen Elementary School for the past nine years, and says he credits his perfect attendance to the family environment the school provides.

“I just enjoyed my job,” he says. “We are

one of the schools that has a family-type environment even though it’s a learning facility. We have one big relationship between the teachers and staff and it makes a big difference.”

Clemons says he was inspired by his family members including his parents and grandparents, who instilled hard work into him from a young age.

“From cutting the grass and shoveling snow with my older brother, I was always dependable and trusted by the community,” he says. “I was always the one saying I’m

dedicated and going to work, and as long as I’m in good health and have a positive attitude to make other people’s day, I was going to be at work.”

He says he credits his perfect attendance to having that positive attitude each and every day.

“We all make mistakes, but we have another day to learn,” he says. “Attitude is critical for making other people feel good and pulling them together to make it possible. It’s that teamwork that makes the dream work.”

Clemons has made an impact on the

students. Assistant Principal Jane Giles says Clemons was a role model for not just the school, but also for the community as a whole.

“Even after all those years, he still went that extra mile,” Giles says. “He was a true role model for our kiddos and so willing to help out. If we had a student having a hard time separating from parents, he would step in. He’s a great guy all the way around.”

Giles says the school leaders created a morning helpers program with Clemons last year, to help struggling students.

“It gives them the ability to feel important and needed,” she sayst

Clemons says his job wouldn’t have been possible without the support of every department in the school.

“I’d never be able to make this possible without them,” he says. “They went the extra mile and have helped me tremendously. Schools are so busy and we are like a second home to these students, so it’s important to play a role in their lives. You have to have that love for that job because you’re helping a kid grow, and pushing their dreams so they can succeed and be the best they can be.”

After all these years, with help from others, Clemons stands as a role model and a true success story. Just look at that attendance record.

“Again, teamwork is dream work and that’s what inspired me to get up every day and come to work,” he says.

Legendary radio broadcaster Don Fischer begins his 50th year as the radio voice of Indiana University football and basketball this season, but he almost didn’t make it through his first game.

“To tell you how much of a fool I was the first game that I did for IU, because I was from Illinois and I’d always heard ‘the University of Illinois’ - I wasn’t even thinking about Indiana University, and that would be the only thing you could call it because obviously that’s what Indiana University is,” Fischer says. “They don’t want to be called University of Indiana three times in the first half of the first game that I did for IU. I called them the University of Indiana, and the phones at our radio station lit up like a Christmas tree. It was that bad. I thought, ‘There’s a chance I might get fired after my first gig here.’”

A native of Rochelle, Illinois, Fischer, by his own admission, wasn’t a great student. It’s not that he wasn’t smart - he just didn’t like school. College was out of the question. After he graduated from high school, Fischer wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. He had several jobs. In the eight months

THE VOICE OF THE HOOSIERS

DON FISCHER EMBARKS ON 50TH YEAR AS RADIO VOICE OF IU

after graduation, Fischer says he worked five different jobs. Finally, he got a job as a ticket clerk for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in Mendota, Illinois. He worked the night shift.

One night, about seven months into working for the railroad, Fischer was flipping through a Sport magazine during a break at the depot when he saw a full-page ad for a home correspondence course from a broadcast school out of Wisconsin. “I looked at that and I went, ‘You know what? I may not have been a great athlete, but I got to play a lot of sports from the time I was about 8 years old on up, and I think I can become a sportscaster,’” Fischer says. He signed up. Records of the lessons, a workbook and a tape recorder arrived in the mail, and Fischer’s journey to becoming a legendary play-by-play announcer began.

Fischer got his first job in radio at a small station in Butte, Montana. Fischer heard from a friend who’d already gone out there that the station was hiring. Despite being only halfway through his correspondence course, Fischer sent the station one of his tapes. The station called him a week later. “They said, ‘If you can get to Butte, Montana, for an interview, there’s a good

chance we can hire you,’” Fischer says. He took a 48-hour train ride to interview for the position. A week later they hired him.

In Butte, Fischer worked the night shift as both a radio DJ and the station’s janitor. He worked there for about 15 months. Fischer returned to his home state, where he got his first shot at doing play-by-play, calling games for local high schools in Ottawa, Illinois. From there, he got a job at a radio station in Terre Haute, Indiana. Fischer says he called 175 games per year at every level of sport. “We did football, basketball, baseball, Babe Ruth baseball,” he says. “We did softball games. I was doing play-by-play almost every night of the week.” He was even calling junior football games out of the back of a pickup truck, with a blind color analyst. “It got me rolling as far as my playby-play career was concerned, and I just had a great time with it,” he says.

When Indiana University granted exclusive broadcast rights to WIRE radio station in Indianapolis, Fischer got a call from a friend telling him that the station was looking for someone to call play-by-play for IU football and basketball games. Fischer, along with 270 other hopefuls, sent the station a tape and a resume. A few weeks later he got a call

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

to interview for the job. Soon after, he was named the first official voice of Indiana University football and basketball, a title he still holds five decades later.

Fischer has broadcast more than 2,100 Indiana University games. Included in that number are 12 bowl games, five NCAA basketball Final Fours, four NCAA championship games and two NIT championship games. He’s won Indiana Sportscaster of the Year 27 times by the National Sports Media Association, and four times by the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. He was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010. Indiana University awarded him the J.W. Bill Orwig Medal, an award given to non-alumni for distinguished service to the university.

When Fischer started calling IU games, they were broadcast over a telephone line. Now, everything sounds like it’s recorded in a studio. “It’s just a totally different business than when I started out, but the truth of the matter is, the games haven’t changed that much,” he says. “Style plays and things like that change a lot over the years, but the game itself is still football. The game itself is still basketball, and from that perspective, that much has not changed. That’s why I love doing what I do, because I’ve been able to do my style of football and basketball broadcasts for the last 50 years.”

Fischer says he developed his style listening to the likes of the Chicago Cubs’ Harry Caray and the St. Louis Blues’ Dan Kelly. Much like an athlete watching tape of a previous game, Fischer listens to his broadcasts, noting what he did well and what needs improving. He pays special attention to make sure he’s not repeating himself. Play-by-play is spontaneous. Fischer doesn’t think about what he’s saying while he’s saying it, but he takes care to avoid using the same terminology for certain types of plays.

Preparation is key. Fischer reads everything he can get his hands on leading up to a game. He learns about

storylines and stats, as well as stars for opposing teams and how they’re playing. He talks to sports information directors to get the correct pronunciations of players’ names. All of this is in the service of providing the audience with an objective, informative and entertaining listening experience. “It boils down to just knowing your product, being prepared to utilize the experience that you have, and you get into a groove with it,” he says. “Once you get into it, it’s not that difficult at all, but it takes a while.”

Fischer’s voice is the soundtrack to some major moments, not just in Indiana University history, but also in the history of college sports. Fischer says he doesn’t have a favorite call, but the 1976 national championship basketball game, when Indiana University won the title to finish the season undefeated, holds a special place in his heart. “It was emotional for me,” he says. “I was 29 years old at the time, getting the job when I was 26 here. I had tears running down my cheeks. It was so emotional in that sense. I don’t think you could tell that I was bubbling up with tears on the radio, but it was just a fun thing to be a part of. It’s always been a vivid memory for me.”

Fischer claims his memory isn’t as good as it used to be, as he breaks down Keith Smart’s famous game-winning jump shot with six seconds to go in the 1987 NCAA national title basketball game, and recalls the wind changing directions in the third quarter of IU football’s win over the University of Michigan that same year. “I’ve had so many opportunities to call some broadcasts that turned out to be kind of historical performances, so I can’t pick out just one,” he says.

11291 DCM Uncertain Markets_4.72x7.37 Job #: ANBI-11291-03 Job Name: DCMUncertain Markets CD: Size/Specs: 4.72" x 7.37"; 4C AD: Insertion Date: April 2022 CW: Pub: TownepostCarmel, Geist & Center Grove Acct. Serv.

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