Geist Magazine January 2023

JOY

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

PRESIDENT

JEANNE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

North Street, Suite

CREATING A WINTER WELLNESS PLAN

HANCOCK WELLNESS CENTER HELPS CLIENTS TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR HEALTH

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

With the onslaught of holiday parties, meals and cocktails, many people seek to create a winter wellness plan going into the new year. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Hancock Wellness Center in McCordsville offers support by creating a personalized exercise and nutrition plan.

“When a guest comes in, we offer them what we call a No Sweat Intro, where we discuss their goals, determine where they’re at currently, and decide what would be best for the client,” says Sam Roeschlein, exercise specialist. “We make a plan customized to each person. We offer group classes and personal training as well.”

Many people struggle with seasonal affective disorder or the winter blues during the winter months. Roeschlein says it’s

imperative to have a plan to stay active, even when weather changes keep us inside the house more often.

“A lot of people aren’t doing the same day-to-day activities like mowing the grass or just walking outside,” he says. “So getting into the gym, even if it’s to walk on the treadmill or lift some weights, helps tremendously. Every time you work out, you’re proving to yourself you can do it.”

A large part of a winter wellness plan at Hancock Wellness Center involves sitting down with a nutritionist to discuss a food plan. When clients come in, they complete a nutrition questionnaire that includes their nutrition goals, typical meals they consume, medical and weight history, and allergies. The session is tailored to their specific needs.

“We discuss what their lifestyle looks like, and work together to create a plan and set goals that will help them move towards their goals,” says Michelle Graves, certified health and wellness coach, dietitian and nutritionist. “I will often have clients log their food intake using an app that connects the two of us, so we can run nutrition reports to see where their macronutrients and micronutrients land. I can then provide them with guidance and recommendations. Also, I usually discuss the benefits of meal planning and how proactively planning meals can help you stay on track. We can bill insurance for this service, and some insurance companies may cover the cost as part of their preventative health benefits.”

Graves says the holidays can be a challenging time for some people, both mentally and physically. Creating a plan and having accountability from a professional, family or friends can be helpful during this season. She also advises her clients about incorporating fruits and vegetables into their winter diets.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t as readily available in the winter,” Graves says. “However, it is important to continue to consume them as they are packed full of nutrition, which can provide many health benefits. I would choose frozen veggies as the next option since they are more readily available. You can cook them in different ways and use them in various recipes. Canned fruits and veggies are also an option. With these options, I would drain the liquid off the veggies to remove some sodium and choose fruits in their own juice.”

Hancock Wellness Center is located at 8505 North Clearview Drive in McCordsville. For more information, call 317-335-6939 or visit hancockregionalhospital.org/location/ hancock-wellness-center-mccordsville.

STEPPING IN

GIFFIN TAKES OVER AS LAWRENCE NORTH BOYS HEAD BASKETBALL COACH

CHRIS

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photographer / Walker Photography

When legendary coach Jack Keefer retired after 46 years, Lawrence North High School didn’t have to look far to find his replacement. In April, Lawrence North announced the appointment of Chris Giffin, girls head basketball coach, as the school’s second-ever boys head basketball coach.

A Ben Davis High School graduate, Giffin attended Indiana University, where he was a student manager from 1998 to 2000 for Bob Knight, boys head basketball coach. After graduation, he became a graduate assistant coach for Knight at Texas Tech University for two years. Giffin then left Knight’s side and moved back to Indiana, where he got a job at Lawrence North and served as an assistant coach for Keefer for 10 years.

In 2012 Giffin was named head coach of Lawrence North’s girls basketball team, and accumulated a record of 201-60. His

tenure with the team included seven 20-win seasons, five Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference championships, four Marion County tournament championships, five sectional championships and four regional championships. His teams made the Class 4A state title game twice, winning it once in 2020.

Giffin says he was approached about accepting the boys basketball head coaching position the day after Keefer announced his retirement, but wasn’t aware that this was the plan beforehand. “It was not completely shocking to me based on the fact that I have been at Lawrence North now for 20 years, we were fortunate and had really good success on the girls side, and I had worked with the boys before and been an assistant for Coach Keefer for a long time,” he says. “So I’m not completely shocked by it, but I definitely wasn’t aware that that was the plan.”

He says he was sad and surprised when

Keefer announced his retirement. Like many others, Giffin assumed Keefer would keep coaching forever. “It just seems like that was kind of an institution here,” he says. “They had a good year last year - a really good year. He did a great job as always.” Giffin says he’d never thought about stepping into the role of head coach for the boys team, and didn’t think he’d ever have the opportunity. “I really, really loved my time on the girls side as the head coach there, and the relationships developed there,” he says.

Giffin met with Keefer before accepting the position. He says he wanted to be sure that the retirement was Keefer’s choice. He had a candid conversation with Keefer and Keefer’s wife. The legendary coach gave Giffin his blessing. “I figured they would because we had had a great relationship when I worked for him, and shared ideas and supported each other when I was on the girls side,” he says. “It wasn’t surprising by any means that he supported me or gave

me that blessing, but I definitely wanted to get that from him. That was important to me.”

Giffin says he is humbled and flattered to have been offered the job. He’s grateful for the opportunity. He says he doesn’t lose sight of the fact that he wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Keefer allowing him to be a part of his staff in so many different roles, and learn at his side. “I’m very grateful for that,” he says. “To be only the second coach in a school that’s been around since 1976, that’s pretty surreal. I’m very, very hopeful that we can do a good job and can continue on the rich tradition that Coach Keefer has put in place.”

There’s no replacing Keefer. Giffin knows that. He says he’s focused on trying to be the best version of himself. “I’m going to bring the best qualities and attributes that I have, many of which are similar to or have been learned from Coach Keefer and Coach Knight and others, to continue with the basketball excellence,” he says.

Giffin had a lot of success on the girls side. He feels that one of his strengths is building relationships, and he will try to continue that on the boys side. He says he has an excellent staff, several of whom are holdovers from Keefer’s staff.

The bar is set high, but he’s excited about the opportunity. He believes the boys team will be very competitive and continue to be a strong team that does it the right way.

Sherry P. Hyska

Melissa R. Oliver Vice President Investment Management

Julie A. Lenahan Vice President Personal Trusts

"I’M VERY, VERY HOPEFUL THAT WE CAN DO A GOOD JOB AND CAN CONTINUE ON THE RICH TRADITION THAT COACH KEEFER HAS PUT IN PLACE.”

Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa

An inaugural Polar Bear Plunge is in the works, which will benefit two local organizations.

The event is being planned and hosted in conjunction with both the Fishers Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) and Fishers Youth Assistance Program (YAP). It is scheduled for February 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the newly developed Geist Waterfront Park.

The YAP originally came to the community in 2014. The organization targets children aged 3 through 17 via referrals from schools. They then identify caregivers for each unique situation and work to bring a vast amount of resources to each family.

Trisha Straus, an early intervention advocate with the YAP, says this event will help to continue developing initiatives, and also continue the hard work the organization puts into the community every day.

“This is the start of something that the community can be involved with for years to come,” Straus says. “This is a collaborative effort between two organizations serving Fishers for the past 10 years, and we decided to do something together to show the community who we are.”

Straus says Dee Chandler, an early intervention advocate, has also been instrumental in helping to organize the event.

“We would like to walk alongside these families for months and not just resolve their situation in a couple days or weeks,” Straus says. “Sometimes it’s as simple as providing resources, and other times I’ve got families I work with through graduation.”

The event is the brainchild of Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa, according to Brittany Rayburn, YMI executive director.

“YMI and YAP work together so often in community but we have never done a joint fundraiser, and I think this also provides a great opportunity to raise awareness for both of our organizations,” Rayburn says. “For both of us to participate in one event is truly incredible, and what better place than at the new Geist Waterfront Park.”

Rayburn says coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts will be on hand, and they are also bringing in a DJ. She says the event is something new for the Fishers community, and organization members are hopeful they can make it a yearly tradition.

“We really want this to be a fun time to celebrate YMI and YAP, and all for a good cause,” she says.

YMI operates through Hamilton

Southeastern Schools, and provides students in grades five through 12 with volunteer mentors that meet one-on-one with their mentee once per week during the school year.

“This event is really paramount to both of our missions,” Rayburn says. “To rally around youth-serving organizations and any fundraiser is awesome, and raises the profile, which helps a lot of families out there who don’t know we exist. It helps to spread the word and let people know what we do, and we can use this as an opportunity to continue raising that awareness.”

Ticket prices will vary between adults and students, and will include an event T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit both the YAP and YMI, and the organizations will split the funds 50-50.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available by emailing brittany@ymionline.org. To register for the event visit runsignup.com/ Race/IN/Fishers/FishersPolarBearPlunge.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

The Lawrence Township School Foundation (LTSF) is celebrating its 40th anniversary by taking a trip down the yellow brick road.

Executive Director Jen S. Gibbs says foundation members agreed that a “Wizard of Oz” theme would be wonderful.

“In ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Dorothy clicks together her ruby heels and says, ‘There’s no place like home,’” Gibbs says. “The LTSF kicks off their ruby anniversary of 40 years on March 10, 2023, with a themed celebration entitled, ‘There’s No Place Like Lawrence Township.’”

The LTSF was founded in 1983 by educational leaders and community visionaries.

“The LTSF has raised millions of dollars to support critical educational programs and student needs,” Gibbs says.

Mike Gibson, board president of the LTSF, says the organization is the philanthropic arm of Lawrence Township schools. “We connect community and classrooms to empower students to excel,” Gibson says. “That mission started back in 1983 and continues as we enter the new year. That is worthy of a celebration.”

Gibbs notes that the foundation is inviting the Lawrence Township community to follow the yellow brick road to the Indiana Roof Ballroom on March 10, 2023, and join the LTSF for one magical evening of celebration. “It will be an anniversary party with a purpose,” Gibbs says. “The foundation will honor, at the celebration and throughout the year, the hearts, brains and courage that paved the path for LTSF’s 40-year legacy.”

Gibbs says that Natalie Thomison, LTSF marketing and event specialist, has begun collecting anecdotes and stories from

LTSF founders, past board members, retired teachers and staff, community members, and other influential groups as they reflect upon the last 40 years of the foundation.

“Throughout the year the foundation hopes to capture and highlight all the big wins, important memories and heartwarming stories of impact that have brought LTSF to this milestone,” Gibbs says. “Join the celebration and share your LTSF story by contacting Natalie at 317-423-8303 or nataliethomison@msdlt.k12.in.us. Sharing our collective history points us toward the future. Starting at the celebration, LTSF will be extending invitations throughout the year, to begin laying the brickwork for empowering the next student generations to shine.”

The focus will be on deepening community connection and involvement, while growing the ways the LTSF supports students’ short-term needs and long-term development.

“Constituents throughout Lawrence Township have worked shoulder to shoulder to support Lawrence Township students for the last 40 years,” Gibbs says. “Together, foundation supporters have helped students find their vocation. They’ve helped send students to college and vocational training. They’ve helped ignite student learning and empower their progress. They’ve helped feed, clothe and provide resources to students as they grow.”

Community members have given their volunteer time, support and donations.

“Imagine what we can do together in the next 40 years with a community as powerful as this,” Gibbs says. “With this community of support, as it is stated in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ the dreams that we dare to dream really do come true. There’s no place like Lawrence Township.”

For more info, go to msdltf.org.

THE FUTURE OF GEIST

Writer / Noah Alatza Photography Provided

The Geist area has made its mark and continues to develop rapidly with the community focused on the future. The municipalities of Fishers, Lawrence, McCordsville and Fortville have been booming in recent years. Multiple projects and developments are underway that will change the landscape of the area for decades to come.

Investments in the region have helped spur many projects that will improve the quality of life for residents while increasing economic stability for businesses looking to expand.

LAWRENCE PROJECTS NEW LAWRENCE LIBRARY AT FORT BEN

In April, construction workers broke ground on the newest Indianapolis Public Library

Branch located at 9330 E. 56th Street. The Fort Ben branch will include a 22,000 squarefoot-building that will feature community meeting spaces, study rooms, and walkup, bike-up and drive-up return material locations. A collection of 60,000 books, movies and other materials will be included. The building will also feature a gallery wall displaying the history of the Fort Benjamin Harrison military base and will be solarpowered with 80% of the electricity coming from rooftop solar panels. The new library is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

New Lawrence Library at Fort Ben

CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TRADES DISTRICT

KEYSTONE PROJECT

Approximately $70M will be invested by Indianapolis-based Keystone Group for a five-story mixed-use development with retail and high-end apartments on the 56th street corridor. Keystone, along with the City of Lawrence Mayor’s Office and the

Fort Harrison Reuse Authority (FHRA), are working to bring the facility together. The project includes 248 luxury apartments with amenities as well as 25,000 square feet of retail space. Located at the corner of 56th Street between Lawrence Village Parkway and Melner Drive, it will be in the heart of Fort Ben.

Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Call: 317.841.7005

Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Call: 317.841.7005

The Trades District is a developing area within the City of Lawrence focused on creating a desirable, vibrant hub for the attraction and growth of construction trade industries. The Trades District is defined as the area bordered by I-465 to the west, Pendleton Pike The brand new frēijē headquarters building marked the first of many major milestones the City of Lawrence hopes to set on its way to making the Trades District a popular destination for all construction trades. A groundbreaking was held in May for the frēijē Engineered Solutions Company which is a national specialty engineering, service, and construction provider. For more than 50 years frēijē engineered solutions company has provided mission critical service and construction while building careers and community leaders. The development is expected to be completed by early 2024.

Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Call: 317.841.7005

Play. Move. Laugh.

Play. Move. Laugh.

Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and speech therapists provided one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently.

Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and speech therapists provided one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently.

Contact us today to meet with one of our Therapists.

9957 Allisonville Road • Fishers | totsindy.com

Contact us today to meet with one of our Therapists.

Play. Move. Laugh.

9957 Allisonville Road • Fishers | totsindy.com

Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and speech therapists provided one-onone therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently.

Our philosophy is to inspire hope and nurture the well-being of the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and speech therapists provided one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently.

the whole person, focusing on physical and social needs to deliver the highest quality therapy services to our families. TOTS Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists provide one-on-one therapy and custom-designed home programs to enable your child to improve functional independence and gain those skills needed to live life confidently.

MCCORDSVILLE PROJECTS

MCCORD SQUARE APARTMENTS

Contact us today to meet with one of our Therapists.

9957 Allisonville Road • Fishers | totsindy.com

Construction on a new downtown development district in the Town of McCordsville is well underway. Rebar Development has introduced McCord Square Apartments, a $31M twobuilding, multi-use community with 11 micro-commercial suites on the first floors and 205 one and two-bedroom apartment units on the upper floors. The

Keystone Project at Fort Ben

New Trades District

McCord Square Apartments

two buildings will flank either side of the newly-constructed Civic Green.

The McCord Square Apartments will offer spacious floor plans, modern kitchens, in-unit washer/dryer, and private balconies with views of the new downtown district. The community amenities will include a cafe, resort-style courtyard, work-from-home lounge, pet park and spa, wellness studio, and indoor bike storage. The apartments are expected to be completed in 2024.

FORTVILLE PROJECTS

MT VERNON TRAIL PROJECT

Construction on the Mt. Vernon Trail Project began in April on CR 200 West through the Mt. Vernon School Corporation campus. Phase I of the project includes safety improvements like additional traffic signals and crosswalks. The Mt. Vernon Trail Project will consist of a 10-feet wide asphalt trail, with a grass buffer between the trail and existing roadway. It also will feature pedestrian scale lighting, as well as benches placed along the entire corridor. The trail will ultimately run along the west side of Maple St./Fortville Pike, from Garden St. to CR 200 West. The entire project is expected to last until sometime in 2026.

GEIST PROJECTS

GEIST WATERFRONT PARK

The City of Fishers has invested in a 70-acre waterfront property, acquired in 2018, at Geist Reservoir to develop a waterfront park. The park is being developed at the lastremaining undeveloped parcel of the 1,900acre reservoir, located at 10811 Olio Road, at approximately 111th Street and the east side of Olio Road. The new Geist Waterfront Park will include features like a beach, walking

trails, open green space, and a non-motorized boat launch. The City of Fishers purchased the land in 2018 to ensure public access to Geist Reservoir. Once developed, the park will provide the only public access to the reservoir. Geist Waterfront Park will be built in several phases, with an anticipated full completion date of 2040. The first phase, which features construction of the beach and beach and dock access, along with a playground and gathering amenities, is set to officially open this spring.

Geist Waterfront Park

You

Licensed Agent 4. 2. 5. 3. Contact one of our licensed agents at: 317.343.3215 or scan here.

You are feeling overwhelmed by the information overload regarding Medicare insurance. You are concerned about the price of your prescription drugs.

You are uncertain what plans will suit your health and prescription needs.