A VISION FOR ALL
VISIONQUEST EYECARE SERVES ALL DEMOGRAPHICS
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BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
Writer / Macy Walts
Seventeen-year-old Kya Crooke, a senior at Heritage Christian, has always had a love for sports. Her dad recalls the moment she first rode a two-wheel bike at just 2 years old. Since then, Crooke has had her hand in nearly every sport: soccer, basketball, track, tennis, golf, swimming -you name it.
Crooke’s true passion lies in track, with a particular love for the high jump. Crooke began her track journey in 2016 at the age of 9, and began high-jumping at 11. By seventh and eighth grade, Crooke began to realize her potential. “I started to take it really seriously,” she says. “That’s when I was like, ‘OK, this is what I want to do.’”
Crooke has since achieved remarkable success. She made Indiana history as the
KYA CROOKE
first person to ever medal in four individual events at the IHSAA state meet, and the first person to win the IHSAA state championship in both the high jump and long jump. She holds many records at Heritage Christian, even surpassing her own mother’s high-jump record.
Crooke’s notable achievements include being on Team U.S.A. for the U20 Pan
American games, where she earned a silver medal in high jump. “I always dreamed of being on a national team, so it was incredible to accomplish that when I was 16,” she says. Today Crooke holds six different national titles. Her list of achievements seems never-ending.
Despite competition pressures, Crooke remains positive. “I need to be having fun
when I’m on the track,” she explains. “If I’m stressed out and not talking to anyone, it’s just not going to be a good meet for me. I need to be smiling, having fun and talking to people. I’ve met so many great people at competitions because I enjoy talking to others.”
One thing that keeps Crooke motivated is the impact she has on younger athletes. “Little girls have told me they want to high jump because they see me doing it,” she says. “Being that role model for them definitely keeps me motivated.”
Crooke’s parents own the track club SocaSpeed. Her father acts as Crooke’s coach alongside Victor Johnson, and her little sister competes. “We’re like a track family,” Crooke says. “They have supported me in every single way, showing up to everything, always being there, giving words of encouragement when I’m having bad days. I have a great support system.”
Crooke has a few traditions of her own. Before every jump, she reads the verse on her bracelet, Philippians 4:13. On her calves, she wears one sleeve for U.S.A., and one for Saint Kitts, an island in the Caribbean where her father is from.
Looking to the future, Crooke has her sights
set on high jumping in the 2028 olympics. “That is definitely my biggest goal, and what I will be working towards these next years,” Crooke says.
Crooke’s impressive accomplishments and relentless positivity make her a standout athlete with a bright future ahead of her.
A Game Plan for Getting You Back to Doing What You Love
Central Indiana Orthopedics is proud to be part of the Fishers community. We are committed to providing expert, personalized care to all our patients. We offer comprehensive services all under one roof, including a Walk-In Clinic, sports medicine, outpatient surgery, physical therapy and more.
Visit ciocenter.com/Fishers for a complete list of services and find the hours of our Walk-In Clinc for sudden injuries. Or call 800-622-6575 to schedule an appointment.
ciocenter.com/Fishers
800-622-6575
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A VISION FOR ALL
VISIONQUEST EYECARE SERVES ALL DEMOGRAPHICS
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning
Terry Null, Anjali Shah, Nick Bantz and Rae Winters
Prior to entering kindergarten, Nick Bantz failed his vision screening. When he donned his first pair of glasses, his vision, in every sense of the word, became clearer.
“Optometry has provided me with clarity since I was 5 years old,” says Bantz, who decided to pursue a career in optometry. He recently joined the team at VisionQuest Eyecare, a practice that was founded in 1997 by Dr. Terry Null.
“Dr. Bantz is an excellent listener who’s easy to talk to,” says Null. “Patients will want to form a long-term relationship with him for the sake of their eye health, happiness and security.”
Null now co-owns two clinics with Dr. Christopher Browning, one in Geist and another in Center Grove. The Geist office has four doctors: Anjali Shah, Rae Winters, Null, and Bantz.
Dr. Shah lives in Carmel with her husband and three children. She specializes in nearsightedness (myopia) management.
“We individualize corrective wear for children, while controlling their eyeball elongations through custom contact lenses and medication,” she says. “They have better vision for school and sports, and they’re less likely to suffer blindness with decreased chances of glaucoma, retinal detachments and myopic maculopathy.”
VisionQuest Eyecare is the only eye doctor office in the state that partners with Treehouse Eyes to focus on myopia management in kids.
Dr. Winters, who lives in Fishers with her husband and two children, runs VisionQuest Eyecare’s Focus Vision Therapy department, located right next door. Here, vision therapists see patients for individualized therapy sessions that are designed to improve their visual tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and visual processing skills. They treat lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turns (strabismus), post-concussion vision syndrome, and vision-related learning difficulties.
“A lot of our patients have initial symptoms of headaches, blurred or double vision when reading, trouble keeping their place when reading, poor depth perception, poor visual memory that impacts their reading comprehension, and visual motion sensitivity,” says Winters. “At the completion of therapy, patients’ symptoms are typically resolved, and for kids we see a huge improvement in their reading skills and academic potential.”
Null specializes in the treatment of dry eyes, a common condition that occurs in a third of the population. Dry eye afflicts all demographics including children.
“I’m shocked by how many children have lost many of their tear glands, which we don’t think is reversible,” says Null, noting that dry eyes can be caused by multiple factors including digital screen time, sleep deprivation and autoimmune disorders.
Shah recently saw a patient who had been suffering with dry eye for decades. “She didn’t realize she didn’t have to live that way,” Shah says. “Through specialty in-office treatments, prescription drops and amniotic membrane treatments, she’s finally feeling better than she ever knew she could.”
Winters had a patient with severe
amblyopia, and his weaker eye had 20/150 vision. After vision therapy, he can now see 20/25, which has drastically improved his sports performance. She’s seen patients with post-concussion vision syndrome and other acquired brain injuries like strokes. She’s had patients find huge relief in their visual symptoms with specialized optical treatments and/or vision therapy. One of her patients was so overstimulated after her concussion that she refused to enter busy stores. After her binocular vision workup, however, Winters found the proper prescription that her patient needed to experience relief.
Bantz, a Lilly scholar, is originally from
Muncie and just moved to Fishers. He enjoys providing eye care to all ages.
“One of my favorite things about optometry is that the age of the patient in my chair could range from a 3-year-old with an eye turn, to a 97-year-old with glaucoma,” says Bantz.
The VisionQuest Eyecare office provides free InfantSee exams to babies between six and 12 months, which helps rule out high or asymmetric prescriptions, eye turns, and ocular diseases that can impact visual development. These exams are more thorough than the screenings performed at pediatricians’ offices.
Every day the team at VisionQuest Eyecare changes patients’ lives. Last year, a 17-yearold football player came in with poor vision. They fit him in scleral lenses, and now he sees 20/20.
Every year one of Null’s patients flies from Germany to be seen at VisionQuest Eyecare. “She mentioned that the doctors in Germany are quite arrogant, but here she feels respected, treated with kindness, and genuinely listened to,” Null says. “For her, it’s worth crossing the ocean to see us!”
The team at VisionQuest Eyecare provides personalized patient care. They also get patients in and out in a timely manner, usually in under an hour for routine care. In addition, patients are no longer subjected to eye-drop dilation or the air-puff tonometer test to measure eye pressure.
Finally, they invest in the very best in technology so they’re on the cutting edge of optometric developments.
“With the advanced technology like optomap and iCare tonometry, we can avoid things like the dreaded air puff, which patients dislike,” says Audrey Nelson, COO of VisionQuest Eyecare. “This makes going to the eye doctor more enjoyable.”
If you or your family are looking for an optometrist, call VisionQuest Eyecare to request a consultation. It is located in Geist at 96th St. and Olio Rd. 13840 East 96th Street, McCordsville. For more information, call 317-720-2020 or visit visionquesteyecare.com.
Indiana University Health is proud to announce our new location in McCordsville.
Opening Sept. 3
5986 Main St. in McCordsville
Primary care, cardiovascular, and obstetrics and gynecology services offered close to home.
IU Health is expanding care in McCordsville with the opening of our new outpatient physician of ce development. Complete with 25 exam rooms and three procedure rooms, IU Health physicians and advanced practice providers offer primary care, cardiovascular, and obstetrics and gynecology services. This new location makes getting the care you need convenient, coordinated and personalized—close to home.
VIEW OR SUBMIT EVENTS!
GEIST MAGAZINE LAUNCHES NEW HYPERLOCAL COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
Writer / Devon Dean
The Towne Post Network of publications is proud to announce the launch of a new, hyperlocal community events calendaronline.
Using an aggregating software partner, the Towne Post Events Calendar includes information from more than 200 sources across the regions the company serves. This includes LiveNation, VisitIndy.com, various chamber of commerce websites, and a wealth of other community calendars to give a complete rundown of fun things to do in your area.
As a user, you can filter by date, time, city, proximity, and even by event type. If you are hosting a local event, this is a free service with additional paid opportunities for expanded visibility starting at just $2 a day. As the Towne Post Events Calendar expands, an email will go out every Thursday to give subscribers the scoop
on what’s going on around town each weekend.
“Summer is a busy time and it’s hard to keep track of everything that is happening,” says Towne Post CEO and Founder Tom Britt. “Our goal is to create another point of connection between people and the communities they live in by highlighting all the great local events coming up.”
See what’s happening at townepost.com/ calendar. To subscribe for weekly emails, subscribe at TownePost.com and click the “Email Newsletters” button at the top of the website.
About the Towne Post Network, Inc.
Founded in 2004 with a mission to create engaging and relevant publications, Towne Post Network is redefining the magazine industry. With a focus on hyperlocal content and an integrated
print and digital marketing approach, their magazines connect businesses and residents in communities like never before. Towne Post Network’s cloud-based platform offers franchisees flexibility and freedom, allowing them to work from home while benefiting from comprehensive support and services. Their success stems from collaboration with local businesses, providing a platform for them to thrive and engage with their target audience. With an expanding network of hyperlocal publishers, Towne Post Network is actively seeking passionate individuals to bring their community-focused magazines to towns across the country. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model and a support system that handles design, distribution and more. For more information about Towne Post Network, Inc. and franchise opportunities, please visit franchising.townepost.com.
gold medalist
Cole hocker
FEAST IN FORTVILLE
A CULINARY CRUISE THROUGH FORTVILLE’S MAIN STREET
Writer / Amie Drudge
The culinary talent in the tiny town of Fortville has put this delightful little place on the map. Spanning the distance of one short mile, Main Street in Fortville is the place to be to find good eats. Take a sensory trip with me down this short, fabulous boulevard that we will call the Culinary Mile. Let your senses go wild and then be sure to visit each restaurant to experience it for yourself - and tell them Geist Magazine sent you.
Du Lit
Du Lit is brought to you by the personal health journey of Preston Zwolle, founder and owner, and these delightful creations have us owing him a huge debt of gratitude. A few years ago he decided that health was a priority, so he started cooking for his family. He made everything from scratch with only fresh ingredients, focusing on eliminating gluten and lactose. A few lost pounds and dozens of recipes later, he opened his own restaurant at the top of the culinary mile in Fortville. Each dish is tantalizing and tantalizingly good for you.
Du Lit is a family-friendly scratch kitchen. Each recipe is hand-made by Preston with a healthy lifestyle in mind. The dishes are simple, lean, and slow-cooked/prepared daily for your pleasure. The restaurant is without a freezer, fryer or microwave; all ingredients are fresh from farm to table, or the local market, if called for. Grab a Splitting Head salad with house-made dressing, a Cowboy Smash burger with Du Lit pulled pork, jalapeño crips and a pickle. Indulge in the famous Philly the Kid, a Philly cheese steak with peppers and cheese. The menu is diverse and will have your
senses exploding with delight - or, as the kids would say, this food is lit!
TASTE
At Du Lit, the taste experience is a burst of vibrant and well-crafted flavors. With a menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, you will enjoy dishes like juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers, flavorful salads with crisp greens and zesty dressings, or rich, satisfying bowls of pasta or rice. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of taste, whether it’s the tang of a house-made sauce or the subtle sweetness of seasonal produce.
SMELL
The aroma at Du Lit is inviting and comforting. You will catch the savory aroma of slow-cooked meats, or the enticing fragrance of herbs and spices used in their dishes. The smell of decadent dessert being prepared adds to the sensory appeal.
SIGHT
Visually, Du Lit’s dishes are vibrant and appealing. Expect to see beautifully presented plates with a focus on fresh,
colorful ingredients. The salads feature an array of greens and bright vegetables, while the burgers and other entrées are artfully arranged to highlight their quality and freshness. The overall presentation is designed to be as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The special lighting is a significant part of the name, along with Zwolle’s German heritage. The name of the restaurant in German means “You lit.”
TOUCH
You will enjoy the crispiness of a perfectly prepared baguette or the smooth creaminess of a rich, well-prepared sauce. The satisfying bite of a slow-cooked meat adds a pleasing dimension to your meal.
SOUND
The sounds at Du Lit contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere. You might hear the sizzle of food being prepared in the kitchen, the clatter of plates and cutlery, or the cheerful chatter of fellow diners. The background music is hip and young, catering to families, and complements the lively and welcoming ambiance of the restaurant.
Cortana’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar
Fine, authentic Italian cuisine with a mix of world-class service is what you will experience midway down the culinary mile in Fortville. Simone Lucarini and his wife, Elizabeth, will welcome you to the family and make sure your experience is exceptional! They will probably even remember your name. Their mission of, “Eat, Drink, Laugh, Repeat” will keep you coming back for birthdays, anniversaries or any given evening for the delightful specials that change daily. Each dish is created by Lucarini and his chef, Sarah, a native of Fortville.
Lucarini’s inspiration comes from Cortana, a small village tucked into the hills of Tuscany. His wish for each customer is that they experience the charm and welcoming spirit that Cortana always left him with. He has certainly accomplished this mission with his delightful entrées, but he didn’t stop there. He recently partnered with the city of Carmel to start a culinary exchange with students interested in the fine art of creating divine dishes to savor, so that they too could bring their loved ones together with the beauty and joy of food. Simone and Elizabeth absolutely flourish at bringing the simple, rich flavors of Tuscany to Main Street in Fortville.
Be sure to check out their Instagram page for the daily specials that will delight your senses. Also, join him for his next wine event on September 25. And do stop in at their little village on Main Street any time.
TASTE
The taste experience is rich and varied. You might start with a burst of savory flavors from a classic bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and basil, or the Insalata Arugula served with a tangy, lemon white vinaigrette dressing. Pasta dishes offer a symphony of tastes - tender noodles coated in creamy, tangy marinara, or the earthy richness of the homemade meatballs. The flavors are often layered and balanced, with the sweetness of a tiramisu or the slight bitterness of espresso rounding out the meal.
SMELL
The aroma is irresistible and inviting. You might catch the scent of fresh basil and garlic from the kitchen, or the earthy fragrance of tomatoes simmering in red sauce. The smell of freshly baked bread and the rich, comforting aroma of a well-aged wine contribute to an overall sensory feast. End your evening with the smell of a scrumptious espresso martini. Elizabeth is an expert in a fine, deliciously crafted cocktail.
SIGHT
The visual presentation is always stunning. A beautifully plated dish of pasta might be garnished with vibrant herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The colors are vivid, with deep reds, bright greens and golden browns, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience before you even take a bite.
TOUCH
The tactile experience involves feeling the textures of the food. You might notice the crispiness of a perfectly toasted garlic bread or the smooth, creamy texture of the linguini. The pasta has a satisfying chew, while the cheese is wonderfully gooey and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
SOUND
The sounds of Tuscany add to the ambiance. You will hear the bustle of a busy kitchen and the sizzle of mushrooms hitting the pan over the clinking of cutlery and glasses. The murmur of conversations and laughter contributes to a lively, communal atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.
The Kitchen on Main
At the end of the culinary mile, you will find a charming blend of classic nostalgia, with a front that evokes the ambiance of a traditional hamburger joint and a speakeasy vibe in the back. The Kitchen on Main is an eclectic treat that will have your senses on blissful overload. Live music, family events, luscious selections and an appreciation for community are all a part of why this restaurant is a runaway success.
“Wherever you identify from, be it Fortville, Geist, Fishers, Oaklandon, we have something for everyone,” says Jason Ratliff, owner and third-generation entrepreneur. Ratliff describes his eatery as “a spirited business that cherishes all walks.” He holds a great sense of appreciation for all of Hamilton County and has a rich family history in Fortville, going back to his family owning and operating Beulah’s, a beloved restaurant that was here years ago.
The Kitchen on Main is a family affair, with each member of Ratliff’s family having an influence on the menu. Be it his college student, Joel, who influenced the spiked milkshake, or his son, Joshua, the culinary genius behind each of the rich creations on
the diverse menu, this restaurant belongs to his family as well as to the people of Hamilton County.
Along with the cuisine, Ratliff has added a creative aspect to his restaurant with themed dinner events at the Speak Easy. These themed dinner parties offer unforgettable experiences that blend entertainment with culinary excellence. “If you want to be successful in the restaurant business, creativity is a must,” states Ratliff. This family has treated us in every way possible.
TASTE
Each dish offers a symphony of flavors. The Agave Burger blends sweet nectar with spicy jalapeños and savory bacon, while the Cheeseburger Fries offer a delicious mix of thin, crispy potatoes, melted cheese and seasoned meat. The milkshakes, with their creamy and sweet flavors, are especially indulgent. Dessert is a luscious finale with a slice of delicious pie, with its flaky, buttery crust that crumbles just right with each bite.
SMELL
The air is filled with inviting aromas,
including the scent of grilled beef, the savory fragrance of herb-seasoned chicken, and the earthy smell of mushrooms combined with the aroma of fried breading and ranch dressing. Irresistible!
SIGHT
The plates are visually stunning, with vibrant colors and appealing presentations, from the double patties, melted cheese, and colorful toppings like lettuce, tomato and pickles, to the crispy, beer-battered fries that accentuate the plate.
TOUCH
You will experience a range of textures, from the crispness of fresh vegetables and the tender juiciness of the chicken to the smoothness of the milkshakes as they are devoured.
SOUND
The dining experience is enhanced by the soft sounds of a bustling kitchen, the gentle clink of cutlery, and the satisfying sounds of cutting into tender meat or the slurp of a chocolate milkshake. Jazz bands delight with different themed events and family fun for all.
FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and about halfway down the culinary mile, you can find that place. It’s called FoxGardin. You can get more than a beer and some company here - a steak that rivals the best eateries in Indianapolis, or a fried bologna sandwich like the one your mom made on a hot summer day when you got out of the pool as a kid, only elevated with a culinary twist.
Jake Burgess was on his way to his parent’s house one night and had a hankering for a quality burger and a beer, with a little bit of atmosphere. Not a single restaurant came to mind, so he created one. With his long history in the restaurant industry as well as the business savvy that he learned from his late father, he had what it took to create something special. Foxgardin is set to celebrate its 10th year as a success.
If you know Burgess, you can’t help but have a respect for his authenticity. By his own admission, he “speaks it as it is,” but you also
see his kind heart. He holds charity events to support local causes and understands the importance of pleasing his customers. “We don’t bat a thousand and we are going to miss the mark at times, but if we can fix the issue while the customer is inside these four walls, then we are going to do it,” he says.
His mission statement revolves around this simple concept - enjoy your time and the scrumptious food, turn each customer into a VIP, and each VIP into a friend. Hit up Foxgardin while you’re in Fortville and let your senses be awakened!
TASTE
FoxGardin offers a vibrant array of flavors, from the zesty kick of the Brisket Burnt End Sandwich to the rich, savory notes of the Hand-Cut Filet Mignon. Their dishes often balance bold spices with fresh, quality ingredients, and the desserts like the pie provide a comforting sweetness with a touch of spice.
SMELL
The restaurant is filled with enticing aromas: smoky brisket, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and honey cornbread. The rich scent of a well-prepared steak or the sweet fragrance of a warm pie create a welcoming and appetizing atmosphere.
SIGHT
The dishes at FoxGardin are visually appealing, with vibrant colors and thoughtful plating. Expect beautifully arranged tacos with fresh toppings, panseared scallops, the Fishers tenderloin with brightly colored lettuce, tomato and pickle, and desserts that look as delicious as they taste, with inviting textures and colors.
TOUCH
You will experience a range of textures, from the crispiness of the fried chicken to the tender, light breading on the fish tacos. The warm, comforting feel of the apple pie contrasts with the smoothness of its whipped cream and the crispy, flaky crust.
ASK THE GEIST DECK AND DOCK EXPERTS
Chris Reed is the owner of Creed improvements specializing in building decks, pergolas, porches and more for Hamilton County families for over a decade. He enjoys building unique backyard spaces for his clients to create family memories of a lifetime. Chris has lived in Indy for over 30 years.
Each month Chris will be highlighting products and solutions for decks and docks. His major supplier is “Decks and Docks of Indianapolis”. His goal is to inform, educate and inspire renovations for the readers.
Chris Reed
THIS MONTH’S PRODUCT FEATURE
IG GLASS RAILING SOLUTIONS
This month’s product feature is IG glass railing solutions. IG is a pioneer in glass hand-railings. The deck handrail is paramount to a picture frame to your view of the lake and of your backyard.
One of the most common concerns for homeowners on waterfront properties or with any natural setting, is the obstructed view that most rails create. Although a progression of rail types has allowed for visual improvements through the years, most still require vertical post and horizontal components.
IG Railing® (Illuminated Glass Railing) offers a truly frameless and post-less glass rail system that includes optional built in lighting. With IG Railing, when you’re looking through your picture window, accordion doors, or french-doors you’ve got a 100% clear view. Visually, it’s almost like there is no rail at all.
Available in both 36” and 42” high with a standardized sized panels that make installations quick and easy. The low iron glass allows for clearer views and light distribution through the panels at night. The remote control or Bluetooth technology allows for multiple color options and dimming. The hardware components are a minimal impact visually, and are available in a polished stainless steel and matte black finish.
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PAWS CAUSE
MEDICAL MUTTS LAUNCHES BARKS AND BOOZE INAUGURAL FUNDRAISING
EVENT
Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Tom Klubens
Imagine spending a delightful fall evening at Daniel’s Vineyard, sipping a refreshing glass of white wine or a robust red, all while contributing to a noble cause. Medical Mutts is offering this unique experience at its inaugural fall fundraising event, Barks and Booze, on September 19, starting at 6 p.m.
A top authority in training medical alert dogs, Medical Mutts’ mission is to train rescued dogs to be service dogs, and promote collaboration between dogs and people through science, education and ethical training. Dogs are trained to alert for conditions such as diabetes, seizures, migraines, allergies and more.
“We’re a local nonprofit based here in Indianapolis that rescues dogs from shelters all across the country, and trains them to become medical alert dogs,” says
Liz Boskovich, director of development, marketing and communications. “We specialize in invisible disabilities, so we train our dogs to alert their owner about an hour before an episode or medical event occurs.”
Medical Mutts is making a significant difference by sourcing dogs from shelters across the United States and then training them. However, this process requires both time and money. On average, it costs Medical Mutts around $25,000 per dog to train and place them with a deserving recipient. By attending Barks and Booze, Geist residents can directly contribute to this worthy cause. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $135. VIP tickets include one Tito’s Cocktail and a glass of Daniel’s Sangria.
“The first-time event is going to be a treat for attendees,” Boskovich says. “Ed Martin
Automotive Group sponsors Barks and Booze. There is a wine tasting, behindthe-scenes tours of Daniel’s Vineyard, live music, catered appetizers, a cash bar and a silent auction. The proceeds will benefit Medical Mutts and allow us to rescue more dogs, help more people, and promote kindness and inclusivity.”
Live auction items include autographed sports paraphernalia and behind-thescenes experiences at local Indianapolis attractions. Local band Traci and Jimmy, an Indianapolis-based acoustic duo, will provide the music, with songs from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
“We’re hoping to raise $30,000 from this event,” says Dr. Jennifer Cattet, founder and CEO for Medical Mutts. “We also hope to spread awareness about what our small but mighty team does. It takes a lot of time and
money to seek out potential dogs, adopt them, transport them and train them to be medical alert companions. A lot of work goes into finding the right dog for the right person.”
Cattet says Medical Mutts hopes to reach a whole new audience of potential donors, volunteers, fosters and potential clients by hosting the event. The organization celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023 and, by that date, placed over 100 service dogs with people with medical issues. Cattet says they cannot currently provide free medical alert dogs to companions. She says Medical Mutts is the most affordable of the options available, but it can be quite expensive to adopt a medical alert dog.
The process involves an extensive application process for the dog’s companion and a training period for the dog. Cattet says
they are limited on what types of dogs they can adopt and train to be medical alert dogs. She says many of the dogs in Indianapolis shelters are considered bully breeds, and therefore aren’t a good fit for someone needing medical assistance. The average wait time for one of their rescue dogs is 12 to 18 months. She wants to increase Medical Mutts’ visibility within the community and work toward lowering the cost to the recipients.
“We need so much more support from the community to continue doing what we’re doing, but also to look ahead to the future,” Cattet says. “We want to be able to provide scholarships and lower the costs in the future, but we can’t do that without community awareness and support. There
are lots of organizations that go and rescue the dogs, and there are lots of organizations that help with disabilities. We’re one of the very few, if not the only one in the country, that’s actually connecting the two, and that’s what makes us special. We have the dogs we’re saving. Then we’re helping people in desperate need of medical alert service dogs to get their lives back on track. We’re essentially helping both the dogs and the person, and doing that in a symbiotic relationship.”
Medical Mutts is located at 6120 Allisonville Road in Indianapolis For more information, visit medicalmutts.org. To purchase tickets for Barks and Booze, visit medicalmutts. goodworldnow.com/e/barks-n-booze.
FOREST GLEN’S NEWEST FACE
KELLI LOVINGFOSS ASSUMES DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PRINCIPAL ROLE
Writer / Devon Dean
Students in the Forest Glen Elementary Spanish Immersion program in Lawrence Township are saying “hola” to a new face this year: Indiana University graduate and former Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) principal, Kelli Lovingfoss. She is the dual-language immersion principal, and joins Forest Glen after nearly two decades in education.
With a passion for Spanish, Lovingfoss believes Forest Glen is a great fit, as it’s one of the few Spanish immersion options at the elementary level, serving students from all over Lawrence Township.
Given that Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, the Forest Glen Spanish Immersion approach can open multiple doors for students. “I’ve done a lot of language learning myself,” Lovingfoss said. “I think it goes back to the students gaining an awareness of other cultures and other ways of life. It gives them access and opens doors to the world. It enables them to communicate in more places. It just connects them to the world in a unique way.”
“As a scholar of language acquisition, I find the immersion model fascinating,” she added. “As a K-12 educator and former Spanish teacher, I love being able to ignite a passion for foreign languages in others. I have watched the success of Forest Glen over the years with great admiration and respect. I am a servant leader, and while student welfare will always be the top priority, the well-being of these exceptional teachers cannot be overlooked. The retention and cultivation of high-quality teachers is imperative to a successful school like Forest Glen, and I seek to keep this sentiment in mind at all times.”
Forest Glen’s dual-immersion program breaks down by grade, with prekindergarten through second grade experiencing an 80/20 mix,
with the majority of the curriculum in Spanish. In third grade it becomes a 70/30 split, and by fourth grade it balances out at 50/50, with English and math taught in English, and science and social studies taught in Spanish.
“Language learning is very important to me and close to my heart,” Lovingfoss said. She began her career as both a Spanish and English language arts teacher in 2008. She transitioned to administration in 2019, gaining experience as an assistant principal and principal, most recently at the Newcomer Program at IPS.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish from Indiana University, with one year at Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain. She earned a master’s degree in teaching at Marian University, an MBA from the IU Kelley School of Business, and is a doctoral student in education at Vanderbilt University.
The married mother of two said she fell in love with the language early on. “Spanish was something I enjoyed in school,” she said. “It allows me to connect with more students. It enables me to communicate with a much wider group of people. I love that.”
Parents can apply to enroll their students in the program at ltschools.org/enrollment/dual-immersion.
HAMILTON COUNTY’S FOOD PANTRY SHORTAGEAND HOW YOU CAN HELP
Writer / Renee Larr
Hamilton County, with its exceptional schools, beautiful suburban neighborhoods and world-class amenities, is also home to some residents who are grappling with food insecurities. Despite its affluent reputation, the county is facing a food shortage crisis in its pantries. As Hamilton County Deputy Trustee and Director of Client Services Beth Myers explains, this issue has been exacerbated by the change in benefits after the pandemic.
“During COVID, benefits increased, and people were getting more food stamps so they didn’t need to utilize local pantries as much,” Myers says. “Since then the benefits have gone back down, and we’re seeing an increase in people needing our assistance. Also, the price of groceries has increased tremendously.”
Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank (HCHFB) gives food to food pantries, not the general public. HCHFB helps to supply between 30 and 40 pantries and meal programs all across Hamilton County with healthy nonperishables, produce and meat. Anita Hagen, executive director, says the food bank alone is purchasing nearly 100% of the food it is currently distributing, more than last year.
“All of the wonderful holiday food donations that came in from November through January have long since been distributed out,” Hagen says. “Also, as our local community continues to experience population growth, so does the number of food-insecure individuals continue to rise rapidly. Although we experience one of the lowest food-insecurity rates for any county in Indiana, we are also easily in the top 10 as far as sheer numbers of food-insecure individuals.”
Linda Williams with Come to Me Food Pantry at Fishers United Methodist Church says this time of year is challenging for fundraising because many families are considering taking one last vacation before school starts in the fall.
“By now we have gone through all of those donations from last year, and we’re having to purchase products,” Williams says. “Hamilton County residents can help us most by going to our website, cometomefoodpantry.org, and donating financially. We can usually use that money to purchase from Gleaners at one-third of the price. They can also bring donations to the pantry on Wednesday.”
Myers emphasizes the importance of responsibility when donating food. She says checking expiration dates before donating is crucial. While she understands that people have good intentions when cleaning out their home pantries, receiving expired items creates a challenge, as those items cannot be used and must be disposed of.
“We’re always grateful for financial donations because we have to purchase our perishable items like milk, eggs and meat,” Myers says. “While we need food donations, we also rely on financial donations.”
Hagen says this time of year is excellent for setting up food drives. She says this is also a great time of year when bountiful home gardens produce more fruits and vegetables than the average home gardener can consume. For more information on donating your homegrown bonus vegetables, visit hchfoodbank.org/donateyour-vegetables.
“The cost of living has gone up exponentially,” Myers says. “People must have a place to live, so they pay the rent or mortgage first. Unfortunately there isn’t
much left, after paying all the bills, for groceries, even for people in Hamilton County.”
Hagen says the Community Compass app and website are powerful tools for families and individuals to find food nearest to them, and learn all they need to know to access healthy, needed food. Individuals in the county are working hard to ensure this is widely publicized so people can get the help they need.
Meyers says local businesses and organizations can also get involved by hosting a community service project food drive. She says Hamilton County also reaches out to local restaurants to host round-up campaigns to raise funds. She encourages Hamilton County residents to participate in such campaigns.
Nancy Chance, executive director of Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, says they have worked creatively to find alternative resources in the face of shortages. She encourages people to look at the pantry list and donate items directly to the Fishersarea pantries, or deliver food for donation and receive a tax receipt from Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County.
For more information, visit fishersumc.org/FoodPantry, hchfoodbank.org, and gsnlive.org/client-assistance.
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ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE 2024 GEIST HALF MARATHON RACE
OLIO ROAD
CLOSURE: 4AM-NOON
Olio Road will be closed between 116th Street and 104th Street beginning at 4AM until noon. 116th will remain open in the east-west direction and all traffic can turn off 116th to head north on Olio Road with no issue.
FALL CREEK ROAD/96TH STREET
ROLLING CLOSURES: 7:30AM-10:50AM
Rolling closures will be in effect from Springstone Road to Mollenkopf Road intersections along Fall Creek Road beginning around 7:10AM until approximately 10:20AM.
CARROLL ROAD/FALL CREEK/96TH STREET
YACHT CLUB BRIDGE
INTERSECTION: 7:30AM10:50AM
This intersection will be closed traveling east-west. No westbound traffic will be permitted until the last half marathon participant crosses this intersection. Limited traffic eastbound permitted when no participants are present on the road onto 96th Street during estimated time of 8:45AM-10:25AM.
BROOKS SCHOOL ROAD
ROLLING CLOSURES:
7:30AM-10:25AM
Rolling closures will be in effect between Fall Creek Road/Brooks School roundabout and Club Point Drive beginning around 7:30AM until approximately 10:30AM. With police presence permitted, traffic will only be allowed through roundabout when no runners are present.
MOLLENKOPF ROAD
ROLLING CLOSURES: 7:45AM-9:15AM
Rolling closures will be in effect between 96th Street and Windemere Boulevard beginning around 7:30AM until approximately 9AM.
106TH STREET
ROLLING CLOSURES: 7:50AM-9:45AM
Rolling closures will be in effect between Hoosier Road and Hawthorne Ridge beginning around 7:30 a.m. until approximately 9:20 a.m.
When attempting to drive in your neighborhoods, see course marshals for guidance and await their permission to cross course when no participants are present. No cones can be moved or adjusted for the safety of participants and directions for the course.
SPRINGS OF CAMBRIDGE
Your neighborhood will see the majority of participant traffic between 7:35AM11:15AM. Please make alternative plans for your destination or embrace the race and cheer on participants in your driveway! Also, we have several course marshal volunteer opportunities in this neighborhood to get engaged.
Race participants will begin to enter Springstone Drive from Olio road around 7:35AM and continue for the next 4060 minutes. At the Olio/Springstone entrance, course marshals will allow traffic to continue straight onto 104th only. No southbound or northbound traffic will be permitted until noon when Olio Road is reopened.
A second wave of participants will cross the southern neighborhood entrance at 96th street around 7:45AM-8:20AM. During this time, if course is clear, course marshals may allow exit onto 96th Street for traffic to ONLY travel east towards Olio Road. No westbound traffic will be permitted while participants are present on 96th street. Once you arrive at Olio Road/96th Street, northbound traffic on Olio stops at 104th Street until noon when Olio Road reopens.
A third wave of participants will enter the southern entrance at 96th Street and Springstone Drive heading north to Kingston Drive/Beam Ridge to Springstone between 8:25AM-10:45AM. The northern entrance of Springstone and Olio Road will have limited traffic permitted to exit during this time while participants are on the course.
MALLARD LANE
Participants will be crossing 96th street at 7:50AM-8:45 AM. You will need to follow course marshal or police instructions to travel eastbound only on 96th Street to Olio Road (600 W). Once you arrive at Olio
Road/96th Street intersection, northbound traffic on Olio stops at 104th Street until noon when Olio Road reopens.
FOX HOLLOW
Your neighborhood exit onto Olio Road will remain closed for the duration of the race. Participants will be crossing 96th street at 7:50AM-8:45 AM. During this time you’ll only be permitted to exit from Wading Crane Avenue when the course is clear with police permission. Once the course is clear, Highland Springs will be opened to exit from. Please note, northbound traffic on Olio stops at 104th Street until noon when Olio Road reopens.
HIGHLAND SPRINGS
Participants will be crossing 96th street at 7:50AM-8:45 AM. Those in North Highland Springs can only exit from the Fox Hollow neighborhood at Wading Crane Avenue and 96th Street. You will need to follow course marshal or police instructions to travel east bound only on 96th Street to Olio Road (600 W) from this location. Those in Highland Springs south of 96th Street should exit the neighborhood from
Crossfield Trail onto 600 W/Olio Road. Please know, northbound traffic on Olio stops at 104th Street until noon when Olio Road reopens.
CANAL PLACE, HILLSDALE, AMBRIA, VILLAS AT GEIST
You may proceed with course marshal or police permission to travel northbound on Olio road to 104th during the duration of the race. No southbound traffic on Olio Road will be permitted while race is in progress.
WINDERMERE POINTE & CROSSWINDS AT WINDERMERE
Participants will begin to enter Windermere Boulevard around 8:00AM-9:40AM coming east in the eastbound lanes from Mollenkopf Road. During this time, the westbound lane of Windermere Boulevard will be open to allow exit onto Mollenkopf Road.
CHESTNUT HILL, BROOKS CROSSING AND BRADFORD COURT
Participants will begin to enter Hawthorn Ridge around 8:10AM-10:05AM coming east in the eastbound lanes of 106th Street and Hawthorn Ridge. During this time, the westbound lane of Hawthorn Ridge will remain open to take you to the exit on Hawthorn Ridge and 106th Street.
FAIRWAYS AT THE HAWTHORNS, THE HAWTHORNS AND TURNE GROVE
Participants will begin to enter the eastbound lanes of Club Point Drive heading west to the turn around point at approximately 8:15AM-10:05AM. Participants then are directed back east by the tennis courts in the eastbound lanes. During the race, the westbound lanes are open.
For specific questions not addressed here, email us at geisthalf@fishers.in.us.
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