Noblesville Magazine March 2023

For

PUBLISHER BRANDON BALTZ Brandon@townepost.com 317.514.9522

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

ERIN TURK

JOSH BROWN

TONI EADS

VAL AUSTIN

COPY EDITORS

JON SHOULDERS

NATALIE PLATT

ROCKY SHANEHSAZ

CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT

Writer / Julie Yates

The United States is known as the land of opportunity, especially for those that work hard and are determined to succeed. This has proved to be true for Rocky Shanehsaz, who emigrated from Iran at the age of 16 with little resources of his own. Today he is a businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who never seems to get tired of giving back to the community. As a candidate for the District 5 seat on Noblesville Common Council, he hopes to be in the position to achieve a larger amount of good in the future.

Initially locating himself in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Shanehsaz graduated from high school and entered Western Kentucky University. He earned degrees in chemistry and animal science before working as a computer network engineer. After becoming a United States citizen in 1985, he settled in Noblesville where he has lived for the last 33 years.

In 2001, he purchased the historic Model Mill building and spent almost 15 years renovating it into the Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center. Once a flour-grinding mill, it is now listed as an Indiana Historic Landmark. The milling industry was an important part of the area’s economy during the second half of the 1800s, hence the Miller Man being Noblesville High School’s mascot.

“As the owner of a thriving and fun business such as the Mill Top, I feel like I am living the American dream,” Shanehsaz says. “My wife, Terri, and I have two successful children, Abe and Ava. One is a practicing attorney, and the other is studying biomedical engineering at Purdue. We have two grandchildren.”

Besides restoring the Model Mill building, Shanehsaz has also taken steps to preserve other structures important to Noblesville’s history. Twenty years ago, he bought and relocated three historically significant homes to preserve them. This paved the way for construction of a new Noblesville City Hall at 10th and Conner Streets.

Over the years, Shanehsaz’s philanthropic efforts have supported area festivals, schools and churches. He has a special heart for law enforcement and drug rehabilitation organizations. He has provided space

for, and this year will host, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Chaplaincy Prayer Breakfast. The Hamilton County Jail Tower Program, a career-readiness initiative for jail inmates, has benefitted from funding Shaneshsaz has provided. Currently working to expand Hope and Recovery Centers Inc., he wants to make a real difference for individuals struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction.

This is Shanehsaz’s third run for a seat on the council. He hopes that this time he will be successful. He would like to share his experience, knowledge and business acumen to help guide the city’s preservation and development, as well as continue to give back to the community.

“I lean conservatively and believe strongly in responsible growth, historic preservation and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I’m interested in making sure our tax dollars have the most impact in our community.” Shanehsaz says.

“When people see my name they might think, ‘Oh, he’s just some foreigner.’ But that is no longer true. Noblesville is my community. I want good things to come out of my community, just like I expect good things for my own family. I try to open my Christian heart to do good deeds for those less fortunate,” Shanehsaz says.

Photography Provided

IN TOP FORM

CROSSFIT HSE BUILDS STRENGTH AND COMMUNITY

Walking into a CrossFit gym may be intimidating to some people. Timid individuals may imagine a studio filled with brawny men pushing overloaded barbells.

However, CrossFit HSE Owner Andy Davies debunks any such stereotype.

“We have all shapes, sizes, personalities and age ranges,” Andy says. “Anyone can walk in. We have people from ages 14 to 75.”

Making CrossFit accessible, welcoming and valuable to all athletes is important to the CrossFit HSE co-owners, Andy Davies, his wife Kaki Davies, and Alan Barnes.

They are longtime CrossFit athletes, but new owners at the Noblesville gym. The

trio stepped into ownership on January 1, and they are excited to continue the gym’s commitment to fitness and community with some new offerings.

CrossFit HSE opened at its current location in 2016 and has drawn a big following since its inception. Through a monthly membership, patrons have access to unique group fitness experiences. The gym offers one-hour group fitness classes designed to build strength and cardiovascular endurance. In addition, a 30-minute Build class focuses on strength training, core work and cardio.

Along with group classes, CrossFit HSE provides personal training and nutritional coaching. CrossFit HSE also employees adaptive and inclusive trainers who work with individuals on the autism spectrum, and others with mental and physical limitations. The owners hope to continue to

expand adaptive and inclusive offerings.

Educating women on self-defense is another passion for the owners. “We want women to be happy, empowered and strong,” Kaki says.

In February, Noblesville Police Sergeant Marley Pagel taught self-defense classes at CrossFit HSE. The classes filled quickly, and Kaki says the gym leaders hope to offer more classes in the future.

The owners also value serving veterans, active military members and first responders. Andy and Kaki have a personal connection to the Armed Forces, as both have military backgrounds.

Kaki is a major in the Marine Corps Reserve and a contract specialist for Veterans Affairs. Andy served in the British Army. They met while both were stationed in Kabul,

Writer / Rebecca Wood

Photographer / Whitney Moore

Afghanistan. Upon leaving active duty, the couple decided to return to Kaki’s hometown in Noblesville.

Barnes also has deep-rooted connections to the community. He’s lived in Noblesville for almost two decades and owns Radiation Services, a medical imaging company.

The owners struck up a friendship at CrossFit HSE. In fact, they say relationships formed through CrossFit are common among members.

“These people are friends in the gym and spend time with each other outside the gym,” Kaki says. “CrossFit is the closest thing to military camaraderie.”

It’s the changed lives that keep the owners committed to the mission of their gym.

“I can’t count how many stories of changed lives we’ve witnessed,” Barnes says. “I’ve seen people on the brink of disaster change their lives.”

He recounts prediabetic individuals and others struggling with health issues who improved their health through nutritional coaching and fitness classes.

Barnes says he wants others to experience the benefits that can be attained through CrossFit HSE. “If they leave smiling, we’ll consider that a success,” he says.

CrossFit HSE is located at 10911 Greenfield Avenue in Noblesville. For more info, call 317-795-4361 or visit hsecrossfit.com.

Nominations Now Open!

TOP LOCAL

NOMINATE YOUR TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES

We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!

HOW TO QUALIFY

To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher

Listing on TownePost.com

Supports Local Charities

Locally Owned

OVERCOMING AN INJURY TO TRAVEL THE WORLD

ankle and wrist were broken at the same time. Normally, people with those separate injuries would be able to go home, but since she had injured both at once, we decided to treat her ankle in a more urgent fashion.”

Dr. Smith operated on Nancy’s ankle the following day to place one plate and nine screws. Fortunately, he was able to get her wrist aligned without surgical intervention and instead was able to place her in a splint.

“Nancy was a trooper,” Dr. Smith said. “It’s tough when both extremities are hurt at the same time, but she had a great outcome. Her surgery went smoothly, and she had no complications.”

“Dr. Smith, the nurses and the therapists at rehab were all awesome,” Nancy said. After being discharged from the hospital, Nancy had home healthcare for a month, and then she began outpatient therapy at Riverview Health Rehab & Fitness in Noblesville.

Story and Photography Provided

Nancy Bottorff was looking forward to a fun-filled year. With a trip to Italy planned in the fall of 2022, the 68-year-old Noblesville resident was excited for everything the coming months had in store. But her plans came screeching to a halt.

“We were at our daughter’s house for a pool party,” Nancy recalled. “I was with my grandson, and we had our arms around each other’s waist as we both took the two steps down to the pool deck. However, I only

took one step and fell.”

It was immediately apparent Nancy’s left ankle was broken, and she could tell from the pain that her left wrist was injured.

Nancy was transported by ambulance to the Riverview Health emergency room in Noblesville, where she was seen by orthopedic surgeon Scott Smith, MD.

“I saw Nancy emergently after her injury,” Dr. Smith said. “Unfortunately, both her

“Nancy was in a walking boot and wanted to get out of that right away so she could walk in normal shoes when she went to Europe,” said Riverview Health physical therapist Kelly Byrd. “When I began seeing her, she had pain, swelling in her ankle and decreased strength and range of motion. However, I knew I needed to get her walking and ready for her trip!”

Nancy also worked closely with Riverview Health occupational therapist Lori Cain on her wrist.

“We created a home program, and I saw her twice a week to work on range of motion, strengthening and functional tasks,” Lori said. “For example, we worked on things she would be doing on her trip—such as carrying, pulling and pushing luggage.”

Nancy’s wrist healed well, enabling her to participate in a cooking class while on her trip to Italy.

Thanks to Nancy’s diligence and her therapists’ guidance, her treatment was a success—and just in time for her Italy trip.

“We had a phenomenal time on our trip,” Nancy recalled.

When she was in smaller villages, Nancy was able to walk the uneven brick streets. She even participated in a cooking class—a wonderful experience she says she owes to her wrist therapy.

The last town Nancy and her husband, Richard, visited was Volterra, where they toured a beautiful cathedral. Unbeknownst to her husband, Nancy brought her wedding ring with her on the trip. Due to swelling from her injury, she had previously been unable to wear it. But with her hand now healing nicely, Nancy surprised her husband and he placed the ring on her finger again inside the beautiful church. They also exchanged wedding vows once more—a memory she said she will never forget.

Nancy credits the care she received with being able to have the trip of a lifetime.

“I’m so happy I chose Riverview Health for my care,” Nancy said. “To other patients experiencing a similar injury, I urge you to stay strong mentally and listen to your therapists. Follow their directions and be like a child with a parent. Let the therapists be your teacher and you just need to do your homework.”

YOU’RE ON TROPIC TIME NOWTM $5

OFF ANY ORDER OF $20.00 OR MORE!

Offer valid for in-cafe dining only

Nancy recovered in time to travel to Italy with her husband, Richard.

Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville & Whitestown locations

Writer / Dr. Shashank Dave, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at IU Health North Hospital

With summer on the horizon, your neck and back pain could be holding you back from fully enjoying the warmer weather. It’s important to understand what could be causing your back and neck pain as well as your treatment options.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAIN

Back and neck pain can originate from a variety of causes, including sprains and fractures, dislocations, stress from overuse, obesity, and infections. Back and neck pain can cause mild to debilitating discomfort that impacts your ability to function.

What causes your neck and back pain

Your spine has five sections of vertebrae: the neck or cervical spine, the mid-back or thoracic spine, the lower back or lumbar spine, the base of the spine or sacrum, and

BACK AND NECK PAIN: WHAT IT MIGHT MEAN

the tailbone or coccyx. Pain generated from each area can have different causes. Some of the conditions that cause pain in these areas include muscle or ligament strain, disc herniation (slipped disk or ruptured disk) and degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, brain tumors, spinal tumors, torticollis, or whiplash.

TREATMENT FOR YOUR NECK AND BACK PAIN

To treat your back and neck pain, your physician must first determine the cause. Your physician may use a combination of medical history, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and imaging. They may also decide to conduct more advanced tests to better understand your condition. These can include an electromyogram (EMG) to study nerve and muscle function, an MRI to study your spinal cord, and an arthroscopy

to investigate internal joint function. Once your physician determines the origin of your pain, they can work with you to develop the best treatment plan to address your specific condition and pain. There are a variety of treatment options, such as medications to reduce pain and inflammation as well as physical therapy to potentially fix your pain. If these do not work, your doctor could prescribe advanced pain management techniques. These more advanced techniques may include epidural injections, which can help with pain and inflammation, radiofrequency ablations, which deadens nerves thereby blocking pain, and nerve stimulation (either peripheral or central), which is a wire implanted that stimulates nerves and can also block pain. Another option includes surgery, which is done to relieve pressure on nerves or your spinal cord.

For more information on back and neck pain, visit iuhealth.org/spine.

Dr. Shashank Dave

matters of the mind matters of the mind

CERESET USES TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT STRESS

Writer / Taylor Dixon Photography Provided

If you’ve ever wondered what your brain sounds like, Cereset, a global technological leader in brain restoration, is giving clients around the world exactly that. Cereset’s technology helps to combat stress, trauma and anxiety to essentially reset the brain.

Cereset’s patented BrainEcho technology uses sensors to reflect the brain’s rhythms. Sensors are used with music that is played back to the client through earbuds. By hearing itself, the brain can start on repairs that will help restore the mind and provide restful sleep, according to Brenda Hanning, owner of Cereset’s Carmel location.

Previously, Hanning used this technology to serve clients in the area under a company called Balanced Matter, for 10 years. However, after a new wave of Cereset technology, Hanning decided to bring the tech

to her own Carmel community in 2018.

Hanning says she saw results in her own life after the services were recommended to her by a family member.

“Seeing the great results of a loved one who suffered from insomnia and anxiety, I decided to have sessions,” Hanning says. “Within a month of having sessions, I was sleeping soundly, thinking more clearly, and I wasn’t carrying a constant feeling of angst. I was able to feel happy just because it was a sunny day. I decided to bring this technology to my community, so more people who want to be proactive towards stress by taking back control of their lives could have access to the Cereset technology closer to home.”

During a typical session, a client goes into a room and takes a seat on an antigravity chair. The lights are turned low as sensors are

placed on their scalp, and earbuds are provided so the client can listen to the beats of their own mind. Most clients, Hanning says, end up falling asleep during the process.

The Cereset Wellness Package includes five sessions that last about 90 minutes each. Results, Hanning says, are often seen within three weeks of the first treatment.

Hanning says the reset of the brain can often help turn off the basic fight, flight or freeze responses common in those who suffer from chronic stress, trauma or anxiety.

“Research has shown an increased risk of irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and foggy thinking for individuals not getting enough sleep,” Hanning says. “With Cereset, these individuals can reduce stress in their brains, and achieve more restful sleep and more robust power for cognitive performance. When the brain relaxes these imbalances in the stress system, the brain can then selfcorrect the ‘stuck’ hemisphere and reset itself. A naturally reset and balanced brain can help resolve issues such as insomnia, stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, poor problem solving, lack of focus, and memory.”

To learn more, contact Cereset Carmel at 317-922-7588 or visit cereset.com. It is located at 160 West Carmel Drive, Suite 186.

Beach Club Pool Golf Tennis Events

A WILL FOR WELLNESS

JRNY COUNSELING PARTNERS WITH HALL OF FAME HEALTH FOR INITIATIVE

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photography Provided

Hall of Fame Health (HOFH), a health care initiative affiliated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has partnered with JRNY Counseling to provide current and former professional football players and their families with mental health services.

Based in Noblesville and co-owned by Melanie Short and Holly Homan, JRNY Counseling meets the mental health needs of patients in a comfortable and safe environment.

“Historically, 30% of people meet criteria for anxiety disorders,” Homan says. “Outside of those meeting that criteria, people are able to use coping skills and support systems to manage issues that could lead to anxiety disorders. We think that people are more willing to ask for help than

ever before, but we are really only starting to understand the long-term impact on mental health.”

As professional athletes have continued to open up about their mental health struggles, HOFH was created to make mental health treatment accessible, destigmatized and widespread. The program has also been opened up so any person can call and use the concierge service to get connected to a vetted provider.

“We’re excited to welcome athletes who may not have previously felt at ease going to see a therapist,” Short says. “We work with so many people who had never sought this kind of help before, and it’s a shame they wait so long in silence.”

This partnership comes at a time of growth for JRNY Counseling as its location has

recently moved to a larger space. In addition to offering individual therapy, the practice has recently added integrative services including therapeutic massage, healing breathwork classes, recovery coaching and prevention classes. The Recovery Society, an intensive outpatient program for substance abuse that is accredited by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, has also been added for those who need a more structured approach to early recovery. The setting is designed to provide a sense of wellness.

HOFH is honored to have JRNY

Counseling as a valued partner, as one of two Indianapolis-based practices to be selected for this initiative. The practice sets itself apart because the people who work there believe in an approach that is purposely peoplecentered and always authentic.

“This partnership expands our national

recognition but we have been collaborating with the community for years, and we are only successful because of the support of the community,” Homan says.

Homan notes that connection is important in life, and all humans need to connect in order to live fully.

“It’s like that with our business too,” Homan says. “Without the support and connections we’ve had in the community through individuals and other organizations, we wouldn’t possibly be able to serve as many people as we do or be selected to partner with HOFH. We wouldn’t be able to provide the varieties of care that we do. The overall benefit to the community, when people are well-supported, is increased engagement at work, at school, and in the ability to mindfully develop our strongest assets - people. JRNY Counseling is in the business of people and everything about our communities connects to people.”

Even though JRNY is a nationally recognized private practice, the practice remains focused on impacting the people and businesses of the community first and foremost, with the biggest reward in being able to create space for people to deal with difficulties.

“We’re all in this together so it’s about collaboration, not competition,” Homan says. “We’re members of this community too, so it’s meaningful to us to have a direct impact and connection to what is happening. We are so grateful that we have been able to create an office space, staff and services that are welcoming. It was always our goal to have a practice where we would like to go, and we are happy to be in the process of making the goal happen.”

You can make an appointment with JRNY Counseling by visiting jrnycounseling.com, emailing schedule@jrnycounseling.com or calling 317-660-1818.

Melanie Short and Holly Homan, JRNY Counseling

Join Our Balloon Team

Crew opportunities—Fun, energetic people who work on the ground to help hot air balloons fly. We offer a unique experience in the Hamilton County area for individuals who have flexible schedules and enjoy adventure.

Ground crew are responsible for handling equipment, assisting with flight preparations and using a chase vehicle to follow the hot air balloon during the flight and pack up after landing. Flights at sunrise and before sunset usually require three hours of crew time.

317-414-0148

tony@midwestballoonrides.com

Literary Legacy

A GLANCE AT THE HISTORY OF LOCAL AUTHORS IN HAMILTON COUNTY

While Hamilton County produces many quality authors now, it has a long history of literary endeavors. The list includes fiction and nonfiction writers, playwrights and poets, and a few unique characters.

Perhaps the first attempted author in the county appeared in the 1830s. On May 18, 1837, a letter appeared in the Noblesville newspaper from a person calling himself Isaac Cachel, and he announced his candidacy for the state legislature. He said he would resolve the state financial issues by designating raccoon skins as the official currency. He stated his qualifications as follows: “I believe that I was the first civilized man that skinned a coon, chased a deer, caught a bear or treed a wildcat on the west side of the White River.” This statement is what got everyone’s attention. Even at that time it was an unusual resume for a politician. This caught on with newspapers around the U.S. and even went international. He wrote a series of letters and attempted to get funding for a book, but was unsuccessful. The whole effort may have actually been done as satire.

Probably the most well-known county author is Rex Stout (1886-1975), the creator of fictional detective Nero Wolfe. His father

was the editor of the Noblesville Ledger newspaper. Stout’s birthplace still stands on Cherry Street in Noblesville, but the family left town while he was an infant and he said later that he had no memory of Indiana.

Another author who left while very young was Lillian Albertson (1881-1962). She was a famous actress on Broadway who became an acting coach in Hollywood. She was very wellrespected and wrote “Motion Picture Acting”

(1947), a definitive manual for film actors.

Cyrus Colter (1910-2002) came from an old county family. His mother was related to the free people of color who established Roberts Settlement. His family moved out of state when he was young, but he would talk later of his memories of Noblesville. He took up novel writing after retirement from a business career and achieved literary fame late in life. He was known for his

Writer / David Heighway, Hamilton County Historian Photography Provided by Hamilton East Public Library

David Heighway, Hamilton County Historian

The Birthplace of Rex Stout

Lillian Albertson

Brehm Riley Booklovers

novels “The Beach Umbrella” (1970), “Night Studies” (1979), “The Amoralists and Other Tales” (1988) and “A Chocolate Soldier” (1988). His father was also a writer and served as a correspondent for the Indianapolis Recorder.

Beatrice O’Niel (1894-1941) was another correspondent for the Recorder. She started Hamilton County’s only African Americanowned newspaper in 1929. It was called The Future and unfortunately only lasted for a few issues.

Thomas Stanley (1884-1965) began his career as an advertising illustrator and became a business teacher. He wrote two books on the subject of advertising, “A Manual of Advertising Typography” (1935) and “Techniques of Advertising Production” (1940). He also created a regular comic strip - sort of a “Dilbert” for the 1920s.

Stanley and others, like the Brehm and Booth brothers, were part of a school of illustrators who worked with authors like Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Theodore Dreiser, James Whitcomb Riley, Booth Tarkington, Gene Stratton-Porter and others.

Two people experimented as playwrights at the turn of the 20th century. John Wise

(1860-1941) was a newsstand and theater owner in Noblesville who wrote short pieces for newspapers. Eventually he wrote two full-length plays, “Forsaken” (1897) and “Forgiven” (1898). Berta Jones (18771918) was the wife of a storekeeper in Hortonville. She also wrote short pieces before she wrote the play “Rashleigh” (1901). None of these plays were successful and no copies of “Rashleigh” exist today.

Poets from this area have been a fairly eclectic group. Gordon Olvey (1887-1958) was one of the most well-known. Because of his position at the city post office, he was known as the Postmaster Poet. He later became mayor of Noblesville. Allegedly, Benoni Todd was another local poethowever, it’s not certain if he was even a real person. He is discussed in an article in the New York Sun from December 2, 1904. Except for a poem in an 1881 religious journal, there is no other evidence for his existence.

An anonymous poem appeared in the Noblesville Ledger on February 3, 1888, called “Cheeseekan.” It is about a Native American using the medicinal spring that used to flow near Conner Street, and was very heavily inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Song of Hiawatha.”

Finally, there was one local man who served as the basis for a fictional character. James Burchem moved west to hunt for gold in the 1840s and got the nickname Bedrock Jim. He appears in several short stories by western artist and author Charles M. Russell.

The county has never lacked for literary connections.

Moving forward to today, the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) is excited to announce Saturday, April 15 as the date for this year’s annual Local Author Fair. It will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the FORUM Events Center, located at 11313 USA Parkway in Fishers.

Join more than 40 local adult, youngadult and children’s authors and literary organizations at this open-house-style event. Authors will be available for book sales and signings. There will be chances to win book bundles and other prizes. There is no entry fee and registration is not required. New this year are several free writing workshops for writers of all ages, and they will run concurrently with the fair. Preregistration is required for the workshops - see the HEPL event calendar for details. The event is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Hamilton East Public Library. Visit

John Wise

Berta Jones

Beatrice O’Niel

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

ASPIRE INDIANA HEALTH REMAINS DEDICATED TO ITS MISSION AFTER MORE THAN FIVE DECADES

Aspire Indiana Health provides care for individuals and entire families facing a multitude of challenges. Initially a mental health and addiction treatment provider, it has expanded in recent years to meet the need for primary health care while supporting other intertwined issues. For more than 50 years the system has quietly grown and changed, as it has responded to the needs of the time.

“Aspire Indiana Health began in 1966 as a behavioral health provider for marginalized individuals who were involved in the justice system,” says Christopher Lloyd, senior director of marketing and communications. “Patients were referred to the organization by the courts or Department of Child Services. Today we offer mental health care, physical health care, and provide many different programs that address issues such as employment and housing. We serve people from every walk of life, from infants to seniors. As a safety-net provider, we are funded through state and federal programs. We work with any insurance and offer a sliding scale, but the bulk of payment usually comes through Medicaid and Medicare.”

As a nonprofit, Aspire has around 750 employees, and facilities located in Anderson, Carmel, Elwood, Indianapolis, Lebanon and Noblesville. It offers family primary health care, besides treating substance abuse with one-on-one counseling and group therapy, which includes family therapy. However, it utilizes a patientcentered approach, and not just one issue is treated. The whole person as well as family members are evaluated to see if there are other issues that should be addressed to improve quality of life.

“There are tons of services we provide,” Lloyd says. “We have a

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

whole-health approach to health care. We want to know not just what is bothering a patient that day, but what is going on that might be the cause. The vulnerable populations we service might be struggling with keeping a job or have issues related to being a veteran. They may have other illnesses causing the problem they came in for. Perhaps they have diabetes. Maybe they have recently been kicked out of their apartment.”

This integrated approach has led to the development of several programs. Aspire can assist in providing housing for its clients through Section 8 apartment housing or shelter placements. Through the federal program Ticket to Work, Aspire aids patients in finding employment. It has supportive services for all ages of deaf and hard-ofhearing individuals. In addition, it helps patients address infectious disease issues associated with HIV and hepatitis. Telehealth visits are available, in addition to other programs.

In the past decade the Aspire Indiana Health team became aware that some communities were health care deserts. Boone County caught its attention five years ago, and it responded to the need. After purchasing its Lebanon building, it renovated and refurbished it. At the time, that portion of the county was very rural and access to affordable health care was lacking. Today, it is usually possible to be seen on the same day a patient contacts the facility.

“Aspire Indiana Health is an interesting and unique organization,” Lloyd says. “It does so many things that operate below the horizon of the average person. We are the unicorn within the health care space. By continually adding to our programs where we see a need, we are a gap filler.”

Aspire Indiana Health is located at 1600 West Main Street in Lebanon. To schedule an appointment or for after-hours concerns, call 877-574-1254. Also visit aspireindiana.org for more info.

There are plenty of things to do with your family right here in Hamilton County. Get out of the house and take your kids on family-friendly adventures at local parks and attractions to beat the winter blues.

IKEA AND TOPGOLF

Fun fact: Fishers is home to Indiana’s only IKEA and Topgolf. Even if you’re not redesigning your home, IKEA is a fun place to explore. You could even create your own scavenger hunt or “I Spy” challenge to keep the kids entertained. Don’t forget the iconic Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria! After all that shopping, head across the street to Topgolf, a premier entertainment venue where you can challenge each other to addictive point-scoring golf games – no experience necessary.

SPRING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Take a ride high in the sky on the 1859 Balloon Voyage, as weather permits. On a clear day, you can even see the downtown Indianapolis skyline. Then, make your way to Treetop Outpost to explore a three-story treehouse, connect with nature and see stunning views of the White River.

PARKS AND TRAILS

Hamilton County has 600+ miles of trails and dozens of great parks. Get your bikes out of the garage and pedal along the Monon Trail, connecting through Sheridan, Westfield, Carmel and south to Indianapolis. Must-see parks in the area for families include local favorites like Central Park in Carmel, Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, Forest Park in Noblesville and Cool Creek Park and Nature Center in Westfield.

STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI PARK

Did you know this is Hamilton County’s largest park at more than 900 acres? There’s more to explore beyond the eight miles of trails. Book a guided horseback trail ride or pony ride with K-Trails Equestrian Adventures. Or, try your hand at using a bow and arrow at Koteewi Range: Sport and Target Archery Center. If you want a thrilling adventure, visit Edge Adventures Koteewi: Aerial Adventure Park to conquer treetop trails, ziplines and your fear of heights.

CONNER PRAIRIE

Spring is when the outdoor grounds at Conner Prairie in Fishers come alive. Your first stop should be the Animal Encounters barn to visit with the baby goats and sheep.

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS

Spring weather in Indiana can be unpredictable. If the forecast calls for a rainy day, take your adventure inside and visit the indoor waterpark at the Monon Community Center, The Escape Room, K1 Speed, Laser Flash or Pinheads for all-day entertainment.

For more information, check out VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Spring and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag us in your spring break staycation adventures using #VisitHC.

Yoo Direct Health (YDH) has been at the forefront of integrative health care since its opening in Noblesville in 2018. In that time, Lexi Yoo, a double board-certified nurse practitioner, and her staff have seen a tremendous boom in clients. YDH quickly outgrew its office in Noblesville and needed a much larger facility to meet demand. Yoo decided the best

course of action was to construct a new building, customized directly for her needs.

The practice recently moved to a new facility at 9535 East 151st Street in Noblesville. YDH is currently utilizing 9,700 square feet of the 24,000-square-foot building. Yoo plans to lease the other portion of the building to tenants.

The practice offers customized patient care in the areas of wellness, functional, anti-aging and aesthetic medicine. Yoo says the new facility will allow the practice to continue to build on its alreadythriving areas of focus, such as medical weight management, peptide therapy, gut health, hormone optimization, thyroid and adrenal function, and aesthetics. Aesthetic offerings include injectables, laser treatments, hair restoration, microneedling and HydraFacials.

“We now have a whole aesthetics wing in the new space,” Yoo says. “We will have two rooms utilized solely for injectables, one for myself and one for our other aesthetics provider. We will have a separate room used specifically for HydraFacials. Then we will have

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Amy Payne

another sort of catch-all room.”

Each provider at YDH will have two rooms, one for consults and one for procedures. Yoo says current patients love the new space and what it has to offer. She says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since moving in January.

“We have grown organically, meaning strictly by our patients’ word of mouth,” Yoo says. “I think the patients that have been with us a long time are thrilled to see how far we’ve come since 2018. Also, I think they appreciate how much we’re investing into the business for our patients.”

Yoo hired additional staff to fulfill the new patient demand. YDH currently employs several nurse practitioners and registered nurses providing patient care, along with a practice manager and a general manager.

“Our practice manager, Stacy Rawlings, assists with our dayto-day operations,” Yoo says. “She ensures our office staff is adequately prepared for the day at our Noblesville location. Our general manager, Lauren Slevin, helps with more upcoming, bigger-picture projects.”

Some of those bigger-picture projects include consulting services, speaking engagements, a health informatics project using new technology and a training academy. Yoo says one of the goals with the new building is to provide training to other providers on peptide therapy, thyroid health, women’s health, gut health, men’s health, aesthetics, ozone therapy and regenerative medicine.

The new space also allows YDH to increase the services they offer. New services include intravenous therapy, ozone therapy and regenerative medicine. Yoo says she is adding regenerative medicine

to what YDH currently offers because it fits their goals. She says the practice focuses on healing the body from the inside out, specifically regenerating tissues in the most natural ways possible.

She says this segues well into intravenous therapy because it reduces oxidative stress in the body, which ages people quicker and causes DNA damage, leading to other chronic diseases. She says ozone therapy helps to reduce inflammation and aging in the body.

“Inflammation is triggered by underlying chronic disease,” Yoo says. “Ozone therapy also helps accelerate wound healing and clearing out chronic infections. But the most specific benefit of ozone therapy is that it helps boost the immune system. It’s also part of an anti-aging protocol that we are working on.”

Yoo says while what she offers is not necessarily considered mainstream, there is a mountain of fact-based evidence to support it.

“I always want to be able to show patients there is evidence to support what we’re doing here,” Yoo says. “I want to do some of my own studies tracking our patients here to determine our best practices.”

Dr. Steven Porto, a double board-certified surgeon, serves as collaborating physician for YDH. Yoo meets with Porto monthly to review clinical cases. The collaborative partnership ensures any concerns or needs by YDH are addressed.

Yoo says the most significant differentiating factor between YDH and other integrated practices is its commitment to putting the patient first. She says the staff must always be learning to provide the best patient outcomes.

“We’re always changing and learning because medicine is always

changing,” Yoo says. “We always want to be at the forefront of medicine. I always want to be expanding on our knowledge and 10 steps ahead of what we’re currently doing.”

YDH currently has a waitlist, but Yoo says with the opening of the new building and hiring of additional staff, she is confident they can knock out the waitlist promptly. She says patients may be seen a little sooner if they’re willing to drive to the Greenwood location at 107 North State Road 135, Suite 106.

“We have noticed patients get a little scared by the waitlist or just

can’t wait, which we understand, but we’re seeing them not getting the results they want or not having a great experience for what they’re paying,” Yoo says. “A lot of times they call us back to get back on the waitlist.”

Yoo says the future may include an additional location in the northwest region of the greater Indianapolis area. She reminds everyone to stay tuned for what’s to come in the future, and potential published research completed by Yoo. If you’re looking for a better “Yoo” inside or out, call 317-523-9160 or visit yoodirecthealth.com.

The Only Name You Need To Know

All within 1/2 Hour Or Less from Geist!

Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.

ED MARTIN

Zachary Dimitrelias, a fifth grader at Stone Creek Elementary in Noblesville, is excited about engineering and encourages other students to learn more about one of his favorite subjects.

His mother, Angela Thompson, says he has learned a lot this school year.

“Zach really enjoys learning about new things in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) class with his teacher, Amanda Hoffman, at school,” Thompson says. “His favorite activity so far this year has been Robotics lessons. Zach was selected by his teacher, Mrs. Hoffman, to demonstrate robotics to the Noblesville School Board last fall.”

Zach also recently built a boat at home and has been testing and rebuilding it.

“Zach came home from school one day with the idea of building a boat in his head, and I told him to go make it happen,” Thompson says. “He used items from around the house and constructed his first boat.”

Zach built his boat out of drinking straws, tape, foil, popsicle sticks and Saran Wrap. “We tested it in our pool, and it kept tipping over, so he added outriggers on either side to keep it from tipping and it worked,”

ZACHARY DIMITRELIAS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Thompson says. “He built a second boat shortly after that where he used the same materials but reinforced it to make it stronger than the first boat.”

Zach is currently making his third boat, which will be the biggest boat of them all.

“This boat will have a flat bottom, and he is excited to test it,” Thompson says.

Thompson added that Zach thoroughly enjoyed his project at home.

“Zach tested his boats in the swimming pool,” she says.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Zach is a busy student who also finds time to get involved in school activities.

“Zach plays football for the Noblesville Elementary Football League (NEFL), baseball at Noblesville Youth Baseball (NYB), and loves basketball,” Thompson says.

At school, Zach is part of the Instruments Club.

“After school, he also loves being outside and building forts in the woods,” Thompson says. “He built a great treehouse in the woods at his dad’s house with his dad and his little brother, Noah. It was constructed of wood up on a tree with a bridge they could use to get to the treehouse. They worked hard to ensure everything was supported correctly to hold the weight of the wood, and the people inside the treehouse. It also had walls and a roof.”

Zach also works on a treehouse with one of his best friends, Janner, and Zach created his fort

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

using large sticks, leaves, branches and dirt.

“Zach also has an affinity for Legos and anything he can build,” Thompson says.

FUTURE PLANS

Zach is already interested in pursuing engineering in college and as a career.

“He is a big Purdue sports fan and plans to go there for college where he wants to study to become an engineer, and play on the Purdue basketball team,” Thompson says.

NOBLESVILLE FAN

Thompson says Zack loves the people of Noblesville.

“He says everyone is nice, polite, kind and caring,” Thompson says. “He loves the way Noblesville decorates the town square at Christmas, and he also loves that his friends are all here.”