North Indy Magazine May 2024

Master Strokes

Indy to Host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials

Ground Control

VICTORY FIELD GROUNDS TEAM COVERS

ALL BASES TO ENSURE EVERY GAME IS ENJOYABLE

Powerful Presence

Experience the Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit Concert

LIFE IN INDY CHOOSING HOPE

KALEB LANE PURSUES A PASSION HELPING OTHERS DEAL WITH SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Writer / Ely Ayers Photography / Travis Hinkle Sponsor / lifeindyindy.com

Marked, not broken.

Indiana mental health and recovery advocate Kaleb Lane’s scars, both physical and mental, stand as powerful symbols of resilience, illustrating the remarkable journey that materializes when one unconditionally commits to the notion that fighting back is the only option they have left.

How does the world measure a second chance? At 18, a devastating back injury propelled him into a harrowing battle with prescription medication that doctors insisted would bring healing, but ultimately only made the pain worse - a story mirroring the experience of countless Americans who fell into the unforgiving grips of the opioid epidemic.

Today, Lane walks with a complete rejection of victimhood, and instead has taken the long road from the very depths of his own mind to the pinnacle of advocacy, playing a pivotal role in leading the local charge against the same forces that almost removed him for good.

As of early 2024, the attorney general’s office has secured over $925 million in opioid settlements for Hoosier communities, which includes Indiana’s active participation in the $26 billion national settlement with Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson, emphasizing the importance of accountability from manufacturers and distributors.

Though the funds will be spent over an extended period, in late 2023 Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s office presented the Family and Social Services Administration and Division of Mental Health and Addiction a $25 million grant, which included the allocation of $3.5 million for treatment, $4 million for prevention, and $1.5 million for harm reduction, as well as criminal-justice-related programs and administrative costs.

Early in Lane’s recovery process, what started as simply attending a recovery circle turned into not only the bright spot that now defines his life, but a full-circle moment. The substantial lawsuit sum that came from the same corporations that enabled

his prescription medication battle now funds multiple mental health and recovery organizations he directly works with.

“I was attending a small recovery group and my pastor recommended I go apply for a job at a place called Upstream Prevention,” he said. “I found out a little bit about them and learned that they were a recovery and harm reduction organization that had, at that time, become interested in expanding their efforts. I became the first and only peer on the staff.”

Upstream Prevention, Inc., an organization partly funded by grants that the state awards, works to support system-level changes to promote prevention and reduction of community substance use and mental health challenges. As a result of Upstream’s Indiana CAREs ECHO grant, Lane was brought in to focus significantly on the harm reduction and outreach initiatives that the organization offers. This includes not only being an outreach resource for the community, but also being on the other end of the phone when Hoosiers call the 9-8-8 number, a hotline for people experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis.

Kaleb Lane

“My boss told me to ‘go and do good things,’” Lane said. “That gave me the freedom to do the things our community needed, which include peer support in the local hospital, being on the overdose response team, planning sober social events, and helping open potential recovery centers. When people wake up and come-to while they are in the hospital recovering from overdoses, I’m most times one of the first faces they see. I can help when others can’t, and when we have a heart of service and give back to our community, our lives become more meaningful and filled with purpose.”

Lane is fully aware that there is a local and national “not in my backyard” stigma and mentality when it comes to fighting back against the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis. He gives high praise not only to the people who make these types of moments possible, but also those who are all-in and have committed to help fight the

same fight as him.

“The unsung heroes, to me, are the people at the Johnson County Health Department,” he said. “They’ve done a great job keeping politics and ideology out of it. They just want to do good things for the people and place they serve. And though it has been gradual, a reduction in stigma has happened. Progress has been made. But it takes a whole community to buy in.”

The Johnson County prosecutor’s office, whose role is to prosecute illegal drug possession, has shown support rooted in motives other than arrest quotas and department pride.

“We have dinners and events to help raise awareness of what we’re fighting against, and typically try to get community members to come out and be a part of it,” Lane said. “We actually had the Johnson County prosecutor’s office show up, as well as

the county coroner and people from the problem-solving court. They didn’t have to do that. It’s not their job to. They were there because they believed in what we do. It was a great feeling.”

Lane’s narrative vividly illustrates the profound value of a second chance. His journey embodies the transformative power inherent in such an opportunity. Through unwavering commitment and resilience, Lane not only overcame harrowing challenges, but also crafted a life surpassing any expectations he may have once had for himself. His second chance served as the catalyst for a journey, highlighting the extraordinary potential embedded in every fresh start.

“People like me who almost lost my life have a different type of zest for life,” he said. “You’re freer than ever and take nothing for granted.”

VICTORY FIELD GROUNDS TEAM COVERS ALL BASES TO ENSURE EVERY GAME IS ENJOYABLE

Writer & Photographer / Michael Durr Aerial Photography by Daniel Woody

The historic Victory Field proudly stands as part of White River State Park, and has been home to the Indianapolis Indians since 1996.

This beautiful stadium is a testament to the countless games and memories it has witnessed. This year, nestled within the stands, fans will look down on a newly installed baseball field, and while at first glance it might look as gorgeous as it has for nearly 30 years, you can thank the dedicated grounds team that has toiled tirelessly to ensure that this field remains a pristine canvas for a sport that captivates thousands every summer.

“For the installation of the new field, we had three to four months to work with our designer to come up with a design,” says Joey Stevenson, Indianapolis Indians director of field operations. “It was fun to rethink all those little fine details, like how we wanted the outline of the warning track and how it follows the wall, where we wanted irrigation spigots, and things like that.”

This is Stevenson’s 18th season at Victory Field, and to say he is a savant is an understatement. He grew up on a family farm in southern Illinois and started working at a golf course at 15. His college years were spent at Purdue University, where he majored in turf science. After graduating he spent two years at major

league ballparks and has been here in Indy since 2007.

Despite being a minor league field, there are many people who consider Victory Field to be one of the nicest ballparks in America. “We’re able to spend the time on the grass, edges and mounds to make it perfect, and that’s really rare,” Stevenson says.

With the help of Stevenson’s field operations coordinators, Bryce Huebner and Zach Green, this team of three, along with a diverse group of interns united by their passion for baseball and their commitment to excellence, works day and night to craft and maintain the field throughout the season.

For a 7:05 p.m. game, the grounds team will arrive at 9 a.m. and work to create a harmonious blend of artistry and precision.

During those early morning hours, they inspects every inch of the field, scouring for any imperfections that could mar a player’s experience. The field gets mowed and a lot of time is spent on the infield skin, nail dragging, floating and getting the conditioner levels right. For Stevenson and his team, perfection is the only option and no detail escapes their gaze.

While many might think the grass demands the most effort, it’s actually the dirt surfaces that need meticulous attention. The mounds, plates and infield require a lot of effort to keep surfaces level and the moisture content correct. On a typical summer day, the infield dirt can be watered six to seven times.

As afternoon approaches, some of the nuances change from game to game, but generally the staff will water after lunch, check the warning track and make preparations for the team’s batting practice. Stevenson and his team will regain control of the field from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. “We tear down batting practice, drag dirt surfaces, chalk the lines and water the skin one more time,” Stevenson says. This is all before the first pitch is thrown.

Once the game starts, the staff will do some detail work in the third and sixth innings,

“IT’S COOL TO COME IN AND THINK THIS IS OUR OFFICE. AROUND 10:30 A.M. WHEN THEY FIRE UP THE POPCORN AND THE BALLPARK COMES ALIVE, IT’S REALLY COOL TO STEP BACK AND LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE DOING.”

— JOEY STEVENSON

and will drag and change bases. After the game, the staff works to have the field ready for the next day. When all is said and done, they work around 14 hours daily to keep the field in pristine condition.

“It’s cool to come in and think this is our office,” Stevenson says. “Around 10:30 a.m. when they fire up the popcorn and the ballpark comes alive, it’s really cool to step back and look at what we are doing.”

This job is not just about maintaining the field; it’s about creating an experience. Stevenson and his team take pride in crafting a welcoming atmosphere for players and fans alike. For in the heart of this historic stadium, the grounds team certainly leaves their mark - a legacy of dedication, excellence and unwavering passion. And as long as there is baseball to be played, their work will continue, as a silent tribute to the timeless beauty of America’s favorite pastime.

As you sit in the stands this season, we hope you take a closer look and appreciate some of these intricate details.

For information on this season’s games, visit milb.com/indianapolis, and follow the Indians on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Bryce Huebner - Field Operations Coordinator

Joey Stevenson - Director of Field Operations

MASTER STROKES

INDY TO HOST THE 2024 U.S. OLYMPIC SWIMMING TEAM TRIALS

In a fusion of community spirit and aquatic ambition, Indianapolis is gearing up to host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials next month. This monumental event, taking place from June 15 to 23, marks a crescendo of the city’s vibrant sports culture, which has been nurtured diligently by the Indiana Sports Corp (ISC) since its inception in 1979.

Under the slogan “All Lanes Lead to Indy,” the city is poised to deliver an unparalleled experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of a sporting event. A rigorous bidding process that started in the summer

of 2020 led to the selection of Indianapolis for the trials. The ISC, founded as the nation’s first sports commission, has been a catalyst for Indianapolis’ transformation, championing a triad of strategies involving events, venues and sporting organizations to rejuvenate the downtown area.

Indy’s commitment shines through in the meticulous planning for the trials, involving an extensive local organizing committee led by passionate swim enthusiast Scott Davison, and Karin Sarratt of OneAmerica Financial. This committee embodies the soul of Indianapolis, contributing

to the event’s success from marketing to community impact. With over 6,000 volunteer shifts available during the nine-day event, anyone volunteering for three or more shifts will receive a goldmedal medallion as a token of the city’s appreciation.

Lucas Oil Stadium will be the host venue for the trials, which will feature two 50-meter pools and one 25-meter pool, replacing the turf and the first 12 rows of stadium seats - a first for an NFL stadium. This initiative encapsulates the city’s innovative approach, ensuring a splash in sporting

Writer / Daniel Woody Photography Provided

history. The pools will also be a testament to sustainability, filled with water from the White River and returned post-event, treated on both ends by Citizens Energy Group, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the city’s resourcefulness.

The event not only showcases athletic prowess, but also highlights Indy’s commitment to inclusivity and safety. With a mission to train 50,000 individuals in swim and water safety by the end of 2024, the ISC is targeting underserved communities and partnering with local organizations to promote

life-saving swimming skills. This is part of a broader strategy to introduce more people to swimming, not just as a sport, but as a critical life skill. Swimming is the only sport you can learn that can save your life, so this educational push on water and swim safety is a cornerstone of the ISC’s objectives for the trials.

In addition to aquatic excellence, the event will transform Indy into

a festival-like atmosphere. Numerous free concerts, the Toyota Aqua Zone, USA Swimming Live on Georgia Street, and the Starting Block Party exemplify the celebratory spirit. These festivities will be complemented by a 100-year anniversary nod to the 1924 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held at Broad Ripple Park, with a 66-foot Eiffel Tower crafted by Latinas Welding Guild, connecting the past to the present. Some of the tiling from the 1924 pool in Broad

Latinas Welding Guild

Photography / Daniel Woody

Ripple Park is still visible today.

Moreover, the ISC’s Indy Goes For Gold program will mesh the sporting extravaganza with the local community, offering promotional benefits to ticket holders. Select local businesses and venues will be offering gold-medal deals and offers as part of this program.

As Indianapolis prepares to become the amphitheater for Olympic dreams, the magnitude of the trials is evident. Over a thousand athletes will vie for 52 coveted spots on the U.S. Olympic swim team.

For Indianapolis, the trials are far more than a gateway to Olympic glory; they are a celebration of a city united by sports and the spirit of community. The event represents a synthesis of athletic excellence, civic pride and a shared commitment to the future, where every stroke in the pool reflects the pulse of a city ready to make a difference.

As competitors push their limits in the water, Indianapolis embraces the opportunity to showcase its transformed landscape, its warm hospitality and its readiness to lead as a model for other cities. The legacy of the 2024 swim trials will resonate long after the races have finished, echoing as an enduring testament to the city’s dedication to sport, safety and the community. As all eyes turn to Indy, it stands as a beacon of innovation and unity, demonstrating how sport can transcend competition and become a powerful force for collective achievement and positive change.

Paddle With Us!

We are Friends of the White River. Since 1985, we’ve advocated for the preservation of the river as Central Indiana’s most precious natural resource. We represent the people who use the river for outdoor recreation, those who live near its banks, and all citizens who benefit from the river.

FOWR would like to invite you to come Paddle with Us this summer. Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs. Enroute, our guides discuss history, shoreline and aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science and water quality, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at Central Indiana’s most valuable natural resource.

We’re always recruiting volunteers to help with programs. Experienced paddlers can join the River School program as Raft Guides and use their skills on our White River Canoe Cleanups. You can also volunteer for a shore-based cleanup, or join Habitat Healers to restore streambanks. Check out the Events page

Memberships and sponsorship opportunities are available on our website. These donations are usually tax-deductible and provide an amazing opportunity to make a positive impact on Central Indiana’s most precious natural resource.

Original pool tiles still visible in Broad Ripple Park from the 1924 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Broad Ripple Park.

Photography / Daniel Woody

POWERFUL PRESENCE

EXPERIENCE THE INDY 500 COORS LIGHT SNAKE PIT CONCERT

Writer & Photographer / Michael Durr

In the heart of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, amidst the hundreds of thousands of race fans, a production team of visionaries and technical experts deliver a spectacle like no other - an epic outdoor electronic dance music (EDM) event that provides a high-octane experience with larger-than-life visuals, blazing pyrotechnics and earth-shattering sound.

This is not just any concert event; it’s Snake Pit, an immersive EDM concert that leaves a

sea of humanity, within a sea of humanity, in a collective frenzy.

Chris Schroeder, owner and operator of Chris Schroeder Productions, and his team of experts in various fields - lighting designers, audio engineers, pyrotechnic specialists, visual effects artists and stage builders - have redefined what it means to deliver a live music experience. Each member of Schroeder’s team brings a set of unique skills and creativity to the table, and they are all driven by a shared passion for

pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of live entertainment.

“The first time I was approached about doing a concert inside the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while the race was going on, I had a hard time envisioning it, because I didn’t want to be the guy who launched the confetti machines and stopped the Indy 500,” Schroeder says.

That hesitation certainly didn’t stop Schroeder and his team from pushing the

pedal to the metal and creating an event that has become an exclamation point to one of the largest sporting events in the world.

Lining up top-tier performers for this event begins in October of the prior year, and the logistics of the stage design begin in early January. This year’s Snake Pit will be headlined by Excision who will be joined by Dom Dolla, Gryffin, Sullivan King and Timmy Trumpet.

As you read this article, construction of the Snake Pit stage is likely underway. In the days leading up to 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the team will work eight to 10 hours per day to assemble and test every component of the stage. The crew will construct the skeleton of this monster, utilizing two large cranes and a large group of stage hands to get the physical structure in place.

“At any given time during a full production day, we have stage hands, lighting, video, audio, special effects, and structure personnel, adding up to anywhere between 70 to 90 people working simultaneously,” Schroeder says.

In addition to the bone-rattling sound system, one of the centerpieces of the stage is undoubtedly the massive LED

wall, a marvel of modern technology that serves as a dynamic canvas for visual effects. Graphic designers and animators implement stunning visuals that complement the music and elevate the audience’s sensory experience. From

pulsating patterns to twisting animations, the LED wall becomes a living, breathing entity, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the performances.

For the Snake Pit crowd, the stage stands

tall and provides a presence that demands even the craziest crowd’s attention. As the bass drops, pyrotechnics erupt in synchronized bursts of flames and sparks, adding an explosive punctuation to the sonic landscape. This stage comes to life and

serves as the fast-beating heart to one of the largest spectacles in American sports.

Onstage, the performers feed off the collective energy of the crowd, their music amplified by a thunderous sound system reverberating through the crowd and into the track itself. The synergy between the artists, the stage and the audience creates a palpable energy, surrounded by the buzzing car engines.

Behind the scenes, the team watches with pride as their months of hard work and dedication unfold before their eyes. For them, it’s more than just a job; it’s a labor of love - a passion that allows them to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

“When you pull into gate two and go

under the track, and get into the confines of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you know it’s going to be special,” Schroeder says. “Another thing that catches me is the vastness and just how big the track is. Our little corner in turn three can support 25,000 to 30,000 people who are surrounded by another 300,000 to 400,000 people in the grandstands and infield.”

While the Snake Pit experience might not be for everyone, it certainly part of a long-standing tradition, and one that will continue to dazzle music and race fans for years to come.

For tickets and more information, visit ims.com/snakepit.

Production crew member performs maintenance on the back of LED wall.

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