North Indy Magazine November 2022

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Soldier

Hours inside: Please call for hours at 317-234-6999

Hours outside: Open from dawn to dusk

Admission: Free

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

Admission: Free; donations appreciated

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Medal of Honor Memorial

Hours: Open from dawn to dusk

Admission: Free

and Sailors Monument

LIFE IN INDY

INDIANA MEMORIAL SITES

Writer / Michael Durr Photographer / Daniel Woody

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

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

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

INvets is a nonprofit organization founded by veterans that helps former service members transition to civilian life, by connecting them with Indiana employers and providing career-building resources. Zimmerman is a veteran himself and works hard to cultivate talent throughout our state. He and his team attend seminars at 25 active-duty bases around the country, in all four

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

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

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

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

Another impressive location is the Medal of Honor Memorial, located in White River State Park along the canal behind the Indiana State Museum. It is the nation’s only memorial honoring Medal of Honor recipients - the country’s highest award for military valor. This incredible memorial pays tribute to Medal of Honor recipients representing 15 different conflicts. It consists of a series of 27 curved glass walls that are etched with the

names of all recipients, their branch of service and the locations of their heroic actions. Every day at dusk, the Medal of Honor Memorial plays recorded stories of medal recipients or of the conflicts in which they fought.

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

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

Blaine Zimmerman | President & CEO | INvets Image Provided

Writer / Amanda Gibson Photographer / Michael Durr

Alla Kapchunova Owner of Monon Toys & Crafts

There’s no doubt that toys can create special memories. That’s what Alla Kapchunova, owner of Monon Toys and Crafts, is all about.

“I’ve been playing with my kids a while, and during the pandemic, even more,” she says. “I realized I knew a lot about toys.” With her house already filled with toys, she decided it was time to procure toys for others.

Kapchunova has a background in psychology, with a lot of knowledge in the art of play, especially regarding children and young adults. When she knew it was time to open her toy store, she found the perfect place, available for lease, in her very own neighborhood right off the Monon Trail.

The toys she stocks aren’t items you’d find in a typical big-box store. They’re high-quality, open-ended toys that children won’t get bored with. They’re sustainable, beautiful and memorable. One of her goals is to offer toys that last and can be passed on - not just played with for a few months, pushed to the back of a closet and later donated to second-hand shops. She doesn’t purchase toys that she wouldn’t choose to put in her own home.

“It’s important to see a bigger picture,” she says. “While I purchase my own taste, I pay attention to the diversity of people who buy from us.” As soon as you walk through the door at Monon Toys and Crafts, you’ll notice how thoughtfully curated her selection is, with toys chosen from makers all around the world.

Toys can have a greater purpose outside of just play, and here are Kapchunova’s top five must-have toys that you can find in her store:

Blocks. Both fine and gross motor skills are needed for block play. Children’s problem-solving, mathematical, language and reading skills are all improved by using blocks. Additionally, building block creations can boost confidence.

Stuffed animals. Kapchunova mentions this one for older children, because stuffed animals often help in transitional times,

and can be used to develop critical sensory and emotional abilities - a “buddy” to help feel protected and secure.

Play mice. These help in pretend play, and getting into the world of imagination. In pretend play, young children can interpret their everyday observations. This is often one of the earliest methods for discovering likes, dislikes, hobbies and skills.

Puppet theater. This is a great tool to start children in storytelling, because they often relay their own emotions through this type of play, and it can be very therapeutic.

Baby dolls. Having a baby doll, no matter the child, teaches them self-help skills. Before using these abilities on themselves, children frequently find it easier to exercise them on someone else or something

The My First Bike Quiet Book is soft, quiet and washable. As a motor skills toy, it brings the topic closer and invites children aged 18 months and up to try things out and join in. With 6 creative and uniquely designed pages, this pedagogically valuable toy helps a child develop skills while having fun.

Give an experience this holiday season. Give the gift of the Y! Gift cards can be purchased in any amount and used for membership fees, swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, and more. Visit any YMCA of Greater Indianapolis location to purchase yours today! INDYMCA.org

This toy and more now available at the shop.

6510 Cornell Ave

Broad Ripple Village

Hours:

Mon - Wed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Thur - Sat 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sun 12:00 am - 4:00 pm

YMCA OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Ground Breaking Breaking Ground

else. Outside of learning how to do tasks by themselves, it’s an introduction to caring for someone besides themselves.

With holiday shopping approaching, Kapchunova will be stocking plenty of inventory for customers to pick from. This will be her second holiday season with the store, and it’s a time that Kapchunova is excited for. She loves Christmas herself, and finds it incredibly special to help customers find the most thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. At the end of the day, what brings her the most joy and makes owning a toy store worth it are the memories she’s able to hear about, stemming from the toys she sells.

Monon Toys and Crafts is located at 6510 Cornell Avenue in Indianapolis. For more info, call 317-749-1567 or visit monontoys. com, where you can shop at any time of day and have unique toys delivered to your door, or select items for store pickup.

All the Right Ingredients

CUSTOMERS ARE FAMILY AT BYRNE’S GRILLED PIZZA

Writer / Alesha McCarty Photographer / Michael Durr

here is a charming community around 56th and Illinois streets. The Reinstroms, proprietors of Byrne’s Grilled Pizza, have called this little corner of ButlerTarkington home for more than 35 years. Founders Ken and Dot shop at Kincaid’s and Safeway for their groceries. Dot loves finding recipes in old magazines and making them her own. Ken enjoys grilling good food. One day Dot stumbled upon a cracker-crust pizza recipe. She whipped it up, Ken threw it on his Weber grill, and they served the new creation at a euchre party. The grilled cracker-crust pizza was a hit.

Neighbors and friends began devouring their grilled pizza. Some friends opened Flat12 Bierwerks in 2011, and it was a perfect opportunity to start a food truck.

“Our first big catering event was the Miller Lite Party at the IMS,” says Adam Reinstrom, the couple’s son. “They were astonished at how efficiently we could crank out the pizzas. Eventually we were the main vendor at the event.” Byrne’s also hosts events at Butler, as well as weddings and community happenings, with a full menu of salads, breadsticks, bruschetta, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards featuring Adam’s breadstick crostini.

Oh Yumm Bistro sold their space to the Reinstroms in 2016. The restaurant is cozy, and it can host around 50 guests. A cozy, fire-lit

patio adds 25. In 2018 the restaurant team established The Rhino Bar when they obtained a three-way liquor license.

With the support of Father Jim Byrne of Holy Cross and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Byrne’s became an essential part of the neighborhood. Adam’s brother Derek helped to get the brickand-mortar location running before relocating, and Adam’s sister Danielle enticed those passing by with her pizza costume. Adam took part in all aspects of the business. Eventually the Reinstrom kids all moved away. Byrne’s continued, taking part in farmers markets and establishing regulars.

After 2020 they needed a change - a new era for the family-owned business. Adam had spent time on the west coast working for architecture firms, food trucks and winemakers. However, he felt drawn back to the Midwest. His partner, Pablo Gonzalez, worked under James Beard-awarded chefs, with mentors like Jeffrey Morgenthaler and Joshua McFadden, developing skills and finding inspiration in farm-to-table cooking. The two ventured back to the Midwest with a mission to grow the community. They found a place at Adam’s family restaurant and soon took over the business, with Gonzalez focusing on hospitality and mixology.

The classics are here to stay, but you’ll see creative new flavors focused on celebrating relationships they’ve made in the community, and efforts to reach out to customers from all over the city.

“We want to ensure everyone feels welcome,” Adam says. Moving forward, the team will focus on its cocktail program, elevated pizza options and adventurous seasonal specialties. The Rhino Bar has new curated cocktails, natural wines, and 0-proof cocktails as well. They have expanded their gluten-free and vegan menu. Cauliflower crust and rice-based crust, and a flourless chocolate cake, are additional options. Indy vegans can enjoy the vegan cheese and their classic Teddy’s sauce - a red sauce with capers and olives. They will invest in their community by working with local establishments like Kincaid’s, Cornerstone Bread Company, My Dad’s Sweet Corn and others. The Reinstrom family also boasts a lovely garden that provides much of the produce.

For the holidays they’ll be serving up their toasty breadsticks at the Holiday Block Stroll, at 56th and Illinois streets on November 10. Also, the mobile Rhino bar buss is coming soon.

Byrne’s offers something for everyone - a family pizza night, a cozy date night under the firelight on the patio, live music, a fabulous little cocktail, and much more. You are sure to find a friendly, fun time at Byrne’s.

Byrne’s Grilled Pizza is located at 5615 North Illinois Street in Indianapolis. For more info, go to byrnespizza.com

Left to Right Dot Reinstrom, Ken Reinstrom, Adam Reinstrom and Pablo Gonzalez

Expand your creative playground

An ode to every kind of creator, the Z 5 gives you a whole new range of possibilities from impressive portraits with beautiful bokeh to richly colored landscape shots – all from a portable, tough, easy-to-handle body. City or nature, day or night, wherever inspiration strikes – the world is your playground.

Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Michele Pollock, Brown County $12

Megan Winn, Indianapolis $65-$100

Holiday GIFT GUIDE FOR THE OUTDOORS

Writer & Photographer / Daniel Woody

Some of us need a little help when it comes to picking out the perfect holiday gift for our family and friends. I hope to provide you with a little guidance while selecting a gift for your favorite outdoor enthusiast - and yes, that can even be yourself in some cases. I know I’m guilty of it.

I’ve been spending time outside all my life, so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about good gear. However, I don’t know everything, so I consulted my friends over at Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple for good measure. Almost everything on this list is offered in their shop, and they’re actually offering all North Indy readers a deal for the holidays. Bring your copy of this magazine into the shop by December 7 and you’ll receive 20% off a one-time purchase (excluding clearance items and Eddyline kayaks)!

Stocking Stuffers

Who doesn’t love a gift wrapped in a sock? I’ve compiled a list of useful items that won’t bust your stocking seams or your wallet.

Power and Light - BioLite

BioLite makes some great products and they all integrate very well. When you’re off-grid, it’s nice to have light after the sun goes down and a backup power supply to keep your devices running.

Clothing

Water Filtration and Safety

Water Bottle - Hydro Flask

Everyone needs water. Nobody lives without it. I’ve loved and trusted my Hydro Flask water bottles for the last seven years. They’ve taken many beatings, but still keep my water ice cold every day. These days they come in all kinds of fun colors and sizes.

Honestly, these can be handy for anybody. I’d recommend that everyone keep a medical kit and water filter in their car at all times. Emergencies can happen anywhere and it’s best to have the basics. Just be sure to take them with you when you head out on the trail too.

Vuori - Women’s Clothing Line

It’s what every kid doesn’t want for Christmas, but always seems to get. It’s also what everyone wears, so it’s practical. Here are a few items that wear as good around a campfire as they do around town.

Patagonia Men’s R1 Air Zip-Neck and R1 TechFace Hoody

• Lightweight and breathable, this is a great option for high-exertion activities in colder weather.

• It’s made with recycled, hollow-core fabric, with a unique zig-zag texture that wicks sweat from the skin and dries fast.

• It’s designed to be worn as a mid layer or outer layer.

• I have it on good authority that Vuori is quickly becoming a goto brand for women’s premium performance apparel, with an intentional focus on ethical manufacturing and sustainability.

• With functional design and construction at the forefront, their apparel is built with durable performance materials that will stand up to the toughest workouts, but also look and feel great during a casual day around town.

• Men, you’re not excluded here. They offer a great selection of men’s apparel as well, and it’s just as comfy.

Camping and Cooking

This list is for those who prefer a 5,000-star accommodation over a 5-star hotel room. Fun fact - there are only about 5,000 stars visible to the naked eye in the night sky, but since Earth gets in the way, you can only see about half of those from where you stand on any given night (OK, I looked that up. But we both learned something).

NEMO Dagger OSMO 3P tent

• This is a larger version of NEMO’s best-selling backpacking tent. This tent is designed to be a balance between minimal weight and a spacious interior, for top-tier performance on the trail and lounging in the evenings.

• NEMO’s proprietary OSMO poly-nylon gives this tent great water repellency and minimal stretch when wet, and is also 20% stronger than similar fabrics.

• This tent is also backed by NEMO’s lifetime warranty, so the hefty price tag doesn’t hurt as bad when you know you’ll likely enjoy this tent for decades to come.

Sea to Summit Sigma Cook Set 2.1

This set is perfect for anyone who is a fan of single-pot cooking. It provides a great setup for you and a friend to enjoy a meal in the backcountry. It comes with two bowls and insulated mugs, and a 1.9-liter pot.

Snow Peak Trek 900

Crafted from Japanese titanium, you can use this pot and pan over any heat source. With its lightweight qualities and compact folding handles, this is a great gift for anyone who enjoys venturing into the backcountry solo.

Rumpl Blanket - National Parks Edition

Rumpl is the original puffy blanket, made with hollow-fiber synthetic insulation (100% post-consumer recycled materials). The coating has a 90/10 durable water repellency rating, protecting it from the elements, making these blankets weather and stain resistant. This is the blanket I grab when camping in 45-degree weather or below. Rumpl has more designs for their blankets than you can imagine, but I can’t resist their National Parks blankets.

NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair

Backpacking chairs have been around for a while now, but they are not all equal. The Moonlite easily fits in your pack, offers superior strength and stability, and is also the only chair of its kind with an adjustable seating position, making it ideal for dining or reclining.

Health Coverage Made Easy

Health Insurance Marketplace/healthcare.gov, small group plans, dental and vision coverage.

Angie Mercer

Matthew Kubal Matthew Mundy

Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

• The three-zipper design allows for easy access to your gear anywhere in your pack.

• It features an adjustable yoke and a removable waist belt, so you can dial in the comfort for any scenario.

Altra Hiking Shoes

• I’ve almost exclusively been wearing Altra hiking shoes for the last three years straight. While they’re amazing for hiking, I wear them as my daily shoes, because they feel like walking on clouds.

• Their signature foot shape gives your feet space to sit naturally, and is even designed to address differences in men’s and women’s feet.

Mystery Ranch In and Out

• This is a highly compressible daypack for quick summit attempts, and an awesome daypack for all your adventures.

• It is designed to be stuffed into its own front mesh pocket, and it fits perfectly into any of your other packs or luggage.

• The pack is made with high-abrasion and tear-resistant materials, so you can be confident it will get you through any adventure.

Osprey Sylva 5

• For all you mountain-biking women out there, this pack is for you.

• This pack includes a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir, and a separate main compartment to bring along all your necessary gear. It also comes with an integrated, removable rain cover, and attachment points for your helmet and tail light.

• It’s great for cycling in hot and humid climates (I’m looking at you, Indiana summers).

• The BioStretch harness keeps the pack stable on your back, and comes equipped with shoulder straps that complement a natural riding position.

Old Boot Repair

As great as new boots can be, you may own an old pair that have seen better days but hold lots of memories. If you bought the right kind of boot, it might have been specifically designed to be re-soled and refurbished (not all boots are designed for this). This can often be done for less than the cost of a new pair. I’ve done this a couple times with a pair of boots I bought more than a decade ago. You’ll want to find a local shoe repair shop, and they can bring new life to your old boots. There are a few shops around the Indy area, and I’ve been going to Cento Shoes on South Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis.

Model:

claudia_jaye

Photo: Emma Knutson Photography

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