North Indy Magazine December 2022

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

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Joe Pellman

Kate Pangallo

Lauren Kenny

ABOUT TOWN

LIFE IN INDY HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST OF THE INDY REGION

Writer / Renee Larr Photography By Faith Blackwell and Michael Durr

A new collaborative initiative called Life in Indy seeks to attract residents to Indianapolis by providing a snapshot of everything that current residents love about their community. Life in Indy gives potential residents an insider’s view of neighborhoods, industries, careers, attractions and amenities. The website brings together content written by locals and a sphere of more than 200 Indyfluencers. The local volunteers are happy to connect and offer their advice for living, working and playing in the Circle City.

The concept dates back to when the Indy Chamber worked on the Amazon corporate headquarters bid. Ultimately the city placed in the top 20 but lost to another locale. The Indy Chamber felt it was time to consider pooling resources and content with a similar concept developed by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).

“Two things came out of that project,” says Joe Pellman, executive director of regional image marketing at the Indy Chamber. “We had amassed a ton of regional cooperation at a level we hadn’t seen before, and we were amassing a ton of content. We were having internal conversations about how to leverage some of those assets. At the same time, our partners at CICP were having very similar conversations. We came together to create an image initiative.”

In the early days the project functioned under the code name Project Amplify. Ultimately the project leaders pivoted to what is now known as Life in Indy. Pellman says the team has honed in on its vision through the last several years.

The business and career component of the website focuses on key industries and employers, as well as professional networks and connections. The site’s community section dives deep into finding the perfect neighborhood, cost of living, education and transportation.

So what makes Life in Indy different from the other resources available to potential residents?

“We’re telling high-quality, consistent stories about what it’s like to live here, and we’re doing it from the point of view of those living it,” Pellman says. “I can write all sorts of marketing pieces about what it’s like to live here, but that doesn’t do it justice. Many markets do a great job of storytelling, but we need to ensure the content does something productive.”

The Life in Indy team seeks to gather as much data as possible to put the right resources in front of the right individuals. Pellman says other markets doing something similar don’t go as far as Life in Indy because the data collection process can get messy. He says the team prides itself on managing the chaos as much as possible.

“Indiana is known for its Hoosier hospitality,” says Kate Pangallo, director of talent partnerships at the Indy Chamber. “Essentially we’re the first handshake before someone even says ‘Yes’ to living here. We’re trying to capture that momentum to get the right resources in front of them quickly, to make their decisionmaking easier. Another point we strive to focus on is attracting people to live here and retaining the folks we already have living here.”

The pool of Indyfluencers is carefully curated to represent the diverse community living in the city. These volunteers are willing to chat, and even meet up to discuss what they love about living in Indianapolis.

“It’s important for a prospective resident to see themselves here,” says Lauren Kenny, Orr Fellow and Indyfluencer network manager at the Indy Chamber, “We’re looking at diversity, whether racial, faith based, industry, or involvement in clubs, organizations and activities. We also want to ensure people find relevant content, not just weather reports.”

Pangallo says programs like this are creating resident pride. Some of the data Life in Indy has collected suggests the region is losing residents to comparable markets such as Charlotte, Denver, Nashville, and Columbus, Ohio. Pellman says those markets are exceeding us from a growth perspective, while equivalent from an assets perspective. Pangallo says the program doesn’t just focus on a carefully curated image of the city, and is based on data acquired through various resources.

If someone is considering moving to the area and stumbles across the cache of Indyfluencers but can’t find someone with whom they resonate, Kenny is happy to play a matchmaker of sorts. Her first line of connection is the career industry, but she can make connections in various areas.

For more information, visit lifeinindy.com.

STRAIGHT FROM THE SLOPES

CHALET BRINGS A SKI-INSPIRED AESTHETIC TO PATRONS

Writer / Scott Soltys-Curry Photographer / Michael Durr

There may not be any snow-covered slopes for skiing in Indianapolis, but that is not stopping guests from warming up inside Chalet, an après-ski-inspired cafe and wine bar nestled amongst the softly rolling hills of the ButlerTarkington neighborhood.

Chalet is the newest concept from Small Victories Hospitality, which also serves up warm cups at Provider, Coat Check Coffee, Landlocked Baking Company, and Strange Bird. The vintage, Swiss-chalet-inspired cafe opened in February of 2022 and is making the most of its first real Indiana winter by keeping guests cozy in two big ways - its design and its menu.

The building hosting Chalet at 56th and Illinois streets sat empty for several years before the cafe settled in. It was previously home to Indianapolis Fire Station 16 before it melded with the Broad Ripple station in 2016. Though it now serves a very different purpose, the design and architecture of the building remain mostly unchanged. Red brick walls inside and out, soft archways, beautifully weathered doors, and vintage-style signs invite guests into a space filled with ample organic wood features. Two large garage doors let in plenty of natural light, and the layout and cozy arrangements offer plenty of warmth and intimacy.

The few updates to the space, aside from the furniture and service equipment, include art reminiscent of a 1970s ski resort (both vintage and newly commissioned), a subdued neon sign signaling an easy ski course, lush-but-intentional greenery, and a fresh coat of paint in choice areas.

The Small Victories shops are known for their design intentionality, and they knocked it out of the (ski) park again with Chalet.

Chalet 5555 N Illinois St, Indianapolis

Guests are also invited to warm up with the cafe’s menu, which features coffee and pastries during the day, and transitions to wine and stinky cheese at night.

The keep things familiar, coffee aficionados can expect similar drink menus from Chalet’s sister shops, including the creamy and smooth pistachio latte, the spicy and sweet ginger latte, and many other signature favorites. The Small Victories team at Landlocked in Irvington makes all the sauces and syrups for the drinks. The espresso and drip coffee are from Certain Feelings, which is also a Small Victories operation. The milk (grass-fed Jersey milk, to be exact) is from Sheridan-based Dandy Breeze Creamery.

The Chalet staff also stocks its pastry case with savory and sweet goods from Landlocked. Perfectly flaky and buttery croissants, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies, and an assortment of vegan goods pair perfectly with any drink. Also available is a selection of warm, savory, made-to-order bialy breakfast sandwiches similar to bagels.

The coffee drinks, pastries and breakfast sandwiches make up a sweet combination that has been winning locals over in all of the Small Victories shops since 2017.

As the warm sun descends in the afternoon sky and beams through the west-facing garage doors, the drink and food menus (not to mention the vibes) shift. The coffee menu is replaced by a list of unique wines and beers that are as curated as guests should expect.

Chalet’s wine list features a selection of bottles from biodynamic and organic growers. Natural wines represent a growing trend in the wine world that focuses on sustainable and ethical farming and production methods. Many of these natural wines have unique and vibrant characteristics while maintaining traditional notes and profiles.

Just as the coffee menus are curated, the wine list features palate pleasers for all wine drinkers. Most bottles are available by the glass, and all bottles are available for dine-in and carryout. The beer menu is also tailored with a rotating selection of draft and bottled brews to warm up guests from the inside.

Nothing pairs better with an adult beverage than Chalet’s small plates and charcuterie selection. The highlight of the menu, though, is the stinky cheese.

Raclette is both a type of cheese and the method by which it is prepared. The popular alpine cheese is revered for its pungent smell and also the way it melts. When it is heated, the melted part is masterfully scraped off and served. Chalet’s is carefully placed over fries or on a sandwich. Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt has made raclette popular with locals throughout the last few years, and now locals can enjoy it year-round.

It’s true that Chalet was designed to whisk customers away to a warm ski lodge wrapped in snow, but their mission of keeping things wholly local will always be present. The team sources hyper-local ingredients as often as possible, whether through local partners, their sister kitchens or even their own garden. They also treat everyone who comes through their door with warmth, like a regular. Some other places might tend to overlook this essential part of being local.

As its name suggests, stepping into Chalet is like stepping into a cozy ski lodge that makes guests believe they need to zip up their snowsuits and don their skis before heading back out into the quiet of snow-covered slopes. Maybe your dream ski lodge is in the Alps, or perhaps it is a cafe and wine bar in the quiet hills of Butler-Tarkington.

Chalet is located at 5555 North Illinois Street in Indianapolis. For more info, call 317-207-2127 or go to chaletindy.com.

Writer / Photography Joy’s House for over celebrate who have daily living possible, the ones included the ones and individuality. of family care for

MISSION Joy’s providing

L:Brendan McAvoy, Evening Program Manager R: Coye Lloyd, Coffee Program Manager

JOY’S

MISSION STATEMENT

Joy’s House serves adults living with life-altering diagnoses and their families by providing exceptional adult day and caregiver services.

MISSION STATEMENT

“When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it eventually became apparent that he could no longer be at home by himself, I was encouraged by a friend to look into Joy’s House. I was still working full time and could not afford to lose my job. Joy’s House literally saved my life. They did not just care for him, they cared for me as well. We were four years into the Alzheimer’s journey when we went to Joy’s House, and that was the first time anyone asked how I was doing. That small question was huge to me. I will forever consider Joy’s House family”. – Former Joy’s House caregiver

Joy’s House serves adults living with life-altering diagnoses and their families by providing exceptional adult day and caregiver services.

ARE YOU A CAREGIVER?

Family caregivers provide unpaid care for loved ones living with life-altering diagnoses. Being a caregiver can have its challenges and with the right support, it can also be rewarding.

Photography Provided

House has been serving our community over two decades. As we look back, we celebrate the thousands of Guests (clients) have come to spend time with us on a basis: the ones who are able to keep in their own homes for as long as possible, often until they take their last breath; ones who know that they are safe and included at Joy’s House; and we celebrate ones who we help regain their self-worth individuality. We honor the thousands family caregivers who have trusted us to for their loved ones and leaned on us for

JOY’S HOUSE CAN HELP.

Joy’s House Adult Day Service provides care for your loved one during the day by offering:

SAFETY

support, education and community at a time when they were feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, exhausted and often overlooked. Family caregivers come from all walks of life; representing a wide range of ages, races and socioeconomic levels.

A safe and secure environment reduces risk of injury and illness

COMMUNITY

Interaction with others builds connection and belonging

PROGRAMMING

Therapeutic activities and exercise promote mental and physical stimulation

We also look to the future. If you know someone who would benefit from our adult day or caregiver support services, please let us know. If you would like to partner in some way or volunteer with us, we would love to have you. Simply put, we look forward to hearing from you and invite you to become a part of the Joy’s House family.

We are also here to provide peace of mind, respite and support for you, the caregiver.

JOIN THE FAMILY. For Services: info@joyshouse.org For Employment: humanresources@joyshouse.org

To Volunteer: volunteer@joyshouse.org

/ Joy’s House

Bill Ficca: Owner

SCAN HERE TO ENTER WIN

Dinner for two @317Burger in Broad Ripple Village @travelingfoodieguyde approved!

Writer / Ely Ayers Photographer / Michael Durr

In an industry where a customer’s first impression is everything, local Indianapolis tavern 317 Burger, and its owner Bill Ficca, manage to make that impression a lasting one. Located inside the tavern is None The Wiser Taproom, an eclectic space serving a variety of brews from breweries both local and national. Since its opening in 2013, None The Wiser has established itself as a staple in Broad Ripple Village for its creative twist on traditional American menu items.

Though grounded in Broad Ripple Village, the identity and roots of 317 Burger and None The Wiser stretch throughout the city, and are tied to the history and love for the industry that Ficca carries.

“I can probably trace it back to my godfather,” Ficca says. “He owned the local bar in the coal-mining town that my father grew up in, in rural Pennsylvania. I always thought it was the coolest thing. I was a bartender in college in Washington, D.C., at a well-known bar, where I fell in love with the business.”

The seeds that Ficca’s personal history around food and beverage planted eventually blossomed into local restaurants that have served the Indianapolis community for decades.

“In 1998 I opened Bleecker Street with some partners because I thought Broad Ripple needed a grown-up bar or two,” he says. “I sold out of Bleecker Street in 2000, and then opened Usual Suspects in 2006. I also bought The Casba that year. A few years later in 2009,

I, along with some great partners, opened Northside Social, and then would go on to open Delicia in 2013. The year 2013 is when I opened 317 Burger/None The Wiser.”

Though it is truly named after a rock band that Ficca’s friend played in, None The Wiser’s name, in a way, acts as a reference to the wisdom and experience gained through years of running a business. The name also speaks to the creativity and ingenuity that goes into developing interesting and unique menu items that reflect the rich history of the neighborhood, and the city as a whole.

“I wanted to create a thinking-person’s tavern that was in an area that, frankly, had become overrun by big-box sports bars that, in my opinion, belonged outside college campuses or stadiums, not in a village,” Ficca says. “We installed a manageable number of taps and pride ourselves on at least 13 or 14 of them always being local. We hired local decorative painting and mural company Blice Edwards to design an interior wall of quotes in a specific area of the tavern that we refer to as the Indiana Speakers’ Corner. That area of the tavern has quotes from Hoosier natives or people who lived and worked in Indiana.”

“We’re not necessarily an anti sports bar, but we definitely do look to appeal to a more niche crowd,” he continues. “We look to appeal to people that, for example, want to have a great burger in a bar setting, where the music and its volume suit the room - somewhere where the walls and quote corner are adorned with interesting and thoughtful items, and where the draft list is usually full of local choices.”

Ficca keeps one TV on a channel with a continuous loop of old reruns, which he says is an attempt to convey the message that they don’t take themselves too seriously.

“Some TVs do show sports, but we have as many people that will swing by with a laptop in the afternoon for a couple hours to get some work done as we do people that come in specifically to watch games,” Ficca says. “Many guests say they feel like they are walking into a bar in Chicago or other major cities.”

Ficca’s establishment even has a section with dart boards, and hosts Indianapolis resident Drew Perkett’s Broad Ripple Dart League.

“Drew Perkett is one of those rare people that links passion,

organization and being a genuinely nice guy,” Ficca says. “He brings it out into the world. He has a vibrant league that plays and practices at our place during their season. I would describe the dart players as super-friendly folks that enjoy good food and beer, but also take their darts pretty darn seriously.”

After nearly a decade of successful operation in Broad Ripple Village with 317 Burger and None The Wiser, and nearly 25 years of serving the Indianapolis community, Ficca continues to evolve and successfully use his business acumen and creativity to help the cultural growth of the Indianapolis community.

Check out 317burger.com and facebook.com/nonethewisertaproom for more info.

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DISTINCTIVE

Writer / Alesha McCarty Photographer / Michael Durr

From growing corn to growing a community, the neighborhood near 54th Street and the Monon Trail has transformed significantly in just a little over a century. The former industrial spaces, surrounded by cornfields, are now home to more than 50 little shops. Suzy and Dave Reese affectionately managed 29 of them.

Dave’s father and grandfather started Reese Roofing at 1155 East 54th Street in 1937. He spent summers riding his bike from 54th Street to see his grandparents in the Meridian area, passing through Broad Ripple. They expanded to include wholesale in 1957. In 1970, Dave and

Suzy started a cabinetry business. In 1989 they split the company, and Dave’s brother took over the roofing business, which left the cabinet and kitchen business to Suzy and Dave. The need for storage and offices grew. Dave began buying up the vacant industrial spaces, starting with 1057 East 54th Street. The building, originally home to the Woods Wire factory, would serve as the main space for Reese Kitchens. In 2012 the Reeses sold their business to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting, which is now home to Couture Pilates.

“We decided to focus on developing the rest of the spaces in the area, with an emphasis on creating a community that felt like old Broad Ripple,” Dave says. “We wanted mom-and-pop shops and owners

interacting with customers daily.”

The neighborhood is a one-stop shop providing locals with a variety of eats, shopping, and entertainment in just a short walk. Neighbors love spending leisurely mornings strolling to Gallery Pastry Shop for brunch, cocktails and coffee, while picking up goodies from neighboring stores on the way home.

Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta & Market opened in 2009. The charming neighborhood market and eatery at 1134 East 54th Street is owned by Rosa Hanslits, from Southern Italy, and her husband, Head Chef Tony Hanslits. During the day you can grab a sandwich, deli items and more. In the evenings, they host private Chef’s Table dinners. Suzy loves to visit and stock up on their house-made mozzarella. “It’s so easy to pick up a whole meal in one stop, which comes in handy during the holidays,” she says of NicoleTaylor’s.

Heritage Clothier and Home (HCH) is another gem, just a few doors down. Owners Stan Wellman and Kent Henry grew up in the

Midwest but eventually moved to Florida. The duo missed home and decided to return, reopening their boutique at 54th Street.

HCH offers gifts, home goods and men’s clothing. They predict the gift of the year will be their local, hand-painted glassware and ornaments. They also have Indiana beanies, HCH limited cologne, and a variety of goods for everyone.

The space at 1057 East 54th Street used to serve as the laminate countertop shop for Reese Kitchens, but is now home to Prairie General, one of the newest shops. The owners were drawn back to the Midwest after traveling all over the U.S. The shop offers handmade, rustic modern pottery, as well as sustainable, organic, nontoxic cleaning products, beauty items, candles, skin products, coffee, tea and other goods. Maybe you’re looking for something a little more unique this holiday season. Forrest Formsma Fine Art creates paintings that will take you on an adventure. He has a keen eye for capturing life in motion. While he sells stunning paintings, he also takes commissions and can create a moment captured in time for your loved ones.

SoBeFit

Walter Knabe Studios 1134 E 54th St h, Indianapolis

FOR THE FOODIE

Gallery Pastry Shop: Brunch, lunch, pastries, wine and cocktails. Private events and pastry classes.

Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market: Homemade pasta, cheese, imported products, sandwiches and local goods. Diavola: Upscale pizzeria and wine bar. Family friendly. Vegan and gluten-free options.

The Flying Cupcake: Cupcakes in a variety of creative flavors. Vegan and gluten-free options.

FOR THE FIT FANATIC

So.Be.Fit: Neighborhood gym and private training.

Simplicity Cold Pressed Juice: A variety of juices and cleanses.

Couture Pilates: Pilates studio with group classes, duets and private sessions.

FOR CURIOUS COLLECTORS

Surroundings: A curated collection of unique furniture, interior decor and gifts. Prairie General: In-house pottery and sustainable, unique goods and gifts.  Walter Knabe Studios: Painter and silkscreen printer. Original paintings, unique gifts and paper goods.

FOR THE STYLISH

Heritage Clothier and Home: Quality menswear, home goods and local gifts. civvies: Women-owned boutique with clothing, accessories and gifts.  Luxe Redux Bridal: Designer bridal sample boutique.

FOR THE CREATIVE

HomeRoom: DIY maker Classes.

Posh Petals: Premier locally owned florist.

Erin Young Designs Fabric & Dressmaking Studio: Bespoke women’s clothing, from evening gowns to jackets.

Coats Wright Art & Design: Fine art and interior design.

Tiffany Skilling Interiors: Interior design services and home goods.

Hoskins Interior Design: Interior design services and home goods.

FOR THE ART ENTHUSIAST

Easter Conservation Services: Conservation of frames, furniture, gilded objects, paintings, prints, ceramics and glass objects.

Blice-Edwards: Decorative arts and murals. Forrest Formsma Fine Art: Artist and painter.

FOR THE PHILANTHROPIST

Random Acts of Flowers: Volunteer organization repurposing floral arrangements for local health care, recovery and senior-living facilities.

Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided

Maura Malloy’s business--the first iteration, at least-- started almost a decade ago after she moved from New York City to Indianapolis. Already a big change, let alone while on the brink of accidentally falling into a new business idea, Malloy was overwhelmed.

“I was writing full-time and looking for a way to sustain myself,” Malloy says. “During that time, I was on a trip to L.A. and was supposed to meet a friend for lunch. She was moving back to New York and wanted to cancel lunch because she was so stressed out about packing...I asked if I could help. Packing, organizing, sorting, decluttering…I loved it.”

Malloy’s friend told her people would pay to do what she just did for

Maura Malloy: Owner

free--and for fun.

“When I got home, I created a website thinking I would try my hand at professional organizing while I continued to write full-time. But, after a while, I realized I loved writing about simple living…not necessarily helping strangers clean out their closets, no matter how good at it I was,” she says.

Malloy’s original organizational idea was called A Serene Space but during the pandemic, a lightning bolt of an idea struck her. “The business idea should have always been called Less is Maura. I really started to expand on a new iteration of the business--exploring the ideas of minimalism and the intersection of minimalism and mental health-- during the pandemic,” Malloy says.

A gap in the marketplace regarding organizing and simplifying is where Malloy found an opportunity for her first product from Less is Maura: The Annual Heirloom Album.

The Annual Heirloom Album is a self-paced, online class that teaches customers four main things: how to organize digital media (photos & videos) once and for all, how to accomplish a once-a-month review of digital media so you’re never get backlogged again, how to create simple, stylish annual albums and how to log videos so that they’re easily searchable.

“At Less is Maura, I am on a mission to ditch digital media clutter, create systems that make for simple living, and write about why I (and you) need them,” she says.

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Malloy notes starting this process before the holidays is important.

“Organizing yourself prior to the holidays lightens the mental load during the holidays. Buying yourself The Annual Heirloom Album this December means you could have a stack of your own annual albums ready to display and share next December,” she says.

As part of her monthly newsletter, Malloy also sends a free, downloadable spreadsheet that helps organize the holiday season months so that you, too, can enjoy the fun. These spreadsheets are customizable to suit any preference and tradition and include gift-tracking, address, activity, supply and meal planning organizational outlines.

Less is Maura also offers a free mini course called The Grandparent Album.

“In this course, I teach how to gather photos from your extended family and turn them into a simple, stylish album to give to your grandparent… without it becoming a full-time job. Being a project manager for your extended family can sound daunting, but it shouldn’t be!” Malloy says.

Malloy also gives advice for simplifying life to bigger audiences-- she was invited to speak at the ‘Keep It Simple’ themed TEDxIndianapolis talk in the fall of 2015. Tedx is a nonprofit organization with the mission of circulating ‘ideas worth sharing’ over the course of a four-day conference.

“I started blogging about simple living the year before TedxIndianapolis chose the ‘keep it simple’ theme for 2015…what are the chances?” Malloy says. “In my talk, I recounted the story of how Michelangelo created the statue of David. He just chipped away at a rock until David appeared. What if our lives are our masterpiece? What if we chip away at it until we discover what matters most? The challenge then becomes keeping the most important things in the forefront while allowing the rest to fall away.”

Malloy went on to explain that chipping away at the unnecessaries is the only way to focus on the essentials. “Learn to say no. Stop adding to the to-do list and stop doing what overwhelms you. Cut out the activities that don’t bring you joy. We think we are locked into a certain way of living-- a busy, bustling way of being. But we’re not. It’s a choice,” she says.

You can learn more about Less is Maura, the classes, and informational blog posts at www.lessismaura.com.

Angie Mercer

Matthew Kubal

Matthew Mundy

UNBELIEVABLE SELECTION

UNBEATABLE PRICES

This is it The time of year your home has been waiting for Deck those halls Trim those trees Light those candles Fill it up with warmth, joy, and memories to last a lifetime Happy Holidays to you and yours. And your home.