Special Olympics Returning to 4-H Fairgrounds for State Equestrian Championship
Fall Faves
Planning All Your Awesome Autumn Outings Throughout Hendricks County
The Miles We Walk
HENDRICKS COUNTY COUPLE LAUNCHES INSPIRING NONPROFIT
2024
6 FALL FAVES Planning All Your Awesome Autumn Outings Throughout Hendricks County 10 RIDE OF A LIFETIME Special Olympics Returning to 4-H Fairgrounds for State Equestrian Championship 17 SUITED FOR THE JOB Hendricks County Resident Jake Martinez Keeps ‘em Rowdie as Indianapolis Indians Mascot
Hendricks County Couple Launches Inspiring Nonprofit
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FALL FAVES
PLANNING ALL YOUR AWESOME AUTUMN OUTINGS THROUGHOUT HENDRICKS COUNTY
Writer / Josh Duke
Photography Provided by Visit Hendricks County
Idon’t know what it is about fall, but it has become my favorite season of the year in Hendricks County. Between all the fall festivals, leaves changing colors and just getting a break after a hot summer, it has become a welcome time of year for me and my family.
I wanted to mark the occasion by providing a list of fall hidden gems I’ve discovered over the years that can only be experienced in Hendricks County. Think of this as a Hendricks County fall bucket list.
Shoot Apple Cannons and Sample AwardWinning Cider
When Beasley’s Orchard in Danville added their powerful apple cannons a few years ago and then began adding targets to hit, I was hooked.
Unlike a bullet in a gun, every apple you put into these cannons comes in different shapes and sizes, so you just never know how they are going to fly, despite your best aiming efforts. But it is fun all the same.
have a corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a Barnyard Bonanza family area and much more.
And have you ever sampled their award-winning apple cider? I don’t know how they’ve come up with this family recipe, but they have perfected it. I’m partial to their cider slushies at the Cider Bar inside their barn. They have also introduced a line of hard ciders in cans that adults can purchase.
Pelo knows how to make you comfortable in her workshop, even if you have no experience - and let’s face it, most of us don’t. You do have to make an appointment before visiting, and you won’t get to take home your creation on the same day. It takes a day to cool and harden. If you are a little hesitant, bring a friend or family member to do it with you. It will be a memory you will cherish for years to come.
Take Fall Selfies
In this of age smartphones and social media, I considered a number of options for Instagram-worthy locations with a fall theme. Some of my local favorites include getting a picture with resident farm animals in Brownsburg, such as the alpacas at Montrose Farms (by private appointment only) or the potbellied pigs at Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary (check their public hours, as they are usually open for a few hours on both Saturdays and Sundays, but it changes by season).
The Avon Haunted Bridge also makes a great backdrop for fall photos and can be easily accessed within Washington Township Park.
Finally, a gem most people wouldn’t consider is the Hendricks County Historical Museum in Danville, to pose for a spooky mug shot in their old jail cells. These old cells are no joke. They have a dungeon feel, and I struggle to comprehend how prisoners used to stay there. There is also much more to see. The museum provides a great educational experience on our history, especially as we celebrate Hendricks County’s 200th birthday this year.
The museum is only open to the public for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and
Saturdays. Groups can schedule a private appointment.
Enjoy a Scenic Hike Under a Canopy of Colors
Without a doubt, McCloud Nature Park in North Salem provides your best views for fall color in Hendricks County, having been recognized both regionally and nationally. Its scenic vistas as you meander on its nature trails provide everything you need to get
away from it all.
If you want to pick one specific weekend to visit McCloud in the fall, I highly recommend attending their Fall Colors Festival in mid-October. They have so many activities that weekend to go along with the picturesque views that you will wonder if you have time for it all - and they have their popular prairie maze throughout the season.
Find More Online
There is so much more to see and do in Hendricks County this fall, and I couldn’t cover it all. Make sure to visit our website at visithendrickscounty.com to help you find all our fall festivals or plan a perfect personalized fall getaway. We have put together various two-day fall itineraries and other trip ideas to help you find the autumn activities that fit your interests.
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RIDE OF A LIFETIME
SPECIAL OLYMPICS RETURNING TO 4-H FAIRGROUNDS FOR STATE EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography / John Toksoy
Many people are familiar with the Special Olympics Summer Games, but did you know the nonprofit organization offers year-round sports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs)?
This fall they will return to the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds for the annual equestrian state competition.
“The equestrian program in general helps with balance, posture and mobility issues, and just being around a horse is stress reducing,” said Savannah Vaughn, manager of individual sports for Special Olympics Indiana.
Studies show that people working with horses can experience decreased blood pressure, lower stress levels, and reduced feelings of tension, anxiety and anger. Equine therapy programs can be beneficial to veterans, people with IDDs, those struggling with mood disorders, and so much more. Individuals can gain feelings of self-esteem, empowerment, patience and trust, making it a perfect sport for Special Olympic athletes.
The fall competition will feature 19 events, and some are unified, including a partner without an IDD, while others are independent.
“The unified pairs train together and work together to improve,” Vaughn said. “We often see our athletes build confidence and camaraderie with their coach and their unified partner, and it helps build a more inclusive world.”
“IT FEELS GOOD AND IT FEELS LIKE ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK IS WORTH IT.”
-DANIELLE STEWART
Though many athletes discover the equestrian program through family members who take horseback riding lessons or live on a farm, others decide to give it a try on a whim, and often learn to ride and care for a horse for the first time.
In 2023 approximately 34 athletes attended the competition, and those numbers continue to increase as more barn owners across Indiana get involved.
Athletes look for a coach and barn with equestrian experience. Trainers familiar with the Special Olympics program and working with athletes with IDDs know how to make the adaptations often needed.
There’s a need for additional barns and trainers as the program grows.
“We had a new barn join us this past year and they had 17 athletes come out for the call-out meeting,” Vaughn said. “They weren’t able to take all of them due to availability.”
Once an athlete has found a participating barn, however, they are often hooked on working with the large, gentle giants.
Danielle Stewart has competed in the equestrian state competition for the past five years. Though she agrees with all the benefits horseback riding can include, she said it’s also simply a lot of fun.
“I’ve always been into animals but I hadn’t ridden a horse before then,” Stewart said. “I thought I’d try it out and I ended up really liking it.”
The relationship formed between the athlete and their horse is like no other.
“I’m currently on Emmett and he’s a big
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goofball,” Stewart said. “Riding horses is a lot of work. They’re very big and smart too. They are supposed to follow directions but they have attitudes just like people. My first year at competition, he didn’t want to go around the second barrel. He just wanted to go straight out the gate and back to his stall.”
The state competition is a two-day event, with the first day primarily for the athletes, coaches and horses to arrive.
“I help get the horse in the stall and put down sawdust for them,” Stewart said. “We might do some warm-ups. I’ve learned how to take care of them, like feed and brush them at the barn.”
Everyone stays overnight and some athletes enjoy the campgrounds available on the fairgrounds.
“We open Saturday with a ceremony,” Vaughn said. “It’s a welcoming event that highlights the counties and barns involved. We thank our sponsors and partners and volunteers.”
Special Olympics has partnered with experts in the area to give athletes the best experience possible.
“The Hendricks County horse club provides the judges, announcers, and additional volunteers as well,” Vaughn said. “It’s so helpful to us because they have equestrian knowledge. They help lead the event and the athletes are able to experience a much more inclusive opportunity.”
The first portion of the day includes categories like groom and tack, showmanship and others. Athletes show what they’ve learned when it comes to caring for the horses and preparing them for a ride.
Later that afternoon, they begin the mounted competitions such as relays, pole bending, barrels and more. They’re often timed and require practice and precision. Stewart competes in the barrel category, guiding the horse around an obstacle of two to three barrels as quickly as possible. She said that as she’s called up to the gate,
wearing her competition jeans and longsleeved shirt and helmet, she thinks through what she and Emmett have practiced so many times before.
“I go through everything in my head,” Stewart said. “It’s a pattern. You have to watch where you’re going, and we can either walk, trot or canter. I do the cantering. It can be difficult because sometimes they don’t want to do it.”
Stewart has received several gold and silver medals over the past five years.
“It feels good and it feels like all of your hard work is worth it,” Stewart said. “If you get silver or bronze or a ribbon, you just know you have some things to work on and there’s room to improve. It’s taught me not to be a sore loser, and to be humble.”
Vaughn said the growth seen in the athletes each year is what she finds most inspiring.
“Hearing a coach speak about how some athletes are terrified to even get close to a horse, but by the time they’re done they medal in an event - that’s exciting to me,” Vaughn said. “They’re putting so much time and effort in, and there’s growth each week. You can see the progression.”
Special Olympics Indiana offers eight more sports in the fall season, along with numerous others throughout the year.
Stewart participates in swimming and cornhole as well.
“I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s been a lot of fun,” Stewart said. “I’ve worked on my people skills and it’s taught me not to be a couch potato. I get exercise, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve learned how to work with a horse. It’s been fun.”
In order to compete in the Special Olympics equestrian program, athletes must be 8 years old, but there is no maximum age for the program. They can compete for as long as they want.
The Special Olympics equestrian state competition will be held on September 27 and 28 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds.
For more on Special Olympics, visit specialolympics.org.
• Nine conference classrooms and boardrooms
• Complete commercial kitchen
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• 12,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose auditorium
• 24’ x 36’ stage
• Easy load-in areas with overhead door
• High ceilings
• Epoxy covered flooring
• ADA accessibility
Suited for the Job
HENDRICKS COUNTY RESIDENT JAKE MARTINEZ KEEPS
‘EM
ROWDIE AS INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS MASCOT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography Provided by Adam Pintar/Indianapolis Indians
Jake Martinez grew up loving Batman and Buzz Lightyear. His mom owned a dance studio and he learned a dozen different styles of dance.
He took gymnastics, joined the Circus Club in elementary school, learned how to ride a unicycle, juggled, and more.
As Martinez got older he loved breakdancing, and enjoyed comedians like Chris Farley and Adam Sandler, imitating their physical comedy and humor. He played sports too, but by the time he reached college as a mechanical engineer major at the University of Toledo, Martinez said he got a “reality check” regarding his future in sports.
“I cheered with my twin sister in college but I knew I wasn’t going to go far in sports at the college level,” Martinez said.
He says he wasn’t even a “school kid.”
“From the jump, my mom knew I just didn’t care about school, and she always says, ‘We realized what type
FIXED
of person you would be, and we leaned in and let you be that kid,’” Martinez said. Yet, there was no doubt that he was smart and talented, with a big future ahead.
Then he had a bad car accident, sidelining plans for nearly five years, but little did he know, things were just getting started for him.
“They were auditioning for mascots and someone suggested I give it a try,” he said. “Most auditions are about 15 minutes long and mine was 45. They kept asking me to do one more thing. God set me up to be an incredible mascot, but I had no idea it would become a career.”
For several years he served as Spike the walleye and CatTick the cat for the University of Toledo. Then he did a stint as Chomps for the Cleveland Browns, but when Martinez graduated in 2018, he got serious - at least for a minute.
After all, an engineer’s career is nothing to frown upon, but what kept him going was always the mascot role. It’s what got him through college and has inspired great conversations during interviews.
“I always put mascot on my resume,” he said. “I went in to be interviewed for my engineering job, and my boss said it was great I had my degree, I was personable and they were interested, but let’s talk about this mascot thing.”
They were right. Martinez’s outgoing personality and welcoming disposition did shine in the engineer office setting.
Jake Martinez, the man behind the mask
“I was in the 1% of engineers that wanted to talk,” he said. “I wanted to know how your day was and I was the one they wanted to do the sales calls. I was never meant to sit at a desk, and when this season of life is over I’m not sure what I’ll do next, but I won’t be sitting when I do it.”
It didn’t take long for the mascot role to surface - this time in Indianapolis.
“About five months after moving to Indianapolis and getting my engineering job, my wife suggested finding another team to mascot for,” Martinez said. “I emailed some of the minor league teams and heard back from the Indianapolis Indians. I met them that night and we had a great conversation.”
Indianapolis Indians fans may recall the mascot Rowdie undergoing a few changes over the years.
That was Martinez, working with the team to refresh and rebrand the bear.
“If you look at a rendition of Rowdie in 1993, you might say he looks like a rat, opossum, aardvark or mouse,” he said. “I had been to a couple of games and I didn’t know he was a bear. Now he looks like a bear. It was a complete refresh with a new suit, new look and new character. We didn’t have his personality. No one had been in the suit long enough to establish one.”
After an initial part-time gig, Martinez became the full-time mascot program coordinator last year, and works to make Rowdie a character who fans remember - and the character’s popularity has skyrocketed.
“Most mascots have a story about growing up and loving a particular mascot,” he said. “I never really did that, but on the other side of it, that’s what makes being a mascot so fun. It’s putting smiles on faces, having that ability
without saying a word. It’s truly magical, and a privilege and honor and blessing to do what we do.”
It’s fun, but hard work too.
As expected, it’s pretty hot in the Rowdie suit, and the main question Martinez gets when people find out what he does for a living relates to the heat.
“It’s a giant fur body suit,” he said. “It’s about 20 to 30 degrees hotter in the suit and I’m never cold in the winter. In July it can get pretty hot. In the beginning I was a part-time mascot and full-time engineer, and was still doing 60 games.”
On average, Rowdie makes more than 100 appearances per year, and an additional 75 baseball games. Martinez and his team also do school events, parades, birthday parties, mascot nights, company outings and, yes, even
he’s made. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t think the decision to go from engineer to mascot was completely worth it, and after 12 years, it still never gets old.
He’s friends with many fellow mascot professionals across the country and is watching some of his favorite mascots retire, but he knows the future looks bright.
“We can do it for as long as our body lets us,” he said. “I used to do a lot of aerobics and I’ve toned that down a bit. It’s funny because if you do it once, they want you to do it a million times, but I know guys who have been mascots well into their 50s and 60s.”
Martinez describes it as exhilarating. He knows what it means to others too, and is very intentional about his daily interactions as Rowdie.
In fact, Martinez said he’s terrible about taking breaks throughout the game.
“If that hug, high five, signature, picture or fist pump changes something for you that day, it’s worth it,” he said. “I can have the worst day ever, and the minute I put that suit on, it’s just transformative. I walk through the door and I’m Rowdie. I’m ready to put smiles on faces and that’s why we continue to do it. It’s the joy that we bring to others, but that they are bringing to us too.”
Martinez Family
VENARDOS CIRCUS
7 - 8:30PM
The Shops at Perry Crossing, 2499 Perry Crossing Way.
It’s time to celebrate the return of Venardos Circus, a Broadway-style animal-free circus, coming to Plainfield. www.venardoscircus.com
12
HOPS & HOUNDS
Dogs and brews – what could be better?! Grab your doggo(s) and enjoy a night out socializing with other people and pups, cooling down with an adult beverage, enjoying food from a local food truck, and mingling with local businesses and pet-related vendors. September 2nd’s Hops and Hounds will take place at Panther Park. boonecvb.com
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS
Nick Wilson
18. Slimmed
Consumer
Exemplify
Old weight unit
Asian sauce bean
Vehicle for hire
Ate out
Tennis court barriers
Globe
Solutions
Quarter of an hour, ... minutes
Naked models
Stringed instruments
Injured
Rich (soil)
Luxuriate 12. Sprite
Blowing from sea 16. Encroachments 17. Gaping 19. Creeping plant 20. Dawn to dusk
22. Is inclined (to)
23. Slope of roof
The Miles We Walk
HENDRICKS COUNTY COUPLE LAUNCHES INSPIRING NONPROFIT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography / Amy Payne
Al and Tonya Geans
Hendricks County couple Al and Tonya Geans suffered a loss no parent wants to endure.
Their oldest son, D’Mile, passed away at the age of 32 in October of 2020. In their grief, the couple committed to helping young people through a program they named The Miles We Walk.
“We felt it was necessary and our obligation to carry on his legacy,” Tonya said. “He persevered through it all.”
D’Mile survived two major car accidents, which led to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental illness struggles. In the spring of 2020 he was diagnosed with cancer, but through it all he continued to fight.
Tonya said issues that plague families across the globe often keep them suffering in silence.
They feel alone, they feel there’s a lack of resources, and they are desperate for someone to understand.
“When I was led to this ministry, I felt like this hasn’t really been talked about,” Tonya said. “Once we approached them, in the schools and in the community, we have parents and administrators and other leaders saying, ‘Yes, let’s offer programs for these serious issues.’”
The couple had not experienced mental illness until it was happening in their own home. It often goes unrecognized in social circles.
“It was a surprise to me that so much is happening in Hendricks County,” Al said. “We have an affluent community, yet we are being impacted. We have teen suicide, overdoses, homelessness, and so many are struggling with mental illness. It’s easy to take it for granted if it’s not happening to
you, but it’s truly impacting our community as a whole.”
The Miles We Walk nonprofit has several different avenues to reach young people.
“Our main focus is to deliver programs and impact youth throughout Indiana and Ohio, and we’re driven by education, empowerment and advocacy,” Tonya said. “One of the ways we do this is through our hygiene initiative.”
Tonya said one of the first signs D’Mile was suffering from mental illness was unkept hygiene. It was the first initiative she wanted to tackle, and she immediately formed community comfort closets.
“All someone has to do is fill out the form online, and we’ll send them an Amazon link with a list of household items and supplies that will be sent to them,” Tonya said. “We don’t know who he or she is, and I want it to be like that because it’s a personal thing.”
They also work with Hendricks County school nurses to provide free hygiene kits to students, and are beginning to partner with Marion County school districts.
The second prong of organization’s mission includes life-skill development programs.
“We want to give youth the ability to overcome different obstacles they may face in life,” Al said. “Our Just the Facts program challenges youth to research the effects and dangers of drugs. We also look at how to overcome, and seek advocacy and mentorship when you run into those obstacles.”
Just the Facts even includes a partnership with caregivers and parents. The program encourages participants to create public service announcement videos, informative posters, poetic compositions and puppet shows.
Monthly online chat groups create space to discuss the students’ submissions and help their voices to be heard.
Running track at Central State
Another program offered, 90 Miles Exit Right, involves preparing youngsters for their next chapter in life.
“We talk about self-assessment, goal setting and building community,” Tonya said. “There’s a portion of the program when they come up with their superpower. For example, if you say your superpower is problem solving, then you can help yourself and others with that skill. Another person’s skill will help themselves and you, and that’s how we build a community.”
In addition, they offer resources and supportive services including food and clothing banks, rent and utility assistance, and addiction services. They also support workforce readiness and entrepreneurship.
All workshops can be held in person or virtually.
The goal is to help people in the Hendricks County community become successful, and to let those struggling with a challenge know that they aren’t alone. Tonya is sharing all of the factors she wished she had known when D’Mile went off to college.
“There’s a personal connection,” Tonya said. “We’re a two-parent household, collegeeducated, middle-class family. We missed the opportunity when our first born was going off to college to say, ‘These things may happen.’ He was in a foreign place, accepting risky behaviors and coming back home, and we were still thinking he was the same kid. We were disconnected.”
Today she’s hoping to help high school and college-aged kids, along with their parents, so others are able to recognize issues when they arise.
“Let’s give you coping skills - some street savvy, if you will,” Tonya said. “We want to talk about, ‘This might happen and this is something that can come up in the future.’”
“We don’t want to overlook someone because we didn’t know the need was there. I call it the butterfly method. If I’m standing here sharing with five people and those five people take it back to their neighborhood or organization and share it with five more people, they can help us serve the community in the ways you see our youth need it.”
- Tonya Geans
From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on November 2, The Miles We Walk leaders will host their first fundraiser called Strokes for Love, at X-Golf in Plainfield. The community can visit, learn more about the organization, hear from youth advisory leaders in the program and enjoy
some family fun.
“We’ll have a wall of fame,” Tonya said. “Any organization who wants to have their information on our wall can put a QR code up there and share with people hands-on information about our community. We’ll have cornhole, golf of course, and a silent auction. We’re here for the long haul, and I want to invite people in to experience what we’re doing.”
Tonya said there are plenty of ways the community can support them. You can connect your Kroger shopping card to The Miles We Walk community rewards program. Every dollar spent sends funds to the organization.
They’re continually looking for individuals to use their knowledge or passion to volunteer and mentor during youth workshops.
Anyone can share their information with community groups, churches, businesses and schools, to bring educational workshops and programs to the forefront.
“We don’t want to overlook someone because we didn’t know the need was there,” Tonya said. “I call it the butterfly method. If I’m standing here sharing with five people and those five people take it back to their neighborhood or organization and share it with five more people, they can help us serve the community in the ways you see our youth need it.”
For more information, visit themileswewalk.com.
D’Mile - 10 years of marriage celebration
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