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Absolute Living

APRIL 2021

AN ASSET TO INDIANAPOLIS JAMIE WALTON

KITCHEN EDITION IDEAS FROM THE EXPERTS

LET'S DO BRUNCH!

SPRING TRAINING Q&A WITH DR. CATHERINE REESE

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CONTENTS

SPRING TRAINING

JAMIE WALTON

Q&A WITH DR. CATHERINE REESE

AN ASSET TO INDIANAPOLIS

LET'S DO BRUNCH!

KITCHEN EDITION

SAVOR, SIP AND SOCIALIZE YOUR WAY THROUGH MID-MORNING'S FAVORITE MEAL.

IDEAS FROM THE EXPERTS

Volume 14. Issue 4. (#159)

@absolutelivingmagazine

SUBSCRIPTIONS For more information go to absolutelivingmagazine.com, call 317.509.3981, or email jpena@ absolutelivingmagazine.com. To sign up for Absolute Living's monthly newsletter, go to absolutelivingmagazine. com/newsletter. COMMENTS Contact us via social media or email us at jpena@absolutelivingmagazine.com

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Absolute Living

Publisher / Editor JUSTYNA PEÑA

Marketing Director EDUARDO PEÑA

Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME

Writer SUSAN SALAZ

Contributing Writer KIM GOLETZ

Photography GABRIELLE CHEIKH NOEL JES NIJJER EDUARDO PEÑA

Art NICK PEÑA

Marketing Coordinator ISMAEL PEÑA

Circulation USPS & ABSOLUTE LIVING MAGAZINE

Comments & Feedback EDITORIAL@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Subscriptions SUBSCRIBE@ABSOLUTELIVINGMAGAZINE.COM Absolute Living Magazine is published monthly by Pena Group, Inc. Copyright by Pena Group, Inc. Absolute Living Magazine is a registered trademark of Pena Group, Inc.

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IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL VISITS

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video profiles of our physicians

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Q&A

Catherine Marie Reese, MD, CAQSM Sports Medicine

Spring Training As the flowers bloom, the trees green, and the sun beckons us outside later each day, a glance down the Monon assures us that the outdoor fitness season is in full swing. We sat down with Dr. Catherine Reese, a primary care sports medicine doctor with Franciscan Health in Carmel, to get some advice on how to safely get into shape this spring.

Q: Dr. Reese, what are your favorite activities to incorporate into your fitness routine now that the weather is warming up? A: I’m a little bit of a jack-of-alltrades. Being outside in general is awesome. I like to run, and I usually run about 20-miles per week. I also enjoy hiking, biking, and paddle boarding. Q: What are some of the benefits of exercising out of doors? A: Mentally, being outside and being in nature has a calming effect. Outdoors, as opposed

to being indoors, can give you an extra endorphin boost and is more enjoyable. Q: How should someone prepare to start a new physical activity or exercise routine? A: This depends on the activity and how new it is for you. If it’s running or biking, you want to make sure you have the right attire and gear. If you’re paddling, you might want to consider renting first before investing in new equipment. If it’s a sport you’ve never tried, maybe consider a lesson or two first.

ABSOLUTELIVING

By Susan Salaz

ABSOLUTELIVING

Q: What are some of the most common injuries you treat each spring? A: Injuries depend on the type of activity. Golfers elbow and tennis elbow are pretty common this time of year. Runner’s knee is what I see most of in the office, along with glute and hip issues. Q: Let’s talk about runner’s knee. What are some sensible ways to prevent this type of injury? A: I tell my patients to do a good warm up. Sitting for long periods turns off our glute muscles, which are important in hip stability, so we need a dynamic glute-activating warm up first, such as lunges or squats. Then, after the activity, rolling out the long muscles in the quads and hamstrings can also be helpful to prevent injury. Staying hydrated is important. If you are thirsty, you are already a little bit behind. Water is usually sufficient but you can add electrolytes too. Q: Why is it important to warm up, stretch and cool down? A: Think about your muscle and tendons as one unit. When the muscle is warm, it is a lot more pliable and you can do much more with it. A movement based warm up brings blood flow to the muscles and warms them up. I would save static stretching for after the workout. Cooling down after is important to prevent stiffness. Our bodies need to be a mix of stable and flexible. In other words, you want to be able to move, but you don’t want to be too mobile.

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Q: When should I see a doctor if I become injured? A: If you start to have pain, you need to stop that activity and switch to a new activity. The old RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) adage is helpful, so you can try that and see if it helps alleviate the pain. If it gets better, gradually start adding the activity back in. If it gets worse then give me a call. If it’s so bad that you have a hard time walking or doing daily tasks, if you’re having trouble sleeping, or if it’s getting worse and not better, you should call a doctor. If a 5K, Half-Marathon or Full Marathon are in your running plans this spring or summer, Franciscan Health’s free online race training program can help you meet your goals with free tools. Visit www.franciscanhealth. org/racetraining for more information.

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An Asset To

Indianapolis JAMIE WALTON

By Susan Salaz | Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel | Artwork By Eduardo Peña

Jamie Walton is an award–winning GEICO agent and owner of the local GEICO office in Castleton, and he is determined to make a difference in the Circle City.

If you have driven through Castleton lately, you’ve surely seen the billboard. You know, the yellow one with the gecko and the big arrow pointing directly to the local GEICO office just below. Jamie Walton wants to make sure you know where to find him. He hasn’t been on the scene in Indianapolis for long, but he is loving it so far, and he is determined to be a part of positive changes here in town.

(promotional content)

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Jamie Walton has been with GEICO since 2010 and owned his own local GEICO office here in Indianapolis since 2018. He has made big strides in the industry in such a short time, receiving two “top sales to plan” awards in 2020.

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You can find Jamie’s Walton grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and didn’t imagine ever becoming an insurance agent. He joined the Marines after high school as a trumpet player in the Marine Band, which led to a 13-year military career playing for the oldest professional music organization in the United States. Jamie performed for hundreds of public officials and foreign dignitaries during his time with the Marine Band and has traveled the entire United States. He now shares his passion for music, specifically jazz music, with his son—who plays the trumpet, too. While serving in the military, Jamie also worked in public affairs and discovered that he really liked connecting with other people. “I

just like being present, talking to people and learning about them,” he says, noting that his upbringing in Philly really instilled the value of caring relationships. For Jamie it is as simple as getting to know people and listening to them. After the Marines, a job with GEICO service in Virginia Beach was the first position he was offered, so he accepted, and soon moved up to a sales agent position at an independently owned GEICO Local Office in New Jersey. Jamie didn't know the potential GEICO would offer, but he knew he liked working there, and he loved the freedom it offered. His boss, Nick Barbieri—who is now one of Jamie’s best friends—became a mentor in the business. He showed Jamie not

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office on 82nd Street near Castleton Square Mall, right under his larger-than-life yellow GEICO billboard, but you can often find Jamie at Havana Cigar Lounge in Fishers, one of his favorite spots to work and meet with clients. Here he is with his nephew Eryck Walton.

Jamie Walton might be relatively new on the Indy scene, but that isn’t stopping him from making an impact here. Jamie loves finding opportunities to give back with his kids, his coworkers and his community. He gives away free turkeys to the community each year for Thanksgiving and also distributes toys for Christmas each year. He currently sits on the board at the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce where he leads workshops on entrepreneurship helping to educate young business owners.

only about running the office and day-today tasks, but also about the more nuanced aspects of being a business owner. “It's not the business, it's the people,” Jamie explains. “And when I say the people, I mean the employees and the people you serve.” Barbieri knew right away Jamie would one day be running an office of his own, and after eight years in New Jersey, Jamie was ready to make the leap out on his own. Jamie explains that owning a GEICO office is different from being a corporate employee or a franchisee. GEICO Local Agents are self-employed entrepreneurs who represent GEICO products exclusively. He spent a lot of time researching and working out a business model, and eventually found a great fit for GEICO in Indianapolis. He opened his doors under the big yellow sign in 2018, and in less than three-years he has expanded the office to eight employees and counting. “We're growing faster than I thought,” says Jamie, “which is a good thing.” Ensuring he has well-trained and motivated sales agents is one of his top priorities. He believes that “when you invest in your employees, they'll take care of your business, and everything else takes care of itself.” Jamie knows insurance isn’t the most glamorous topic, but he does get excited about the freedom it offers to educate and advise his clients. Jamie always works honestly and transparently, and wants clients to understand their coverages—what they are paying for and all that it offers them. He says, “The worst thing you can do is have somebody out there driving that doesn’t even know what they have.” Walton even offers bilingual services to ensure all of his customers have the opportunity to understand all that their policies offer. His local GEICO office offers auto insurance, along with motorcycle, boat, homeowners, condominium, renters insurance and much more at competitive rates. In addition to music and insurance, Jamie Walton is also committed to social change, diversity and giving back. He sits as a board member with the

Indy Black Chamber of Commerce (IBCC), whose mission is to educate and enhance the economic status of the Black community and serve as a resource to developing Black–owned businesses. He also represents the IBCC at LISC Indianapolis, the local office for the nation’s leading community development organization: Local Initiative Support Corps, where he helps distribute grants to small business owners. Jamie dreams about one day opening his own jazz club, and says if that happens it will come along at just the right time, in just the right place, the same way that GEICO did. Maybe he’ll even put a big yellow billboard over it so that you know just where to find it. Until then he is happy growing his local GEICO office, being the best employer he can be, helping his clients in every way possible, and building a good reputation within the community. He hopes to one day leave a lasting legacy to his two children. To Jamie, success is determined by the dream. “For me, I'm living life right now. I absolutely love my life. I'm happy. Yeah. That's success.”

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s ' t Le Do ! h c n u r B

By Susan Salaz

favorite -morning’s

Savor, sip

rough mid h t y a w r u cialize yo

meal.

and so

Brunch isn’t just a late breakfast—it is a celebration. It’s the perfect excuse to top your coffee with whipped cream, order bacon with every course, and indulge in cocktails before noon. Brunch isn’t rushed; it’s a leisurely and relaxing way to start the day. Brunch isn’t judgmental; it’s as glamorous or as comfortable as you want it to be. Best of all, brunch isn’t boring; it’s so much more than your Monday through Friday bowl of cereal and banana. Whether your palette leans sweet, southern or spicy, fruity or farm fresh, there are some great local spots to brunch your way through the weekend. So grab your family or your best group of friends and enjoy the sunny side of brunch this spring. (promotional content)

Le Peep 200 South Rangeline Road in Carmel at the Indiana Design Center

e Peep® Restaurants of Indiana have been satisfying hungry Hoosiers since the Eighties and now include seven locations across central Indiana, which, since 2018, have been owned by longtime Carmel resident Ali Hessaraki, Sr. The newest venue recently opened at the Indiana Design Center in the Carmel Arts District near the Monon Trail and Main Street. With its modern artwork and contemporary style, guests will find all of the traditional, short order favorites Le Peep is known for, like Kings Cakes, Classic Eggs Benedict and Hoosier Bread (the always delicious deep fried dumplings tossed in cinnamon-sugar then drizzled with cream cheese icing), but can also sample new menu items unique to this latest locale, such as an Asian Quinoa Bowl (with pork belly) and the Shakshuka Skillet (poached eggs in a spicy tomato and red pepper sauce). Le Peep Rangeline is an inviting space with an open-concept kitchen and an expansive covered patio. All of the central Indiana Le Peep restaurants are committed to fresh, local ingredients and high-quality customer service. They have something to offer everyone, from families to groups of friends to professional business meetings. Le Peep proudly serves Lavassa Coffee for brewed and espresso beverages, and is happy to mix up a Mimosa or Bloody Mary if you prefer. Hours for Le Peep Rangeline are Monday-Friday 8am-2pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:30am3pm. For more information and to find out about upcoming Mother’s Day specials, visit www. lepeepindy.com or Instagram @ lepeep.indy.

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Try Le Peep Rangeline's unique items such as the Asian Quinoa Bowl with Pork Belly, or the Shakshuka Skillet!

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Grindstone Public House 101 N. 10th Street, Noblesville

very Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy the best brunch has to offer at the Grindstone Public House, located in the historic Castor building in Noblesville. Irresistible Chicken and Waffles, Huevos Rancheros and even Mom’s Buttermilk Pancakes are made fresh to order with quality ingredients, many sourced right here in Indiana. In addition to the delicious food, indulge in one of the signature brunch cocktails like a Peach Bellini or the Ultimate Bloody Mary, which, complete with Nueske’s slab bacon and shrimp, is almost a meal itself. The Foglesong legacy began in 1965 when patriarch Carl Fogelsong opened the first Clancy’s Hamburgers. Today his children and grandson, Blake Foglesong, carry on the traditions with the upscale, yet comfortable, dining experience at Grindstone Public House. Born and raised in Noblesville, Blake says, “We hope our love of community is reflected in our passion for service, quality, and hospitality.” This distinctive space in the heart of Noblesville recently expanded, adding 80 seats and a stage for live music. They offer a private, upstairs dining room for large groups and a small outdoor section along 10th Street in the summer months. Be sure to reserve a table for Mother’s Day brunch and enjoy the Prime Rib Special along with Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Grindstone Public House serves lunch and dinner all week, with the brunch menu available on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. Find out more at www. grindstonepublichouse.com or on Instagram @grindstonepublichouse.

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Located in the heart of Noblesville, Grindstone Public House recently expanded to add 80 seats and a stage for live music, as well as outdoor dining in the summer months.

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Juniper On Main 110 E. Main Street, Carmel

Juniper on Main, situated along Main Street in the hip Arts District of Carmel, has become a popular lunch and dinner spot with its Southern charm and coastal fare, and is excited to announce a full service Sunday brunch menu beginning later this spring. The historic bungalow (that has been in the family for several generations) takes you to the low country coast of Savannah, Georgia or Charleston, South Carolina with an unrivaled specialty cuisine. The owners of Juniper on Main plan to enhance their comforting sustenance through a brunch menu laden with house specialties such as Crab Cake Benedict, Hummingbird French Toast, Country Fried Steak with Red– Eye Madera gravy, Heirloom Cheese Grits and Sautéed Okra. Complete with signature fruit-filled red and white sangria, Mionetto Prosecco mimosas, the house favorite sweet tea and local Hubbard & Cravens coffee, Sunday mornings under a blue sky and the cedar pergola just got even easier. Inside, diners can enjoy fresh flowers, local artwork, and natural lighting for a cheerful brunch outing. Juniper on Main brings big taste and authentic flavor to every meal with high quality ingredients and an on site garden for a delightful dining experience. The quaint atmosphere offers a picturesque setting for small gatherings from baby showers to special occasions. Juniper on Main serves lunch and dinner from 11am to 9pm Monday through Saturday. Look for the inaugural Sunday Brunch to begin later this spring. Visit www.juniperonmain. com or Instagram @juniper_on_main for more information.

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Juniper on Main will begin offering a full-service Sunday brunch menu later this spring. Come out to the bungalow!

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By Susan Salaz

Kitchen Edition

(promotional content)

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, be sure to check in with Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork to actualize your ideal space.

emodeling your kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but when you consider that the kitchen is the epicenter of many lives and homes — from aspiring chefs to busy families to holiday hosts — you will realize that a comfortable and functional kitchen is worth the effort. Rob Klein and Amy Kreutz of Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork, located at the Indiana Design Center in Carmel, understand the

varied and ever-changing needs of the American kitchen, and have the design expertise to meet the distinct desires of their clients. They each bring a keen eye for proportion and detail, and actually sit down to draw each space by hand in order to better understand and balance their designs. Conceptual Amy and Rob Kitchens & customize Millwork has been offering concepts unique design solutions since specifically for 2000. With over forty years each client, of combined experience drawing out each and a shared space by hand. passion for design, Amy and Rob began collaborating together in 2013 to offer a boutique kitchen design experience. Each concept is customized specifically for the individual client. “What we do is not about selling cabinetry, it's about a life style,” says Rob. “Families work hard and play hard, so when they come home

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to the kitchen we want this to be an inviting space, a space to relax.” Amy echoes the value of personalization. She wants people to especially consider the way they prepare food when conceptualizing a new kitchen space. “The farm-to-table movement has taken a stronghold and will most definitely continue to grow as a method to prepare meals and keep folks healthy,” she explains, but the methods can differ from young professionals to families with kids to empty nesters. To begin, Rob and Amy ask their clients to consider compiling a visual inventory. “It is so easy these days to share and save imagery of spaces that move us. Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz have transformed the

way that we communicate ideas,” suggests Amy. Next, move on to appliance selection, but only after fully grasping how to shape the space around the needs and uses of your kitchen. Knowing how the client or family prepares meals, how they entertain and how often they travel can help Rob and Amy to determine the best appliances to select along with the best placement options. Amy advises that researching new appliances is worth the effort, but cautions to never rely solely upon online appliance reviews because they are often skewed by an influencer that isn’t taking your best interest at heart. She also advocates that every appliance does not need to match, but rather consider the functionality of each device first.

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Kitchen remodels can take time, and it is recommended to plan at least a year in advance. An upgraded kitchen can also increase the value of your home, but perhaps more significantly it can increase quality of life for those that live there. Rob reminds us that it isn’t only about the specifications, adding, “There is some passion involved in creating the perfect kitchen remodel.” Visit Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork in the Indiana Design Center at 200 South Rangeline Road in Carmel, Indiana. You can also find them at www.conceptualkitchens.com or on Instagram @ckandm. ABSOLUTELIVING

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