SPRING 2026
LIVE LOCAL
INCLUDES CITY SNAPSHOTS DISCOVER YOUR NEW HOME
SPRING RESET RECOMMENDATIONS & IDEAS IN HANCOCK COUNTY
SPRING STAYCATION THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Q&A WITH THE HOST OF JUST JENN PODCAST AND SO MUCH MORE!
WELCOME TO HANCOCK COUNTY
STEVE LONG
PRESIDENT & CEO, HANCOCK HEALTH
There’s no better feeling than welcoming new residents to the place my family has called home for more than 12 years because to me, there’s no better place!
As one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties and one of the healthiest in the country, Hancock County is an ideal place to grow your roots, get involved in your community and discover endless possibilities – whether you’re an avid music-lover, consider yourself a foodie, seek outdoor adventures, or anything in between.
I’m the proud CEO of Hancock Health, the regional health system that is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and honored to be your partner in health. Over the years, Hancock Health has grown with the community by expanding care and embracing innovation to meet changing needs.
At Hancock Health, we are rooted in the mantra “Making Your Best Health Possible,” but I’d venture to say we in Hancock County are committed to “Making Your Best Life Possible.” From trails and parks to nationally recognized school systems, easily accessible health systems to year-round family fun and entertainment, Hancock County has a little something for everyone. Needless to say, you made the right choice.
Our team at Hancock Health is dedicated to providing services for the whole person, designing healthcare around your unique needs and lifestyle, from diagnostic specific services like mammograms to annual wellness visits for the entire family.
Enjoy this special spring issue of Live Local, your destination for all things Hancock County! Get ready for spring weather, explore the arts and parks, and design the ultimate staycation - explore all your new home has to offer. And remember, we’re right down the road, wherever you are in the county, and we’re ready to make YOUR best health possible.
CITY SNAPSHOTS
1 GREENFIELD
As Hancock County’s largest city, Greenfield boasts a vibrant community that draws people from all over East Central Indiana. Named one of the healthiest communities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, residents benefit from access to outdoor amenities, nationally recognized healthcare facilities, and more.
Local favorites include Greenfield’s Main Street shopping and dining district, Tuttle Orchards, Pennsy Trail, and classes through Hancock County Arts or the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Art Studio.
2 FORTVILLE
This quaint suburb calls itself the “quintessential Midwestern town,” and for good reason. Known for its front porches, small shops and welcoming people, it is quickly attracting families from all over Indianapolis’ metro area.
It is considered part of the “Health and Heritage Region,” alongside Greenfield, and has been named one of Indiana’s stellar communities.
3 M c CORDSVILLE
The second largest municipality in Hancock County, and located just south of Geist Reservoir, McCordsville has a mission to expand its horizons while maintaining a close-knit community.
Local favorites include Daniel’s Vineyard, adorable shops, and plenty of activities for the whole family.
4 NEW PALESTINE
New Pal is known for its safe, small-town character and exceptional quality of life for residents. New Palestine has a sustainable and well-intentioned vision for future growth.
Local residents love the big feel of small-town events like New Palestine’s Summer Fest, Sugar Creek’s trails and pickleball court, and Rock-Cola 50’s Café.
5 WILKINSON + SHIRLEY
The epitome of small-town, next door neighbor charm still exists in places like Shirley and Wilkinson, both with populations under 1,000 people. With proximity to Indianapolis, Greenfield, and all the benefits of being situated in Hancock County, these two small towns, no matter their size, boast many amenities.
Local residents visit the area to see Shirley’s Octagon House and attend the strawberry festival every summer.
Hancock County sits just east of Indianapolis, giving residents the opportunity to experience small-town living with all of the amenities of living in close proximity to the state’s Capital city. Named one of the top 4% healthiest counties in the country, residents thrive from both access to a healthy lifestyle and a close knit community.
SPRING RESET:
SPRING IS A TIME TO REFRESH, DECLUTTER, GET OUTSIDE AND MAKE ROOM FOR BRIGHTER DAYS!
LOOKING FOR SOME ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE A NEW SEASON?
Check out the Green Family Foundation Behavioral Health Center, which offers multiple behavioral health programs under one roof to better support the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the county. Support Navigators can assist local residents in eliminating barriers and assessing their needs to find a nearby behavioral health provider, resource or program that best serves their mental well-being.
Try a 30-Day Mental Health Challenge. Come up with a list of 30 healthy new habits, and cross one off your list every day. You could include habits like drinking eight glasses of water, going for a walk with a friend, or expressing gratitude.
Some people look forward to spring cleaning because it signals a fresh start and ushers in the start of warmer weather. If you’ve decided to tackle decluttering and want to know where to donate or responsibly dispose of locally, we can help!
Goodwill Store, 1772 Muskegon Ln, Greenfield, IN 46140 1 2 3
Clothing + shoes, furniture + home decor, books, toys + games
Hancock Hope House Inc., 35 E Pierson St, Greenfield, IN 46140
Paint, batteries and non-working electronics
Look for seasonal opportunities for hazardous waste recycling. The next collection event for Hancock County is Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 McKenzie Rd., Greenfield
Mattresses (in good, clean, pest-free condition)
These services handle donation drop-off for you, for a fee:
Mattress Disposal Plus or LoadUp Mattress Donation Pickup
AND WHEN YOU’RE DONE DECLUTTERING AND NEED A PEACEFUL PLACE TO PAUSE, PICK OUT ONE OF THESE PERFECT PARKS.
Riley Park (Greenfield)
Riley Park in Greenfield is a 40-acre community hub featuring green space, trails, sports and aquatic amenities, family attractions, historic sites, city facilities, and multiple rental venues.
Town Hall Community Park (McCordsville)
Town Hall Community Park is a 7-acre gathering space that hosts annual events like Party in the Park, the McCordsville Market, and gatherings such as Cars and Coffee.
Sugar Creek Township Park (New Palestine)
Since 2009, the 88-acre park has grown through community and grant support to include shelters, playgrounds, a disc golf course, soccer fields, a fitness trail, a maintenance building, and most recently expanded play areas and pickleball courts.
Shirley Park (Shirley)
Shirley Community Park is a 24-acre park offering open green space, trails, playgrounds, sports courts and fields, picnic areas, and facilities for community gatherings.
Weir Cook Community Park (Wilkinson)
Weir Cook Community Park in Wilkinson is a small, 1.5-acre town park featuring green space, a playground, picnic areas, and recreational facilities that also honors local aviation hero Harvey Weir Cook.
The Gardens of Vernon Township (Fortville)
The Gardens of Vernon Township in Fortville is a 3-acre community green space and garden area featuring walking paths, community garden plots, pollinator and nature areas, a pond, and a pavilion that fosters outdoor enjoyment, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
HEALTHY SNACKS
SALTED COCONUT-CARAMEL ENERGY BALLS
And nothing pairs better with an afternoon at the park than a healthy snack.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 dozen pitted dates (about 3 cups)
• ¾ cup creamy sunflower seed butter
• 6 tablespoons warm water
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Step 1
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted pecans
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Combine dates, sunflower seed butter, water, salt and vanilla in a blender. Blend until mostly smooth with a few small bits. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add oats and pecans; stir well.
Step 2
Place coconut in a small bowl. Scoop a tablespoon of the date mixture and roll it into a ball. (Dampen your hands to prevent sticking). Roll the ball in the coconut to coat. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Tips
To make ahead: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
THE ULTIMATE SPRING STAYCATION
We have some ideas to build the ultimate spring staycation itinerary! Make the most of our community’s attractions - the best new restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops to fuel a day of exploration.
STAYCATION MODE: ACTIVATED
Kick things off by camping in your living room…because, Indiana weather. Build an epic blanket fort, string some lights, and call it a luxury indoor campsite.
FUEL UP, RETRO STYLE
Head to Denver’s Pizza Garage in Fortville for throwback vibes and seriously good pizza. Nostalgia never tasted so good.
RAINY-DAY MVPS
If the weather turns (again), pivot like a pro:
• Catch a flick at VIP Legacy 9
• Or roll a few frames at Strike Force Lanes Bowling
A TOUCH OF CULTURE
Mix in some local history by going to James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home. Check out their ongoing Lecture Series. The next one is May 15, from 7-8 PM, and covers Reuben Riley and the Civil War in Hancock County.
SWEET LUNCH STOP
Swing by Tuttle’s Café for lunch, snag their weekly donut special, and don’t skip the apple cider slushie.
NATURE – INDOORS
Go indoor bird watching with Greenfield Parks & Recreation at Thornwood Nature Center on Saturdays and Sundays, starting April 5, 2026. Nature, minus the cold.
PROGRESSIVE ICE CREAM TOUR
Because one stop is never enough:
• Libby’s Ice Cream (in Greenfield, Fortville and a new McCordsville location)
• The iconic Frosty Boy drive-in in New Palestine
• Smash’d Midwest Burgers for dessert done right
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Release some energy at Axe-N-Smash in Greenfield – perfect for testing those throwing skills.
GET CRAFTY
Tap into your creative side at AR Workshop McCordsville or Handmade Dwelling in Greenfield.
GAME NIGHT, LOCAL STYLE
Wrap things up at Hometown Comics & Games or Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour – grab a drink, a game, and settle in.
TRY A NEW PATH
The Pennsy Trail is Greenfield’s go-to path for getting outside, stretching your legs, and exploring the community. Following a former railroad line through town with a smooth, paved route that’s perfect for walking, biking, running, or rolling. Lined with parks, public art, and easy access to downtown spots, it’s an inviting way for newcomers to experience Greenfield’s mix of history, nature, and everyday local life.
NO PACKING, NO LONG DRIVES. JUST A STAYCATION THAT PROVES LOCAL CAN BE LEGENDARY.
TASTY LOCAL COFFEE, TEA & SWEETS SHOPS
TOASTY EMBER (FORTVILLE)
Locally owned in Fortville,. Designed to bring people together through warmth and intention, it features thoughtfully roasted coffee, scratch-made food, and a sensory-rich space.
NIYYAH COFFEE (MCCORDSVILLE)
Niyyah, meaning “intention” in Arabic, reflects the purveyors’ purpose to create a warm, welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can gather over great coffee and meaningful conversation.
TRIPLE BOBA TEA & SWEETS (GREENFIELD)
Triple Boba and Sweets is a local dessert and boba shop open to customers of all ages, offering cookies, personal cakes, cupcakes, and boba drinks throughout the day and evening.
BONUS!
For a short escape, day trips to the Indianapolis Zoo, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana State Museum or Conner Prairie are always fun too!
PREGNANCY DIET + ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
During pregnancy, the basic principles of healthy eating remain the same — get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. However, a few nutrients in a pregnancy diet deserve special attention. Here’s what tops the list.
1
FOLATE (FOLIC ACID)
WHY IT MATTER S:
Prevents neural tube defects, lowers risk of premature birth and low birth weight
HOW MUCH YOU NEED:
400 mcg before pregnancy; 600–1,000 mcg during pregnancy
GOOD SOURCES:
Fortified cereals, leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans
4
2
CALCIUM
WHY IT MATTERS:
Builds strong bones and teeth; supports nerves and muscles
HOW MUCH YOU NEED: 1,000 mg daily
GOOD SOURCES:
Dairy, fortified juice, broccoli, kale, salmon with bones
5
3
VITAMIN D
WHY IT MATTER S:
Helps baby absorb calcium for bone development
HOW MUCH YOU NEED: 600 IU daily
GOOD SOURCES:
Salmon, fortified milk and juice, eggs
Even if you eat a healthy diet, you can miss out on key nutrients. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin can help fill any gaps.
PROTEIN
WHY IT MATTER S: Supports baby’s growth
HOW MUCH YOU NEED: 71 grams daily
GOOD SOURCES:
Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, dairy
IRON
WHY IT MATTERS: Prevents anemia; supports oxygen supply to baby
HOW MUCH YOU NEED: 27 mg daily
GOOD SOURCES:
Lean red meat, poultry, fortified cereals, beans, spinach
TheinformationincludedinthisarticleissourcedfromourclinicalcollaboratorsattheMayoClinic.Thiseducationalcontentispublishedforgeneralaudiencesandmaynotbesafeoreffectiveforyourindividualhealthsituation.None oftheinformationpublishedwithinshouldbeconsideredorusedasasubstituteformedicaladvice.Youshouldtalkwith yourhealthcareproviderfordiagnosisandtreatmentofyourspecificmedicalneeds.
TIP!
Just Jenn: A Woman’s Health Podcast, is hosted by Hancock Health’s Jenn Wells. In each episode, Jenn brings honesty, humor, and heart to conversations about the health issues women face every day. Through candid discussions with providers, colleagues, and friends, she shines a light on the topics that too often go unspoken to help women feel informed, understood, and less alone.
Q & A
WITH Jenn Wells
being invited into the dialogue. Add in the fact that many women are afraid to ask “awkward” questions or assume they’re the only ones dealing with something, and you’ve got a lot of important stuff going unsaid.
So we decided to say it out loud. Just Jenn was created to spark real, honest, sometimes uncomfortable—but always authentic— conversations about the things many of us quietly carry alone. And because women are wildly busy and usually put everyone else first, we knew it had to meet them where they are. The result? A real, unfiltered, unapologetically raw podcast that feels more like chatting with a friend than sitting through a lecture.
WHAT
TOPICS DO YOU COVER? ANYTHING OFF LIMITS?
We talk about everything from fatigue, mental health, perimenopause, relationships, aging, friendships, and advocating for yourself—to the questions people really want to ask their doctors but don’t. Guests range from friends sharing raw, personal stories to clinicians bringing their expert (and very human) perspectives.
Anything off limits? Not a chance. There is no such thing as TMI around here. If we can’t talk about it honestly, we can’t take care of ourselves fully—and that’s kind of the whole point.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE PODCAST?
Without question—the response. We launched Just Jenn with a six-episode season at the end of 2025 just to test the waters. My hope was a few hundred downloads total so I could “sell” the idea to providers and the community.
Instead, I’ve been completely inundated—in the best way. Providers, clinicians, community partners, and listeners have reached out wanting to share their wisdom, expertise, and stories on the podcast. Women have sent in thoughtful, honest questions about things they’ve been carrying around for a long time, quietly wondering if they were the only ones.
Because of that, Season 2 exploded—over 35 podcast episodes and almost as many blogs, all created very quickly to keep up with the demand. And as for Season 1? That hoped-for few hundred downloads turned into more than 3,000 in less than 90 days.
For someone who is very rarely speechless—and if you listen to Just Jenn, you know—that still leaves me a little stunned. And incredibly grateful.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT HANCOCK HEALTH?
Just one?? If you know me, I can’t follow the rules. HA! So here’s a quick list:
• A true sense of community—inside and outside our walls. People genuinely care about each other here, and that shows up for our patients, our coworkers, and our neighbors.
• Being trusted to innovate. I’m encouraged to think creatively and bring ideas like Just Jenn to life, which makes the work exciting and meaningful.
• Kindness isn’t just a value—it’s how we operate. Even on hard days, there’s a sense of humanity that makes coming to work feel worth it.
• Being there for people when it matters most. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing the work we do supports people in their most vulnerable moments.
And yes… I met the love of my life here. Sweet? Absolutely. Corny? Maybe. True? 100%.
ONLY IN
HANCOCK COUNTY
RILEY ARTS TRAIL
The trail features a 10-foot-wide path on all four sides, including the Pennsy Trail to the south, Main Street to the north, American Legion Place to the east and Riley Avenue to the west.
GREENFIELD PARKS & RECREATION SPRING BREAK ARTS CAMP
MAR 16-19, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
HANCOCK COUNTY TOURISM PRESENTS: MICHAEL GRIFFIN - ESCAPE ARTIST
MAR 27, 2026·FRI, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (EDT)
ALTERNATIVES INC. 2026 DONUT DASH 5K
APR 25, 2026·SAT, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
RUN THE TRAILSHANCOCK HALF MARATHON
JUN 6, 2026·SAT, 8:00 AM
octagon-style architecture in Indiana. Moved in 1997 to 400 Railroad Street in Shirley, the two-story, 16-room wood-frame home features a pyramidal roof, shared chimneys, and minimal ornamentation. One of only five octagon houses remaining in the state, it is considered the most significant for its exceptional preservation and largely unchanged condition since construction.
THE KINGS OF QUEEN JUN 13, 2026·SAT, 5:00 PM
"The city plans to offer programs along the trail starting next year, like scavenger hunts, walking history tours or plein air painting."
ELLEN KUKER, GREENFIELD
PARKS DIRECTOR
opportunities to enjoy an easter egg hunt with your family.
GREENFIELD RILEY PARK COMMUNITY BY BRADLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Riley Park Shelter House, 210 Apple St, Greenfield, IN 46140
Saturday, April 4, 10AM
PINEY ACRES FARM PINEY PETE'S EGG-CELLENT ADVENTURE & EGG HUNT 1115 E 1000 N Fortville, IN 46040
Saturday, April 4, 9AM-5PM
5717 North 300 West, Greenfield, IN 46140
Saturday, April 4 + Sunday, April 5
*Checkwiththeselocalestablishmentsforegghuntdates×
MURALS
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Alternatives, Inc. for Domestic Violence (866) 593-9999
Family and Social Services (800) 403-0864
F.A.R.M. (Fortville Area Resource Mission) (317) 203-9060
Hancock Area Rural Transit, Non-Emergency Transit (317) 462-1103
Hancock County Food Pantry (317) 468-0273
Hancock Health Connection Center for Substance Misuse, Mental Health, and Resource Connections (317) 468-4231
Hope House Homeless Shelter (317) 467-4991
ICAP Emergency Rental Assistance, Child Safety Seat Inspections, Foster Programs, Legal Services, Housing Vouchers (317) 462-2557 ext. 281
Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen (317) 462-1113
LOVE Inc. of Greater Hancock County (317) 477-1147
Quit Line 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 34191
Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255 or call/text 988
WIC (317) 462-3552
FORTVILLE
714 E. Broadway St., Fortville, IN 46040 fortville.in.gov
Clerk Treasurer (317) 482-4052
Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (317) 485-3100
Parks and Recreation (317) 482-4063
Planning and Building (317) 482-4050
GREENFIELD
Police NonEmergency Line (317) 485-4044, Option 1
Town Manager (317) 482-4049
Utilities (317) 482-4047
10 S State St., Greenfield, IN 46140 greenfieldin.org
Animal Management (317) 477-4367
Clerk Treasurer (317) 477-4310
Greenfield Central Community Schs (317) 462-4344
Mayor’s Office (317) 477-4300
NineStar Connect (317) 326-3131
Park Cemetery (317) 477-4387
Parks and Recreation (317) 477-4340
Planning (Permits) (317) 477-4320
Police NonEmergency Line (317) 477-4410
Pothole Line (317) 325-1680
Power and Light (317) 477-4370
Street Department (317) 477-4380
Stormwater Utility (317) 325-1376
Utility Billing (317) 477-4330
Vectren Energy Natural Gas (800) 227-1376
Wastewater Department (317) 477-4336
Water Department (317) 477-4350
MCCORDSVILLE
6280 Wail Rd., McCordsville, IN 46055 mccordsville.org
Police Non-Emergency Line (317) 462-1125
Sanitary Sewer Services (317) 335-3493
Stormwater Utility (317) 335-3493
Town Hall (317) 335-3151
Utilities Office (317) 335-1044
NEW PALESTINE
42 E. Main Street, New Palestine, IN 46163 newpalestine.in.gov
New Palestine Community Schools (317) 861-4463
Police Non-Emergency Line (317) 477-4400
Town Manager, Streets, Stormwater, Treasurer (317) 861-4727
SHIRLEY
409 Main St, Shirley, IN 47384 townofshirley.com
Emergency Town Maintenance (765) 571-0297
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency Line (765) 738-6590
Police Non-Emergency Dispatch (765) 738-6547
Police Non-Emergency Office (765) 738-0079
Town Clerk (765) 738-6381
Town Council (765) 354-6561
Utility Office (765) 738-6561
HANCOCK COUNTY
www.hancockin.gov
Assessor (317) 477-1102
Auditor (317) 477-1105
Election Office County Clerk (317) 477-1171
Hancock County Jail (317) 477-1158
Health Department (317) 477-1125
Public Libraries Greenfield (317) 462-5141 Sugar Creek (317) 861-6618 Fortville (317) 485-6402
Recorder (317) 477-1142
Recycling & Solid Waste Management (317) 462-1113
Sheriff’s Office Admin (317) 477-1147
Traffic Safety Tip Line (317) 477-7332
Treasurer (317) 477-1152
Veteran’s Services (317) 462-8767
