The Classics
Ford’s Garage Brings Classic Car-Themed Dining to Avon
A Fresh Start
Hendricks County Arts Council Rebrands as Hendricks County Arts Collective
FROM AVON TO THE NFL
ISAAC GUERENDO’S JOURNEY WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
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This year at Avon Orthodontics we are celebrating Dr. Gregory Johnson’s 30th year of service to the Hendricks County community.
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Johnson has helped over ten thousand patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is full of friendly smiles from our team members, including the occasional tail wag from our office dog, Karma. Some of our employees here at Avon Orthodontics have been working for Dr. Johnson for over 20 years!
Our practice has a fun, easy-going atmosphere to welcome patients. Whether it is your first appointment with us, or you are a current patient, we will make it our priority to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Avon Orthodontics welcomed another doctor into the practice, Dr. Lauren Wright. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lauren trained and graduated from the Mayo Clinic, so their practice philosophy and approach to patient care is very similar. As our practice continues to grow, we are blessed to have Dr. Lauren as a part of our team.
Our Avon Orthodontics Team looks forward to serving the Hendricks County community for years to come!
19 THE CLASSICS
Isaac Guerendo’s Journey with the San Francisco 49ers
Ford’s Garage Brings Classic Car-Themed Dining to Avon 22 A FRESH START Hendricks County Arts Council Rebrands as Hendricks County Arts Collective
27 START YOUR ENGINES
Avon Grad Finds His Path in Motorsports Engineering
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FROM AVON TO THE NFL
ISAAC GUERENDO’S JOURNEY WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography / San Francisco
49ers
He was called “one of the all-time greats” by Zach Toothman, his track coach at Avon High School back in 2018. He won four school records and was part of the relay that owned the fifth-fastest time in Indiana history.
These days, however, most know Isaac Guerendo as No. 31, a running back entering his second year with the San Francisco 49ers this fall.
Many would say they’re not surprised. Even seven years ago, Guerendo was named Indiana’s Mr. Football Wide Receiver and was included in All-State Top 50, All-Conference, All-County and the Indy Super Team.
He was a track and football star, and many
were watching to see what Guerendo would do next.
Back then, Guerendo’s mother said his personality is what people were drawn to.
“We are most proud of how caring he is toward others,” Jennifer said. “He has a lot of special gifts and talents, yet he’s so humble. He’s always been a super loyal friend with good morals. He’s mature for his age and thoughtful.”
Graduating from Avon High School in 2018, Guerendo had his pick of colleges and signed a full-ride scholarship for football with Big Ten Champions, the University of Wisconsin.
“I played in Wisconsin for four years, and after graduating, I transferred to the University of Louisville for one year. From there, I was drafted to the 49ers,” Guerendo said.
He remembers the day well.
“It was a dream come true to see my name on the list and receive that call. Obviously, I was feeling good and blessed to be in that position. I had told myself I wouldn’t get emotional either way. But when it happens, there’s a whole lot of emotions there. It’s like all the work leading up to that point ... it’s a special moment,” Guerendo said.
Though he’s still a fan of track, Guerendo said there was just something about football that
Isaac signing with the 49ers
kept him coming back.
“There’s a bond on the football field; a
Isaac with his sister & Mom
He said that among so many talented athletes and only one running back on the field, the mind game is often more difficult to overcome than physical practices and recoveries.
“You have to continually remind yourself that you’re there for a reason and rebuild that confidence. This season, I was able to do that,” Guerendo said.
Those practices and recovery times are another way to keep a good mindset throughout the offseasons.
“At the pro level, they do a great job of balancing our schedules and workload. We might have a few hours of training, but it’s not always lifting or running. That’s one thing I had to learn. Young people, myself included, often neglect the recovery portion of practice, whether that be stretching or icing,” Guerendo said. “You might have two hours of practice and another two hours of recovery. They take good care of us and try to put us in a good position to not get hurt.”
This fall, Guerendo is confident he’ll have an expanded role on the team, and he’s working hard to get there.
“You do have to prove yourself every day. There’s not a lot of job security, so you come to work each day and have passion for the sport and give it your best every day,” Guerendo said. “If you don’t prove yourself, this is a business; they can find someone else to get the job done at the end of the day.”
Looking back, the NFL player can see the steps taken and the people who were in his
Isaac’s love of the game began at an early age
corner all along, leading him to where he is today.
Coach Mark Bless had a vision for him and helped lead the way in his football career, creating a strong high school senior year.
College coaches helped him build confidence and hone his skill for the pros.
Most of all, his parents knew from a very early age Guerendo was destined for greatness.
“I think a lot of it was my parents seeing ability and potential in me at a very young age. It can be hard. When you get to a certain age, you’re watching the guys out riding bikes and enjoying the summer, and even though you love sports, it’s hard to stay disciplined as a kid,” Guerendo said. “My parents pushed me in the best way to do those things, so I was a step ahead. I think it’s important to find those people that have faith in you, that believe in you when you can’t see it in yourself.”
The LIV Golf Championship is coming to Chatham Hills Golf Club in August.
The tournament will take place August 15 – 17, with some golfers competing for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title, and all fighting to secure contracts for next season.
Expect to see top golf players at this tournament, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson.
Team captain of the RangeGoats GC, Watson joined the LIV Golf League in 2022. He is excited about the league’s future and views it to attract new and younger fans to the game.
“We’re entertainers. We’re trying to win a trophy and beat everybody in that field,” Watson said. “But at the same time, we’re trying to get people to love the game of golf, see the game of golf, get off video games and go outdoors. We got something for everybody.”
Hosting an international sports event in Westfield is a rare opportunity, and Mayor Scott Willis hopes it will open doors for
THE BIG TIME
THE LIV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO WESTFIELD
more. “Westfield has carved out a reputation for hosting sporting events at Grand Park now for several years. But we’re now taking this international. FIFA announced Grand Park as a base camp location for the World Cup, and now LIV,” he said. The tournament is expected to draw up to 25,000 visitors and bring an estimated $21 million to $29 million in economic impact for that weekend.
Panelist Betsy Garfield of Henke Development Group, which orchestrated Chatham Hills, echoed her excitement. “When we were first presented with the opportunity, it just seemed like we couldn’t pass this up,” she said. “Professional, elite golf hasn’t been back in Indianapolis for almost a decade. This is a sports town. We rally for sports.”
LIV Golf is also working with boys and school golf teams from Westfield High School and Guerin Catholic High School, as well as representatives from the Indiana Special Olympics, inviting them to an on-course clinic with Watson.
The LIV Golf League features 54 players and 13 teams competing throughout a 14-event season for the Individual and Team Championships. The tournament begins with a shotgun start —
Writer / Stephanie Duncan Photographer / Ramsey Baltz
meaning all groups tee off simultaneously from different holes. Foltz said LIV Golf offers a supercharged fan experience that’s best enjoyed in person.
“What you’re going to notice is that everybody is in a better mood. They’re not afraid of their phone clicking at the wrong time or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don’t feel like walking around and following the bigname stars, you can stay in one place and watch every single star of LIV in a fivehour span,” he said.
A superior fan experience and festive atmosphere set LIV Golf apart from traditional golf events, but fans should still expect fierce competition. “The competition is real. We’re not goofing around,” Watson said.
He added the relaxed environment and team dynamic improve the player experience. “I’ve always been scared inside the ropes, and when it gets quiet, it’s more demons in your head. It’s just you and the golf ball. With music going on, it quiets down the thoughts in your head,” Watson said. He also enjoys cheering on his teammates. “It’s been an amazing journey. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Chatham Hills is the last golf course designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who preferred hands-on construction over detailed plans. Garfield described the effort Dye and his wife, Alice, invested in the course. “They were out here all the time, and Pete would always bring his dog, Sixty,” she said. “Both of them actually hit inaugural tee shots on 10.”
Expect special events leading up to competition weekend, including live music and interactive fan experiences.
Three-day and single-day passes are available at LIVGolf.com, with discounts for students, teachers and first responders. Learn more about Chatham Hills at chathamhills.com.
Sara H., patient
Submit Your Events!
5
DROPKICK MURPHYS AND BAD RELIGION*
7 p.m.
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
6 BABYFACE
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis native Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is a 13-time Grammy Awardwinning artist, songwriter and producer.
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANS VS. OMAHA
STORM CHASERS
1:35 p.m.
Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St.
WILD
WEDNESDAYS
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 U.S. Highway 136 Open to all makes and models. Bring your favorite car.
8
BILL MURRAY & HIS BLOOD BROTHERS
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St.
Featuring artists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia.
9
INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY
8 p.m.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St.
TIM MEADOWS
7 p.m.
Shelton Auditorium at Butler Arts Center, 1000 W. 42nd St.
Actor and writer known for 10 seasons on “Saturday Night Live.”
10
CHRIS TOMLIN
7:30 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St. Time magazine called him the “most often sung artist in the world.”
16
PRESEASON GAME 1 –GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
1 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave.
23
INDY ELEVEN VS. MIAMI
IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
26
INDIANA FEVER VS. SEATTLE STORM
7 p.m.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St.
29 LOUIS CK | RIDICULOUS
7:30 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Mature content, 18+ only. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.
THE CLASSICS
FORD’S GARAGE BRINGS CLASSIC CARTHEMED DINING TO AVON
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography / Avon Chamber of Commerce
In 2012, the original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home.
The small local burger and fries joint did so well that, founders opened a larger second location with more memorabilia. By the time the third opened, Ford Motor Co. had noticed.
“That’s how we became an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company,” said Ronda Wright, general manager of the Avon location. “This is our 31st location, with more planned in the future. Avon is such a lively place. It is very busy, and this was the right place at the right time. We’ve been busy since we opened our doors in May.”
Speedway. We’re the perfect pit stop for fans headed to or from the track,” said Sam Tancredi, Tin Lizzie operating partner.
Tancredi is a former longtime franchisee with Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill and is a partner in Tin Lizzie Restaurants with Mike McGuigan, co-founder of Ford’s Garage.
Walking through the front door, the first thing guests notice is often the Ford Model A car hanging over the center of the bar. From there, the aesthetic continues — gas pump handles are used on the doors, mechanic shirts serve as uniforms, shop towels are used as napkins, and car engine parts and gas pumps accentuate the 1920s filling station décor.
“We have two beautiful garage doors that open to the outside when it’s nice out,” Wright said. “It provides additional seating out there for guests, but if you sit inside, you still get the breeze coming through.”
The next thing people typically notice is the unique menu, which goes beyond the typical burger and fries. It’s called the “Cruisin’ the Coast” menu for summer, and every few months, a new selection is introduced to keep offerings fresh and tempting.
“We specialize in burgers and fries with fresh, never frozen, hand-pattied, half-pound burgers,” Wright said. “But behind that, our burnt ends brisket melt is very popular. We have salads and meatloaf — lots of comfort foods. We also have 29 different craft beers,
six craft wines and bottled beer.”
Each burger can be ordered with one of four beef alternatives, including bison, chicken, turkey and veggie patties.
Appetizers include Motor City Kettle Chips with cheddar cheese, beer cheese, bacon bits, chipotle ranch, diced tomatoes and green onions.
They also offer pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, steak, and fish and chips for guests seeking variety.
For dessert, customers can try the New York City cheesecake topped with fresh whipped cream, mint sprig and raspberries, or the oldfashioned milkshakes.
The staff at Ford’s Garage enjoys engaging with the community in more ways than one.
Have you ever had a burger named after you? Some folks in the Avon community can now boast that they have.
Avon Community School Corporation’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, Sam Smith, has his name on the classic Model A burger. Andy Mohr can boast his name on the menu next to the Ford Signature Burger.
Other community members featured include Avon Police Chief Sean Stoops, Washington Township Avon Fire Chief Danny Brock and Avon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Downard.
Shelby Pride, director of Avon Parks and Recreation; Matt Harloff, Avon High School band director; Carol Battistini, Hendricks County Humane Society director; and Kim Woodward, Avon School Board president, are named as well.
Racing legends Larry Dixon and Al Unser Jr. are recognized alongside the High-Octane and Jiffy Burger.
It’s just one of the many ways they make Ford’s Garage a friendly and welcoming restaurant.
“We have such a vibrant atmosphere. It’s
Avon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting
really fun. It’s busy all the time, but there’s also a focus on work-life balance. We’re staffed well, and everyone has a schedule that works for them, so we don’t have burnout. That makes for a better experience for the customer too,” Wright said.
For regulars, the Motorclub is a rewards program that gives back when customers purchase a meal. For every dollar spent on food, customers earn one point. For every dollar spent on merchandise, they earn two points. At 150 points, they receive a $10 coupon.
Upon signing up, members receive a coupon for a free pretzel on their first day and a coupon for an appetizer, valid for the entire month.
Visit the new location at 10416 E US Hwy 36 in Avon.
A FRESH START
HENDRICKS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL REBRANDS AS HENDRICKS COUNTY ARTS COLLECTIVE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
They’ve been around for nearly two decades, but this year, the Hendricks County Arts Council has officially changed its name to the Hendricks County Arts Collective (HCAC), and artists and patrons are embracing the new direction.
“We wanted to move beyond the traditional arts council model, and the feedback we were getting was the word ‘council’ was a little offputting,” said Anne Johansson, president of the board. “We moved to this collective brand for a more collaborative and inclusive spirit, and we’ve seen the numbers grow exponentially. It’s been a good change.”
With help from new member and graphic artist Madison Pence, HCAC established a
new logo and website. The organization held a kickoff meeting this spring and refocused its mission toward shared ownership among artists, patrons and community members.
HCAC is an independent volunteer organization, and it plans to concentrate on a few main pillars: art exhibitions at Hendricks Live! and other locations, educational workshops and public art.
Not only are patrons able to take classes from photographers, painters, sculptors and mixed media artists — the artists themselves are getting support, too.
“We’ve heard from artists who say, ‘I don’t know how to price my art,’ or ‘I don’t know
how to file my taxes as an independent artist,’ and we’re looking at providing programs that support them as well,” Johansson said.
The public art piece was launched through the first-ever “Hues of Hendricks County Public Art Initiative.”
Renowned artists were chosen to create five vibrant public art installations in communities across the county.
“The funds come from the state’s READI 180 in Color grant — economic development funds specifically for public arts — and are distributed through the Arts Council of Indianapolis,” Johansson said. “We raised $90,000 and received a $90,000 matching
grant. So, we’re putting $180,000 back into the county in public art.”
Four murals and one large-scale art installation are underway in five towns: Coatesville, at the A&D Hardware Building; downtown Danville’s East Alley on the back corner of the Gallery on the Square building; an art installation in downtown Plainfield on the Center Street Parking Garage; the Lizton Fire Station; and along Broadway Street in North Salem.
“Each project celebrates the character of the community, and they’ll all be completed by the fall,” Johansson said. “We had an open call out for artists in March. There were 40 artists who applied from all over the world, and we had to choose five.”
HCAC selected experienced muralists Anthony Brooks, Angie Jerez, Andrey Kravtsov, Andrea Myers and Efren Rebugio Jr.
Each completed piece will be added to HCAC’s Mural Trail on its website, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore
DR. VICKI CRUM
local art and perhaps plan a sightseeing or photo-op trip.
The Arts Collective is also partnering with Hendricks Live! for an annual juried art exhibition, with cash awards for winners. It’s open to all Indiana artists over age 18 with original work to display.
Opening Night Reception and Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, and the exhibit will remain open to patrons for viewing or purchase through Sept. 21.
“Main Street Plainfield and downtown Plainfield has completely transformed. Now, with Hendricks Live!, it’s really a different place. All of the performing arts groups — from the theater to ballet to the symphony — have a home now,” Johansson said. “We’re able to collaborate on these things because of this new space. It’s been a real game changer.”
Along with the kickoff and name change, HCAC introduced memberships for artists and patrons, with a tiered pricing structure.
“We’ve restructured to be member driven. If you’re a member, you have a vote and a say at how the funds are spent, and I think it’s a little more accessible to people. We want to make connections with individuals and with community partners like parks departments and town leadership too,” Johansson said.
Memberships include networking
opportunities, exclusive events and workshops, a platform for artists to showcase their work, and a collective voice advocating for the arts.
Studies show that public art and its support greatly increase a sense of community and enhance the local economy as residents and visitors enjoy art and community activities.
“It really builds a sense of pride in your community — that sense of place. It inspires young people and brings color, both literally and figuratively, to the town,” Johansson said. “It’s important because without people getting involved and improving things and inspiring others, your community dies.”
Not all of HCAC’s activities are covered by membership fees. Sponsorships are always welcome for exhibitions and other events. For more information, visit hendrickscountyarts.org/collective.
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START YOUR ENGINES
AVON GRAD FINDS HIS PATH IN MOTORSPORTS ENGINEERING
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photography / RTD Media / HMD Motorsports
Avon High School graduate Ike Coleman has always been a “car guy.” He grew up in southern Indiana and loved working on engines, but when the family moved to the Avon area, Coleman saw opportunities he had never considered.
“When I got exposed to all the racing companies and excitement here, I guess I became a hopeless addict,” Coleman said.
A work-based program for Avon High School seniors could help him with that. It’s an internship program that allows soonto-be graduates a unique experience to explore what they want to do in the future and gain knowledge in the process.
With no motorsports background, Coleman began working with Avon High School teachers Adam Clark and Chris Hill — making dozens of phone calls, sending dozens of emails and talking to many people — before landing his first opportunity.
“Ike is simply outstanding in every way as a student,” Hill said. “He works hard, looks to learn the how and the why, not just memorizing information. He is a very kind and thoughtful student, and it’s extremely rewarding to watch a driven and focused student. He’s a great example of what can happen when a student takes advantage of their opportunities.”
That opportunity came by way of a national open-wheel racing team with an 80,000-square-foot facility in Brownsburg. The team recently announced a partnership with TJ Speed Motorsports to field a three-car lineup in the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand.
“This past year, I worked for HMD Motorsports, an Indy NXT racing team in Brownsburg. I think it was challenging. For the first few months, you’re really doing grunt work as an intern and, of course, I have a difficult course load at school and I was a team captain on the robotics team,” Coleman said. “I had to put forth a lot of effort to juggle all of that, but over time,
I continued to progress and get into the shop more and more. It was a unique opportunity and I really wanted to make connections and learn more.”
All that hard work paid off. Coleman was recognized as Avon High School’s WorkBased Learning Intern of the Year this spring.
He’s been able to stay on at HMD Motorsports throughout the summer before heading to college. He may still be doing grunt work here and there, but Coleman is now traveling with the team and receiving more responsibility in the process.
“We loaded up and left for Road America in Wisconsin for five days. While we’re on track, I’m the tire specialist. I’m getting all the materials from Firestone, marking everything, organizing and taking temps and pressures and then communicating those with the engineer,” Coleman said.
He’s also traveled to Laguna Seca Raceway and the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Along the way, he’s learning things like carbon fiber bodywork, car setup and front suspension prep.
Back in Brownsburg, Coleman said each day is different. One day might be surface prep and clear coating; another might be helping with repairs.
No matter the task, Coleman is up for it and wants to continue to grow and learn during his time at HMD.
This fall, Coleman will head to Purdue University’s Indianapolis campus to major in motorsports engineering.
“It’s similar to mechanical engineering but with a more focused degree in motorsports,” Coleman said. “It includes more racing-based classes like vehicle dynamics and similar things.”
The once self-proclaimed “car guy” can now see himself with a future in motorsports.
“I see myself as a race engineer in the motorsports industry in 10 years or so. My current goal is NASCAR, but I want to do and be successful at as many different things as I can,” Coleman said.
He’s aware that he’s had plenty of help along the way and continues to look for mentors and those who push him to improve.
“I have had some amazing people who have influenced and supported me. They were integral in getting me to this position and I’m beyond grateful for them,” Coleman said.
Looking back, Coleman is grateful the high school provides an opportunity like the one at HMD Motorsports, and he encourages future high school seniors to take advantage of the program.
“My advice is to make connections, be persistent and work hard. Making
connections is vital for both knowledge and opportunities. Being persistent in asking for those opportunities and staying motivated when the going got tough has allowed me to get as far as I am, and hard work is something that sets you apart and
earns respect,” Coleman said. “I started out scrubbing floors and mowing grass, but I worked hard and earned the respect of the team, and that’s allowed them to trust me and depend on me — which just leads to more opportunities.”
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