Rugby Up Indianapolis Impalas Prepare for USA Rugby National Championship
Countywide Commemoration Hendricks County Bicentennial Shaping up to be Full of Fun and Festivities
BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART
MEET NIKKI REED, CO-HOST OF THE “SMILEY MORNING SHOW”
MARCH 2024
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PUBLISHER DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS JORDAN BANKS JOSH DUKE JONI FISCUS MELISSA GIBSON CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING CHRIS PALMORE AMY PAYNE
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COUNTYWIDE COMMEMORATION Hendricks County Bicentennial Shaping up to be Full of Fun and Festivities
9
BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART
MARCH 2024
Meet Nikki Reed, Co-Host of the “Smiley Morning Show”
15
9 17
INGRATITUDE IS UGLY
19
RUGBY UP
Indianapolis Impalas Prepare for USA Rugby National Championship
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COMING SOON:
COUNTYWIDE COMMEMORATION
HENDRICKS COUNTY BICENTENNIAL SHAPING UP TO BE FULL OF FUN AND FESTIVITIES Writer / Josh Duke Photography Provided
H
endricks County residents have something extra special to celebrate in 2024. We’ll wish a happy 200th birthday to the county, and many are already thinking about events and projects to commemorate the bicentennial. The bicentennial steering committee hopes civic groups, municipalities, businesses and all members of the community will be inspired to create bicentennial projects that leave a legacy for future generations, as well as events both current and new that include some kind of bicentennial or historical element. The committee is working on a 50 Tree Trails project, planting native Indiana trees in a local park for the entire county to enjoy. Other examples came during the state’s bicentennial celebration in 2016 when Town of Plainfield leaders created Bicentennial Plaza
6 | March 2024 | TownePost.com
near the Oasis Diner, and the Danville Rotary Club created Jack Willard Community Park. Six countywide events have been officially endorsed by the Hendricks County bicentennial steering committee, with (hopefully) many more to come. The committee hopes you will not only get in the spirit by coming up with a bicentennial project or event, but will also let them know about it when you do, so they can officially endorse it. The first official bicentennial event of the year was the Bicentennial Birthday Bash at the Washington Township Pavilion Center, celebrating New Year’s Eve with music, snacks and fireworks for the entire family.
Submit your project or event on the bicentennial website at Hendricks200. com to receive endorsement. Upon approval, applicants will have the use of all bicentennial logos, a listing on the bicentennial website, and additional support via a press release sent to local media.
OTHER ENDORSED EVENTS THIS YEAR INCLUDE:
The bicentennial steering committee exists to support and encourage the Hendricks County community in their efforts to celebrate our community’s past, present and future. For more information, visit Hendricks200. com or email Hendricks200th@gmail.com.
• Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 4 • Children’s Day at the Hendricks County Historical Museum, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 1 • Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 29 • Hendricks County 4-H Fair, from 8 a.m. on July 14 to 10 p.m. on July 20 • Celebrating Avon Festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 28, with the Avon Washington Township Public Library.
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The community can begin planning their event or project now. The committee is looking for ideas that are open and accessible to the public, create a legacy for the future, engage and inspire youth, are educational and tied to the celebration of the bicentennial.
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BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART
MEET NIKKI REED, CO-HOST OF THE “SMILEY MORNING SHOW” Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne
NIKKI & HUSBAND, NICK & DOG MARBLES
I
f you’ve ever woken up to the sound of belly laughs and the joyful voice of Nikki Reed on 99.5 WZPL and wondered, “Why is she so chipper?” it could be because she truly loves her job.
The silly stories, the awesome music and the playful banter among
her “Smiley Morning Show” co-hosts, Dave Smiley, Toni Williams, and Will Pfaffenberger, make for fun weekday mornings. Besides, it sure beats the summer job she had growing up working at a marina as a dock girl in Michigan.
TownePost.com | March 2024
“Pumping gas is fun,” she says. “Pumping out toilets, not so much.” Reed, the middle of three children, studied theatre at UIndy where one of her classmates was acclaimed actor Adam Driver. “Adam was pure talent, but I thought, ‘I’m not going to make a living from this,’” says Reed, who considered pursuing a career in TV news until her professors suggested radio instead. She couldn’t deny that it was the more natural fit, as it allowed her to perform and still be her authentic self. Reed started as an intern at WZPL, then worked in Seymour and Columbus doing morning traffic. In 2011 she landed a job at WZPL, first doing the afternoon shift before transitioning to the “Smiley Morning Show.” Reed’s favorite part of her job is meeting listeners, whether it’s at an event like Smiley Prom, the Indy 500, or the radio’s annual Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon. “I like making people’s day better,” Reed says. Radio has changed quite a bit over time with the advent of podcasts and social media.
ACHIEVING GOALS ON & OFF THE FIELD
“Changing with technology is important,” Reed says. “So is changing with the audience. You can’t assume they’ll stay. We have to always do a better job of meeting them where they are, as many households don’t even have radios. We need to be on smart speakers and have apps. We need to make our morning show into a podcast so that listeners can consume it the way they want.” In 2018 Reed was chatting with Michael Kaltenmark, who at the time was the bulldog handler at Butler University. He needed a new kidney, so they interviewed him on the “Smiley Morning Show” to give him more exposure. In doing her research for the segment, Reed’s interest in organ donation piqued. When she reached out to the transplant center to inquire about testing, she was told they already had found a match for Kaltenmark. “I remember feeling disappointed because I was psyched up to do something impactful,” Reed says. That’s when she decided she’d donate a kidney to a stranger. “I thought, ‘If I can save someone’s life, why not?’” she says. Her family wasn’t sold on the idea.
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“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says. “He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!”
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It took a year to get through all of the testing to determine if Reed’s body could handle the procedure. There’s blood work, MRIs and chest X-rays. Plus, all along the way, doctors repeatedly asked her if she had changed her mind. Once she was approved, she waited.
“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says. “He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!” Reed donated a kidney in February 2020. She was shocked by how seamless the surgery was. Post-surgery also wasn’t bad. “It was mostly just a lot of napping and sore muscles like I’d done a million situps,” she says. “It was so easy that I’d do it again, but I’ve run out of kidneys!” When one donates to a stranger, it’s up to the recipient to decide if there will be a meeting between donor and recipient. Reed never met the woman her kidney went to.
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“It’s altruistic donation,” she says. “I knew going in I may not meet the person. All I wanted was for her to be OK. I know she’s healthy now. I don’t need a big thank-you.” Just a few months prior to her surgery, a college friend suggested that Reed meet one of his buddies, Nick, who was a cop. Reed was hesitant, but her friend described Nick as “the best person I know.” The two proceeded to text for the next three weeks. “I said, ‘If this guy is anywhere close to good looking, I’m done, because he’s funny and fantastic,’” Reed says. When they finally met in person, they each knew that they had found their person. It didn’t take long for the pair to tie the knot. Marrying Nick meant becoming a stepmom to his three children and a cat named Luna. Reed brought to the relationship her dog, Marbles. “I’m so grateful to have my husband,” says Reed, who admits that she was terrified to move to Hendricks County and become a stepmom. But it’s been fantastic.
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Nikki & the Smiley Morning Crew
As for the future, Reed favors wanderlust like her parents, who are currently sailing around the country in their 30-foot sailboat. Reed and her husband went to Greece for their honeymoon where they ate gelato twice a day. They recently traveled to Boston and Philadelphia for sightseeing and creepy ghost tours. At home, Reed likes to take long walks in nature and concoct recipes in the kitchen. “I hate wasting food, so I play ‘Chopped’ and see what meal I can make with what I have in my refrigerator,” Reed says. “I’ve had some massive failures, but Nick is a former marine so he can eat anything. And I’m improving!” As for Reed, she couldn’t be happier as a wife, stepmom and radio personality. Her dock-girl days are officially behind her, and it’s smooth sailing ahead.
Fun Facts About Nikki Reed
Best bit of advice: Don’t date where you work. “If you keep your career separate, your career can be your escape,” she says. Bucket-list items: To stay in a hut that hovers above the ocean, and do a dogsled adventure in Iceland. A guilty pleasure: Trash TV - “Vanderpump Rules.” Favorite season: Fall. “I’m big into Halloween,” Reed says.
TownePost.com | March 2024
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www.hcwealthadvisors.com Hendricks County Wealth Advisors is a division of Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company (HCBT). Securities are: not insured by the FDIC; not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the depository institution; subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Securities, Insurance and Investment Advisory Services are offered through Midwestern Securities Trading Company LLC (MSTC). Member FINRA/SIPC. MSTC and HCBT are not affiliated.
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HELPING YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY DIET INSIGHTS FROM A DIETICIAN Writer / Joni Fiscus, Clinical Dietician at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided
M
aintaining a healthy diet isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s a commitment to nourishing your body with the right nutrients to support overall well-being. People often have misconceptions about what constitutes a healthy diet. Let’s delve into the fundamentals to guide you toward a balanced, sustainable eating plan.
PRIORITIZE VARIETY & BALANCE A key principle in nutrition is variety. Aim for a colorful plate filled with a diversity of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. This ensures a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for optimal health. MINDFUL EATING Slowing down during meals allows for better digestion and helps to recognize fullness cues. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, appreciating flavors, and being attuned to your body’s hunger and satiety signals. PORTION CONTROL While quality matters, so does quantity. Portion control is crucial. Be mindful of serving sizes to avoid overeating. Utilize smaller plates and read food labels. Practice portion estimation to manage intake. HYDRATION IS KEY Water is fundamental for bodily functions. Aim for at least eight glasses a day and adjust based on activity levels and climate. Water aids digestion, regulates body temperature and promotes healthy skin. PLAN & PREPARE Meal planning saves time and fosters healthier choices. Designate a day for meal prep, incorporating a variety
of nutritious ingredients. This minimizes the temptation for fast food or unhealthy snacks during busy periods. LIMIT PROCESSED FOODS & ADDED SUGARS Processed foods often contain excessive sugars, unhealthy fats and preservatives. Minimize intake by opting for whole, unprocessed foods. Be vigilant about added sugars in beverages, snacks and condiments as they contribute to various health issues. READ LABELS WISELY Understanding food labels empowers informed choices. Focus on the ingredients list, prioritize whole foods, and be wary of hidden sugars, unhealthy fats and high sodium content. MODERATION, NOT DEPRIVATION Deprivation often leads to cravings and binge eating. Embrace moderation by allowing occasional treats while maintaining a predominantly nutritious diet. This approach promotes a sustainable lifestyle rather than a short-term restrictive diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is a journey that revolves around balance, mindfulness and informed choices. By embracing these principles, you can cultivate a sustainable, nourishing relationship with food that supports your overall health and well-being.
TownePost.com | March 2024
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E D U T I T A R ING GLY U S I Writer / Chris Palmore
Long ago, I was taught an important lesson. It was a hard lesson, and fortunately my dad was ready for this to happen. I'm not saying he was expecting it, but he had the insight and soundness of mind to show me the way. It was, I believe, my tenth birthday. My parents threw me a little party. I was sitting at the head of the table, opposite the windows facing our backyard. My dad had set up the camcorder that he had borrowed from the school where he taught. They happily sang happy birthday to me. Once the singing ended, I blew out the candles. A little later, I opened my presents, mostly clothes and things I was not impressed by or even happy to get. I was frowning the whole time, the lack of happiness plastered all over my face. People who loved me had spent time and money celebrating me, all to make me feel special and loved, but this was totally lost on me at this young age in my life. I was a selfish child who just wanted toys. My dad was video recording my birthday celebration. I don’t remember this moment at all. I remember what happened after this moment, later in the day. My dad told me to go into our television room and sit down. He then played the video of me during the party. I could see how I was acting. I could see my ingratitude. I could see the ugliness it radiated. My dad explained to me how mean I was being. He explained it and showed it to me. This created a memory I will never forget. Modern technology allows a person, in this case a parent and a child, to revisit an event with the slightest of ease. Seeing yourself behave awfully is a powerful lesson. It's hard to watch and it takes a special person, a person who cares, to show it to you. My dad showed me a lot of love, tough love. I deserved to be punished, but, instead, he cared enough to show me the ugliness so that I could see the truth of the situation and make a choice not to be that person ever again. The sooner we can understand and see all the gifts around us, the better. To be receiving so much and not taking notice of it is a disease. It will rot you from within and steal your joy. This disease silences happiness. It breaks up families and friendships. All people want is to feel appreciated and loved. Giving appreciation freely will result in it being freely given back to you. It's reciprocal, and it works. Spin the wheel, and it will come back around to you. Check out gratitudespace.com for more gratitude related content. TownePost.com | March 2024 | 17
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RUGBY UP
INDIANAPOLIS IMPALAS PREPARE FOR USA RUGBY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jordan Banks
Fresh off of their win at the Midwest Rugby Championship, the Indianapolis Impalas rugby team is preparing for a trip to the USA Rugby national championship in Colorado this May. As a global Olympic sport that originated in England, it’s now one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and the second most popular sport in the world. The Indianapolis men’s amateur team formed in 1969. They’ve had an amazing year, and it might surprise you to know just how many of the team members are graduates of Brownsburg High School (BHS).
Evan Roberts, president of the team, graduated in 2006 from BHS and has been with the Impalas for 17 years. Many others learned the game in childhood, played throughout college and found the Indy team in adulthood.
“During my sophomore year of high school they started a rugby team,” Roberts said. “I grew up playing football, basketball and soccer for Brownsburg, but I quickly fell in love with rugby. I felt like it was more of a complete game. Everyone can run, everyone can pass, everyone can score.” By his senior year, Roberts was the first person at BHS to serve as the captain of the football team and the captain of the rugby team. It’s not uncommon for football athletes to switch to rugby and vice versa. The games are similar, with a few exceptions. TownePost.com | March 2024 | 19
INDY IMPALAS JUST AFTER WINNING 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP
In football, 11 players are on the field for 60 minutes. Touchdowns are six points and field goals are three points. In rugby, 15 players are on the field for 80 minutes. A touchdown, or a “try,” is five points and a goal kick is three points. ZACH MARSH
Another major difference in rugby? You can only pass the ball backward, not forward as in football. “In football some guys are linemen and only a few players get a chance to score,” Roberts said. “I was a lineman in high school so that’s what attracted me to rugby. It was the chemistry among the team. We all have to depend on each other and there’s not those specialized positions.”
SAM WELLS
You don’t have to be a seasoned rugby player to join the team. Though it helps to have some athletic background, the men are willing to train others. “We have some guys who didn’t start playing rugby until they came to us, so we have a developmental team that helps, and we’re able to give them some game time and it helps them get familiar with the sport,” Roberts said.
EVAN ROBERTS
20 | March 2024 | TownePost.com
Their ages range from 20 to late 30s, and like Wells, each can tell a story about their rugby roots - how they got started and those who mentored them through the process. “I started playing rugby in 2014 after watching my brother and some of his friends win the state title in middle school,” said Brayden Goodnight, a 2019 BHS graduate and MVP of the Midwest Rugby Championship for the Impalas. Zach Marsh, a fellow 2019 BHS graduate, also noticed the equal play that attracted Roberts years before him.
As with any amateur adult team, they count on feeder teams - those at the high school and college level developing skills and competing regularly.
“I love how everyone on the field plays such a valuable part in the game,” Marsh said. “Anyone can be the star, no matter what position they play.”
“I would say the formation of youth teams has been a tremendous help for us,” Roberts said. “Back in the early ’90s, players started as early as the third grade with flag rugby, and at this point so many of our players give back to the sport by coaching younger teams.”
Impala team member and 2011 BHS grad Ryan Barton agreed.
For many of the players, things have gone full circle.
BRAYDEN GOODNIGHT
“I coached middle school rugby for Brownsburg and two of those players are now my teammates on the Impalas,” said Sam Wells, a 2014 BHS grad.
“In rugby you get to play offense and defense,” said Barton. “In high school football I played safety so I never got the opportunity to run the ball. In rugby you get the best of both worlds because you’re able to run the ball and you’re also able to hit people.”
BROWNSBURG YOUTH PLAYERS VISITING THE IMPALAS
ISAAC GOOD
JOEY STURGILL
As rugby continues to grow in popularity, Roberts said the team can feel it. “I think there’s an excited community in central Indiana,” he said. “There’s a lot of connections in the local rugby community, and we have a large following of retired players, fans, and young players looking up to us as a team going to nationals. We want it to spread, and after competing in nationals in 2009, it’s exciting for me to have a new group of teammates who have never played at this stage before.” The team members took some time off over the holidays, but are now gearing back up to prepare for the national competition. They’ve even created a GoFundMe page for fans interested in donating toward the athletes and their trip across the country.
RYAN BARTON
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his father was a member of the team that built it years ago. Roberts’ mother-in-law, Cindy Hohman, was recently elected to the Brownsburg Town Council. The stories and memories run deep, as do the relationships the men have held onto through the sport they love. Traveling to the national championship in Denver will be exciting but costly. The Indy amateur athletes aren’t paid to play, and will need to raise funds for the trip, including flights, hotel stays and more. To support the team, visit gofundme.com and search “Help the Indy Impalas go to USA Rugby Nationals,” and stay tuned for more excitement from the hometown athletes. Also check out indianapolisrugbyclub.com.
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“My favorite part of rugby is the brotherhood and camaraderie that comes along with it,” said 2018 BHS graduate Joey Sturgill. “I’ve met some of my best friends through the sport.”
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Your little one will be as unique and special as every snowflake. Our highly skilled team knows you are, too.
At Indiana University Health West Hospital, our highly skilled team of doctors and nurses will provide you with exceptional care throughout the entire birthing experience. With comprehensive maternity services, from birthing classes to our Level II Special Care Nursery, each interaction is designed to make you and your family feel safe and special. Because when everything is taken care of, you can focus on your newest family member. Visit iuhealth.org/maternity for more information on childbirth education classes.
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