Carmel Magazine March 2026 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

GOLDEN YEARS

HOOSIER VILLAGE IS REDEFINING SENIOR LIVING

Creating the Smiles You Design!

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Developmental Disability Awareness Month

From art and food to outdoor excursions and sports, there is truly something for everyone in Hamilton County! To make your planning process easier, Visit Hamilton County has a webpage devoted to Accessibility options throughout the county for various attractions and events. The centerpiece of this page is the “Know Before You Go” blog series, featuring tips and recommendations from several local bloggers.

IN HONOR OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH, BELOW IS AN EXCERPT FROM ONE OF THE BLOGS, WRITTEN BY DANYELE EASTERHAUS:

“When you hear ‘Fishers Nickel Plate District,’ you might think of a charming main street, a trail, or maybe even the popular restaurants. What you might not expect is the incredible art scene woven into nearly every corner, murals splashed across utility boxes, vibrant wall art along the Nickel Plate Trail, creative installations in restaurants and even a full gallery tucked inside the Hamilton East Public Library. For our family, this was more than just an outing. As a mom and business owner raising an adult neurodivergent daughter, I’m always on the lookout for spaces that balance beauty, creativity and accessibility. The Nickel Plate District not only delivered, it exceeded our expectations.”

To read the full blog or learn more about accessibility throughout Hamilton County, go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com/

PUBLISHER DYLAN LEWANDOWSKI dylan@townepost.com 317-552-8605

KEY CONTRIBUTORS ASHLEY DYKTON CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING ABBIE WILLANS

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS EDITOR JOSH BROWN

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER ERIC NEER

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green 6 p.m.

THE MAGIC OF DAVID RANALLI

Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Sq.

1 p.m.

A one-of-a-kind magic show that will take you into the world of mystery, wonder, and surprise.

1, 8, 15, 22

SOUND BATH SUNDAY GUIDED MEDITATION

9951 Crosspoint Blvd, suite 300 12-12:30 p.m.

Sound healing connects you to your inner wisdom and vision and reawakens your truth!

FOREST BATHING HIKE

Cool Creek Park > Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st St. 9-10 a.m.

3, 6

CHILD & ADULT MUSIC CLASS: TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green 9:30 a.m.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31

PAYNE & MENCIAS

PALLADIUM PUBLIC TOUR

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green 1:30 p.m.-10:30 a.m.

CHRIS BOTTI

Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green

8 p.m.

For over two decades, Grammy Award-winning master trumpeter and composer Chris Botti has amassed a spectacular variety of honors, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums.

6, 13, 20, 27

NATURE WALKS

Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S Union St. 10-11 a.m.

SIT. STAY. CHILL. HANG OUT WITH A PAWS THERAPY DOG

Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St. 4:30-5:15 p.m.

Take a break from homework and hang out with a registered therapy dog. Presented in partnership with the Chris Center.

PEANUT BUTTER & JAM: BOBCAT OPOSSUM

Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green 10:30 a.m.

Bobcat Opossum draws inspiration and repertoire from many genres of traditional music.

CRAFT MONDAY: CORK ANIMALS

Urban Vines Winery & Brewery, 303 E 161st St. 6-8 p.m.

Join us on March 9th for our Craft Monday: Cork Animals from 6PM - 8PM.

9, 23

NINTENDO SWITCH GAME NIGHT

Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St. 4-6 p.m.

Teens in Grades 6-12 can drop in to play a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch. No experience is necessary.

SHEPHERD’S CENTER CAREGIVER CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP

Independent Adult Day Centers - Northeast / Hamilton County, 7318 Crossing Pl. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

A monthly support group for those caring for an aging loved one. Meets the second Tuesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Independent Adult Day Center in Fishers.

LEVEL UP YOUR DESIGN AND WINDOW COVERING BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE

Indiana Design Center, 200 South Rangeline Rd. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Drop the Drama: Make Faster Decisions, Hold Better Boundaries, and Lead Projects with Confidence.

11, 25

READ-IN AT CCPL WITH WORD ON THE SHELF

Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St.

4:30-6 p.m.

Exactly what it sounds like time to read! This volunteer opportunity is open to all interested teens in grades 6-12.

14, 28

THE DINNER DETECTIVE TRUE CRIME MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW - INDIANAPOLIS

Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing, 8787 Keystone Crossing.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS ST PATTYS SPEED DATING FOR SINGLES AGE 25-45

Upland Brewing Clay Terrance, 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd. 4-6 p.m.

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT - THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES

Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green 7:30-10 p.m.

Eagles fans! Mark your calendars

North America’s largest awardwinning interactive true crime murder mystery dinner show invites you into a night of laughter, mystery, and audience-driven intrigue.

14 POWER-UP FLORAL ARRANGEMENT EXPERIENCE: MARCHING ON!

Invst, 3625 East 96th St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Treat yourself! Build a beautiful floral bouquet, get empowered, and enjoy new friends. March On! to success!

SHAMROCK DROP

Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S Union St. 12-3 p.m.

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16, 23, 30

WAITLIST - STAND-UP COMEDY PRACTICUM

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green

6 p.m.

This class has reached capacity. Email Outreach@TheCenterPresents. org if you would like to be placed on a waitlist.

17-21

LUCK ‘O THE IRISH

Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery, 22 N Range Line Rd.

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Catch a leprechaun, and you’ll go to the Indiana Artisan Marketplace for free. When you visit Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery between March 17 and 21, dip your hand deep into our pot of gold.

CLINICAL SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR THE FNP - IWU EDUCATION CENTER

Indiana Wesleyan University - Indianapolis Education and Conference Center, 3777 Priority Way S Dr. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

16 Contact Hours: 8* in-person & 8 online (IWU SIH Nursing Students have the option of utilizing this for 8 clinical hours.)

55TH SAM COSTA HALF MARATHON AND 19TH SAM COSTA QUARTER MARATHON Northview Church, 12900 Hazel Dell Parkway.

9 a.m.

The oldest race in Indiana returns for its 55th running. The “Costa” is brought to you by Indy Runners and Walkers, Indiana’s largest running and walking club.

CRAFT MONDAY: TERRACOTTA PLANTER PAINTING

Urban Vines Winery & Brewery, 303 E 161st St.

6-8 p.m.

Join us on March 23rd for Craft Monday: Terracotta Planter Painting from 6PM - 8PM.

THE MUSIC OF THE LION KING

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green 4 p.m.

27, 28

GREGORY HANCOCK DANCE THEATRE - EXODUS

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green 7 p.m.

SPENCER FARM WINE RUN 5K

Spencer Farm Winery, 7015 E 161st St. 9 a.m.

Like Running? Love Wine? This race is for you!

THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS

The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green 7 p.m.

MAKE & TAKE: CLAY POTTERY

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd. 10-11:30 a.m.

Come to Lenape for a $5 Make and Take clay pottery workshop, where you’ll mold your very own piece of pottery to take home with you.

PROGR AMS

LUNCH AND LEARN: RED LIGHT THERAPY

Wednesday, March 18 | 16+ | Monon Community Center | $5

Enjoy a light lunch while guest speakers share insights on health, wellness, and everyday life topics that support your well-being.

This Month’s Topic: Red Light Therapy

ADULT AND PEDIATRIC FIRST AID/CPR/AED

Saturday, March 21 | 15+ | Monon Community Center | $85

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to act in emergency situations. Led by our experienced staff, this American Red Cross course teaches you how to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants.

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

Tuesday, March 24 | 18+ | Monon Community Center | $10

Retirement income planning can be overwhelming. Learn how asset location and sound withdrawal strategies can have a big impact on your tax liability. Joel Harris will cover various retirement income strategies, the tax stories behind them and how to find income yield in a low interest rate environment.

ADAPTIVE MINDFUL MAKINGS

Tuesday, March 3 | 15+ | Monon Community Center | $50

Life can be full of ups and downs. Mindful Makings is designed to offer creative ways to navigate difficult emotions through art. Participants will explore strategies for managing stress, frustration and building flexibility while engaging in meaningful, expressive projects. *Program designed for individuals with disabilities.

KNEE HIGH NATURALIST: BIRDS

Friday, March 27 | 1-6 years | Monon Community Center | $35

Join the flock, your little one will have fun learning about our feathery friends! Each class will involve a bird-themed craft or activity and an adventure outdoors to see who may be seen flying around Central Park.

INTRO TO PICKLEBALL WORKSHOP

Saturday, March 21 | 15+ | Monon Community Center | $15

Want to learn to play pickleball, but don't know where to start? This introductory class will teach you the basics of this fun sport. Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Loaner paddles and pickleballs are provided.

THE HEROES CLUB

CARMEL ORGANIZATION GIVES BACK TO FIRST RESPONDERS

Writer / Abbie Willans

The Heroes Club is a locally run nonprofit organization that provides monetary assistance to first responders in Carmel and Clay Township, offering additional life insurance programs for those who fall in the line of duty, as well as equipment, training and mental health resources.

The club began in Carmel but has recently expanded into Zionsville and hopes to reach even more communities in the future.

Business owner Matt Frey has served on the board for several years, and as the current president of the club, he’s passionate about giving back to his community and those who protect it.

“As a business owner, as a resident, it’s now my obligation, it’s my civic duty to help those that help us. Who do you call if your house is broken into? Who do you call if your house is on fire? These guys are risking their lives every single day and people take it for granted. This is a way to show support and give them reassurance that we’ve got their back,” he says.

The Heroes Club provides an accidental death policy that pays out $400,000 to the

beneficiary, which Frey says is the largest in the nation. The club also has policies for hearing loss, dismemberment and cancer diagnoses.

“It’s a comfort to them that their family will be taken care of in the event that they go down in the line of duty. This is all on top of what they would get from the Fraternal Order of Police, unions or the state or town. They don’t have to choose, it’s automatic, zero cost to them,” he says.

The policy not only applies to police officers and law enforcement, but to members of the fire department and all emergency services — even those not from Carmel, if they’re operating within the city limits.

“If they’re employed by the city or town, they’re covered. The other great thing is that some of them, especially the fire department, will assist in other communities. The Carmel Fire Department will help Zionsville, Westfield, Noblesville or Indianapolis, and they’re covered if they go outside of our region. And the surrounding communities are covered if they come into our region. Some of the surrounding first responders don’t even know about how our policy covers

them,” Frey says.

“If there’s a giant fire, and say, Zionsville doesn’t necessarily have the equipment, or as tall of a ladder truck as Carmel does, they will assist. If there’s an awards banquet, the town of Zionsville will help cover Carmel while they have their awards banquet. The chiefs communicate with each other,” he adds.

The program also offers mental health resources and a variety of therapy options.

“It’s important that we provide a resource if they have questions. They don’t always want to use what they have available to them from their city or town, because word could get out, so we can assist them with some mental health treatments on top of what they already get,” Frey says.

Frey says that all of the money comes from donors and fundraising, and almost everything goes directly to helping first responders, as club members are volunteers rather than employees.

“We have no executive director, so we have no overhead and the goal is to expand our reach

and also be a link for what they need,” he says. “For example, the chiefs did their budgets a few months ago, and it has to be approved by city and town councils, and that can be affected by taxes. Even when politicians say they don’t want first responders to be affected, they may still have to make cuts in staffing or whatever else, and so we want to raise money for whatever they need.”

Some of the equipment the Heroes Club has purchased includes drones and supplies for the K-9 units of the Carmel Police Department.

“The drone program is huge, it’s to protect the first responders and help the citizens stay safe. Say someone calls 911, someone has an accident on the highway, they can send a drone before the first responders even get there, and they can analyze the situation ahead of time instead of waiting until they get on the scene. They know ahead of time before they get there and gather information,” Frey explains.

“We’ve helped the Carmel K-9 team by buying two different kennels for $15,000 each, and also purchased bullet- and knife-proof vests for K-9s, which are about $4,000 each,” he says. “We do fundraising throughout the year, like our golf tournament, and they’re invited to that. We’ll do a social fundraising event around May, and we’re doing an event at the Hickory Hall Polo Club. We want to be more in the front of people’s minds in the community. People think Carmel is the best of the best of the best, and they have great resources compared to other municipalities, but they still need the advanced tools and everything else to keep them safe.”

He adds that events like these not only help retain staff, but also help recruit.

“Not every community has a Heroes Club that assists in the way that we do,” he says.

“Last year we assisted in donating the most money the club has ever had, and that’s about $65,000. That’s thanks to our donors, and we were only able to do that because of people’s kindness.”

For more information and to learn about fundraising events, visit theheroesclub. org or email the Heroes Club at info@ theheroesclub.org.

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GOLDEN YEARS

HOOSIER VILLAGE IS REDEFINING SENIOR LIVING

Writer / Abbie Willans

On a beautiful 300-acre campus near Zionsville, Hoosier Village offers independent living, in-home care, assisted living, memory care, health care and rehabilitation. It’s part of BHI Senior Living, an organization that began in Boone County in 1904.

Beyond the homes themselves, Hoosier Village offers a place to build community with other seniors. There are a variety of events and activities at Hoosier Village, ensuring any resident will find something that suits their tastes.

“When people move to a community like ours, they’re moving to us because they’re not selecting a brick-and-mortar building — they’re looking for a lifestyle, and that’s what Hoosier Village can provide them with,” says Megan Ulrich, vice president of marketing and public relations at BHI. “We have a full life enrichment team who put on programming for all educational, wellness, social and recreational needs.”

“Last year we rolled out a ‘Living on Purpose’ program, where we encourage our life enrichment team to make sure they’re having programming available to fit every individual, living within our communities, including travel opportunities,” she adds.

One of these travel opportunities in 2026 will include a trip to New Orleans for residents to visit the WWII Museum. BHI

Senior Living recently partnered with the Museum and WWII Veterans from Hoosier Village and other BHI Senior Living communities. These residents were interviewed to share their stories and to be featured in the Museum.

“We encourage residents to get involved in the community. Zionsville is a great place for them to do that, as there are a lot of volunteer opportunities and events with families. We have transportation on and off campus for those who don’t drive. HV residents like to keep busy,”says Anna Wellman, coordinator of marketing and sales at Hoosier Village.

She added that HV residents regularly participate in a variety of off-campus experiences, including attending the Classicals and Pops series presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The team at Hoosier Village knows that staying in shape is important for longevity and well-being, so they offer a wealth of options for residents to choose from to stay active.

“We added four pickleball courts a couple of years ago, and this year we’re in the midst of expanding our outdoor activities. This will include a putting green and an outdoor pavilion, shuffleboard, cornhole and an area to do a lot of outdoor events,” says Executive Director Mindy Kantz.

“They have several trainers; I have one that really works well with me. I love her. I work with her twice a week,” says resident Connie Latas in an interview with Indy Now. “They’ve got all the equipment you’d need, and she teaches me how to use it.

“It’s a well-run place, right from the top down — the maintenance, the groundskeeping, the housekeeping, everything — and then there are so many activities to do, it’s unbelievable,” she adds. “They’re not just for older people; they are for everybody. There’s skydiving, symphonies, opera — you can go on and on.”

Latas enjoys the different dining areas as well. They have a cafe called the Dash Bistro and more elegant dining options at Heartwood. Hoosier Village even has its own Starbucks lounge.

“It’s like a college campus for seniors,” Wellman says. “We have a lot of outdoor spaces, walking trails, we do concerts in the park and have parties out there. We have a great dining staff who also does catering.”

Other amenities include an indoor pool, three community gardens, three dog parks and a game room with billiards and ping pong. Hoosier Village hosts trivia nights, book clubs, creative workshops and spiritual services.

“There’s so much that they do on campus. Options are endless,” Wellman says. “They do outings, they go on trips together, play pickleball and start clubs.”

Last year, a group of residents went skydiving. Among them was Joanne Dolan, who also spoke with Indy Now.

“There were a whole bunch of us who went, and we had a grand time. It was fun,” Dolan says.

Her husband, Dennis, participates in a group who call themselves the “grumpy old men,” a social club that meets every Saturday and Tuesday morning to “shoot the bull.”

“The ladies come on Saturday morning in another room; we don’t dare call them the grumpy old ladies — they are the lovely ladies. We even have picnics together. I’ve probably had more friends than I’ve had anywhere we lived,” he says.

He believes that “you don’t grow old when

you quit having fun. If you quit having fun, you grow old.”

“It’s as important when you get old to have a social life as it is to take care of your physical health,” Joanne says.

There are multiple options for independent living, with five different neighborhoods and home designs to choose from. The newest neighborhood is Magnolia Trace, with three-story townhomes that feature an elevator, two bedrooms, a den, a two-car garage, outdoor patios and an open floor plan.

There are also single-family homes, duplex homes and apartments. No matter which style of home they choose, residents can rest easy knowing that outdoor maintenance is handled by the dedicated staff at Hoosier Village.

“It’s a nice perk of living on campus, not having to worry about shoveling the driveway or walkways being frozen,” Wellman says. “There are a lot of benefits to maintenance-free living.”

After the big snowstorm in January, she remembers driving to work and noticing the difference between the highways and the roads within Hoosier Village.

“Our dedicated maintenance team worked around the clock to ensure the safety of our residents throughout the snowstorm,” she says.

Kantz says there has been a lot of demand

for homes like these, but the team at Hoosier Village is mindful of keeping plenty of green space on campus when considering additional living residences. She added that many people get on the waiting list for Hoosier Village well before they are ready to move. Hoosier Village is a “62 or better” community.

“People often think we’re a typical retirement community, but we’re so much more than that,” Kantz says. “Living here, residents have the freedom to do what they love and be as active and involved as they choose.”

“So many people move in and say they should’ve done this years ago,” Ulrich adds. “You see longevity in communities like ours because we provide continuing education opportunities — social and recreational — and that’s so important for living longer and staying healthy. Today, more individuals are recognizing that communities like HV are a lifestyle choice that enhances everyday living.”

Hoosier Village not only provides peace of mind for seniors, but also for their loved ones.

“Having parents who have planned for their future and made the choice to be here is comforting,” Wellman says. “The kids know mom and dad are in a safe place, everyone knows what’s expected, and it takes a lot of pressure off families.”

Hoosier Village is located at 9891 Purple Plum Lane, in Indianapolis For more information or to schedule a tour, visit hoosiervillage.com or call 317-873-3349.

HOT FLASHES & BELLY LAUGHS

LOCAL AUTHOR PROVES LAUGHTER IS GREAT HORMONE THERAPY BY WRITING A HUMOR BOOK ABOUT PERIMENOPAUSE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

When women reach a certain age (usually their 40s), we start having conversations with other females that often begin like this: “So, I’ve been dealing with this weird thing lately …”

That “weird thing” could be anything from itchy ears and dry eyes to a racing mind and unquenchable thirst. It could be facial hair, dizziness, dry skin, acne, excessive clumsiness, inability to focus, sudden fear of driving or an impending sense of doom.

If you find yourself questioning the cause of these symptoms, I’ll save you some time by letting you know that all this nonsense is due to perimenopause, which is that stretch of time prior to menopause when your body produces less estrogen. I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but this transition period can last up to 10 years. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 55 (perhaps even younger) and are experiencing annoying, odd or surprising physical or mental symptoms, it’s likely perimenopause.

For five years, I grappled with terrible insomnia, thinning hair, intense anxiety, regular headaches, restless legs, dry mouth, painful hip, achy shoulder, throbbing joints and brutally heavy periods. In addition to being hot, itchy, anxious and overwhelmed, I felt like I was losing my mind as I struggled to recall certain words. Plus, I’d forget passcodes and people’s names. I’d space where I’d placed my keys, shoes, purse or phone. I’d leave to run errands, get to the front of the neighborhood and have to stop and think about where I was going so I

“Christy

Heitger-Ewing’s book ‘Why Did I Walk into This Room?’ is drop-dead hilarious. She writes about everything we talk about with our BFFs, splaying taboos in her uniquely amusing way. This is a book for every single one of us.”

Wendy Liebman, comedian and semifinalist on “America’s Got Talent”

Savor the

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Carmel | Greenwood | Ironworks | Zionsville | Fishers

knew whether to turn left or right out of the subdivision. I’d be in the middle of a task and get sidetracked by some random thought like, ‘If a cat’s fur goes up its own nose, does it tickle?’

Focus, Christy! Focus!

As if all of this wasn’t bad enough, stray hairs began sprouting above my upper lip, and pimples began forming on my chin. WTF? I looked like a cross between my husband and my teenager, with facial hair and zits. And every day, regardless of how much rest I got the night before, I was dog-tired.

Finally, after talking to other women, I put the puzzle pieces together to determine I was in perimenopause — and it was kicking my ass.

I sought relief from my primary care doctor and OB-GYN, but it all proved futile. I complained about painful sex and was told to try lube. I complained about waking up drenched in sweat and was told to crank the AC down and blow a fan in my face. I complained about sleeping poorly and was told to drink tea in the evening. Essentially, the resounding response I got was a shoulder shrug and the message: “Eh, this is all part of growing older as a woman.”

Screw that!

When I met with a functional wellness doctor who specialized

listened, took notes, drew my blood and built a plan. She was able to offer evidence-based, practical strategies to get me back to the land of the living. Woo-hoo!

Did you know that during perimenopause you may suffer anywhere from 10 to 100 symptoms that range from mildly irritating to beyond aggravating? You may experience vertigo, rage, nausea, panic, frequent UTIs, heart palpitations, acid reflux, tendinitis, sore breasts and phantom smells. Sadly, this is not a comprehensive list.

However, I found an upside. You get to blame everything on perimenopause! If you forget what you were saying midsentence, that’s perimenopause’s fault. If you put your husband’s underwear in your kid’s drawer or your dog’s food in your cat’s dish, perimenopause is the culprit. If you drop a plate while unloading the dishwasher or trip over your own feet on the way to the bathroom, that’s the work of perimenopause. If you want to claw your spouse’s eyes out for breathing or chewing loudly — perimenopause. You get the idea.

It really is ridiculous how hormones have rewired my mind and reconstructed my body. At a certain point, you have to laugh. When I found myself Googling “tips for tolerating people,” I knew I must write a humor book about the experience.

“Why Did I Walk into This Room? Finding the Humor When Perimenopause Is Kicking Your Ass” is for any woman who feels

“Best perimenopause humor book ever! A great ride for those who are sweaty, tired and out of estrogen. The author has successfully turned a lemon time-of-life into funny lemonade!”

Jane Condon, comedian and winner of the Ladies of Laughter contest

This book offers hope for the hopeless, clarity for the confused, enthusiasm for the apathetic and laughter for the lethargic. If perimenopause has commandeered your brain, wiped you of energy and motivation, and wreaked havoc on your sleep and sex drive, this book is just what the functional wellness doctor ordered.

Christy Heitger-Ewing will be speaking to the Wonderful Women of Hamilton County about perimenopause and signing copies of her new book at 6 p.m. March 24 at Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard. To RSVP to this event, visit tinyurl.com/jz35rc9s.

For more information or to purchase a copy of “Why Did I Walk into This Room?” visit christyheitger-ewing.com.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS, KITCHEN & CUPBOARD

FEATURING PICNIC SEASON & NEWLY OPENED GRAB & GO OPTIONS!

We preserve the past with food and tradition by making picnics effortless. Easy online ordering, with delivery or pick up. Also, you can choose from our compostable picnic boxes or elegant, reusable insulated baskets— perfect for a charming outing.

Visit our full-service restaurant where we offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Or just enjoy coffee or a cocktail.

Stop by our little retail shop, tucked away in the picnic pick up area. We offer many picnic goodies, books, snacks, knick-knacks, and Carmel inspired gifts.

Our signature Chick(HEN) & Waffles is a local favorite along with Gigi’s Bloody Mary with a 5 oz. beer back of Bier Brewery PDG.

NEIGHBORS FEEDING NEIGHBORS

FEEDING TEAM FIGHTS HUNGER ACROSS HAMILTON COUNTY

Writer & Photographer / Abbie Willans

When business owners Mark and Lisa Hall found out that around 40,000 residents of Hamilton County experienced food insecurity, they wanted to find a way to help. They’ve been doing charity work for nearly 30 years, but in 2019 they founded the Feeding Team organization to combat hunger in their community.

Feeding Team partners with local food pantries and other local businesses to build and stock outdoor food pantries throughout Hamilton County and other parts of central Indiana. The pantries are always open and are completely anonymous, with no paperwork or identification needed.

“Our hearts have always been in doing something with food charity because we were in that spot, too. Back in 1985, we were a young married couple and had two daughters at the time. We were both working full time. We thought we had the world by the tail until we didn’t. In our case, it was a dentist bill and the transmission went out in our car,” Mark recalls.

“We didn’t know it, but we were what we called the ‘working poor.’ Today, they’re called ‘gap families.’ Supper, more times than I would care to admit, was a can of beef stew and a baked potato. We were both working, waiting to get paid and had to find a way to bridge the gap,” he continues.

Now, as the owners of TLX, or Talenting Logistics, they’re able to use their skills and resources to provide funding for the Feeding Team.

“As we’ve gotten older and gotten into a position where we can give back, we figured out that we’re pretty average. We thought that if we were that way, there’s probably a whole lot of people who are in the same boat,” Mark says.

They started with a data analytics approach, using a subset of the census to give them a “heat map” of gap families: those who make approximately $45,000 a year.

“The map just lit up. We really felt led to do something in Hamilton County, in our

backyard,” he says. “If you ask the average person, Hamilton County’s got streets that are lined with gold, and the toilets are silver. I’m here to tell you that the face of hunger in this county looks just like us. We see it every single day. It’s not what people think.”

The pantries are designed with gap families in mind, and they’re located near where many of those families tend to live. Gap families make too much money to qualify for public assistance, and the Halls say many people don’t want to go to a church, or they’re embarrassed to ask for help.

“They don’t want to give out their ID or a utility bill or sign a bunch of papers just to get a bag of groceries,” Mark says. “If you say you’re hungry, we don’t care if you drive up in a Mercedes-Benz. Our mission is to have food for you anytime. It doesn’t always work, but the model is ‘take what you need, give what you can.’”

When researching a new location, Feeding Team consults local law enforcement for the best spot to place a pantry. Police have suggested not placing them inside neighborhoods, but just outside of them.

Mark says some of their best-performing pantries are at tattoo parlors or government buildings like the health department. They are also located at schools, county fairgrounds, churches, businesses and parks.

Pantries have been built by different civic organizations and even several Eagle Scouts. Local businesses have also chipped in to help.

“Gaylor Electric has been a huge partner of ours from the beginning,” Lisa says.

The Feeding Team is about to launch a new pantry at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. If that goes well, they want to put them at district offices all over the city.

“We have 78 pantries today and we’re headed toward 100. Our mission is to always have food available in every pantry,” Mark says.

As for the pantries themselves, the Halls got the idea from a friend who encountered a similar system at a church in Kentucky.

“The Feeding Team is a total rip-off of the Nazarene church; we plagiarized their idea and copied what they did. We put a funding source with it. We improved the strength of the pantry so it’s much sturdier. Our business, TLX, funds food, storage, transportation and materials for new pantries,” Mark says.

“We have two in-office pickup days with perishable items on the first and third Thursday of every month. On the second Saturday and fourth Tuesday of every month, Gleaners pulls up with their big semi and we pass out food. We’re feeding 200-225 families biweekly, which is about 24,000-25,000 meals a month between all of that,” Lisa says.

The Feeding Team accepts both food and monetary donations. Lisa says she’s been able to develop buying power with the organization and can double or triple any donations given, turning $100 into $300.

The Feeding Team has no paid employees and is run entirely by volunteers. They lost one of their volunteers to cancer recently. Working for the Feeding Team was so important to him that he arranged his chemo treatments around the times he volunteered.

“You can’t describe the satisfaction they get pouring themselves out, completely selflessly, to people who will never be able to pay them back,” Mark says.

“If you want to forget about your worries, go serve other people,” Lisa adds. “It’s people taking care of people. It doesn’t happen without the community. Neighbors taking care of neighbors. You see parents and grandparents teaching kids the value of generational giving. At the end of the day, these pantries are just big yellow boxes. It’s what you do with them. They become food sources. They become a source of joy and refuge when people take from them.”

To donate or find more information, visit feedingteam.org or check out their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

MEET DR. PETER SWIATEK, INDIANA SPINE GROUP

Writer / Ashley Dykton

Meet Peter Swiatek, MD, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who is excited to bring his expertise and patient-centered care to the world-class Indiana Spine Group.

“I’ve trained all over the country,” Dr. Swiatek says. “I was in Chicago, Michigan and Philadelphia, and there is no place like Indiana Spine Group. Indiana Spine Group has more than 20 physicians focused solely on the treatment of patients with spine-related conditions. When you have that many people who focus on the spine, you will have the latest thinking on how to treat patients. And having worked around the country, no place has the facilities that we have at Indiana Spine Group. We do some of the most procedures of any place in the region — not just the Midwest, but the country. When you’re doing a relatively high volume of procedures and surgeries, everything is very streamlined and focused on the patient, and that ultimately translates to better outcomes for patients.”

Dr. Swiatek has an impressive résumé filled with prestige and accomplishments that showcase his passion for medicine and patient care. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology, where he also played collegiate basketball for the men’s Division I team.

His own experience as an athlete influenced his decision to pursue orthopedic care.

“It’s personal for me why I went into orthopedics. I have a background in sports. I played college basketball, and I had my own orthopedic injuries,” he says.

Dr. Swiatek graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and earned the dean’s commendation for excellence in clinical skills. From there, he completed his orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which is renowned as one of the country’s top orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers. Following his training in Chicago, Dr. Swiatek completed his spine surgery fellowship at the internationally acclaimed Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Dr. Swiatek wants to fix people by addressing the root cause of the problem using the least invasive approach possible.

“In orthopedics, you can essentially fix people. I enjoy thinking about what’s the best way to treat a patient, and oftentimes that ends up being what is the most minimally invasive way that I can do something to help them feel better and get them back to living the life they want to lead,” he says.

Dr. Swiatek specializes in a wide range of spine conditions, including disc herniations, degenerative disease of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, trauma, tumors and spinal deformities. Most commonly, he sees patients experiencing shooting arm or leg pain, often accompanied by neck or low back pain caused by pinched nerves and disc herniations.

“The number one time to see a spine surgeon is when you have symptoms of neck or back problems that are not getting better with treatment options like physical therapy, medications and steroid injections,” says Dr. Swiatek.

Dr. Swiatek takes a hands-on approach to patient care. From the moment he sees a patient in the office, he is dedicated to providing personalized attention.

“The spine is very challenging. There are many ways to treat patients with spine-related conditions, and I enjoy the academic part of figuring out and diagnosing what’s wrong with the patient. My goal is to be a diagnostician and determine what’s causing their pain. The first visit includes an exam, but there is also a lot of discussion and listening. I think the art of the physical exam has been lost a little bit, as there are pressures in medicine to see more patients faster, but I take time to do a full, complete examination of my patient,” says Dr. Swiatek.

He is purposeful with his diagnoses and uses imaging to help formulate conservative care plans.

“My goal is to make people better without surgery. I’m interested in helping people understand their non-surgical options, and if they do need surgery, helping them choose the least invasive option,” he says.

Dr. Swiatek offers a high level of expertise in the latest technology and techniques in spine surgery, including motionpreservation (non-fusion) procedures and the use of robotics to enhance surgical precision. Looking ahead, he is excited about upcoming advancements in the field.

“I think the biggest advances in the future of orthopedics will be made in spine surgery. I’m excited about how technology will be integrated. We already integrate technology into the surgeries we do, but in the next 10 to 15 years, we’ll see big advancements in motion-preservation spine surgery, and I think AI will really help us predict who will do well with different surgical options,” he says.

Dr. Swiatek recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes general physical activity and core strengthening to protect spine health.

“If you can maintain a healthy, quote-unquote normal body weight, that can significantly increase the longevity of your

spine and decrease your risk of injury,” he says.

As a new specialist in the area, Dr. Swiatek is focused on integrating himself into the community. Currently living on the border of Westfield and Carmel, he views his patients as neighbors.

“You’re taking care of your neighbors, and that’s sort of your family,” he says.

To learn more about Indiana Spine Group or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Swiatek, visit swiatekmd.com or call 317-428-5040.

TRANSITIONING TO SENIOR LIVING?

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.

Our life paths are lined with many milestones — from saying our first words to being called “Grandma” and “Grandpa.” While some life changes are exciting, they can also be hard. Moving into senior living can be particularly daunting to older loved ones, as it can bring up a myriad of emotions.

The smoothness of this transition often lies in the initial approach to it. Here are some tips on how to broach the sensitive subject of senior living.

Start the conversation early: Of course, it’s helpful to stay mindful of age-related changes, such as home isolation, memory issues, injuries, etc. Ideally, though, moving into a senior living community should be an act of prevention rather than an emergency response. So, talk to your loved ones sooner rather than later — preferably in person for a more comforting discussion than digital communication can provide.

Bring up the topic organically: Gently plant seeds so the idea of senior living grows positively in their mind. If they’re cooking dinner, for example, mention the dining room and socialization they could enjoy at the nearby senior living community. Talking over time will make the conversation feel less like an intervention and more like a natural, supportive dialogue.

Lead with empathy: If we’re not careful, talking to loved ones about moving may make them feel like we’re judging their current lifestyle. Remind them that you understand their needs and concerns. While moving can be overwhelming, you can help them realize the worries they’ll be able to let go of in the process.

Listen in a loving manner: This helps your loved one feel like they’re not just following you but walking hand in hand with you toward a new way of life. You’re a team.

Reframe senior living as alternative independence: It’s important to emphasize that this move isn’t a matter of closing one door but rather opening another one. For instance, instead of doing household chores, your loved one could devote more time to a hobby. Instead of driving across town for a hair appointment, they could find a salon just down the hall. Remind them how their choices are expanding and their level of independence is increasing.

For more information, check out the CarDon Senior Resource Hub at www.CarDon.us or scan the QR code, where you will find in-depth video discussions featuring industry experts speaking on a variety of age-related topics, including senior living options, financial aid, memory care and more.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

HOMETOWN WINDOW AND DOOR COMPANY

With spring weather and storms on the horizon, homeowners may be thinking about the cost and hassle of replacing windows. Hometown Window and Door Company is a locally owned business that provides central Indiana residents with a wide range of exterior household services.

The company is an authorized dealer of Andersen products, the largest window and door manufacturer in North America.

“Andersen is a household name. It was founded the same year that Ford was founded, in 1903. People associate Andersen with quality and with a product that lasts,” says Udi Abdelhak, Hometown sales manager. “For a normal dealership, the focus is on the product. We focus on the full-service residential replacement model. We spend most of our time and attention on measuring, ordering, installing, warranting and servicing every window that we sell. Our focus is unique for an Andersen dealer.”

Hometown Window and Door Company also services patio doors and entry doors. The company offers full custom entry doors with dozens of wood grains, stains, paints and configurations, and is expanding its roofing and siding lines.

“We do a lot of out-of-the-box work, like four-seasons rooms, conversions to sunrooms and home add-ons. We can pretty much say ‘yes’ to any customer on anything exterior they want to do,” Abdelhak says.

In addition to residential homes, Hometown Window and Door Company updated the windows in the Hamilton County Courthouse last year and will work on the Henry County Courthouse in New Castle in 2026.

“There are historic districts and homeowners associations where it’s difficult to get a window approved, and that’s why having access to all five Andersen window lines is helpful to get the right fit for any specific situation,” Abdelhak says.

These include the energy-efficient A-series window with a fiberglass exterior sash, the customizable E-series, which can be made as large as 8-by-10 feet, and the Fibrex 100 series window, which features a compositebased extruded frame and offers an alternative to vinyl windows.

Abdelhak advises that vinyl windows often last only five to 10 years, as the plastic material expands and contracts with seasonal temperature changes. Even wooden frames are not immune and can pull away from the wall and begin leaking air. In addition to lowering utility bills, new windows can also provide protection from the sun.

“Ultraviolet rays that pass through windows can damage carpet, flooring, furniture and art, and can heat up a room. Andersen frames and glass block more than 98% of harmful UV rays that come in through the

window,” he says.

Homeowners may think they need to replace all of their windows at once for them to match, but that is often not the case. Abdelhak says that nine times out of 10, they can match existing windows so customers don’t have to replace anything unnecessarily.

“We are a unique, small business out of Hamilton County. We don’t play games with pricing, and we don’t show 10 different prices and then discount heavily to get people’s business. We have expectations from Andersen. It’s difficult to obtain a dealership. They have high standards. We have to sell and install with morality,” he says.

The company will have representatives at the Flower and Patio Show in Indianapolis, as well as the Indiana Peony Festival in Noblesville, to answer questions.

Hometown Window and Door Company is currently running a promotion offering 15 months of zero-percent financing, as well as buy four windows, get two free. For more information, visit hometownwindowteam. com or call 317-659-6293.

CONNECT

INDIANA VEIN AND LYMPHATIC CLINIC OPENS NEW LOCATION

Writer & Photographer / Abbie Willans

Newly rebranded Indiana Vein and Lymphatic, formerly known as Indiana Vein Specialists, has moved to a new location in Carmel and is open to help patients with venous and lymphatic diseases. The clinic specializes in treating chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in which blood pools in the veins. This can cause blood clots, chronic swelling, as well as varicose and spider veins.

“Venous insufficiency has caught on more in the national dialogue over the past few months because it’s such a common condition. Most people have either had a relative deal with it or dealt with it personally,” says Dr. Jeffery Schoonover.

Chronic venous and/or lymphatic conditions, such as lymphedema, can have many causes. Some of those include heredity, prior trauma, occupation, multiple pregnancies, cancer or a history of blood clots. People have an increased risk of developing these conditions if they have jobs that require a lot of standing, such as teachers, factory workers, nurses and pharmacists.

“We’re utilizing a multidisciplinary care concept, meaning we have our accredited ultrasound lab, we have physical therapists on site, and we can do the minimally invasive vein procedures all under one roof.

It’s actually a very cost-effective way to manage these conditions,” he says.

Dr. Schoonover started his practice in 2011, originally in Fishers, and later opened another location in Carmel. In 2025, he decided to move to one centralized location near several other medical facilities to make travel more convenient for patients. Originally from Michigan, Dr. Schoonover and his wife moved to Hamilton County to be closer to their family.

“It’s been a wonderful place to raise a family. I can’t say enough about being here and the privilege it is to take care of patients — not only locally, but those who come to see us from a lot of outlying smaller towns,” he says.

Dr. Schoonover has served on the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, as well as given lectures nationally on venous and lymphatic insufficiency.

“What really attracted me to this specialty was the technological advances in minimally invasive venous care and the lymphatic aspects, compared to the way things were done 30 years ago,” he says. “There was a significant improvement. To be able to help folks who previously required hospitalization has just been tremendous.

“I’ve seen patients who’ve dealt with chronic leg wounds, like nonhealing venous ulcers, over the years. Traditionally, that meant patients had to go to a wound care facility for multiple visits over a lengthy period of time. We found that patients who received vein ablation treatment had significantly improved healing time.”

In addition to vein ablation procedures and lymphatic physical therapy, the team at Indiana Vein and Lymphatic employs other methods to help patients manage their symptoms, including custom compression stockings and education regarding diet and exercise.

“We’re big fans of utilizing compression stockings here, and properly fitted ones can make a significant difference in managing this conservatively,” Dr. Schoonover says. “We still recommend regular exercise and walking programs. People say 10,000 steps, but the medical literature suggests that walking even 5,000 to 7,500 steps a day can still have a positive health impact.”

Some may be surprised that walking helps combat venous and lymphatic conditions, since prolonged standing can worsen them. But the key is in the movement of the legs.

“When you walk and activate that calf muscle pump, that augments venous return and helps blood get back to your heart,” Dr. Schoonover adds. “If you’re standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, you’re not activating that calf muscle pump, and that’s where the challenges come for some folks on long car or plane trips. They can get swelling issues, sometimes even develop a blood clot on a plane, and that’s related to

not moving consistently and not activating that muscle.”

For many, venous and lymphatic insufficiency goes far beyond cosmetics. It’s not just about unsightly swelling or discoloration, it’s about quality of life and the ability to move without pain.

While these are unfortunately common conditions, Dr. Schoonover is passionate about venous and lymphatic medicine and educating people so they don’t suffer needlessly. Together with his team of nurse practitioners and certified lymphatic physical therapists, he hopes to continue improving the lives of his patients.

For more information, visit www.indyveins. com or call 317-348-3020. Indiana Vein and Lymphatic is located at 11590 N. Meridian St., Suite 270 in Carmel.

CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF

INDIANAPOLIS EXECUTIVE AIRPORT EXPANSION FUELS REGIONAL MOMENTUM

Writer / Ashley Dykton

The Indianapolis Executive Airport is “taking off” with momentum and growth heading into 2026.

The Indianapolis Executive Airport is an intricate part of economic development in Boone and Hamilton counties and is overseen by the Hamilton County Airport Authority. The airport is utilized by general aviation, business and charter flights. It is recognized as a leader in aviation innovation in central Indiana and is one of the busiest non-towered general aviation airports in the U.S. It is also the second-busiest airport in the state in terms of business aircraft aviation.

The Indianapolis Executive Airport has a busy year of growth and development ahead, especially with the ongoing process of bringing a U.S. Customs office to the airport.

After seeing an increase in international flights, the airport began looking at ways to better accommodate this growth, which initially facilitated the idea of potentially having a customs facility on-site. This would streamline international operations by bypassing the need to route flights through Indianapolis International Airport. The potential addition of a customs office not only creates the opportunity to service

more international flights, but also opens the door for significant economic growth from national and international companies, as well as travelers coming to Boone and Hamilton counties.

“The process to create a customs facility started a couple of years ago, beginning in 2023. It is a lengthy process, and we had the support of senators and lobbyists who went to D.C. to advocate for us,” says Airport Director Sam Sachs.

The foundation for the anticipated customs building was poured in October when construction began on a new Beck’s hangar.

Beck’s already has a prominent footprint at the airport, including a large, designated hangar on-site. The major seed innovator utilizes the airport for business and international flights and currently has another large hangar under construction.

Even though the groundwork has been poured, negotiations and preparations regarding the customs building are still underway. Regulatory approvals, funding and logistical details, including facility design, staffing and security, remain in progress.

Jet Access is also a key component of the

airport’s success. Operating as the fullservice fixed-base operator, Jet Access plays a major role in daily operations. Services include ramp support with aircraft taxiing assistance, full-service fueling and ground support, aircraft management and charter services, maintenance and de-icing services, concierge support, private conference rooms and pilot amenities, including a private pilots room and access to courtesy cars.

Jet Access also operates the flight school located at the Indianapolis Executive Airport. The school offers private, instrument and commercial pilot courses and provides students with a flexible payas-you-go flight training program, allowing them to progress at their own pace while remaining mindful of costs.

The Indianapolis Executive Airport has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate its growth, including a recent major runway extension. The runway now measures 7,001 feet in length, making it one of the largest general aviation runways in Indiana. As a result of the expansion, the airport can now accommodate larger charter and international flights. Additional improvements include ongoing hangar development and an LED lighting project

designed to enhance operations during nighttime and adverse weather conditions.

The Indianapolis Executive Airport also boasts a unique feature as the Midwest’s first all-weather arrival and departure canopy on its ramp, helping mitigate the unpredictability of Indiana weather. The airport offers complimentary 45-minute youth tours, accommodating groups of approximately eight to 20 students. The recommended age for tours is 5 and older. Tours include a brief introduction to airport operations and aircraft housed in the hangars and are offered Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

With ongoing developments including upgraded facilities, expanded services, new hangar construction and continued progress toward a U.S. Customs office, the Indianapolis Executive Airport and Jet Access are positioned to make 2026 a pivotal year.

To learn more about the Indianapolis Executive Airport, including free public tours, visit indyexec.com.