Fishers Magazine December 2021

MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

GOT YOU COVERED!

AffordaShare Offers Simple, Affordable Health Care CENTURY STRONG

Fishers Century Club Exemplifies the Power of Numbers

SHOP FISHERS

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IN THIS ISSUE

DECEMBER 2021

6

22

Fishers Century Club Exemplifies the Power of Numbers

Local Woman Specializes in Ornaments of All Kinds

CENTURY STRONG

10

25

GOT YOU COVERED!

AffordaShare Offers Simple, Affordable Health Care

14

Donaide

29

15

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

kNot Today

31

SHOP FISHERS

MERRY AND BRIGHT

Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

A Merry Prairie Holiday Continues at Conner Prairie

19

Support Local All Month Long With Citywide Shopping Event

34

GREATER GOOD

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

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

26

Meet Local Fitness Influencer Shannon Collins

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

16 REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

THE GYM NURSE

Youth Mentoring Initiative

COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

HUNG WITH CARE

Indy SurviveOars

Good Samaritan Network Is Ready to Help Around the Holidays

21

37

Lake Meadows Senior Assisted Living

Local High Schoolers Make Wishes Come True

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™

HSE MAKE-A-WISH CLUB

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

AMY PAYNE / CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / ERIN FELDMEYER JULIE YATES / MATT KEATING / RENEE LARR ROBBY BERRY / RYAN KENNEDY

CENTURY STRONG

FISHERS CENTURY CLUB EXEMPLIFIES THE POWER OF NUMBERS Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

Adam Kallick believes in the power of numbers. That’s why he founded Fishers Century Club.

Adam Kallick

Kallick’s inspiration to start Fishers Century Club came from Zionsville Century Club, a charitable organization founded by Kallick’s friend and longtime Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman, Ryan Diem. Kallick says he’d been following the organization for some time, and after speaking with Diem, decided to start a similar organization in Fishers.

6 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

The concept is simple. A group of men get together four times per year to donate $100 each to a charity they choose. Fishers Century Club gets its name from the organization’s goal of having 100 or more men donating $100 each at every meeting.

“It’s basically using the power of numbers to make an impact,” Kallick says. “As I always say, small commitment, big impact.

If I gave a charity $100, they would appreciate it but it would not be that impactful to their bottom line. If we can ultimately build this up to 100 guys giving

$100 every quarter, then that’s $10,000 a quarter that we’re giving to a worthy organization.”

Fishers Century Club is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its leaders do not have a bank account or touch any of the money raised. Kallick says it’s just an organized group of guys who get together, pitch charities and donate money.

Kallick says he started reaching out to people about starting Fishers Century Club in 2019. He wanted to spread the word about the group and hoped to launch in 2020. When COVID-19 hit and meetings of all kinds went virtual, Kallick decided to delay the launch until 2021. Fishers Century Club held its first meeting in June. In the process of reaching out to people, Kallick says Launch Fishers Founder John Wechsler heard about the group and was so impressed that he offered to host Fishers Century Club meetings in the Launch Fishers auditorium free of charge.

“For nearly a decade at Launch Fishers we have invested in community-based initiatives that make Fishers stronger,” Wechsler says. “We are happy to support Fishers Century Club in their charitable pursuits.”

The meetings themselves last between an hour and an hour and a half at most. There’s time for networking and socializing. Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Indiana sponsors the event. Fishers Century Club members can drop the name of a charity of their choice into a hat.

Three charities are chosen at random from the hat. The members who submitted those charities are given five minutes to pitch reasons why the charity deserves the group’s donation.

DJ Sound Solution provides assistance

for the club’s audio and video needs. When the pitches are over, the club takes a vote, and the members each donate $100 to the winner. Kallick says members bring $100 checks and write in the name of the winning charity after the vote. However, if

a member can’t attend, he can still donate online through Fishers Century Club’s website.

Kallick says 20 men attended the first meeting of Fishers Century Club in June.

The club voted to make a donation to

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the Central Indiana Area Youth for Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry. At the second meeting in September, attendance rose to about 25 men. This time the club voted for Helping Challenged Children, a charity that provides financial assistance in securing medical equipment for physically and mentally challenged children in Indiana.

“When I learned that the Fishers Century Club had chosen Helping Challenged Children, as their recipient I was really caught off guard,” says Helping Challenged Children President Layth Hussain. “We are a small charity, so a gift like this really makes a difference in our ability to help children of Indiana with their durable medical needs. It’s as if we had a full fundraiser, but without the event.”

Even charities that don’t win the vote still benefit from Fishers Century Club.

“We’ve had some guys say, ‘Wow, I’ve never heard of that charity. I want to look into that one more. I would be interested in giving to something like that on my own, separate from this, and I’m glad I heard about that charity,’” Kallick says. “It’s exposing our area and regional charities to people that may never have heard of them before or know what they do.”

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Fishers Century Club members will hold their next meeting on December 21, 2021, at Launch Fishers.

To learn more about Fishers Century Club, visit fisherscenturyclub.com and sign up for the mailing list to stay up to date with club news.

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GOT YOU COVERED! AffordaShare Offers Simple, Affordable Health Care Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

Jeff Frey used to sell traditional health insurance, but with an increase of calls from clients with complaints and questions about their current health insurance plan and the constant changes, confusion about networks, monthly premiums skyrocketing and deductible amounts going up he thought, ‘there has to be another option’ for his clients. Jeff determined there really were only a couple options out there. He also realized, “You really don’t need health insurance, what you need is a way to manage and pay for your needed health care,” Jeff says.

Ultimately, he found that medical cost sharing is safe, fast and straightforward. It’s kind of how health insurance started many, many years ago. Therefore, six years ago he launched AffordaShare. AffordaShare is not insurance but a private medical association.

“Once you become a member with AffordaShare, you no longer need traditional health insurance,” Jeff says.

His wife Lisa, also works for AffordaShare as the Operations Manager and member services liaison.

Jeff says his target market is primarily Small Business Owners, Independent Contractors, Real Estate Agents, Roofers, Landscaping Companies, HVAC, anyone that does not have access to a large group plan or that works for themselves and obtains individual health insurance on their own.

“Clients usually save about 30 to 50% individually or on their small group health insurance cost as well, all while still receiving great health care coverage and great customer service,” he says.

A lot of people think they can only change plans once per year, but that’s not always true. Typically, you can call or email your current health care provider and cancel any time throughout the year, they just don’t want you to do that. Health care plans and health insurance plans generally are month to month and can be canceled

Jeff & Lisa Frey

“THEY WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS AND, AFTER EVALUATING THE COVERAGE, TALKING WITH A LONG-TIME MEMBER AND LOOKING AT THE SAVINGS, THEY USUALLY DECIDE AFFORDASHARE IS THE BEST OPTION.” —LISA FREY

throughout the year with a couple weeks advance notice.

“At AffordaShare, we take new enrollments all year long,” Jeff says.

They do, however, see an upsurge in enrollments towards the end of the year as people and small businesses are planning for the upcoming year. Fall or open enrollment is an important time for you individually and for small businesses. This is the time you are trying to assess the next 12 months of your health care cost.

“This is a great time to compare AffordaShare to your current health care plan,” Jeff adds. “If we can save you money, still offer great health care protection and give you great customer service, why not do it? It’s a head’s you win, tails you tie. There is nothing to lose by simply comparing cost and coverage regardless of what time of the year it is.”

AffordaShare offers many different packages of various levels, with slightly different features and benefits to fit everyone’s needs and budgets, regardless of age or medical conditions. In addition, AffordaShare serves all demographics, from younger people who just got off of their parents’ plans, all the way up to those who are ready to switch over to Medicare.

“We have clients of all ages, married, single and families with children, and we are currently in 19 states,” Jeff says.

If you’re not sure if AffordaShare is a good

fit for you, it doesn’t hurt to check them out. You can call them up or go to the website at AffordaShare.com click on the “Get-a-Quote” tab in the upper righthand section. Just complete the info there and hit “SUBMIT.” Within 24 hours you’ll have multiple options and prices to review.

“This way you can make a well-informed, thoughtful decision on what’s best for you, your business and your family,” Jeff says.

Of course nothing in life is certain. The Freys know this well. A few years ago, they got a call from a young man, 28-years-old, who was inquiring about AffordaShare because his mother wouldn’t stop telling him to obtain some type of coverage.

He told Jeff he was healthy, worked out, didn’t smoke, and wasn’t sure he’d ever need or use the coverage. He wanted the cheapest plan possible. Jeff set him up with the least expensive package that did not cover annual exams, dental or vision.

However, if he had a major medical event, the most he would be responsible for paying was $6,000 a year. As fate would have it, this young seemingly invincible man was diagnosed with cancer six months later.

“His care and treatment extended out for almost two years, so he paid a total of only $12,000 out of almost $150,000 in medical expenses,” Jeff says. “He is very grateful he contacted us, and so is his mom.”

Jeff says a question he often hears is, “What am I not getting with you that I am getting with my current plan?”

12 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

“We do not cover ongoing serious mental health issues like severe depression, mental health hospitalization or drug and alcohol rehabilitation,” Jeff says. “Virtually everything else is covered, including broken bones, stitches, ultrasounds, maternity, cancer, strokes, heart attacks and anything in between.”

Though they don’t cover mental health rehab and therapy, they do cover office visits for things like depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“If you need to go in and consult with your doctor a couple times per year about your medication, well that is just a simple office visit and we cover that,” Jeff says.

Lisa finds that potential clients will often want to talk to current members to ask how easy the process is.

“We have many members that have used us for years and have experienced various medical issues,” Lisa says. “I find that they are happy to share their thoughts and experiences of having AffordaShare with new or prospective members.

“They weigh the pros and cons and, after evaluating the coverage, talking with a longtime member and looking at the savings, they usually decide AffordaShare is the best option,” Lisa adds.

AffordaShare is located in Fishers, Indiana.

For more information call (317)-431-7541 or visit affordashare.com.

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

DONAIDE’S SEAMLESS DONOR ENGAGEMENT PROCESS Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Many people look to give back to their community through donations and volunteering their time during the holidays. The process of choosing what nonprofits to assist can be overwhelming and time consuming for individuals and organizations.

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CONNECT CEO and founder of Donaide. com Steve Roseman with his wife Wendy, son London, and daughter Kensington.

Donaide is a platform offering a fresh, modern solution for nonprofits, individuals and businesses.

“The platform itself is a marketplace or a one-stop shop where individuals and businesses can go and support their church, their children’s school and other nonprofits all in one place,” says Steve Roseman, founder.

Nonprofits are profiled and organized in quick-link categories such as animals, civil rights, poverty, hunger and veterans.

The profile includes the organization’s community involvement, current campaigns and accomplishments.

Donaide’s algorithm matches individuals to causes, activities and events best suited to their interests. It offers an all-in-one view of giving, volunteer hours, and nonprofits an individual supports, in one place.

the community,” Roseman says. “The technology piece in the industry has never been that simple. We wanted to create a piece of technology that was simple to use but also needed in the industry.”

That simplicity is one of Donaide’s core values. Others include courage, faith, passion, community and fun. Roseman credits his faith for his personal and business successes.

Fundraising is a large part of the nonprofit world. Roseman wants to help nonprofits spend more time helping people instead of chasing the next donation.

“Traditionally, people get into the industry because they truly want to serve people but then quickly realize for most only 20% of their career is serving the mission and 80% is raising money,” Roseman says. “Donaide was designed to solve that issue.”

Roseman doesn’t just talk the nonprofit talk. He also walks the walk. He founded a nonprofit to help families struggling with multiple sclerosis in 2010 and the Donaide Foundation in August of this year to help with mental health.

“No matter what I do in my career, I always come back around to the nonprofit world,” Roseman says. “I love it. I just noticed things could be more efficient Businesses utilize Donaide’s platform and simplified by utilizing technology to identify causes and nonprofits their to our advantage. No matter how much employees care about and want to support, we want to say face-to-face interactions match donations, track employee volunteer are important, and they are, there is a big hours, and manage donation requests at portion of our community that wants to the click of a mouse. engage online. That’s really where Donaide comes in.”

“The nonprofit world is made up of caring individuals that want to help For more information, visit donaide.com.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

YOUTH MENTORING INITIATIVE

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

SUPPORTING & ENCOURAGING THE SUCCESS OF EACH STUDENT adult volunteers that mentor once a week, for approximately one hour, during the school day. Mentors meet one-on-one with students to provide them with a caring and consistent presence in their lives, become a reliable friend and role model, and simply become someone they can count on. Founded on the knowledge that kids need four to six nonparental adults supporting them through their developmental years, YMI knows how much mentoring can have a profound impact on a child’s life.

Brittany Rayburn, Executive Director

It is the mission of Youth Mentoring Initiative to partner with the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation and provide specialized mentor programs for students that encourage the development of personal values.

Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) has been serving the Fishers community, in partnership with Hamilton Southeastern Schools, since 2008. YMI partners with Hamilton Southeastern Schools to come alongside counselors, teachers, and parents by providing another caring adult to support and encourage the success of each student. YMI mentors are

Every week, more than 200 mentoring matches meet and offer wonderful example of how Fishers residents continue to give back and invest in their local community.

YMI mentoring is offered to students in grades 5-12 at the following nine schools: Fall Creek Intermediate, Fall Creek Junior High, Fishers Junior High, Fishers High School, Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate Junior High, Hamilton Southeastern High School, Riverside Intermediate, Riverside Junior High, and Sand Creek Intermediate. Students can be recommended by counselors, teachers, parents, youth workers, or by self-referral.

Referrals are made for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, emotional support, motivation, behavior or peer relationships.

YMI mentors are a vital resource to HSE Schools, parents/guardians, and individual students. Indeed, more than 95% of mentors, mentees and guardians would consider their match successful and recommend YMI mentoring to their friends, neighbors, or colleagues.

317.350.6045

ymionline.org

WISH LIST ITEMS OR NEEDS TO HELP IN OUR MISSION MENTORS YMI currently has a waitlist of students waiting to be matched with a caring mentor.

Would you join us?

MONETARY DONATIONS Can be made at ymionline.org/donate-to-ymi/

UPCOMING EVENTS MAY 13, 2022

YMI’s Wines Around the World Fundraising Event

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

Mayor’s Breakfast to Benefit YMI TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

CONNECT

MERRY AND BRIGHT

A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY CONTINUES AT CONNER PRAIRIE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Conner Prairie

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

N

othing says Christmas like twinkling lights. Thousands of them are spread throughout the grounds of Conner Prairie for A Merry Prairie Holiday. In fact, many think of the Reynolds lights as the centerpiece of the festival.

“We’ve been adding to them every year for the last two years and switching them out with LED lights, which are good for the environment as well as being more energy efficient,” says Katie Warthan, director of marketing and brand strategy for Conner Prairie.

Most importantly, the lights serve to put guests in the holiday spirit. There are other fun activities too, including storytelling, carnival games, festive treats, and quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

New this year is a 3D projection on the William Conner house, which tells the story of “The Night Before Christmas.”

“It’s the oldest, most iconic house on the property, and the 3D projection makes it look like people are actually in the house,” Warthan says. “You can see Santa coming down the chimney. It’s a neat immersive experience.”

The staff is bringing back the 150’ Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill, which was new last year. There is also Kringle’s Carousel, live music from local performers on Blitzen’s Bandstand, and holiday shopping at the Conner Prairie Store. In addition, the red barn located near the playground and balloon is transformed into the North Pole Workshop for the winter festival.

Visitors can immerse themselves in historic experiences in Prairietown, where they can learn about various Christmas Eve traditions of the 1800s as well as holiday traditions from around the world, some new and others nostalgic. Santa will be at the North Pole Village, inviting kids to snap a selfie with him and Mrs. Claus. Plus, Trinket Puddingmoon, the official list keeper of the North Pole, lets guests know if they have made the naughty or nice list.

Ice skating is a favorite winter activity for

many, but let’s face it, not everyone is as coordinated as they’d like to be, and ice can be rather unforgiving. At A Merry Prairie Holiday, however, guests can take off their shoes and burn off excess energy by going “ice” skating in the covered outdoor pavilion. If you happen to take a tumble here, you won’t walk away with a chipped tooth or broken bone.

Visitors are invited to explore the grounds and check out the covered bridge.

“We do this cool light-up to music within there, making it a favorite spot to take family photos with the twinkle lights in the background,” Warthan says.

Guests may also stop by Café on the Common to warm up with a hot chocolate or a hot adult beverage for the big kids.

A Merry Prairie Holiday runs from November 26 to December 19 on Fridays through Sundays, as well as a few days right before Christmas (December 21 and 22). Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and tickets are $11 for members and $22 for nonmembers.

In December of 2020, Conner Prairie mandated advance ticket sales due to COVID-19. This year, though visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online, they may also purchase tickets upon arrival.

Tickets are limited due to parking, since parking is not allowed on the grass in the winter.

Nicole Lewis, Founder of Art 2 the Extreme, says she and her family have made the event an annual tradition.

“From the magical lights and cozying up next to my littles in the hayride to seeing the pure joy as they slide down the Polar Bear Plunge, this event has such a wonderful selection of activities that is inclusive to every member of our family,” Lewis says.

“My oldest loves learning about holidays around the world, so we will be spending some extra time experiencing Prairietown at night this year. I’m most excited for the new addition of the 3D projection show on the William Conner house this year since our TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

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family comes for the lights.”

Last year approximately 19,000 people enjoyed A Merry Prairie Holiday.

“We were thrilled with that number, particularly since it was only our second year,” Warthan says. “That’s our goal again this year.”

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Jeanine Bobenmoyer, chief mom officer of theCityMoms, has thoroughly enjoyed visiting Conner Prairie for the event each year.

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“So many local holiday activities are geared toward families with littles, or adults-only gatherings,” Bobenmoyer says. “We instantly fell in love with A Merry Prairie Holiday for not just filling in the gap of holiday fun with our tweens, but also providing a timeless experience that bridges across many generations.”

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Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. If you have questions about COVID-19 safety precautions at Conner Prairie or would like to purchase tickets to A Merry Prairie Holiday, visit connerprairie.org or call 317-776-6000.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

TEAM SPIRIT

INDY SURVIVEOARS IS A GROUP EFFORT Indy SurviveOars is an all-volunteer, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Elizabeth Anderson, president of Indy SurviveOars, says she couldn’t be more proud of her fellow breast cancer survivor team mates.

Indy SurviveOars is a group of breast cancer survivors and others who have introduced dragon boat racing to Indiana.

“It’s hard to narrow what I love best, but to be honest, one of the best things about being a member of the Indy SurviveOars are my teammates,” she says. “This group of strong, positive and amazing women come together from a breast cancer diagnosis, which is already life-changing, and from day one you are a part of a group that will always be there to support and encourage each other as we continue to navigate our survivorship.”

When they meet on the water, the teammates form a bond that only strengthens with time.

They inspire each other, and share the fact that they can lead a successful and active life after a cancer diagnosis.

“We are currently 102 members strong, and will now look ahead to our 15th season,” Anderson says. “Our members are from the local community who are committed to the cause of breast cancer, and who have introduced dragon boat racing to Indiana. An emerging body of research suggests physical activity not only has a positive effect on quality of life following a diagnosis of cancer, but it may also improve survival. Our mission is as important today as when it started - to continue helping breast cancer survivors and improve overall survivability and quality of life.”

Anderson says Indy SurviveOars offers hope, inspiration and camaraderie to breast cancer survivors, focusing on health and physical activity.

“For anyone interested in joining for the 2022 season, our team welcomes all breast cancer survivors, including those who are currently in treatment,” Anderson says. “You do not need to be an athlete to participate. Practices are available two evenings a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. We also practice Saturday mornings at Geist Reservoir. In the offseason, our team offers a variety of organized fitness workouts, and we hold social activities throughout the entire year, so all members can enjoy the camaraderie of Indy SurviveOars.”

For more information and to make a donation, email info@indysurviveoars.org or visit indysurviveoars.org.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

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( 3 1 7 ) 5 9 4 - 0 8 8 8 • s a d l e ro r t h o d o n t i c s .c o m 11921 Lakeside Dr. Fishers, IN 46038 TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Lake Meadows SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING

THE HOLIDAYS WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHEN VISITING AN ELDERLY LOVED ONE The Holidays are the time when we visit elderly friends and family that we may haven’t seen in a while. While it might not be a popular subject to discuss over Thanksgiving dinner, it is a good time to take note and make sure you loved one is safe. This article will discuss the top 4 reasons to cause concern when visiting your elderly loved one.

1. WEIGHT LOSS Significant weight loss can signal health problems that include depression, dementia, and cancer. Some seniors may feel more fatigue and place less purpose on shopping and preparing nutritious foods, especially if they are alone. Other seniors may be experiencing side effects of medicines or the mismanagement of medicines.

2. MOBILITY According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated three million people are treated at emergency departments each year for fall-related injuries like hip fractures. Watch to see if your loved one is having trouble getting around, holding onto furniture, or avoiding stairs. Ask about any visible scratches or bruising.

3. MOOD Seniors living alone are more likely to be depressed and it’s not always easy to identify.

Watch and listen for signs of depression. Signs

may include a distancing from friends and social events, less interest in hobbies, decline in cleanliness of the home, piles of mail, and trouble sleeping.

4. PERSONAL CARE A decline in hygiene is also a significant cause for concern when visiting with your elder.

The inability or lack of desire to shower, get dressed, comb hair, and/or brush teeth are signs that your loved one needs help.

While the family may be engaged in the joy of holidays, it’s important to find time to communicate the observations. Open communication with your elderly loved one and their closest friends and family will help lessen or avoid a future emergency situation if one should arise. You will want to identify the friends and family who can support the elderly loved one, as well as understand the care needed now, and create a plan for the future.

If you find that your loved one may have a need for help with any or all of the items above, you can visit Lake Meadows Senior Assisted Living. Our caregivers are one-onone with our residents everyday. We have daily events, activities and outings that give our seniors purpose. Seniors in our community continue to be social and have a place to belong. Call us today to find out more and schedule a visit to our Lake Meadows.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

11570 East 126th Street Fishers, IN

317-759-0166

prioritylc.com/communities/ lake-meadows

CONNECT

HUNG WITH CARE LOCAL WOMAN SPECIALIZES IN ORNAMENTS OF ALL KINDS

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Robby Berry

DeeAnna Snider enjoys personalizing ornaments so much that she decided to pursue it as a business.

DeeAnna Snider

“My business, Personalize It Ornaments, was a business owned by a fellow friend and Fishers resident, and I bought the business from her when she felt it was time to go in a different direction in her life,” Snider says. “I bought the existing business and the existing name.”

The previous owner had created a following for the business by participating in local craft fairs, the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show in Indianapolis, and fundraisers for local hospitals.

Snider helped her for years, and was familiar with how the previous owner did her purchasing, organizing and selling of ornaments in TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

ORNAMENTS ARE SMALL THINGS, BUT FOR SOME REPRESENT A CONNECTION TO OTHERS DURING A TIME WHEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE FIRST AND FOREMOST IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

reversing the process and taking all of the materials required for the show back home.

Her business involves hard physical work and long hours, as many of the shows run from 9 or 10 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. After a show is over for the day and Snider returns home, preparations continue so she is ready for the next day’s opening, which includes getting additional inventory, making food for lunches, and more.

The saving grace is that her business is like many seasonal businesses, with the demand being heavy during the winter holiday season.

“Also, the craft fairs and shows run for several days of the week, and then you have a break to regroup,” Snider says. “Each year I know I will be doing long days, from about mid-September to the middle of December with the shows, and an Etsy business. Then for the rest of the year ornaments are not on people’s minds.”

various venues.

“Creating the startup was not necessary, as I bought the business, and I also had a workable system in place from the very beginning,” Snider says. “I must credit her with the tough legwork.”

Snider bought the business approximately 11 years ago, after her mother passed away.

“The caregiver responsibilities no longer were my number-one concern, so it left me with the option of changing the direction of focus in my life,” she says. “I knew I needed to do something, and I also knew I loved working with the people and the challenges of this type of business.”

Snider says it is not an easy business, because it is full of manual labor, getting materials to shows, setting up tables, going over inventory at venues, spending long hours at a show, and then

With the onset of COVID-19 all of Snider’s shows stopped, forcing her to consider an Etsy online shop.

“The platform helped me keep connections with some of my customers, and is at least a point of contact for me,” she says. “It has been fun getting orders from about every state in the union, and watching the orders come in from different time zones.”

Snider does not make any of her ornaments, but she does purchase them from several suppliers.

Snider believes one of the greatest rewards of her business is getting responses from customers who truly love having personalized ornaments.

Snider has cried with parents and grandparents over baby ornaments she has personalized, and made special hearts and halos on an

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

ornament for a baby who passed away.

Christmas on a cruise ship.

“I have cried with a burly security guard over a dog ornament personalized for a service dog who was killed in the line of duty,” Snider says. “I have watched a giant, elderly African American gentleman hold a small African American princess ornament in his hand, and tell me he has never had an ornament on the tree that looked like like a member of his family with their name on the ornament.”

“I have replaced an ornament for a 6-year-old girl the day after it was purchased, because she slept with it in her hand overnight, and her hand lotion smeared her name,” she says. “How can you not love this?”

Snider also shared a customer’s desire to create “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in ornaments for his partner, as they celebrated

Two ladies from Anderson, Indiana, have been at Snider’s booth at the Gift and Hobby Show for as long as she can remember. They come prepared with preprinted labels with family member information on them, ready to be attached to a selected ornament.

“I look forward to these ladies every year,” she says.

For many customers, the ornaments are just ornaments.

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“They are ornaments that they buy because they do it each year,” Snider says. “For many, however, who make this a yearly ritual, they are passionate. Ornaments are small things, but for some represent a connection to others during a time when family and friends are first and foremost in the Christmas season. I love the reactions of those that are passionate about what they pick out, and what they want on their ornaments. They make me keep coming back.”

Snider has ornaments for just about any category including sports, zip lining, pets, animals, professions and new homes.

She also covers schools and school activities such as choir and band.

“I also do ornaments for babies, weddings, engagements, travel, travel destinations, ornaments for kids, and hobbies such as fishing, camping, cooking and sewing,” she says. “I also have family ornaments for families that have members from ages 2 to 12, as well as Christmas-themed ornaments. You name it, I have it, from turtles to trains.”

317-282-0643

For more information on Personalize It Ornaments, contact Snider at dasnider12@ameritech.net.

Get in the spirit of the holiday season by getting in touch with the spirits around you!

You've seen the show. Now you can have the spirit experience too! Book a 2-hour Spirit Session with KJ & Kitsie from the popular show Paranormal Crossroad in your home!

We'll bring our specialized equipment and tools to help give a voice to spirit. You'll have a chance to see if your departed loved ones are around you and what messages they may have as well as discover other spirits who may be trying to guide you and share messages. Plus we'll teach you ways to connect to spirit yourself!

Plan a night in with your friends and let's see who else joins us in spirit!

ParanormalCrossroad.com TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

**Maximum 10 people per experience.

We can not guarantee all in attendance will receive messages or that certain spirits will come through.**

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ROMAN & LEO Shopping for a little boy in your life this holiday season?

The only all-boys store in the entire Midwest is right here in Fishers! With the coolest style for boys, stop into Roman & Leo soon to shop or grab a gift card for your favorite little guy! romanandleo.com

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HOW IT STARTED My page started back in 2018 when I started recording workout videos for my friends after I had begun my own weight loss transformation. I continued to dive further into health and fitness by becoming a certified nutrition coach. Documenting my own journey on Instagram got the attention of Today.com, Shape Magazine, Daily Mail, and Myfitnesspal all of which wrote articles about me and Instagram posts that has generated new followers. A page that started with a few hundred followers now has thousands. I continue to work as a registered nurse (oncology 20 years) as well as a nutrition and fitness coach spreading the word about how to be your healthiest self.

HOW IT’S GOING I have coached thousands of women all over

the world in six continents. I recently got my certified personal trainer certificate through NASM. I quit my part-time nursing job in January of 2020 but still work per diem to keep my hand in the nursing field and better serve all my clients.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST FANS? My clients number one, my page wouldn’t exist without them. I have coached thousands of women around the world. I have paid partnerships with Women’s Best which is a sports nutrition and sports wear company made just for women. Herculean Meal prep company which is local to Indianapolis and makes macro-curated meals. I also work for Babe Lash a make-up, lash serum company and Like to Know it which is a company where I can link many outfits I wear, products I use, decor in my home and make commission off sales.

6 NUTRITION & FITNESS TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR 1. Increase your NEAT (non exercise activity) biggest example is by increasing daily step counts 2. Eat adequate protein (.8-1g per pound of body weight) 3. Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hrs a night)

4. Stress management (journal, meditation, prayer, walks) 5. Make sure your calorie intake matches your goal (calorie deficit for fat loss, maintenance to surplus calories for muscle growth) 6. Drink more water (3-4L a day) TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

KNOT TODAY

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA To become an ally, visit kNot Today’s website at knottoday.org

Text KNOT to 55433

READ MORE

CONNECT

kNot Today Headquarters are located in Indianapolis, IN. We serve the entire state of Indiana.

GOALS

Children are being sexually exploited and abused in unprecedented numbers. We fight this issue with targeted prevention campaigns to change local laws, bring criminals to justice and educate and train caregivers. This year, we are committed to closing the financial gap for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in both Marion and Hamilton Counties; improving their ability to do on-scene forensics and providing tools to improve the efficiency of their search warrants, such as funding Electronic Detection K9s and mobile forensics units. Visit givebutter. com/KTgivingtuesday to support this program today.

OPPORTUNITIES CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT Corporate opportunities include educational programs, employer match gifts, and Program Partnership to financially support a specific initiative based on your company’s culture and passions.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENT Our inaugural fundraising event will take place in Indianapolis on April 23, 2022. The Courage to Compete Bowling Tournament will be a chance for representatives of area businesses to socialize, network and support the kNot Today Foundation.

Expect a high-end experience of food, fun, celebrity bowlers and non-stop competition. To become an event sponsor, visit knottoday.org/partner.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES You can support kNot Today in a variety kNot Today strives to bring about a world of ways: financial contributions, inEducation is the beginning of prevention that cherishes and protects the beauty and kind donations, and event and program and continues to be a top priority. We have innocence of every child. Our mission sponsorship. If you know of a corporate or partnered with experts to create a simple is to generate awareness and initiate family foundation with grant opportunities, guide to educate parents and caregivers prevention strategies to end the sexual we would love to connect with you. about warning signs and how to take action. Giving can be done through our website abuse, exploitation and trafficking of children. We also assist in the development We are distributing this guide across Indiana, knottoday.org/donate and by texting of innovative healing programs and support and right here in Hamilton County. You can ‘KNOT’ to 55433. Contact us at vetted restoration organizations to improve see the complete guide at knottoday.org/ partner@knotoday.org with questions their capacity to care for children who have guide. Our goal is to translate these resources or ideas! into multiple languages and develop a similar experienced sexual trauma. guide for youth.

MISSION STATEMENT

TownePost.com 26 / DECEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 2021

l o H id a y

IN HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA

Come experience the magic of the season. Taste and smell the sweet confections as you stroll through the old-world market. Take in festive performances. See the brightly lighted town squares, and experience thrilling winter adventures. Holiday in Hamilton County this holiday season.

Plan your holiday experience at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Holiday

30 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com | CARMEL | FISHERS | NOBLESVILLE | WESTFIELD NORTHERN TOWNS

Shop Fishers SUPPORT LOCAL ALL MONTH LONG WITH CITYWIDE SHOPPING EVENT Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Robby Berry

Tracy Gritter, Gallery 116 Jordy Rush, Sun King Brewery Shawn Jackson, Finery Bridal Boutique Bob Wasson, Wasson Nursery Cynthia Vergara, Agave Bar and Grill Elliott Somers, Citizen State Bank TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 31

S

hopping locally benefits local businesses, the local economy and the community. Money spent in Fishers stays in Fishers. City leaders are promoting this idea with Shop Fishers, beginning November 27 on Small Business Saturday. Businesses are offering discounts and free gifts with purchases through December 31.

“Last year, with all the COVID-19 restrictions, we decided to extend the celebration, so we had more time to rally our community around our local businesses,” says Stephanie Perry, assistant director of community and public relations for the City of Fishers. “We got great feedback from shoppers, diners and the businesses who participated. This year we decided to keep that five-week celebration so the community can shop and dine local all holiday season.”

With nearly 70 businesses participating, there is something for everyone. Businesses fall into seven categories including food and drink, boutiques, art, health and self-care, home and garden, family fun, and services.

Citizens State Bank is offering a free gift with a new checking account.

“Supporting local initiatives is extremely important to us as a whole,” says Erin Bourff, assistant banking center manager for Citizens. “We’re a very community-focused

bank. We wanted to participate because our mission statement is, ‘To help our clients, co-workers and communities succeed.’ ” New business Finery Bridal Boutique is participating for the first time this year. The wedding gown boutique is offering brides 15% off of any special-order wedding gown.

Gowns range in price from $500 to $2,500, and include up-and-coming designers and well-known brands.

“I wanted to participate because local residents are the type of clients I want to attract to Finery Bridal,” says Shawn Jackson, boutique owner. “I like to shop local myself because I’d much rather put my money into the local economy versus a national brand. I try to participate in anything the city has going on at the time.”

Sun King Brewing has participated in the event each year since its inception. The craft beer maker is offering a $5 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card.

“As a local business, it is important to support each other and to collaborate with each other,” says Beth Belange-Hood, Sun King marketing and promotions director. “It’s convenient and better for the environment, and also helps promote community. Collectively our goal is to get our fans to shop, eat and drink local. When you shop locally, the money stays in the 32 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

community. In return, local companies give back to the community that we live, eat and drink in. We are always happy to support shopping local businesses.”

Not all participating businesses have brick-and-mortar locations. Several online companies are offering specials for local shoppers.

“In the past we’ve had online businesses, but this year we had a targeted campaign to recruit more online entrepreneurs who have an Etsy shop or a business that operates completely online,” Perry says. “We felt this was a really unique way to shop from the comfort of their home and still support a local resident.”

avoid shipping delays this year. The family-fun category is filled with businesses like Adrenaline Family Adventure Park, Wishes Dance Studio and Play It Again Sports. It’s an excellent way for those worried about potential shipping delays to purchase local gifts.

“We want this event to showcase and celebrate our local entrepreneurs, especially during the hard times they’ve endured the last year and a half or so,” Perry says. “These businesses are the fabric of our community.

Many of the owners are longtime Fishers residents. We’ll be doing videos on our website highlighting the owners and telling

Shoppers and diners are encouraged to search #shopfishers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“That’s the best way to find out what’s going on and where it’s happening,” Perry says. “We’ll have tons of giveaways with gift baskets, gift cards and prize packs. It’s a great way for participants to share the great deals they receive during Shop Fishers.”

Brick-and-mortar businesses are spread throughout Fishers, including some lessertraveled areas. Perry is proud of being able to represent each part of the city.

Shopping local is always crucial to support local business, and it’s also a great way to TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 33

their stories. This is a great way to celebrate our friends and neighbors.”

Perry wants to keep the entrepreneurial spirit of Fishers alive. The farmers market is operating online through December 31.

Shoppers can place their orders by noon on Wednesdays and their items will be delivered contact-free on Friday afternoons.

This year, Shop Fishers businesses partnered with local nonprofits to give back to the community on November 30. For more info and a complete list of participants, visit thisisfishers.com/shop-fishers.

GREATER GOOD

GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK IS READY TO HELP AROUND THE HOLIDAYS offers a holiday assistance program during Thanksgiving and Christmas reaching more than 46,000 people.

GSN Founder and Executive Director Nancy Chance started the organization in an attempt to make the nonprofit process more effective for donors and recipients.

The program now includes three free clinics and 45 food pantries.

Chance started the program in 1980, and GSN was formally founded in 1995 after leaders combined a group of services and organizations.

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

For 41 years, Good Samaritan Network (GSN) has helped Hamilton County residents in need of food, clothing and holiday gifts. GSN is a collaborative network of nonprofits in Hamilton County providing direct and indirect services. Each year GSN

“We have many services including financial assistance, energy assistance, rehab equipment, job fairs and food insecurities,” Chance says. “Our signature program is the holiday assistance program that we have led for the last 41 years. We work with various police, fire, and sheriff ’s departments along with the schools to make sure every single child is taken care of during the holiday season.”

GSN distributed Thanksgiving food baskets on November 20 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. The food is provided through donations by various churches and organizations. GSN leaders also provided Thanksgiving drive-through meals on November 25 for the elderly and 34 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

disabled.

Thanksgiving drive-through meals are picked up at White River Christian Church in Noblesville, Sheridan Community Center, and St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Fishers.

“We receive a lot of Thanksgiving baskets from our churches in the organization because it seems like their parishioners love to help with those,” Chance says. “They deliver directly to our families, which is a great help.”

The season of giving continues with Share Day on December 2 at the fairgrounds Llama Barn, providing adults and families with clothing as well as household items such as pots, pans and furniture. Chance says she had to divide distribution into three weeks to impact families more efficiently.

“Share Day goes by quickly and we give away a huge amount of items,” she says. “We start preparing the week before, and once Share Day is over we turn around and flip the room, getting it ready for Christmas Distribution on December 11.”

On December 11 the GSN team distributes toys, children’s clothing and food. Each family is escorted through a room by volunteers who help load carts, choose

items and load cars. Volunteers also make sure families receive food at the end of the process. Private sponsors can sign up to assist families directly.

“It’s a great help for the families to be supported by our volunteers throughout the entire process,” Chance says. “At the end of that day, we flip again and get ready for the next event.”

Christmas Eve food deliveries follow on December 24 for housebound, disabled and elderly individuals. Chance utilizes White River Christian Church to store the frozen meals until distribution day.

“We start preparing and freezing those meals the Wednesday before our Thanksgiving dinner,” Chance says. “We start mapping out and coordinating our deliveries to pre-selected individuals and families. Some of these people have mental disabilities, some are shut-ins, and some are people who may have just gotten home from the hospital or just had surgery. We try to encompass all types of people to ensure everyone gets the assistance they need.”

Chance says this year there will be no sitdown meals served due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She says volunteers are always needed and can sign up through the GSN website. The organization always needs donations of clothing and toys for children. Donations can be dropped off at GSN’s headquarters or at the Llama Barn

December 6 through 11.

“Volunteers and community support play a crucial role in what we do here,” Chance says. “We log over 29,000 hours each year. We can’t do what we do without our volunteers. I work with Toys for Tots every year. This year I’m very concerned about having enough toys so we’re asking for donations now more than ever.”

Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, Inc. is located at 12933 Parkside Drive in Fishers. For more information, call 317-842-2603 or visit gsnlive.org.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 35

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038

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36 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

HSE MAKE-A-WISH CLUB LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLERS MAKE WISHES COME TRUE Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

The Make-A-Wish Club of Hamilton Southeastern High School was honored in 2020 for its remarkable efforts raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After contributing $10,000 to the Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana branch of the national nonprofit organization, the club received the Make-AWish Youth Leaders of the Year award.

This year the club is facing challenges brought on by COVID. While members have only reached half of their fundraising goal, they are hopeful that partnerships with area businesses and organizations, along with socially distanced events, will take them past the finish line.

Led by co-presidents Luke Andritsch and Brianna Wright and their leadership team,

the mission of the club is to raise money to grant the wishes of children with lifethreatening diseases. An average wish costs between $8,000 and $10,000, and typically includes an entire family. While some wishes might involve a trip to Disney World, often a child desires something for the greater good.

Two wishes recently granted in Indiana serve to benefit other ill children in the community as well as the recipient. One example is an inclusive swing, accessible for children with physical disabilities, installed at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park. Although not in a wheelchair now, Kammy Hiner remembered what it was like when she was unable to use the swings at the park, and wanted to build an adaptive swing.

Another example is a therapeutic petting TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 37

“We want to raise as much money as possible for these kids who are sick and deserve to have some normality and happiness brought into their lives,” Andritsch says. “The aim of the HSE MakeA-Wish Club is to raise enough money to grant a wish every year. A granted wish Recently this past spring, the club hosted a makes the child and family feel normal again Wish Week. Spirit days and in-school activities and, for a short time, maybe makes them feel like a family that doesn’t have to worry were held. The week ended with a field day, which included different games, and food was about this struggle in their life.” served following COVID-safe practices.

zoo in South Bend. Michael Latowski is a young leukemia patient who hopes to train the goats, and create his own therapeutic goat farm to help others like him cope with critical illnesses.

worked very hard so people could enjoy the activities and still be safe. We have had raffles with prizes donated from businesses such as Geist Coffee Company and the HSE Fan Stand. Other events have been candy grams, fun runs and physical activities.”

“This year is strange,” Andritsch says. “We couldn’t do normal events. Usually we have a haunted house in the cafeteria, a holiday concert featuring local artists and students, and a spring festival. We had to do an online campaign and COVID-safe events. All the officers of the club were resourceful and

WHERE TO GET GENEROUS GIFTS TO GIVE...

Check out our GIFTED Exhibit from Small Business Saturday, Nov 27th through the end of the year!

Learn more at

nickelplatearts.org/holidays

WHERE TO GIVE GENEROUS GIFTS...

Nickel Plate Arts is an organization that supports, promotes, and provides outstanding arts experiences in Hamilton County and beyond. Your donations help artists thrive in our community.

Give at nickelplatearts.org/donate

38 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021 / TownePost.com

Join the Independence Village family this holiday season.

2021 pr ure ici

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c Se

Don’t Wait! ar

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or

e th e The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones. e ne w y Here at Independence Village of Fishers South, you’ll find you’re not just among friends — you’re a part of our family. Call today to learn more about life with us.

317-953-5530 | IndependenceVillages.com Independence Village of Fishers South 9745 Olympia Drive, Fishers, IN 46037

BUY $100 GIFT CARD, GET A FREE $20 GIFT CARD FOR YOURSELF! ParksPlacePub.com 8594 E 116th Street, Suite 70 | Fishers, IN 46038 Sun: 10:00am–12:00am | Mon–Wed: 11:00am–12:00am Thurs–Fri: 11:00 am–2:00am | Sat: 10:00am–2:00am 21 and over after 9 PM

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 39