NEED A NEW HIP?
JMH offers new, less invasive hip replacement surgery
Say goodbye to hip pain with Anterior Hip Replacement surgery at Johnson Memorial Health
Are you struggling with hip pain that’s preventing you from living your best life? Johnson Memorial Health is proud to offer anterior hip replacement surgery, a cutting-edge procedure designed to get you back on your feet faster and with less post-operative pain. Here’s why patients choose JMH for anterior hip replacement surgery:
• Minimally Invasive Approach: smaller incision, less muscle disruption, quicker recovery.
• Greater Precision: Dr. St. Germain, fellowship-trained in total join replacement surgery, utilizes OrthoGrid AI-assisted technology.
• Personalized Care: our compassionate team is focused on your unique needs, from consultation to recovery.
• Close to Home: world-class care, conveniently located here in Franklin.
Nicholas St. Germain, MD
amy@townepost.com (317) 412-4652
A PEARL OF GREAT VALUE
HOW ONE MOBILE COFFEE BAR IS BREWING HOPE
Writer and Photographer / Christina Cochran
When Jenna Heck rolls up in her mobile coffee bar, Pearl Coffee Company, she’s not just pouring lattes — she’s pouring heart, heritage and hope into every cup. What started as a whisper of a dream at age 11 has evolved into one of Johnson County’s most beloved small businesses, making regular stops in Franklin and beyond. And while Pearl Coffee is mobile, its roots run deep.
The seeds of Jenna’s coffee journey were planted when her grandmother, Nancy Voris, opened Cincinnati St. Coffee in Nineveh. Jenna remembers helping on weekends, serving regulars and setting up at farmers markets.
“It made me feel like I had a hand in a bigger story,” she says. “My
grandma felt called to create a space where community could gather over coffee. I was honored to be a character in her calling.”
Even before her coffee love bloomed, Jenna was baking with four generations of women in her family. She started a small baking business in high school, enrolled in culinary school at Central Nine and later earned her degree in baking and pastry arts from Ivy Tech. Her love for coffee deepened during her time at Starbucks and later as a local café pastry chef. But in 2019, she felt a divine nudge to take the leap toward her own venture.
The name Pearl didn’t come immediately — it came through prayer and a series of signs. From standing on Pearl Street in Trafalgar to discovering her first prospective roaster also sat on a Pearl Street in northern Indiana, it all pointed to a deeper meaning. A verse from Matthew 13:46 sealed the deal: “…on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” That mirror of her sacrifice made the name undeniable. Pearl Coffee Company was born.
Instead of jumping straight into a brick-and-mortar location, Jenna followed her love of festivals and vintage style. She ordered a custom coffee trailer in 2020, designing every detail to optimize flow and efficiency. While waiting for the buildout, she fine-tuned her recipes and brand. Pearl officially opened in June 2023 with Jenna, her mom and her brother working Saturdays in the summer and fall. Now open five days a week, Pearl has grown to a team of six, including Brandon Richardson, Lydia Hernandez and Jaycee Snyder. Pearl has become a staple in local markets and events across Johnson County.
Pearl’s mission is to bring the full café experience to wherever people gather. Every drink is crafted to order — espresso freshly tamped, teas brewed to perfection and fan favorites like the Cowboy Cold Brew and the B-A-N-A-N-A-S! latte keep the lines long.
“We’re always experimenting,” Jenna says, “but it’s the consistency and care that keeps people coming back.”
Weather is one of Pearl’s biggest challenges — rain, snow, wind or heat — but Jenna and her team show up.
“We rarely close our window,” she says. “We want to be reliable for the people who show up for us.”
And those people? They’ve become more than customers. They’re family. Jenna can rattle off names — Alyssa from Revive Home Vintage, the ever-laughing Rob and Jessica, station-wagon-driving Jay — each one a piece of the Pearl story.
Franklin’s community has embraced Pearl Coffee with open arms. From their debut at the Discover Downtown Farmers Market to events with the Franklin Parks Department, Jenna and her crew continue to grow deeper roots in the town.
“Farmers markets feel like home,” she says.
Looking ahead, a permanent location remains the ultimate goal. But until then, Jenna is building thoughtfully — expanding the menu, extending hours and dreaming big.
“Every customer who visits Pearl is helping us take a step toward that shop,” she says. “We’re just waiting on the Lord’s timing and stewarding what we’ve been given with excellence.”
For those dreaming of starting their own mobile business, Jenna offers this:
“Know your brand and the experience you want your customer to have. The product matters, but what sets you apart is knowing who you are and showing your customers, they were part of your vision from day one.”
With faith, family and a finely tuned cold brew, Jenna Heck is proving that even in a 16-foot mobile coffee bar, you can build something truly priceless — a pearl of great value.
To learn more, visit pearlcoffeecompany.com.
HOMETOWN HERO Jennifer Campbell
Writer / Teena Catt
In February, Purdue Extension Johnson County co-hosted a panel discussion that included four Johnson County farm women who shared their stories about life on and off the farm. “Harvesting Her Voice: Finding Your Role on the Family Farm” included panelist Jennifer Campbell. Campbell lives and works on her rural Franklin farm alongside her husband, Chris, and their son, Cole.
Ten years ago their full-time hired farmhand left, and Campbell easily stepped into that position in lieu of hiring another farm worker.
Campbell had always been a part of the farm in some respects. She chose to stay home while her three children, daughters Casey and Emi Lou, and son, Cole, were growing up. Every day was a “bring your kid to work day” - a family joke they shared. Chris and
Jennifer’s children (they have grandchildren now too) frequently rode along in a tractor, combine, or in trucks hauling grain. They grew up helping with everyday chores.
Campbell grew up on a farm in Shelby County, just seven miles from the Hoosier Homestead farm she lives at now. The home was built in the 1800s, and has been lovingly taken care of and updated throughout generations.
The Campbells farm over 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans and winter wheat. Campbell plants soybean fields on their farm and she says the time in a tractor allows her extra time to think. That time benefits her writing talent. Campbell is an accomplished writer, blogger and author. She wants her writing to be authentic. She told herself years ago that if she was going to put herself out there for
other readers, she was going to “keep it real.”
Campbell credits her mother for teaching her to bake. She laughs that her kitchen is always a mess and while she loves to cook, cleaning up is not her forte. She shares her recipes
in her blogs and articles. While deep in the planting and harvesting season, Campbell forgoes the kitchen and says her family eats frozen pizza, fast food and at local Mexican restaurants. While actively working, there is simply not time for her to stop and prepare a big meal.
Campbell reflected on the term female farmer. “It is not that the term is not an accurate term,” she said. “I am obviously female and I farm, but I feel like it unnecessarily separates and highlights us as females in agriculture. The work we do does not care about gender. Farming is farming, and the people who do it are farmers - no extra adjectives needed. The more people ask about it and the more we keep answering, I feel like that just reinforces the idea we are something unique. Women have been in this role for years, just under the radar before social media. Why act like we are an exception to the rule rather than just part of the rule? I think the only way to normalize women in ag is to stop saying it and treating
it like it is not normal in the first place.”
Along with writing for various farm publications, and her blog, Farmwife Feeds, Campbell wrote a lovely children’s book entitled Meet Pete. It’s inspired by Emi Lou, who cared for a calf who was born with contracted flexor tendons and could not walk.
Campbell is not a stranger outside of the farm either. She currently serves on the Johnson County Beef Board, Johnson County Farm Bureau Board and the Johnson County Farm Service Agency committee. She is also a founding member of the Friends of Johnson County Agricultural. Her Johnson County Leadership Class of 2010 founded a project that holds a scholarship at Johnson County Community Foundation for students involved in agrelated projects and trips.
Campbell enjoys any time away on the couple’s motorcycle, camping, and concerts.
She is an accomplished photographer and applies those talents to capture farm life, as well as making memories on film.
Self-described as committed, Campbell is all-in on continuing to learn more about her vocation, and is passionate about spreading the story of agriculture.
To read her blog, check out farmwifefeeds. com. “Meet Pete” may be purchased through Amazon.
NEW TO FRANKLIN MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC
A SPACE FOR STILLNESS
THE YIN ROOM ON JEFFERSON STREET
Writer and Photographer / Christina Cochran
In the heart of downtown Franklin, nestled among the familiar storefronts of Jefferson Street, sits a place unlike any other. The Yin Room, a new sanctuary for peace and reflection, is the vision of Franklin native Jennifer Mann. Born and raised here, Jennifer is a familiar face to many — supporting local shops and cafes with heartfelt enthusiasm. For her, creating a space like the Yin Room in the middle of the town she loves was not just a dream — it was inevitable.
“I’ve always felt connected to this community,” Jennifer says. “It made sense that the space I envisioned would live right here where my heart is.”
Stepping into the Yin Room feels like stepping into stillness. The atmosphere greets you immediately with a sense of calm that feels intentional — because it is. Jennifer carefully considered every detail, from the exact hue of the walls to the warmth of the trim color. Soft lighting filters through the room, adding to its tranquil charm. Nothing was accidental. Every element was chosen with mindfulness, all working together to create a space where people can exhale and simply be.
“The color had to be just right,” Jennifer explains. “The lighting had to soothe, not overwhelm. It was all about what the space would feel like to someone walking in for the first time — and every time after that.”
Originally, Jennifer imagined the Yin Room as a yoga studio, a personal space where she could teach in an environment of her own design. But as the vision grew, so did her purpose.
“I didn’t want to put limits on what this space could be,” she says. “It’s not just about yoga. It’s about creating a space that this community can use in whatever way helps them reconnect — with themselves, with others or with stillness.”
The Yin Room is now a flexible haven for mindfulness and creativity. Whether it’s through meditation — silent or guided — gentle movement, quiet discussion or even artistic expression, Jennifer hopes the space becomes a refuge for anyone in need of peace or clarity.
“There’s so much happening in the world. People need places to rest, to reflect, to breathe. That’s what the Yin Room is for.”
Jennifer views the Yin Room as a living, growing extension of herself and the community she holds dear. Its thoughtful design and calm energy are just the foundation. With each class, gathering or quiet moment shared within its walls, the Yin Room becomes more than just a space — it becomes a gift.
For Jennifer Mann, giving back to Franklin isn’t just a mission. It’s a natural extension of who she is. And the Yin Room is a beautiful, heartfelt offering — a quiet heartbeat in the center of downtown.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the-yin-room.com or stop by their shop at 77 E. Jefferson St.
HEALING AT THE ROOT
HOW JOHNSON MEMORIAL HEALTH’S WOUND CARE CENTER IS TRANSFORMING LIVES
Writer / Katie Hosea Photographer / Christina Cochran
Walk through the doors of the Wound Center at Johnson Memorial Health in Franklin, Indiana, and you’re stepping into more than a clinic—you’re entering a space where science meets compassion, where state-of-the-art medicine meets human connection, over a decade in the making. Dr. Dana, the Wound Center’s medical director and the hospital’s chief of staff, is proud of the work they’ve done at the Wound Center since its opening almost four years ago.
Believe it or not, the Wound Center occupies what used to be Johnson Memorial’s emergency department at 1125 W. Jefferson St. “We have one of the most comprehensive vascular centers, probably in the country,” says Dr. Dana. “It developed over ten years ago. I worked here for 11 years in the ER. Over time, I transitioned into wound and vascular medicine.”
That transition—from ER to specialized wound care center—
Gaston Dana, DO Internal Medicine
didn’t happen overnight. It began through a partnership program that steadily expanded. Roughly four years ago, the team moved into their current space to meet growing demand and to offer even more comprehensive services. Today, the Wound Center has earned the distinction of being named a Center of Excellence by Healogics, an organization overseeing more than 800 wound care centers worldwide.
That recognition is based on patient outcomes and satisfaction. Dr. Dana explains: “Wound healing within a specific timeframe is crucial. We’re focused on finding the root cause of wounds and addressing it effectively.”
The work done by Dr. Dana and his team is part medicine, part life-changing mystery solving. “Patients usually have chronic wounds,” Dr. Dana says. “What makes this field enjoyable is that it’s like being an investigator—there’s always a reason a wound doesn’t heal. Is it infectious? Inflammatory? A vascular issue? Once you identify the cause, then you can treat it.”
Evaluations start with a detailed patient history, physical exams, and often vascular studies, biopsies, or other in-depth diagnostics. “It can take one to three weeks to complete the evaluation,” he says, “but by the end
of that, we usually have a full picture.”
That holistic view isn’t accidental—Dr. Dana is a DO (doctor of osteopathy), trained in internal medicine with an emphasis on looking at the full system. “It gives me a holistic perspective. There’s usually an underlying cause for a wound, and that’s what we investigate.”
The Wound Center isn’t just a singleprovider practice. It’s a carefully orchestrated collaboration between
specialists. Dr. Dana is at the core of the Wound Center, along with foot and ankle specialist Dr. Fisher, nurse practitioner specializing in wound care Amy Dippel, and Dr. Christie and Dr. Roese overseeing vascular care. Their team also includes dedicated vascular ultrasound technologist Necla Rasor, who helps coordinate the center’s vascular program. “We work closely with podiatry, ankle reconstructive surgeons, vascular surgeons, and specialized techs.”
That teamwork pays off—especially for patients who might otherwise bounce between specialists. “All of the ordered testing is done here in-house,” Necla Rasor says. “We can usually bring the patient back within a week, or even the same day. It’s a one-stop shop!”
This seamless coordination allows the team to quickly diagnose and begin treatment— whether that involves a surgical procedure, vascular intervention, or one of the center’s advanced healing techniques.
One of the most powerful tools in the Wound Center’s arsenal is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Program director Monique Fernstrom explains that HBOT is “a cutting-edge treatment that accelerates the healing process for complex wounds.” Patients lie inside a clear chamber and breathe 100% oxygen at high pressure for 90 minutes. Most do this up to 40 times over several weeks. “It helps oxygenate tissue and encourages new blood vessel growth,” Dr. Dana explains. “It’s a game-changer for certain patients.”
In addition to HBOT, the center offers leading-edge options like tissue substitutes, tissue grafts, and reconstructive surgery. These are not band-aid solutions—they’re long-term, evidence-based treatments that address wounds at their root.
The most common underlying issue?
Chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg vein valves become dysfunctional, leading to swelling, pain, and ultimately, wounds. Symptoms can be subtle at first, such as leg heaviness, fatigue, burning, swelling, or restlessness. But left untreated, these signs can lead to non-healing wounds
that impact mobility and quality of life. Chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity also play a significant role in wound development. These systemic issues make it harder for the body to heal, turning what should be minor injuries into chronic health problems.
While some patients come in directly, it’s generally best to go through a primary care provider due to insurance logistics. Either way, each patient is treated with the compassion and care they’ve been seeking. Once patients begin treatment, they’re not just numbers in a system—they become part of the Wound Center’s community.
One of the most meaningful aspects of care at Johnson Memorial’s Wound Center is how healing is celebrated. When a patient completes their treatment, they’re given a gift bag—but the real reward is intangible. Necla Rasor describes the relationship built: “We definitely build a bond, and they know to call us back if they have any questions
or new symptoms. They don’t hesitate to reach right back out to us. It’s almost like a family.” Some patients have been dealing with wounds for months or years, so when they finally heal thanks to the team at the Wound Center, it’s a group celebration and affirmation for all!
Dr. Dana agrees. “It took time to build this program—over a decade. But with the right leadership and the right team, amazing things happen. Our focus is patient care and outcomes. That’s what drives us.”
At its core, the Wound Center at Johnson Memorial Health is about much more than healing skin. It’s about restoring lives. It’s about a former ER transformed into a place of renewal. And it’s about a team of dedicated experts working together to solve the kind of problems that others often miss. They don’t just patch up wounds. They dig deeper. They ask why. And in doing so, they’re helping their patients do something truly extraordinary: heal for good.
JUNE BOOK CLUB PICK
“SOUTHERNMOST” BY SILAS HOUSE
Writer / Christina Cochran
As we celebrate Father’s Day this June, our book club selection turns to a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that examines the heart of fatherhood and the moral decisions that shape a parent’s legacy. “Southernmost” by Silas House is a beautifully written story about the struggle between conviction and compassion — and the lengths a father will go to protect and guide his child.
The novel follows Asher Sharp, a small-town preacher in Tennessee, who finds his faith and beliefs tested after a devastating flood hits his community. When his church turns away a couple in need, Asher is forced to confront his role in a system that excludes rather than embraces. The decision sparks a spiritual crisis, setting him on a path that will forever change his life.
At the core of “Southernmost” is Asher’s relationship with his young son, Justin. Caught in a bitter custody battle and haunted by a strained marriage, Asher begins to realize that raising his son with honesty, empathy and open-heartedness may require stepping outside the bounds of the law, as well as the expectations of his church and community. In a moment of desperation and clarity, Asher takes Justin and flees south to Key West in search of his long-lost brother and, perhaps, a new beginning.
This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a meditative, lyrical journey through the moral gray areas of modern life. It’s about the courage it takes to unlearn old truths and the sacrifice that often comes with doing what’s right. Most of all, “Southernmost” is about a father’s love and the difficult choices that define it.
Silas House’s storytelling captures the richness of Southern landscapes and the emotional texture of inner conflict. He paints Asher not as a perfect parent, but as
a man trying — sometimes clumsily — to offer his son a life built on empathy rather than judgment. The novel’s settings, from the misty hills of Tennessee to the sunlit streets of Key West, serve as powerful backdrops for Asher’s transformation.
As a Father’s Day read, “Southernmost” reminds us that being a father is not just about providing or protecting. It’s about evolving, learning and leading with love — even when the path forward is uncertain. It’s about legacy, not in terms of wealth or status, but in the values we pass down to our children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Silas House is an acclaimed novelist, playwright and activist from Eastern Kentucky. His work often explores themes of family, identity and the bond between people and place. In addition to “Southernmost,” his novels include “Clay’s Quilt,” “A Parchment of Leaves” and “Lark Ascending.” House is the current poet laureate of Kentucky and teaches at Berea College.
Through “Southernmost,” House offers a tender, resonant look at fatherhood and what it means to guide a child through a complex world with compassion as the compass. It’s a perfect read for June — and a
meaningful way to reflect on the power of a parent’s love.
Silas House’s books can be found at your nearest Johnson County Public Library branch or at our hometown bookstore, Wild Geese Bookshop, which has hosted the author on multiple occasions for special events. Attendees of these gatherings were treated to readings by House himself, engaging Q&A sessions and personalized book signings. His warm Kentucky drawl and calm, thoughtful presence made each event a memorable and meaningful experience.
FORE! WHEELING AROUND FRANKLIN
FRANKLIN AND JOHNSON COUNTY RESIDENTS EMBRACE GOLF CART LIFE
Golf carts aren’t just for the greens anymore. Across the country, golf cart communities have grown increasingly popular, especially among retirees. They are convenient, economical to operate, environmentally friendly, and just plain fun.
In 2009, the state of Indiana passed a law allowing cities, counties and towns to create ordinances permitting the use of golf carts on public roadways. Since then, many communities, including Franklin, have passed laws allowing golf carts on the streets if they meet specific criteria.
“It’s a fun and economical way to get around town,” said one cart owner on a recent drive to the courthouse square.
That is the allure of “carting.” While golf carts are far cheaper to operate than traditional vehicles, most users cite convenience and enjoyment as their primary motivations.
Golf carts have been a staple on the links for decades, but only in the past 10 years have they made the leap to “street legal” use. Since Franklin—and now Johnson County— approved limited street usage, the number of carts spotted daily on local roads has surged.
Rows of carts can be found parked in the Amp lot during festivals and concerts. They’re also frequently seen in the lots of local vendors and grocery stores, having replaced cars for short errands.
These compact vehicles also offer opportunities for personal expression. The golf cart industry has boomed with aftermarket add-ons and custom parts. Many carts are lifted, ride on oversized tires, sport custom
Writer / John Wales
paint, stereos and even bodies that resemble classic cars such as a Ford Mustang.
To legally operate in Franklin, carts must be registered with the police department. Registration decals must be visible on the front and rear. Owners must either modify standard carts or buy models outfitted with essential safety features.
Required equipment includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts and rearview mirrors. Carts may only operate on city streets where the speed limit is 40 mph or less. They may cross U.S. 31 but are prohibited from driving on the highway itself.
The golf cart trend continues to grow in popularity among Franklin residents. When used responsibly, carts provide a fun and practical way to travel—and foster a stronger sense of community, as drivers often wave to neighbors while passing by.
Still, not everyone embraces the golf cart culture. Franklin police occasionally receive complaints about careless drivers, joyriding teens or adults holding infants while operating carts.
Golf carts must follow the same traffic laws as all motor vehicles— and in some cases, stricter ones. Operators must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Seat belts are required for all passengers.
Children who must ride in car seats in standard vehicles are not permitted to ride in carts.
Cart users must obey all street signs and signals. They are not allowed on sidewalks or walking trails and cannot be operated under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Since the city permitted registered carts on its roadways, many residents—especially seniors—feel more connected to the community. Residents of Compass Park and other retirement neighborhoods can now attend downtown events and festivals more easily. Local businesses have also noted an uptick in traffic thanks to increased accessibility and easier parking.
Golf carts are no longer just for golf courses. When operated responsibly, they’re a fun, eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation. Have you caught the golf cart craze?
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR BLOOMS BIG
LOCAL 12-YEAR-OLD CELEBRATES TWO YEARS AS A BUSINESS OWNER
Writer / Michelle Kaufman
Springtime is a time of new growth, and for 12-year-old Hattie Bennett, her blooming business is booming.
She started Hattie Lou Blooms in 2023. She uses flowers from her Franklin backyard to create fresh, hand-picked flower arrangements.
“We were looking for something we already had, and my mom plants a ton of flowers,” Hattie said. “We had so many, so we thought we could sell flowers.”
“After Mother’s Day [2023] when we sold out, we went and bought all of the annual seeds we could find,” said Hattie’s mom, Kailee Bennett. “It’s been a wild adventure and it just sort of rolled from there. We grew zinnias and cosmos and sunflowers.”
Each arrangement comes in a jar or vase, ready to be gifted or enjoyed in your home. All are donated, giving a second life to many spaghetti and pickle jars.
This spring, Hattie and Kailee planted a wide variety of seeds. Through their Facebook page, Hattie Lou Blooms, the motherdaughter duo shares updates on what they’re growing, their progress and where you can purchase their blooming beauties.
“I really like meeting new people, doing farmers markets and getting to see new places,” Hattie said. “I like seeing all the things that wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t start the business. We’ve had weddings and wedding showers ask for our flowers.”
Hattie Lou Blooms has allowed Hattie to partner with local businesses for pop-ups and events like For the Love of Design, Courthouse Coney’s and Farm Girl Mercantile in Franklin.
year you can find Hattie Lou Blooms at farmers markets and the Bargersville Kids Market.
When she’s not in school or running her business, Hattie plays volleyball and enjoys being an older sister and mentor to her younger brother, who decided to start his own candy machine business. (You can find those at Courthouse Coney’s and Farm Girl Mercantile.) Through Hattie Lou Blooms, she’s been able to spend more time with her mom.
“If we do anything, most of the time it’s the whole family,” Hattie said. “I feel like [Hattie Lou Blooms] has given us more time to be with each other one-on-one.”
Twenty percent of Hattie Lou Blooms’ proceeds goes to local charities. Hattie and Kailee save those funds until the total reaches $100, and then they make a donation. So far, organizations like the Franklin Community Middle School theater department and the
Johnson County Public Library Foundation have received their thoughtful donations.
“I think it’s important to give back because if you’re just keeping all the money for your business, I feel like people aren’t going to want to buy from you because you’re not doing anything for others,” Hattie said. “It really makes me happy to see people happy to see us giving back and selling flowers.”
“It was her idea to start with Riley and change it up to give $100 to different organizations,” Kailee said. “She’s heard of things at school; we bought hats, scarves and gloves for the corporation when they were building up their closet for the winter. We talk about how it’s not hard to find ways to spread kindness. Things pop up and we’re like, ‘OK, that will be our next organization.’”
New this year are donation-only bouquet pop-ups, where families donate flowers from their loved one’s memorial service, and Hattie repackages them into smaller bouquets. From these efforts, she’s raised more than $500 for both the Humane Society of Johnson County and the Johnson County Community Foundation. These funds are donated in memory of the loved one who has passed.
In a similar vein, Kailee expanded the Hattie Lou Blooms services to include floral preservation, after customers asked for help to create lasting pieces out of their special blooms like wedding bouquets and memorial flowers.
Be sure to look for Hattie Lou Blooms at the Franklin Farmers Market in July and August! For more information or to place an order, visit hattieloublooms.com or follow them on Facebook.
Writer / John Wales
Hot rods come in all shapes and sizes. Virtually any vehicle can be made into the owner’s version of cool. They buy a car and start changing things up — first the wheels, then a new paint job, then modifications to the engine, and whatever else the owner dreams to create.
For most in this hobby, it often starts small — and by small, I mean 1/24th scale. Often the first car any young person modifies is a scale model of a car they hope to own for real someday. Sometimes they signal the beginning of a father-son project. In almost all cases, it ends with owning and customizing the real thing later in life.
Seth “Wink” Killea had a love for scale model building from the early age of 5. He grew up in his grandparents’ home, and his uncle introduced him to modeling to keep the youngster out of trouble. Wink grew up to work in an auto body shop and take up custom pin striping, yet he still has a passion for those small model kits.
“Models are like puzzles that you get to assemble, twist and modify,” he shares. “You can take risks on paint colors and modifications to see your vision come become real.” He has built hundreds of models since that first one and still keeps many packed away.
His favorite is named the Kustom Kreeper,
based off the Monogram Ice ‘T’ kit. He has done major modifications to the outrageous kit to make it a one-of-a-kind custom. Kits like this drew him into the “Kustom Kulture” car world. In this style, cars undergo heavy modifications such as chopped roofs, channeling the lowered body onto the frame, and sectioning the body to create a low-sitting custom like no other.
His first real vehicle was a 1948 Chevy truck that he customized in this style and added flames to the paint job. Unfortunately, years down the road Wink was forced to sell the truck to pay some bills. He sold it to a friend and says jokingly that he still gets visitation rights to see it from time to time.
The work he has done on scale models helped build his pin striping skills to customize full-sized vehicles and to give back to the community. Wink was on hand at the Indianapolis World of Wheels in May, striping panels for the Panel Jam to raise funds for juvenile diabetes — an annual event that raises thousands each year to send kids with diabetes to a special summer camp.
Growing up, Wink was a member of the Hoosier Model Car Association and entered his scale model builds into model car shows. Through the years, these shows have dwindled in popularity. “When kids start building models they grow up and go
into the automotive industry, where they might design new models, customize older ones, or keep them running and safe,” Wink says with a hint of worry. With fewer shows and opportunities, he fears fewer kids will go into this important field.
He wanted to do something to engage the youth in the car culture he loves so dearly. Along with his new model car club named Chopped and Glued, Wink set out to create a new model car show to hopefully ignite the automotive passions of the younger generation.
Thus, Modelrama was created. A model car show within a larger show, the Hoosier Vintage Wheels Swap Meet & Show was held May 16 and 17 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin. The show was not just for kids, however, as there were multiple classes including adult build classes, making it a show for all ages.
Wink’s goal was to recreate the feeling of the shows he attended as a kid, where the show was more about the car community than the competition. He continues to foster an environment where builders learn from each other and dream up new custom builds from conversations at the show. He also bought a 3D printer and has begun producing custom parts for modelers wanting to take their modifications to the next level.
Until next time, keep cruising.
JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Mouth roof
5. Produces (egg)
7. Ocean mammal
8. Hoarse sound
9. Invalid
10. Bake in oven
11. Opponents
13. Part of eye
14. Sloops or ketches
18. Plan
21. Horse’s gait
22. Gold lump
24. Send abroad in disgrace
25. Kitchen professional
26. Loose flesh
27. Not healthy
28. Iridescent gem
29. Fume
DOWN
1. Play the part of
2. First Greek letter
3. Washstand jugs
4. Made do
5. High-protein pulses
6. Shouting
12. Set fire to
15. Zeppelin
16. Detestable
17. Meet (requirements)
19. Australian bird
20. Significant
22. Ants’ homes
23. Social blunder
22. Den
6
HOOSIER BBQ CLASSIC
5:30 - 9:30 PM
Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St.
12
FRANKLIN COMMUNITY BAND
7 – 8 PM
DriveHubler.com
Amphitheater at Young’s Creek Park, 237 W Monroe St.
13
WHIMSY & BLOOMS VINTAGE & HANDMADE GARDEN MARKET
4 PM Pleasant View Farm, 5301 E. 200 North
Vintage Whimsy is excited to present Whimsy & Blooms, a Vintage & Handmade Garden Market.
14
FATHER’S DAY BOURBON, CIGARS AND STEAK
2 – 4 PM
Farm Girl Mercantile, 436 E. Jefferson St.
16
MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE AUDITIONS
10 AM - 2:30 PM
The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N Main St.
Students have the opportunity to audition for and participate in a theater production. Auditions are June 16, with theater camp June 16-21.
19
DIVE-IN MOVIE
9 – 11 PM
Franklin Cultural Arts & Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd.
Enjoy a free showing of “Migration” at the Franklin Family Aquatic Center. The show will start around 9:15 p.m. or once the sun goes down.
21
FRANKLIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2
7 – 10 PM
DriveHubler.com
Amphitheater, 237 W. Monroe St.
24
UNDER THE SEA PURSE BINGO
5 PM – Bingo starts at 6 PM
The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville
26
KNIT AT NIGHT AT THE ARTCRAFT 3
7 - 9:30 PM
The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N Main.
Bring knitting, crocheting or other needlepoint projects to work on while enjoying a lights-up film at the Artcraft. The Knitting Otter and Wild Geese Bookshop will also be on site.
28-29
SECRET GARDEN WALK
10 AM – 5 PM Saturday
1 PM – 5 PM Sunday
The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N Main.
Enjoy a tour of some of Franklin’s most beautiful backyard gardens.
