Geist Magazine January 2019 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JANUARY 2019

MAGAZINE

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EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown

TASTES OF TUSCANY: CORTONA’S ITALIAN CUISINE & WINE BAR BRINGS AUTHENTIC DISHES TO FORTVILLE

Simone Lucarini has dreamed of one day opening his own restaurant for as long as he can remember. Lucarini grew up in the small town of Cortona, Italy. It was in that hilltop town in the Tuscany region that Lucarini’s passion for cooking started.

6 Welcome To Alley Cats: New

Furniture & Home Decor Marketplace Opens In Fortville

9 Skiles Test Elementary Celebrates New Renovations & Updates

26 Building The Trail: Fishers Calls On Community For Nickel Plate Trail Ideas

28 Santa’s Mailbox: Our Favorite Christmas Letters To Santa

12 Stop & Shop: MJ Layne Celebrates 31 Tastes Of Tuscany: Cortona’s Italian 11 Years of Providing Unique Items For Geist & Fishers Shoppers

14 Wicked Scissors: New Hair Salon Celebrates Grand Opening in Fortville

16 Wolfies Grill at Geist Launches

Private Events Venue, New Menu & Expanded Wine List For 2019

18 Learning Abroad: Mt. Vernon Teachers, Administrators Participate in International Exchange Program in China

20 One Goal: Cathedral Girls Soccer

Team Reflects On Championship Season

24 Empowering Youth: Youth

Mentoring Initiative Executive Director Talks Importance of Mentoring Young Adults

Cuisine & Wine Bar Brings Authentic Dishes to Fortville

34 3 Ways to Start The New Year Off Right

36 Man’s Best Friend: IU Health Saxony Hospital Introduces Pet Therapy Program

38 SweeTies: Popular Gourmet Treats & Desserts Shop Opens In Fishers

40 Geist-Fishers Aktion Club Launches: Local Kiwanis Leaders Seek to Empower Citizens With Disabilities, Promote Inclusion

42 A Grilling Reputation: The Pittt

Josh@TownePost.com

JANUARY WRITERS

Jon Shoulders / Josh Brown Julie Young / Julie Yates / Kelsey Musick Lynda Hedberg Thies / Matt Keating Pat Carlini / Shelly Bergman Suzanne Huntzinger

JANUARY PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Brosmer / Glenda White Josh Brown / Lucas Cooley Mike Pariso / Ron Wise

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Geist Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

The Geist Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by Geist area residents. Submit story ideas via email to the Managing Editor. Magazines are distributed via direct mail to more than 17,000 Geist area business owners and residents each month.

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Barbaque & Grill Celebrates Grand Opening of Indy Location

45 Rainbow Station 47 Pet Pic Photo Contest Winnners atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 5

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Owners, Ken and Roz Lee

WELCOME TO ALLEY CATS NEW FURNITURE & HOME DECOR MARKETPLACE OPENS IN FORTVILLE closed and by that time, Lee was working at Storefront Concepts on Main Street. Still, she longed to have her own business again Roz Lee always knew she wanted to open up and thanks to some encouragement from a business in a community like Fortville. her daughter Heather, she and her husband Ken did just that. “I love the idea of having a little store in a little town where everybody knows your “We decided to go ahead and make that name,” she says. jump, spread our wings and see if we could Writer / Julie Young Photographer / Josh Brown

Her first foray into the Fortville business community began in 2015 when she started Simply More, a home furnishings store that she operated during the week and that her daughter ran on the weekends. At the time, Fortville was little more than a sleepy bedroom community, but as new developments began to emerge, the area experienced a bit of a boom making small shops a quaint attraction to the town. However, in early 2018, Simply More was

fly,” she says. “The result is Alley Cats Marketplace and we are so excited to be here.”

Alley Cats Marketplace, located in the parking lot behind Kammerer Dentistry, had its soft launch in July and although the initial plan was to be open once a month, it wasn’t long before the couple decided to open their doors every weekend. “The reception to Alley Cats has been great,” Lee says. “We have had a number of 6 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

customers come in out of curiosity only to be thrilled to see a familiar face. They are happy that we are back and we are happy to be back.” Alley Cats Marketplace offers truckload quantity home décor and furnishings that are perfectly suited for a number of Midwestern tastes and priced significantly below retail price. Lee says their inventory includes sofas, chairs, tables, lamps, both indoor and outdoor items and all kinds of items that can turn a house into a home. While space at the store is at a premium, Lee says that as inventory is purchased new items will be added, and they hope to offer a few custom pieces in time as well. “There is something for everyone at Alley Cats Marketplace,” Lee says. “We often say that the store is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.”

While she loves helping her customers find the perfect pieces for their homes, Lee says the best part about the Alley Cats Marketplace is the community it is located in. She says Fortville business owners are very proud of what they do and the residents are keen to support local proprietors. They are constantly hosting events to attract customers including a quarterly Girls Night Out, Winterfest and Shop Local the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “We get regulars from Chicago who come in while visiting family in the area and different clubs make a point of bringing folks to Fortville because of the quaint shops and businesses we have here,” she says. “We are so proud to be part of this community that has a rich history and good people who have become our great friends.” Alley Cats Marketplace is located at 106 South Main Street in Fortville and open every weekend. Give them a call at 317-4188651 or visit them on Facebook.

atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 7

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Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony held on December 2 at Skiles Test Elementary School was an occasion that looked toward the future while honoring the past. Located at 7001 Johnson Road and initially opened in 1965, the school celebrated the completion of a huge renovation project that began in 2017. Part of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence

Township’s Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan, the improvements to the school were significant. “Now it flows,” Principal Dr. Justin Hunter says. “The renovations bumped out walls which essentially made a new gym and cafeteria area and included adding a stage. There is a partition wall, but the whole space can be opened up so the entire school population can attend a convocation at one time.” atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 9

Present were members of the Lawrence Township School Board as well as Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Smith. Although the weather was blustery it did not deter a large crowd from attending. “It was packed,” Hunter says. “There were alumni, city council members, retired teachers, a prior principal and plenty of volunteers. The entire staff pulled together to make the event a success.”

A brief portion of the ceremony was devoted to the past history of the school and the man it was named after. The land the school is built on was bequeathed to the township by an Indianapolis businessman, Skiles Test who died in 1964. The tract the school sits on was a portion of his estate. Reports of his eccentric nature have been exaggerated over time. By accounts, Test was a generous man who loved animals as well as children and donated to many charities. The future was also celebrated since the redevelopment of the building structure concurs with a new program that was implemented at the start of the 2018-19 school year. For several years, Skiles Test Elementary has been a Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Indiana certified school. It is now joining the tradition of sister school Forest Glen Elementary in offering a Spanish Immersion curriculum beginning this year with kindergarten and first grade. Additional grade levels will be added annually until it extends through grade six. The new immersion program will be blended with the current STEM courses and eventually students will learn about robotics, coding and environmental science while being instructed in Spanish. “It’s really exciting to see what is going on in the classrooms and thrilling to hear kindergarteners starting to speak and count in Spanish,” Hunter says. “But it’s not just the language the children are learning but also the culture. It’s fostering an atmosphere that’s expansive, enriching, enlightening and inclusive. “We are appreciative of where we have been and where we are going,” he adds. “The existing building was kept and not just torn down to build a new one. The history of the school was acknowledged at the same time as honoring new renovations which make it possible to prepare kids for the future.” For more information visit SkilesTest. LTSchools.org.

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Owner, Michele Lauer

MJ LAYNE CELEBRATES 11 YEARS OF PROVIDING UNIQUE ITEMS FOR GEIST & FISHERS SHOPPERS Writer / Julie Young Photographer / Josh Brown

When Michele Lauer’s youngest child started kindergarten, she knew her days of being a stay-at-home mom were over. “I had a dream of opening a store,” she says. “I didn’t know what kind of store it was going to be. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I learned and 10 years later, I’m still here.” MJ Layne Clothing *Jewelry *Home Décor

*Gifts is a charming space that opened in 2007 and primarily focused on home décor items. However, as her business and customer base grew, Lauer scaled back her home décor inventory and incorporated more clothing, jewelry and gift items. This product diversity has made MJ Layne a local destination for any shopper seeking something unique. “I go through the catalogs and get a feel for what is current and then when I go to market, I shop ‘til I drop in order to bring back the best pieces for the store,” she says. 12 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

Lauer recently traveled to Atlanta in order to shop for the holidays. She said “market” can be an overwhelming experience for the uninitiated. There is so much to look at across four buildings (18-21 stories each) that it’s not uncommon for some buyers to get nauseated in the process. “Sometimes I don’t think they stop to eat,” Later says. With well-known brick-and-mortar chains struggling and mom-and-pop shops closing due to the rise in e-commerce, Lauer says

she’s often asked how her business competes and thrives under the pressure. She says no matter how convenient it is to purchase a product online, people always appreciate the opportunity to browse and to find something they can’t find anywhere else. “I am the worst person when it comes to online shopping,” she says. “I order it and then it gets here and I hate it. I always tell myself that I should have gone to the store and looked at it in person. I understand that people get overwhelmed and it’s convenient to shop online, but there is something special about walking into a store and finding something really special.” Lauer says initially her primary customer base included women 40-60, but as more and more teenagers and young girls have come in with their mothers, she’s started carrying items that might appeal to them as well. She says it is not uncommon for family members to come in looking for coordinated outfits for family photos and while she does not carry “mommy and me” styles, they can find something similar that still reflects one’s personal style. “I’ve also been told I have great ‘concert’ shirts as well,” she adds. When Lauer first opened MJ Layne, she wanted to find a location that was not only close to her children’s schools but also near home so that she could balance both work and family. Now that her children are mostly grown, she still loves the location because it is convenient for those other moms who want to shop, but don’t have time to drive all over town. “When I chose my location, I watched how the traffic flowed in and out of here,” Lauer says. “I am right by Kroger, so I know 90 percent of my customers are in the grocery store two-or-three times a week. It’s easy for them to stop in on their way to pick up their carpool or buy some milk and bread.” MJ Layne Clothing *Jewelry *Home Décor *Gifts is located at 11760 Olio Road Ste. 200 in Fishers. You can call them at 317-570-2400 or visit them online at mjlayne.com. atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 13

Owner, Holly Schmidt

NEW HAIR SALON CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN FORTVILLE

share in the success of Wicked Scissors.

Wicked Scissors hair salon opened with much fanfare in downtown Fortville, at 218 South main street, August 25 with live music and fun for all.

Maybe it’s her background growing up in a Tipton farming community, but Holly enjoys the community and giving back to the community is important to the stylist, who has been focused on make-up and hair styling since she was a little girl.

Owner Holly Schmidt, who also opened HG Studio in Noblesville more than a decade ago, says she’s excited about the new salon and her favorite part has been meeting the people of Fortville.

“It is very important to me to give back to the community,” Holly says. “My guests in the salon are important to me, they are my livelihood. I always say be grateful and give back.”

“This community has welcomed us with open arms,” Holly says. “There is a camaraderie here like no other.”

Her salon has that same community feel, too. It is not all booth rentals as in most salons, but the stylists all work together and

Holly’s artistic side also shines through in the new salon. She arranged the black and white framed photos on the red velvet wall as you enter the salon, and she put together the black and white photo collage wall at the back of the salon.

Writer & Photographer / Pat Carlini

14 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

“We all plan to be community-minded and hopefully work with some charitable organizations and community outreaches together,” Holly says.

“Those are all faces of family and friends,” Holly says.

Holly still plans to be at the HG Studio in Noblesville, on Mondays and Tuesdays and will be at the Fortville salon the rest of week. “We are still adjusting to what days of the week and hours are good for the people of this community,” Holly says. “So it may change, but right now we are open Tuesday through Saturday.” Wicked Scissors employs seven stylists now and hopes to add more in the future. The salon offers its own Biomineral Technology Haircare and styling products such as Verb Ghost oil, which is a Moroccan oil blend to add shine to the hair without coating it with wax. Salon services are offered for both men and women. Wicked Scissors Hair Salon is located at 218 South Main Street in Fortville. You can give them a call at 317-505-9152 or visit them online at wickedscissors.com for more information.

atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 15

WOLFIES GRILL AT GEIST LAUNCHES PRIVATE EVENTS VENUE, NEW MENU & EXPANDED WINE LIST FOR 2019 Writer / Josh Brown . Photographer / Mike Pariso

16 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

ver since Wolfies Grill opened its new Geist location in May of 2018 it has had overwhelming support from the community. As the New Year arrives, Geist residents will now be able to enjoy new and exciting changes at the restaurant.

Among the biggest changes is a fully-renovated second level exclusively for private parties. With the removal of the large bar, the upstairs venue now can seat more than 100 guests and is perfect for any private or corporate events. “There is a demand for private venues,” says owner Scott Wolf. “This will be our biggest onsite venue yet, with a small bar as well as a large screen for corporate or private presentations. We will also host special events up there like our New Year’s Eve party. Not to mention, this room has the best view of any private room in Indianapolis overlooking the lake.” Wolfies, which is known for its house specialties like the Pan Crusted Chicken, the Stonebrook Salmon and their Indiana Baby Back Ribs among many others, will also introduce a new menu for 2019. Many of those classic options will remain, but the menu will be updated with items suggested and requested by the Geist community. “We really tried to listen to our guests and the community about what they were looking for,” Wolf says. “The new menu will have health conscious and dietspecific options like a house made Black Bean Burger, as well as more seafood and steak selections. Our goal is everything is going to be made from scratch in-house, including our soups and dressings.” Wolfies at Geist will also have a larger wine list in 2019. Wolf is utilizing his top wine connoisseur from The Italian House, another successful restaurant that he owns, to oversee the changes and develop a more palatable list. As the winter months continue, Wolf also encourages guests to drop by for lunch or dinner and watch their favorite sporting events. With more than 30, 65-inch flat screen TVs, Wolfies is an ideal location to catch the next big game. “It’s a fun, ‘Cheers’ kind of atmosphere,” he says. “It’s a great setting overlooking the lake to sit and watch sports during the winter and into March Madness.” Wolfies Grill at Geist is located at 11699 Fall Creek Rd. You can visit them online at wolfiesgrill.com or give them a call at 317-913-0293. The restaurant is currently taking winter reservations now through March for bigger parties. atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 17

MT. VERNON TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN CHINA Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger Photography Provided

International exchange programs for students are common in this generation. But now a new type of exchange program for teachers and administrators is available and select Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation staff got to experience it. Seven staff members went to Anshan, China, a city of more than 3.6 million people. Along for the experience were Mt. Vernon High School Principal Greg Roach, Fortville Elementary teacher Kelsey Sager, Interim Co-Superintendent/ Director of Elementary Education Heather Noesges, Mt. Vernon High School English teacher Jordan Gerbsch, Mt. Vernon Middle School 7th Grade Social Studies teacher Eric Harnish, Mt. Vernon High School Mandarin Chinese teacher Yi-Fan Lin and McCordsville Elementary teacher Trina Conover. Last fall, administrators and teachers went

to Anshan, and this past summer, Fortville Elementary sent a group of their teachers to Anshan to teach a group of their teachers about the educational practices they use for their elementary school students back home. This time, the opportunity was open to all teachers who wished to apply. “My coworkers’ stories about the connections they made with teachers in Anshan, China inspired me to apply,” says Kelsey Sager. “I was ecstatic a few weeks later when I received word that I was chosen for the China trip. The experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

and teacher exchanges.”

“We wanted to share our educational processes and ideas with schools in Anshan and learn from the Chinese educators about their educational methods,” says Greg Roach. “We also went to further develop our partnership with the schools in Anshan with the hope of setting up future student

“Now when I teach my kindergarteners about holidays around the world and the Chinese New Year, I can use my own experience, pictures and souvenirs from the trip to help those lessons come to life,” says Trina Conover.

One of the goals for the exchange program is to expose teachers and students to diversity and different cultures around the world. “We want to prepare them for life outside of Mt. Vernon,” says Heather Noesges.

Each school year, teachers are challenged with covering required curriculum in a finite number of days, making it difficult to squeeze in lessons about other cultures. But the exchange program provides a new way to integrate those cultural experiences As different as the two cultures are, the goal with the existing curriculum, providing of schools is the same in every country — to a valuable component to the students’ learning. teach the children.

18 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

The teachers and administrators returned from the trip in October eager to share the experiences with colleagues and students alike. “I teach about the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989. After seeing these landmarks in-person, they’re so much more real to me,” says Eric Harnish. “They’re no longer just historic places on the other side of the world. I can give students a detailed description of the steps on the Great Wall, describe what it’s like to barter with souvenir shop owners or explain how two people who don’t share a language can still communicate with one another. Now my students will get a better learning experience through my greater understanding of the Chinese culture. There’s no better way to learn about a new culture than to fully commit and immerse yourself in it.”

size. I’m used to having around 22 students in a class,” says Kelsey Sager. “In China, some elementary classes had more than 40 students with just one teacher. Their recess is unsupervised, and the hundreds of students play and get along without adult supervision.” All those involved are excited to see the program growing.

MAKE EVERY DAY FIVE STAR

“This program didn’t exist when I attended Mt. Vernon schools,” Harnish says. “I’m excited to see this opportunity open up to more and more of our students and staff as it continues to grow.” To learn more about international exchange opportunities in the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, visit mvcsc.k12.in.us.

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317-849-2244

The experience was very personal for one teacher. “As the only Asian born-and-raised teacher at Mt. Vernon High School, I wondered what other teachers would think of me because of my different background,” says Yi-Fan Lin. “But during this trip, it was amazing to see how curious and open-minded our group and the Chinese schools were about everything, We were exposed to so much of the Chinese culture like the students’ lifestyle, teaching methods, using chopsticks, learning some words in Mandarin and reading signs in Chinese characters. I’m proud of the staff at Mt. Vernon who stepped out of their comfort zone and embraced a culture far away and proud that both cultures are so willing to learn from each other. These educators will be a good influence on our students.” Aside from sharing their exciting experiences, the exchangers noticed some interesting contrasts. “The first thing I noticed was the class

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CATHEDRAL GIRLS SOCCER TEAM REFLECTS ON CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Photography Provided by Michael Tsueda

The Cathedral Irish Girls Soccer ended the 2018 season winning the IHSAA 2A State Championship title in front of the largest crowd ever at a state tournament. This was a significantly different outcome than last season where the Irish lost to arch-rival, Chatard, a team they had beaten the week prior for the City Championship only to lose in the first round of Sectionals. Head Coach Marc Behringer, had an inkling the incoming seniors had unfinished business with Chatard, but as it turns out, their vision was much larger.

Starting in early 2018, the juniors began meeting with the coaches and sharing their vision for their senior year, what their goals were in the program and how they wanted everything to work, to what they wanted on the back of their warm-up t-shirts, to choosing the team captains. Behringer recalls how absolute they were. “From the very first meeting, they were not afraid to state their goal, ‘Coach, we want to win the state championship,’” he says. “So I asked them to think about how they were going to get this done, and they backed up their words with action, training and preparation, listening, asking questions, 20 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

trying new things, a lot of effort and were willing to step aside sometimes and let someone else shine. “There have been a number of senior classes that have come through over the years that were strong, fantastic leaders, great teams and that is something in a program you hope continues because the success of a team comes primarily from the leadership of the seniors.” For senior Hailey Loftin, even though she suffered a season-ending injury early in the season, she shared that her two favorite seasons were this year winning the state championship and her freshman year with

the seniors envisioning it. She credits them for creating an environment where they would not be classified as freshmen, the JV team or varsity, it was just the Cathedral Girls Soccer Team. “They made it fun, they challenged us and they helped us grow,” she says. “Those seniors were our role models and they always looked out for us.” Co-Captain Jennifer Utsinger says, “Those seniors had a great bond and our goal since freshman year was to have a bond like theirs our senior year. It left a lasting impact on us. We love being together and hang out all the time together.” Behringer and his staff were able to keep their focus and let them know, “If they really wanted it, truly desired it, they needed to understand that winning in the tournament would be difficult and that they needed to prepare mentally and it would be work, a lot of work.” In the first sectional game, they beat arch-rival Chatard at Chatard, Sectional Championship game against Roncalli at Roncalli. A Regional game against South Dearborn was played at South Dearborn and was won in overtime. The Regional Championship game against New Palestine at New Palestine, the Semi-Final Game was against last year’s champion, Evansville Memorial in Evansville, a team ranked No. 1 all year. Along the way, the girls figured out it was going to take a lot of perseverance, a lot of persistence and that it would always be challenging. They finally made it to the state championship game against last year’s runner-up, South Bend St. Joseph at the Michael A. Carroll Memorial Stadium in Indianapolis where they had never played before, against the team that played there last year. Cathedral scored the first and only goal of the game in 90 seconds and with the help of their goalie, senior and co-captain Sophia Saucerman, they kept St. Joseph scoreless for more than 73 minutes to become the 2018 state champions.

Coach Behringer wants his outgoing seniors to know how thrilled he is for their victory and the legacy they will leave behind. “The best reward as a coach and why I coach is to see the girls experience so much joy,” he says. “After the match, the coaching staff walked off to the side and watched the girls take the trophy over SINCE to the crowd, cheer, get their pictures 1969 taken, sing and enjoy the moment. These moments, this joy, is the stuff of dreams and why we do what we do. The joy can seem fleeting, but it doesn’t have to be because for the program, the students, the athletes, the parents, the alumni, we have this joy together. Winning does not occur in a vacuum, it is a reflection of the entire program and comes on the shoulders of those that come before you.”

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is out there,” Gatz says. “With January being National Mentoring Month, we’re trying to really showcase what we do here in Fishers. We want to remind people that everyone can help and give an hour a week to a Fishers student.” YMI officials will be posting stories and testimonials from mentors and mentees on the official website throughout January, highlighting past successes of the program and underscoring the importance of community mentoring. Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa, who serves on the YMI board of directors and currently mentors an eighth-grader and a high school sophomore, says mentoring for as little as one hour a week can have a long-term impact on a young person. “It’s a great opportunity to make a difference,” he says. “And the longer you do it the better you get. Once you can build trust with a kid, that kid is going to empower you to coach them into making good choices as they go out into the world.”

Writer / Jon Shoulders Provided Photography

January is National Mentoring Month, and leaders from the Fishers-based Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) are working hard to make sure youths in the local area who need a helping hand — even just someone to talk to for a little while — aren’t left behind.

mentees out into the community to events and things,” says YMI Executive Director Alison Gatz. “Ours is school-based in that the mentors go to the student’s school once a week to meet them during the student’s recess period, study hall or other noncurriculum time.”

Gatz says the one-hour mentoring sessions are often simply a matter of sitting down and listening to the details of any issues a Founded in 2008, YMI is a school-based youngster might be facing, and mentors can mentoring program that partners volunteer help with goal-setting and problem-solving. mentors with mentee students within the Those interested in becoming a mentor can Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation visit the official YMI website to complete from fifth through twelfth grade. Mentors an application, undergo a background meet with their student mentees for an hour check and sign up for training prior to being during the school day, and YMI conducts matched up with a mentee. weekly training sessions for volunteers. “If you think of Big Brothers Big Sisters, that’s a community-based mentoring program because their mentors take the

“We want to raise awareness to let people know what we do — even though we’ve been around for 10 years it amazes me that a lot of people don’t know that this resource 24 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

Gatz says one of YMI’s ongoing challenges is convincing local business owners to give their employees an hour of paid time for volunteer mentoring since mentor sessions occur during the school day. “We feel like what we do fits in with today’s trend of businesses wanting their employees to give back, as well as Mayor Fadness’s recent focus on mental health,” she says. “Hopefully, as we get the word out more and more, businesses will embrace the idea of making time for kids in Fishers.” YMI also hosts an annual fundraiser each August to generate money for mentor training and assistance to Hamilton Southeastern schools throughout the academic year. The event is typically open to the public, and individuals can visit the organization’s website for additional event details or to donate directly. “I personally feel like every one of our kids is at risk in some way,” Gatz adds. “YMI was conceived as an extension of the guidance departments in schools, for kids who are at

risk of not graduating or having disciplinary problems. But today, kids have so many things coming at them, as far as who they should be and how they should act, and it’s almost like we have to counterbalance all of those messages. It takes a village, and everyone can give an hour to help.” Orusa says making a difference in a young person’s life can be a reward in and of itself for volunteers. “Helping to transform a young person’s life is huge,” he says. “There are always moments in life that touch our hearts and bring a tear to our eye, and we put those slides in our life’s slide tray. With this, being just a one-hour-a-week investment, you can have a lifetime of slides in your slide tray of your heart being touched when you deal with these kids.” For more info on Youth Mentoring Initiative, call 317-558-9641 or visit them online at ymionline.org.

“HAVING A YMI MENTOR IMPACTED MY LIFE MOSTLY AS MORE SUPPORT IN MY LIFE.”

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FISHERS CALLS ON COMMUNITY FOR NICKEL PLATE TRAIL IDEAS Writer / Kelsey Musick Photographer / Brian Brosmer

While the concept of the Nickel Plate Trail was announced back in February 2017, its construction is finally set to begin this spring. The trail will start at 96th street and stretch up to Noblesville Square, according to Fishers’ City Councilman John Weingardt, co-chairman of the trail’s Master Planning Committee.

section, which will comprise of the downtown area, according to Weingardt. Weingardt also mentioned that the City of Indianapolis is even considering extending the trail further south in the future. “My role is to give people a voice and allow them to express themselves as to what they want the trail to be,” Weingardt says. “I think this should be an opportunity people can openly discuss.”

“Mayor Fadness asked me to put together a group of stakeholders from the community,” Weingardt says. “And so far, it’s been a pretty interesting experience. We’ve had amazing input from the community, but there are a few who don’t want the trail built – they want the railroad tracks to remain.”

Weingardt, who is a business owner with his own Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm, said that his employees are excited to be able to finally enjoy this trail. And they’re not the only ones. Several schools near where the trail will be have classrooms working on Nickel Plate Trail projects with their students as part of its idea phase.

According to Weingardt, the overall response to the creation of the trail has been overwhelmingly positive though, and most of those who have voiced their complaints and concerns about it being built aren’t even from the Fishers community.

“There is a particular elementary school that’s along the trail, where the students and teachers are wanting to give their personal touch to the trail,” Weingardt says. “Even down toward the trail’s 106th street section, where eventually a humane society will be located, we’ll add things for it as well.”

The first order of business surrounding the trail’s construction will be its middle

There’s no doubt that the trail will overflow 26 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

with residents and visitors once it’s built – and that’s exactly what Weingardt and the rest of the trail’s Master Planning Committee are hoping for. “It’s not ‘hey, here’s your trail, see you later,’” he says. “We want people from all over Indiana and the Midwest to be attracted to it, and we want them to come and enjoy it.” For more information, visit nickelplatetrail.com/faqs.

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Christmas Letters To Santa Christmas has come and gone. Did you get everything you asked for? In December, local children sent in their letters to Santa at “Santa’s Mailbox” in Fishers City Hall. Several kids, as you might imagine, had interesting wish lists this year — everything from toys to hot tubs to a plane ticket to Florida. Visit Fishers Magazine’s Facebook page to read other letters to Santa. 28 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

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CO RTONA’S I TALI AN C UI S I N E & W I N E B AR BRING S AUTHE NT I C D I S HES TO FO RTV I L L E Writer / Josh Brown Photographer / Brian Brosmer

His love for Italian cuisine was fostered by time spent with family and being in the kitchen with his mother. “I always tried to cook the meals she used to make,” Lucarini says. “Some of the food we make today is from her recipes. I think she would be very proud of where I’m at today.” atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 31

In December, Lucarini’s dream came true when he officially opened Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar in Fortville. The restaurant held a soft opening Dec. 1 first and fully opened to the public a few days later. Lucarini couldn’t be happier with the turnout so far.

“It was very busy on our first day,” he says. “It is very exciting. The community has been great. They enjoy our food. Most people love Italian food, and I think there was a demand for it here in Fortville.” The opening marks one of the first truly authentic Italian spots to open in Fortville. The restaurant is located off Main Street right next to FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale. It’s a prime spot to be in, and, after searching for nearly a year, Lucarini knew that Fortville was a perfect fit. “Fortville is a nice area and up-and-coming in a lot of ways,” he says. “It’s just a peaceful town — very historic and very pretty. It’s also close to Geist and so many other surrounding Indianapolis areas.” The restaurant is family-friendly and seats about 70 people. Upon walking in, patrons first see the beautiful wine bar at the front of the restaurant, as well as the large brick oven behind that. Lucarini knew he wanted his menu to be unique. His travels have taken him all over the world, including Italy, France, New York and more, expanding his knowledge of the food industry and wine along the way. When he moved to Indy in 2015, the goal was always to one day open his own restaurant. Lucarini spent several years as a chef and working at local Indy restaurants like Ambrosia and Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano. Those experiences in the restaurant industry, he says, only further prepared him for opening Cortona’s. Cortona’s menu is unique, and that is by design. This isn’t necessarily the Italian food you are used to having at chain restaurants. All pasta entrees include house-made noodles and sauces like the Lasagna di Carne with house-made béchamel parmesan cream and meat ragu, the Pasta all Vongole with linguine pasta and fresh clams in a white wine garlic sauce, or the Pasta Bolognese — tagliatelle pasta with ragu sauce and the 32 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

option of veal, beef or pork, among many other options. All the dishes are inspired in some way by Lucarini’s upbringing, hence the name of the restaurant, a nod to his hometown of Cortona. Lucarini will also be found, most days, in the kitchen cooking up the dishes himself for patrons. The restaurant also serves soups and salads, Antipasti options, pizzas with the freshest ingredients and, of course, an expansive wine list for visitors. “It is a special experience,” Lucarini says. “It is very authentic food. We serve traditional Tuscan dishes. I try to use all organic produce and ingredients. This isn’t American, Italian cuisine. The wine list includes Italian and French wines. Most of the wine is from Tuscany. “I’m happy with how everything turned out,” he adds. “I like to cook. I enjoy preparing food for people and, hopefully, making them happy.”

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3 WAYS TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT Writer / Shelly Bergman Photography Provided

There are lots of ways to start the New Year off right. Sometimes it’s hard to start when you have no idea where to begin. Here are a few ways to help you get out of a funk any time of the year, but are especially important before starting New Year’s resolutions.

1. PLAN My most popular articles are about planning, and I’m realizing now, it’s not just because people are trying to do it better but also because it’s what helps all types of people to accomplish their goals and how they live their lives. I carve time out each Sunday to work on my calendar, which will keep me on schedule for what needs to get done for the week. The calendar helps make sure I stick to a routine for my life. Routine is what makes me feel calm, so making sure we’re balanced with extra circulars and home life is key.

2. WRITE Writing consistently keeps me on a roll. Writing is an amazing outlet for anxiety. Writing down plans, fears, hopes and lists gets things out of your brain so you can make room to breathe. I’m also lumping in reading here. The best writers are constantly reading and so I focus on, not only listening to podcasts during my free time, but reading more books. Slow down on social media and only use it consciously at your desktop in order to have more time for being present and reading.

3. LOVE

family) that I’m interested in watching movies on the weekends but during the week I’ll be writing, reading or playing games with my family before bed. Realizing what kind of selflove works best in caring for your body and mind is something you might have to work on but it will be worth it once you do. Because I know that everyone is different, I’ve asked some local moms how they shift gears for the New Year. Here’s what they had to say:

“I packed on a massive amount of weight during the six years that I had five children. I’m constantly preaching self-love and making I tried doing everything at once: adding in sure to put yourself before your family and exercise, changing diet and eliminating my friends so you are better able to love them. trouble foods and beverages. I failed on day Taking the right actions for self-love is also two. I recently started by taking on one problem key here. In general, for me, watching shows at a time and I’m succeeding. It took me six at night is a bad use of time. It often causes me years to gain this weight and develop bad to be angry or sad right before bed which in habits and practices, I can’t expect to lose it all turn affects my sleep behavior. I’m not giving at once and get out of this in one swoop.” our TV away to accomplish better habits but -Katy Mann of Indy with Kids putting a boundary in place (and telling my 34 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

“For a quick fix, I tend to escape into a great movie. It’s nice to live in someone else’s world for a while. If it’s a deeper and lingering issue, I put it on paper and get to work dissecting it. I’m a problem solver by nature, so breaking things down to understand them better is how I shift my mindset.” -Sierra Holmes of Eclectic Kurves “When I’m in a funk, I just like to go back to things that inspire me. Luckily, I’m inspired by organization and listmaking, so I make that the first thing I do.’ -Brittney Mason of The Pretty Plus “Right now, for instance, my kids have been home sick with the flu, I’m fighting it off, yet I have a deadline to get a feature documentary out of my edit suite and out the door. After returning home from vacation, the last thing I actually want to do is nose to the grind, but I know I have to. When I’m spinning my wheels, I go to bed, take a walk. Those are temporary fixes. If the funk is of a large proportion, like the one I am in right now, I make a goals list of the things I want to accomplish after this is done. That list is what I am working towards. It gives me an incentive to get to this finish line so I can focus my effort on something that will give me joy.” -Kathryn Dickson of Kathryn Anywhere “I like to make a list of things I’m looking forward to or want to accomplish. And if I can’t think of anything, I realize it’s time to get something on the calendar. This year, I have nothing specific planned for summer and it was messing up my ability to daydream so I got out the map and planned our trip to PA with the kids. We looked up places to visit and stuff to do. Now I’ve got something to look forward to, goals to work toward and activities I’m saving for.” -Katie Ruvalcaba of Ruvalcademy ‘My go-to way of resetting myself is usually a few days of self-care and self-love that consists of really good hot yoga classes, daily meditations (even just five minutes or so), consciously seeking fresh air (walk outside, sit on our screened-in porch and read or go to my family’s lake house). It’s all about flipping your perspective.” -Greta Snell of The Moon and She’ “Every year I choose a word to focus on. This year it is peace. Past years have included: surrender, beauty, perspective and gratitude. It’s powerful to see life through that one lens every day for a whole year.’ -Ali Wren of Ali Wren atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 35

Man’s Best Friend IU Health Saxony Hospital Introduces Pet Therapy Program Quigley is a 10-year-old labradoodle, and she has been a registered therapy dog If you are a pet owner, you know how it for five years. She visits Riley Children’s feels when your dog greets you at the door, Hospital in downtown Indianapolis, or when your cat snuggles with you on the IU Health North Hospital and has just couch. Imagine recreating that same feeling recently helped establish the therapy dog at a hospital. That’s what Peter and Nancy program at IU Health Saxony Hospital in Canning are doing with their dog Quigley at Fishers. IU Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers. “We enjoy sharing Quigley with patients Quigley, alongside her owners, rounds the who may be having a rough day,” Nancy halls at IU Health Saxony Hospital, visiting says. “Watching her lift spirits and offer individuals in hospital rooms, lobbies and a joyful break in someone’s day, it really waiting areas. makes us feel like we’re making a positive impact on our community.” “There’s a growing amount of research documenting the benefits of pet therapy,” And she is not just for patients. Quigley Peter says. “Individuals who receive pet visits team members at IU Health Saxony therapy show decreased anxiety, increased Hospital, too. motivation to recover and improved moods. The bond formed between an animal and a “The IU Health staff and caregivers often patient also can assist in improving blood have huge smiles when they interact with pressure and heart rate levels.” Quigley,” Nancy says. “They frequently tell us that seeing Quigley makes their whole At its most basic level, pet therapy provides a day. It feels good knowing that the joy will dose of unconditional love. And if you meet stay with them throughout their day as they Quigley, that is just what you can expect. care for patients, too.” Story Provided by IU Health Saxony

36 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

The Canning family learned the benefits of pet therapy firsthand. Their oldest daughter has a chronic illness, requiring a number of lengthy hospitalizations. During their stays, they saw how pet therapy lifted their daughter’s spirit. Pet therapy made her smile, and it helped her more fully engage with her care. “When we got Quigley, we would take her with us for walks and on various errands,” Peter says. “She seemed to truly enjoy meeting people and folks responded positively to her, so we thought she might be a good therapy dog candidate. We worked on training her for about a year, and then went through the process of getting her registered.” Peter and Nancy say they are excited about establishing a pet therapy program at IU Health Saxony Hospital and look forward to sharing Quigley with Fishers residents visiting the hospital. IU Health Saxony Hospital is located at 13000 E 136th St in Fishers. For more information, visit iuhealth.org.

West Carmel-Zionsville 317.449.2100 Indianapolis-Ironworks at Keystone 317.542.3102 Greenwood 317.247.0000 Avon 317.542.2999 Fishers-Geist 317.960.4100 Carmel 317.688.1348 Fishers-Nickel Plate 317.806.1212 Downtown Indianapolis 317.912.1515 Broad Ripple 317.616.3800 Coming Soon!

The challenge will change everything, beginning on January 21. Sign up now for a special rate* available until January 17, 2019. *Participation in Transformation Challenge (TC) requires registration and an Orangetheory membership or package. Register for TC from 12/31/18 through 1/17/19. Registration fee will apply unless you buy a Transformation Challenge Membership (TCM). TC runs from 1/21/19 through 3/17/19. Must take minimum three (3) sessions per week for 6 of the 8-week event duration. All sessions must be taken at the studio of TC registration. No more than one (1) session per day. See studio for TCM details. At participating studios only. Offer void where prohibited by law. Restrictions apply. Visit orangetheory.com/termsofuse for full TC details. Orangetheory® and other trademarks marks are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC. ©Copyright 2018-2019 Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC.

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atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 37

SOLD

Patrice Young (left) and Owner, Tiffany Colvin

Popular Gourmet Treats & Desserts Shop Opens In Fishers Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Ron Wise

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

She loves what she does, so every day is a sweet treat for her. She started the SweeTies Gourmet Treats business in Broad Ripple in October 2009.

Her Broad Ripple business at 2101 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, has been so popular she recently opened a second location in Fishers at 8902 E. 96th Street.

“My mother (Patrice Young, who goes by ‘TC,’) was a wedding cake baker and caterer for years and had a dream of having her own bakery one day,” Colvin says. “With both of us having a passion for baking, we decided to open one together. We are a family-owned business. We have no formal training, just a love for baking.”

Colvin, a Broad Ripple High School graduate, has loved turning her zeal for making high-quality desserts into a way to make a successful living.

It was a gamble that has paid off handsomely. It has become a fixture in Broad Ripple and has already taken off in Fishers.

Well, SweeTies Gourmet Treats Owner Tiffany Colvin says you can.

38 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

“We decided to open the Fishers location because we felt there was something missing here in this area, which is Sweets,” Colvin says. The secret to the success is simple: they make delicious desserts. “We bake everything in-house daily and deliver (our treats) to our Broad Ripple location,” Colvin says. “Our specialties are cupcakes and custom cakes. Once we get settled in (at the Fishers location), we will be hosting different decorating classes for children and adults.” SweeTies sells custom celebration cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, pies and more.

Customer favorites at SweeTies include Brown Butter Carmel Cake or cupcakes, Sweet Potato cupcake, Fresh Strawberry Lemonade cupcake, Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake and Sweet Potato Pie. Colvin has her own personal favorites. “I like the Sugar Cream Pie, Brown Butter Carmel Cake, Carrot Cake, Carmel Apple Pie, Bread Pudding and Tres Leche,” Colvin says. “Just to name a few.”

r i v a t e

a n k i n g

the Bank that’s Close to home. At the National Bank of Indianapolis, we’re proud to be the Indianapolis area’s largest locally owned national bank. Our private bankers, our directors,

Colvin wants SweeTies to be her customer’s one-stop destination for all of their desserts. The shop has a popular daily menu, as well as a cake and a cupcakes menu.

even our shareholders live and work in Greater

Colvin says SweeTies also has a popular food truck.

cares, call Sherry Hyska today at 317-261-9736.

Indianapolis. Decisions are made locally by people close to the community. So if you’re looking for professional banking service from someone who

She’ll make you feel right at home.

“Our food truck can be rented for private events,” Colvin says. Colvin adds that SweeTies is always offering special discounts and offers to their customers. “We also always encourage new customers to come by,” she says. SweeTies is open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. The store is located at 8902 E. 96th Street in Fishers and at 2101 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis. Give them a call at 317-466-9716 or visit them online at sweetiesgt.com.

www.nbofi.com

atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 39Hyska PB_8.125x10.625 Client/Filename: NBI / GEIST MAGAZINE /7495 Job #:

ANBI-7495-06

Member FDIC

Geist-Fishers Aktion Club Launches Local Kiwanis Leaders Seek to Empower Citizens With Disabilities, Promote Inclusion Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger Photographer / Glenda White

National service organization Kiwanis Club has announced the forming of one if its sponsored clubs. The Geist-Fishers Aktion Club just launched in October bringing a whole new level of involvement in the community. Aktion Club is a Kiwanis Program for adults with disabilities and has thousands of members worldwide in more than 500 locations. Aktion Club is the newest of Kiwanis sponsored club and joins several other Kiwanis sponsored clubs like Key Club for the high school level and Circle K for collegians. The program brings community service into focus by teaching and encouraging adults with disabilities to become actively involved in community service projects. Talks to form the Geist-Fishers Aktion Club had been ongoing for months. Local Kiwanis leaders and members used other

Aktion Clubs like the Noblesville Aktion Club, which is a very active club, as a model for the new one. To put all the pieces in place, Kiwanis leaders enlisted the help of some key people and businesses in the Geist and Fishers community who are already involved in the disabilities field, like Opportunities for Positive Growth (OPG), Outside the Box, Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) and Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Opportunities for Positive Growth, an organization which provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, was tapped early on for assistance and will serve as host for the meetings. Since OPG already works with individuals with disabilities, the organization was a direct fit for a partnership for the Geist-Fishers Aktion Club. OPG lent some of their talent to the venture as well. Michelle Steltz, Director of Operations for OPG, is on a Fishers advisory committee on disability and played a big role not only in making the launch happen but in forming the partnership with OPG. Once the pieces were in place, Steltz handed the reins to her

40 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

colleague, Dana Pottschmidt, a Behavior Support Specialist for Opportunities for Positive Growth. Pottschmidt was an easy pick to take on the lead role as Kiwanis Advisor to the club. She has a strong background in working with people with disabilities. With two autistic family members, she has a personal interest in the welfare of individuals with behavioral disabilities. Professionally, she has been a direct support caregiver to individuals with disabilities prior to joining OPG. “Becoming involved with Aktion Club was a natural gravitation,” she says. “I just want to help these people see they have an important role in society and they can make a difference. These people are learning valuable skills through volunteerism and it gives them a purposeful life. The club brings to light and creates awareness that people with disabilities are employable. We want this club to make a difference in the lives of our members and promote inclusion.” The Geist-Fishers Aktion Club may be in the beginning phase, but they’ll be able to get rolling quickly, thanks to the Kiwanis Club’s already established connections for fundraising and community service projects. Dave Humes, member of the Kiwanis Club of Geist and other Kiwanis Club members provided their assistance in organizing the club. Aktion Club members will provide the same quality community service as in all other Kiwanis sponsored clubs.

“We’re hoping to grow to 25, and it would be great to get closer to the average number of 40 to 50 members,” Pottschmidt says. Members must be 18 years of age or older to join Aktion Club. Annual dues are $8, and the club meets twice a month at Opportunities for Positive Growth at 10080 East 121st Street in Fishers, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To learn more about becoming involved and joining, contact Dave Humes at davehumes@comcast.net.

“The difference for these members who live with disabilities is that they often have skills but little opportunity to develop or apply them,” Humes adds. “Now they’ll have opportunities to interact socially with other adults with disabilities while making a positive contribution to society.” In September, the club held a launch fundraiser and silent auction at the Geist Yacht Club. Proceeds went to purchase playground equipment for a local school and to help launch Aktion Club. Members will participate in community service projects throughout 2019, like visits to a nursing home, park beautification projects, fundraising projects like car washes and other community needs projects like food drives. Members will have an opportunity to participate in social and educational components like a trip to a museum or the zoo and listening to guest speakers. “It’s all in an effort to help these individuals gain independence,” Pottschmidt says. Kiwanis Club is working through their channels to help promote and recruit membership to the Geist-Fishers Aktion Club. The club already recruited the minimum number of 15 allowing them to establish a charter. atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 41

Owner, Bill Watson and Co-owner and General Manager, Lisa Cooper

THE PITTT BARBECUE & GRILL CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Lucas Cooley

When The Pittt Barbecue & Grill On the Point, 6320 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, opened its doors on Nov. 3, owner Bill Watson says he couldn’t have been more pleased. “We received a very warm and wonderful reception,” Watson says. “We are so happy to be a part of a nice, wholesome, family community. Our guests have been telling us they love our food and were waiting for us to open our doors.” Watson believes there has been a large demand for a new barbecue restaurant in the Geist area. “This is an under-served area for barbecue, and we are filling that need,” Watson says. “We have already been able to meet a lot of new friends here, and we have also seen old

friends from our Anderson location.”

Watson has his own personal favorites, too.

The Pittt Barbecue & Grill on The Point in Anderson at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., has been so successful that it convinced Watson to open a second location to share his delicious food.

“I love ribs,” he says. “I can eat them any day at any time. I really love our Turkey Ribs. We have a lot of people order those.”

“Our Anderson restaurant has been open for 12 years now, and we have a really strong following,” Watson says. “I have also already had a lot of new people in this area come back, after enjoying all of our choices.” Those choices include their excellent Ribs, Rib Tips and Pulled Pork, which are some of the most popular menu items. “Some of the other big sellers are our Angus Beef Brisket and our Fried Chicken Ribs,” Watson says. “We have also had a lot of people tell us they love our fish and baby back ribs.” 42 / GEIST MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2019 / atGeist.com

Combo platters are available with any two dinners and any two sides. “Our big sides are our cornbread dressing, green beans, potato salad, coleslaw and Mac N’Cheese,” Watson says. “Other options are onion rings, French fries and okra.” Watson and his staff also get a lot of guests telling them they love their desserts, which include Cherry Cheese Pie, Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie and a selection of cheesecakes. “We have the best Sweet Potato Pie in Indiana,” Watson says proudly. Watson, who worked for General Motors

for several years before starting The Pittt, has enjoyed working with his family at the restaurant. “My wife, Aundrea, is a partner, and my sister, Lisa, is a partner at the new location on Oaklandon Road,” Watson says. “I also love our great team of employees. I am a very proud of them. They are great to work with.” Watson also appreciates his loyal customers, which includes Vice President Mike Pence. “We had the Vice President visit our Anderson location on Sept. 26, 2017,” Watson says. “He loves our food. We had the Secret Service with us for about a week before his visit. When Vice President Pence was there, the immediate area was shut down. He was at the restaurant for close to three hours and spoke to five or six families about tax reform. He ate at every table he sat at and loved everything.”

Superior risk-adjusted returns with an emphasis on

QUALITY ASSETS.

Watson believes one of the keys to The Pittt’s success has been the amount of integrity that goes into the preparation of the food. “We make sure everything is as fresh as it can be,” Watson says. “We are very health conscious and have never had a health violation.” Watson noted that his loyal customer base has made The Pittt so successful. He is confident that the new location will also flourish.

Over $1 billion in assets under management for clients.

“I love the way people are so excited about our food,” Watson says. “Everyone has been so gracious and nice. We have already made a lot of new friends who are helping us bring in new customers.” The Pittt Barbecue & Grill On the Point is located at 6320 Oaklandon Road. Give them a call at 317-8553542 or visit them online at pitttbbq.com.

317-261-1900 | www.dmdcap.com | Indianapolis Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value

atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 43

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10408 OLIO ROAD | FISHERS, IN (317) 401-3800 (317) 401-3800 10408 10408OLIO OLIOROAD ROAD||FISHERS, FISHERS,IN IN

Debbie DebbieRamos, Ramos,Director Directorof ofEducation Educationat atLeafSpring LeafSpringSchool School

LEAFSPRING SCHOOL ACHIEVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION APPROVAL IN EARLYTREES LEARNING JOHNNY APPLESEED & JOHNNY APPLESEED & TWO TWO TREES LeafSpring School, at 10408 Olio Road in Fishers, has attained national accreditation approval through AdvancED. AdvancED is the most rigorous school accreditation organization in the United States. Full accreditation signals the commitment of LeafSpring School to continuous improvement. “Our vision is to be The Standard of Excellence in early education, schoolage recreation and mildly ill child care,” says owner Steven Ramos. “Achieving national accreditation from AdvancED demonstrates LeafSpring Schools commitment and focus on meeting the highest research-based standards through an on-going, demanding, quality assurance process. It delivers on our vision.” Achieving national accreditation through AdvancED now triggers LeafSpring to achieve Level 4 Paths to Quality in February 2019. Level 4 Paths to Quality is the State of Indiana’s highest level of accreditation and demonstration of early learning excellence. The State of Indiana Paths to Quality process requires a Level by Level approach requiring six months of time or more between each level.

homemade homemadeapplesauce applesauceand andChef ChefSeiji Seijimade made apple parents top appletarts tartsthat thatthe thekids kidsand and parentscould could top EARLY LEARNING ACCREDITATION with withwhip whipcream. cream.For Forsmall smallchildren, children,ititwas was We Wehave haveallallheard heardthe theLegend LegendofofJohnny Johnny fun funtotocut cutopen openananapple appleand andtalk talkabout aboutallall Appleseed Appleseedfrom fromwhen whenwe wewere werechildren, children, the parts theschools partssuch suchasasthe thecore, core,stem, stem,seeds, seeds, skin Parents know that early learning Using askin set of rigorous research-based but have story with but haveyou youshared sharedthat that story withyour your and andpeel. peel.Counting Countingthe theseeds seedsand andcutt cutting ingthe the children? You can create a precious children? You can create a precious awarded AdvancED Accreditation not standards and evidence-based criteria, apple appleinto intopieces piecesprovided providednot notonly onlylanguage language moment momentwith withyour yourchild, child,grandchild, grandchild,niece niece enrichment but such enrichment butmath mathskills, skills, suchasascounting countingPerformance Accreditation only meet educational but also AdvancED oror nephew by the doing nephew byreading reading thestory storyand andstandards doing and andfractions. fractions.At Atthe thefestival, festival,we wedid didcoloring, coloring, an activity every an activitytogether together everyfall. fall.At AtLeafSpring LeafSpring and apple printing, games, provide the safe, encouraging examines the whole institution — the applenurturing printing,played playedmany many games,danced danced School, School,we wecelebrated celebratedhis hislife lifeininour ourrecent recent totolive livemusic musicand androde rodeon onaathree-car three-cartrackless trackless environment so critical to the development policies, programs, practices, learning Johnny Appleseed Johnny AppleseedFestival. Festival. train trainthrough throughthe theparking parkinglot. lot.Th Theechildren children will with of young children. Put simply, early learning conditions willtie tiethese thesememorable memorablemoments moments with and cultural context — to During Duringthe theweek weekwe weread readmany manydiff different erent Johnny JohnnyAppleseed Appleseedand andyou. you. schools that have earned AdvancED determine how well the parts work together stories about and stories abouthis hisfascinating fascinating andimpactful impactful life. Johnny was a good-natured, unique life. Johnny was a good-natured, unique In his honor, our kids and planted In his honor, our kids andfamilies families planted Accreditation meet nationally recognized to carry out the institution’s vision and meet person personwith withaarecognizable recognizableatt attire. ire.He Hewas was six sixfruit fruittrees treesatatthe theschool. school.Every Everyyear yearthe the standards of quality, impact lifelong the needs of every learner. always barefoot, ininthe while always barefoot,even even thewinter, winter, while children’s families be and pick familieswill will beable abletotocome come and pickapples apples wearing tatt ered clothes and sporting aapan wearing tatt ered clothes and sporting pan and peaches. It is something that our school and peaches. It is something that our school learning and support young children in the for foraahat. hat.Can Canyou youimagine? imagine? family familywill willalways alwaysshare. share.We Wecurrently currentlyhave have highest regard. AdvancED Performance AdvancED several this severalother otherfruit fruittrees, trees,and and thisweek weekeach eachhas developed quality standards Th made Theeteachers teachersand andchildren childrenalso made class will class willpick pickan anapple. apple. and processesHaving grown aafarm, Havingmeet grownup upon onunique farm,we wehave haveaagreat great Accreditation foralso Early Learning Schools that the appreciation appreciationfor forgrowing growingfood foodfor forharvest. harvest. motivates schools to continuously improve requirements for early learning and public and Everywhere that Steve and Debbie have Everywhere that Steve and Debbie have lived we lived around the world wehave haveplanted planted on behalf of the young children they serve. private schools. Inaround orderthe toworld earn AdvancED and andnurtured nurturedfruit fruittrees. trees. We Weencourage encourage Performance Accreditation, institutions must: you moment youtotocreate createaaspecial special momentwith withyour your child childnot notonly onlyatatthe theapple appleorchard orchardbut butby by HIGH EXPECTATIONS planting plantingtwo twotrees. trees.You Youneed needtwo twotrees treessoso • Meet the AdvancED Standards and that each thatthey theycross-pollinate cross-pollinate eachother. other.Now Now have you havesomething somethingevery everyyear yeartototalk talkabout about AdvancED is deeply committed to the care accreditationyou policies. and andenjoy enjoycome comeharvest. harvest.IfIfeveryone everyonethat that and education of all young children. We read readthis thisstory storyplanted plantedtwo twofruit fruittrees treesGeist Geist have blossoms ininspring would havebeautiful beautiful blossoms springand and hold our accredited early learning schools • Demonstratewould quality assurance through bountiful bountifulharvests harvestsininthe thefall. fall.And AndJohnny Johnny accountable for high quality educational internal andwould engagement reviews. be that would besmiling smilingknowing knowing thathis hismission mission still stilllives liveson onininyou youand andyour yourchild. child. and childcare standards focused on teaching Writer Writer / / Debbie DebbieRamos Ramos Photographer Photographer / / Megan MeganRenai RenaiPhotography Photography

STRONG FOUNDATION

1818/ /GEIST GEISTMAGAZINE MAGAZINE/ /OCTOBER OCTOBER 2018/ /atGeist.com atGeist.com and learning as well as health and safety, • 2018 Engage in continuous improvement. providing families guidance in finding exceptional programs for their children. AdvancED Performance Accreditation The AdvancED Standards for Quality Early is not about earning a label for a oneLearning Schools support learning, growth time evaluation. Rather, it recognizes and development of young children in a those institutions that have sustained an culture of continuous improvement that exemplary commitment to continuous engages leaders, staff and parents. improvement and learner outcomes.

Geist_1018.indd Geist_1018.indd 1818

“Our teachers and administration team have been working hard on this and have been following the rigid guidelines since the first day of opening,” says Debbie Ramos, Director of Education. “We are so proud of our team. It is wonderful to finally see the official recognition.” Here are some details on AdvancED accreditation.

9/19/18 9/19/18 11:29 11:29AM AM

NOW ENROLLING LeafSpring School (previously Rainbow Station) is now enrolling 4-year-olds and Kindergarteners. Special Offer: Enroll by July 15 and receive one FREE week of tuition ($250 value)

atGeist.com / JANUARY 2019 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 45

New movers – whether they are renters or homeowners – spend more money on home-related purchases within the first three months of living in their new home than most people do in a five-year period.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THIS LUCRATIVE AUDIENCE BEFORE THEY MAKE THEIR MOVE!

APRIL 2019

2019 Directory & Relocation Guide

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2019 2019 Directory & Relocation Guide atGeist.com

TARGET YOUR MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCAL CONSUMERS –

EXISTING and NEW MOVERS in the Geist Community Introducing the first-ever annual directory and relocation guide for the

Content for this annual directory and relocation guide will feature

growing City of Geist, Indiana. In April, our Geist Magazine will feature

highlights from the Geist community, such as:

a thick glossy cover, perfect bound durable spine, and all sorts of local extras to make it a keepsake reference for the entire year. In addition to

▶ Welcome to Geist – Resources and information for newcomers

our regular city-wide distribution, we will be mailing copies throughout

▶ Geist Map – Highlight major roads, neighborhoods, schools, and parks

the year to the following people: ▶ New movers: We are purchasing a list of new homeowners each month and mailing them a complimentary copy via First Class USPS.

▶ Education – Public and private school options, childcare ▶ Restaurants – Local Townies restaurant guide

▶ Relocation requests: Through our website, people looking to relocate to Geist can request a FREE copy to be mailed to them.

▶ Where to Shop – Guide to local boutiques, shopping centers, and retailers

TARGETED DISTRIBUTION:

▶ Healthcare – Finding a doctor, dentist, chiropractor, and wellness support

• • • • • •

Direct mailed to all Geist residents

▶ Leisure & Recreation – Golf courses, arts, sports & athletics, parks

Online requests from new movers New movers to 46236, 46256, 46040, and 46055 mailed out monthly

▶ Real Estate – Realtors, mortgage services, moving specialists

Realtors, relocation companies, and real estate developers Home builders and new home communities Online relocation requests throughout the year TOTAL PRINTED COPIES: 20,000 Tom@TownePost.com | 317-810-0011 x. 2 | 11216 Fall Creek Rd. #125 , Indianapolis, IN 46256

townepost.com/directory

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Thanks f0r participating!

PHOTO FROM SHERRI WHITE

PHOTO FROM ROBIN DUNCAN DECEMBER 2018 / AVON/PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE

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PHOTO FROM RYAN MCTAMNEY

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