Real Rowdie
Catching Up with the Indianapolis Indians Mascot
CAPTURING HOOSIER HISTORY
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH IMS LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS OWENS
The Local Radish Nurturing Community
6 CAPTURING HOOSIER HISTORY Behind the Scenes with IMS Lead Photographer Chris Owens
10 THE LOCAL RADISH Nurturing Community Amidst Adversity
14 THE NEW FRONTIER
Indianapolis Colts Drive Girls’ Flag Football Growth
16 REAL ROWDIE Catching Up with the Indianapolis Indians Mascot
21 DISCOVERING INDY
Sharing the City with Families of All Ages
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MICHAEL & LINDSAY DURR michael@townepost.com (630) 853-1142
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ASHLEY CALLAN
MELISSA GIBSON
TRAVIS HINKLE
RENÉE LARR
ASHLEY WATTERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
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CAPTURING HOOSIER HISTORY
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH IMS LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS OWENS
Writer / Ashley Watters
Portraits of Chris Owens / Travis Hinkle
If you’re born and bred in the Hoosier state, May always brings a sense of excitement. It’s race season, and nowhere in the world is that more exciting than in Indianapolis, the home of the largest spectator sport in the world, the Indy 500. While racing season always sets a thrill to the air in Indianapolis, for Chris Owens, racing season takes on a whole new meaning.
Owens has the lucky job of overseeing all photography related to racing season. As the manager of photo operations for Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Series, he manages all photography on race day, promotional events, driver photos,
hospitality gatherings, you name it. If it leads up to race day, he and his camera aren’t far away.
As a young kid growing up in the small town of Bluffton, Indiana, Owens found a single-lens reflex camera amongst the toys in his toy box. He fondly remembers toting it around pretending to capture the moments around him. His love of photography further grew as he collected sports cards and then took high school photography courses, leading to collegiate study at both the University of Vincennes and the Art Institute of Indianapolis, the latter chosen to help further his skills while
getting him closer to the track.
“I always knew I wanted to photograph the race,” he says. “I really pushed the envelope to try and get on the team. I had to keep after it for years. Finally, in 2010 I got the chance to meet the manager of photography and joined the team as a volunteer. As people came and went, I landed the role of manager.”
While acting as the lead photographer of the Indy 500 is exhilarating and certainly qualifies as a dream job, Owens recognizes that it is a highly demanding role. Race day itself requires a huge amount of preparation
Chris Owens / Manager of Photography at Indianapolis Motor Speedway / INDYCAR
“IT’S SURREAL TO KNOW YOU’RE DOCUMENTING HISTORY AND YOU KNOW IT’S IMPORTANT TO SO MANY PEOPLE.”
- CHRIS OWENS
and versatile skill sets to coordinate and capture all of the memorable moments that occur annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
“The whole season is really adrenaline fueled,” he says. “There’s practicing for weeks and the Grand Prix before the actual race. But race day is a totally different beast. You have 350,000 people and all of their energy is wearing off onto you. There’s this buildup year-round to this event, but the race only lasts two to three hours and then it’s over. You really have to know what you want to accomplish that day.”
Outside of the creative needs placed on the photography team, Owens spends a great amouna of time planning where the team will need to be, to ensure no relevant moments slip by. There are so many events that have to be captured, from the EDM festival at the start and race highlights, all the way through to the drinking of the milk at Victory Circle. Additionally, every photographer needs to be equipped with fresh, full batteries and clean memory cards. Each moment has to be documented to the fullest extent.
Despite the whirlwind that is race day, Owens always heads to Victory Circle as the race nears the end. He likes to join spectators to feel that same excitement of the roaring crowds as the finishers cross the line into Victory Circle. “It’s surreal to know you’re documenting history and you know it’s important to so many people,” he says.
He does like to remind people that, as with any job, it’s not all glitz and glamour. There is a fair amount of the mundane that must
be done as well. Owens manages an archive of more than four million historical images. With the exception of about 90 days out of the year, he is traveling to take part in public relations events and promotional experiences, all a part of the fanfare that connects one race season to the next. And he frequently finds himself faced with creative requests that vary from best-of-year galleries to driver headshots.
Despite any amount of ordinary tasks that go along with his job, and sometimes because of them, Owens always remembers that he is living his dream job.
“My favorite part is being able to connect my two passions, which are Indy car racing and photography,” he says. “I’m the one with the responsibility who gets to share what I love with so many other people that love it. I get to be their eyes - get to share some of those behind-the-scenes moments. A lot of time there are things that happen in garages, or even going on PR stunt trips and getting to go to dinner with the crew and drivers. That’s what I do it for.”
For those of you gearing up for race season this year, he has a few bits of advice to share.
“You can get great photos from a lot of places at the track,” he says. “You don’t need to be trackside to get great images. I often go into the fan areas to get great images.”
Even as he looks ahead to the coming season and the logistical stresses it may bring, there is no other job he’d rather do.
THE LOCAL RADISH NURTURING COMMUNITY AMIDST ADVERSITY
Situated on 52nd Street in Indianapolis, The Local Radish stands as a beacon of resilience, creativity, and strong community values. Owner Britt Spencer, an artisan turned entrepreneur, has created not just a metaphysical supply store, but a space that reflects the human spirit. It serves as a hub for education and connection, featuring handcrafted jewelry, ethically sourced crystals and carefully curated apothecary items on its shelves.
The Local Radish’s path to its current location has been far from ordinary. Spencer started as a traveling artist selling handmade jewelry, canned goods and body-care products at farmers markets. Spencer’s vision for the store always extended beyond traditional retail. This foresight led her to establish a brick-and-mortar location, a leap that would unexpectedly test her entrepreneurial spirit.
Before settling on 52nd Street, The Local Radish had a humble beginning in Beech Grove. Spencer’s vision was to contribute to the local economy and foster a sense of community. However, her journey was not without challenges. Despite bringing new business to the area, she encountered unexpected obstacles, ranging from city politics to outright hostility. In 2023, hosting a Taylor Swift-themed community event garnered viral attention, but also presented unforeseen difficulties.
“Anytime you go viral, it’s both good and bad,” Spencer says. “I was battling with the city council just to host the event, and then on the day-of, my landlord failed to mention that severe construction would be taking place on the roof.”
What followed was an ordeal few smallbusiness owners could anticipate: holes cut into the roof during peak business hours, debris showering merchandise and, ultimately, over $50,000 in damages. “It went on for days,” Spencer says. “I couldn’t stop it and the health department shut us down.” Legal battles ensued, but Spencer focused on what she could control - finding a new home for The Local Radish.
Her new space in Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple neighborhood, which opened on March 1, has already proven to be a perfect fit. Broad Ripple has longstanding ties to the creative community.
“Our biggest sales day ever was our reopening,” she says. “The support has been overwhelming in the best way.”
Stepping into The Local Radish, it’s immediately apparent that this is not your typical retail space. Every aspect, from the layout to the display of items, is meticulously designed. “It’s like creating a work of art,” Spencer says.
“Every detail is carefully considered, from the flow of energy to the customer’s experience of the space.”
Writer / Renée Larr
Photographer / Michael Durr
Owner / Britt Spencer
The Local Radish is more than just a place to shop; it’s a commitment to quality and ethics. The store offers a blend of metaphysical supplies and holistic lifestyle goods, all meticulously selected by Spencer to ensure they meet her rigorous quality and ethical production standards. “I want to ensure we’re not contributing to unethical labor practices,” she says.
“When you hold a crystal, you should know where it came from and who helped bring it to you.”
But The Local Radish is more than a place to buy things. It’s a place to learn. Spencer hosts workshops on everything from the energetic properties of crystals to sustainable gardening and herbalism.
“When I first started teaching my classes had 30 people, but I realized I wanted a more intimate
experience,” she says. Now, she caps sessions at 10 to allow for deeper engagement.
One of her most significant educational projects is a crystal database, which she hopes to turn into an app. The app will provide users with a wealth of information about crystals, including their properties, origins and best practices for use. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially with social media trends,” Spencer says. “People were putting toxic crystals in their drinking water without realizing the dangers. I want to provide real, researched information.”
Inclusivity is at the core of The Local Radish. “I want this to be a safe space for everyone,” Spencer says. “I don’t push beliefs on anyone. Whether you’re here for the metaphysical aspect or just think crystals are cool, you’re welcome.”
The store even functions as a community hub, offering free Wi-Fi and open seating. “It’s not just about selling things,” she says. “People can come in, work, have meetings or just hang out. It’s about building relationships.” This emphasis on community and connection is a key part of The Local Radish’s identity.
With a fresh start in a welcoming community, Spencer is already dreaming bigger. “One day I’d love to own a crystal mine,” she says. “Imagine taking customers on field trips, letting them mine their own crystals and seeing the process firsthand.”
For now, though, she’s focused on expanding educational opportunities and continuing to nurture The Local Radish’s role as a place of learning, connection and empowerment. “I wouldn’t change any of what I’ve been through,” she says. “Every challenge has taught me something valuable. And at the end of the day, I love what I do. I want to do this forever.”
For more information, visit localradish.com.
THE NEW FRONTIER
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS DRIVE GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL GROWTH
Writer / Melissa Gibson
lag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It will be added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. More than 50 colleges are expected to have girls flag football teams by 2028 in response to overwhelming interest.
That’s why the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family committed $1 million to growing the girls high school flag football program in Indiana. In order to make flag football a sanctioned sport with the Indiana High School Athletic Association, 100 high schools must participate in the program.
They’re calling the new campaign “Road to 100” and they’re nearly halfway there.
In 2023 the Colts formed a high school football league with eight teams, and in 2024 the league expanded to 27 teams. It’s a statewide network to grow the game in Indiana and help connect young athletes to NFL FLAG-sanctioned programs.
There are 43 Indiana high schools, including Beech Grove, Warren Central, Pike and beyond, that have committed to offering a girl’s flag football program, with more signing up every day.
When a new team is launched, the Colts help offset costs with funds for equipment, uniforms, training and coaching.
“We want to drive participation to the game and continue to support and amplify the game,” said Andy Matis, senior manager of football development at the Indianapolis Colts. “As we grow, we’re able to incorporate more audience, which is a key focus.”
Unlike tackle football, play consists of two 24-minute halves. It’s a five-on-five format and players rotate positions throughout the game. The field is smaller than a standard tackle football field, 40 yards in width and 100 yards in length. Of course, instead of tackling the opponent, the goal is to pull a flag from their
waistband. Point scoring is similar, with six points for a touchdown.
It’s safe to say that in the past, young women have not had the same elite-level options in football as young men have had, but when the Colts opened up the opportunity for a women’s league, they were met with plenty of interest.
In fact, 50% of the girls coming out for flag football tryouts have signed up for their first high school sports program ever.
“Even in youth leagues they’ve consistently offered coed options, but there’s two girls in the midst of all the boys coming out for these,” Matis said. “They might not feel inclined even though they’re interested. Now, having your own space in sports, you don’t have to ask if you love the game enough to try tackle. You have your space in the sport.”
Young women from the original eight teams
have enjoyed the nature of the game and the relationships formed through the process, just like many other tight-knit sports teams. It’s a memory they’ll never forget.
Players from the Colts team have been supportive as well, happy to see the sport continue to grow in unique and inclusive ways.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has recently been named Global Flag Ambassador for the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football across the nation. Franklin has been working with the league over the past few years, and wants to help drive support and make the program fun.
“This is just a great opportunity,” Franklin said. “Everyone loves the game and football has taught me so much about life. This program gives young women the opportunity to learn those lessons and build those bonds.” He’ll be hosting a clinic for flag football teams in the state soon and hopes to invite a few
individuals from the U.S. team to get involved.
“Last year I had the chance to help coach girls flag football players at Lucas Oil Stadium and I was so impressed by the skill, tenacity and passion of these young ladies,” Franklin said. “I look forward to helping grow flag football in Indiana and around the world, and providing more opportunities for girls and boys alike to learn, play and connect through this awesome sport.”
Like most team sports, flag football offers physical and mental health benefits, hones teamwork skills, and teaches discipline and resilience.
Just in the past few years, reports from high school athletic directors across the state have been positive. Young women who were having a tough time in school are now getting better grades. Attendance is up and the empowerment they feel is evident.
“We’re building the next generation of strong adults,” Matis said. “The appetite is there. The
interest is there. To see these girls come out and bring their competitive fire to this sport has been really inspiring.”
School representatives interested in participating can find more information at colts.com/footballdevelopment/flag/highschool-girls-flag.
REAL ROWDIE
CATCHING UP WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS MASCOT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Michael Durr
This summer it’ll be Rowdie’s 32nd birthday, and he’s never been more popular.
The Indianapolis Indians mascot has big plans throughout the baseball season and beyond, with plenty of high-fives, autographs, photos, and more.
Jake Martinez is the man behind the mask and has entered his third year as a full-time mascot with the Indians, but Rowdie has been an important part of his life for even longer.
“It’s been really fun to watch Rowdie’s popularity grow and see the effort we’ve put into what I know he can be,” Martinez said.
This year Rowdie will make around 200 appearances in addition to 75 home games. He is attending youth sporting events, Indianapolis parades, school events and even a wedding or two.
However, Rowdie’s calendar wasn’t always so full.
Martinez had previously served as Spike the walleye and CatTick the cat for the University of Toledo. Then he did a stint as Chomps for the Cleveland Browns.
He loved physical comedy, dancing and building relationships, making the job of mascot a perfect fit.
When he arrived in Indianapolis, Martinez knew mascot work was something he wanted to continue to pursue, and in Rowdie he found a mission of sorts.
Rowdie had undergone numerous changes, but didn’t quite hit his stride until Martinez got hold of him. With his experience and knowledge of just what the fans are looking for, he and the Indians team got to work.
“If you look at a rendition of Rowdie in 1993, you might say he looks like a rat, opossum, aardvark or mouse,” Martinez said. “I had been to a couple of games and I didn’t know he was a bear. Now he looks like a bear. It was a complete refresh with a new suit, new look and new character.”
After a year or two of development, Martinez is proud to say people recognize Rowdie without even seeing his jersey, and 2025 is packed with more requested appearances and more fun.
Indians theme nights throughout the summer include firework night, team autograph night, Bark in the Park, Star Wars night, Harry Potter night and more. Rowdie will be there, and likely dressed for the occasion.
He likes to get involved and make all of the events memorable. In addition, the calendar is filling up with special events outside of the baseball field, as Rowdie continues to spread positivity and support for the community.
“Rowdie attended the Republic Airways Plane Pull, and he’ll be at the Riley Cancer Prom and Indy 500 Kids Day,” Martinez said.
He’s even headed to Nashville this summer to attend a national mascot event, and offering something extra special for Indians and Rowdie fans in August.
“The first time ever, we’ll host Mascot Mania on August 10 with the Indians,” Martinez said. “That will be Rowdie and a bunch of his friends from Major League Baseball and minor league teams. We’ll have photo ops with the mascots, and games to play with the mascots on the field before the game.”
Despite the fun and joy found in the mascot role, it’s hard work. As expected, it’s pretty hot in the Rowdie suit, and the main question Martinez gets when people find out what he does for a living relates to the heat.
“It’s true, we’re sweating in 120-degree heat at the games,” he said. “You really have to have an admiration and love for the people to do it. I’ve never hated it one time. I may have been super tired or having a bad day, but the minute the
suit goes on, it all goes away.” It doesn’t always go off without a hitch, either. Martinez has plenty of stories from over the years.
“In my first year as Rowdie we did a tricycle race, and as I rounded the corner my front wheel collapsed,” he said. “I flipped over the handlebars and happened to land on my feet. Everyone thought it was planned. What’s fun about those situations is it’s all how you react as the character. We can turn that into a memory and a fun moment for the kids and the adults.”
For the mascots and Rowdie specifically, it’s all about bringing joy to fans and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Martinez has been wearing a suit
for 14 years now, and said it’s not about him and never has been.
“What’s so incredible about mascotting is putting a smile on people’s faces,” he said. “You get to give authentic love and joy to people and it’s so rewarding.”
Despite the tough days and the heat, Martinez wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I don’t think I could not be the guy in the suit,” he said. “Not only is it the work I’ve put into him, developing his personality and his look, it’s the joy I have in it. It’s truly what I’ve been called to do.”
Visit milb.com/indianapolis/ community/rowdie to book Rowdie for your next event, and keep your eye out for him in your community. You just might see him there!
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HARRISON CENTER FIRST FRIDAY PROFILE
PHIL
LYNAM
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
The Harrison Center will showcase the works of a variety of standout artists this summer.
Phillip Lynam, who grew up in Indianapolis, studied painting at the Cleveland Institute of Art before moving on to a graduate program at the University of Maryland.
He moved back to Indianapolis in 2003 and has worked at the Indianapolis Museum of Art/Newfields, where he is currently the Chief Designer, working on galleries and exhibitions.
“I’ve been interested in art for as long as I can remember,” he says.
He utilizes a variety of media such as acrylics, gouache, and drawing. “I enjoy the physical process of making a painting or drawing - the transformation of materials, the discoveries that happen along the way,” he says.
For June, Lynam will showcase work that is a departure from his typical abstract style, instead being observation-based to explore different aspects of Indianapolis.
If you would like more information about the artist, visit philliplynam.com.
DISCOVERING INDY
SHARING THE CITY WITH FAMILIES OF ALL AGES
Writer / Ashley Callan Photographer / Michael Durr
Through Katy Mann’s authenticity and passion for Indianapolis and central Indiana, she has been an alluring voice of knowledge on the Circle City. Mann is the visionary and creator of Indy With Kids, an online resource about central Indiana. She is also the author of Indianapolis Scavenger, released last year, designed to take readers on a scavenger hunt throughout the various Indianapolis neighborhoods, as well as a second book that will be released this fall.
“When I launched Indy With Kids in 2010, my friends asked me what I would write about after I finished writing about everything in Indianapolis,” she says. “Nearly 15 years later, we still haven’t featured everything. A city is living and breathing, changing and evolving, and as long as that is true, there is no finish line. The website and books are both full of inspiration for exploring, contributing, and being a member of this beautiful community in your own distinctive way. My contribution is to dig deep and show people all the wonderful things to love about where they live.”
Indy With Kids was created after the birth of Mann’s first child, to share her experience with parenthood in Indianapolis. “When I started doing that, people started paying attention and asking about the places we visited,” she says. “There were parenting magazines and advertising booklets for local families, but at that time there wasn’t an online resource with information about places to go and things to do with children in Indy.”
Over the years, Indy With Kids has become a complete guide for families and caretakers to utilize as a resource for everything kid and family related in central Indiana. Indy With Kids has a social media presence of over 75,000 followers on Facebook and 25,000 followers on Instagram, as well as a
newsletter with 25,000 active participants.
When writing Indianapolis Scavenger, Mann grew a new admiration for Indianapolis. While exploring the different neighborhoods and becoming immersed in their history, she found beauty in what made each area distinct. “I fell in love with our city in a different way,” she says. “After spending a year walking through all of the historical neighborhoods and really studying what made each one unique, I fell in love with the history and the stories.”
One of Mann’s favorite places showcased in Indianapolis Scavenger is Crown Hill Cemetery. Captivated by the sweeping views of Indy’s highest point of the James Whitcomb Riley monument, Mann became enthralled with the intrinsic details of the cemetery that often go overlooked. “It’s not just a cemetery; it’s a beautifully designed, peaceful space filled with history, art and incredible views,” she says. “So many stories are hidden there, from famous names to little details carved into old headstones.”
The stories of places like Crown Hill Cemetery influenced Mann regarding what to spotlight in Indianapolis Scavenger. Mann hopes that Indianapolis Scavenger influences the reader to gain a sense of wonder and appreciation of their surroundings.
“If Indianapolis Scavenger does one thing, I hope it awakens a curiosity and awareness about the place we all live,” she says. “I hope it pushes people to get out and notice things, and wonder why they’re there and who made them.”
Currently Mann has been busy writing her second book, due to be released later this year. “I’m so excited about my next book,” she says. “It will hit bookshelves in the fall, just in time for autumn and winter family adventures. It’s basically the go-to guide for families on the go in central Indiana. You’re going to find everything you need in that book.”
Indianapolis Scavenger is currently available at Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Indy
Reads, Busy Bee Play Cafe, Paradigm Games, Kurt Vonnegut Library and Museum, the the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum.
Mann is still promoting Indianapolis Scavenger and says that through her experience she has learned a lot, including avoiding launching something on April Fool’s Day and during the month of May in Indianapolis. “I’ve loved talking about my book to local parenting groups, the media and everyone on the internet,” she says. “I think promoting the book has been even more fun than writing it, and I’m looking forward to promoting my next book. There’s something about the power of a story and how it changes hearts, lives and feelings.”
You can learn more about Katy Mann and her books by following her on social media and signing up for the Indy With Kids newsletter for updates.
MICHAEL DURR
