Plainfield Magazine March 2024

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History and Heritage Brownsburg Resident Billie King Joins Cast of Swedish Reality Show and Explores Her Roots

MARCH 2024

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PUBLISHER DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS JONI FISCUS MELISSA GIBSON CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING CHRIS PALMORE NATE CROUCH PHOTOGRAPHY AMY PAYNE

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HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Brownsburg Resident Billie King Joins Cast of Swedish Reality Show and Explores Her Roots

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INGRATITUDE IS UGLY

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BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART

Meet Nikki Reed, Co-Host of the “Smiley Morning Show”

MARCH 2024

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HELPING YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY DIET

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GET THE AXE Group of Local Small-Business Owners Bring LumberjAXE to Plainfield

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HISTORY AND HERITAGE

BROWNSBURG RESIDENT BILLIE KING JOINS CAST OF SWEDISH REALITY SHOW AND EXPLORES HER ROOTS Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne 6 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

illie King of Brownsburg describes her grandmother’s stories of Sweden as “magical” - a distant land she would perhaps never see but has heard so much about.

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reality television show, “Allt för Sverige” (“Everything for Sweden”) to hear and practice the language. After watching several seasons, King saw a casting call on Facebook and decided to apply.

In fact, many Americans have heard stories but are curious about their ancestry in the small country.

In an incredible surprise, she was selected to join nine other Americans on a journey to Sweden for a challenging and educational experience.

One hundred and fifty years ago, a quarter of the Swedish population immigrated to the United States amid famine, loss of jobs and extreme hardship. When a young Swedish man or woman boarded a boat in search of a different life, it wasn’t uncommon to never hear from them again.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, generations of families in the U.S. were raised with rich Swedish culture - knowing their grandparents and great-grandparents, hearing the stories of their homeland and perhaps even learning some of the Swedish language.

Already fascinated by her heritage, King has been a longtime member of Scandinavians in Indianapolis group and decided to take things a step further.

Contestants are voted off each week, so King boarded the airplane, albeit with some slight guilt for leaving mom and daughter, Zoe, behind, and not knowing if she’d be back in nine days or six weeks.

Each episode is packed with cultural trips and information.

The group traveled to different towns across Sweden learning about country celebrations such as National Day of Sweden and the annual Midsummer events. They milked cows and churned butter on a farm, baked traditional Swedish treats and learned

traditional Swedish dances.

“One of the biggest experiences was toward the end when they flew us 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle,” King says. “We stayed with an indigenous Sami family. They have been persecuted over the years, but this mom was cooking reindeer over an open fire and lassoing reindeer on their property. She’s easily one of the most stunning people I’ve met in my life.”

At the end of each episode, the group competes in challenges similar to those in

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

“During the pandemic, my mom, Carrie, and I started taking Swedish language classes online,” King says. “My grandma had eight sisters and they all spoke some Swedish. We thought we’d take these classes and then plan a trip to Sweden.”

The class instructor suggested students watch an award-winning Swedish

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the TV show “Survivor,” from puzzle and memory games to races and games of chance.

“We had a challenge where you went into a castle with 74 pictures of kings on the walls in five different rooms,” King says. “Two of them were duplicates and you had to find those two pictures in a deck of cards after running back outside. I was almost the last one in that one.”

The loser from each challenge is sent home, but not before participating in perhaps the most unique factor of the reality show.

Early on, each person receives a letter from a family member in Sweden, creating a longing to meet them in person - a reason to keep fighting to stay. The winner receives a family reunion, meeting those members of the family who stayed or moved back to Sweden over the decades.

“It was my reminder of why I was there,” King says. “I think for the first three episodes I’m crying the whole time, and it just shows how overwhelming and emotional the process was.”

Participants experience a special day to read about their personal Swedish heritage, provided by genealogist Fredrik Mejster, and walk in the same footsteps as their ancestors.

For King, it was the highlight of her trip.

“They were able to go as far back as 1819 and it was crazy to see some of these family cycles repeat themselves,” King says. “My grandmother and I were really close and we followed her father’s line on the tree. I was able to visit my grandmother’s father’s childhood home.”

King says each member of the group had a different quest on the adventure. As they were learning about their ancestors, they were learning about themselves too.

“It’s amazing to be able to say I’ve seen a record of my great-great-great-grandmothers’ character and work ethic,” she says. “Out of all of this, I think I learned that I come from a line of really strong women with strong families that support them.”

8 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

She also came back to the U.S. with a feeling of empowerment. As a single mother, it’s something King hopes pass on to her daughter - both the knowledge of their ancestry and a feeling of pride.

“I think it’s important to remember your roots, and I don’t know that I would say the experience changed me, but it reminded me of who I am and where I came from,” King says. “It’s kind of rooting yourself in a place of gratitude and makes me feel like if they can put two feet on a boat at 17 and survive, we can tackle anything.”

Learning more about the Swedish people also helped educate and create understanding for many participants. Why was grandma so quiet, or why didn’t a great-grandfather ever speak about Sweden?

find out on dailymotion.com and search for “Allt för Sverige 2023.”

Though all of the contestants would have liked to stay for the reunion with their family, only one had the opportunity. Regardless of winning or losing, everyone received a family tree and all of the information discovered in the search for their ancestors, giving them the tools to make those connections in the future.

Besides, Carrie still needs to travel to Sweden for her own experience.

“We’re all going back next summer,” King says.

“My mom, me and my daughter, Zoe - three generations to visit with family and see the history.”

Throughout the season, competitors learn of the Swedish way of life. For example, in one episode, the popular host Anders Lundin explains that in their culture, they prefer to take a quiet, unassuming approach. They are raised to behave as if they are ordinary, and it’s not a good thing to draw attention to yourself.

“At first the Swedish people seemed standoffish, but there’s a history behind that,” King says. “Once you get to know them, they are some of the kindest, warmest people I’ve ever met. If you’re younger than 57 in Sweden you were taught English in school, so they all know how to speak English, which allowed us to get to know each other, particularly on the days off from filming.”

While meeting and learning more about Sweden, the cast was learning more about each other too.

Billie’s great-grandfather, Kunnig Karlsson, at 9 yrs old with his parents, Johanna & Adolf.

“We really all got along,” King says. “I think we all had our moments because filming 12 hours a day can cause some drama, but in typical Swedish fashion, none of that is shown.

They wouldn’t like it. It would make them uncomfortable.”

Despite the ups and downs, they still communicate and have formed some lifelong friendships through the experience.

Did King win the family reunion? Watch to

The Arosto ship that Kunnig boarded in Sweden to begin his journey to America.

BOLD VOICE, BIG HEART

MEET NIKKI REED, CO-HOST OF THE “SMILEY MORNING SHOW” Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

NIKKI & HUSBAND, NICK & DOG MARBLES

I

f you’ve ever woken up to the sound of belly laughs and the joyful voice of Nikki Reed on 99.5 WZPL and wondered, “Why is she so chipper?” it could be because she truly loves her job.

The silly stories, the awesome music and the playful banter among

her “Smiley Morning Show” co-hosts, Dave Smiley, Toni Williams, and Will Pfaffenberger, make for fun weekday mornings. Besides, it sure beats the summer job she had growing up working at a marina as a dock girl in Michigan.

TownePost.com | March 2024

“Pumping gas is fun,” she says. “Pumping out toilets, not so much.”

Reed, the middle of three children, studied theatre at UIndy where one of her classmates was acclaimed actor Adam Driver.

“Adam was pure talent, but I thought, ‘I’m not going to make a living from this,’” says Reed, who considered pursuing a career in TV news until her professors suggested radio instead. She couldn’t deny that it was the more natural fit, as it allowed her to perform and still be her authentic self.

Reed started as an intern at WZPL, then worked in Seymour and Columbus doing morning traffic. In 2011 she landed a job at WZPL, first doing the afternoon shift before transitioning to the “Smiley Morning Show.” Reed’s favorite part of her job is meeting listeners, whether it’s at an event like Smiley Prom, the Indy 500, or the radio’s annual Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon.

“I like making people’s day better,” Reed says.

Radio has changed quite a bit over time with the advent of podcasts and social media.

ACHIEVING GOALS ON & OFF THE FIELD

“Changing with technology is important,” Reed says. “So is changing with the audience. You can’t assume they’ll stay. We have to always do a better job of meeting them where they are, as many households don’t even have radios. We need to be on smart speakers and have apps. We need to make our morning show into a podcast so that listeners can consume it the way they want.”

In 2018 Reed was chatting with Michael Kaltenmark, who at the time was the bulldog handler at Butler University. He needed a new kidney, so they interviewed him on the “Smiley Morning Show” to give him more exposure. In doing her research for the segment, Reed’s interest in organ donation piqued. When she reached out to the transplant center to inquire about testing, she was told they already had found a match for Kaltenmark.

“I remember feeling disappointed because I was psyched up to do something impactful,” Reed says. That’s when she decided she’d donate a kidney to a stranger.

“I thought, ‘If I can save someone’s life, why not?’” she says.

Her family wasn’t sold on the idea.

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“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says. “He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!”

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It took a year to get through all of the testing to determine if Reed’s body could handle the procedure. There’s blood work, MRIs and chest X-rays. Plus, all along the way, doctors repeatedly asked her if she had changed her mind. Once she was approved, she waited.

“I told my dad that statistically speaking, I was in greater danger driving to work each day than donating a kidney,” Reed says.

“He couldn’t say much. He likes to skydive!”

Reed donated a kidney in February 2020.

She was shocked by how seamless the surgery was. Post-surgery also wasn’t bad.

“It was mostly just a lot of napping and sore muscles like I’d done a million situps,” she says. “It was so easy that I’d do it again, but I’ve run out of kidneys!”

When one donates to a stranger, it’s up to the recipient to decide if there will be a meeting between donor and recipient.

Reed never met the woman her kidney went to.

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“It’s altruistic donation,” she says. “I knew going in I may not meet the person. All I wanted was for her to be OK. I know she’s healthy now. I don’t need a big thank-you.”

Just a few months prior to her surgery, a college friend suggested that Reed meet one of his buddies, Nick, who was a cop. Reed was hesitant, but her friend described Nick as “the best person I know.” The two proceeded to text for the next three weeks.

“I said, ‘If this guy is anywhere close to good looking, I’m done, because he’s funny and fantastic,’” Reed says. When they finally met in person, they each knew that they had found their person.

It didn’t take long for the pair to tie the knot. Marrying Nick meant becoming a stepmom to his three children and a cat named Luna. Reed brought to the relationship her dog, Marbles.

“I’m so grateful to have my husband,” says Reed, who admits that she was terrified to move to Hendricks County and become a stepmom. But it’s been fantastic.

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Nikki & the Smiley Morning Crew

As for the future, Reed favors wanderlust like her parents, who are currently sailing around the country in their 30-foot sailboat. Reed and her husband went to Greece for their honeymoon where they ate gelato twice a day. They recently traveled to Boston and Philadelphia for sightseeing and creepy ghost tours. At home, Reed likes to take long walks in nature and concoct recipes in the kitchen.

“I hate wasting food, so I play ‘Chopped’ and see what meal I can make with what I have in my refrigerator,” Reed says. “I’ve had some massive failures, but Nick is a former marine so he can eat anything. And I’m improving!”

As for Reed, she couldn’t be happier as a wife, stepmom and radio personality.

Her dock-girl days are officially behind her, and it’s smooth sailing ahead.

Fun Facts About Nikki Reed

Best bit of advice: Don’t date where you work.

“If you keep your career separate, your career can be your escape,” she says.

Bucket-list items: To stay in a hut that hovers above the ocean, and do a dogsled adventure in Iceland.

A guilty pleasure: Trash TV - “Vanderpump Rules.”

Favorite season: Fall. “I’m big into Halloween,” Reed says.

TownePost.com | March 2024

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HELPING YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY DIET INSIGHTS FROM A DIETICIAN Writer / Joni Fiscus, Clinical Dietician at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

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aintaining a healthy diet isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s a commitment to nourishing your body with the right nutrients to support overall well-being. People often have misconceptions about what constitutes a healthy diet. Let’s delve into the fundamentals to guide you toward a balanced, sustainable eating plan.

PRIORITIZE VARIETY & BALANCE A key principle in nutrition is variety. Aim for a colorful plate filled with a diversity of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. This ensures a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for optimal health.

MINDFUL EATING Slowing down during meals allows for better digestion and helps to recognize fullness cues. Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, appreciating flavors, and being attuned to your body’s hunger and satiety signals.

PORTION CONTROL While quality matters, so does quantity.

Portion control is crucial. Be mindful of serving sizes to avoid overeating. Utilize smaller plates and read food labels. Practice portion estimation to manage intake.

HYDRATION IS KEY Water is fundamental for bodily functions. Aim for at least eight glasses a day and adjust based on activity levels and climate. Water aids digestion, regulates body temperature and promotes healthy skin.

PLAN & PREPARE Meal planning saves time and fosters healthier choices. Designate a day for meal prep, incorporating a variety

of nutritious ingredients. This minimizes the temptation for fast food or unhealthy snacks during busy periods.

LIMIT PROCESSED FOODS & ADDED SUGARS Processed foods often contain excessive sugars, unhealthy fats and preservatives.

Minimize intake by opting for whole, unprocessed foods. Be vigilant about added sugars in beverages, snacks and condiments as they contribute to various health issues.

READ LABELS WISELY Understanding food labels empowers informed choices. Focus on the ingredients list, prioritize whole foods, and be wary of hidden sugars, unhealthy fats and high sodium content.

MODERATION, NOT DEPRIVATION Deprivation often leads to cravings and binge eating. Embrace moderation by allowing occasional treats while maintaining a predominantly nutritious diet. This approach promotes a sustainable lifestyle rather than a short-term restrictive diet.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a journey that revolves around balance, mindfulness and informed choices. By embracing these principles, you can cultivate a sustainable, nourishing relationship with food that supports your overall health and well-being.

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E D U T I T A R G IN Y L G U IS Writer / Chris Palmore

Long ago, I was taught an important lesson. It was a hard lesson, and fortunately my dad was ready for this to happen. I'm not saying he was expecting it, but he had the insight and soundness of mind to show me the way.

It was, I believe, my tenth birthday. My parents threw me a little party. I was sitting at the head of the table, opposite the windows facing our backyard. My dad had set up the camcorder that he had borrowed from the school where he taught. They happily sang happy birthday to me.

Once the singing ended, I blew out the candles. A little later, I opened my presents, mostly clothes and things I was not impressed by or even happy to get. I was frowning the whole time, the lack of happiness plastered all over my face.

People who loved me had spent time and money celebrating me, all to make me feel special and loved, but this was totally lost on me at this young age in my life. I was a selfish child who just wanted toys. My dad was video recording my birthday celebration. I don’t remember this moment at all. I remember what happened after this moment, later in the day.

My dad told me to go into our television room and sit down. He then played the video of me during the party. I could see how I was acting. I could see my ingratitude. I could see the ugliness it radiated. My dad explained to me how mean I was being. He explained it and showed it to me.

This created a memory I will never forget. Modern technology allows a person, in this case a parent and a child, to revisit an event with the slightest of ease.

Seeing yourself behave awfully is a powerful lesson. It's hard to watch and it takes a special person, a person who cares, to show it to you. My dad showed me a lot of love, tough love. I deserved to be punished, but, instead, he cared enough to show me the ugliness so that I could see the truth of the situation and make a choice not to be that person ever again.

The sooner we can understand and see all the gifts around us, the better. To be receiving so much and not taking notice of it is a disease. It will rot you from within and steal your joy. This disease silences happiness. It breaks up families and friendships. All people want is to feel appreciated and loved. Giving appreciation freely will result in it being freely given back to you. It's reciprocal, and it works. Spin the wheel, and it will come back around to you.

Check out gratitudespace.com for more gratitude related content.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 17

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GET THE AXE GROUP OF LOCAL SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS BRING LUMBERJAXE TO PLAINFIELD Writer / Melissa Gibson Photos by Amy Payne & Nate Crouch Photography

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our local small-business owners have come together to bring Hendricks County something truly unique - axe-throwing venue LumberjAXE. Trevor and Stephanie Bernhardt own Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt in Plainfield and Avon, while Jordan and Stephanie Yant own Cabin Coffee Company in Avon, with an upcoming Plainfield location.

The couples met through their newly launched businesses in 2019, leadership classes, chamber meetings and other events.

Over time they became friends, and began talking about working on a new project together if the opportunity ever came about.

“Hendricks County doesn’t have a lot of entertainment,” Jordan said. “We always go to the north or south side for things like this. None of us are professional axe throwers but we thought we could offer a fun, family environment.”

Customers can reserve their throwing lane ahead of time online for one- or two-hour increments. You can also walk in and if there’s a lane available.

Some visitors simply want to hang back, check it out and decide if it’s something they might want to try.

“It’s only dangerous if you’re not following the rules,” Jordan said. “We have fencing, so there’s not enough bounce-back to cause injury. The targets are made of cottonwood,

which helps the axe stick. There’s a safety sheet that we explain each time you visit and we’ll show you how to throw. Once you see the space and watch some others do it, you see you can do it too. Plus, you don’t have to own your own equipment.”

In addition, owners have added some unique features you might not find at other axe-throwing venues.

“We have projected targets in each lane, so instead of throwing at the traditional

painted target, you can also play different games like Connect Four, tic-tac-toe and others,” Jordan added. “It also automatically keeps track of points for you.”

The young ones in your party can play too.

For those under 10, they have bristle targets and plastic axes so the entire family can get in on the fun.

The team is counting on customers catching the axe-throwing bug. Once you’ve tried it, they say, it’s as fun as any other competitive sport.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 19

“I think it’s just the natural competitive nature,” Trevor said. “It’s similar to golf or bowling. There are axe-throwing leagues and worldwide throwing tournaments. You start to get better and then you want to do it more.”

Some say it’s a stress reliever and others credit the rebellious nature in many of us.

“There’s a taboo factor - ‘I shouldn’t be doing this,’ or ‘I’m not allowed to do that but I can do it here,’” Trevor said.

Contrary to their name, LumberjAXE is so much more than axe throwing. There is a pool table, darts, televisions airing sporting events, and a VIP room for parties and other events. They’ve partnered with TouchTunes so visitors can play the music they want to hear.

THE OPTIONS SEEM ENDLESS.

20 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

JORDAN & STEPHANIE YANT

There’s also a bar and some delicious twists on what Stephanie B. calls “elevated bar food.”

Then on a Friday night, you might naturally perfect for birthday parties, family gettogethers and company events, and can hold have more of a bar vibe. It’s after 9 p.m. and you have an older crowd there. It’s great to up to 15 people.

“We have traditional pretzels and fries but have that flexibility.” tried to make them unique in a way,” she The goal is to provide a location that has a said. “There are large, 24-ounce pretzels that little something for everyone.

Stephanie B. agreed. “There’s not a lot of come in a pizza box. A lot of people like to places both adults and kids can enjoy their share those. There are funnel cake fries for time,” she said. “You usually have to pick “I’ve seen families there all day,” Stephanie dessert topped with raspberry and other Y. said. “We’ve had groups with a 2-year-old, one or the other. Here, everyone can enjoy flavors. We have fried pickles, boneless a few teenagers and a bunch of adults, and it. All ages are allowed and anyone can pick chicken bites and Buffalo chicken rangoons.” it’s just really cool to have this environment. it up pretty quickly.”

They’ve partnered with Creation Cookies Café in Danville to make skillet cookies, and they’re partnering with Beasley’s Orchard, featuring their custom cider in the Johnny Appleseed cocktail.

start your day with a delicious morning routine

Many people have stopped in to simply enjoy a bite to eat, or have a drink at the bar with options like beer, wine, and signature cocktails including the Bury the Hatchet and the Jaxe & Cola.

“We really wanted to have good food and drink options, so people feel comfortable coming in to dine and they don’t have to throw,” Stephanie Y. said. “We see that every week. They like to come in, get some drinks and hang out. Of course when they do that they often end up throwing, but we like that there’s the option there.”

The VIP room offers two axe-throwing lanes, couch seating, and a service window from the bar directly to the party. It’s

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Their official opening date was December 6, 2023, and with just a few months under their belts, the four are still developing and dreaming up future plans, offerings and improvements.

“I think we might form leagues in the future,” Trevor said. “Several people have asked about a yearlong membership throwing card, so there’s an interest there and we’re tossing that idea around.”

They’ve also received requests for mobile axe-throwing events, bringing the game to you. While that poses some challenges, the couples are considering the idea.

The options seem endless. he biggest thing is that we’re family friendly,” Jordan said. “We can do a lot of different things here. We can be part sports bar, part family entertainment, and we’re able to appeal to everyone.”

LumberjAXE is located at 351 Marketplace Mile, Suite 140 in Plainfield. Call 317-742-7207 or visit lumberjaxeindy.com for more info and to make reservations.

New events are on the horizon. Look for weekly trivia nights or themed nights soon.

With big-screen televisions and the bar, game-night events are bound to happen.

“We’d like to try to do more with companies and team-building ideas too,” Stephanie B. said. “When you get a whole group of people together to do something unique like this, it’s just a natural way to build relationships with co-workers and others.”

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