Plainfield Magazine May 2023

MAGAZINE

MAY 2023

The Beauty of Baking MAMA BIRD BAKERY SERVES UP YUMMY TREATS WHILE WELCOMING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES DRIVING CHANGE

Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County Turns 50 NOT YOUR USUAL SUMMER BUCKET LIST

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IN THIS ISSUE

MAY 2023

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Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt & Treats

Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County Turns 50

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™

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DON’T LET HIP OR KNEE PAIN HOLD YOU BACK THIS SUMMER

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MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Indianapolis PopCon is the Convergence of All Things Pop Culture

Mama Bird Bakery Serves up Yummy Treats While Welcoming Those With Disabilities

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HENDRICKS COUNTY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY NAMED AN IBA FIVE STAR MEMBER

Tony Stewart Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

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DRIVING CHANGE

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WHEEL MAN

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

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THE BEAUTY OF BAKING

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

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2499 Perry Crossing Way, Unit 114 Plainfield, IN

317-742-7515

orangeleafyogurt.com

Writer / Jamie Hergott Photography Provided

When Trevor and Stephanie Bernhardt posed for their Avon High School prom photo in 2015 at the Avon Orange Leaf store, they had no idea how significant that moment would be. Now, eight years later, they own not only that Avon location, but

also the Plainfield Orange Leaf store nestled in The Shops at Perry Crossing.

“We are so grateful to be in the Plainfield community,” Stephanie says.

process, and in fact he was a good friend who attended their wedding. The couple purchased the Avon location in the spring of 2019, and the Plainfield location in the fall of 2021.

Stephanie and Trevor worked at Orange Leaf in Avon together through high school.

Stephanie went on to IUPUI to study event management, hospitality, and the restaurant industry, all while still working at Orange Leaf. In her last year, she took a capstone class in which she had to start a business from scratch, presenting all elements of the process to her class. She also began applying for jobs, and then found out the owner of the Avon Orange Leaf was going to retire soon.

Through the last four years Trevor worked at a local car dealership, learning many business management principles that translated well into other businesses. Trevor recently left his full-time job there to partner with Stephanie to run both the Avon and Plainfield stores, as well as their mobile concession-cart company, Bernhardt Concession Services.

“Operating a business was already part of my thought process because of that class,” Stephanie says. “We didn’t want the store to go to someone who didn’t care, so we asked if he’d sell it to us.”

The owner mentored them through the

Together, their strengths and weaknesses balance out, and the power couple has made their presence known in Hendricks County.

6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / MAY 2023 / TownePost.com

“It’s just managing froyo instead of cars,” he says, laughing.

“When you have two people who have the same goal in mind, who put all their time

Stephanie at Plainfield Location

and energy into those goals, you get so much done,” Stephanie says.

“So much” might be an understatement. They have 75 events booked this year alone, all while running a stand at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and also running 14 locations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Customers can expect to see them this year at the Hendricks County Fair, Rib-Fest, the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400 and more.

FROM DESIGN TO BUILD

WE’VE GOT YOUR REMODEL COVERED

“We’ve refreshed the store, we have new and exciting marketing, we have a great customer base and the store looks great,” Trevor says of the Plainfield location. “Now it’s time we bring our product out to the community. We want to know where people are going, what they’re doing and what they like.”

1/2 PAGE (ISLAND)

The couple is deeply involved in the community, attending the chamber of commerce organizations in Avon and Plainfield. In fact, it was their first order of business to reach out to Plainfield schools and offer dine-and-donate assistance, coupons, and other ways to support the schools and their organizations. They love having two stores and feel it maximizes their impact. They even plan to partner with the Avon Simon Youth Academy to employ kids who need extra attention and flexibility.

“We really can use both stores to take advantage of more opportunities like that and please a bigger crowd,” Stephanie says.

“We can’t wait to keep growing in this community. We are here, and we would love to serve you.”

If you want to partner with Orange Leaf in any way, you can reach out to Stephanie and Trevor at stephanie@orangeleafplainfield.net.

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO LEARN MORE

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WHEEL MAN TONY STEWART SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / SRX/Wayne Riegle, Mark Rebilas, Scott Hunter & Jason Zindroski

MAY 2023

H

e retired from NASCAR in 2016, but Tony Stewart hasn’t slowed down.

What began with racing go-karts 44 years ago led to a record-breaking career, with 12 driving championships including four United States Auto Club wins, a win in the IndyCar Series and three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Stewart is the first and only driver to win championships in stock cars, Indy cars, and open-wheel midget, sprint and Silver Crown cars. His three NASCAR Cup Series wins make him one of 16 drivers who have taken home multiple titles.

“I’m in a unique scenario compared to most because of all the different types of cars I’ve driven,” Stewart says. “Literally, when we’re in town it doesn’t matter who I meet - if they’re talking about motorsports, I know at least a little bit about what they’re talking about.”

When asked about his shining moment, what memory sticks out the most, Stewart struggles with an answer.

“There are go-kart races that meant everything to me to this day, and I’ve ran everything in between,” Stewart says. “It’s almost easier to pick a moment in every type of car I’ve driven. When I think about it though, the trophy’s meant a lot, but the big picture is all the cool people I’ve met along the way.”

In 2000, Stewart formed Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and moved into a stateof-the-art, 25,000-square-foot facility in Brownsburg. Since its inaugural season, TSR has won 27 owner championships.

In 2004, Stewart purchased Eldora Speedway, a half-mile dirt oval, hosting 2013’s first-ever stop by the NASCAR Truck Series.

He’s hands-on every step of the way, and finds himself enjoying Brownsburg in a way many haven’t experienced.

“I’m good friends with Bill Simpson of Simpson Performance Products, and he worked with Brownsburg to get racers off of Gasoline Alley in Speedway and make the move to Brownsburg,” Stewart says. “I

14 / AVON MAGAZINE / MAY 2023 / TownePost.com

love it out there. On our street, we’ve got six different organizations with [National Hot Rod Association] teams. There’s sports car programs, parts builders and more on one street. A lot of times we can walk a couple of blocks and pick up parts. It’s great for your business and makes it easier to operate. Brownsburg has really embraced our community.”

In 2021, Stewart announced he would tackle the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) world with two full-time entries. The team includes Matt Hagan in Funny Car and Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, in Top Fuel.

While Stewart had some experience with the NHRA, it wasn’t until he began dating Pruett that he truly took notice.

“I started going to her events and I enjoyed learning about it,” he says. “I always tell people that all of the other forms of motorsports are related, but NHRA are kind of off on their own island.”

Stewart says the differences are so vast, he found it rejuvenating and exciting. “It was different than what I was used to, and a totally different atmosphere,” he says.

For the man who raced the Indianapolis 500, jumped on a plane, and raced the Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 in the same day (Stewart’s 2001 attempt stands as the best combined result, finishing sixth at Indianapolis and third at Charlotte), watching NHRA drivers go home five minutes into the event was a drastic change.

“You can be the first pair of cars and drivers to go out, and in five minutes pack up your stuff and go home,” Stewart says. “In drag racing, you can be out on the first run and your weekend is over. In Daytona or Indy 500, this is going to be a three-and-a-halfhour race.”

With only one NHRA season under his belt, the process has been a whirlwind, but the team is beginning to catch their stride.

“Two years ago, Leah and I got married, we spent two days on a honeymoon, and then headed to Brownsburg to live in a motor home for 58 days at the shop,” Stewart says. “We bought the Funny Car from Don Schumacher and had enough pieces to build

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Leah’s car from scratch.

There were a lot of growing pains that first year, a lot of learning and growing, but we were in the playoffs till the end.”

Stewart was impressed by the commitment and dedication from his team.

“With only 58 days to prepare, there were a lot of long hours,” he says. “The team was there from 7 a.m. till after midnight most of those 58 days. The wives and girlfriends were bringing dinner to the guys and the community just rallied.”

Ultimately, Hagan finished in third place and Pruett finished 11th in the 2022 season, and they are gearing up to do it again.

“It’s remarkable how dedicated the fans are,” Stewart says. “They are so dedicated to what we do and they’re following our race teams.

There’s been a lot of crossover.

I’ve seen fans that were with me in NASCAR and are now watching NHRA races.”

MAY 2023

You may think he’s watching from the sidelines in the NHRA, but don’t count Stewart out of the driver’s seat just yet.

He’s continued to compete in the SRX series and has been running sprint cars for the past two years. In addition, Stewart made his debut driving for McPhillips Racing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Las Vegas last October.

He won the first two elimination rounds in his Mobil 1 Top Alcohol Dragster, qualifying as the two seed, ultimately finishing second by two ten-thousandths of a second - just one inch short of the win.

The debut proved to be so exhilarating that Stewart announced in mid-February that he would be joining McPhillips Racing for the entire 2023 NHRA season.

He’s been a lifelong member of the motorsports family and doesn’t expect to leave any time soon.

“I’m proud to be a part of it,” he says. “I’ve been involved in motorsports since I was 8 and I think I’ll be here till the day I die. This community is a huge family and it’s great to work among your peers, with our shops next door to each other. We race hard, but in the end we all get along. I’m proud of our roots in Brownsburg and what the town has done for the motorsports industry.”

In 2003, Stewart formed the Tony Stewart Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raising funds to support chronically ill and physically disabled children, animals that are endangered or at risk, and drivers injured in the sport of motor racing. To date, they’ve donated over $7 million to organizations serving these missions.

Visit tonystewart.com to follow TSR and their entire racing schedule.

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DON’T LET HIP OR KNEE PAIN HOLD YOU BACK THIS SUMMER Writer / Dr. Michael Gabbard, Orthopedic Surgeon at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

activities people enjoy and can even start to cause problems with regular, everyday activities.

By May, most of us are ready to shake off the winter blues and enjoy outdoor activities. Don’t let hip or knee pain slow you down this summer. Here are some common hip and knee conditions, ways to alleviate pain and maintain joint health, as well as signs that you may want to consult your doctor.

Common ways to alleviate the pain from these conditions are rest, ice, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise programs. You can also take over-the-counter arthritis and anti-inflammatory medications, or apply topical pain creams and gels. If these are not working, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or injections as a next step. These treatments, alone or in combination, often provide very good pain relief for many patients.

COMMON HIP AND KNEE CONDITIONS, AND TREATMENT

WHEN YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Common hip and knee conditions include tendonitis, bursitis and osteoarthritis. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, the thick bands of tissue that attach bones to muscles. This often results from overuse of a tendon during activities. Bursitis is inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, that cushion and protect muscles and tendons. This can be caused by repetitive activities that overwork or irritate the joint. Osteoarthritis is when cartilage, the smooth lining of the joint, wears down over time from activity and aging.

If you are feeling hip or knee pain that is not improving and is interfering with your activity, it is time to consult your doctor for evaluation and to discuss options. They will work with you to identify the condition you are dealing with, and to discuss what additional options might be best for you. Most tendonitis and bursitis can be improved with the above treatments, and rarely require surgery.

In the case of osteoarthritis, if it is severe and symptoms are not improving with nonsurgical treatments, some patients may elect to Each of these conditions can result in pain, swelling and/or stiffness have a joint replacement surgery. Your doctor will help you decide if about the joints. These symptoms can cause difficulty with many this may be the right choice for you.

MAY 2023

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INDIANAPOLIS POPCON IS THE CONVERGENCE OF ALL THINGS POP CULTURE Writer / KJ McGlinn Photography Provided

It was more than 10 years ago when PopCon co-owner Carl Doninger and a few close friends had the idea to create not just another convention, but an experience unlike any other. This experience would immerse attendees in familiar pop culture while introducing them to new, exciting experiences.

Doninger had a passion for tabletop gaming while some of his friends loved comic books and another with a passion for the show “My Little Pony.” A few just loved popular TV shows and creators on YouTube. What the group realized was every person in their life had a passion that fell under the pop culture category, but not everyone had a place to gather and celebrate that passion.

Soon, Doninger was joined by co-owner Kris Keys. “I thought it was a cool opportunity to plan an event that was a little different than other conventions out there,” Keys says.

to eSports and tabletop gaming. Now, 10 years later, PopCon is a tradition for friends and family alike in Indianapolis and an annual trip for many people from around the world. Each year, more than 30,000 people attend PopCon. “Once you fall into our universe, you are welcomed and immediately feel like you are part of something bigger. Friends are made and cultivated. Annual reunions are organized,” Doninger says.

While the term ‘comic con’ is something you’ve most likely heard, PopCon is not a comic convention. You will certainly find comic books and people in cosplay--hat is part of the fun. But, you’ll also find a fully immersive world of pop culture.

“Most importantly, you’ll also find a family,” says Doninger. “I love seeing the previously oblivious parents thrilled to see their kids in their element, and then realize that they love PopCon too.”

As an attendee of PopCon, not only does the event promise a welcoming atmosphere but also the opportunity to The first PopCon was held in Indianapolis try escape rooms, virtual reality, laser tag, in June of 2014. Nine different pop tabletop gaming and video gaming. culture genres were represented from movies and TV, to comics and anime and MAY 2023

Celebrities that have already been announced this year include Patrick Warburton (“Rules of Engagement,” ”Seinfeld”), James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Torchwood”) and Michelle Gomez (“Doctor Who,” “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”). Voice actors from popular anime shows like “My Hero Academia” and “Attack on Titan” will also be in attendance. The

convention is a favorite among anime fans.

For parents who may not know anything about the anime that their children love, it is a place for them to bond, learn and share the excitement.

“It’s special when that parent that drove more than 12 hours to bring their child to

MAY 2023

meet someone at PopCon, realizes there are 100 other parents that did the same thing,” Doninger says.

If you’ve often thought a comic con might not be your thing, the duo invites you to come to their event where they assure you that PopCon will become “your thing.” Walk through the vendor hall full of artists and creators. Sit down

and try a board game or take the young kids to the Lego display that is bigger than a basketball court.

Simply put: If you’re passionate about it, you’ll find it at PopCon. Tickets for the 10th annual PopCon Indy happening August 25th-August 27th are on sale at popcon.us.

MAY 2023

DRIVING CHANGE MEALS ON WHEELS OF HENDRICKS COUNTY TURNS 50

In addition to hot meals, volunteers also provide wellness checks and human connection.

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Tom Stempson is vice president for the MOW board and has volunteered for more than four years.

Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County (MOW) will celebrate 50 years in 2023.

Since 1973, the Hendricks County chapter of MOW has been serving nutritious, hot meals to those in the county in need of a little extra assistance.

Chances are, you’ve heard of the organization and you know they deliver food. However, the service provided is so much more.

What began as three routes, delivering meals to 10 residents in the early 1970s, has become a system of 11 routes serving 140 residents at a minimum.

“Our primary mission is to deliver hot and nutritious meals to clients throughout Hendricks County,” says Sabrina Cordon, executive director. “However, many people think of us as serving seniors and don’t realize we also serve clients with disabilities, those who are homebound, and those with chronic illness.”

“After retirement, my wife began volunteering and she got me into it,” he says. “I thought it was just great. I began to pick routes and we’d go together. I liked a couple of things. I really like to drive and the routes would take me to places in the county I didn’t even know existed.

Secondly, I’d watch as this person struggled to get to the door to pick up their food. You help them out, find out what their needs are, and it occurs to you that this is probably the only human contact these folks have had all day.”

Cordon has watched as volunteers have formed friendships with their clients, exchanged numbers and checked in with each other.

“Many of our volunteers have been driving for years and our clients are so appreciative, and to see someone come to their door with a smile really brightens their day,” Cordon says. “Tom always says, ‘It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when delivering for Meals on Wheels.’ ” In the midst of the pandemic, MOW saw a huge need and answered the call.

MAY 2023

“2022 was a record year for us,” Cordon says. “We served 32,500 meals to just under 300 clients and we have the capacity to accept new clients today.”

The meals are prepared by Hendricks Regional Health, and overseen by the nutrition and dietician department.

The cost is minimal, paid for by funding through CICOA, Medicaid, or the client if they don’t qualify.

“We’re not making a profit,” Cordon says. “The meal costs $7.75 and we charge $5.50, covering some of the cost with grants and donations.

Like any nonprofit, we’re always looking for new donors and support.”

Along with the hot meal that is delivered, clients receive a cold side and beverage packaged in a lunch bag.

In addition to funds and delivering food, MOW offers several other ways the community can help.

The nonprofit partners with Misty Eyes Animal Center to provide pet food for clients with four-legged friends. Donations to Misty Eyes furthers that mission.

Birthday bags are assembled to celebrate with each client. They include a handwritten birthday card and a few personalized items. MOW collects small notebooks, chapstick, travel-sized lotions, pens, puzzle books, magnets and more, to add to the birthday gift.

“We have school groups and service groups that decorate brown paper lunch sacks for the holidays or a client’s birthday,” Cordon says. “It’s just another nice thing that brightens their day. We also offer opportunities with our pen-pal program and connection calls - simply checking in with clients to see how things are going.”

The checking in provides relationship building between volunteers and clients, but also security for family members who may be working full time or not live locally. It’s a relief to those caring for an elderly loved one or someone in need that MOW is there to assist.

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“Before I joined the board, I was told we were looking for people with various backgrounds and experiences to join,” Stempson says. “I changed that and said we want to make a policy that says to be on the board, you have to drive for three months before being considered.

You need to understand what this is and what it takes. I don’t want to know where your head is, I want to know where your heart is.”

As more and more of the aging population chooses to live independently longer and stay at home, services like MOW are becoming more prevalent and needed within the community.

Stempson says for some, there’s a bit of a stigma or resistance when it comes to asking for help.

“It’s difficult to admit when you need help, but I’m surprised we don’t have more clients because we could do more,” Stempson says. “What I’ve found is once you give it a try, you want to stay.”

It’s also a goal of the organization to remind the community that they are still here and still working hard.

In the past few years, Cordon has worked to increase outreach and fundraising efforts, attending public events in hopes of reaching a neighbor or family friend who may benefit from the service.

Stempson says MOW will set up a farmers market booth and often hear the light bulb go off in someone’s memory.

CONFIDENCE TO SOAR

“They say, ‘Grandma and grandpa were on Meals on Wheels,’ ” Stempson says. “It’s like everyone knows us, but it’s so common it’s often forgotten.”

To deliver the meals, it takes 55 volunteers each week with a growing need for more.

“There is a brief [volunteer] online application and then I schedule an online orientation that takes about 30 minutes,” Cordon says. “We do background checks on all of the volunteers and we ask that people drive at least one route per month. We have some volunteers driving three times per week, so the more the merrier.”

For the current MOW volunteer family, they’ll celebrate their 50th anniversary on April 26 with an open-house celebration. There will be appetizers, light refreshments, a slide show of historical photos and more.

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“I would love to see more drivers and more clients signing up,” Stempson says. “We have our 50th coming up and we’ll be around for another 50 more, I’m sure. As long as I can lift a container, I’m going to continue to do it.”

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit hcmealsonwheels.org.

Programs open to all; Y Members receive special rates.

MAY 2023

HENDRICKS COUNTY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY NAMED AN IBA FIVE STAR MEMBER Writer / Melissa Yetter Photography Provided

Hendricks County Bank has been honored as a Five Star Member of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA). The award was recently presented by Rod Lasley, IBA chief operating officer, in recognition of the bank’s IBA involvement throughout 2022.

The Five Star Member designation recognizes those IBA-member banks that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the IBA in five areas - political awareness, issues advocacy, lifelong learning, IBA volunteerism, and Preferred Service Provider utilization.

“We very much appreciate the dedication of Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company as a Five Star Member bank,” says Amber Van Til, IBA president and CEO.

“Our association is strong, thanks to our supportive members.”

The IBA supports Indiana banking through issues analysis, professional education, and products and services that enhance member banks’ ability to serve their communities.

Founded in 1908, Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company has been locally owned and operated for 115 years. With five locations in the county, Hendricks County Bank provides outstanding customer service along with the latest technology and innovative products. The bank’s employees, from the president and board members to the customer service representatives, live in Hendricks County, and understand the local economy and the areas that are served.

Visit the bank’s website at hendrickscountybank.com for more details.

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Katie, Jared, Olivia, Owen & Jess

The Beauty of Baking MAMA BIRD BAKERY SERVES UP YUMMY TREATS WHILE WELCOMING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

For as far back as Jess Klatte can remember, baking has been in her blood. It was an activity she shared with her mom as she was growing up, and when she started a family, she began baking treats with her kiddos. Klatte would often share her decorated sugar cookies with friends like Katie Jacoboski, who encouraged her to sell her creations because they were so delicious. Four years ago Klatte launched an in-home business called Mama Bird Cookies. The name came from the fact that her oldest daughter’s nickname is Bird, and of course Klatte is the mama.

The business was so popular that Klatte recruited Jacoboski, a music teacher at a local preschool, to help her so that they could expand their offering of goodies.

All the while, Klatte was still working full time as a social worker where she saw a lot of inequalities in the workplace, particularly in the population with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One day she was at a meeting for a young lady she supported who desperately wanted to work as a barista for a commercial coffee chain. The manager told Klatte he would never hire the woman with developmental disabilities because she was too slow.

“That was my light-bulb moment where I realized that there was an opportunity here to change our community,” says Klatte, who, along with Jacoboski, decided to open a bakery - one that would employ people with intellectual disabilities like autism, Down syndrome and ADHD, as well as physical disabilities. The pair

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worked with the architect to design the space, making sure the kitchen and display-case areas were big enough for wheelchair-bound people.

“Our mantra is, ‘Everyone is welcome at our table,’” Klatte says. “We wanted anyone, whether you worked here or came in as a customer, to feel welcome, so our tables and restrooms are ADA accessible.”

In January of 2023, Mama Bird Bakery opened in downtown Plainfield.

Currently, Klatte and Jacoboski employ three part-time employees with disabilities.

“We like learning what all of our employees like to do,” Jacoboski says. “We try to figure out how to fit everyone in so that we’re helping them build skills.”

Not surprisingly, all of their employees enjoy baking. Everyone gets a chance to be in the kitchen making cinnamon rolls, stirring up and rolling out cookie dough, and filling pop tarts and hand pies.

“Our employees are hands-on, doing it all with us, whether that’s baking, washing dishes, working the register or cleaning baseboards,” Jacoboski says.

One cool design element of the bakery is the big windows that allow a view into the kitchen, so that customers can feel a connection to the baking process.

“We have a table in front of one of the windows,” Klatte says. “Families with young kids love to sit there.”

Getting hired at Mama Bird Bakery has fulfilled a lifelong dream for 17-year-old Owen Carr.

“I love it,” he says. “It’s really fun. I help prep cinnamon rolls, brownies and Danish, and help put items out on the counter. I also clean tables, prep muffin batter and peel potatoes.”

Carr’s baking skills really took off during the pandemic as he looked for ways to

pass the time.

“I want to continue this for as long as I live,” Carr says.

His co-workers are also happy to be part of the team.

“I like working here because it gives me time to interact with other people,” says Olivia Slavens, 20. “I like learning how to bake things too.”

Jared Baker’s favorite thing about working at the bakery is perfecting his baking skills.

“I love to make red velvet cookies and cinnamon rolls,” says Baker, 23. “I also like getting to see the customers and my bosses.”

The community is equally thrilled to welcome Mama Bird Bakery to Plainfield.

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“A lot of people bring their laptops and work remotely,” Klatte says. “We also have afternoon groups of preschoolers come in with their parents. Friday mornings are especially busy because folks like to bring treats into the office.

We definitely feel that we’re filling a niche that was missing here in Plainfield.”

Mama Bird Bakery sells scones, muffins, pop tarts, hand pies, macarons, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, breakfast pastries, Danish, blueberry shortbread bars, and coffee cake on weekends. They offer gluten-free and vegan options.

They have partnered with Tinker Coffee Co. and make all their own syrups inhouse, swapping them out seasonally. For instance, this past winter they had brown sugar cinnamon syrup.

“We try to do a good mix of savory and sweet options,” Klatte says.

When the bakery first opened, several of the parents of the special-needs employees told Klatte and Jacoboski that they never thought there would be a spot for their child to work in a public place with such dignity.

gave money to a Hendricks County family whose son was having open-heart surgery. In October, during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, they contributed to a Plainfield family who lost their little boy.

“That tugs at our heartstrings,” Jacoboski says. “Honestly, we’re flabbergasted that these kinds of opportunities don’t exist elsewhere - for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be loved and supported in their work environment.”

Family is extremely important to both women. Klatte and her husband, Steve, have six children, Raven, 18, Drew, 8, Keegan, 6, Luke, 4, Quinn, 2, and a new baby coming soon. Jacoboski and her husband, Josh, have four children, Molly, 15, Claire, 13, Rose, 12, and Tommy, 7.

Not only do Klatte and Jacoboski insist on paying their employees almost double minimum wage, but they also try to do something charitable once a month to support the community. For example, last June they baked rainbow heart cookies and donated proceeds from a big sale to the Indiana Youth Group for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Last February they

“Big or small, we want to be a part of people’s lives here in Plainfield and Hendricks County,” Klatte says.

Mama Bird Bakery is located at 234 East Main Street, Suite 103 in Plainfield. For more information, call 317-441-6413 or visit mamabirdbakery.com.

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