This year at Avon Orthodontics we are celebrating Dr. Gregory Johnson’s 30th year of service to the Hendricks County community.
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Johnson has helped over ten thousand patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is full of friendly smiles from our team members, including the occasional tail wag from our office dog, Karma. Some of our employees here at Avon Orthodontics have been working for Dr. Johnson for over 20 years!
Our practice has a fun, easy-going atmosphere to welcome patients. Whether it is your first appointment with us, or you are a current patient, we will make it our priority to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Avon Orthodontics welcomed another doctor into the practice, Dr. Lauren Wright. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lauren trained and graduated from the Mayo Clinic, so their practice philosophy and approach to patient care is very similar. As our practice continues to grow, we are blessed to have Dr. Lauren as a part of our team.
Our Avon Orthodontics Team looks forward to serving the Hendricks County community for years to come!
Dr. Johnson & Dr. Lauren
6 OLYMPIAN’S NEW CHAPTER Plainfield’s Olympian Jen Floyd Powers New Fitness Mission
MIGHT AS WELL JUMP Local Teens to Compete in World Jump Rope Championship
PUBLISHER
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS
MELISSA GIBSON RENÉE LARR AMY PAYNE
EXPANDING SUPPORT Summer Fundraisers Are On Deck to Aid Family Promise
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT
OLYMPIAN’S NEW CHAPTER
PLAINFIELD’S OLYMPIAN JEN FLOYD
POWERS NEW FITNESS MISSION
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Amy Payne
Jen Floyd started her rowing career late in the game. It wasn’t until her senior year of college that she discovered it.
“I was originally recruited for volleyball as a freshman and sophomore in college, and when I transferred to Cornell University, I didn’t have a sport my junior year,” Floyd said. “After a year of no sports though, I came to the conclusion that I really needed one. I needed a team and to be involved in something with time management.”
Floyd and her roommate attended an informational meeting about rowing, and she knew this was it.
“I reached out to the coach and asked what I needed to do over the summer to be prepared. My senior year, I started practicing and really fell in love with it,” Floyd said.
Not only did she love it, but she was good at it too.
With her 6-foot-tall, athletic build and previous experience in volleyball, swimming and a variety of other sports, rowing seemed to be made for Floyd.
Everything was new that year. She recalls showing up for winter training and learning she was officially on the varsity team.
Tests on the rowing machine had Floyd walking away with the second-fastest time, and after that first season as a rower her senior year of college, she was left wanting more.
New to the sport, Floyd didn’t know what rowing looked like after college but was
soon to find out. In addition to rowing clubs across the United States, there are junior and master programs for postcollege and older.
Or she could really take it to a whole new level.
“One of my teammates’ goals was to make the United States Rowing team. There was a program in Connecticut for postcollege athletes looking to train, and I didn’t have a job lined up after graduation. I really wanted to continue rowing,” Floyd said. “This is a full-time program, and I took the chance.”
Floyd moved to Connecticut in the fall of 2003. She didn’t make the team in 2004 with only a year of training under her belt, but she did participate in the World Cup, winning three medals, and went on as an alternate in the World Championship in 2005.
“Each year was a learning experience and a steppingstone to the next level. I made the 2008 Olympic team in Beijing,” Floyd said. “Going to the Olympics is an experience I’ll never forget. I had nine family members that made the trip kind of at the last minute.”
Her women’s quadruple sculls event finished sixth in the final.
“Returning after the Olympics was a struggle. I only knew myself as an athlete and a rower, and I didn’t know what else to do, so I figured I’d keep doing this,” Floyd said.
She went back to train in 2009, but after several injuries she was losing steam, and by 2011, it was clear her heart wasn’t in it anymore, leaving her with the question, “What now?”
A short stint at Lululemon, a company
We meet to improve the world one child & one community at a time. Have lunch with other professionals - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 11:30 at Bru Burger Plainfield. kiwanis@plainfieldkiwanis.org
Floyd said was big on encouraging selfdevelopment, had her taking a quiz to figure out how your personality leads you to a certain set of careers.
The answer she received — owning a gym or a fitness center. When her next opportunity presented itself, it made perfect sense.
She became the executive director of the Indianapolis Rowing Center.
“I liked being involved and really loved coaching. I got to row but not at the same level. I got to see the other side of it and really enjoyed putting on events. I helped coordinate and watched the NCAA Championships, the Big Ten Championships, master rowers and other big competitions,” Floyd said.
After several years in the position, Floyd’s brother told her about Fit Body Boot Camp.
It’s a franchise and one that provides the type of structure and efficiency Floyd craves.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind that I would like to own a gym. I started doing DEKA Fitness Challenges and CrossFit Unbreakable. They include zones like rowing, box jumps, weights and others. It’s something to train for and gives me a goal to achieve,” Floyd said. “I looked into Fit Body Boot Camp, and they are super helpful from day one. It wasn’t overwhelming to get this going at all.”
She opened the Plainfield Fit Body Boot Camp in December 2023.
It’s a different program compared to many gyms in the area. In 30 minutes, moving from one station to another, customers can receive an efficient and productive workout in a short time frame.
“Busy parents and professionals who don’t have the time to go to an hour-long workout can stop by and get everything in and be done with it,” Floyd said. “I get joy when people stop looking at the number on the scale and they start noticing progress in
everyday ways. Someone recently said, ‘We were on vacation on a boat, and for the first time, I was able to climb back up on the boat without assistance.’”
It all goes back to rowing and her love for healthy living.
“Rowing is one of the most efficient workouts there is. It can be tailored to any fitness level. I’ve coached a gentleman who was 80 years old along with middle school students,” Floyd said. “In the same way, there are alternative movements at Fit Body too.”
She hasn’t given up on rowing. She’s still volunteering with the Indianapolis Rowing Center, and there’s talk about getting back together with former teammates to row in the Head of the Charles fall regatta, but either way, Floyd is content.
“I enjoy what I do. I think gaining more independence and bettering yourself is really important, and I enjoy the challenge,” Floyd said.
Submit Your Events!
2
WICKED
7 p.m., Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
WILD WEDNESDAYS
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 U.S. Highway 136
4
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. LOUISVILLE BATS
6:35 p.m., Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St.
JULY 4TH PARADE
10 a.m., parade route TBD, Brownsburg
JULY 4TH CONCERT PRESENTED BY CENTIER BANK
7:30 p.m., Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St.
JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
10 p.m.–midnight, Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St.
5 INDIANA FEVER VS. LOS ANGELES SPARKS
9
TEDDY SWIMS (RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE 9, 2025)
8 p.m., Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
11
CARLY PEARCE: HUMMINGBIRD WORLD TOUR PRESENTED BY CONUNDRUM WINES
8 p.m., Egyptian Room, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
12
INDY ELEVEN STAR WARS NIGHT
7 p.m., IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
16
OPEN MIC
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W. Georgia St.
7 p.m., Gainbridge Fieldhouse
IU HEALTH MOMENTUM INDY
4:30–10 p.m., University Park, 307 N. Meridian St.
17
POP 2000 TOUR WITH CHRIS KIRKPATRICK OF *NSYNC
7:30 p.m., Deluxe, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
RODEO
7:30 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St. Join us for the rodeo July 17 and 18!
19
DEMOLITION DERBY
7 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St.
WNBA ALL-STAR GAME
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
20
BARENAKED LADIES: LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR 2025
7 p.m., Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
23
EARTH, WIND & FIRE
7:30 p.m., Everwise
Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
26
BEN RECTOR – THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD TOUR
7:30 p.m., Everwise
Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
27
BRICKYARD 400 –NASCAR CUP SERIES
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
EXPANDING SUPPORT
SUMMER FUNDRAISERS ARE ON DECK TO AID
FAMILY PROMISE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Chances are, you’ve heard of Family Promise of Hendricks County. The organization has been part of the community for years, working to prevent homelessness and provide resources for those experiencing hardship.
But did you know they host two fundraising events at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair?
The Chopped Challenge returns for its fourth year on July 13.
It’s your favorite team cooking show with a twist.
“We have 20 teams of four that compete in different rounds. Participants get a mystery basket of items, generally found in a food pantry. Winners present the best dish they can, and if selected, move on to the finale,” said Heather Heikkila, fundraising event coordinator.
Families, co-workers, nonprofits and civic groups gather to compete in the unique competition that educates others on the challenges of creating a meal solely from items you might receive at a food pantry — and they have a ton of fun in the process.
With extra donations and support, competitors might get a chance to shop for additional ingredients at the “marketplace,” and three local judges will decide who moves on to the final round.
Funds raised from Chopped Challenge will be split between Family Promise and the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition.
Later that week, on July 19, the fifth annual Livestock Stampede will return for a family-friendly 5K run/walk through the 4-H animal barns.
“Afterward, we’ll have milkshakes and cinnamon rolls in the dairy barn and a raffle for special prizes,” Heikkila said. “Funds raised from the Livestock Stampede go toward our Stability Builders Network. These are the funds we
use when assisting with rent, car repairs, utilities and other things.”
If you miss the fair events, there are still plenty of other ways to participate throughout the year.
On July 27, Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg will host a pancake breakfast to raise funds for Family Promise, and organizers hope others follow suit.
“The church raised $2,000 for us last
time, and they’re doing it again this summer. Now, we’re seeing other churches follow their model,” Heikkila said. “This has happened organically. You pick the time, date and location, and we’ll show up with informational packets and introduce ourselves to the guests at the breakfast.”
They’re also partnering with Feed the Children and Niagara Water for a massive drive-through food pantry. If you have a voucher from Family Promise or one of their partners, stop by Plainfield
Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 13 to receive a 25-pound box of nonperishables, a case of water, a box of hygiene supplies and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Family Promise recently welcomed their new chief operating officer, Jennifer Crooks, who has joined at an exciting time of growth.
Crooks began six months ago after working in the mental health field. She said it was frustrating to see a need and
feel unable to meet it.
“What drew me here was how Family Promise bridges the gap. They’re helping at the point that’s most crucial. We used to refer people to Family Promise all the time because we weren’t able to take the next step with them,” Crooks said. “It’s amazing to see the transformation and the impact we can make on people’s lives.”
Affordable housing is a major piece of the puzzle and something Family Promise has been working on with local municipalities for years. Many of those plans are now coming to fruition.
What began as a shelter house on Scanell Lane in Plainfield has grown into a neighborhood with one shelter home,
one transitional home for single moms with children and five rented duplexes.
The shelter house still welcomes up to six families, and Family Promise continues to partner with churches to provide meals or groceries.
“We also have homes in Brownsburg and Danville, 22 townhomes under construction in Plainfield and plans for another seven townhomes in Avon,” Crooks said. “We’ve partnered with the Town of Plainfield and Helix 33. The town has approved 109 apartment units, and Helix 33 is giving us two acres to build a childcare center for 100 children. Connected to that building will be a new immigration center for working families.”
Heikkila said 30 percent of Hendricks
County residents are just one paycheck away from financial crisis. Twelve percent currently experience food insecurity or some version of homelessness.
It only takes one broken-down car, one medical incident or one death in the family to send a household into crisis.
“By the time we finish all of our projects, Hendricks County will lead the state in affordable housing,” Heikkila said.
In the meantime, Family Promise hopes the community continues to support its work through events like the Chopped Challenge and Livestock Stampede.
Visit familypromisehendrickscounty.org for more information.
MIGHT AS WELL JUMP
LOCAL TEENS TO COMPETE IN WORLD JUMP ROPE CHAMPIONSHIP
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Most of us remember jumping rope in grade school. We played at home or during recess, creating silly chants and challenging ourselves with a variety of skips and moves.
This summer, two local students have qualified for the World Championship competition in Japan, and they’re making our idea of jumping rope look like child’s play. They’re tested on two different categories: speed and freestyle, or standard tricks. Think of it like gymnastics with a jump rope.
Anna Koehlinger will be a freshman this fall and has been jumping rope competitively since fourth grade. She saw a team performing in grade school and attended a spring workshop to get involved.
“There’s a lot of flipping and power-type skills with rope manipulation. We have group relays, doubles, and similar to track or swimming there’s a scoring system, but instead of distance, it’s in time,” Koehlinger said.
Norah Halon will be a sophomore this fall and has participated for 10 years. Her older
sister was on the team and inspired her to join.
“I was so little when I started, I don’t remember a lot of it, but I remember older teammates that I looked up to. It’s a lot of hard work, but if you put in the effort, it eventually comes naturally,” Halon said. The team practices three to four days per week together, trying new tricks or
working on speed, but most on the team would say they practice every day — simply because it’s what they love to do.
“Some of my best friends are on the jump rope team,” Halon said. “It’s a stress reliever and has been a great experience, so really, if you’re bored, you just go out and jump rope in the driveway.”
Tired of living with dated, hard to clean, wornout looking surfaces in your home? Don’t replace. Refinish. At Miracle Method, we can refinish your existing counters, tile, shower, bathtub and more saving you time and money while giving a fresh new space that’s nothing short of miraculous. Before you tear it out, talk to us!
In addition to the occasional community performance, there are only two main competitions, along with workshops and a U.S. Nationals event. The two main competitions are considered regional — typically five larger teams from the Midwest and several smaller teams. The top jumpers of each team are invited to the U.S. Nationals event and eventually, the World Championships.
But the way the competitions are designed doesn’t give the teams and individuals much room for error.
compete in the World Championship.
“I’m super competitive, and the way the competitions are set up really only gives you one shot to get it right. In some sports, there are 20 games in a season and you win some and lose some, but it really pushes me to prepare and train when there are so few events,” Koehlinger said. At the most recent U.S. Nationals, Koehlinger and Halon made the team to
From July 27 through Aug. 3, the two will head to the event in Kawasaki, Japan, hosted by the International Jump Rope Union.
For Halon, learning that she made the list was an extra special accomplishment.
“I had a high fever the day of competition. I wasn’t at 100 percent. Trials didn’t go too well, and my wrist
was injured,” Halon said. “Anna called me at school and told me I made it, and I thought that was a really mean prank. I couldn’t believe it. Of all the times to be sick, this was the worst — but it turned out okay.”
More than okay. They’re looking forward to competing, and neither has ever stepped foot in Japan.
“Regardless of the competition aspect of it, just getting to go to Japan is crazy,”
Koehlinger said. “It’s a new environment, and we get to compete against the best of the best in our sport.”
They even get to make connections with those they’ve befriended over the years but have never met.
“We’re friends with jumpers from across the country and know people in Germany and Japan and elsewhere, so I’m really excited to meet all the jumpers from across the world,” Halon said. “Even though we’re competing against each other, everyone supports everyone. It’s a really positive environment.”
Jump roping is becoming more popular across the globe. Both athletes plan to continue the sport as far as they’re able. “I see this as part of my life for a long time, and I’m not stopping anytime soon,” Koehlinger said. “We know it won’t be in the Olympics in 2028 because those new sports have already been announced, but we’re hopeful it will be added in 2032. That would be the dream for me, but I’d also love to coach in the future.”
Halon agreed.
“I want to continue jumping in college. I’ve always been interested in coaching. I used to be the little kid who started out at a young age, and I know what it’s like to be them, so I want to be that mentor for the new members of our team and into the future,” Halon said.
Regardless of their placement at the World Championship, their success and this experience is one they’ll never forget.
For more information, visit ijru.sport/2025-worldchampionships.
SCOTT SWAN’S DAILY DEVOTIONAL
WTHR ANCHOR OFFERS COLLECTION OF FAITH-BASED REFLECTIONS
Writer / Renée Larr
WTHR anchor Scott Swan has been a trusted voice delivering news to Indiana residents for decades. But now, he’s stepping beyond the news desk to offer something deeper - hope.
His new daily devotional, The Hope You Need Today, is a passionate, 365day collection of faith-based reflections designed to inspire, uplift and encourage readers facing life’s struggles. Each day readers will find a new reflection, a relevant scripture and a prayer, providing a daily dose of hope and inspiration. The book is structured to fit seamlessly into the reader’s daily routine allowing you to start your day with a positive and hopeful mindset.
Swan’s journey into authorship was an unexpected turn. The book’s genesis can be traced back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when Swan found himself among the few working in the WTHR newsroom while many of his colleagues operated remotely. With more downtime between newscasts, he began receiving messages from viewers struggling with fear, anxiety and grief.
“There was this overwhelming sense of hopelessness,” Swan says. “People felt isolated, fearful and uncertain about the future. I kept thinking, ‘How can I respond in a way that truly helps?’”
That question led Swan to reflect on the
strong spiritual foundation his parents provided for him as a child growing up in Southern California. He says he turned his life over to Jesus at age 12. Swan says his father, a man of steadfast faith, would reach for his Bible whenever Swan had a problem, pointing him to scripture for guidance. His mother, a longtime teacher, had created a handwritten document listing the attributes of God from A to Z - qualities that had provided her strength.
Inspired by both of his parents, Swan started sharing daily devotionals on his social media pages, offering messages of encouragement rooted in scripture. What began as a simple online practice evolved into a full year of devotionals, culminating in The Hope You Need Today.
At its core, the book serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter what struggles a person faces - grief, health battles, financial hardship or broken relationships - hope can always be found in faith. Swan leaned heavily into his faith during his own battles with severe panic attacks and a near-death health scare. “It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday or what might come tomorrow,” Swan says. “What matters is that people need hope today.”
Swan’s personal experiences and family have significantly shaped the devotional. His wife, Janae, has been his rock since
their days as high school sweethearts. Her journey of faith, particularly during her battle with breast cancer in 2021, has been a source of inspiration for Swan.
“She went through 30 rounds of radiation, surgery and everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and she leaned completely on her faith,” Swan says. “Seeing her strength and unwavering trust in God only reinforced my belief in the power of hope.”
His children, now adults, also play a significant role in his journey. “They remind me that this book is making an impact in people’s lives, and that’s really what keeps me going,” he says. Their support and encouragement inspire Swan to continue sharing his message of hope.
Writing The Hope You Need Today was not an overnight endeavor. In fact, it took an entire year of daily devotionals before Swan and his wife realized he had enough content for a book.
“I never set out to write a book,” Swan says. “I was just writing what was on my heart and what I felt God was leading me to share. But after a year it became clear that this was something more.”
The book is now available through major online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
ACROSS
1. Some trophies
5. Slant
9. Hit in the ring
12. “Carmen” selection
13. Poor, as excuses go
14. Outback runner
15. Pulmonary problem
17. Child occupier
18. Collar, as a perp
19. Puts on the line
21. Staff of life
24. Unexciting
26. Salad topper
27. Miles off
29. Application blank
33. Classified material?
34. “The Pirates of Penzance” heroine
36. Smidgen
37. Prepared to drive, with “up”
39. Curious, plus
40. “No ___”
41. Grand Canyon-esque
43. Out of practice
45. “Peter and the Wolf” bird
48. Oregon ___
49. Haul
50. Impassively
56. Start and end of the Three Musketeers’ motto
57. Has
58. In ___ of
59. Layer
60. Versifier
61. Kind of cell
DOWN
1. Feather holder?
2. Caterer’s dispenser
3. Bake sale offering
4. Hot spot
5. Amorphous mass
6. First name in spy fiction
7. Who or where follower
8. Browns
9. Fleet components
10. Crazily
11. Acquires
16. Palindromic title
20. Charge carrier
21. Bridge site
22. Fair feature
23. In addition
24. Wooden shoe
25. Mining finds
28. Clappers
30. Mall conveniences
31. Spar
32. On pins and needles
35. Songlike
38. Deep vein thrombosis (abbr.)
42. Ancient fabulist
44. Asia/Europe divider
45. Hoo-ha
46. Downtime
47. Like a crone
48. Pugilist’s weapon
51. Enough to tango
52. United
53. Turned on 54. Ang or Spike
55. Compliment to the chef
For Advertising Information, Contact:
DARREN BOSTON DARREN@TOWNEPOST.COM
(317) 716-8812
AS SEE IN Architectural Digest
EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN | INDIANAPOLIS
RENOVATION EDUCATION
Once educators, the BGW Construction team keeps the spirit of education alive while working with clients to create their dream properties
For 18 years, Bobby Williams was a teacher and football coach who worked contracting jobs on the side. In 2015, Williams’ company, BGW Construction, went from side hustle to fullfledged contracting firm when he realized his worklife balance was suffering.
Despite now working as a custom renovation contractor, Williams and his team still abide by their ethos of education and balance. Prior to joining BGW Jason Schoeff, general manager, was a history teacher and Kevin Slone, project coordinator, was an accountant. Alongside Williams, both coached the varsity football team at the local 5A high school.
“We take a teaching and coaching philosophy in how we approach our jobs,” says Williams, owner. “We want to educate our customers on the modern-day technologies and codes that
come with oldhome renovations.”
Williams hopes that even those who aren’t currently clients can learn something from his team. But for BGW clients, the results are breathtaking.
In a recent renovation of an 1800s home, BGW added almost 1,000 square feet of living space, which included a new primary bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Having been previously turned down by four other contractorsT, the renovation came with its share of problems to solve. The BGW team was quick to put on their old educator caps and get to work.
Because of the home’s age, the team had to match the style and materials of the existing building. The home’s existing cedar siding was custom recreated by a local craftsman. Updated features like a large island and shaker-style cabinets grace the kitchen but still hold a timeless charm.
True jacks of all trades, the team can work across any style or period. From old Victorians to modern builds, there isn’t a mountain BGW can’t conquer.
“We put a value on education, but we also put a value on expertise, and that’s what we sell,” concludes Williams. “We’re selling quality, communication, and professionalism.”
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: This refurbished vintage kitchen includes a custom reclaimed-wood hood and expansive island. This studio apartment boasts a large stone-blue kitchen within its upscale barn aesthetic. Not your average galley kitchen, this space provides ample room for cooking. Stunning bespoke tile work graces the floor and seamless shower surfaces.
