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Hoosier family fun

John Hurst
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Hoosier family fun

Enjoy family fun at three Indiana destinations

By Stephanie Figy

Whether you enjoy city living, suburbs or farmland, Indiana has the perfect place for you. Lauded for its livability, cities and towns across the state often earn accolades. Fishers was recently named a best place in America to raise a family by Money Magazine, while Carmel earned a best places to live title from the website Niche. But what makes Indiana so appealing to families? Many factors affect these ratings, including cost of living, opportunities, public schools and local amenities. In the spirit of celebrating Indiana and what the state offers, learn more about some industry leaders paving the way for family fun.

Fair Oaks Farms

Fair Oaks Farms mixes fun and education by offering multiple family-friendly activities on a working farm. Visitors can choose between the farm’s three planned adventures — Dairy Adventure, Pig Adventure and Crop Adventure — or do all three. Each one provides an enriching experience, but there’s a special surprise on the Dairy and Pig Adventures.

“Some of our more popular attractions are the birthing areas in both the Dairy Adventure and the Pig Adventure,” says Marketing and Special Events Director Leslie Rusk. “Watching a baby being born never gets old for our guests.”

Another guest favorite is the outdoor play area, Mooville, Rusk adds. While the farm is open year-round, Mooville is only open between Memorial and Labor Day. Visitors who want to experience all three adventures should allot three to four hours, longer if they want to eat farm-fresh fare at the Cowfé or Farmhouse Restaurant! 

Upon arriving at Fair Oaks Farms, visit the admissions building to receive wristbands and a campus map, then get ready for some family fun!

IF YOU GO 

Where: 856 N. 600 East 

Fair Oaks

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 

Admission: Adult adventures cost $20-$29.95. Kid adventures (3-12 years of age) cost $15-$25, free for children 2 and under. 

Visit fofarms.com for more information.

 

Wonderlab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology

From the Bubble-airium water play area to 21+ Wonderlab After Dark events, hands-on science museum Wonderlab offers something for people of all ages. According to Marketing Director Aleisha Kropf, a guest favorite is the Fitzgerald Hall of Natural Science, which houses live insects, amphibians and reptiles.

When planning a visit, be sure to check the events calendar on the website. The museum recommends allotting two hours for a visit. Admission is valid for the entire day, so guests can come and go as they please. Stop by the welcome desk for a free storage locker key, information on nearby restaurants and other attractions, or to purchase tickets for the day’s special shows.

IF YOU GO 

Where: 308 W. Fourth St.

Bloomington

When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday

1 p.m.-5p.m. Sunday 

Admission: Members are free. Admission for nonmembers is $9. A basic annual family membership for up to five people costs $108.

Visit wonderlab.org for more information.

Carter’s Play Place

Carter’s Play Place offers an inclusive environment for children of all abilities. Aside from the adaptive indoor play gym, Carter’s Play Place provides occupational therapy services and hosts birthday parties, parents’ nights out, classes and more. 

Carter’s Play Place has toys, a trampoline, slide, zip line and swings. In addition, there’s a full kitchen that families can use to store snacks to eat throughout the day. Last but not least, supporting Carter’s Play Place means supporting a recreational center that serves special needs children and their families in a positive, fun and clean environment. 

IF YOU GO 

Where: 17219 Foundation Parkway

Westfield

When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

10 a.m.-4 p.m.* Saturday-Sunday 

*Weekend hours vary depending on birthday party schedule.

Admission: A single day pass is $10. Discounts are available for siblings or punch cards. An annual membership is $50 for one child, $75 for two, and $99 for three or more.

– Visit cartersplayplace.com for more information. I

Helping parents raise families

John Hurst
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Helping parents raise families

Businesses benefit from paid family leave

By Keshia McEntire

Landing a great job and raising a family are key components of the American dream, but most new parents are forced to put aside a steady income while taking care of a newborn and recovering from delivery. The United States is the only country in the industrialized world that has yet to require businesses to offer paid leave to new parents. While four states have created parental leave programs, Indiana is not among them. 

Stephanie Moss, a mother of two, said she was lucky to have an employer that offered six weeks of paid maternity leave. The idea of having to give up her income to give birth to a child is unimaginable to her.

“If I didn’t have paid leave I would be stressed, and I would worry about how I had to make money to afford the child,” Moss said. “You have doctors appointments to make, sometimes you are not feeling well. How will you make that money back? I can’t even imagine not having any paid leave.” 

Needed now more than ever

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Employee Benefits Survey, only 15 percent of civilian workers had access to paid family leave in 2017. 

Erin Macey, policy analyst with The Indiana Institute for Working Families, says paid family leave has become increasingly crucial in the 21st century because most families do not have a dedicated caregiver at home and rely on two incomes.

“Families are really dependent on their income right now,” Macey said. “That’s true for two-parent families, but for a very long time we have been putting at a disadvantage single-parent families. They have to work, and it’s devastating to them.”

Black women, who also tend to earn less than white women, may be impacted the most. The National Partnership for Women and Families reports that 85 percent of Black mothers, 50 percent of white mothers and 49 percent of Latina mothers in Indiana provide at least 40 percent of the family’s joint earnings. 

Benefits to Businesses

The benefits of offering paid family leave are not exclusive to workers. Employers benefit substantially from paid leave policies. 

“In particular, with the newer generations, that work life balance can help with recruitment,” Macey said. “It also helps with employee retention. We are talking about an employee who is probably not going to show up to work anyway. They might be hospitalized, they are giving birth. The time and money it takes to train replacements ends up being more costly than granting paid leave. It keeps them on board, and you see boosts in employee morale.”

Chuck Carney, director of media relations at Indiana University, agrees. Indiana University recently updated their policy to offer up to six weeks of paid parental leave to all staff employees who work 30 hours or more each week. In addition to supporting families, he feels the policy will attract potential employees to the university. 

“It’s something we know helps families, helps ease the tension, and it doesn’t cut into vacation time,” Carney said. “Furthermore, it makes us more competitive in the marketplace for the best employees and is a good recruiting tool, for sure. We hear it mentioned a lot as a selling point for potential new employees. If you are weighing your options about whether or not you want to work with us or another institution, we can point to it and say we offer this.”

The nation’s biggest companies are getting on board. Earlier this year, Walmart announced up to 10 weeks of job-protected, paid maternal leave for birth mothers working full time.

“Families are a priority to us and connecting with and caring for a new family member is important,” Erica Jones, senior manager of corporate communications at Walmart, said. “We believe that when employees have stability in areas like pay, leave, scheduling and paid time off, it ultimately leads to economic stability and a better quality of life.”

However, part-time Walmart employees cannot use these benefits, and adoptive families and dads are left out of the picture. 

Creating Change

Macey acknowledges that long paid leaves of absence can be costly for small businesses. That’s why she advocates for a statewide policy that shares the cost among numerous employers. In California, for example, workers have small deductions withheld from each paycheck to ensure new moms and dads get six weeks of time off with at least 55 percent of their weekly pay.

According to the Brookings Institution, a 1 percent payroll tax has been enough to fund family leave in most states that have implemented paid leave policies. 

Macey has advice for employees who wish to advocate for paid family leave in their workplace.

“Addressing this at the point of hire would be one way to advocate for this. Do not just think about your negotiation around wages or salary, but also think ahead to the fact that you will likely need medical leave or family leave in your future,” Macey said. “Also, turn to your legislators. There are states that have policies that guarantee family leave and it is very low cost. Turn to lawmakers and ask them to study these issues.”

Moss says having paid time off fostered a successful transition back into the workplace after giving birth. 

“You have the time to get used to a new schedule,” Moss said. “The hardest part is to prepare yourself to take them to daycare.” I

General Business Credits

John Hurst
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Understanding the new employer credit for paid family and medical leave

By Brittany Sabalza

As part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the IRS released information regarding a new general business credit, the Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave.   

Traditionally, employers haven’t received any special tax benefits for earnings paid to employees during a Family Medical Leave (FML), but this new credit is now available to employers who offer voluntary paid time off to qualifying employees who are FML wages paid in 2018 and 2019. Generally, employers who have more than 50 employees within a 75-mile range are subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), luckily, the IRS has created this credit to provide relief to those employers subject to FMLA and includes employers who have less than 50 employees and offer “FMLA-like” leave.

In order to claim the credit, it is required that employers have a written policy in place that offers full-time employees at least two weeks of paid family and medical leave annually. This is prorated for part-time employees. Any paid leave wages must not be less than 50 percent of regular wages. 

For purposes of the Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave, family and medical leave is considered up to 12 weeks of paid time off for one or more of the following reasons: 

Birth of the employee’s child and to care for such child.

Placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care.

To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition.

The employee’s serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of his or her position.

Any qualifying exigency due to an employee’s spouse, child or parent being on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

To care for an Armed Forces service member who is the employee’s spouse, child, parent or next of kin.

Employers who offer voluntary paid time off for reasons other than those stated above cannot claim the credit. Any leave paid for by state and local governments or paid to an employee due to state and local requirements also are not considered when determining eligibility for the credit. 

To claim FML wages paid in 2018, the employee to whom the employer paid FML wages must be employed by that same employer for one year or more and 2017 wages may not exceed $72,000 in order to be considered. 

The Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave credit starts at 12.5 percent and is increased by a quarter of a percent for FML wages paid above 50 percent of an employee’s regular wages and can increase to a maximum of 25 percent.  

Since a tax credit reduces the amount of tax liability dollar for dollar, this means the credit may reduce tax liability by 12.5-25 percent of qualifying FML wages paid during the tax year.

For Example:

Your company pays $10,000 of FML wages to Joe (a qualifying employee) while he’s on family and medical leave. This amount is 50 percent of Joe’s regular wage and you the Employer, can claim a paid family and medical leave credit of 12.5 percent of $10,000, or $1,250.

Now let’s say Joe was paid $12,000 at 60 percent of regular wages (10 percent higher than 50 percent) the employer’s credit is increased by 10 × 0.25 percent, or 2.5 percent. The employer can claim a paid family and medical leave credit of 15 percent (12.5 percent plus 2.5 percent) of $12,000, or $1,800.

Be prepared to take advantage of the credit. Employers should begin to review leave policies or even take a look at creating a qualifying family medical leave plan if it’s beneficial. Seek help from an HR professional if necessary. For assistance determining your eligibility for the credit and how the credit could be advantageous to you, contact an experienced tax professional. Do your research before hiring a tax professional. Be sure that the professional is reputable, experienced and specializes in business taxes and understands how the credit may affect you. Although, the IRS has released some information regarding the credit, more detailed explanations and interpretations regarding the regulations can be expected to be released. I

For More Information on the new Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave visit IRS.gov

For more information on other general business credits visit IRS Publication 334- Small Business Guide.

Brittany Sabalza, EA, is director of Tax Education at Pro Tax Solutions Indianapolis, and a tax columnist.

Columbus

John Hurst
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A mix of modern architecture and small-town charm

By Oseye Boyd

Known for its architecture, Columbus is ranked sixth in the U.S. for architectural innovation and design by the American Institute of Architects. With a population of 45,000, Columbus is the 20th largest city in Indiana and the county seat for Bartholomew County.

Gen. John Tipton and Luke Bonesteel purchased the land in 1820. The town was originally named Tiptonia in honor of Tipton and later changed to Columbus on March 20, 1821.

Columbus parks feature an ice skating rink, skateboard park, observation tower and an ivy-covered tower. The park system is ranked number one for cities its size by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Much of downtown is listed with the National Register of Historic places. The National Historic Landmarks Program accepted six locations simultaneously.

Accommodations

The Inn at Irwin Gardens

The Inn at Irwin Gardens is a garden, bed and breakfast, event venue and private residence all rolled into one. Dating back to the 1800s, the Inn at Irwin Gardens offers something for everyone. While the house has been remodeled since it was built in 1864, some of the original features such as light fixtures, furniture, decorations and bathroom fixtures remain. 

Joseph Irwin and his family moved into the home in 1864. Four generations of the Irwin family lived in the home. The home was enlarged and redesigned in 1890 and 1910. Opened to the public since 1911, the garden closed for renovation from 2008 to 2012 and reopened in the summer of 2012. 

The Gardens

Open to the public 2-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, June-October

Cost: free

House and Garden Guided Tour

Tours available 1-2 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday. 

Cost: $15 

Private tours are available for groups of six to 24 people on a day of your choosing. 

The Inn at Irwin Gardens 

608 Fifth St. 

Columbus, IN 47201

812-376-3663

irwingardens.com

The Ruddick-Nugent House

This bed and breakfast offers guests a chance to step back in time as the furnishing and decor reflect time periods throughout the history of the house dating back to 1884. The property takes up a city block and the grounds are being developed into extensive gardens. Complimentary refreshments are served and breakfast is served at an agreed upon time. Most children are welcome, but guests should inquire first.

1210 16th St. 

Columbus, IN 47201

800-814-7478

ruddick-nugent-house.com

Attractions

Anderson Falls

The flat land of Bartholomew County gives way to steeped walled-valleys and cascading waterfalls that make up Anderson Falls. Nature lovers have plenty to explore between the beech/maple forest, shagbark hickory, and white oak and buckeye trees. Migratory songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks and other woodland animals live on the preserve. Wildflowers grow in the spring.

3201 N. 1140 County Road E, 

Hartsville, IN 47244

Blue’s Canoe Livery

This outdoor recreation center is for the adventurous type. Canoes, kayaks and rafts are available for rent while cruising down the Driftwood River. A popular trip goes through a state wildlife preserve where deer, beaver and great blue heron osprey and wild turkey are seen. It’s also an excellent area for smallmouth bass fishing. Mild rapids are also present.

While families are welcome, children should be 4 and older. Camping also is available.

4220 W. 700 N

Edinburgh, IN 46124

812-526-9851

bluescanoelivery.com

Atterbury-Bakalar Museum

The all-volunteer operated museum, features artifacts and memorabilia from wars and conflicts from 1942 to 1970. Originally named Atterbury Air Force Base when it opened in February 1943, the base was later named Bakalar on Nov. 13, 1954 after First Lt. John Edmond Bakalar, a Hammond native who was killed in the line of duty in Sept. 1, 1944 over France.

Museum hours are 10 am.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call ahead to schedule group tours.

4742 Ray Boll Blvd.

Columbus, IN 47201

812-372-4356

atterburybakalarairmuseum.org

Zoo’Oopolis Exotic Petting World

Animal lovers have an opportunity to get up close and personal with more than 100 animals from 40 different species, Zoo’Oopolis Exotic Petting World features cinnamon raccoons, Asian leopard Bengal cats, teacup pigs and more in an air-conditioned/heated 3,000-square foot facility that sits on five acres of land. There are no barriers between the animals and visitors so there’s a chance to touch and feed the animals, half of which are rescues. 

Open year round Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required.

Hours are 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 2:30-5 p.m.

Cost: $33, ages 16 and up; $22, ages 3-15; free, 2 and younger

12696 W. 50 S 

Columbus, IN 47201

812-764-4980

zoo-opolisexoticpettingworld.com

Dining

Zaharakos 

This old-fashioned ice cream shop will take you back in time with its stained glass window and Tiffany-style lamp. According to the website, “Zaharakos has been serving sodas, sundaes and smiles since 1900.” A museum and library features items from the 1800s, a restored 1870s orchestrion, syrup dispensers and the largest collection of pre-1900 marble soda fountains. The Soda Fountain and Mechanical Music Libraries are on the second floor.  The country store has everything from candy to preserves, wooden toys as well as souvenirs.

329 Washington St.

Columbus IN 47201

812-378-1900

zaharakos.com

240 Sweet

These marshmallows are definitely not the grocery store variety. Instead, these gourmet marshmallows come in flavors such as s’more, crème brulée, crunchy cinnamon and bourbon chocolate swirl. The company began in 2007 and offers opportunities to make your own marshmallows through interactive classes.

9600 N. US Highway 31

Columbus, IN 47201

812-372-9898

240sweet.com

Henry Social Club

Although its doors opened in 2014, Henry Social Club is known for giving restaurant goers an experience often found in large cities. Owner and chef Gethin Thomas offers a menu that includes steaks, homemade breads and pasta — just to name a few. In addition to unique cocktails, Henry Social Club has an extensive wine collection. The décor adds a touch of class with Eames chairs and mirrors from 1921. Henry Social Club also has a private event space for guests. Reservations are accepted. 

4323 Washington St.

Columbus

812-799-1371

henrysocialclub.com     I

A different kind of soul food

John Hurst
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New restaurant serves up comfort food with a twist

By Oseye Boyd

Paleo Soul opened its doors in April, serving paleo-inspired cuisine. Also known as the Caveman or Stone Age diet, the paleo diet mimics our hunter-gatherer ancestors by focusing on lean meats and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. Owner Tanisha Stewart wanted to provide healthier alternatives to fast food — but still serve food quickly — at an affordable price. Stewart aims to offer food for the body and soul. Stewart chose her East 96th Street location in Fishers for several reasons: it’s close to home and several gyms — including Crossfit (the paleo diet is popular with many Crossfit regulars) — was formerly a restaurant and near Sams’Club.

 

IMBM: How did you decide to open Paleo Soul?

Tanisha Stewart: It was about a year and a half ago I was given the desire to open a restaurant. I knew that I did not want it to be a fast food place.

 

If I’m not on the paleo diet, can I still eat at your restaurant?

While I don’t follow the paleo diet strictly, I absolutely embrace the idea of cleaner eating. The less junk you put in your body the better you are. Minimal processing, minimal artificial ingredients and healthier overall.

There are certain things that just don’t qualify as paleo approved although nothing unnatural (such as beans and rice).

 

Have any favorite dishes emerged among diners?

Since I’ve opened my greens have been a top seller from the beginning but here recently the blackened salmon has just had a surge in sales and the turkey chops. The sautéed spinach does incredibly well also and the sweet potatoes. I’ve got a couple of things that have been surprise hits for me. I use fresh organic spinach, sauté it with fresh garlic.

 

Are your meals expensive?

“We’ve got great pricing. You can get an entrée, one side and a drink for $10.99; two sides and a drink for $13.99, and three sides and a drink for $15.99. I think that is extremely fair pricing for healthier food. What I have tried to do purposely is I don’t want people to have to spend a whole lot more money to eat healthy. We shouldn’t make it cost prohibitive for folks to eat healthy.

 

What are your hours?

We are open 11 am. to 7 p.m. and we are closed on Sunday and Tuesday.

 

Why did you choose your location?

Initially in searching, I was purposely looking for a building that had previously been a restaurant just trying to cut down costs on the build out. I

Paleo Soul

7305 E. 96th St., Fishers

11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; closed Sunday and Tuesday

facebook.com/paleosoulindy/

317-827-2922

Hoosier Marketplace

John Hurst
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Established in the 1890s, Abbott’s Candies is known for its handmade buttery caramels and other confections. W.C. Abbott originally started making butterscotch, penny-stick taffy and ice cream in Hagerstown. Three generations of Abbott’s ran the family business until 2012 when Jay and Lynn Noel bought the company. Today, Abbott’s Candies are available in several locations throughout the state. abbottscandy.com.

Since 1992, Moonshine Leather Co. has offered quality, handmade leather goods. From purses to belts to aprons to cell phone cases, Moonshine Leather Co, has something for everyone. Located in Nashville, Moonshine Leather Co. products are all Made in the USA, a point of pride for the company. moonshineleather.com.

Located in Union Township, Union Farm Goods uses reclaimed wood to make all of its one-of-a-kind creations — each piece is different — for a warm touch to any home decor. Union Farm Goods opened in 2015, and its rustic wood pieces are handcrafted on an Indiana farm. unionfarmgoods.com.

For more than 30 years, Eisele’s Raw Honey, located in Westfield, has been serving true honey to Hoosiers. Instead of boiling the honey before it’s bottled, Eisele’s Raw Honey goes straight from the beehive into the bottle. Raw honey is less sweet than heated honey and contains phytonutrients, bits of wax and pollen. It also starts as a liquid and eventually thickens into a semi-solid state. eiseleshoney.com.

Earth Drops natural handcrafted soaps are made of 100 percent vegetable oil. Earth Drops offers soap for humans as well as man’s best friend. Located in Bloomington since 1996, Earth Drops soap was created after the founder Cheryl Lehman’s  mother began experiencing skin problems. Lehman devised a gentle, moisturizing and soothing soap for her mother. Over time, Lehman began giving away her soap as gifts, and eventually her fun hobby turned into a business. earthdrops.com.

Shrinking the hospital

John Hurst
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St. Vincent makes hospital care more accessible

By Lexy Deckert

In recent years, the shift in how we use technology has gradually transformed consumer expectations, how industries address the evolving demands of their customers, and how health care providers engage with their patients. 

As one of Indiana’s largest health systems, St. Vincent seeks to reimagine how health care is delivered by identifying new and innovative ways to provide accessible, compassionate care to people when and where they need it. 

Below are a few of the ways St. Vincent is incorporating new care models and the latest technologies to make it easier for individuals and families to access the health care they need:

St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospitals

A new, innovative kind of hospital model has been popping up throughout the Indianapolis area, offering compassionate health care closer to home. St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospitals are small-scale, 17,000-square-foot facilities offering emergency room and inpatient services just like a full-sized hospital, but with shorter wait times allowing adults and children to see a physician within 15 minutes or less. Also known as micro hospitals, these full-service, 24/7 facilities provide state-of-the-art technology, emergency services and inpatient care. Each neighborhood hospital offers its own low dose CT and imaging services, radiology, digital x-ray equipment and pharmacy services. St. Vincent opened Indiana’s first neighborhood hospital in Noblesville in July 2017. Since then, St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospitals have sprouted up in Castleton, Avon and Plainfield with plans to open four more locations before the end of 2018. Visit stvincentneighborhoodhospital.org.

St. Vincent OnDemand 

St. Vincent OnDemand is a convenient, easy-to-use, virtual care option that can provide individuals with quality care from a board-certified provider through any web-enabled device — smartphone, tablet or computer. This feature is changing health care delivery by providing a way for individuals to have a virtual face-to-face conversation with a provider through their personal device at a time and place most convenient for them — without the need for an appointment. St. Vincent OnDemand can help to diagnose and treat common health conditions, including cold and flu, pink eye, skin rashes and sore throats. Think of it as a virtual visit to the doctor’s office that can save you from making an unnecessary trip. Through these virtual visits, providers can prescribe medications and send them to patients’ local pharmacies. And unlike virtual care services with limited hours, St. Vincent OnDemand is offered 24/7/365 — whenever someone needs to speak with a medical expert. Visit stvincentondemand.anytime.org.

Online Scheduling

With a few clicks of a button, current and new patients can schedule appointments at their convenience with St. Vincent’s online scheduling feature. The process of scheduling an online appointment is simple. Available doctors and appointment days and times are listed based on patients’ insurance type and location. After deciding on an date and time, patients must fill out a short questionnaire and confirm the appointment. By using online scheduling, patients can avoid long phone calls and hold times. This feature is just another way St. Vincent is making health care easily accessible. Visit getstvincentcare.com. I

Family fashion

John Hurst
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Family fashion

 

Today’s families are busy! Whew! Parents work hard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — or later — and then make a mad dash to watch their children compete in a soccer match, perform in a band concert or any number of extracurricular activities at school. 

Just because you’re super busy, however, doesn’t mean style goes by the wayside. So whether you’re cheering for your favorite athlete or performer or simply enjoying a weekend of family fun, these comfortable yet stylish clothes fit the bill. Remember, no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always room to look good.

 

LaToya Dix

Realtor

Carpenter Realtors, Zionsville 

Shirt dresses are great transitional pieces that can effortlessly take you from a work meeting to a fun family outing. This belted dress is cut from pure Italian cotton with an abstract print. The waist tie adds definition to the silhouette and the leather jacket provides a pop of color that perfectly coordinates with the studded heels. 

(Dress, Lafayette 148; shoes, Valentino; jewelry, stylist’s own)

Keith Dix

President 

Touchdown RV 

Summer is the perfect time to ditch traditional-colored suits and opt for vibrant pieces that complement the sunny skies. Go for a relaxed, but polished look by pairing the suit with a lightweight collared sweater that has corresponding colors. Sleek shoes and a fun handkerchief complete the look. 

(Suit and sweater, Hugo Boss; shoes and belt, Salvatore Ferragamo) 

The Dix Family 

LaToya and Keith toned down their professional looks by ditching the jackets and formal shoes and adding sneakers. Their daughters Alahna (left) and Karis are wearing stylish dresses and carrying topped trendy purses, perfect for a family fun day.

On Alahna: Cold shoulders fit-and-flare dress with ruffle trim by Milly Minis. Purse, Bari Lynn. 

On Karis: Oxford shirt dress with patch pockets, belted waist and a scalloped hem by Milly Minis. Purse, Bari Lynn.

(LaToya’s shoes, Prada; Keith’s shoes, Saks Fifth Avenue collection)

Rupal Thanawala 

Account Executive 

Accenture 

Stripes are all the rage this season and add nice dimension to solid pieces. This blue-striped shirt and modern necklace are perfect accents to the sleek cowl leather jacket. 

(Jacket, Theory; shirt, DKNY)

Accessories such as colorful scarfs provide stylish flare to outfits. Rupal is pictured with her mother, Dayaben Thakkar, whose scarf perfectly complements her dark blazer by Rag & Bone. 

Adding pops of color is a great way to spice up an outfit that consists of neutral tones or staple black and white pieces. 

(Jacket, Lafayette 148; shirt, St. John; pants, DKNY)

Special thanks:

Saks Fifth Avenue

Newfields 

Magic awards $10,000 scholarship

John Hurst
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Magic awards $10,000 scholarship

Steward Speakers Series featured Earvin Magic Johnson in the season finale at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Johnson is the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Johnson provided Tiana Woodridge, a sophomore at Tindley Accelerated High School, Indianapolis, with a $10,000 college scholarship. Woodridge plans to attend Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photos/Greg Byer

D-Vine Wine & Beer Festival fundraiser

Developmental Services held the 10th annual wine, beer and spirits tasting event in Columbus. The D-Vine Wine and Beer Festival raised $15,300 for individuals with disabilities. From left: Veronica Perry, Tracey Staples, Gwyn Moore, Randall Rothrock and Jerri Streeval show off commemorative tasting glasses.

CIVS receives $100,000 grant from NiSource

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) and PNW’s Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation in Hammond and Westville received a $100,000 grant from NiSource, the parent company of NIPSCO and Columbia Gas companies, to continue student research in first responder and workplace safety.

CLD receives $100,000 donation

Center for Leadership Development (CLD) President Dennis Bland (l) received a check for a $100,000 donation from Allison Transmission Chairman and CEO Larry Dewey during the organization’s 38th annual Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala at the Indiana Convention Center. 

McDonald’s graduation ceremony

McDonald’s owner and operator Randy Shield held a graduation ceremony in Indianapolis to recognize employees Gloria Atkins (l) and Darci Collins for their achievements. Both Collins and Atkins participated in McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program, which provides employees assistance to pursue a high school diploma, college degree or educational services. Collins is the first McDonald’s of Central Indiana college graduate. She received an associate’s degree from Colorado Technical University. Atkins received her high school diploma through Smart Horizon’s Career Online High School. 

Center for Eco-Justice celebrates Earth Day

White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, held the 20th annual Earth Day Festival and Craft at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute. The Earth Day Festival and Craft Fair is the largest and longest-running Earth Day celebration in West Central Indiana.

Acknowledge fear then overcome it

John Hurst
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By Lathay Pegues

There are some people who adamantly argue that fear isn’t real — that it’s simply an imagined state of mind. Well I’ll be the first to dispute this claim. Fear is real and it’s responsible for killing so many dreams and aspirations.

I really didn’t know the magnitude of fear until I decided to try my hand at entrepreneurship. Until then, I had done a very good job of keeping my life simple enough that my fears were manageable.

I wasn’t the biggest risk taker. But I would, at times, travel outside my comfort zone to explore new opportunities. However, the risks were minimal — as I look back — compared to those that are necessary to start and build a company. The fears, attached to those “minimal” risks, were not even in the ball park with the ones I would endure with entrepreneurship.

Was I a little fearful of graduating high school? Yes, a tad bit. But I was comforted in knowing I’d be heading off to Indiana University. Was I fearful of graduating college? Yes — more than leaving high school because I had been warned about this big, bad world waiting to swallow me up if I didn’t make the right decisions. Was I afraid to interview for my first broadcast reporting position in Quincy, Illinois? Of course I was. The city was the furthest from home I had ever lived. And what if the director didn’t like what I said in my interview? 

I’m happy to say I achieved all those goals, and a few more along the way. But none of those questions of fear matched the one, when I asked myself, ‘Can I pick up my wife and kids, move back to my hometown (Muncie, Indiana), live with my mother and start a business with the barbecue sauce I created in my kitchen a few years prior?’ You want to talk about fear, and question whether it exists?  Yeah, OK. Let’s debate. I’m sure anyone who has ever walked out on faith to do something they absolutely thought might be impossible knows this level of fear I’ve experienced and continue to experience throughout this process.

Now that my business has grown and things have smoothed out, I’m able to rest much easier at night. But it was a process to get to that point. I remember the nights when I would lie in bed and worry about how I was going to pay the mortgage the next day. I remember sitting on the floor wrapping quarters, dimes and nickels, hoping it was enough to pay a utility bill. 

Over time, what I’ve come to know about fear is that it’s real, and it can produce physical strain on your body. But the best thing I’ve learned about fear is how to conquer it. The simple and short solution is to work through it. While you acknowledge its presence, go ahead and do what you set out to do, and you’ll discover that fear was just your conscience trying to protect you from harm. Most times, there was no harm on the other side.

Recently, I set up a table at Kroger to hand out samples of my barbecue sauce. The grocery store held its grand opening for a new location. Two gentlemen walked up to my table. While one of them tried the sauce, the other stood back and watched. I asked him if he would like to try it. He responded, “No, I’m scared.” After assuring him I wouldn’t give him the “hot” barbecue sauce, he still denied my offer. Well, I giggled, of course, as a few others who were standing around did. Come to find out, this guy had a serious phobia of eating unfamiliar food. Now in his 40s, he had a traumatic experience at daycare, when he was 4 years old. He choked on some food, and since then has associated that experience with eating. It’s taken him several years to learn what he’s comfortable eating or trying. After learning this, I had my helper take over the food sampling while I talked to this guy for nearly an hour about his disorder. I was so intrigued. I guess he, too, became so intrigued with my story, that he decided he would trust me and try my barbecue sauce. It took him approximately 30 seconds of holding the sauce-filled spoon to his mouth before he finally tasted it. “Mmm, that’s good,” he replied. I could care less that he tried and liked my sauce. I was more thrilled that I’d witnessed a breakthrough at my sampling table. I watched someone overcome an enormous fear, and the result was so sweet. 

Lathay Pegues is President and CEO of JohnTom’s Barbecue LLC, a Muncie-based barbecue sauce company. Pegues graduated with a broadcast-journalism degree from Indiana University and worked as a television and newspaper reporter for 15 years, before leaving media to start his own business. JohnTom’s Barbecue distributes sauce all across Indiana and parts of Ohio and Kentucky. 

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