Gary Harris is the youngest Indiana Mr. Basketball to wear the #1 jersey and the fourth from Hamilton County. (Photos by Steve Risley)

Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Gary Harris, the fourth student-athlete to represent Hamilton County as the recipient of Indiana’s Mr. Basketball award, the state’s highest individual basketball honor, is believed to be the youngest ever to don that No. 1 jersey.

He’s only 17 years old. And he’s already an All-American.

“Yeah, I was really surprised when he told me how young he was. I can’t imagine anyone who was any younger than he is,’’ said Charlie Hall, Game Director for the Indiana All-Stars.

But age aside, wow . . . what a talent. What a force at both ends of the floor. What a warrior.

The 6-foot-5 Harris is younger than 6-7 Zak Irwin, the school’s other basketball superstar who could — and arguably — should be the front-runner for Mr. Basketball in 2013.

Make that 8 days younger than Irwin, a Michigan recruit who averaged 17-plus points this past season. Gary’s birthday is in September. He will turn 18 as he starts his collegiate career at Michigan State in East Lansing.

Gary Harris (left) and teammate Zak Irwin wearing medals after named to the all-tourney team at the Hall of Fame Classic last December.

“Yes, Gary is young for his grade. When he started school, we lived in Nashville, Tenn. The cutoff there was you had to be 5 by the end of September. His birthday is September 14 (1994). So he was 4 years old when he started school,’’ said his mother, Joy (Holmes) Harris, a first-team Kodak All-American when she played basketball at Purdue. “We moved to Fishers when he was going into the 2nd grade. We briefly thought about having him repeat the 1st grade again here in Indiana, but his Tennessee teacher was highly against it because he was doing so well academically.”

Then she said with a chuckle: “Then of course . . . there were thoughts of holding him back (on my part only) just before senior night this year.”

Harris, who is a McDonald’s All-American, and the Indiana Gatorade High School Player of the Year for the 2011-12 season, ranked No. 11 nationally by Scout.com in the 2012 class. He also was a member of the USA Junior Select Team that recently played the World Team in Portland, Oregon.

He ended his high school career as Southeastern’s all-time scoring leader. He scored 612 points (25.4 points per game) this past season, finishing with 1,552 career points. That total puts him No. 7 on the all-time County scoring list.

When reflecting back on Harris, coach Brian Satterfield touched on the age factor . . . “Just imagine if we had him back next year . . .’’

Yeah, one can only imagine how good Southeastern would be if Harris was back in those Royals colors, alongside Irwin.

Harris with his father Gary Sr. and mother, Joy.

The Royals were pretty good this past season, winning a school record 22 games, and they ranked No. 1 in the final Class 4A state polls, before falling to eventual Class 4A state champion Carmel in the sectional final.

Satterfield, who marveled over his star’s unselfishness and his team-first approach, will certainly miss the presence of Gary Harris as the extraordinary athlete he is, and more importantly as the way he undoubtedly developed as a person through his high school years.

So will the younger kids who’ve been seen constantly seeking autographs from their “rock star’’ after basketball games.

There have been many Gary Harris moments throughout his career in both football and basketball.

But some of his best moments stemmed from the way he mingled with the HSE youth and others in the Fishers community.

After one game in particular, the 2011 sectional champion game at The Mill in Noblesville, a youngster asked if he could have Harris’ shoes. Harris just looked down and smiled, as he autographed a score sheet.

After the Fishers game, a fierce rivalry where both teams left it all on the floor, in a game HSE won by 3 points, two young boys waited in line to get Gary’s autograph.

They were wearing “Red” Fishers Tigers shirts.

That says a lot about the impression Gary Harris left on so many kids. So maybe he is a “rock star” — and his music is dribbling basketballs.

Harris was asked by a media member how many autographs he had signed. “Oh, I don’t know, a few, I guess,” he said, smiling while coming across as being a little bashful.

“You’ve been out here signing autographs for quite a while now, don’t you get tired?” he was asked.

“Nah,” he said. “. . . It’s fun. I like talking to the kids . . . I really do. We’re having a good time.”

His mother, for one, isn’t surprised about the way he is with young kids.

“When Gary attended daycare in Nashville, the (NFL) Titans practice facility was directly behind the playground. The Titan players would come up to the fence and give the kids footballs, wrist bands and talk to the kids.” she said. “Gary loved every moment of it. Those football players would make those kids day anytime they came up to that fence. Gary is still a diehard Titans fan to this day. I think he remembers how that made him feel and the impact it had, so that’s why I think it’s so easy for him to embrace the kids and take time out for them.”

Her son is humble, soft-spoken, respects adults, loves his teammates, and obviously relates well to kids.

That’s Gary Harris, a mild-mannered Superman on the football field and on the basketball court, where he was first-team all-state in both sports, and a giant in the hearts of those who know him best. If he doesn’t take Michigan State by storm, it won’t be from lack of trying.

But experiencing his gentle side, and how he conducted himself with the kids was really cool, something special. It was extremely extraordinary for someone so young. He genuinely enjoyed taking time for them all.

But hey, what would you expect? He’s pretty much still just a kid himself.

Mark Morrow owns and operates Hamilton County Sports Daily (www.hcsportsdaily.com), the only all-sports website in Hamilton County.

Megan Darnell with Owner Pamela Portee (L to R) next to Pamela's late mother's favorite red suit at Francina's boutique in Geist.

Francina – the inspiration behind the name of a new boutique in town – was a woman who never got to work a day in the shop she knew she would adore. Nor, did she have the opportunity to see the Grand Opening of the shop that bears her name. Francina died after a three year battle with bladder cancer –two months shy of the opening of her daughter’s boutique in the Kroger complex at 116th & Olio roads.

“She was so excited about the shop,” says daughter and owner Pamela Portee. “Clothes brought her a lot of joy and I hope this boutique will do the same for many other women.”

Portee –who actually is a cancer survivor herself—picked up the fashion bug from her mother and studied fashion merchandising in school. She and her family moved to the Geist area over ten years ago and brought her mother here to care for while she was sick. They began talking about a store and putting all their years of shopping department stores, boutiques and consignment shops into one unique idea for a shop – a boutique style shop with new and used under one roof!

“I want women to experience shopping in a nice boutique for the clothing that makes them feel good, all at a price they can afford,” says Pamela. “I think that is what makes women smile.”
Shoppers may smile over some of the labels found in Francina’s too; Prada, Missook, Gucci and True Religion jeans, all in the new clothing section at the front of the store.

The consignment section carries a variety of labels including Ellen Tracy, Nine West, Moschino, Michael Kors and Coach, all in a wide variety of prices.
Pamela says the consignment bags are a bit hit, too. “A Burberry bag and a Louis Vuitton bag sold the day I got them in the store!” say Pamela.

The Portees say they will also donate unwanted items that don’t sell in a certain period of time. “The community has been overwhelming to us in their support” says Pamela. “We want to give back in any way we can.”

Francina’s is open seven days a week. If you would like to learn more about Francina’s or how you can bring your items for consignment, give them a call at 317-288-5467 or look them up on line at www.facebook.com/FrancinasFashionsAtGeist.

The family business of the Fort Grille in Fortville, owned by the Dowless family (left to right) Michele, Rachel, James, Cameron and Caleb.

In a small, simple building on the outskirts of Fortville is perhaps one of the finest restaurant destinations in the Geist area. The Fort Grille, the last stop on your left as you leave Fortville headed towards Pendleton, has quickly become a favorite of locals and the word is spreading.

“I grew up working in Baltimore in our family’s 250-seat supper club,” said head chef and owner James Dowless. “I was only 14 when I started as a busboy in the back, learning the kitchen from the ground up. My uncle always wanted me to be a bartender or work the front of the house, but I fell in love with cooking and wanted to stay in the kitchen.”

Fried green tomatoes, a yummy appetizer.

While in college, Dowless met his now wife Michele, a salad station employee at an O’Toole’s restaurant. He continued his culinary career and Michele began working for Eli Lilly & Company as a cancer researcher which landed them in Durham, North Carolina.

Life was going along great in 2004, the Dowlesses were finishing up the bulding of their dream home and Michele had just given birth to their third child, Rachel. Then, a chain of events occurred that brought the Dowlesses to Indianapolis. Within a few weeks of Michele learning that Eli Lilly was closing the Research Triangle Park, James began having severe headaches.

“I could have taken a severance package, but we weren’t sure what was wrong with James,” explained Michele. They soon found out that the headaches were from a brain tumor and would be removed at Duke University Hospital. After the surgery, Michele accepted a transfer to the Eli Lilly campus in downtown Indianapolis and the family moved to the northeast end of Geist Reservoir.

The special of the night: Baked campanelle.

A few years later, another brain tumor surfaced and James again faced a tricky surgery to have it removed. After he recovered, his itch to get back into the kitchen resulted in the purchase of a struggling restaurant called Robbie’s in Fortville which the Dowlesses reopened in May 2011 as the Fort Grille.

“I just decided I’m not going to live in fear,” said James about his recurrent brain tumors. “I want to do what I love to do.”

The Fort Grille is a true family restaurant. While James runs the kitchen in the back, Michele works the front in the evenings and prepares most of the homemade desserts. Occasionally you’ll see one of them leave out the back door to pick up their sons Caleb and Cameron from lacrosse practice or you’ll spot their youngest, Rachel, waiting tables.

Walking into the Fort Grille, I felt like I was walking into a diner along Route 66 somewhere in Missouri. Two waist-high counters with bar stools on the right, a row of newly upholstered booths on the left. In the rear of the restaurant, a large open room with more free-standing tables for seating. The restaurant is decorated very simply with nods to the local railroad history and works by a local artist. Nothing out of the ordinary.

However, when our teenaged waitress handed us our menu, we realized this was no ordinary diner.

The Fort Grille’s “eclectic” menu features entrees like the Veal Saltimbocca, Chicken Marsala, and a family favorite of Shrimp ‘n Grits. To round out the menu, they also carry a broad range of moderately priced sandwiches, salads, soups, and a $.99 kids menu.

For our visit, Jeanne and I sampled the Fried Green Tomatoes, Broccoli Cheddar soup, and then shared the daily special, Baked Campanelle. Neither of us have ever tried fried green tomatoes and we were both impressed with not only the taste, but the presentation, served on greens with a balsamic vinaigrette, pesto and goat cheese drizzle. The baked campanelle was amazing, made very rich and creamy with gorgonzola cheese. I thought I could eat it all but realized quickly a take home box was in order.

The unassuming Fort Grille appears like any other roadside diner.

Michele wouldn’t let us leave without a dessert, so we tried the mint chocolate cheesecake which featured small bits of York Peppermint Patties on top. Simply amazing.

“We make everything homemade,” says James as he points back to the bustling kitchen. “Even the bread we serve is homemade. We take the crumbs from the bread and use it for breading on our fried green tomatoes. You can taste the difference.”

The Fort Grille closes each night at 9:00 pm and is open for lunch at 11:00 am Monday through Saturday, serving brunch only on Saturday mornings starting at 10:00 am. My recommendation is to pay a visit for dinner so you can have the full experience with appetizers, entree, and a homemade dessert. To see their full menu, visit www.FortGrille.com.

If you are looking for a true family restaurant with gourmet food, take the 10 minute drive east to Fortville and pay the Dowlesses a visit. You’ll quickly become part of their growing fan base of loyal customers.

Todd Hollowell pro bass fisherman

According to the American Sportfishing Association, more people fish in the U.S. than play golf or tennis combined. Many people like to fish as a sport, a hobby, even as a profession. You’ve probably seen lots of anglers fishing at Geist.

“Geist is one of the best bass fishing lakes in Indiana,” says Todd Hollowell, local professional bass fisherman. “Geist is attractive to many organizations, such as the Indiana Bass Federation, because it’s such a great fishery.” Thanks to strict conservation and “catch and release” practices, the Geist eco-system stays in balance.

As a fishing fanatic, it’s seems appropriate that Todd has made Fishers his home of eight years. Besides working as an insurance agent for Ray Insurance Group (near Scotty’s Lakehouse) he recently signed with Red Gold Tomatoes (Elwood, IN) to represent them on the FLW Tour in 2012, the highest level of the sport with FLW Outdoors. (www.flwoutdoors.com) If you’re not familiar with professional bass fishing, this is the equivalent to a stock car driver racing in NASCAR.

“Since bass fishing is a visibly growing sport, many companies are choosing to get involved as a way to market and expose their brands to a huge demographic that fishing offers,” says Todd. “I’m proud to be associated with Red Gold, who provides thousands of jobs for Hoosiers in Central Indiana and produces premium tomatoes grown in the Midwest.”

FROM BASEBALL TO BASS FISHING

Todd played baseball professionally, for the Indy Frontier League on the Richmond Roosters. He played for two years as a pitcher before facing a shoulder injury that forced him to change directions in his life. He then coached baseball at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Eventually, he realized however, that his focus had changed from competing on the mound of a baseball field to the seat in a bass boat. In 2002, Todd began fishing competitively for the Walmart Bass Fishing League.

BASS FISHING: “CATCHING ON” IN OUR COMMUNITY

Starting in April, the Tuesday Night Bass Club meets from 5-9pm at the Olio Road ramp. These events have grown in popularity, with this club and with other anglers who visit Geist. Todd says, “There is such a positive economic benefit with people coming here to fish Geist who are buying gas, eating at restaurants, and staying in hotels. Geist is a valuable resource not only for boating, swimming, and skiing, but also for fishing.”

One of Todd’s friends is Derick “Dizzy”Grant, guard for the Harlem Globetrotters, who is also a Fishers resident. They spend time together in the summer and share a common bond with bass fishing. In fact, they took 2nd place in a benefit tournament last summer. Also, they are both passionate about taking children fishing to introduce them to the outdoors.

MENTORING AT MARION UNIVERSITY

Bass fishing is also growing as a collegiate sport. Many universities have bass fishing team such as Indiana, Purdue, and Ball State. Todd mentors the Marian University Bass Fishing Team, which has just started competing in 2012. He has assisted with obtaining sponsors, ordering jerseys, and scheduling tournaments. Todd claims, “College fishing is really taking off and is grooming the next generation of college-educated men and women that will continue to grow this sport.”

FOLLOWING TODD ON TOUR

By the time you read this, Todd will be competing in the first of seven 2012 FLW Tour events, which span across the country, including: South Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas, Washington D.C., Kentucky, New York and Georgia.

Todd’s wife and two sons (ages 7 and 4) will join him for a few trips. The boys, who attend HSE schools, will use their summer and spring breaks to travel with and support their dad. “Without the support of my family and friends, there’s no way I could do this. It’s something they have made possible for me, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do something I love,” says Todd.

If you would like to follow Todd, go to www.bigindianabass.com and look for the feature titled, “On Tour with Todd.”

FUN FISHING FACTS

• Most bass fishing tournaments are judged by the highest weight with each angler allowed five bass measuring at least 14 inches in length.
• FLW stands for “Forest L. Wood” who founded Ranger Boats.
• The Forest Wood Cup along with the Bassmaster’s Classic, are the most prestigious tournaments of the year with a $500,000 first-place prize.
• FLW Fantasy Fishing grants the largest prizes in fantasy sports history including $100,000 awarded at the end of the season. You can go to www.fantasyfishing.com and play for free.
• Todd has been fishing since age 4. Like his sons, he learned how to cast a rod and reel before riding a bike.
• Todd fished his first bass tournament with his dad in 1988 at the age of 12, at Geist with the Tuesday Night Bass Club.

Hello World Clothing Company founder Cynthia Wise has developed baby sleepers featuring zippers instead of snaps.

Have you ever had to change a diaper at three o’clock in the morning? You have one eye open, your baby is fussing, and you’re trying to snap the bottom of the kid’s pajamas. Frustrated and cursing under your breath you think; there has to be a better way! Enter Hello World Clothing Company.

Hello World® is the brain child of a loving mom, Cynthia Wise, who wanted an easier way for savvy parents to connect with the needs of their children and with their own world. “We realize that busy parents and children have one important common thread: each other. When your child shines the eyes of innocence in your direction, everything else is insignificant,” said Wise.

The first product was the SmartZip Sleeper. It comes in blue “Blue Me Away” and pink “Made Me Blush.” Both have brown accents. The sleeper has a two-way zipper that allows you to unzip from the top for traditional dressing, and it has an additional zipper pull at the bottom, so you can unzip from the bottom, where access is needed most during a diaper change. No more little arms wiggling out at the top when you want to change a diaper at the bottom!

“Our second product was the SimpleZip Pant,” added Wise. “This pant has a one way zipper at the inseam. This allows for one simple zip when changing the diaper. I loved the snap pants, but didn’t enjoy realigning them. And there weren’t very many on the market. I also would get frustrated when I would be in a public restroom and had to take the pants completely off as they would inevitably fall on the dirty floor. I wanted to simplify a sometimes very stressful situation for all caregivers.”

Wise also unveiled a new green color unisex sleeper, “Olive You More,” with sizes ranging from 0-24m.

Where were these gems when I was changing diapers?

Not only does this new company make great products, they understand that part of being in business is giving back to the community. Hello World Clothing Company has a giving back foundation that donates 5% proceeds of online sales to The Aidan Brown Foundation, a local charity that raises money to provide iPads to children in the hospital with cancer, in honor of Aidan Brown, who fought Neuroblastoma and won! They donate sleepers and 5% proceeds to The New Life Home Orphanage in Kenya through the Amani Foundation. This was inspired by a local girl in Wise’s daughter’s school, her family created the Amani Foundation to help support the orphanage where they adopted their daughter.

“We are currently working with a tube fed children’s organization. It turns out our sleepers are a great answer for tube fed babies. The two-way zipper allows for an opening anywhere along the body. The parents typically cut holes in clothes or use gowns. Our sleepers keep their babies warm and comfortable while keeping the tube in place. I get letters all the time from parents wanting bigger sizes and more colors. Our hope is to run a yearly holiday campaign to provide one sleeper to the foundation for every one sold on our site,” Wise stated.

Hello World made their first sale in June of 2009, they continue to grow and learn new things daily. Thoughts on being a business owner, what does it take? “Money! It takes money to start and keep going, but sales take time to catch up to that initial investment. I believe if you do your research, continuously ask questions and give it your all, you will succeed. In the end the business may fail, but at least I took a risk, had fun and learned a lot about myself. I also have more enthusiasm and less trepidation about launching new ideas.”

That’s good, because we love those zippers!

For additional information on products please visit: www.helloworldclothing.com

Brittany Kelly, shown here at her favorite indoor golf practice facility Golf 365, will be playing close to home in the My Marsh Golf Classic May 28-June 3 at the Hawthornes Golf Club in Fishers. Kelly was a former HSE and Ball State University standout golfer.

Give an 8-year old a golf club and a little white ball, and you never know what might happen when she tees it up. In Brittany Kelly’s case, that golf club felt like it belonged in her hands, but before it became an extension of who she is, she juggled multiple balls – from soccer to basketball. But, her relationship with golf has had staying power and is now offering opportunities she could only dream about. As a member of the Symetra Tour player marketing team, she has been chosen as spokeswoman for the My Marsh Golf Classic, a $100,000 purse world-class women’s golf event, scheduled to be held at The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers May 28-June 3.

“What an honor to be asked to publicize this local tournament that will take place in my hometown on the same course I played in high school, where I qualified for my first U.S. Girls Junior, and became runner up at the MAC championships while playing for Ball State,” said Brittany. “I couldn’t be more excited to play in my own backyard.”

Sponsored by Marsh Supermarkets, Hamilton County Sports Authority and the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Road to the LPGA will stop in Hamilton County for the first time in tour history. According to Joe Kelley, chairman, CEO and president of Marsh, “We are delighted to help bring the rising stars of the LPGA to Central Indiana as a way to raise valuable funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and further enable this great organization to achieve its goals.” A full field of 144 golfers from around the world will compete to develop their careers.

A born competitor, Kelly excelled in athletics as a youngster. Upon entering high school, she was forced to toss around her options realizing she had to choose just one sport when freshman soccer conflicted with tryouts for the Hamilton Southeastern girl’s golf team. “I’m very competitive and it was a big decision between soccer and golf. Both sports were in the same season,” said Brittany. “It was a big turning point for me. I was not going to be able to play all the sports I wanted to play. I decided golf was going to take me further and I really wanted to play in college at a Division 1 school with a full ride scholarship, so I had to make some tough decisions.” Ultimately, she was able to play goalie on her high school soccer team her senior year.

Brittany Kelly portrait shoot and practice round prior to the LPGA Futures Tour's Teva Championship at The Golf Center at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio ©2011 Jay LaPrete

Brittany’s grandparents on her mother’s side introduced her to the game of golf. “My sister and I used to ride on the cart and keep score.” Ashley, who is four years older, chose not to pursue a career in golf but supports her baby sister. “My dad never played golf until he met my mom and now he’s my caddie whenever it fits into his schedule.”

It all started with Hamilton County’s 4-hole junior tournaments. Occasional wins as a junior golfer kicked in her drive to tee it up and keep the ball in play. “The first four-hole tournament I won was at Forest Park in Noblesville,” said Brittany. “I thought it was so cool to get a trophy.” And she learned as she grew into the game, it’s not just cool to get a trophy, but it’s seriously hard work to keep that cool going.

Upon graduating from Hamilton Southeastern High School, she realized she needed to keep in the swing of things, participating in 18-hole events almost daily, all summer long prior to her participation on the Ball State women’s golf team, “Sometimes it’s so hard when you are not playing well and you still have to show up for work day after day.”

“During spring break, I’d go to Florida and practice golf. It was like a kick off to the season. In fact, almost every family vacation was a golf vacation.” But, even though Brittany worked hard at her game and put in numerous hours and effort to reach the top, she was humbled upon arriving at Qualifying School. “It’s really hard when you have had a successful college career and everyone you are competing with is as good or better than you. I learned through my rookie season that I have some things to work on, needed to make changes and focus on what was going to be my one up on everyone else,” said Brittany. “I finally got new clubs and was professionally fitted.”

©2011 Jay LaPrete

Brittany did qualify for the Symetra Tour during Q-school and she gives her caddie high scores for her winning performance. “Dad started caddying for me when I played in the Indiana Women’s Golf events,” said Brittany. “He’s great at helping with yardage, wind and encouraging me think about things I’m not thinking about at the moment, like play the slope, if I’m putting.”

But, on the green her Dad, Ken Kelly, a teacher at Carmel Middle School, normally hangs back and does not read putts. “You know it’s just like coaching. When players are playing well it’s fun and everybody is happy. When Brittany is on her game my job is easy and life is good,” said Kelly, who has coached the Carmel High School girl’s golf team for nearly two decades. “As her caddy, I never really feel nervous until her game gets challenging. I take my job seriously and focus on giving her the facts she needs to make the shot. I try to keep her calm and positive when shots aren’t coming.”

Brittany decided to give up her amateur status and turn pro after graduating from Ball State and she has not experienced much glamour. “It’s lonely on the road, I miss my family and there’s not much money at this stage. I have to make my own schedule, be disciplined to practice and workout and find places to stay when I’m in an unfamiliar town for a tournament. But I love it.”

Now in her second year on the Symetra Tour, Brittany has the chance to be a big shot in her hometown with her Daddy Caddy in tow. Both are no longer rookies and have learned some valuable lessons marching along the fairway, “Last summer, I let a ‘just don’t leave it short’ comment slip on the putting green after we lined up her putt. She ran it by two feet and I got a glare that could kill. Thankfully, she made the putt coming back,” recalled Kelly. “A few weeks later Brittany presented me with CD’s titled “Who’s Your Caddy?” The best advice I got from the stories told were; #1 show-up, #2 keep up and #3 shut-up.

Kelly reflects on how rewarding it has been watching his youngest daughter progress through a life in golf. “From nearly birth she’s been saying ‘Watch me Daddy, watch this’ and I have been watching her. I will keep watching her golf and compete for as long as she is in the game.”

My goal is to place in the top ten in the My Marsh Golf Classic. Both me and my Dad know the Hawthorns course well,” said Brittany. “Dad has helped me win tournaments before. He can help me win this tournament!”

Get your child to the first tee! Learn more about junior golf tournaments:
Indiana Golf Foundation
Hamilton County Junior Golf Association
Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation
Plantations Junior Golf Tour
American Junior Golf Association

Michelle Wozniak has a special talent for creating energy drawings for people without ever meeting them beforehand.

Who are you? Are you truly who you are meant to be? Are you living your life fully, in the moment, fulfilling your purpose? These tough questions are difficult for most of us to answer as we evaluate and reevaluate our lives, searching for signs that will help us make sense of our place on earth. According to Michelle Wozniak, if you open your heart and mind to the energy flowing through your body, awareness could be the food that nourishes your soul. And understanding your energy might help you make changes or encourage you to stay on course.

“I believe that everyone has special gifts and are completely one with God,” said Wozniak, who does not really practice a specific religion. Born and raised in Lawrence, the Indiana University graduate, graphic designer, wife and mother to two teens, affirms that fully embracing our gifts is a choice of freewill. “I have always known that my life purpose is to help others remember who they truly are.”

As a youngster, Wozniak felt older than her biological age, which sometimes made her feel out of place. It was often difficult for her to tolerate energies, especially in large crowds where she was affected by overwhelming feelings of negative impulses without really knowing why. “Fortunately, by contemplating these lonely feelings, it made me truly remember I am never alone. God is always in my heart,” said Wozniak, reflecting on her childhood experiences.

An example of a couples' energy drawing.

“When I was very young, my imagination always got the best of me and as a teen I started having out-of-body experiences which were frightening at first. Over time, I’ve learned to enjoy the ride.” During these unexpected moments, she completely identifies with her true spirit and nothing else exists.

Wozniak credits her grandfather, who passed away before she was born, for his guidance, “He was a very spiritual man and a thought-provoking writer. Several years ago I was prompted to read his manuscripts and was amazed at how our beliefs matched exactly,” said Wozniak. “I took after him by questioning all spiritual belief systems and determined what felt most comfortable for me.”

Comfort and privacy are two of her top concerns when she creates and interprets energy drawings. Comfort was the first concern she had with Tom Britt as she prepared to interpret his past life expressed in his energy drawing, and how his past life affects what he is bringing into his present existence as a crusader.

Tom Britt's energy drawing shows his past life as a Knights Templar.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Britt, publisher of the Geist and Carmel Community Newsletters. “She started telling me that I was a Knights Templar in a previous life. I tried not to roll my eyes, but the more she talked about their history in the middle ages of being crusaders for the church to protect the roads to the Holy Land, the more I started to relate to her reading.”

When Wozniak settles in her quiet place to begin a drawing, she completely centers herself, relaxes into the person’s energy and prepares to receive messages. “First I ask permission of the person and their higher self. I won’t get into a person’s energy unless they let me in.”

Once they let her in, she’s never sure who will send the messages that inspire her to draw. The person’s angels, guides, family members and those who have passed on convey colors, direction, symbols and translation. “Sometimes I feel physical pain in my hands, in my head or in my heart.” According to Wozniak, the beautiful thing about these drawings is they show how the person’s energies evolve from the Divine, which is pure love. “This love is then shown on paper, explaining how they project their core energy. No matter if a person’s energy is blocked or needs adjustment to the flow, they can still see who they truly are.”

Wozniak never discussed her experiences until she was well into her twenties and then only privately, but she says her children and husband know this is part of who she is and they embrace it. “So many people are frustrated because they are not living in perfect alignment with their perfect selves,” said Wozniak. “The key to figuring out your purpose is to BE in every moment, quiet the noise and use your God given gifts.”

Wozniak’s college roommate, Siobhan Roark recalled that she had no idea her friend was gifted in this way. “In my energy drawing my sister spoke to her. I had a rainbow over my head but a chain link wrapped around me,” said Roark. “Michelle said she visualized my sister saying how sorry she was that she had taken her life and taken my rainbow from me. It was very touching.”

Another example of an energy drawing.

Certified in Esoteric Healing and Reiki, a spiritual practice developed by the Japanese using hands to transfer positive healing energy, Wozniak reveals her thoughts on sharing her gift in a world that is increasingly becoming more open to holistic healing. “It is such a blessing that the world has evolved to embrace our spiritual awakening with such public acceptance. As I grew older, along my journey, there were only one or two people that I could talk to, but now there are hundreds to listen and to learn from,” said Wozniak. “We are always evolving and expanding our minds beyond the universal consciousness to a place deep within our hearts, to our Creator who has always been there with us.”

Kristen Durrett was curious about her energy, “I found her interpretation very interesting. When she explained the colors in my drawing and the meaning of the symbols, I thought it was pretty accurate considering she had never met me.”

While Wozniak realizes some will not take her seriously, doubters do not disturb her. “The ego and external world are continuously confronting us with lessons to overcome, that will change our perspective and help us find eternal peace. There is no duality in God, only pure love,” explains Wozniak. “If we are part of God then why should we not enjoy and exist in the same pure love here, in our heaven on earth?

She admits her life is no different than that of any other parent as she recalls completing a peaceful session only to find her children arguing over fruit loops in the kitchen. Even so, she believes it is part of her calling to get married, to have children and to be someone who exists in this world, but was showered with a special talent and is called to share her gift with others in order to help them become better people and live life more fully. A cherished phrase sums it all up for Wozniak, “seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and then all things will be added unto you.”

To learn more about Michelle Wozniak and her energy drawings, please visit www.soulincite.com.

Niquelle Allen, owner of Butterfly Consignment, is an attorney, mediator, entrepreneur and self-ascribed closet consultant.

Butterflies attract our attention because they represent an array of colors and eye-catching wing designs. They are gentle in nature and evolved through a process of shedding from their original form of a moth.

Discovering the Butterfly Consignment upscale ladies’ boutique, located just a few blocks east of Castleton Square with their advertised theme of “Where Fashion Has Evolved,” really connects to this observation. In the “word-of-mouth” trail, shoppers have discovered a place where fashionistas gather.

Butterfly Consignment has a spectacular selection of designer quality apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, perfumes and accessories in a variety of styles (casual to formal) and sizes (juniors, misses and plus sizes). An almost daily restocking of new items has garnered the attention of store regulars who love the opportunity to buy expensive finds, but pay much less for Butterfly’s too-good-to-be-true merchandise.

Niquelle Allen is a butterfly in her own rite. Allen has evolved academically, professionally and creatively over the past 15 years, and her wings are in full span. As an attorney, mediator, entrepreneur and self-ascribed closet consultant, her passions flutter together in harmony. She owns Butterfly Consignment and is a practicing attorney.

So what is a bit different about Butterfly Consignment?

“Butterfly Consignment is a business where a person can Save money with affordable pre-loved fashions. Make money as a consignor. Recycle their wardrobe for the good of the environment, as well as Give money to support a favorite charity, cause or local organization,” Allen states.

“I also believe that because we offer three types of quality merchandise: Pre-loved (gently used), N Love (unsold new inventory from local boutiques) and, Made with Love, which includes handmade jewelry, handbags, headbands, soaps, body butter, knit creations and greeting cards, we provide an inviting, fun and, unique shopping experience atmosphere for our customers. There’s nothing fun about merchandise that is messy or aisles that are hard to navigate. Our customers are savvy shoppers who love the variety of our merchandise. Over and over, they have shared with me that they love coming to a store that sets the tone for their own unique shopping experience,” she adds.

So if you’re looking for a new stop to add to your shopping adventures, Butterfly Consignment is sure to please and worth the short drive away from the big box stores with expensive prices. P.S. Check out the beautiful butterfly blouse that Niquelle Allen is wearing in the photo to the right. If you ask, she may be able to help you find something just as special. Then you, too, will be able to soar like a butterfly!

For more information email info@shopbfly.com or visit www.shopbfly.com.

Store hours are: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Sunday NOON to 5 p.m.

Consignors can check their account status online 24 hours a day.

Katie Pallone and York enjoy their time together at Big Brothers Big Sisters Summerfest in downtown Indy.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (Big Brothers Big Sisters) has been matching mentors with children for forty years now. Although Big Brothers was first established in the 60’s followed by Big Sisters in the 70’s, both organizations operated separately until combining forces in 2002. Currently, there are over 800 youth already established in mentoring relationships through this program. Big Brothers Big Sisters will create 400 more connections this year. This means this organization will match at least one child to a mentor each day of the year.

“I’ve always been inspired by the stories of parents and caregivers who contact Big Brothers Big Sisters,” says Darcey Palmer-Shultz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “It takes a lot of love and a lot of courage for parents to ask for help, and it’s an amazing demonstration of how much our parents believe in their kids that they contact Big Brothers Big Sisters to be a part of their family. We consider it an honor to take those calls.”

Many different family situations require the need for a mentor, such as a family that is dealing with some health issue or a single parent. Darcey reminds us, “Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to have positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth who face adversity. We are a research backed, evidence-based program. Our standards are high, and our practices are exemplary. We take our work very seriously and are honored to work with so many amazing families, volunteers, and supporters…There are always more boys ready to be matched with mentors, so we especially need more male mentors and Big Couples.”

Offering Convenience & Flexibility

Ryan Quesenberry: Big Brother to Will

Big Brother, Ryan Quesenberry (far right) with Little Brother, Will, (middle) and former NFL Player, Darrin Smith who proudly displays his rings, 2 of which were from Superbowl when he played for Dallas!

Ryan Quesenberry, of Fishers, has been a Big Brother to Will since June of 2011. Will, 12 years old, is home schooled and lives with both parents. “Will is very respectful and is a very nice kid,” says Quesenberry who works as a medical sales representative for Orthofix.

In his free time, Will enjoys playing hockey. On his 12th birthday, Ryan took Will to Dave & Buster’s Restaurant. They have also ventured downtown to watch a hockey game. In addition, they have gone ice-skating, played video games and went fishing. One of the most memorable experiences was the day they went to pet the dolphins at the Indianapolis Zoo. Since this exciting day, Will has been talking about going to college to become a veterinarian or an oceanographer. He also hopes to play professional hockey someday.

Quesenberry offers his inspirational message to anyone thinking about becoming a big brother. He says, “This is a very reputable program. If you want to give back and have a positive influence, it feels good to help out.” Also, he likes the flexibility. “It’s not like we have to meet at a certain time and day of the week. We can schedule our activities whenever it works out best for our individual schedules…this program allows you to provide a good aspect in a child’s life that he might not otherwise have.”

Mentoring as a Big Couple: Twice as Nice

Shirley and Rick Altstadt: Big Couple to Allen

Shirley and Rick Altstadt are a Big Couple to Allen, a freshman, who plays football, basketball and runs track. Shirley and Rick attend most of his sporting events.

Shirley and Rick Altstadt, of Carmel, are a ”Big Couple” to 16 year old Allen — meaning that together, they mentor him as a team. Actually, Shirley began mentoring Allen (solely) when he was in third grade as part of the school program. She would have lunch with him weekly. Eventually, this progressed into a “Big Couple relationship” (Shirley and Rick), just before Allen started sixth grade.

“Allen lives with both his parents and his mom used to be a little.” says Rick. “Her experience was so positive that she wanted to extend this opportunity to Allen. Shirley and Rick, whose two daughters are grown, have enjoyed their time with Allen. They have taken him to the Carmel Palladium, and to Chicago (as part of an organized trip and one of many, by Big Brothers Big Sisters.) They have also frequently enjoyed various sports-themed activities such as bowling and attending a Colts game. Allen, a freshman, plays football, basketball and runs track. Shirley and Rick attend most of his sporting events.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are as a mentor,” says Shirley. “Each generation gives a child a different perspective of life.” Let’s face it. Every child can benefit from more adults who believe in them, inspire them, and help them discover their possibilities.

Matching Personalities & Interests Incredibly Well

Matt Cohen: Big Brother to Nathan

Matt Cohen, (Big Brother) takes his Little Brother, Nathan, to Climb Time, as one of their weekly visits.

Matt Cohen is a father of two and lives in Carmel. Before becoming a big brother to Nathan, a few months ago, he cleared it with his children who were open to sharing their dad, so he can help serve the community.

Nathan comes from a middle-class family with two parents who care about him greatly. They are so consumed with the two older siblings who have medical conditions that they guided Nathan to Big Brothers Big Sisters so that he could receive more personal attention and mentorship.

“Nathan has really wowed me with some of his quoted facts and concepts about science and technology,” says Cohen who shares many of the same interests. It’s no wonder that Nathan is in the gifted program at school. Some of their “brotherly” activities so far, have included going bowling, playing arcade games, getting frozen yogurt and assembling a Star Wars puzzle together.

Reflecting back on his personal life, Cohen reveals, “After losing my job in July, I had time to shift my focus from myself to realizing that others have more difficult situations than me. I began to see that it makes perfect sense to offer up my assistance to others in the community.” Cohen has since started a non-profit educational organization called Project Lead the Way, where they provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum in middle/ high schools across the nation.

Cohen marvels at how well Big Brothers Big Sisters has done with connecting him and his little brother, Nathan. “They did such a tremendous job. They did as much research as possible with matching Nathan to my background, interests, job, and activities.”

Mentoring Opportunities Close to Home

Katie Pallone: Big Sister to York

Katie Pallone, Big Sister to York, incorporates activities into their schedule that foster tradition and promotes their creativity.

Katie Pallone, of Carmel, has been a Big Sister to 11 year old York for two years now. “York is very creative,” says Pallone who works as a Financial Advisor at La Salle St. Securities and has served as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters for three years. “I have taken York to paint pottery, decorate cupcakes, and other places that bring out her creativity.” Pallone has even taught York how to swim. York sings in choir and plays the cello. Someday, she wants to move to California and become a singer.

“I try to instill tradition whenever I can within our activities” says Pallone who has decorated gingerbread houses and carved pumpkins with York. They have even helped out at the Fishers Food Pantry at United Methodist Church and then treated themselves to cupcakes afterwards. Pallone recalls one of her favorite family traditions when her mom would make her homemade cookies on the first day of school. Even in college, her mom would send her cookies to celebrate the new beginning of the school year. Likewise, Pallone has also taken York cookies on the first day of school to carry out this special custom.

Pallone shares her experience when she admits, “There is plenty of need for strong, enduring, mentoring relationships on every side of town. You can volunteer by becoming a big, helping at community events, sponsoring events, or even assisting with college funding. After becoming a big brother or big sister to make a difference in a child’s life, people soon realize how big of an impact that this child has made in their lives.”

Experiencing Indianapolis Through a Young Person’s Eyes

Bob Tollini: Big Brother to Ziah

Bob Tollini and his little brother Ziah enjoy exploring Indianapolis. This photo is from a recent trip to the top of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis during Super Bowl week.

Bob Tollini, of Geist, has served as a big brother to three boys over the last twenty-three years. He is now mentoring his fourth little brother, 11 year old Ziah, who loves History. Tollini can tell you everything you’d ever want to know about the sites to see right here in Indy. He has taken his little brothers to experience culture and so much more. Some places they have seen are The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum with IMAX theatre and Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. They have also visited the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. In addition, they have played basketball and baseball — both sports that Ziah loves to play. Plus, they’ve attended many games of different sports.

“I’ve been doing this for twenty-three years now and it is fun,” says Tollini who was awarded “The Unsung Heroes Award” in mid-December by the Indianapolis Rotary Club for his dedicated commitment to helping others in the community. He continues, “Being a mentor isn’t work. You enjoy it. You get to see much of what Indianapolis has to offer through a young person’s eyes. It reminds you of when you were a kid. You can see how different the kids are from you as they’re living in a different culture and environment.”

Changing Lives for the Better

Here is what some are saying about how Big Brothers Big Sisters has changed their lives for the better:

“My experience as a Big has been rewarding, fun and educational! I get to not only play a positive role in a child’s life, but have a lot of fun doing it. Everyone involved in the entire process, has been nothing but great. I can see myself being a part of this program for a long time!”(Ryan Quesenberry, Big Brother)

“Ryan has changed my life in lots of ways. He encourages healthier habits and I have become more outgoing since hanging out with him. I love just hanging out and playing video games with Ryan.” (Will, Little Brother)

“It has changed my life adding another dimension where I feel I am giving to the community, helping to shape a person and getting back a lot from him. I love being around this young person and I like how he shares information with us.” (Shirley Altstadt, Big Couple)

“Without the involvement of Allen, my association with young kids would be limited. I’m learning about what kids are doing today, their culture, and how he deals with everything.” (Rick Altstadt, Big Couple)

“Rick and Shirley have introduced me to new things. I didn’t even know I liked classical music before Shirley and Rick took me to the Palladium in Carmel. We have gone to different restaurants and tried new foods together. They offer me academic advice. I was struggling in Biology and with Shirley and Rick’s help, I was able to raise my grade by an entire letter! They are both very dependable and I know I can ask them anything or call on them if I need to.” (Allen, Little Brother)

“Becoming a Big Brother has been a personal life-enhancing episode. It has allowed me to begin sharing my life experiences with a bright young individual and forged a relationship I know will last for a very long time.” (Matt Cohen, Big Brother)

“We have not been together very long, but so far we have done lots of fun things such as bowling and putting together puzzles. I always come home from our outings very happy.” (Nathan, Little Brother)

“One quote that truly sums up my experience thus far with York and Big Brothers Big Sisters is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.’” (Katie Pallone, Big Sister)

“Katie is someone I can talk to and call on if I need advice. We have made several pieces of pottery and we really enjoy baking cupcakes together. I struggle with math so she helps me out with my school work which has made a big difference.” (York, Little Sister)

“Being a mentor is not a one-way street. You don’t just give to the community but you get something out of it as well.” (Bob Tollini, Big Brother)

“Bob encourages me to behave and do well in school by teaching me manners and helping me with school work. We also enjoy going to Colts games, playing golf and doing other sporting activities. I really like having him as a Big Brother. He is a role model to me.” (Ziah, Little Brother)

“I didn’t have children of my own and was new to Indianapolis; I met eight sweet girls (Littles) during my 19 yrs. as a Big Sister. I felt I helped them gain confidence, see the need to study/finish school, and served as a trustworthy adult friend whom they knew cared for them unconditionally. I’m proud to know three of these young women today and they’ve done well. It’s been wonderful! (Jenien Beach, Big Sister)

If you would like to make a difference in the community and lend your mentorship to someone in need, consider becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. This may be the perfect way to fill a void in your life. Perhaps you never had the opportunity to have children or you have always wanted to help guide a young child to realizing his/her full potential. Whether you mentor someone as a “Big Couple,” or you go solo, either way, you can help discover new meaning in someone’s life—including your own.

Go to www.bebigforkids.org to volunteer or to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you are unable to mentor, then you can give a gift that helps connect a mentor with a child.

Vice President of Marketing Cindy Graham inside the new Fishers/Geist retail store, Olio and 116th.

A new Goodwill store opened it’s doors in Geist/Fishers on Valentine’s Day to a group of eager shoppers and a burst of new snow! “I was a little worried the snow would scare away shoppers for our grand opening!” says Cindy Graham, Vice President of Marketing. “But, that wasn’t the case. We had more than 30 people in line and several more waiting in their cars.”

The new 15,000 square foot store is located at 11501 Geist Pavilion Drive, near 116th Street and Olio Road, in the former home of Party Tree. It is the 47th Goodwill retail store in central Indiana, 8th in Hamilton County and brand new to the Geist/Fishers area.

Why Geist? Graham says Goodwill looks for a couple of things when scouting out a new area for a retail store. “We want to see residential growth like we still see throughout the Geist/Fishers area and we need people with stuff that they want to donate!” laughs Graham.

But, that is how Goodwill works, donations are accepted daily at Goodwill stores and the items are then sorted and put up for sale. Employees are hired to work the retail stores and revenue generated from the sale of the goods helps fund education and services in central Indiana for adults and youth. At the Geist/Fishers Goodwill store, as in other Goodwill retail stores, several employees were hired from the area. “We have 50 employees here at the new Geist/Fishers store,” says Graham, “26 of them are from the area.”

Along with putting some local residents to work, the new Goodwill store offers around 90,000 pieces of modern and vintage designer clothing, household items, furniture, books and toys. There’s even a full rack of swimwear in the front of the store — it’s never too early to think Spring! Graham says their shoppers know they’ll find quality, brand name merchandise at a fraction of the price. “That’s what makes it so great shopping at Goodwill,” says Graham, “not to mention the thrill of the hunt!”

Goodwill uses a color coding system that shows shoppers the original price and then the discounted price after a period of time. “Items are discounted until they sell,” explains Graham. “We don’t throw items away.”

Reward cards are also offered at the new store, donations can win you prizes! Store and Drive-thru Donation Center hours are 9am to 9pm Monday – Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. Welcome Goodwill!