Koko FitClub: Fit & Figured Out

Meghann Wilson and Meredith Smith discuss business at the new Carmel Koko FitClub. (Photo by Kathi Moore)

One of the first things you see as you enter Koko FitClub is a framed sign, “In a gym, this is where the mirror would go,” and you realize there really are no mirrors anywhere. And, no clanging free weights. And, no sweaty machines, no pool, no saunas.

Koko FitClub has effectively removed all those intimidating things of “normal” health clubs, and concentrates instead on the things you need to achieve your health and fitness goals.

“Koko Smartraining is customized, efficient and convenient,” says Meghann Wilson, 27, who, with business partner Chintu Patel, has opened three Koko FitClub locations on Indy’s northside since July, 2012 – in Noblesville, Fishers and now, Carmel.

“Everything is set up with your Koko Key so the machine gives you custom settings and workouts based on your goals, range of motion and current fitness level,” added Wilson. “You keep a steady pace from exercise to exercise with no wait time, so you get the benefits of a 90-minute workout in just 30 minutes.”

Owner Meghann Wilson demonstrated the pull-down machine. (photos by Kathi Moore)

The program is nearly flawless. Each time a member goes to the club, they do a different workout; the one machine they work on can facilitate more than 100 exercises. For cardio, treadmills and ellipticals have their own 15 programs, where a world-class trainer literally walks members through each workout via MP3 player.

New programs are introduced seasonally and are said to provide twice the calorie burn of traditional cardio in just 15 minutes. Members have their own web page to track progress and gain nutritional assistance based on personal goals of weight loss, strength training, a maintenance “protection” plan, as well as specific programs for those suffering from arthritis, back pain, diabetes, men’s health or recovery from breast cancer.

Points are earned as workouts are completed and members receive recognition and prizes as they progress toward their goals. Each machine has a screen to guide the user through their workout, including a pace bar that keeps you moving at optimal speed (no more crashing weights.) It appears foolproof; you must do each exercise properly and in a timely manner, and everything else is digitally tracked for you to see your progress, which of course, is motivating.

Wilson said she was drawn to this franchise for many reasons. Like many girls, she struggled with her body, though she was a high school athlete. In college she dated a football player (now a CFL player) who introduced her to good workouts and she eventually became his trainer. Her parents, long-time Subway franchisers, encouraged her to make the leap into ownership, introducing her to Patel, the financial end of the business. Their goal is to develop the market into 10+ locations, including downtown Indianapolis.

“The biggest challenge,” explained Wilson, “is educating people about our program and how different and effective it is. We don’t measure success by weight loss. At Koko, you’ll focus on strength and health from the inside out, burning fat, measuring strength gains and increasing lean muscle levels.”

And, that starts with the name. Koko is a Japanese word meaning one-by-one. For more information visit www.kokofitclub.com.

Taking a New Tack

The 13-acre site of the Indianapolis Sailing Club features a dated clubhouse which has become the topic of discussion with members.

One of Geist Reservoir’s venerable institutions finds itself in a crosswind. The Indianapolis Sailing Club (ISC) is engaged in discussions about the future of its clubhouse. The passage of time and changing expectations about best uses for the structure have taken a toll. Thus, at least three proposals for re-inventing the clubhouse are under consideration: 1) update the 1950s-era facility and build an addition to the existing structure; 2) replace the clubhouse with a new building; or 3) funnel the club’s money and energy toward developing a new generation of sailors and club members. “You get 300 opinions on what we should do,” said ISC Commodore Paul Kirkpatrick.

A key argument for either new construction or a comprehensive updating is the need to bring the facility up to modern standards. For example, the clubhouse currently has no air conditioning. Construction proponents say such improvements would, among other advantages, increase the facility’s usage for business meetings and the like. “Now, the clubhouse is basically unused Monday through Friday,” said Kirkpatrick. “We are one of Indy’s best-kept secrets; and when trying to recruit new members, a modern-day facility would be helpful.”

New Indianapolis Sailing Club commodore Paul Kirkpatrick caught in a clubhouse debate.

Founded in 1955, ISC currently has about 300 family members – 200 of which are boat owners who use the 13-acre site overlooking the lake as home base for recreational and race sailing. In addition to the many social activities, adult and youth sailing lessons are offered at the club; and the occasional presence of groups of children is part of the argument for an expansion design that would include a walk-out basement. “In the event of storms, kids and adults need an appropriate shelter,” Kirkpatrick said.

A different faction would prefer the club use funds to buy more kid boats for junior sailing programs, with an eye toward growing future membership. “That’s a good argument, too – I respect others’ opinions,” said Kirkpatrick. “[Discussion] got pretty heated around here the first of the year. My approach has been to let things settle down. We’re doing a membership survey to help with the decision.”

The club is in the enviable position of carrying no debt and has a consistent income stream from AT&T’s lease of a small portion of land where a cellphone tower now stands. With interest rates low and money in the bank, Kirkpatrick said conditions are right for doing something. “One idea is to keep the building’s look and just make it bigger,” he said. “Others say scrap it and build a million-dollar facility.” However, the thought of a mortgage scares some of the membership.

One thing is certain. The first annual Geist Triathlon (July 27) will utilize ISC to stage the swimming leg of the triathlon as participants take to the water in the ISC cove.

Information about the Geist Triathlon is available at www.geisttri.com. Sailing Club info is at www.indianapolissailing.org.

Geist Lake Coalition to Tackle Out-of-Control Vegetation in Geist Reservoir

Brian Hall, president of the Geist Lake Coalition, shows an example of the invasive algae growing in several coves around Geist Reservoir.

Many Geist residents are wondering how the excessive weed growth within Geist can be controlled. You may have thought about the possibility of using chemicals, either aquatic herbicides or algaecides, to control the weeds. But first, there are some questions worth addressing: Do you know whether the use of chemicals in this body of water will be safe to you and to the environment? Are you using approved chemicals? Have you obtained a permit?

Although the weeds are invasive and annoying, the ideal situation is to maintain some native species of vegetation to provide habitat, shelter, and oxygen for fish and other organisms, plus positively provide nutrient competition for the blue-green algae. After all, these plants provide the base of the aquatic food chain. What’s more, the larger plants in a body of water also stabilize the sediments that would otherwise be erodible.

Unfortunately, there are situations in which invasive species of aquatic plants such as Eurasian milfoil can gain a foothold in a body of water. These plants continue to grow and form a canopy over the surface of the water. This canopy of vegetation will eventually extend, shade out, and kill the native species that are growing below it.

“Ultimately, the Eurasian milfoil can take over a body of water up to 10’ deep, making it challenging to swim, fish, or conduct just about any other recreational activity,” says Brian Hall, president and founding board member of Geist Lake Coalition. He adds, “Removing heavy sediment and nutrient loads that are exacerbating the situation by literally feeding the problem, is also of concern. Dredging in key areas of the reservoir is currently under study; and in partnership with key stakeholders, a dredging project is likely in the near future.”

If you insist on removing the milfoil manually, you should pull up by the roots, keeping the plant intact as you dispose of it. The idea is to avoid breaking off pieces that can float off and reseed elsewhere.

Algae growth is evident from Google map photos, highlighting the need for a lake-wide treatment strategy.

Excessive weed control and improper use of herbicides can destroy valuable habitat by releasing nutrients into the water which, in turn, can stimulate the growth of algal blooms (rapid accumulation of microscopic algae). These algal blooms will cause water to turn an unsightly green. Once they die off or “crash,” they can deplete the water of oxygen and cause a subsequent fish kill.

Worse yet is when algal blooms become toxic, posing a threat to our health. Algae can be controlled using copper compounds, particularly copper sulfate, which is probably the most widely used of the algaecides or herbicides in bodies of water. Herbicides must be used wisely in the environment to prevent adverse effects to the organisms that live in it.

Typically, Citizens Water will treat with an algaecide to avoid foul taste and smell in our water supply as a result of high algae growth. However, they don’t normally treat for the invasive Eurasian milfoil.

If you are unsure about the safety and impact of a particular product, you should visit www.in.gov/dnr to learn more.

Geist Lake Coalition Kicks Off Pilot Program to Reduce Eurasian Milfoil

The best remedy for algal blooms is a worthy watershed management program. Fortunately, the Geist Lake Coalition along with Geist/Fall Creek Watershed Alliance has invested heavily in a watershed management plan.

Hall explains, “We are currently studying and implementing programs that were a result of this study, and we need your help as we get these programs off the ground. Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, we need your help!”

Invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil should be controlled when new patches of growth appear in the water. Established infestations should also be managed. This is where the Geist Lake Coalition has focused its efforts and where residents and homeowners associations have turned their attention. Herbicides can be used selectively to remove milfoil from stands of native aquatic plant species, leaving the native species to function in their normal roles as producers of habitat, shelter, and oxygen.

The Geist Lake Coalition (GLC) has applied for and successfully received a L.A.R.E. (Lake River Enhancement) grant for a pilot program to treat Eurasian milfoil on Geist. The biggest challenge for this organization is trying to match federal dollars with a dollar-to-dollar match from the GLC.

“We need your help to fund our match and the ability to fund our own efforts beyond the grant money available through LARE,” says Hall. “The more funds we can collect from homeowners and associations, the more areas we can treat within the reservoir. The contributions you have consistently made toward our fireworks display have mostly funded our programs to date; but with the major effort of late, we have quickly outstripped those funds! Whether it’s financial support for our annual 4th of July celebration or water quality, it’s the same set of pockets. Please consider a tax-deductible donation (we are a 501c3) to the Geist Lake Coalition.”

For further questions, contact Brian Hall (GeistCoalition@aol.com).

Great Day for an Enclosed Patio

Tom Williams with Great Day Improvements – Patio Enclosures.

When it comes to home improvement and expansion projects, Patio Enclosures and Stanek Windows are two brands that have long been synonymous with quality and durability. Both Cleveland-born brands are now part of Great Day Improvements, LLC – a residential /commercial remodeler and manufacturer offering a portfolio of tailored home improvement solutions. “This is one of several initiatives we’ve executed to transform and expand Great Day Improvements into a one-stop home improvement company for our customers,” said Tom Williams , General Manager of Great Day Improvements in Fishers, IN. “The Stanek brand has been in existence for 60 years and in terms of quality, it is an excellent complement to our legendary Patio Enclosures brand. We are excited about the continued growth of our organization and the additional product offering we will be able to extend to our customers.”

Since 1966, Patio Enclosures has custom-manufactured and installed over 250,000 sunrooms, solariums and screen rooms nationwide. And they are known for being some of the best rooms on the market. The same is true for Stanek Windows, which has been producing exquisitely crafted replacement windows, engineered to outperform both the elements and the competition, since 1953.

“What sets our Patio Enclosures and Stanek Window brands apart from others is our ability to custom-manufacture our products,” said Williams. “All Patio Enclosures rooms are custom-designed and custom-made for each specific homeowner. We are not restricted by stock-sizes like many of our competitors. We build better rooms because we control the process from start to finish,” Williams added. The company not only extrudes their own aluminum for the frames but also cuts and tempers their own glass giving customers the most glass per square foot on the market – their Edge-to-Edge Advantage®.

“The same holds true for our Stanek Windows,” said Williams. “Every window we manufacture is made-to-order and the options are endless. From custom shapes and custom colors including wood-grain options to unique hardware finishes and exceptional glass choices, these designer windows not only look better than standard replacement windows but also outperform from an energy-efficiency standpoint,” concluded Williams. Stanek Windows also manufactures specialty windows like the Impact-Resistant Series and windows with Heat Mirror Technology®.

Great Day Improvements takes the headaches out of home improvement projects. “Our process is quite simple,” said Williams. “It’s your home, your project, your way – from beginning to end.” Every project starts with a free, no obligation in-home design consolation with one of the company’s experts. As part of the design and estimating process, the consultant listens to needs of each customer, assesses the project space and takes measurements that are ultimately used to craft a custom solution whether it’s a sunroom addition, porch enclosure, replacement window or patio door project.

Great Day Improvements stands behind every product they manufacture with a limited lifetime warranty. “There are no middlemen when you purchase one of our tailored home improvement solutions,” said Williams. “We design it, we make it, we install it and we guarantee it – simple as that.”

For more information on Great Day Improvements’ full line of products and services, visit the company’s Web site at www.greatdayimprovements.com | www.patioenclosures.com | www.stanekwindows.com , visit the local showroom at 9715 Kincaid Drive #400, Fishers, IN 46037 or contact the company’s Customer Service Department at 800-230-8301. Representatives are available to schedule in-home appointments from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Financing is available.

It’s Your Choice: Lakeshore Chiropractic

Lakeshore Chiropractic celebrates 10 years!

The Lakeshore Chiropractic Wellness Team (left to right) Megan Maurer, Dr. Nate Blume, Dr. Cole Blume, and Anna Easton.

Nate and Cole Blume are brothers who both chose to be chiropractors. They took this health profession one step further when they decided to open a chiropractic wellness center together. On Thursday, June 6th they will celebrate 10 years at their Geist Fall Creek location with an Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with healthy competitions: a rock wall, adult tricycles races, entertainment for kids as well as healthy refreshments.

To say they have accomplished a lot in this health field is a bit of an understatement as they are two of less than 200 doctors that are certified chiropractic wellness practitioners (CCWP) in the world!

When paying a visit to their office you will discover a “Well-Adjusted Wall of Fame” that documents the road back to health for practice members who are actively living an improved life since discovery of the health enhancement programs provided by Lakeshore Chiropractic: A Creating Wellness Center.

“We are very fortunate to have recruited well-trained team associates, plus two interns who make up the core of our wellness practice,” said Dr. Nate Blume adding, “Our team works together to support our practice members every step of the way.”

In a very short time, you will learn the foundational truths of this successful chiropractic wellness center: chemical, emotion and physical stress lead to the symptoms people associate with genetics or age, such as fatigue, diabetes, heart disease, pain, etc. The team at Lakeshore recognizes these symptoms are actually adaptations the body makes when subjected to an unhealthy environment.

In a very short time, you will learn the positive steps that are the fundamentals of this successful chiropractic wellness practice: chemical, emotional, and physical pain can lead to creating an internal environment of fear from the perception of health issues which attach to your own physiological thinking. A person’s lifestyle can imprint permanently, creating a body that suffers.

“People see the ads on television that are supposed to lead to a healthier body and sadly, a lot believe the creative advertising pitch from these commercials. We know health doesn’t come in the form of a prescription. We know that healing comes from the inside out, rather than outside-in. Our approach results in positive outcomes by adjusting a person’s health beliefs and approach to caring for their body. Our detailed health assessments take into consideration all health habits and evaluates the whole person. We support an understanding that it’s replacing bad habits with lifestyle changes that are proven to work, leading a person toward optimal health, adds Dr. Cole Blume.

“It’s about the understanding of why we allow these habits to take a toll on our bodies. Why do you think you need that cup of coffee or diet soda or why do you eat processed food regularly?” said Dr. Nate.

The answers are not what you think they might be when you look at it from the trained minds of these two health professionals who have developed a solid outcome for individuals who want to avoid future health issues and more than that, lead a healthier life.

There’s so much more about this wellness center that you should learn about from the brother’s Blume, so if you can’t make the Open House on June 6th, phone the office for a consultation which includes a comprehensive review of goals and priorities as it relates to your personal health and well being.
It will change your outlook on life and set you on a new lifestyle path.

Call 317-842-5100 or email Dr. Nate Blume!

Video Office Tour!

21 Day Purification Debrief

Future Indy 500? Geist Resident Races at the Speedway

Former St. Simon the Apostle School and Cathedral graduate Jimmy Simpson with his mother Debra Burns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway prior to the Indy Lights race.

Geist resident Jimmy Simpson leads a relatively normal suburban life. He lives with his family in Admirals Sound. He attended St. Simon the Apostle School and Cathedral High School, and currently is a junior majoring in communications at Purdue University. Like most kids his age, Jimmy loves driving cars.

But Jimmy drives cars at 200 miles per hour – legally. Last month, he raced an Indy Lights open-wheel car in the Firestone Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmy Simpson is a race car driver.

He is 20 years old.

“It’s been my dream since I was a kid. It’s what I’m good at,” explained Simpson. “My dream is to reach the Indy 500.”

Simpson is following a path familiar to many Indycar drivers. At age five, he started racing quarter-midgets at local fairgrounds. At age 11, he moved up to karting, where he won several championships. Simpson attended the Skip Barber Racing School, and was named “rookie of the race” at an event at Sebring. Midgets, sprint cars, Formula Atlantic, victories – all are on his resume. And now, Indy Lights.

Jimmy Simpson talks with his Purdue fraternity brothers following his Indy Lights race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

On May 24, for one day, one race – Simpson found himself in an Indy Lights car. “It’s like the Triple A baseball of Indycar,” he said. “Indy 500 drivers Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden are former Indy Lights drivers.” Make no mistake – this was a big-time opportunity. “I’ve looked forward to racing at the Speedway my whole life. All the drivers view Indy’s track as the best,” said Simpson. “It was a real dream come true.”

With straightaway speeds at 200 MPH, running Indy is, well, dangerous. Simpson, however, appeared fearless. “No, it’s not scary. You don’t think about crashing. You’re focused on what you’re doing,” he explained. “The first laps at Indy are like ‘whoa,’ but then it’s second nature. Running 160 in a midget car is the scariest thing you’ll ever do,” he noted.

Jimmy took seventh place in the 40-lap Indy Lights race – not the finish he’d hoped for, but a worthwhile effort. “Just being there was a success in itself,” he offered. Simpson would like to continue on the Indy Lights circuit, but needs sponsors to pay the freight.

Auto-racing is an expensive undertaking. For instance, that appearance at IMS cost about $50,000. The rest of this year’s Indy Lights circuit? A cool $400,000. His mother, Debra Burns, is hoping some entity will come forward with sponsorship. Both understand that money makes the wheels turn, not the engine. “Indy Lights is an important step toward his ultimate goal of Indycar and racing in the Indy 500,” she explained. “So, we’d welcome any kind of sponsorship.”

Simpson was just a little kid when he attended his first 500. “I remember Eddie Cheever winning, and then meeting him,” he said. And, he said former Indycar driver Mark Dismore has been a real mentor for him. Indy, you see, is in his blood, and with some luck (and funding), Simpson just might find himself attempting to qualify for next year’s Indy 500.

More information is available online at www.jimmysimpsonracing.com.

Introducing Our New Local Editorial Manager, Neal Moore

You’ll notice that this issue of the Geist Community Newsletter is a little bigger than normal. Actually, it’s our biggest issue yet. We have taken this idea of local journalism around the perimeter of Indianapolis with the Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, and Center Grove Newsletters under the umbrella of the TownePost network. As we grow, we want to dedicate more ink and time to our local communities. To this end, we’ve enlisted the help of veteran news guy and friend Neal Moore. He and I have been talking for the past few years about the new age of hyper local news. Who better to tell you all about the future of our newsletters, websites, apps, and video than our newest TownePost team member, Neal Moore.
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Neal Moore is a long-time television news reporter and now works with the TownePost Network of hyperlocal websites and newsletters.

I’m Neal Moore, the new Local Editorial Manager for the TownePost network of community magazines and websites. I’ve spent 40 years in communications including TV news anchoring and reporting, public relations, video production, and in recent years, writing many stories for atGeist.com and atFishers.com. I’m very pleased to join Tom Britt in this new role. I’m going to ask for your involvement with TownePost as we develop new ways and opportunities to tell your stories. But first, here are some reflections on how we got to where we are today.

I was born in 1953, and grew up in the era of three channels on the TV dial (four, if you could watch Popeye and Janie on fuzzy Channel 4), and a handful of newspapers and radio stations providing local news and information. These media platforms enjoyed remarkable popularity and profits using a “one-to-many” business model. It was content of their making; offered on schedules of their choice; delivered on static, non-interactive devices. Such was the mid-century media landscape.

Ironically, during the same years that I delivered newspapers and dreamt of being a radio disk jockey, the U.S. government and academic researchers were noodling with the first iteration of what would become today’s Internet. You might have noticed that the Internet (and the World Wide Web that it spawned) turned the media business on its collective head. Amidst the fallout were the evolution of citizen journalism and the ability to deliver hyper-local content. Such is the media landscape today.

That’s what makes TownePost tick – news, information, storytelling – all of it laser-focused on the communities, neighborhoods, even streets where we live, and much of it generated by local residents. As publisher Tom Britt puts it, “There’s no news that’s too small”, and I agree. We want to know what’s happening in your world, and to understand what your interests are. We encourage you to share your stories, photos, videos, news tips, ideas and suggestions so that we, in turn, can share them with the thousands of readers, web surfers and advertisers in Geist and Fishers.

Finally, I’m looking for skilled writers to join the TownePost team. If you’re interested in researching and writing local stories, and have a flair for great storytelling, contact me by email, neal@atGeist.com. All writing styles and experience levels are welcome. Together, let’s continue sharing stories about Geist and Fishers that reflect just how terrific our communities are, and what great places they are to live.

Vince Auten, Geist Half Marathon Founding Board Member

One of the Geist Half Marathon founding board members, Vince Auten, talks about the early days of the event.

Vince Auten remembers the sweet sound of the starter’s gun going off to start the first Geist Half Marathon back in 2008. It sent chills down his spine and relief to his shoulders as he watched the 4,500 runners take off. It all started one day when his wife told him about a posting in the Geist Community Newsletter regarding a meeting to start a race in the Geist area.

Vince is a dedicated runner and has raced in many different marathon competitions across the country. In the back of his mind, he always carried the thought that he would love to be involved in starting a half marathon race. The next thing he knew, he was at this “gathering of thoughts” meeting at Burd Ford. Walking out of that meeting left Vince a bit dazed at all the things needed to put together such an effort.

The first planning meetings for this wonderful family day of racing did, in fact, bring a lot of issues to the table for the group to work through: getting sponsors, developing a budget to fund all the expenses, gathering enough volunteers to help with so many assignments during the race, and a host of other issues that all needed to be covered.

“The way the community stepped up to fill the many roles of sponsorship was incredible,” said Auten. “It was, indeed, a unique group of people who live in the area and individuals who put on other races similar to this half marathon, all gathered together with a commitment to make it the best half marathon ever.”

The tone of the meetings also included the goal to benefit the schools and organize as a nonprofit. To date, in five years, the Geist Half Marathon has kept that goal front and center, raising over $225,000 for the Geist-area schools.

“When I walked out of our first meeting, I had no idea I’d be involved in creating the Geist Half Marathon. Six years later, we are going strong and the race has become part of the community fabric.

Vince with his daughter Katie and wife, Ellen. (daughter Rachel not available for photo)

The first registration numbers after the initial announcement on May 1, 2007, were slow coming in. But then the spike hit; and when registrations hit 4,500 racers, the field was closed and signs of relief pumped up this team of committed volunteers. “We surprised people with our outstanding numbers for a first-time event,” Auten said. “Our race is fun, and it was apparent that there were so many runners out there who would show up to take up the challenge to run our select 5K course,” he added.

That first race also held responsibilities on additional issues such as would the buses be able to transport all the people at the pickup sites to the race on time and how to deal with any long lines that might occur due to busing so many people at once. From the outside, you don’t always see all the little things that go into the planning and set the stage for an event that is fun, challenging, and involves a wonderful charitable cause that really does benefit the community schools.

“The Geist Half Marathon provides all this and then some. It’s a great family day and a challenging event for runners who love to compete. It’s unique — the running by water and the beautiful views you have on the course. The hills are a challenge, make no mistake about this, but it’s what calls out to a runner to commit every year,” Auten said, adding, “It’s not our goal to be bigger than the other races. It’s our goal to host the best community race.”

Many thanks for Vince Auten and all the other board members and volunteers who have made the Geist Half Marathon such a successful race. This year, it looks as if the numbers are going to set a record again.

“Who would have thought? Who would have thought?” Auten said with a big smile on his face.

P.S. Thanks, Ellen Auten, for reading the first post for volunteers to start this race! Vince’s driving force and experience as a runner indeed keep the Geist Half Marathon exactly where it needs to be: a community day for runners and walkers!

Action Air Fishers: Heating and Air Conditioning Company Keeps It Local

Action Air owners John and Kandie Dinger with co-owner Gary Sylvester. (Front) Bentley.

When John Dinger got a call to repair a furnace some 35 years ago, little did he know that service call would lead him not only to his future wife, but also his business partner. John and Kandie Dinger started Action Air Heating and Air Conditioning back in 1986 as a two-person company that they operated out of their garage. Today, they are headquartered in Fishers and with 15 employees, they service Indianapolis, Fishers, Geist, Anderson, and the surrounding areas.

About ten years ago, they partnered with Gary Sylvester who helped round out their team by bringing management skills and a business acumen to the company. John is involved in the technical service-call side, and Kandie handles all the office, payroll, human resources, and marketing functions. Having a hands-on woman in charge in what is typically a man’s field, she says, is rare. But she says people realize quickly that she knows her business.

Action Air specializes in the service and replacement of all major brands of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. They also handle indoor air-quality issues such as filtration and duct cleaning. One area that they pride themselves in is their low-cost maintenance program which includes two service calls per year: one for furnaces during the heating months and the other for air conditioning during the cooling season. The Action Air Service Club can help save customers money by keeping equipment operating at peak efficiency, extending the life of the system, and troubleshooting potential problems before they happen. Kandie says that the average lifespan of a furnace or air conditioner is 12 to 15 years, and one of the biggest reasons that they don’t last longer is lack of maintenance.

She stresses that unlike many other HVAC firms that are owned by large foreign companies, Action Air is truly a local mom and pop business. ”We’re a local company and live in the area. A lot of the people we do furnace and air conditioning work for are people that we are friends with.” She adds that Action Air takes full responsibility for their work; and if it doesn’t get fixed properly the first time, they will make sure the job gets done right. “We try really hard to take really good care of folks. We’re not just going to do a drive-by, 15-minute tune-up on your air conditioner. They’re usually in your home for an hour to an hour and a half. They’re really thorough,” she says.

One of the challenges to the heating and air conditioning business these days, Kandie says, is all the added regulation and new requirements. The cost of providing freon or coolant for older units is becoming prohibitive, so, as a result, it is often cheaper to replace an older unit with a more modern one. Action Air can help you choose the type of system that is best for your home should you need a new one, and financing options are available.

Action Air has been an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner for eleven years in a row and is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau. And as Kandie says about their Mom and Pop operation, “Mom and Pop go to work every day.” So does their dog, Bentley. It really is a family affair.

Action Air
13284 Britton Park Road
Fishers, IN 46038
317-585-8981/Toll Free 1-866-585-8981
www.ActionAirFishers.com
Kandie@ActionAirFishers.com

Geist Mom of the Year: Vicky Andritsch

Celebrating the Gift of Mother’s Day

atGeist 2013 Mom of the Year Vicki Andritsch at Bella Vita Lakeside.

This year, 41 magnificent moms were nominated for the 2013 Geist Mom of the Year contest. From this pool, five finalists were chosen and featured online where viewers could vote for their favorite mom via www.atGeist.com. Though all the contestants were worthy of winning, only one mom pulled ahead at the last moment to win this very close race—Vicky Andritsch.

Vicky was nominated twice, once by Dean and Amy Hershman and also by her husband, Todd Andritsch. Together, Todd and Vicky have five children ranging from kindergarten to college age. Their eldest, Jack (18), is studying at Clemson University. Grace (15) is a freshman at HSE High School. Audrey (12) is a sixth grader at FCI. Luke (9) is in third grade at Geist Elementary. Finally, Ava (who just turned 7) is a kindergartner at Geist Elementary. These five siblings are known for having an unusually close relationship with each other. But then again, they do have a special mother who wraps her strength, wisdom, and love into every facet of this familial unit.

“Everyone has a story to tell,” says Vicky as she smiles proudly sporting her athletic apparel (she was up at dawn training for her next triathlon). “I’m just so grateful to have this chance to tell mine.” During our interview, I learned what makes her so remarkable.

Mother’s Day Gone Awry, Two Years in a Row

atGeist 2013 Mom of the Year Vicki Andritsch. Spa Day. Symbolic rock given to Vicki by a dear friend when they found out Eva (sp) was sick. She carries it with her in her front pocket every day.

When Ava, her youngest child, was just four weeks old, she was diagnosed with a level three brain hemorrhage near the core of her brain. On Mother’s Day weekend, Ava underwent surgery to have a shunt inserted which would help drain spinal fluid from the brain to the belly. The doctors warned that she may never be able to walk or talk and that they would have to wait to see the effects of her condition. Vicky explains, “Ava is our test drive on how to handle stress. She’s truly a gift of God and has overcome so many obstacles. She managed to cross every milestone with flying colors.”

One year later, during church service on Mother’s Day, Vicky was holding Ava (now 1 year old) in her arms reminiscing back on her first year with her, watching her defy all odds by sitting up, crawling, talking, and walking. She adds, “The emotions were overwhelming thinking back on what the past year had held and all that we learned about life.” She felt so thankful for her baby’s health and developments. Yet, she felt a wrenching feeling in her stomach for her son, Luke, (3 years) who didn’t attend church that day. He stayed at home with his dad. Luke had been complaining of intense ear pain the day before and was diagnosed with a double ear infection.

Two days later, life would change its course forever for this close-knit family. They learned that Luke had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and that their little boy would have to undergo chemotherapy every day for the next three and one-half years. She recalls, “Luke’s days of digging in the dirt and skinning his knees came to a roaring halt.”

“Our family has been strong from the beginning,” says Vicky. “I can see how families fall apart with this kind of stress. When one member is diagnosed with cancer, it becomes a journey the entire family embarks on.” She recalls embracing her family during this time of crisis, “Guys, we have felt this devastation before with Ava. We made it through, and look at her now. Luke needs us. He can’t do it alone. We have to do this together.”

Flashbacks of Comforting Love

Although Luke was in remission after only five days of intense treatment, he endured the next three years of his life battling the effects of his chemotherapy. He will surely always remember how his family members were there for him when he needed their strength. Vicky proudly describes flashbacks of how Luke’s siblings rose to the occasion. Like the time when it was the last day of Christmas break, she came into the kitchen to get ready to take Luke to Riley for his 6:30 a.m. spinal tap. And there was Jack, all dressed and ready to accompany his little brother without ever being asked to go. Jack chose to go and be with his brother as opposed to sleeping in on his last sacred day of break. Or, the times when Grace would sacrifice playing with her friends to go to the clinic with Luke. Then there was the moment when she put Luke on her back and carried him across the finish line at the Geist Half Marathon & 5K which was the first year this family was able to participate in this event. (www.GeistHalf.com) Then, there were the times when Audrey would wear a mask into the hospital so that Luke would feel more comfortable. She would always play “doctor” with him to prepare him for his next visit. Finally, there was Ava, who literally spent the first three years of her life accompanying Luke to Riley.

“Ava was our sunshine who brought laughter and joy into our world. She was the bright spot in our day. Fortunately, because she was so young, she didn’t understand everything that was going on,” says Vicky. There was a period when Luke had been so sick that he hadn’t raised his head off the pillow for two weeks. Then one day, he finally lifted his head and asked to watch Veggie Tales. Ava was so thrilled to see her older brother show interest in something that she began doing her happy dance, wiggling on the bed. Suddenly, she fell off in slow motion Vicky recalls. “I was praying she wouldn’t hit her head because of her shunt, as I saw her twirling in the air.” Her head was fine but she broke her leg and had to wear a hip-to-toe cast for months. Luke drew pictures for her and was so excited to be in a caretaker position for someone else for once.

“There were countless times during treatment I wondered how much more could come our way. And then I would feel a sense of calm and peace. These were the moments when I knew God had this all under control and we just needed to keep pushing forward, with faith,” Vicky says, with a smile.

Turning the Curve to Make a Difference

Vicky gets the cover girl treatment at Reeda Todd Salon at Geist, complete with a haircut, foot wash, and makeup by Sarah Burke (shown here).

At the conclusion of Luke’s first year of grueling treatment, Vicky and Todd felt so thankful to have their son. They wanted to celebrate, yet make a difference at the same time. As a result, Vicky founded Team Luke Corp, a 501c 3 organization that participates in endurance events such as the Geist Half Marathon and 5K. Team Luke raises money to support blood cancer research as well as Riley Hospital. (www.teamluke.webs.com)

“Cancer is a hard circle to run in,” states Vicky. “It immediately becomes part of your life and affects every waking, breathing moment. We are so fortunate to have a healthy son in the outcome. Not everyone is that lucky. We have had to say goodbye to too many friends.” Though Team Luke addresses the long-term goal of finding a cure for blood cancers, Vicky has created an immediate goal for dealing with cancer now, that is, for families who need coping mechanisms at this moment. She and her family members distribute Rhythm Pax (which in Latin, translates to “healing”) which are musical/percussion instrument packages to Riley patients, allowing them to take their minds off of their sickness and focus on healing and fun. Rhythm Pax was created as a result of Luke’s own experience of discovering happiness through playing an instrument.

When Vicky introduced Luke to bongo drum lessons during his treatment, she and Todd couldn’t believe how “at peace” Luke felt at the end of each lesson. Vicky recalls a time when Luke once said to her, “Mom, you know how lucky I was that I got cancer out in five days? I know others aren’t that lucky, and I want them to feel the way I do when I play music.” The goal for Team Luke is that every child diagnosed with cancer will receive a Rhythm Pax. Vicky is currently in the beginning stages of writing a book with her family which will eventually be included in the Rhythm Pax. Their dream has always been to share their experiences in hopes of helping others. With ongoing fund raising and awareness, they hope to make this dream a reality.

In addition, Vicky is a board member for Vines for Life, an annual wine-tasting event benefiting three charities. This is another avenue that focuses to raise money for Team Luke. Yet, her energy doesn’t stop here. She is a participant of the Indiana chapter of Team In Training, an organization that trains people to participate in marathons, half marathons, and triathlons to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.) She also supports Pennies for Patients (with the help of her kids), speaks at engagements at Riley and LLS, and organizes blood drives at New Hope Church.

The Motivation behind Her Stamina

“We feel passionate about helping LLS and Riley because of the way they took care of us in our darkest days,” says Vicky, who has raised over $70,000 for Team In Training so far. She has run in races across the country from Disney in Orlando to San Francisco. She admits, “Running became my therapy to get through the tough times. On a good day, I am able to get my workouts done early in the morning before anyone wakes up and see some amazing sunrises while I’m at it. During Luke’s treatment, these sunrises were always reassurance to me that we were not alone in this battle.”

“When I am at that tough point in a race and I start thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ I am always quick to think about all that Luke, our family and others have gone through when dealing with cancer,” says Vicky who began training one year into Luke’s treatment. She has since co-founded Triple Threat Indiana, a group that organizes endurance training for triathletes supporting LLS.

“The best part of any race is the finish line when I get to see my family. I get to see those smiling faces cheering me through. The proudest of all is my husband, Todd. He is my rock.”

Even though Vicky has had some unfortunate Mother’s Days in the past, she still is proud to celebrate this special day with her family. She says, “I’ve had lots of people say to me, ‘Don’t you dread Mother’s Day?’ but actually, I love this day. I look at all the blessings that have come to us through our trials. It will be a gift for Todd and me to watch our kids grow up. They have taught me so much about being a mom. I believe these kids were meant to be mine, and I am lucky to be their mom.”

As we conclude our interview, I say goodbye to this strong woman who exudes an unusual energy about her as she speaks. Her bubbly, upbeat personality represents a most positive inspiration to all who are lucky enough to get to know her. What I admire most about her is that she never once talked about herself but rather her family and her goals for wanting to help ease the pain for others.

Vicky Andritsch
Nominated by her husband Todd
Vicky is a mother of five children ranging from 18 to 6 years old. Other activities include being the Founder/ President of Team Luke Corp, a Board member of Vines for Life, founder of Triple Threat Indiana, member of New Hope Church in Fishers, Team In Training participant, and a committed runner/triathlete. She is a caring, loving mother and wife first and foremost who sets an example for her family and friends. Her kids are proud to call her Mom, and I am proud to call her my wife.

Also nominated by Dean and Amy Hershman
Vicky’s lovely. Her grace is modeled in how she interacts with her family and how they show love and compassion to each other. She knows the heart of a mother whose child suffered and chooses to seek good in each experience. Vicky’s family formed Team Luke to bring hope to families fighting terminal illnesses. Whether delivering Rhythm Paks to Riley, counting pennies for patients at Geist Elementary, or volunteering in the community, she puts the needs of others before herself. I can’t summarize in 100 words other than to say she is a gift to all who know her.