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Herbs & Spice & Health Is Nice JA N UA RY 2 02 6

Elevating women’s health care in Carmel

Opening January 2026 Ascension St. Vincent Carmel is expanding comprehensive women’s health care in the heart of Carmel. Our dedicated OB-GYN team provides personalized care for every stage of life — from annual wellness to pregnancy, gynecologic surgery, vaginal rejuvenation and menopause support. Please help us welcome our new providers Bryrony D. Homan, MD Lynn R. Klus, MD Ana C. Mendia, MD Mary I. Pease, MD

Taylor T. Sutter, MD Aimee N. Black, NP Holly N. Deckard, FNP-C

We’re here to listen, guide and partner with you in your health journey.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A New Year: A Chance For New Beginnings

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

The name January comes from the Roman god Janus, who's the deity of beginnings, transitions and doorways. Janus is portrayed as having two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future, which symbolizes the new year as a doorway between endings and beginnings. As we arrive at the doorway of the new year, it's both a time to look back into the previous year and forward to the new one. One thing that happened for me at the end of 2025 is I had the privilege to attend a fundraiser for the Indiana Women’s Fund and hear author Glennon Doyle speak. Her talk was very inspirational, but one story stood out during which she described falling back into an old destructive habit triggered by being with her family of origin. She said she realized this habit was "the thing she did to leave mentally so that she could stay present physically." On the ride home from that event, a dear friend said you could easily flip that line and ask: "What do you do physically so you can stay present mentally?" I have been thinking about this concept a lot – the interplay between physical and mental health. I'm passing on these thought-provoking questions as you stand at your own doorway of evaluation and creation! It's a wonderful time to think about habits that aren't serving you and to start some better ones. If you'd like to start a new habit, you may want to intentionally introduce into your diet the 2026 Herb of the Year: Turmeric. This golden-orange spice, which comes from its flowering herb plant, reportedly has several health benefits including joint pain relief, digestion improvement, cancer prevention, depression or anxiety calming assistance, help with skin disorders and kidney health. Not bad for something that's both an herb and a spice. If you'd like to learn about more natural possibilities, consider contacting members of the Herb Society of Central Indiana, which we showcase inside this edition. Also in this edition, we cover skin care, equine therapy and pelvic-driven health, thanks to the professionals who provide these essentials. We also introduce a couple of men who plant huge gardens, just to donate fresh produce to others in need. Take a look at what else they just added. Wishing you a year filled with health and happiness where you can stay present both physically and mentally. Cheers! ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @ C A R M E L . C I T Y. L I F E S T Y L E

AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Melvie Gonzales | melvie.gonzales@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allyson (Ally) Straczek, Julie Brown Patton C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Brianna Richardson, Sue Arnold, D. Todd Moore, Katherine Mei, Kelli White, Alexander Raths

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Carmel City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Carmel area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Carmel City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

14 18

Featured

14 18 28 6

Refresh Natural Beauty With Aesthetics

Peter Kunz, MD, Leads Boutique Aesthetic Surgery Practice With Compassion, Advanced Technology And Natural-Looking Treatments

Hippotherapy At Its Finest

Children’s TherAplay Foundation: Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy With Horsepower

28 On the Cover

Departments

Members of the Carmel region’s Herb Society of Central Indiana explore varied topics, such as medicine gardens and how to grow native plants in backyards to use them for food and health purposes.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Skin Care WELLNESS

Inspired By WELLNESS

Expert Help WELLNESS

Local Limelight ARTS + CULTURE

Eat Right LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Perfecting Pelvic Health

Restore Your Core’s Physical Therapy Experts Provide Customized Treatment Approaches

Sharing Produce Bounty

Fuller Farms Grows, Donates Healthy Food For Those In Need

Photography: Alexander Raths

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JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 1

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Brianna Richardson Photography N A T U R A L L I G H T L I F E S T Y L E A N D P O R T R A I T P H O T O G R A P H E R

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JANUARY 2026

SMILE CONFIDENTLY LIVE FULLY

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Elite Health Resort's Fire and Ice $200 monthly membership includes a 30-minute sauna and a 15-minute cold plunge twice per week. The team at 184 W. Carmel Drive believes the environment plays a crucial role in spa experiences. Owner Elizabeth Cain says, "That’s why we've carefully designed our facility to provide a peaceful, serene atmosphere. From our comfortable waiting area to our private treatment rooms, every detail's been considered to ensure comfort and relaxation." Photography by Elite Health Resort

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2026 Festival Of Ice Scheduled For Jan. 16-17 8

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Witness demonstrations by professional ice cravers in the Carmel Arts & Design District on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Festival of Ice that Saturday features a People’s Choice carving competition (voting noon to 4 p.m.), the Carmel Fire Department chili cook-off (noon to 2 p.m.) and speed carving. This event is free and open to the public at The Ice at Carter Green; ice skating, food, beverages and live DJ from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Photography by City of Carmel

A FRESH START BEGINS WITH NEW BATH TODAY

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Ascension St. Vincent Welcomes New OB-GYNs Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent-Carmel OB-GYNs’ medical team members are opening during January 2026 to provide patients with more options for women’s health care. Julie Schnieders, MSN, CNP, VP Women’s Services, states: “Whether you need female wellness exams, gynecologic surgery, prenatal and pregnancy care or menopause care, we’re here to listen and understand your needs. Your care team takes time to get to know you and learn your health history.” For OB-GYN appointments, call 317.342.7645. Photography by Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent--Carmel

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REFRESH Natural Beauty WITH AESTHETICS Peter Kunz, MD, Leads Boutique Aesthetic Surgery Practice With Compassion, Advanced Technology And Natural-Looking Treatments ARTICLE BY ALLYSON (ALLY) STRACZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANNA RICHARDSON

Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery (MIAS) was founded by Peter Kunz, MD, to be the premier practice for minimally invasive aesthetic surgery in Carmel and the surrounding Indianapolis area. Board-certified, Dr. Kunz has crafted his boutique practice to be patient-centered, where patients feel like family with a dedicated staff that has been working together for more than 20 years. As a patient, one's experience with the team at MIAS starts with a thorough consultation. "We get to know each of our patients and ask them about their concerns, challenges and goals for treatment," says Dr. Kunz. "We take a sincere approach to this conversation, and will explain what is involved in achieving their goals, including initial treatments, at-home maintenance and follow-up appointments." While each patient's journey is unique, Dr. Kunz says he and his experienced team always take a team-based approach to treatment, with both him and his nurse present during patient visits. “We strive for quality versus quantity.” "Our goal is to enhance the beauty within every patient. We want patients to feel good on the inside by refreshing their individual natural beauty," he explains. The practice uses the most advanced lasers and technology to achieve results, Dr. Kunz adds. He says he's expanded the practice to include a functional medical approach alongside his aesthetic treatments. This coordinated method enables patients to take a fully well-rounded medical approach to address any concerns or problem areas they want to tackle. Interestingly, medicine runs in the family, as both of Dr. Kunz's daughters are pursuing their own medical careers.

S KIN CA R E | W EL L NES S

Peter Kunz, MD

Working with his long-term staff, Dr. Kunz develops treatment plans tailored to each patient's desires. Minimal-invasive treatments include injectables, lasers and light therapies, sculpting, peels, microneedling and more. If a surgical approach is necessary, patients are in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers body, facial, men's and women's rejuvenation procedures. "It's important that we match the treatment to a patient's lifestyle and design a personalized treatment plan with limited downtime," he says. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / CA R M E L

Dr. Kunz and his experienced team are constantly striving for perfection. In fact, for their Dysport or Botox injections, Dr. Kunz includes a tweak, if needed, during follow-up appointments. To stay on top of the latest technology and treatments, this doctor and his team are committed to continuous education through training, masterclasses, attending conferences and reading the latest research findings. Some of the newer procedures incorporated by the MIAS staff are associated with rejuvenation, including mixing stem cells with Sculptra, which is an FDA-approved injectable filler made from a biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic material. This type of liquid facelift does not require surgery and can achieve a youthful, rejuvenated appearance. One of the newer trends in aesthetics is increased facial movement with injectables. "More movement and natural-looking but enhanced skin have replaced the traditional frozen injectables look," says Dr. Kunz. “This aligns with the philosophy we have in our practice.” Patients also are looking to experienced teams like MIAS for functional medicine alternatives, he says. "As they age, women and men are becoming more knowledgeable on health-related issues, and are asking for functional medicine approaches to help address their concerns.” In addition to a cadence of in-office treatments, MIAS staffers work with patients to reinforce the importance of consistent, in-home routines in skin care, diet and healthy living to complement minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. “Patients have personal reasons for seeking our care. It could be a wedding, reunion, beating cancer or entering a new stage of life," explains Dr. Kunz. “Our goal is to help each patient feel good about themselves and have a positive emotional change with regenerative medicine that is accessible.”

S KIN CA R E | W EL L NES S

Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery (MIAS) Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery (MIAS) has the unique distinction of being the first plastic surgeons in Carmel and all of Indianapolis. Their board-certified plastic surgeon, Peter Kunz, MD, was one of Indiana’s first cosmetic surgeons to practice minimally invasive aesthetic surgery and solutions. He says the medical staff there is constantly adapting to the latest and most advanced technology to help clients get proven results. “Successful aesthetic results come from communication and treating each patient as the unique individual they are. We provide a comfortable, collaborative experience that puts our patients’ needs at the forefront,” he assures.

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HIPPOTHERAPY AT ITS FINEST Children’s TherAplay Foundation: Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy With Horsepower

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

I NSP IR E D BY | W EL L NESS

Children with disabilities and diverse needs receive innovative physical, occupational and speech therapy at Carmelheadquartered Children's TherAplay, using the movement of horses to accelerate physical, emotional and behavioral development through a medical approach called hippotherapy — named such because the Greek word hippos means horse.

Kathy Pelletier, executive director of nonprofit The Children's TherAplay Foundation, Inc., says this practice is all about combined dynamic movement. She explains it works because a horse’s pelvis shares the same three-dimensional planes as the human pelvis. "By applying different combinations of patterns, speeds and riding postures, our

licensed therapists provide precisely the sensory and neurological input each child will benefit from most. Receiving movement transmitted by the horse’s pelvis helps kiddos develop physical skills essential for daily life," she adds. "Our children experience transformational outcomes through these unique therapies." Located at 9919 Towne Road, this specialty trained team provides individualized, one-on-one therapy in their child-centered, pediatric outpatient clinic for Central Indiana children, ages 18 months to 13 years. Their hours of operations span Mondays through Fridays. Amelia Brewers, TherAplay's marketing and communications coordinator, says they also enjoy hosting special events, such as the upcoming Horse Birth'Neigh' Party on Friday, Jan. 30, from 5:30-7 p.m. This open house-style event is free and open for all families. She promises fun activities including face painting and birthday card writing, plus a horse meet and greet, with food and drinks provided. The third annual Pickle for Ponies will be held in Carmel at 3rd Shot Pickle, 4400 W. 96th St., on Thursday, Feb. 26. Brewers says registration opens at 6 p.m. with round-robin style competition beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Even actor Hugh Jackman recently visited Peanut and Banana at Children's TherAplay in Carmel. Photo by Kathy Pelletier.

“OUR CHILDREN EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL OUTCOMES THROUGH THESE UNIQUE THERAPIES.” Additionally, Brewers says a golf event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, at Plum Creek Golf Club. "Therapy horse and stall sponsorships help keep our therapy horses healthy and happy by offsetting necessary costs, ensuring the best possible care for our horses who work so hard for our kiddos," says Pelletier. Additionally, qualified horses can be donated or leased to TherAplay. For young horse enthusiasts, The Children's TherAplay Junior Board is a philanthropic and volunteer opportunity for current high school students. Founded in 2019, the Junior Board is led by a president and comprised of general board members. Brewers says these members advocate for children with disabilities and spread awareness about the TherAplay Foundation through community engagement. ChildrensTherAplay.org JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / CA R M E L

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RESTORE YOUR CORE’S PHYSICAL THERAPY EXPERTS PROVIDE C U S TO M I Z E D T R E AT M E N T A P P R OAC H E S ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE MEI, KELLI WHITE, BRIANNA RICHARDSON

PERFECTING

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PELVIC HEALTH Pelvic floor physical therapy is a critical component in the journey to wellness, especially for those recovering from injury, surgery or managing chronic pain. "Restore Your Core Physical Therapy was founded in 2016 out of our deep desire to provide patients with the care they deserve, delivered by compassionate physical therapists in a comfortable environment, with 100% cost transparency," states founder/CEO Amy Robinson, PT, DPT, CLT, PRPC, WHNC.

EXP E RT H E LP | WEL L NESS

"We have a holistic approach to healing as our patients' partners in health, and want them to know and feel that we view them as members of our family." Dr. Robinson’s journey into pelvic physical therapy began with a single lecture on women’s health during PT school. She recalls being fascinated to learn that issues, such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related discomfort and postpartum challenges, could be treated by trained physical therapists. "That was something I wished I'd known about as a young athlete experiencing urinary incontinence myself. That lecture, combined with seeing patients struggle in my early years as a physical therapist, inspired me to pursue advanced training and eventually establish a dedicated pelvic health program," she explains. Restore Your Core specialists now treat a full spectrum of pelvic floor factors for adults, teens and tweens, including back pain, sciatica, bladder/bowel dysfunction, infertility optimization, men’s health services, musculoskeletal dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, prenatal, postpartum and sexual wellness. Dr. Robinson grew up in Galveston, and went to school at Lewis Cass Junior/Senior High School. She graduated from the School of Health & Human Sciences physical therapy program at Indiana University Indianapolis. She then obtained her doctorate from Utica College, focusing on pelvic health. She started a pelvic PT practice for Tx: Team Therapy in 1999, designed for patients in outpatient, inpatient, long-term care and assisted-living settings. Eventually, she reached out to an independent OBGYN who had an interest in pelvic health, and also worked out of his office one day per week for 12 years, helping his clients with "all things pelvic health." "During that time, the OB-GYN started the Center for Sexual Medicine, and I also worked with both doctors at that location to help clients decrease pain and improve sexual health," she adds. During 2013-2016, her pelvic health program was executed through Accelerated Rehab, which was purchased by Athletico.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / CA R M E L

She states that after Athletico made sweeping changes, such as determining that pelvic health patients would be seen for 30 minutes and then be shifted to the gym to complete exercises with a rehab aide, she knew she could do better. "So, I opened Restore Your Core PT because I wanted to treat patients the way they deserve to be treated without insurance driving what care they were allowed to receive," assures Dr. Robinson. Her passion for helping others heal remains deeply personal. As a teenager and young adult, she faced diagnoses of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, struggled with infertility and underwent a myomectomy that led to prolapse. "These experiences gave me unique insight into the challenges many women face, as well as the importance of compassionate, informed care," she says. Today, Dr. Robinson uses her personal experience and well-rounded expertise to guide her team of highly trained pelvic physical therapists to assist patients with regaining strength, function and confidence while providing exceptional, empathetic care. Located in Carmel at 2325 Pointe Parkway, Ste. 150, the Restore Your Core team indicates their goal is to fix root causes. They assess and treat any physical condition that affects muscles, nerves and joints. They show patients how to strengthen their bodies and prevent future problems, too. Additionally, they demonstrate how stretching, therapeutic massaging and joint mobilization can help reduce pain and improve range of motion so that wellness can become an important part of daily life. Dr. Robinson says her three clinics (also located in West Carmel/Zionsville and Greenwood) offer cutting-edge treatments, including dry needling with electrical stimulation, cupping, the Graston Technique for soft tissue changes, myofascial release, visceral manipulation and lymphatic drainage. They also provide SoftWave/Shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment using sound waves to kickstart the body's natural healing process. "We want our patients to live their lives without pain, fear or embarrassment," she adds.

EXP E RT H E LP | WEL L NESS

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SUGAR+SPICE = PHYTO ADVICE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE ARNOLD

HERB SOCIET Y MEMBERS E XAMINE ALL E L E M E N T S O F C U L I N A R Y, GROWING HERBALISM

"Sometimes you need the silence of plants to recover from the noise of humans." Certain area residents agree with this concept wholeheartedly. Members of Carmel-based Herb Society of Central Indiana also serve as a chapter of the Herb Society of America. Local founding member Sue Arnold says the mission of the group is to promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs; as well as to research and share the collective experiences of members with other community residents. "Sharing our love of anything herbal is what we do best," assures Arnold. Beginning in the spring of 2001, these local herbal specialists partnered with the Indianapolis Zoo staff to create a beautiful, fragrant herb garden within the Polly Horton Hix Design Gardens of the White River Gardens landscape. The group's volunteers maintain the

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Celeste Fig

Herb garden

Silver Sage

Hops

primarily herbal plants and shrubs of the Sunken Garden, while the staff gardeners provide helpful support and maintain the non-herbal plants that are part of the overall design circle. Members also conduct workshops at Garfield Park Conservatory, with topics ranging from spring herbal gifts to how to use dried herbs for cooking. Each summer, HSCI President Sharon Patterson says members participate in judging the best herb plant entered at the Indiana State Fair. "We also conduct monthly educational programs followed by our business meetings. Our meeting topics are as diverse as the world of herbs. In addition to an annual symposium, we offer an educational night in the fall,

participate in local garden events, produce herb booklets and conduct field trips," adds Patterson. Each year, HSCI awards culinary scholarships and arts training program grants, too. Welcoming both growers and retail members, HSCI participants usually gather once each month. While they've been meeting at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N. College Ave., at press time, they were reassessing the day of the week and location for 2026 meetings, likely to land at public library locations. "We welcome gardeners with all types of herbal interests and levels of gardening skills," Patterson confirms. Perfect for those observing the 'Dry January' annual challenge, ask HSCI members about their recipes for herbal mocktails. Membership inquiries: 317.363.7936 Sites.Google.com/Herb-Society-of-Central-Indian JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / CA R M E L

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Rafael Sánchez (on left) and Travis Fuller (on right).

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Fuller Farms Grows, Donates And Increases Healthy Food For Those In Need

Sharing Produce Bounty Planting seeds of generosity is the mission figuratively and literally of regional business owner Travis Fuller and Fox59/CBS4 anchor/reporter Rafael Sánchez. These two buddies are voluntarily helping others by providing free, homegrown produce, one batch at a time. In 2022, Fuller says he was inspired by a speaker during a Lenten breakfast at New Bethel Methodist Church regarding the value of community gardening. Because he had a personal garden within his rural acreage at Fuller Farms Inc., he brainstormed with Sánchez about expanding it to contribute fresh vegetables to those in need of food.

EAT R IGH T | L I FE + C ULT U RE

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Sánchez participates in 60 fundraisers on average each year, so recalls not being sure he'd have time to help with growing produce but committed to assisting with more than public promotions about Fuller Farms after he witnessed what an existing need there was among people "who didn't have things that the rest of us take for granted." “Something we built is now bigger than us!” shares Fuller, principal of Fuller Heating and Air based from Franklin. “Food insecurity is a big deal. And it’s clear some people are giving up other vital things in life just to be able to afford food. This isn’t where we should be as a country. So, if we’ve been blessed with more than we actually need, we felt it's important to share it.” Indeed, since these two community volunteers combined forces, along with friend Adam Bennett, Sánchez verifies they’ve donated the following amount of produce annually: 3,325 pounds in 2023; 3,100 pounds in 2024; and 6,527 pounds

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in 2025. The main recipients have been regional food pantries, including Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County, Victory Church, Johnson County Senior Services and Franklin Community School Cub Pantry located at Custer Baker Intermediate School. A second-party always weighs and evaluates the produce donations, Sánchez adds. “Basically, we only eat about 10% of what we grow; the other 90% we give away,” states Fuller, who also has 24 beehives on his land, from which local beekeeper Doyle Burgess donates 10% of the manufactured honey to food banks. Altogether, this gardening team grows peppers, tomatoes, green beans, eggplants, cabbage, Swiss chard, kale, red and green cabbage, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, beets, Brussel sprouts, onions, okra, cauliflower, mustard greens, zucchini, yellow squash, lettuce, peas, broccoli and spinach. They also grow herbs, such as mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and spearmint, some of which also serve as natural repellents to insects. Their second year during 2024 was a valuable, yet learning year, after battling a fungus that destroyed the majority of certain plants. But they didn't give up amidst disappointment. During November 2024, the two received a USDA grant and erected a tunnel greenhouse to be able to upgrade their processes and to help keep fresh veggies available longer for pantry clients in colder months. They say the greenhouse components were delivered in three crates, and the assembly came from the generous help of relatives and local friends. Their goal is to begin all their own seedlings and starter plants in the greenhouse, which worked well during last March through July. “In the plots, Garden A is big and doing really well. For Garden B, we’re still working the soil. We've erected solar lights to help us take care of the plants in the dark evening hours," Fuller says. Another recent addition is 50 chicks, confirms Sánchez. “We wanted to provide a method for protein for food bank clients and we plan to donate eggs when the chicks are old enough. During 2026, we might increase them to 100 chickens."

EAT R IGH T | L I FE + C ULTU RE

This is Fuller’s 11th year of overall, concerted gardening after planting trees and pollinating flowers on his farm. “The best part of the community garden project is giving back to a community that’s helped me in the past. We see people benefiting from good, nutritious food; that’s a huge inspiration. I hope and pray more people can and will do the same by planting vegetable gardens in their own yards,” he says. Fuller says he believes one of the best ways to give back is through knowledge. To that end, he enjoys teaching youths about food and agriculture. “I’d love to see elementary school classes coming to the farm three times a year so students could watch produce grow and then pick it themselves. And maybe as they get older, they’ll have the opportunity and want to take horticulture classes.” For Fuller Farms to have a broader impact, he hopes to provide classes about nutrition and canning food, and maybe even a contemplation garden. Sánchez agrees: "It's all about acting with intention. We've become our pantries’ largest, single home-based entity that donates food. My hope is that more people do something to help others, especially working with neighbors to combine resources. The biggest pleasure is to make a positive difference."

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