Avon Magazine February 2026 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

MARKET TRADITIONS

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FEBRUARY EVENTS

MOVING FORWARD Plainfield Freshman Pushes Past Vision Loss

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine? 6 MARKET TRADITIONS Avon Mexican Market Brings Authentic Flavors to Community

CRUMBELIEVABLE TALES Local Illustrator Brings Graphic Novel To Life

MARKET TRADITIONS

AVON

MEXICAN MARKET BRINGS

AUTHENTIC FLAVORS TO COMMUNITY

Writer / Ashley Watters

Photographer / Jovan Kiah Photography

Avon is home to a large group of Hispanic residents. A vibrant culture full of rich culinary tradition, the Hispanic population in Avon has long felt the absence of a traditional Mexican market. Avon resident Gladys Palacios felt it was time to rectify that gap, opening the doors to Avon Mexican Market on Nov. 22, 2025.

Originally from Lafayette, Palacios has always felt the pull of entrepreneurship. A veteran and successful small-business owner, she felt compelled to apply her skills and bring the authentic flavors from her childhood to her local community. With family roots in Veracruz and Jalisco, Palacios and her

family bring authentic Mexican culture and cuisine to Avon.

Located at 9277 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon Mexican Market held its grand opening to the tunes of mariachi music and with free food tastings. The traditional market and taqueria showcased its offerings to a jubilant crowd of attendees.

The new market features Mexican brands and flavors not readily available in the area. Along with produce, a market and a butcher shop, Mexican street food is also available for purchase with an ever-evolving menu, alongside fresh pork rinds and

traditional tamales.

“In the few weeks we have been open, the community has responded really well. Everyone’s excited that we’re here,” Palacios says. “They look forward to the weekend menu with homemade foods that you just can’t find around here. They feel closer to their home countries, and we’re honored to offer that experience.”

Palacios is proud to offer specific items and brands that she herself has had trouble finding. Among her favorites are El Milagro tortillas, tostados and tortilla chips, as well as plantains and fresh tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. With no limits on quantity, Palacios is stocking her shelves with hundreds of orders of tortillas each week.

“If you’ve never had El Milagro tortillas, there is really no comparison. These are very popular in the Hispanic community and what everyone is looking for. That’s what I want to be — the market that has the items you can’t find anywhere else,” she says.

She also stocks full bars of sugar cane during the cold season, a staple for Latin desserts, and offers fresh pozole menudo, a popular Mexican soup.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

Avon Mexican Market is also a family affair. Her father, Sabino Vazquez, serves as her butcher, offering fresh cuts of meat for traditional Mexican dishes. He also makes specialty meats on the weekends and prepares the fresh pork rinds that are a store staple. Her mother, Delia Medrano, can also be found preparing her famous tamales, available for purchase while supplies last.

Palacios hopes to continue adding menu items and updating her offerings based on community feedback. She expects to add baked goods in February and is always open to community recommendations.

“I want Avon Mexican Market to be a central place for community,” she says. “I am always onsite, and I love hearing from customers and learning how we can make our store a welcoming destination.”

She also hopes Avon Mexican Market will serve as an educational hub to help non-Latino customers explore new flavors and learn about Latino culture. The staff is fully bilingual and can assist both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking customers.

To learn more about Avon Mexican Market, visit avonmxmarket.com.

The next generation of the Palacios family

FIGHTING CANCER WITH EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH

It starts with a name, handshake or a tearful conversation. Because it’s not just about treating cancer – we’re caring for the person behind the diagnosis. Every appointment is an opportunity for us to listen, connect and encourage you during the fight. And every milestone is celebrated together.

FEBRUARY

Submit Your Events!

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERERS STONE IN CONCERT

Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.

2 p.m.

MONSTER JAM

Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Ave.

3 p.m.

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air and actionpacked excitement, it?s the definition of fun for everyone!

CLUE: THE MOVIE WITH LESLEY ANN WARREN

Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave.

6–7

BLUE MAN GROUP

Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.

7:30 p.m. (Feb. 6); 2 p.m. (Feb. 7); 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 7)

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

Doors: 6:30 pm Show: 7:30 pm

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

Doors: 1:00 pm Show: 2:00 pm

Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

Doors: 6:30 pm Show: 7:30 pm

6–7

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: JACK EVERLYTROUPE VERTIGO

Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle.

11 a.m. (Feb. 6); 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 6–7)

WINTER JAM TOUR 2026

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. 7–10 p.m.

The Winter Jam 2026 Tour, returns to arenas nationwide this winter with an all-star lineup and a renewed mission to unite fans through powerful music.

11–15 GRAND KYIV BALLET: THE SNOW QUEEN Clowes

Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave.

13, 15

HENDRICKS SYMPHONY - MUSIC OF THE SILVER SCREEN

Hendricks Live, 206 W Main St. 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 13); 3 p.m. (Feb. 15)

LENNAR

MOVING FORWARD

PLAINFIELD FRESHMAN PUSHES PAST VISION LOSS

Writer / Ashley Watters

If there was ever a kid who was born to run, it’s Plainfield freshman Andrew Gray. Andrew’s first exposure to running came in September 2020, when he joined his family on a three-kilometer course at Swinford Park.

At the age of 9, Andrew wasn’t initially enamored with running, but he spent many years watching his older brother, Isaiah, take part in cross-country. When he entered sixth grade, Andrew joined the cross-country team. Initially ranking among the top eight runners, he qualified as an alternate for championship races. He never missed a chance to watch the eighth graders at important meets, and he was determined to enter seventh grade with a renewed sense of purpose and become a top runner.

The 2023 cross-country season gave Andrew his first real taste of success. Spending much of the season as one of the top runners, he eventually competed at the state championship, where he broke the 11-minute barrier for the first time with a run time of 10:49. After the school season finished, he also ran the USATF Hoosier Grand Prix, NXR Midwest and the USATF Indiana Association Junior Olympic Championship, where he finished ninth and qualified for the USATF Region 7 Championship.

With an invigorated passion for running, Andrew began training regularly during both the on- and off-season, averaging nearly 30 miles per week between November and January. In 2024, Andrew took off competitively, joining the MSP Speed Run Club out of Avon after the school season ended. He finished second in the 1,500 meters and won the 3,000 meters and the 4x800 relay at the USATF Indiana Association Junior Olympic Championship.

He continued on to the USATF Region 7 Junior Olympic Championship, where he finished third in the 1,500 meters with a personal-best 4:44 and once again won the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:15. Afterward, Andrew and his dad traveled to Texas A&M University in College Station for the USATF National Junior Olympic Championship. There, Andrew finished 32nd in the 1,500 meters with a 4:47 and 19th in the 3,000 meters with a personal-best time of 10:12.46.

Andrew went on to win most of his eighth-grade races, including taking the top spot at the Junior Mid-State Conference Championship at Franklin Community. After a series of successes, Andrew competed again at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championship, hopeful for an All-American placement. Despite his previous achievements, he burned out quickly, posting one of the worst performances of his life, running 94 seconds slower than he had on the same course just two months earlier.

Shortly thereafter, Andrew’s parents noticed a change in his vision and initially thought the decline was a side effect of vision loss. Like many kids his age, Andrew was headed to the optometrist for glasses. However, that visit soon turned into a series of MRIs, a five-day stay at Riley Hospital and genetic testing. The diagnosis was an inherited mutation on his mitochondrial DNA known as Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, or LHON.

Andrew’s love of running began in middle school

USATF Junior Olympic National Championship

“With his diagnosis, his weekly mileage dropped as we tried to adjust. His vision loss at the time was roughly equivalent to 20/600 in his central vision. He has thankfully retained peripheral vision so far. Because of this, he can navigate fairly well as long as there are no sudden changes in front of him,” says Adam Gray, Andrew’s father. “LHON’s appearance also came with a fairly large systemwide metabolic crash, meaning he lost quite a bit of what might be called fitness, which he is still working to reclaim today.”

Although Andrew still retains an elite aerobic system, the mutation affects the first stage of his energy production. As a result, his body produces lactate sooner than normal, causing heavy legs and slowing him down even though his aerobic system remains largely uncompromised.

Andrew & Family

When he returned for his eighth-grade track season, Andrew competed in the Indiana Distance Showcase Meet but reported seeing “dots” everywhere and complained of dizziness throughout the race. He spent much of the spring season sick or injured as he worked to return to his normal physical capacity.

For the most part, he was able to run with the team and compete in races. However, a collision with a female teammate on the homestretch of a 2,400-meter race raised questions about accommodations, and his family began investigating ways to best support his future in running.

It was decided Andrew would try a new approach. Wearing his phone on a belt and connected to open-ear, bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones, he could hear instructions from coaches alerting him to upcoming obstacles and lane changes. While this method was initially successful, Andrew came under scrutiny at the USATF Nationals and was nearly disqualified for wearing headphones during the race.

“It was so hot that day that there was a water table set up for the 3,000, but Andrew could not see the cups well enough to grab one cleanly,” Adam says. “It wasn’t until lap six, after several failed attempts, that a volunteer matched his pace to hand him a cup of water to cool down. After returning to our hotel room after the race, we were laughing so hard at the commentary, as all eyes were on Andrew and whether or not he’d finally get a cup. It was hysterical.”

Andrew eventually transitioned to high school cross-country, something he had long looked forward to. He had a rough start, running a 12:18 two-mile after previously posting a 13:13 fivekilometer time the year before. He also suffered a concussion while crossing lane traffic. It became clear he would need a guide runner, and teammate Cole Rightley volunteered for the role.

“Their first race together was a learning experience for both of them at the Brownsburg Invite,” Adam says. “The course is flat and fast, but many sections are narrow for the number of runners. It’s very different racing with someone attached to your side. Even small moves and passes must be planned and communicated to be effective.”

Andrew continues to show improvement with the use of a guide runner. He remains active in winter meets and is looking forward to IHSAA track in the spring.

“Andrew is a kind and compassionate kid who loves to run and is driven to keep pushing himself,” Adam says. “He has met and befriended runners from all over Indiana and the Midwest and enjoys encouraging those he competes with. He has a great sense of humor and is always joking around. Blind jokes at his own expense are his favorite right now.”

The Gray family remains hopeful Andrew will continue to improve during the spring season and stays committed to supporting him in every way possible as he pursues his dreams.

RESEARCH STU DY SEEKING

People living with Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter

Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking people living with atrial fibrillation/flutter who are planning to have or recently have had a electric cardioversion or ablation to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter. In order to qualify you must be taking anticoagulation (a blood thinner such as coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto).

If you qualify for the study:

• You will be asked to take a medicine called Zofran (ondansetron) or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for 4 weeks

• You will be asked to wear a Ziopatch on your chest which monitors your heart beats for 4 weeks and keep a log of any symptoms that you have related to the medicine and atrial fibrillation.

• You will complete 5 visits lasting about 30 minutes (1 visit at the start of the study and then a visit each week). The visits can be completed at your home or in the clinical reearch center located on the IU Indianapolis campus

• You will receive up to $350 after completing all study visits.

If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu

CRUMBELIEVABLE TALES

LOCAL ILLUSTRATOR BRINGS GRAPHIC NOVEL TO LIFE

Writer / Ashley Watters

Many readers find themselves in the pages of the stories they read. Kids learn to work through problems and face fears through the eyes of their favorite characters. Local Avon resident David Perry feels lucky to have found his place as a storyteller. His newest project, illustrating the graphic novel Aw, Nuts!, a multiyear passion project in the making, is now officially available for young readers.

The road to this release was long and

winding for Perry. His childhood was marked by frequent moves and financial struggles, and his family of eight often shuffled between multiple residences and motel rooms. Without much space and little room for toys, Perry often found himself watching beloved cartoons such as Dragon Ball Z, Rugrats and The Simpsons. During these formative moments, Perry would sketch images as he laughed along with his favorite characters.

After some adult growing pains, Perry landed back in central Indiana at Butler University. With hopes of becoming an animator, he majored in broadcasting, the closest path he could find to pursuing his dream. It was his minor in creative writing, however, that ignited a true love of storytelling.

“I thought I wanted to animate for a living, but what I learned after taking poetry courses was that I started drawing not

because I loved drawing, but because I loved storytelling,” Perry says. “I wanted to tell stories, and poetry showed me how to craft meaning artfully, how to distill into the smallest, most impactful space parts of the human condition that are impossible to communicate in direct language. I loved it,

and it revealed to me my love of language.”

Shortly thereafter, Perry transferred to IUPUI to take advantage of the school’s 2D animation courses. He fell in love with the media arts department and graduated with honors four years later. During his

tenure, Perry undertook his first major project, an animated series called Mallory Bash. That series garnered him the attention of Aw, Nuts! author Max Beaudry. Together, the two developed The Crumbelievable Adventures of Peanut and Jelly.

Beaudry originally approached Perry with the goal of developing a 22-minute pilot script as pitch material. Perry readily agreed, and the two began work, developing a close working partnership and friendship. What Perry initially thought would be a quickturnaround script morphed into a two-year project in the making.

“This was a throwback to classic middlegrade cartoons, the kind I grew up with,” Perry says. “I wanted to work on these kinds of shows all my life, and now I had an opportunity to help create one. I thought, yeah, sure, this ought to be relatively easy. Just illustrating a comic from a 22-minute pilot script. How hard could it be? Well, as it turns out, a lot of stuff happens in 22 minutes. By the time I finished the book — two years later, between other projects and being the sole artist on the job — we had an 88-page graphic novel.”

The book is intended for a young audience, ages 6-11. Young readers will be delighted by the story of Peanut and Jelly, who are “best food dudes.” The two friends dream of climbing the social hierarchy in Foodtopia, a structure loosely based on the food pyramid. Peanut and Jelly work menial jobs at the Crumb Dump. The Toppings reign supreme, the Average Dough perform mind-numbing work in slavish cubicles, while the Crumbs straggle at the bottom.

The two friends horse around, resulting in Peanut’s work hat being lost in the forbidden crumb wasteland. An attempt to retrieve it leads to the accidental release of a sandwormish beast, and antics ensue. Peanut and Jelly hilariously attempt to return the beast, leaving Foodtopia in shambles, scattered in leftovers. Along the way, the friends learn a valuable lesson about the importance of friendship over the draw and glitz of the higher food groups.

“My favorite thing about working on projects

Dave & Max at recent signing

with Max is that he lets me creep in my own little jokes,” Perry says. “While all the writing humor is his, all the background jokes are pure Perry. I grew up on The Simpsons, so there are a lot of sign gags all over Foodtopia.”

After an initial stint as a self-published book, the graphic novel series was picked up by Papercutz and officially released in November 2025. Perry and Beaudry are now hard at work on promotional tours for Aw, Nuts!, and the two are gearing up for a follow-up book with more antics from Peanut and Jelly.

Perry also hopes Peanut and Jelly will eventually be picked up for an animated series, joining the ranks of SpongeBob and Patrick.

Until then, Perry is hard at work as a lecturer of character design, 2D animation and comics at IU Indianapolis, while also freelancing as a series development artist, screenwriter, comic artist and fiction writer.

Aw, Nuts! is available through Papercutz at papercutz.com.

Fighting Cold & Flu

Cold & Flu Season is already In full force and has been for a few months. Try these immune boosters at the 1st sign of illness or if already sick, to decrease the duration of the sickness.