RATING FROM CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
When you choose Johnson Memorial Health, you’re choosing care that’s been nationally recognized for both quality and safety, two things that matter most when your health on the line.
Our 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS and “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group means you can feel confident you’re getting exceptional care, right here in Johnson County.
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
This Women’s Heart Health story is proudly sponsored by Johnson Memorial Hospital, a trusted healthcare provider for women in Franklin.
Johnson Memorial Hospital is committed to education, prevention, and access to life-saving heart health resources for our community.
When Carol Rynerson first watched country line dancing videos on social media, she never imagined she’d one day be part of the class herself. For nearly a year, she followed Sweat Shop owner Amy’s Facebook videos from a distance — curious, inspired, but hesitant. “I knew I would be one of the oldest in the class,” Carol admits. The idea of stepping into something new felt intimidating.
Then she came across a quote that shifted her mindset: “You can be the oldest in the gym or the youngest in a nursing home.”
With that, Carol took the plunge — and never looked back.
Today, Carol is a familiar face at Sweat Shop classes and country line dancing events, where movement, laughter and encouragement fill the room. What she discovered surprised her. Line dancing wasn’t just fun — it was a full-body, heart-healthy workout.
“It challenges me in ways people wouldn’t expect,” she says. Remembering steps, changing directions, and moving arms and feet simultaneously gives her brain as much of a workout as her body. “I work up more of a sweat line dancing than I do in any other workout class.”
Beyond the physical benefits, Carol found something deeper. Like many women, she carries the weight of everyday worries and stress. “Instead of dwelling on problems at home, you need to get out,” she says. Line dancing clears her mind, reduces stress and brings genuine joy. The music lifts her spirits, the movement builds confidence, and the shared experience creates belonging.
The sense of community is what keeps Carol coming back. Sweat Shop, she says, is welcoming and nonjudgmental.
“All of the women are great,” she explains. “No one is watching you — they’re too busy remembering their own steps.”
That reassurance has helped her push past self-doubt and embrace movement at every stage of life.
Carol believes heart health isn’t just about exercise — it’s about living fully.
“If I can find something to help me live longer so I can see my grandchildren’s milestones, I’ll do it,” she says.
Every class feels like an investment in her future, one step at a time.
For Carol, line dancing is more than a workout. It’s proof that it’s never too late to try something new, move your body and find joy in the process.
“Every step you take, is good for your heart,” she says.
If you’ve spent time on Franklin’s Greenway trails, chances are you’ve seen Emily Olibo walking — sometimes alone, sometimes beside her husband, always moving with purpose. In 2024, Emily set a goal that would quietly transform her year: walk 1,000 miles.
The idea started simply. Emily already walked regularly and was curious how many miles she logged annually. After reviewing her Apple Watch data, she realized she had walked nearly 700 miles the year before. “So honestly, I picked 1,000 somewhat randomly,” she says with a laugh. But once the goal was set, it became motivation.
Working from home most days, Emily became intentional about movement. She tracked every walk on a spreadsheet — distance, duration and pace — and calculated how much she needed to walk daily and monthly. “It made me more aware of getting up from my desk,” she explains. More than 800 of those miles were spent outdoors on Franklin’s trail system, which she calls her “home court.”
But the impact of walking went far beyond numbers. Walking became Emily’s mental reset — time to listen to podcasts, call family or simply let her thoughts wander. After the tragic loss of her brother several years ago, walking helped her grieve.
“Many of those walks were tearful,” she says. “But it gave me space to process.”
Walking is also woven into her relationship with her husband. The two began walking together early in their relationship, and when life briefly pulled them apart in 2024, returning to the trail together felt like restoration.
“Someone once told us, ‘Everything is right with the world again,’” Emily recalls.
Physically, walking keeps Emily moving in a way that honors her body. Instead of long distances all at once, she now opts for shorter walks spread throughout the day. And socially, the trail offers quiet connection.
“You start to notice the regulars,” she says. “If you don’t see them for a few days, you wonder if they’re OK.”
Emily’s advice for women hesitant to start? Keep it simple.
“If you’re moving, that’s a win,” she says. Set personal goals, don’t compare yourself, find a walking buddy — and invest in good shoes.
For Emily, committing to daily movement wasn’t about perfection. It was about consistency, intention and showing up — one mile, one step, one heartbeat at a time.
Anne Copple didn’t plan to fall in love with pickleball — it just happened. While working out on her lunch break at Franklin Parks and Recreation, she noticed people playing on the courts. “Wow, that looks like more fun,” she remembers thinking. Still, it took two more years before she finally gave it a try.
Pickleball, Anne explains, is an ideal cardiovascular workout, especially for women. It blends moderate aerobic movement with short bursts of intensity, keeping the heart rate elevated without feeling overwhelming.
“It’s effective, but it never feels monotonous,” she says. Over time, it builds endurance, lowers blood pressure, improves coordination and strengthens the heart — all while being genuinely fun.
What makes pickleball special is its dynamic nature. Quick rallies, fast direction changes and constant movement keep players engaged both mentally and physically. “It challenges my heart health, coordination and endurance all at once,” Anne says. Because games move quickly with little downtime, the workout feels natural rather than forced.
Community is at the heart of Anne’s pickleball experience. The connections she’s made extend well beyond the court — shared meals, trips, laughter and support. That sense of belonging inspired her to start a pickleball networking group that meets twice a month, connecting local professionals and small businesses. As a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty, Anne has built meaningful partnerships — and even new client relationships — right on the court.
Now a strong supporter of Franklin’s indoor pickleball facility, DropShot, Anne sees firsthand how accessible the sport can be yearround.
When she did, everything changed.
From the first game, Anne was hooked — not just by the sport, but by the people.
“They were so welcoming and kind,” she says.
Almost instantly, she had discovered a new passion and a new circle of friends.
“There is absolutely no such thing as being ‘too late’ to start,” she says.
She began playing in her late 50s and regularly plays alongside — and against — players well into their later years.
Pickleball, Anne believes, meets you where you are. Whether you’re playing for social connection or competition, it proves that heart health doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
“When you find something that excites you,” she says, “it becomes an ‘I can’t wait until’ instead of a ‘have to.’”
For Anne, pickleball isn’t just exercise — it’s joy, community and a heart-healthy way of life.
Writer / Teena Catt
One year ago, Franklin residents Jack and Sharon McMahon were vacationing in Florida when they received a call asking if they might be interested in helping the homeless in Indianapolis. They decided to visit and try it out. One year later, they are still helping.
They developed Under the Bridge Ministries, a licensed nonprofit organization that provides basic needs, fresh drinking water, and weekly hot and nutritious meals. It is their mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus by realizing and understanding the needs of the homeless.
On any given Thursday, the McMahons serve around 140 people under a bridge at Interstate 70 and Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis. Jack, a retired minister, is currently pastoring the Trafalgar Global Methodist Church and drives a school bus for Franklin Community School Corp. Sharon is retired as well from United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700.
Serving the homeless is not a new concept for the McMahons. They were instrumental in serving a homeless shelter in Arkansas before returning to Johnson County. Jack grew up in downtown Franklin, and Sharon grew up in rural Whiteland.
They have been a couple since their teenage years, when they met at church. They have two grown daughters who live nearby with their families.
“We are doing exactly what Jesus told us to do: feed my sheep,” Jack says.
Every Thursday night, they provide a hot, home-cooked meal. Sharon does the meal preparation. They have learned that for some, it is the only hot meal they have had in a while. Sharon said biscuits and gravy and smoked sausage with green beans and potatoes have proved to be crowd-pleasers. She said she has received many comments from those partaking about how their own mothers or grandmothers made those meals for them when they were younger.
For the most part, the McMahons self-finance the Thursday night meal. Private donations and help from their congregation and others have contributed to the ever-growing needs. During winter, there is an even greater need for coats, gloves, hats, hoodies, and blankets. Jack said tarps are “like gold.” There is an ongoing need for these items, as well as tents, heavy-duty shopping bags, and toiletries.
Sharon says access to fresh water is scarce. There are no public fountains since the COVID-19 pandemic, and some resort to retrieving water from the White River and boiling it for safer usage. The McMahons bring close to 100 gallons of tap or drinking water each week. They collect empty milk jugs and fill them with tap water weekly.
The McMahons explained that the population they serve is a diverse group of people and circumstances that led to homelessness. Jack said many will tell you they are homeless because of poor lifestyle choices. Some have mental illnesses, and some are generationally homeless.
One specific person they have met is 30 years old and was born under a bridge.
The reality is that this group of people has a short lifeline due to extreme weather and the lack of proper nutrition and care.
The McMahons said outside contributions have affirmed that they are on the right track.
“We love this community of people,” Sharon sas.
The McMahons want to build on the ministry they have formed in whatever way God leads them. Their hope is to give hope.
For more information, email underthebridgeministries-indy@gmail. com. To financially support you can give throughVenmo to @SharonMcMahon-24.
Discover a world of equestrian excellence with us! With our extensive years of experience and expertise, we are thrilled to offer riding lessons for both children and adults, regardless of their skill level. Our safe and inviting environment welcomes riders of all backgrounds, offering comprehensive instruction in Western style riding, with a particular focus on the renowned American Quarter Horse.
Whether you seek the joy of recreational riding or aspire to shine in the show ring, our tailored lessons cater to your individual goals and ambitions. We take pride in accommodating your unique needs, ensuring a fulfilling riding experience every step of the way.
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The Barn at Bay Horse Inn is a beautiful venue that has much to offer as the perfect place for your next celebration!
The Barn at Bay Horse Inn is the perfect combination of rustic charm and timeless elegance. Custom farm tables and whiskey barrels offer a vintage touch while crystal chandeliers, a grand stone fireplace, and our outdoor pergola create a timelessly elegant aesthetic. The balance of rustic and modern in our venue’s decorum and structure creates a luxurious yet charming space that is perfect for any kind of event.
special moments deserve to be celebrated! This charming property has become a local favorite for hosting private events weddings, parties, corporate events, and fundraisers. Barn at Bay Horse Inn is a beautiful venue that has much as the perfect place for your next celebration!
In addition to riding lessons, our versatile facilities provide the perfect space for intimate gatherings and special occasions. From small parties and birthday celebrations to showers and meetings, we offer a charming setting for unforgettable moments.
Join us on an equestrian journey where passion, expertise, and a warm welcome await you. Book a tour to come see it in person!
Barn at Bay Horse Inn is the perfect combination of charm and timeless elegance. Custom farm tables and barrels offer a vintage touch while crystal chandeliers, stone fireplace, and our outdoor pergola create a timelessly elegant aesthetic. Clients frequently utilize our cart, customizable signage, and whiskey barrel tops decorating for their special occasions to tie together rustic and elegant look. The balance of rustic and modern venue’s decorum and structure creates a luxurious yet
BY SARAH MILLER
Writer / Christina Cochran
February is often described as a month of love, but it is also a month that asks us to look more closely at what love truly requires — patience, sacrifice, resilience and care that endures through difficulty. In that sense, “Marmee” by Sarah Miller is a fitting selection for the Bound Together Book Club, offering a thoughtful meditation on devotion, family and the quiet strength that holds lives together.
Most readers are familiar with the world of “Little Women” through the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — whose ambitions, flaws and dreams have resonated across generations. Yet standing at the center of that household is a figure whose influence shapes every corner of their lives: their mother, Margaret “Marmee” March. In “Marmee,” Miller retells the beloved story through this maternal lens, giving voice to a woman whose steady presence has long been felt but rarely examined in full.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its grounding in history. Miller draws extensively from the real diaries and letters of Abigail May Alcott, the woman who inspired Marmee.
Abigail was far more than a 19th-century mother managing a busy household. She was a pioneering social worker, a committed abolitionist and an early advocate for women’s rights — roles that required courage and conviction in a society that often dismissed women’s public influence. Through careful research and nuanced storytelling, Miller reveals a woman whose compassion extended well beyond her own family.
Seen through Marmee’s eyes, the March home becomes a place shaped as much by effort and worry as by warmth and love. Familiar scenes from “Little Women” take on new meaning as readers glimpse the emotional labor behind them — the careful balancing of scarce resources, the quiet guidance offered after a
difficult day, the steady reassurance provided during times of uncertainty. Miller also allows space for Marmee’s private moments of doubt, grief and exhaustion, creating a portrait that feels honest and deeply human without diminishing her strength.
At its core, “Marmee” is a story about care — its weight, its beauty and its power to transform. Abigail’s devotion to her daughters runs parallel to her commitment to others in need: formerly enslaved people seeking refuge, neighbors struggling with poverty and families fractured by the Civil War. Her home becomes a place of refuge not simply because of her generosity, but because she models a form of love rooted in action and moral responsibility.
February’s themes of connection and compassion resonate strongly in Miller’s portrayal. Love, in “Marmee,” is not sentimental or effortless. It is practiced daily, often quietly, through difficult choices and sustained attention to others. Miller invites readers to sit beside Marmee as she records her thoughts, capturing the unseen labor of a woman whose influence shaped both her family and the broader community around her.
Thoughtful, emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted, Marmee deepens our understanding of a classic story while honoring the woman who inspired it. For February, it serves as a reminder that love — whether familial, communal or moral — is often expressed in perseverance and care that holds steady through even the hardest seasons.
33. Academic’s achievement 35. Any boat
Celebrity, briefly
Alphabetizes, e.g.
Fragrant wood
Grant 42. Loser to Lewis
Domestic
Foreign dignitary
Medal contender
Adolescent development
Cartoonist’s supplies
Pro
___ to riches
Function
Hardly extroverted
DOWN
1. Pricing word
2. What borrowers do
3. Gymnastics ideal
4. Hopper
5. Takes in 6. Sour
7. Danger signal
8. Drive forward
9. Keynoter’s spot
10. It’s picked from pockets
11. Lodge fellows
16. Live in the past?
19. Wears out
20. Yen
21. Miffed
22. Make-up artist?
24. Emulated Jack Horner
26. Evening hour
28. Angler’s attachment
29. Liberal pursuits
30. Top
32. “___ not!”
34. Romance, e.g.
37. Copper finish
39. Hearts
40. Military standings
42. Eye drop?
43. Pantomimed disco title
44. Do a number
46. Halloween purchase
48. In shape
49. Possibilities
50. Mi, fah, ___, lah
51. Really test
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
On a lively stretch of downtown Franklin, just steps from the historic Artcraft Theatre, Eave Collective fits naturally into the rhythm of the street. The shop is calm but not quiet, inviting without asking for attention.
Inside, the first thing most people notice is the scent. It’s present without being overpowering — familiar, but hard to place. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes people pause for a second longer than they intended, then take another breath. Reactions tend to come quietly: a smile, a nod, a simple “this is really good.” That moment is intentional. For owner Janelle George, scent isn’t just about atmosphere — it’s about comfort, memory and creating spaces that feel lived in and welcoming.
George doesn’t just operate a business in Franklin — she lives here. She grew up here. And that local connection shapes nearly every decision she makes, from the products she creates to the way she engages with customers. “I live in a community I love,” she says. “That reinforces my commitment to only making things I genuinely love and would want in my own home.”
Serving a place where customers are also neighbors adds another layer of responsibility. Feedback comes honestly and often, and George takes it seriously. In fact, several future scent ideas have grown directly out of conversations with customers who stopped in, shared a memory or described what they wish they could bottle.
That sense of mutual investment has also led to collaborations with local businesses George has supported for years. Through custom scents and candle-making workshops
hosted around town, Eave Collective has become part of a broader creative ecosystem — one that feels deeply personal rather than transactional.
“It feels very full circle,” she says.
George often describes Eave Collective as feeling like a second home, and the shop reflects that idea in deliberate ways.
To her, home should feel cozy, calm and organized. The space is built around a neutral, earth-tone palette — warm woods, wicker, plants and natural textures — rather than stark whites or dramatic contrast. Lamps and thoughtfully placed lighting create a soft, welcoming glow. Rugs ground the room, and music hums quietly in the background.
“I wanted it to feel luxurious, but not untouchable,” she says. “I want people to feel comfortable picking things up, taking their time and being here.” Consistency plays a key role. George describes herself as highly organized, and that trait carries through every part of her brand. From packaging to displays to limited-edition collections, there’s a visual cohesion that makes Eave Collective instantly recognizable.
“Even when I release something new or create custom candles for a business, I stay true to my core design,” she says. “That consistency is part of what makes it feel personal.”
Ask George what separates a good candle from a great one, and her answer goes well beyond scent alone.
Safety is foundational. She hears regularly from people who experience headaches or
discomfort from candles, and that concern guided her early decisions as a maker. Every Eave Collective candle is made with 100% natural soy wax and clean fragrances free of toxins, carcinogens, parabens, phthalates and harsh chemicals.
“I wanted to create something that feels safe for everyone’s home,” she says. “Including homes with pets.”
The result is a candle that burns cleaner and longer, with a scent strong enough to fill a room without feeling artificial or overwhelming. It’s designed to be part of everyday life — not something saved for special occasions.
“You’re getting a high-quality candle that people feel good about burning,” George says. “One that’s worth the investment.”
When developing a fragrance, George isn’t chasing trends. She’s thinking about emotional response.
“Often, it’s nostalgia,” she says. “I love when someone tells me a scent reminds them of a place or a person they love.”
Scent, she notes, is closely tied to memory
and emotion. While candles can certainly create ambiance, she sees their role as something deeper — enhancing mood, encouraging calm and supporting well-being in subtle but meaningful ways.
That philosophy shows up in the way she builds fragrances. The process involves extensive trial and error, careful layering and a strong filter: she won’t sell a scent unless she truly loves it.
“I won’t create something just because it might be profitable,” she says. “Keeping my collection curated feels more personal.”
This February, Eave Collective introduces the Love Notes Collection, a candle line inspired by Valentine’s Day but designed to carry well beyond it.
“Winter can feel long,” George says. “We need something new and uplifting to get through it.”
The collection leans slightly more romantic than her year-round offerings, with notes like rose, strawberry, amber and cherry. Still, George was intentional about balance.
There’s Rose Garden for floral lovers, After Hours for those drawn to deeper, more traditionally masculine scents, Daydream for fans of light, fruity fragrances, and Mon Cheri, George’s personal favorite, blending cherry, almond and vanilla.
Even the names were carefully chosen.
“I wanted them to feel relevant long after Valentine’s Day,” she says.
Behind the calm of the shop is a hands-on process many customers don’t expect.
George curates every fragrance, pours every candle, designs every label and even creates her own warning labels. Designing the labels is her favorite part of the process — finding just the right color, font and tone for each scent, while making sure it fits seamlessly within the Eave Collective brand.
Completely self-taught, George still finds it surreal that candle-making has become her full-time work.
“For a long time, I didn’t feel sure about what I wanted to do or where I belonged,” she says. “Finding this has been really freeing.”
Today, she feels grounded in a way she hadn’t before.
“I truly feel like I’m living a dream.”
While candles are about comfort and pause, George’s life includes another passion rooted in movement and strength.
She is also the owner of District 135 Fitness, a functional fitness gym in Bargersville. Functional fitness focuses on movements that support everyday life — lifting, pushing, pulling and building strength that carries beyond the gym.
District 135 offers coached classes for all fitness levels in a supportive, approachable environment.
“Everyone works hard,” George says, “but it’s a laid-back, welcoming group. Just normal people showing up.”
Though the gym and candle studio may seem unrelated, George sees a clear connection.
“Both are about taking care of yourself,” she says. “Creating balance.”
When someone brings an Eave Collective candle home, George hopes it becomes part of their everyday life — something that adds comfort and intention to ordinary moments.
“I love when people tell me they light a candle while they’re doing something simple, like laundry or winding down at night,” she says. “It’s such an easy way to make everyday moments feel a little better.”
That idea — finding comfort in small moments — is at the heart of Eave Collective. Not perfection, but presence. Not luxury for luxury’s sake, but care woven into everyday routines.
As Eave Collective continues to grow, George is focused on expanding thoughtfully. Plans for 2026 include candle-making workshops throughout Franklin and Central Indiana, new product offerings beyond candles and wax melts, continued participation in markets and festivals, and additional retail partnerships.
“This is a year of growth,” she says. “But I want it to stay personal.”
Much like her candles, George’s work is intentional, carefully crafted and rooted in care. Under the eaves of her shop — warm light, familiar scent and steady calm — she has created more than a business. She has created a space that feels like home, right in the heart of downtown Franklin.
CONNECT
49 N Main St Franklin, IN (next to the Artcraft)
hello@eavecollective.com eavecollective.com Follow on
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
Writer / Teena Catt
The month of February turns store shelves red. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Valentine cards offer quotes that celebrate enduring love, friendship and shared journeys. The focus on “falling in love many times” with the same person, cherishing daily life, and seeing your spouse as home are familiar sentiments printed on these cards.
While these lovely words are read on Feb. 14 each year, married couples know that a longlasting relationship is hard work. An enduring relationship is a lifelong connection built on trust, mutual support, respect and consistent effort. Only 6 to 9% of United States couples make it to their 50-year anniversary, making it a truly rare and special milestone sometimes called the Golden Anniversary. Rising age at first marriage, divorce rates and changing family structures all contribute to fewer couples achieving this longevity.
One Franklin couple will soon be celebrating their Golden Anniversary in May. Rene’ and Julie (Goff) Olibo are a perfect example of a marriage that has endured through a half century of joys, memories and hardships.
The couple met during their high school years. Around 1972, Rene’ was working as a cook at Burger Chef when he noticed Julie as she came in to dine. Over time, he would sneak her free french fries to get her attention. Soon they were an official couple, and when the time came, Rene’ asked Julie’s father for permission to marry her. He found her an orange blossom ring purchased at a jewelry store in Southern Plaza on the south side of Indianapolis and drove Julie and her mom to a store in Louisville to purchase a bridal gown she had found pictured in a bridal magazine. Fifty years ago, the availability of multiple store options was limited. Online shopping was a futuristic fantasy not even imagined in the 1970s.
They married May 7, 1976, at Grace United
Methodist Church. Julie really wanted lily of the valley flowers in her bouquet, but they were expensive, so her friend Holly went to friends’ homes and picked enough to fulfill Julie’s wish. They honeymooned in Brown County.
During their first years of marriage, they lived in an apartment in Franklin. Julie said the first 13 years of marriage they did not function as well as a team.
“We just kind of went by our own playbook.” Rene’ said, “I had to grow up. Once I realized that a relationship is what life is all about, and that relationship starts with God, my focus shifted from me to us.”
They made it through the early years of their marriage on a tight budget. Their entertainment included trips to Brown County or walking through the original Greenwood Park Mall. They saved enough to purchase a home lot in Nyberg Subdivision for $5,500 while still paying rent on their apartment. They then moved into a starter home with plans to build on their lot in the future. Rene’ was in lineman school in Plainfield when their house was under construction. Julie said she was only 21 at the time, and the decisions about the house were hers to make. With assistance from her parents, she chose the brick, shingles, carpet, lighting, paint and fixtures for their new home. The Olibos lived in that house for 23 years, raising their two children, Jordan and Marcus, there. Julie’s parents lived down the street, and they had good neighbors.
At different times in their marriage, Julie worked various jobs, but her schedule allowed her to be home with her children, something she says she has always treasured. Julie recalled times when Rene’ rode his bike five miles to work because they did not have extra money for gasoline. Making sacrifices together
as a couple was not always easy, but it was necessary.
Rene’ had been working for Cinergy, now Duke Energy, for 25 years when, in 2000, he suffered an electrical accident on the job. He spent a month in the hospital, losing both of his hands. That same night, Julie’s mother passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. That time in their life was heavy with worry and doubts about the future. Just living day to day was all she could manage, Julie said. Rene’ feared Julie would divorce him. Her response was that she “did not marry him for his hands.” Later that same year, Julie’s father passed away.
They both agree their faith carried them through those months of healing, recovery and grief. Rene’ endured six subsequent surgeries and, remarkably, returned to work six months
after the accident. After retiring from Duke Energy, he worked at Lowe’s for five years and then another year and a half overseeing contractors for a private company.
Their strong faith again supported them as they grieved the loss of their first grandchild, Elena, born to their daughter Jordan and her husband, Brian Sanders. Ten years later, on Jan. 13, 2022, their son Marcus passed away in the hospital from COVID, leaving family and friends shocked by how the deadly virus infiltrated their lives. Still reeling from the loss, Julie recalled early days when she felt she could not go on. With loving support from one another, they describe how they balance each other when one is experiencing a particularly difficult day. They wholeheartedly agree it is their faith and the support of family and friends that carry them forward. This past year brought another loss when Julie’s brother, Tony, passed away.
Today, they live on the east end of Franklin
in a home they built 23 years ago. They share their home with their dog, Riggs, who has been a comforting therapy pet since losing their son. They participate in church activities at New Life Baptist Church.
Rene’ volunteers through his church by driving young men in work-release programs when needed and serves at a men’s mission once a month. They both enjoy spending time and making memories with their three grandsons, Cohen, Eli and Landon. They enjoy dining out together or taking neighborhood walks with Riggs leading the way.
While they did take a few family trips during their child-rearing years, Julie laughed and said Rene’ “ruined her” early in their marriage when he drove 22 hours straight, taking her and the kids to visit his boyhood home in Texas. Since then, their focus has been on shorter drives. When asked about plans for their Golden Anniversary, they said they
had none yet, but they will definitely go out to dinner. Julie reminisced about their 25th anniversary party planned by their children and friends. The surprise ended up not being much of a surprise when they saw their photograph in the newspaper a day or two before the celebration.
After a lifetime of challenges, Rene’ and Julie offer a simple recipe for marriage. “Marriage is not always easy, but when you value something, you work at it. That is why you need to be committed, you need to communicate, and you need to forgive.”
Brad’s Car Wash
2190 N Morton St Franklin,IN 317-868-8842
Unlimited Washes $28/month
Franklin Muffler, Brakes & More
99 S Morton St Franklin, IN 317-736-8282
Your Hometown car care center
1823 Bakehouse
25 E Court St Franklin, IN 317-739-0800
Breakfast, lunch and gluten-free baked goods
*Coupon on the back page
Top Tier Cakes
Custom wedding and specialty cakes and cookies
225 N US 31 New Whiteland, IN 317-449-3902
order@toptierindy.com
Emerald Collective Hair Salon
2 Franklin Locations (317)584-6000 www.emeraldcollectiveco.com
The Salon
190 Commerce Dr Suite 2 Franklin, IN (317)727-2921
Book at thesalon1.co
Cedar Lane Family Dentistry
850 Cedar Lane Franklin, IN 317-736-7476
Accepting new patients!
Dr. Daniel S. Martin, DDS
Orthodontist
1000 W Jefferson St Franklin, IN 317-736-0607
Complimentary consultation
TNT Rolloffs 317-496-3435 www.tntrolloffs.com
Residential, Commercial and Industrial
Dolce Bella Aesthetics
600 Ironwood Dr Suite M Franklin, IN 317-526-8576
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Weight loss management, hair regrowth treatment, laser hair removal, hormone replacement therapy
Closets by Design 317-779-3212 indianapolis.closetsbydesign.com
The Cleaning People
Call 317-530-0048 for a quote
Residential
Beeson Hall, 396 Branigin Blvd.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sip (without the alcohol) and paint a masterpiece. Greek’s Bar Cart will serving up drinks while attendees paint.
The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N Main
6 - 10 p.m.
People who love the historic theatre gather for food, drinks, fun, the chance to hear the upcoming film lineup, and the opportunity to bid on a variety of sponsorships.
National Guard Armory, 325 Minuteman Way
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy 10 rounds of bingo with the chance to win designer purses. There will also be raffle baskets, prizes and more.
14
Garment Factory Events, 101 E Wayne St.
5 - 8 p.m.
Make your reservation for this dinner event that features a special menu and live music. Click the link for reservation information.
250 Faiground St.
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Garment Factory, 101 Wayne St.
6:30 - 9 p.m.
Bunco Night, benefitting Franklin Education Connection, is back. If you don’t know bunco, don’t worry because the rules will be explained. Check-in opens at 5:30 p.m.
Church on Jefferson, 201 E. Jefferson St.
6:30 - 8 p.m.
JCPL welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson. Copies of the author’s books will be available for purchase from Wild Geese Bookshop.
