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Letter From the Editor

All good things must come to an end.

That’s just one the realities of life. But a conclusion isn’t necessarily negative; it often simply means change.

This issue marks Extol’s fifth anniversary, a milestone that couldn’t have been reached without the support of our advertising partners, readers, staff, businesses that carry our print publication and the Southern Indiana community. We are grateful, humbled and eager to march forward into our sixth year, but we’ll be doing it without one key team member, Creative Content Developer Christian Watson.

Christian started working with us about a year after he graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 2016. A self-taught videographer and photographer who continues to educate himself in his chosen field, Christian quickly impressed us with his multifaceted skills, creativity, and ability to work both collaboratively and independently. He was also a joy to be around, albeit often a quiet one.

Hard working and introverted, at least at work, it took a while to learn about who Christian was outside of his work life, but eventually we did: He is a talented musician who picked up an instrument beginning at the age of 4. He comes from a close-knit family and is deliberate about how he spends his downtime. He loves art and travel, particularly when it includes photography. He handles stress with a maturity many of us never master. And, he’s incredibly thoughtful and kind, but doesn’t want anyone to make a big deal of it.

When we hired Christian, we knew we were taking a bit of a chance because of his lack of experience, but it soon became clear we had nothing to worry about. He possessed the necessary skills and desire to learn more. He far exceeded our expectations. So much so, I made it a point to tell him a few times over the past year that we knew Extol was just the first stop in what was surely going to be a long, successful, beautiful career of doing what he loves, and when the time came for him to move on to the next chapter, we would be celebrating him and continuing to cheer from afar.

That time has come.

With this issue, Christian’s role with Extol ends and his new one at Doe-Anderson begins. Founded in 1915, the Louisville-based advertising agency has served iconic clients for decades and is known around the country. Christian earned his place on the Doe-Anderson team, and all of us at Extol couldn’t be happier for or prouder of him. We look forward to being able to say, “We knew him when.”

We also look forward to what comes next for Extol as we march forward into this sixth year. Thank you for continuing with us on the journey.

Truly,

Angie Fenton

Editor in Chief

angie@extolmag.com

Foodie Favorites

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Might we suggest a few of our favorite Southern Indiana eats?

In honor of Extol’s fifth anniversary, we’ve created this round-up featuring five of our foodie favorites:

Worth the Wait

There’s a reason why Wild Eggs, 1450 Veterans Parkway in Jeffersonville, often has a brief wait shortly after the doors open: Everything on the menu is delicious. Try the House-Made Cinnamon Roll, Everything Muffin, Wild Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Scramble, Country Fried Steak and Eggs, POP’s Poppin’ Egg Salad or the #MOPOWERBOWL. The Bloody Mary’s are fire, too. (NOTE: If you arrive and there’s a line, don’t let that deter you. The staff is adept at quick seating. Regardless, it’s always worth the wait.)

Meat Market

Long-time customers know the best place to get meats – and more – is Preferred Meats, 7617 Old State Road 60 in Sellersburg. The shop, owned by Samantha Huber, regularly features unexpected items (like Wagyu beef ) as well as popular picks (fresh, locally-sourced, hand-cut and -ground meats; vegetables; deli meats; sides; beer and wine). Forget milk, eggs or charcoal on the way home? Preferred Meats carries those staples, too. Unsure how to cook a particular cut, want a suggestion for your next purchase or have a question about where the meats come from? Just ask. The staff is knowledgeable and super friendly. Pop in and we’re pretty sure this will be your new go-to meat market for sure. Follow @ preferredmeatsinc on Facebook.

Olde World Awesome

Family-owned and -operated, Schnitzelbank Restaurant serves up “olde world” German fare that’s perfect any time of year, but if you’re specifically looking for stick-to-your ribs goodness, try the Goulash, Sauerbraten or the Grüne Spinat Casserole. The historic eatery is located at 393 3rd Ave. in Jasper.

Big Buzz

It’s no surprise that 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks, 100 E. Chestnut St. in Corydon, has continued to garner much buzz since opening last year. Chef Scott Dickenson heads up the kitchen with what he calls “southern comfort fusions.” Try the Brussels Sprouts (we love the inclusion of a touch of local honey), Smoked Gouda Stuffed Meatloaf or one of the Sweet Potato Biscuits.

Membership Has Its Merits

Late last fall, we highlighted Board and You, a then-new business in New Albany that quickly gained a massive social media following and super fans of their custom charcuterie boards (pick up or delivery). Fast forward a few months, and now the business is expanding to Indiana, offers boards of all sizes (including gigantic tables filled with incredible edibles), and is slated to open Board and You Bistro downtown New Albany in May. Don’t want to wait? New to the concept? Like a little bit of exclusivity? The bistro, owned by Zack Flanagan and Sean Lara, is currently offering exclusive memberships that include a variety of benefits over a twelve month period, including the prominent display of your name – or your business name – in the restaurant, discounts, complimentary bottles of wine, exclusive invitations and more. Memberships range from Silver ($250) to Gold ($500) to Platinum ($1,500). For more information, contact Zack at 502.777.6516 or zack@boardandyou.com.

LUNCHTIME LOVE

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How to take your lunch on a culinary adventure

By Adam & Kristin Kleinert

First, please allow me to apologize. Most FamFitter articles have been penned by my wife, Kristin (aka “The Smart One”). She is in her first year as a full-time special education teacher, taking a few college courses, coaching elementary cheerleading and killing it as a mom like always. So, for now, you get me.

This even busier lifestyle we’ve taken on has given me the opportunity (sarcasm) to help out with a few more duties around the house. Aside from writing this article, one area in which I have enjoyed helping is with the kids’ lunches. When I started, my routine consisted of getting up and then trying to throw whatever I could into a lunch box. If there wasn’t time for even that, it was cafeteria lunch for my crew. This lasted until my oldest son challenged me to think differently.

Elias, a freshman in high school, is very serious about whatever sport is currently in season. He’s always putting in extra work trying to get an advantage. (We are diligently working on getting him to apply that same enthusiasm toward his schoolwork.) Not getting enough out of school lunches or what I was packing, Eli asked if there was a way to not only get more food in the lunch box but he wanted healthier food as well. This was not a request I was expecting from a 14-year-old, especially one who shares my love for doughnuts, pies, cinnamon rolls… Well, you get the point.

I began thinking about the protein (chicken, lean beef, etc.) and how I could supply veggies that would be welcomed. I started with some simple dishes like chicken & rice, pork tacos, spaghetti (pasta made with garbanzo beans) and meatballs. These were usually things I could put together from what we ate for dinner the night before. A saving grace is that he has access to a microwave in the high school, which allowed me to be a little more creative.

Soon our oldest daughter, Sydney, and Kristin were eyeing Eli’s lunches. These two are not picky by any means, but if food is not cooked to their liking, you may often get a bit of an upturned nose. To my delight, they loved my lunch-packing as well. Thus, I found myself having to figure out how to put together three reheatable, to-go lunches for not one but three people every day.

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the concept of food prepping, but let me just reinforce how great it is. I cook on Sundays for the week and make lunches not only for Kristin, Sydney and Eli but for myself as well. I have made a habit of spending part of the day cooking several proteins, some veggies, a baked-good and batch of granola. It feels good knowing I can give my loved ones a little help on their busy weekdays.

You may recall we have four children. I know at least some of you are thinking I’ve completely ignored my younger two, Molly and Brahm. Well, only slightly. They ask me to make their lunch as well, but I am not yet able to give them the same treatment since they do not have access to a microwave in elementary school. I do tell them that if they’d like me to pack their lunches, I won’t pack junk.

This policy did not go over well at first, but we have evolved to a point where they are packing their own lunches with some supervision. Where Brahm and Molly tried before to pack chips, pretzels, popcorn and crackers (you know, the four main food groups according to kids), after some initial coaxing, one of the first things they look for now is even salad (!!). This might be my favorite part of our school lunch culinary adventure: seeing all my kids expanding their pallets and trying to make more conscious choices without a push from this parent.

Here are a few of our favorite dishes:

CHICKEN FRIED RICE

A weekly go-to in our house. This dish is extremely versatile. Don’t feel like chicken? Try pulled pork, turkey and kale meatballs or tofu. Don’t have broccoli or carrots? How about peas, edamame, cauliflower or asparagus? Just raid the fridge and pantry, and see what great new take on this classic dish you can come up with.

• Cubed Chicken

• Fried Rice

– Onion

– Eggs

– Soy Sauce

– Broccoli

– Shredded Brussel Sprouts

– Shredded Carrot

– Toasted Seseame Seed

Here, just cook as much as you want. You know your family better than I do, so I’ll refrain from telling you how much to make.

I bake chicken breasts and then cube them on Sundays. For the fried rice, I usually start with about 4 cups of rice. (I like to cook the rice on Friday or Saturday and let it dry out in the fridge for a few days.) In a wok or large saute pan, I start with a little oil and add some chopped onion. I then add in the rice and let it sit for a minute to try and crisp it up just a bit. Next, I’ll add a couple of eggs and scramble them in. Add your soy sauce to taste, and at the end, I add the vegetables. I don’t want to overcook them. I like them to still have a little bite. Last, I top it off with a little toasted sesame seed.

COCONUT/ALMOND PROTEIN COOKIES

The Kleinerts like dessert! Some of the entrees may not have been as well received if my crew did not have a little something sweet to chew on afterward. These little cookies are low in sugar and pack a protein punch. The recipe below uses dried blueberries and cherries, but if you like chocolate, substitute the fruit for chocolate chips and the vanilla protein powder for chocolate.

• 5 T Coconut Oil

• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar • 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup

• 3 Eggs

• 5 T Coconut Flour

• 1 Scoop Vanilla Protien Powder

• 1 cup Oatmeal

• 1 t Salt

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup chopped dried berries

Melt the coconut oil. Mix in brown sugar and maple syrup. Whisk in eggs. In a separate bowl combine flour, protein powder, oatmeal and salt. Add wet ingredients. Mix in nuts and berries. Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 until the edges are brown (about 10 minutes). Makes about 18.

Gabby & Brandon Jones

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Sept. 28, 2019

Photos by Krystle Hiott of Krystle Hiott Photography | krystlehiottphotography.com krystalhiottphotos@gmail.com | 317.750.1897

On a late fall afternoon, with the warm sun just peeking through the beautiful fall-tinged leaves surrounding The Old Barn at Brown County, Gabrielle Boone of Floyds Knobs married Brandon Jones of Columbus, Indiana.

The venue gave the couple everything they wanted for their rustic vintage theme. Two large, beautifully appointed cabins flank the barn, and these were rented by the couple to accommodate their wedding party.

As the leaves rustled, Gabby descended the wrap-around wooden deck of the bride’s cabin. Designed by Mori Lee, Gabby’s gown provided the chic, eloquent silhouette she had always dreamed of. Ivory in color, with a plunging neckline and open low back, the gown flowed with tiers of alternating striped offray sheer and solid patterned satin. Gabby’s shoes were Kate Spade rose-colored velvet and pearl-studded sandals.

Always wanting an outdoor wedding, the groom was handsomely appointed in a charcoal Bonobos suit and Bruno Magli wing-tipped shoes. Brandon waited, and perhaps shed a few tears, while Gabby made her way across the beautiful, leaf-covered path and down the aisle trimmed with white pumpkins to the small congregation seated on wooden benches. The beautiful porch-like setting was the perfect location for the exchange of vows.

Following the vows, guests enjoyed a beautiful reception decorated with crystal vases, candles, peonies and baby’s breath. In addition to the customary wedding cake, macaroons, the bride’s favorite, were served.

Always looking to surprise and treat their guests, the couple chose a breakfast buffet for their reception meal. Piping hot biscuits and gravy, frittatas and bacon were just a few of the offerings with cocktail hour miniature waffles complete with individual syrup pipettes.

Gabby is a 2014 graduate of Floyd Central High School with a degree in fashion marketing, merchandising and retail management from the Art Institute of Indianapolis. Brandon graduated from Columbus East High School and holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.

The couple will reside in Columbus, Indiana

GIVE ME A SIGN

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Creatively inspired by Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany

By JD Dotson

How many times have I begged the universe to give me a sign? Whether I have a difficult decision to make, a project to finish, or I’m just feeling down, I will look around for that sign to help decide or guide or give a bit of hope.

Some days the signs present themselves in unique ways, like an unexpected phone call or taking a wrong turn that leads to something wonderful. Other days, they present themselves as actual signs that I am fortunate enough to pull my head up in time to see.

Two of my favorites stick out: The first was on a trip to New Orleans on a side street and regular path to the French Quarter, but on this particular day someone had placed a giant “LIVE A GREAT STORY” sticker on a heavily graffitied corner. That lucky encounter has spawned a mantra in my life. The second is near my house and something I had driven by for who knows how long and never noticed. Feeling down and out, I was walking to work due to car problems and most likely an empty bank account when I looked up to see “NEVER GIVE UP” painted on the side of the highway. It was the sign I needed to see at that moment.

This issue’s project is a collection of signs to inspire someone special to me. My hope is that they will inspire or comfort her when she is feeling lost. For you, however, the possibilities are endless, but let’s start with what you want to say and your list of supplies, which are available at Ben Franklin Crafts New Albany, the wonderful shop located across from the giant Kroger.

SUPPLIES:

• Your sign surface (whether a premade sign, slats of wood, or found materials such as yardsticks or paint stirrers)

• 1” wide wood slats for the back

• Clamps

• Wood Glue

• Stencils or Letter Stickers

• Acrylic Paint/Wood Stain/Spray Paint

• Paintbrushes

• Hanging hardware/Jute string

• Staple Gun

• Optional: Wood Burning Kit

Materials provided by Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop420 New Albany Plaza | New Albanybenfranklinartsandframing.com

STEP ONE

Prepare your surface. I found some great premade signs at Ben Franklin that were only in need of a stain or undercoat of paint. If you are building your base from slats or found material, arrange the pieces with the facing surface down. I prefer the uneven edges on mine and then glue the 1” wide slats to the back and clamp until dry.

STEP TWO

Figure out what you are going to say. Then, how are you going to get your message to the surface? There are several ways to go about it. You can use stencils to draw the letters and then paint inside the lines. You can use the letter stickers as a mask and paint outside the lines or spray paint the whole surface, then peel the letters off. If you have time, patience and a wood burning kit with letter attachments, you can burn each letter into the wood one at a time or even hand letter your saying.

STEP THREE

Hang it. There are many ways to hang your signs: sawtooth hangers that can be hammered into the back of the piece, picture hanging kits with wire or a long piece of jute stapled to each side of the back.

STEP FOUR

Finally, hang it and prepare yourself for inspiration. Sometimes, we all need little reminders that there is good all around, that people care for us, that we all matter, that the answers we seek are waiting to be discovered. Hang them where you will see them every day. Hang them so someone in need of a sign will come across it. Attach it to a pole and march that inspiration down the street. Some people will say, “Look at that crazy person carrying that sign” but there will be some that think “I needed to see that today.”

WHERE ONE DOOR CLOSES…

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Made by Morgan

Creatively inspired by Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany

By Morgan Sprigler

…Another one opens and just like that it’s Spring, bringing us a promise of sunlight, crisp air and fresh beginnings. To welcome the new season, I’m sharing with you a kid-friendly craft that incorporates a little education, too, and started – as always – at Ben Franklin Crafts New Albany. By the way, new store hours went into effect in January. Ben Franklin is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. If you’re ready to get down and Derby, stop in sometime soon to see the growing collection of fascinators and hats (for men too!) or talk to a staffer about creating one specially for you.

Now, let’s craft!

BEN FRANKLIN CRAFTS NEW ALBANY SUPPLIES

• Wooden hanging door

• Chalk paint of your desired color

• Cardstock of your desired color x 2

• Scissors

• Spring items of your choosing

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Total project cost = $42

STEP ONE

Find some time when you and your kid(s) can go craft supply shopping together. As you are browsing, start up a conversation about seasons. Use this opportunity to test their knowledge and do a little teaching, too. Start with the wooden door. Because it has 6 “panes,” have your child(ren) come up with six different aspects of spring. Each item will eventually be displayed on your door and will remind your child(ren) what the season is all about. My girls and I settled on rainclouds made from cotton balls with rain made from blue stones, butterflies, a birds nest with eggs, flowers, birds on a twig, and a cross to symbolize Easter.

STEP TWO

Paint! We chose a delicate, light pink chalk paint in a spray can. However, you may use any paint you desire. I like the look of chalk paint for this project, but a flat or matte paint would be pretty as well. The red door from Ben Franklin is also very nice just as it is, if you want to skip this step. We also decided to paint our door handle gold using acrylic paint, because, why not?! Paint and then let the door dry.

STEP THREE

Using your heated glue gun, apply glue around the perimeter of one sheet of cardstock. Apply sheet to the back of your door, covering four of the bottom panes.

STEP FOUR

Cut your second sheet of cardstock in half and repeat step three to cover the top two remaining door panes.

STEP FIVE

Glue your spring items to the cardstock inside each pane, while talking with your child about why each one is important and/or specific to the season. Again, all of our items were purchased from Ben Franklin Crafts New Albany, with the exception of our rain clouds, which are simply three cotton balls arranged together. We also found a twig outside to use as a branch for our little birdies. Instead of items for every pane, you and your child also can paint or draw inside one or more panes or you can collect items from your garden.

Note: This door can be updated for each season by easily removing the cardstock from each pane and adding new objects. (You could even update for birthdays by choosing six of the birthday guy or gal’s favorite things.)

Variation 1: Instead of cardstock, you can use felt for the background and utilize Velcro to attach your objects instead of glue. This would make this project even more conducive to changing out with the seasons.

Variation 2: If you would rather have a centerpiece for your kitchen table or kids table, Ben Franklin carries an array of wooden boxes that would work well for this project, too. You and your child(ren) could decorate each side of the wooden box and add a floral arrangement to the top! Voila!

Happy Spring, Extol Readers!

5 Years of Celebrating Southern Indiana

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OFF THE PAGE with Extol

A RECAP OF EACH ISSUE BY OUR EDITOR IN CHIEF ANGIE FENTON

Five years ago, Extol Magazine debuted as a fledgling publication with a small team that had one goal: to highlight Southern Indiana – and beyond. Half a decade later, we’re still here and have grown into a company that offers far more services than the bimonthly publication that launched us, but that remains our mainstay, our roots. So, we asked our Editor in Chief Angie Fenton to reflect back on each issue over the past five years and go off the page, as she calls it. Here are Angie’s recollections, insight and a bit of what once was insider information.

February/March 2015

In mid-2014, my business partner and eventual husband, Jason Applegate, and I sketched out our dream of launching a publication celebrating Southern Indiana while at Tucker’s in New Albany. I wish I would have saved the napkins and notebook we first used to draw up our business plan. This was our first issue, and we knew we wanted to lead with a great story. WHAS11’s Chief Meteorologist Ben Pine had an amazing one. I wrote this feature and still love it not for my words but because of Ben, his family and their story. How lucky are we to have them still in our midst as SoIN residents.

April/May 2015

I’ve known Tricia Barnstable Brown for years and love her heart. She and her sister, Priscilla “Cyb” Barnstable, have raised millions for diabetes research through their renowned Derby fete, the Barnstable Brown Gala. The fellas featured with her are Brent Rogers and Chris Hughes of Sounds Unlimited Productions, which is a Southern Indiana-based company known across the country and locally at home for producing parties with a purpose like no one else. They don’t just do Derby – they are Derby. And, wow, do they have some celeb-filled stories to tell.

June/July 2015

When Fuzzy Zoeller agreed to allow us to feature him in Extol, we were thrilled. We also knew better than to show up without a plan. So, my team and I practiced how we would photograph him and what the lighting would look like ahead of time, and I had my questions ready to go. Photographer Tony Bennett shot the cover with our Creative Director Adam Kleinert overseeing the shoot either before or after I conducted the interview – I can’t recall. But, what I do remember is how funny and “colorful” Fuzzy was. We had wanted to respect his time, so we were extremely efficient and fast, so much so that when we were done Fuzzy said, “That’s it? You don’t need anything else?” I received a lot of positive feedback from folks after the issue was launched, but I still chuckle at the few negative comments. A handful of readers were appalled that I’d allowed a few swears to make their way into the article. While I thanked them for the feedback, I didn’t apologize. I mean, you don’t tone down Fuzzy Zoeller. You just don’t.

August/September 2015

Writer Stacey Thomas penned the cover story for this issue, which was so heart-breaking and amazing, I wept while editing the article. I’m forever grateful to Jillian Becher and her family for sharing their hearts.

October/November 2015

I loved this issue because it wound up being something completely different than what we thought it would be, which was tough for some of us staffers to stomach. But, that’s a good life lesson, too. We could have stayed stuck in the figurative mud, bummed that our plans completely fell to the wayside, but we didn’t. I mean, we had the next issue to get to.

December 2015/January 2016

Country crooners Dave & Whitney kept us in stitches for most of the shoot. The Southern Indiana natives were – are – so talented and funny. Really, really funny.

February/March 2016

Photographer Antonio Pantoja made magic during the photo shoot with Terry Meiners at Le Moo in Louisville. The story was about an upcoming charity roast of the region’s most well-known radio deejay. I was one of the roasters and stressed so much about how to roast someone I consider a friend. There’s video of Terry’s roast out there someone. It was definitely an unforgettable night.

April/May 2016

We shot the cover and other photos at Kopp’s Lakes in Clarksville, which my husband and I have frequented several times when we just want to fish but don’t have time to drive very far. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know why most people are surprised this issue was shot there. I mean, Kopp’s is great, but it isn’t exactly what you’d think of when going for glamour. Except, I was pretty sure the location would make a perfect backdrop in the hands of photog extraordinaire Antonio Pantoja and Extol Creative Director Adam Kleinert. Not all of my decisions are gold, but they ensured this one was. Renowned New Albany hat maker Rebecca Vance, who has since passed, made the fascinator specially for this dress. What a special lady she was.

June/July 2016

We definitely had tons of fun on this shoot, which featured Creative Director Adam Kleinert’s son Brahm and an elephant from Wiltstem Wildlife Park in Paoli. Brahm is actually photoshopped into the photo, and, truth be told, while it was an exciting shoot, I had one eye on the exit the whole time. It was just such a BIG experience.

August/September 2016

This issue spotlighting Todd Sharp flew off the shelves and also inspired the name of his former reality TV series, which featured the cover on the national show’s debut.

October/November 2016

It was an honor to feature this veteran. I also love pointing out the shadow behind him. Not everyone notices it. Makes me put my right hand over my heart every time.

December 2016/January 2017

You have to read the story about John Bostock to know why he continues to be the face of hope. John and his wife Jessica provided, and still provide, so much inspiration to others. This remains one of my most cherished stories. Writer Steve Kaufman really captured John and Jessica’s journey.

February/March 2017

On this cover, we included the text: “Eva Bass is going to help shape our world.” My team and I still believe that. #TeamEva

April/May 2017

When I look at this cover, which is gorgeous, I think of everything that went wrong with this issue (minus the cover, which was shot by Danny Alexander after our original cover fell through and we were 36 hours from going to press). I’ll spare you the details, but this issue was a lesson in falling down and finding out just how strong you really are.

June/July 2017

Who doesn’t love Dawne Gee? That’s what I think when I see this issue. And then I always smile.

August/September 2017

The wedding dress on the cover of our inaugural wedding issue was created by Southern Indiana native Francis “Frankie” Lewis. She eventually made it onto Project Runway and is now living and thriving in California.

October/November 2017

I’m a Michigan native who moved to Louisville in 2002. I moved to Indiana in late 2014 but didn’t fall in love with Harvest Homecoming until overseeing this issue. Now, it’s one of my most favorite times a year, which I think means I’m officially a Hoosier.

December 2017/January 2018

Todd Sharp is the only person we’ve featured twice as a cover story, and just like the first time, this issue went fast.

February/March 2018

We gathered a few of our favorite chefs and hit home what many of us know: Southern Indiana is a hotbed of good eats.

April/May 2018

Radio deejay Sarah Jordan rocked this shoot, and I absolutely adore her. This issue was also exciting because we jumped up in pages and were now being distributed by hundreds of locations in Southern Indiana and dozens in Louisville.

June/July 2018

Shooting this entire issue was such a sweet collaboration with the entire Extol team. While I look at some issues and see the stories, many of them I look at and reflect on what occurred to get the publication to press.

August/September 2018

Stylist Miranda McDonald knocked the photo shoot for our second annual wedding issue out of the park – and she did it in a park-like setting.

October/November 2018

This issue was chock full of business people from around the region who shared valuable insight. I still go back and read the hard copy version.

December 2018/January 2019

Real estate guru bared his heart in this stunning cover story. He is proof of redemption and recovery. It is a must-read.

April/May 2019

Shooting at Angels Envy just across the river was so much fun. And, while we were at it, an internationally known mega rock band walked by on a tour. I can’t spill the beans, but I will guarantee every person reading this would know who they are.

February/March 2019

Looking at four years worth of covers all at once really was a moment for me. This has been a labor of love that included some really tough times, lots of highs and lows, and plenty of opportunity to throw in the towel. I am so glad we didn’t. We’re bigger, better and stronger than we ever could have imagined we’d be. The struggles have been worth it.

June/July 2019

Juice Box Heroes lead singer Dan Farmer has such a great story, and he was hysterical to shot with. Plus, we really, really love his band.

August/September 2019

In this, our third annual wedding issue, we feature an actual newlywed couple instead of models on the cover. Aaron and RuthAnn Burns we’re the sweetest and the reason why we are going to pick either a Southern Indiana bride, groom or couple on the 2020 edition.

October/November 2019

New Washington State Bank CEO Jessica Carroll is a rockstar in her industry and one of the most impressive people i’ve ever met. As a Southern Indiana resident i am grateful to have her in our midst.

December 2019/January 2020

Lori Unruh was a fabulous cover gal. I also love her bracelets, her family, her story and her heart. This issue also sparked something in me: The desire to change our publication dates. Originally, we debuted so that our first bimonthly issue of every year would begin in February. But now that we have a solid five years under our belt, it’s time for a slight change. With a bit of math magic that means we won’t actually skip a single issue, we’ve opted to hop over February and coin this our March/April issue. That means the first issue of 2020 will be January/February. It probably means very little to anyone else except this type A++ editor.

You can find back issues and stories – as well as the most recent ones – by visiting extolmag.com. Follow @extolmagazine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fast Five

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So much has happened in the past five years – and we’re not just talking about the debut of Extol

BY LISA HORNUNG

It’s now 2020 and the world is looking back at the past decade, but here at Extol, we’re celebrating the past five years. So here’s a look back at some of the biggest changes in the past half-decade.

COMPUTER LIFE

The fastest changes in any era are usually in technology, and the past five years did not disappoint. Computers are getting bigger, faster, smaller and more efficient. The same can be said of our smartphones, smartwatches and smart homes and offices, which are now heading toward 5G, the first upgrade since 4G game on the scene in 2010.

Now, the technology world is regularly using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. Drones are used in myriad ways, and experts predict autonomous vehicles will soon be on the road more often than not. Cloud computing has become commonplace, and those pesky, easily lost flash drives have nearly become obsolete. We no longer use CDs to listen to music or DVDs to watch movies because it’s all easily accessible with streaming services.

MEATY VEGETARIAN

While meatless burgers have been commonplace for years, it’s only recently that they’ve become real substitutes for meat – and meat lovers – like the Impossible Burger, which is made of soy and tastes exactly like the burgers we crave.

The company that created it, Impossible Foods, just released Impossible Pork, allowing pork lovers to enjoy their faves without the environmental and animal consequences. More people than ever are vegetarian and vegan, a designation that in the past was considered strange and only for so-called “granola types” and self-professed hippies. Whatever your diet designation, we’re lucky to live in a time with so many options.

WE GOT APPY

It seems like everything we do is governed by apps in ways many of us couldn’t have imagined before. We can get an affordable ride at our doorsteps within minutes with ridesharing apps. We can get nearly anything delivered from restaurant food to groceries with the help of an app. We do our banking at our fingertips, send money to our friends, buy nearly anything imaginable and have it at our doors within a day or so.

We can find a date, check the weather, text a friend overseas and get near realtime driving directions with the touch of a finger or question to a virtual assistant. The cost of travel has come down with the advent of home sharing apps like AirB&B, VRBO and more. We can order plane tickets, book a train trip and video chat with our families and pets. New apps are being created all the time, and there’s no limit to what the future holds.

IN THE CLIMATE ZONE

Over the past five years, climate scientists have increasingly issued dire warnings about the state of our planet and the consequences of our actions, causing teenagers – and supporters of all ages – around the world, led by then-15-year-old Greta Thunburg, to begin school strikes to draw attention to the issue.

While not everyone has gotten on board with climate change activism, many of us have at least become more aware of the issues that face our world. That means companies, cities and individuals, even, are more likely to participate in recycling programs, eco-friendly infrastructure changes and the general health of the planet.

DIAL IN AND PHONE HOME

The overwhelming majority of Americans – 96% according to Pew Research Center – own a smartphone. While the constant connectivity can be an asset, it also can mean more alone-together time with loved ones. (Alone-together time = the periods when you’re with others but don’t interact because everyone’s noses are in their phones and it’s as if you’re each alone.) While many of us can’t and don’t want to step away from our devices for too long, there’s also a growing push to dial in to your most important relationships by dialing back on your phone use and focusing on faces, not devices. At least for a bit.

Joseph Meier Promoted to Manager at Rodefer Moss

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Contact:
Kim Naville
Marketing Coordinator
812.945.5236
knaville@rodefermoss.com

NEW ALBANY, Ind., Jan. 6, 2020 — Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC has promoted Joseph Meier to manager, effective Jan. 1. Meier works at the firm’s New Albany office and was previously a supervisor.

“Joe has been an asset to our supervisory staff and will be a wonderful addition to our managerial team,” said Doug York, President and Managing Partner. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism that is vital to our commitment to quality and client service.”

Meier has experience in both tax and attest services including not-for-profit entities. He
specializes in complex multi-state tax filings with a focus on manufacturing/distribution and
transportation industries. His expertise also includes international financial statement
conversion, rental real estate tax implications, cost segregation studies and closely held service companies.

“I look forward to my new role as a manager,” said Meier. “My clients can expect the same
dedication and service as I provide solutions for their tax needs.”

Meier received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from University of Louisville. He is a member of Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) where he received a Charter Global Management Accountant designation (CGMA). CGMA distinguishes accounting professionals who have advanced proficiency in finance, operations, strategy and management.

Rodefer Moss provides accounting and businesses consulting services in nine offices in Indiana,
Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. For more information, visit rodefermoss.com.

Sarah Hunter Named Manager at Rodefer Moss

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Contact:
Kim Naville
Marketing Coordinator
812.945.5236
knaville@rodefermoss.com

NEW ALBANY, Ind., Jan. 6, 2020–Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC has promoted Sarah Hunter to
manager, effective Jan. 1. She works at the professional service firm’s New Albany, Ind. office
where she was previously a supervisor.

“Sarah possesses excellent leadership skills and professionalism that make her a great asset to our management team. She is committed to serving clients and will excel in her new role,” said Doug York, President and Managing Partner.

Since joining Rodefer Moss in 2012, Hunter has performed audit and assurance engagements for a variety of clients. Her expertise also includes corporate, partnership, and individual tax
returns.

“I am very honored to be given this opportunity to advance in my career. I’m looking forward to
growing as part of the firm’s leadership team, as well as continuing to serve our clients,” said
Hunter.

Hunter graduated from Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Indiana Certified Public Accountant Society (INCPAS). She also volunteers with Junior Achievement and serves as board treasurer for Silver Heights Camp. She was named as one of Southern Indiana Business Source’s 20 Under 40 in 2016 and received the INCPAS Community Service Award in 2019.

Rodefer Moss provides accounting and businesses consulting services in nine offices in Indiana,
Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. For more information, visit rodefermoss.com.