Dear Indy,
Today’s lead story comes from health reporter Mary Claire Molloy, who is reporting that we have one of the worst states for limb loss.
And while long-term support isn’t always available for Indiana residents, some places like Kenney Orthopedics are filling the gap. Here’s how the article begins:
The treadmill hummed. Parallel bars creaked. Van Halen’s “Jump” blasted from a speaker.
In the middle of it all was Curtis Wainman, a physical therapist who functioned like a conductor, pointing from station to station, shouting instructions and words of encouragement.
“I want you dancing for me,” he called to Lorey McKown, a 60-year-old from Indianapolis who had an amputation after complications with diabetes.
“You got this brother, this will help you stand tall on that walker,” he said to Pete Keys, an 81-year-old who lost his leg after cancer and an accident.
“You’re looking good,” he told Brady Dell, a 28-year-old former college football player who survived a head-on car crash.
Each of the seven people in the room had lost at least one limb. They came from across the city and suburbs to Kenney Orthopedics just over the county line into Carmel. The free exercise classes provide specialized care they can’t get at other gyms or otherwise afford.
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In other news
- A racial gap in homeownership has persisted for decades — and the Black homeownership rate has only gotten worse since the 1970s. So now an Indianapolis nonprofit is reviving a decades-old federal housing rule with the aim to help people who would otherwise have a hard time qualifying for a loan. Learn about the old rule, the new program and why it’s all happening right now.
- This month, IPS named its two teachers of the year. K-12 education reporter Carley Lanich caught up with both of them in Q&As. Eighth grade teacher Ashley Hogan, 30, talked about what she’s learned from her family’s long history in education, and Shortridge teacher Linda Thompson reflected on what inspires her to stick with the profession: “Every year, just seeing how resilient these students are and how we’ve gone through so much change, especially these last four years with the pandemic and everything, and these students just continue on.”
- Caregivers on the far east side can receive free diapers and wipes for children each month as part of a new program from the Warren Township Trustee’s Office.
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What else we’re reading today
- WFYI: INDOT is studying potential changes to I-70 and I-65 inside Indianapolis, starting with the collection of more than 1,000 comments provided by the public.
- The New York Times: Violent crime is dropping across the country, but the politics aren’t shifting much.
What’s going on around the city
- Thursday, June 6: Gwen Sunkel, Sam Griswold and Kerri Pulley are among the “authors” celebrating the 10th year of “An Evening with the Authors” at White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St. Starting at 8 p.m., fake authors will read from fake books for a night of comedy. $10, 21+
- Friday, June 7: Artist Kelley Jordan Schuyler explores motherhood and the experiences every mother goes through. “A Portrait of Motherhood” is open at the Tube Factory Artspace, 1125 Cruft St., at 6 p.m. Free.
- Saturday, June 8: The Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1850 W. 38th St., is offering a free Mindful Nature Walk in its 100 Acres starting at 10 a.m. with activities and prompts throughout the morning. This event is suitable for all ages and abilities
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
Reflections
Psst. We’re about to add a couple new things at Mirror Indy but I wanted to give you all the scoop first.
We’re officially launching text message chats and alerts!
We’ll be launching two to start. One will come from yours truly. I’ll text out some occasional news alerts, as well as daily links to In the Mirror. More importantly: I hope you all will text me often with feedback, questions and story suggestions.
Ready to sign up? All you gotta do is text NEWS to 317-458-5131.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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