February, 2021 Gov. Holcomb’s fifth State of In this issue the State invests in education, economic growth 2 File your taxes for free! Complete a wellness visit and 4 earn a $100 e-gift card How state agencies use state tax 6 dollars to serve Hoosiers Destination Development Corporation launches ‘Hoosiers 12 by Choice’ campaign

The Torch is published monthly by the Indiana State Personnel Department and is available online at https://www.in.gov/ spd/employee-resources/the- torch/ Governor Eric J. Holcomb Because of the strong fiscal delivered his 2021 State of the position Indiana was in before State address virtually to the the pandemic and the swift, Got a story? in responsible cuts to the budget as Submit your story ideas to: January. COVID-19 spread, the state is now [email protected] able to restore many state agency The Governor focused on how to budgets, restore higher education seize the challenges presented by funding and increase it in each of Social media the pandemic and turn them into the next two years, increase K-12 opportunities. funding by $377 million, make new Follow “Hoosiers have risen to meet investments in our state parks and @SOIEmployees these unprecedented challenges, Indiana State Fairgrounds, and realizing much more work is to be build a new Indiana State Police lab Like done in this historic moment of and new Indiana National Guard @SOIEmployees opportunity,” Gov. Holcomb said. armory. “The state of our state is resilient Follow State of Indiana and growing. Our foundation has (continued on page 2) held strong.” Employees (continued from page 1) Gov. Holcomb’s fifth State of the State invests in education, economic growth Additionally, the Governor “Our decisions, our discipline, now schools receive 100 percent of recommends paying off $400 enable us to do things that many their funding for the second half of million in teacher pension debt, other states won’t be able to do the school year. Prioritize finding the outstanding bonds on I-69 for years to come,” Gov. Holcomb long-term, sustainable solutions and the mortgages for three state said. “For Indiana, the future is to improve teacher compensation. hospitals. By eliminating these now, and the world continues to Recruit veterans and service reoccurring costs, the state frees hear Indiana’s engines roar.” members who are concluding their up money to provide flexibility in military service to enroll in Indiana the budget for priorities such as Gov. Holcomb also celebrated training opportunities and become increasing education funding. accomplishments and focused public safety officers and first on next steps for each of the five responders. As a part of the Governor’s ongoing pillars outlined in his Next Level effort to help the state’s economy Agenda. Public health: Continue the “It’s recover from the financial impact Our Shot, Hoosiers” COVID-19 of COVID-19, he announced the Cultivate a strong and diverse vaccination plan. Protect pregnant creation of the Next Level Regional economy: Pass the state’s ninth workers by providing reasonable Recovery program. If the state’s straight balanced budget, expand workplace accommodations. financial position remains strong, Manufacturing Readiness Grants Expand the OB navigator program the initiative will be designed to to enable companies to modernize to 25 additional counties this year. invest in regions that collaborate their operations and triple federal . around an economic development defense investment in the state Deliver great government strategy that is designed to attract, service: Increase telehealth Maintain and build the state’s services. Provide businesses retain and develop talent. The infrastructure: Invest an additional Indiana Economic Development and schools with coronavirus $100 million to connect Hoosiers liability protections. Outfit Indiana Corporation will lead the effort, and businesses to high speed partnering with communities State Police officers with body internet. Restart the $90 million . that collaborate to develop cameras Launch a Diversity Data Next Level Trails program. . projects that improve quality of Dashboard Complete and share Complete I-69 three years ahead of the outside review of the state’s place, advance industry sector schedule and continue with future development and grow workforce law enforcement academy and plans to upgrade U.S. 30 and 31. . development initiatives among agencies Plant one million trees . regions, educators, employers and Education, training and workforce throughout the state our state’s workforce. development: Invest in all Hoosiers Full text of Gov. Holcomb’s 2021 to ensure access to meaningful State of the State address can be . work and careers Ensure K-12 read by clicking here. File your taxes for free! Was your adjusted gross income $72,000 or less in 2020? If so, you may be eligible to file your state and federal taxes for free with Indiana freefile (INfreefile) from the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR). INfreefile provides faster refunds, free easy-to-use software and a secure way to file your taxes. Did you know that filing electronically has a 98 percent accuracy rate? DOR’s certified vendors can also help you find deductions and credits you qualify for, increasing the amount of your refund or decreasing the amount you owe. See if you qualify at freefile.dor.in.gov.

The Torch | 2 Art and history meet nature in new Indiana State exhibit State of Nature: Picturing Indiana Biodiversity, a fine art/natural history exhibit featuring artifacts from Indiana’s prehistory alongside visual art documenting biodiversity in Indiana and looking at humans’ impact on the environment, will open Feb. 13 in the Indiana State Museum’s NiSource Gallery. Visitors will encounter wolf specimens from the museum’s collection and a reproduction sloth skeleton, as well as two paintings by Indiana Dunes plein air artist Frank Dudley and contemporary art from 15 artists with Hoosier them thinking about how the W. Washington St. in , connections including Lucinda environment and people are is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Devlin, Casey Roberts, Bonnie connected. There will even be a Wednesdays through Sundays. Sklarski, David Morrison, and soundtrack featuring music from Admission is $17 for adults, $16 Dornith Doherty. composers whose works are for those 60 and older, $15 for inspired by scientific data and students with a valid ID from any This experience also will feature nature. Indiana college or university, and activities for children and $12 for youth ages 3 to 17. families to build their own bird State of Nature runs through Sept. nest and sloth claw, and to get 19. The museum, located at 650 DHPA announces Preservation Month photo contest Get out your cameras and find photographer may enter up to your favorite historic destination three images, and an entry form because DHPA’s annual is required for each photo. Images Preservation Month photo contest should be emailed to aborland@ has begun. dnr.IN.gov and must be JPEG files that are 10mb or smaller. The annual contest, run by the DNR Participants will only be able to Division of Historic Preservation & send one photo and one entry Archaeology (DHPA), has been held form per email. since 2005 to promote Indiana’s historic resources. All subjects of For complete rules and guidelines photos must be at least 50 years and for the required entry form, old, in Indiana, and must include see dnr.IN.gov/historic/2800.htm. man-made or designed elements. The contest deadline is April 2. Photos of exclusively natural elements will not be accepted. Follow the DNR Instagram account (@indianadnr) in May. DHPA will Photos can be black and white or be taking over for a week and color and must have been taken featuring selected photos along within the last two years. Each with contest winners. The Torch | 3 Complete a wellness visit and earn a $100 e-gift card Show yourself – and your wallet – some love this month by scheduling a wellness visit! Earn a $100 e-gift card for completing a wellness visit! A wellness visit (sometimes referred to as an annual physical or yearly optionis to schedule an annual 30, 2021 to earn the e-gift card. check-up) with your primary physical with your primary care For annual physical results forms, care provider is an opportunity physician. Make sure to print the processing time is up to four weeks to assess your current health, Annual Physical Results form from from the date the form is accepted identify any necessary preventive your ActiveHealth Rewards Center to when the results are visible in care, and review health changes and take it to your appointment. the ActiveHealth portal. For CVS over time. A wellness visit checks Your second option is to visit a CVS MinuteClinic wellness visits data the same health indicators as a MinuteClinic for a wellness visit. takes two to four weeks from the biometric screening plus your You need to print the MinuteClinic date of the visit to be loaded and medical history, medication needs, voucher from your ActiveHealth visible in the ActiveHealth portal. and current diet, exercise, and Rewards Center and take it to your other routines. During a wellness appointment. The wellness visit at Those resources are all lovely ways visit, your provider can also order the MinuteClinic is free with the to get to the heart of your health additional lab work based on your voucher. in February, but 2021 is bursting health history, and work with you at the seams with other ways to to create a plan to improve your If you need help finding a provider, improve your well-being AND save overall health. try the Sydney app or call the money on future healthcare costs. Anthem Health Guide at 877-814- Check out the ActiveHealth page Check out this comparison chart 9709. at InvestInYourHealthIndiana. to see a more in depth look at the com to learn how to earn the differences between a biometric Both employees and spouses 2022 Premium Discount, what you screening and a wellness visit. eligible for the ActiveHealth need to do to complete a health program can earn a $100 e-gift assessment (and earn a $25 e-gift There are two options available to card for completing their wellness card!), sign up for important health complete your wellness visit and visit. Results must be visible in webinars, and so much more! earn your $100 e-gift card. One the ActiveHealth portal by Nov. Walking for your heart So, you want to stay fit, but you’re You may want to get a check-up not sure how to add more physical before you start walking. If you 3. Use a pedometer or fitness activity to your day? have heart problems, your doctor device or app to keep track of can tell you how much activity is your steps. The first time you One simple answer may be to start safe for you. walking! use it, count how many steps Ready to walk? you normally take in a day. Try Like any physical activity, walking to increase this number each is good for your heart. It increases 1. Start out slowly. Do a warm-up day or week. your heart rate, builds heart first, then pick up the pace in muscle, and gets the blood flowing the middle. Finish with a cool- 4. Try to walk at least two and a through your body. It also lowers down at the end. half hours (150 minutes) each blood pressure and helps reduce body fat and cholesterol. 2. Try walking with friends, (continued on page 5) coworkers, or pets— and set goals that you can reach. The Torch | 4 (continued from page 4) Walking for your heart week. You can reach that mark 4. Maybe set a goal to take part in Health Coaching by walking 30 minutes a day, a planned fitness walk. five days a week. • Call to schedule: 855-202-4219 5. Try to plan family outings A few other tips to help you get around walks together. Login to MyActiveHealth started: Engagement Platform 6. Take your dog on a walk. It’s 1. Schedule walks on your good for them too! • www.myactivehealth.com/ business calendar with a StateofIndiana coworker. If you’re looking for more information to help you on Download the ActiveHealth 2. Try walking to work, school, the your health journey, be sure to Mobile App grocery store or a restaurant. visit MyActiveHealth. There is • Located in the app store and WE3.LL-B EINGThink about walking before or a wealth of information on this Google Play after work or on your lunch website regarding many different break. health and wellness topics. Other resources:

WELL-BEING Find ways to be active every day Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, now’s your chance to get creative!

REMEMBER TO STRETCH Stretch all the major muscle groups regularly, including your arms, back, hips, thighs and calves. Try to hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.

BUILD YOUR STRENGTH Move to the beat Do basic muscle toning exercises such as push-ups and leg lifts. Or try weight lifting using objects around Exercise for a healthy heart the house. Move to the beat Exercise for a healthy heart DO AEROBIC EXERCISES Aim to do moderate activity for at least 2½ hours a week. • Dance to your favorite songs. • Sweep or vacuum the house. • Work in your yard. One of the most important things you can Or try vigorous activity for at least 1¼ hours a week. do for your heart is increase your physical One of the most important things you can • Join an online fitness class. activity.do It for may your seem heart isobvious, increase your but physical doing so • Go for a jog. can loweractivity. your It may risk seem for heart obvious, disease. but doing It so can Talk to your doctor • Hike an outdoor trail. Talk to your doctor also helpcan you lower think, your risk feel for andheart sleepdisease. better, It can about safe ways for you to also help you think, feel and sleep better, about safe ways for you to 1 and performand perform daily daily tasks tasks more more easily.1 be physicallybe physically active. active. Best of Bestall, youof all, canyou can find find ways ways toto staystay active active almost almostanywhere anywhere — —for for free. free.

Services are provided by ActiveHealth Management, Inc. Our programs, care team and care managers do not diagnose or treat members. We assist you in getting 1 American Heart Association. American Heart Association recommendations for physical activitythe care in you need,adults and our and program kids. is not aApril substitute 18, for the2018. medical Availabletreatment and/or Heart.org/en/healthy-living/at: instructions provided by your health care providers. 1American Heart Association. American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. April 18, 2018. Available at: ActiveHealth, the ActiveHealth Management logo and MyActiveHealth are trademarks of ActiveHealth Management, Inc. fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adultsHeart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults. Accessed. SeptemberAccessed 28, 2020. September 28, 2020. © 2021 ActiveHealth Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 02/2021 Services1American are HearttA270 47provided Association. American by ActiveHealth Heart Association recommendationsManagement, for Inc.physical Our activity programs, in adults and kids.care April team 18, 2018. and Available care at: managers do not diagnose or treat members. We assist you in getting the care you Heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults. Accessed September 28, 2020. tA27047 need, and our program is not a substitute for the medical treatment and/or instructions provided by your health care providers. ActiveHealth,tA27047 the ActiveHealth Management logo and MyActiveHealth are trademarks of ActiveHealth Management, Inc. © 2021 ActiveHealth Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 02/2021

The Torch | 5 How state agencies use state Stay up to date tax dollars to serve Hoosiers with COVID-19 DOR’s Indiana’s Tax Dollars at • Secretary of State news Work campaign enters second • 2019 Novel Coronavirus • State Personnel Department year (COVID-19) • Treasurer of State • Indiana Department of For the second consecutive year, the Indiana Department of DOR’s campaign will be promoted Health Revenue (DOR) is demonstrating on the agency’s social media • Governor Eric J. Holcomb how the work of 12 state agencies platforms — Facebook, Instagram, is supported by state tax dollars via and Twitter. Individuals can Helpful resources the Indiana’s Tax Dollars at Work also follow the campaign by Anthem Resources campaign. subscribing to DOR’s Tax Talk blog. • Anthem Employee To kick off the new Assistance Program (EAP) year, DOR featured • Anthem NurseLine the Indiana Civil • LiveHealth Online Rights Commission (ICRC) in January. • 211.org Did you know they General Resources only have a team • IDOH COVID-19 Call of 30? With such a Center– 877-826-0011 small team, you’d • Contact the INSPD Benefits be surprised at how Hotline – 317-232-1167 much work they do! From honoring (Indianapolis area), 1-877- Dr. Martin Luther 248-0007 (toll- free outside From helping Hoosiers find lasting King Jr. and Holocaust survivors Indianapolis) employment to fighting for citizens’ to investigating discrimination • Disaster Distress Helpline civil rights and ensuring safety at claims, ICRC’s work is more than – 800-985-5990, or home, you’ll learn just how those extensive. Learn more in this blog. text “TalkWithUs” or tax dollars help Hoosiers every day. Next up was the Department “Hablanos” to/al 66746. of Workforce Development • Substance Abuse and Agencies to be highlighted this (DWD), which seemed fitting year include: Mental Health Services considering their continued efforts Administration (SAMHSA) • Auditor of State to help Hoosiers get through the Helpline – 800-662-HELP financial hardships brought on by • Board of Animal Health COVID-19. For example, did you • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-TALK or • Department of Child Services know they have specific programs geared toward keeping teens on 888-628-9454 (español) • Department of Workforce track with their education efforts Development or how they provide assistance to unemployed veterans? Find out • Indiana Civil Rights Commission more here. • Indiana Economic Development Stay tuned! In March, DOR Corporation will explore the Management • Indiana Housing and Performance Hub. Community Development For more information, including Authority which agencies will be featured • Indiana War Memorial each month, visit DOR’s Indiana’s Artwork by Tax Dollars at Work webpage and Jerry Williams • Management Performance Hub subscribe for updates.

The Torch | 6 Grant allows State Museum to offer virtual version of award-winning exhibit

The Indiana State Museum Grant money also will be used a strong correlation between and Historic Sites (ISMHS) will to fund staff positions for the the coronavirus pandemic and create a virtual version of its extended run of FIX: Heartbreak opioid use during isolation and groundbreaking exhibit FIX: and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisis quarantine. Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our through August 1, 2021. This Opioid Crisis, thanks to a $331,000 supports visitors who would like “It is clear that ISMHS must grant from the Indiana Family and to experience the exhibit in- continue its efforts to give Social Services Administration’s person and allows ISMHS to reach audiences statewide, especially Division of Mental Health and out to more than 50 community youth, access to FIX, even if Addiction via the State Opioid partners and incorporate those we must do it differently than Response Grant. organizations into daily and special originally planned,” Mancuso programs. said. “We will create modules that The grant will be used to write and reflect students’ interests and produce a series of videos that FIX opened in February 2020. In varied entry points by capitalizing can be used in the classroom or the six weeks before the COVID-19 on the work we have done with virtually, engaging students in this pandemic hit, the museum our partners. crisis that has impacted families welcomed more than 15,000 and communities across Indiana. visitors. The museum was closed “We are able to provide a mix for three months in response to of art, science, multi-media “We will work with the video team Indiana’s shelter-in-place orders. and inspiring artwork that will that helped bring FIX to life in the help students gain a better gallery and will use this talent to While the museum is now open understanding of the science and move elements of FIX online,” and welcoming visitors, field biology behind opioid use disorder. Chief Officer of Engagement Brian trips have all but stopped. But They will also learn about our Mancuso said. “While this will be the museum has seen significant nation’s history with other health a somewhat different experience interest in digital information crises, paths to recovery, and than seeing the full FIX exhibit about FIX. Nearly 15,000 experience personal stories from in-person, school groups will individuals have engaged with the impacted Hoosiers and stories of have the ability to see an exhibit FIX page on indianamuseum.org/ hope.” overview video. Once they see the FIX. FIX introductory video, they can select is supported by Next Meanwhile, Douglas Huntsinger, one of five modules, each with an Level Recovery; Ball Brothers Indiana’s executive director for activity and three videos that will Foundation; George and Frances drug prevention, treatment, feature personal stories, experts in Ball Foundation; Efroymson Family and enforcement, reported a 67 the field, and topics that bring the Fund, A CICF Fund; CVS Health; JSI; percent increase in Naloxone opioid epidemic to life and build Indiana Family and Social Services administration by EMS in empathy.” Administration; and Barnes & October 2020 compared to Thornburg LLC. For educators who want a more previous year-to-date, indicating interactive FIX virtual experience, a member of the museum staff will host, engage and guide classrooms in an interactive, 45-60 minute video-program that interweaves art, science, stories from individuals affected by opioid use disorder, and stories of recovery. All programs will follow Indiana academic standards. (There will be a fee for the programs, but scholarships are available.) The Torch | 7 Get more from the Resiliency Grant. Increased assistance now available. Life is unpredictable. Financial difficulties can pop up when you least expect them, potentially threatening your education goals. WGU Indiana wants to help. We know that a degree can make the difference for your future. We want to help you still pursue your dreams with a respected, accredited degree in business, IT, education, or healthcare. Our Resiliency Grant can help you overcome temporary financial hardship, so you can stay focused and on track to achieve your education goals.

Apply for the Resiliency Grant. The grant will be credited to your account in the amount of $2,500 for $4,000 the first term and $750 per term for up to two additional terms.

Learn more. indiana.wgu.edu/access 8 7 7. 214 . 7 014

The Torch | 8 The WGU Indiana difference. Superior results. Personalized, one-to-one faculty support. Faculty mentors work with WGU Indiana students personally, providing one- Employers say WGU grads are well prepared for workplace demands. to-one coaching, guidance, and support from enrollment through graduation. In a 2019 Harris Poll survey of 300 You can accelerate your degree. employers of WGU grads… At WGU Indiana, your success is measured by learning, not time spent in class. You’ll earn your degree by demonstrating your skills and knowledge in required subject areas through a series of carefully designed assessments.

Our commitments to you. • You’ll learn what you need to succeed in your career. • You’ll enjoy flexibility that fits your schedule. 97% • You’ll have the opportunity to accelerate your degree program. said WGU graduates were prepared for • You’ll receive one-to-one faculty support. their jobs • Your program will be affordable.

Tuition. Tuition and fees are charged per term. Terms are six months long and can begin on the first of any month.

Undergraduate programs ...... $3,225–$3,550* Graduate programs ...... $3,240–$ 4,180* 97% said WGU graduates Some programs have per-term or one-time fees specific to that program’s costs. met or exeeded *As of January 2020 expectations

Need-based financial aid is available.

Apply for the Resiliency Grant. The grant will be credited to your account in the amount of $4,000 $2,500 for the first term and $750 per term for up to two additional terms. 95% said the job performance of WGU graduates was excellent or very good

All of WGU’s College of Business bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a leading specialized accreditation association for business education. ACBSP accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate degree levels worldwide.

The bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791). LEARN MORE Contact an Enrollment The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Counselor at Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 877.214.7014 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive or visit CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure. indiana.wgu.edu/access EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATOR PREPARATION ACCREDITATION

The Torch | 9 Indiana Department of Revenue recognized nationally as ‘Top Workplace’

Employee engagement survey shared DOR Commissioner Bob lands DOR on prestigious Grennes. “Being recognized again, national list for 2021 and now nationally, for what we The Indiana Department of live everyday makes us smile. And Revenue (DOR), a two-time winner we all need smiles during these of the IndyStar Top Workplaces challenging times.” award, has now been recognized DOR is comprised of more than at the national level as a Top 650 dedicated team members Workplace USA for 2021. who skillfully operate all tax This national recognition was administration functions, announced Jan. 28 by Energage™. including processing in excess of $20 billion annually from 65 This prestigious award is based active Indiana tax types. The DOR solely on an anonymous survey team annually serves millions of of DOR employees that measures Hoosiers, businesses, corporations several aspects of employee and stakeholders – helping engagement and workplace all customers accurately and DOR was first recognized as a culture. Eighty-five percent of DOR effectively meet their Indiana tax Top Workplace by the IndyStar employees voluntarily completed obligations. in 2019—making DOR the first the scientific 26-question survey, state agency to ever receive this which included questions in “In a year that introduced employee-driven award in Indiana. areas of organizational culture, challenges that could have In 2020, DOR was awarded the commitment, communication never been anticipated, the DOR distinction again, recognizing and leadership. The results were team doubled down on positive the team’s continued passion for analyzed and benchmarked connection, communication positive engagement, leadership by Energage against similar and engagement activities,” and culture. organizations. Commissioner Grennes added. “While effectively dealing with DOR’s mission, to serve Indiana “This national recognition of our every challenge presented in 2020, by administering tax laws in a fair, team’s passionate commitment to we also increased our engagement. secure and efficient manner, along our work environment, culture and That is pretty special.” with its vision, to be recognized to each other is simply amazing,” as the premier tax administrator in the nation and a great place to work, serves as DOR’s guiding lights – but it is the wonderful work by the DOR team that brings these to life. To see a complete list of the USA’s Top Workplaces, click here. To learn more about DOR, visit the agency’s About Us webpage.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb lauded the Indiana Department of Revenue in a video statement following the agency’s announcement that it had been honored as one of the nation’s top workplaces.“Your dedication and commitment to service continues to positively impact your fellow leaders all across our state,” Gov. Holcomb said. The Torch | 10 Canstruction Competition collects nearly 11,000 canned goods for food pantries The 2021 Canstruction Competition DCS participants collected more saw 19 total entrants get creative than 6,700 total cans. In all, the while collecting canned goods for a final combined can count from all great cause: Hoosier food pantries. teams was 10, 871. Photos of the Canstructions The cans they collected will benefit were being submitted to judges Hoosier food banks throughout the to determine the winner of the state, helping those in need. vaunted “Best Structure” award, but numerous Indiana Department Check back next month for of Child Services teams made an in-depth look at the 2021 competition, and watch your “The Great Outdoors” used 596 cans (and predicting the “Most Cans” a few furry friends) to create their 2021 category a snap. email for an announcement of the Canstruction entry. The team represents winners. Early this month, you’ll the Indiana Department of Natural find a gallery of all entrants on Resources.

the State of Indiana Employees/ This entry from the Indiana Department of Invest in Your Health Facebook Health’s “Crazy Chemists” page as well. is a COVID-19 molecule embellished with the words Thanks to all who participated “IN this together.” The Canstruction took 692 cans in this year’s Canstruction and was created by a team of Competition which, due to the IDOH Labs employees. ongoing battle against COVID-19, took on a special meaning. It was another case of Hoosiers helping Hoosiers during an uncertain time. Bringing home the Beacon State employees honored for to donate a total of 488 units in the end of the video. “Thank you blood drive contributions 2019. In spite of the COVID-19 for sharing your story and your pandemic, 259 units were donated passion with us.” State of Indiana employees were by state employees last year. The next chance for state among those honored recently Donors honored as part of the employees to contribute is Feb. 3 by Versiti Blood Center of Indiana Beacon Club reside in Indiana in the Indiana Government Center. during its donor recognition as well as Illinois, Michigan, and Click here to sign up and learn program, the Beacon Club. Wisconsin. more. One full blood donation can The honor was announced in save up to three lives, according January, which is National Blood to this video posted on Vimeo Donor Month. Since 1970, the in celebration of those who month has been used to “honor contributed significantly in 2019. donors and inspire new ones,” The video highlights students according to Versiti Blood Center. and individuals as well as medical “We are endlessly grateful for our facilities and other employers, Beacon Club donors and hosts, noting the amount of blood and their unwavering dedication donated by each. State of Indiana to saving lives,” reads a slide at employees rolled up their sleeves The Torch | 11 Indiana Destination Development Corporation launches ‘Hoosiers by Choice’ campaign

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the quality of life and show what herself on the hardwood for the Indiana Destination Development makes living in Indiana so special,” Tennessee Volunteers and Indiana Corporation (IDDC) recently Crouch said. “The website will not Fever. After getting drafted by announced the launch of a new only serve as the main hub for our the Fever, Tamika quickly fell in quality of life initiative called Hoosiers by Choice stories, but love with the people and culture Hoosiers by Choice powered by the also as a great resource for people of Indianapolis and Indiana and Indiana Association of Realtors. considering moving to Indiana.” has never looked back. Tamika Catchings is a Hoosier by Choice! The campaign features people who In recent years, the amount of have moved to Indiana and chosen people choosing to call Indiana to make the Hoosier State their home has increased. The 2018 permanent home. The campaign National Movers Study found will run throughout 2021, 51.3 percent of state-to-state showcasing what makes Indiana a moves involving Indiana were great place to live and why people in-bound, with more people from other places have chosen to moving into the state than out. stay. Indiana also consistently serves as the top destination for people leaving Illinois, with Indiana drawing nearly 9 percent of residents departing Illinois in Ayse Mathies 2017, according to information Born in Turkey, Ayse Mathies has taken from the U.S. Census Bureau found her home in Evansville. From American Community Survey. support for minority business owners to the pace of a small “As Hoosiers, we know we have Midwestern city, Ayse feels free to incredible stories to tell, and the be herself in the Hoosier State. Hoosiers by Choice campaign will allow us to be intentional about sharing those stories,” said Elaine Bedel, Secretary and CEO of IDDC. “We are hopeful that the Hoosiers by Choice and its campaign will instill a sense of accompanying website will display pride in current Hoosiers and show authentic Hoosier stories of prospective Hoosiers what makes people living in northern, central, Indiana a great place for anyone to and southern Indiana in the call home.” form of short videos. The videos will explain why these Hoosiers Meet the first Hoosiers by Choice: by Choice chose to move and, ultimately, stay in Indiana. Tamika Catchings

“We are extremely proud to Recently selected for the Naismith launch a campaign that will clearly Basketball Hall of Fame, Tamika demonstrate Indiana’s strong Catchings made a name for (continued on page 13)

The Torch | 12 (continued from page 12 ) Indiana Destination Development Corporation launches ‘Hoosiers by Choice’ campaign Chelsea Boulrisse brought her to the Hoosier State upon graduation from Born and raised in Massachusetts, college, and now she can’t Chelsea Boulrisse had never heard imagine leaving. of Wabash. A job opportunity Neelay Bhatt

Working for Disney in Orlando, Neelay Bhatt decided to apply for a job in Indiana and his friends scoffed, but his grandmother noted that For more information or to submit Indiana sounds a lot like India, your own Hoosiers by Choice video so it must be a special place. He story, visit HoosiersbyChoice.com. made the move to Indianapolis and has fallen in love with life in To follow the campaign via social Indiana. media, check it out on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money ABLE accounts allow individuals Earnings in an with disabilities to save money INvestABLE Indiana without affecting eligibility for account are not assistance programs, such as subject to federal Medicaid or SSI. or an Authorized Individual (such or state income tax if spent on as a parent, guardian or Power of qualified expenses, similar to In 2017 Indiana proudly launched a 529 college savings account. its own ABLE plan, INvestABLE Attorney) can open one on their behalf. There is only one account Contributions are made with post- Indiana. Since its inception, tax dollars. INvestABLE Indiana has provided allowed per person and anyone can contribute to the account. eligible Hoosier account owners The money in an ABLE account the ability to save well beyond The program allows annual has rather flexible usage in that a the $2,000 resource limit, with an contributions of up to $15,000 qualified expense is anything that average account balance of over (individuals who work can can be connected to living with a $7,000. contribute more). Individuals disability and can improve one’s To be eligible for an ABLE account receiving SSI can save up to health, wellness or quality of life. one must have the onset of $100,000 total. For those not Qualified expenses include but are disability or blindness prior to age receiving SSI, they can save in not limited to, housing, education, 26 and be receiving SSI or SSDI. If excess of $100,000. food and other basic living they are not receiving SSI or SSDI expenses. The expense does not INvestABLE Indiana offers a variety have to be a medical necessity and they may still be eligible for an of savings and investment options, account if they have a doctor’s does not have to be for the sole ranging from conservative to more benefit of the beneficiary. To learn diagnosis of significant functional aggressive options. Participants impairment. more about INvestABLE Indiana even have access to a fully FDIC and ABLE accounts visit http:// Either the eligible Individual can insured checking option with a in.savewithable.com. open the account on their own, debit card. The Torch | 13 Pop life Hoosier transplant, BMV trying, and you’d be hard pressed employee is a musician, to find any among them that didn’t podcaster on the side make the effort out of a genuine affinity for sharing with the world When legendary singer/songwriter their contribution to humanity’s Prince died in 2016, he left one common language: music. behind a literal vault’s worth of unreleased recordings that might James, a Carmel resident who’s put the entire catalogs of other worked for the Indiana Bureau of mainstream artists to shame. Motor Vehicles for the last three years, is one such artist, having Enigmatic, esoteric and an shared his talents in multiple unabashed perfectionist, “His Royal bands and solo pursuits from his Badness” reportedly left enough earlier days in his native music behind that he could have to his current projects with two released an album every year or so different Indiana churches. In for the next century. many ways, he’s been around the musical world (though certainly But it was not to be. not in a day), and it’s been quite a The shocking death of Prince journey all along the way. James Ledesma primarily plays bass, but he enjoys multiple genres of music and has Rogers Nelson due to an accidental It’s one that takes a lot of heart— experience with several other instruments. His favorite musician is the late Prince. fentanyl overdose silenced forever and perseverance. one of the most creative and dynamic musical forces of his “The best advice is ‘do it because generation, and those who remain you love it,’” Ledesma said of “As for myself, I have only begun to could only take stock of the loss pursuing music as a hobby or a make any money off of my music and mine the musical remnants career. ”I have known very few or skills in production after nearly – like thieves in the temple—of successful musicians in my time, three decades of sweating it out,” another auteur gone far too soon. and if they didn’t love music then he said. “The move to Indiana in they wouldn’t even bother because 2010 marked the beginning of James Ledesma was one of those the industry is so destructive and a new phase where I was good who mourned the passing of the soul-deadening.” enough to make money here and Purple Rain singer on that gray there, without having to do things April day. James believed his musical free ‘for exposure.’” aspirations had gone as far as they “Prince is hands down my favorite might before moving to Indiana a The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale all-time artist, as well as my biggest decade ago. influence,” said Ledesma, himself a Like his late idol Prince, Ledesma versatile musician. “His death was “Frankly, I didn’t ever think I’d plays multiple instruments a shock and I still can’t believe he make music or do creative things including guitar, drums, and is gone.” ever again when I came out to keyboard. Ledesma also has an Indiana,” he said. “I was married archive of his own compositions Let’s work with a child and my studio was he’s compiled throughout the Making it in the music industry packed up in boxes. It never years, and similar to his all-time is no picnic in the (Paisley) park, crossed my mind that I could favorite artist’s expansive breadth as anyone who ever picked up a expand upon what I’d been doing of work, James prefers to dabble guitar with dreams of performing in L.A.” in multiple musical genres. He also cites David Bowie, The in front of sold-out crowds can But since then, he’s backed up Beatles, Wu-Tang Clan, and Pink attest. It’s a brutal, dog-eat-dog several bands with his skills on Floyd (among several others) as industry that can exact a hefty the bass and, more recently, has physical and mental toll on even influences. started to become known for his (continued on page 15) the most talented—and driven. own work. But that hasn’t stopped many from The Torch | 14 (continued from page 14 ) Pop life That said, James is content with his In spite of his musical resume, Ledesma’s podcast is called MPS work at BMV and isn’t necessarily Ledesma said he remains most (Mixtape Preservation Society/ planning to take on any music gigs known for his work behind the Music Podcast Series) and can full time. scenes as a producer and as a be found on almost all podcast podcaster. platforms. A video version can be “I don’t have any hope for a seen on this YouTube channel. career,” he said. “I am doing this Some of that work dates back to for fun.” his childhood. MPS focuses mostly on Ledesma’s own music these days, delving into But the prospects for collaborating “I was actually more of an aspiring a decades-deep back catalog. and creating are perhaps sunnier recording engineer at first,” James than ever for the former Los recalled. “In my preteens I used “I have a large wealth of music Angeles resident. Whether that’s to play with tape recorders and that I have personally worked on, as a bass player for another band make skits and fake radio stations so I will probably never run out of (“It allows me to get out and play with family and friends. As I got material,” said James. “The trick is without having to spearhead more into music I realized that (1) to find the time to do it.” anything,” he said) or continuing I can get paid to record music, and to find his way in solo pursuits, (2) I can learn to play and record Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic Ledesma is happy with the way myself in the process. By the time James has a 12-year-old son from his musical side projects are I was 16, I started playing guitar his previous marriage, and he’s developing. regularly; but it was years in the helping raise his fiancee’s teenage making, probably dating back as He has plenty of good stuff in the daughter while balancing his work early as 10-years-old.” pipeline, too. for the state with his creative projects. So time is certainly at a “I am working on several things premium these days always,” James said. “Right now, for the 47-year-old. Chromata 4 is an electronic prog- Finding that balance is rock duo consisting of me and a helping James better drummer friend. We have projects enjoy every aspect on Bandlab that will be finished of it all, though, and soon. Also on Bandlab, I started that can only lead to a new collaboration with an old good things down the musician friend named Nick Culp, a road—musically and jazz pianist based out of California. otherwise. It’s called Hippie Funk, and we’ve started to trade back and forth “If I didn’t love being using the Bandlab program. Then creative and working of course, I always work on The with others, I would’ve Magic Christians when I’m not stopped playing/ working on church material or recording years ago,” indulging in projects.” James remarked. The Magic Christians is Ledesma’s Thankfully, he didn’t, primary focus at the moment. He’s and now Ledesma has a paid performer in a Christian reached a point where praise band at Faith Presbyterian his passion projects can Church (located on Hague Rd. in come to fruition in due Indianapolis), and he volunteers his time-- emphasis on time. talents at his own place of worship, BMV employee James Ledesma is a musician, Faith Church. The latter is located podcaster, and writer. He currently performs for two different church bands and is working on a variety of (continued on page 16) on College Ave. in Indianapolis. creative projects. The Torch | 15 (continued from page 15) Pop life “I guess I just have a lot of energy,” leave the job at the office and not if I will pursue publication, seeing James said of how he manages bring it home with me. I like the as it may very well have a life as to keep his busy life in balance. people I work with and they seem a digital book when all is said and “Yesterday (Jan. 27), I did an eight to like me.” done.” hour shift at work then rehearsed with one church group, then drove Prior to working with BMV, James describes the book as to another rehearsal after that, Ledesma worked for seven years at “a post-post-post-modern bildungsroman got home around 8 p.m., and still a major book retailer. It was a bit with intertextual stayed up until almost midnight! more labor intensive than some of hyperlinks that serve as footnotes.” I’ve always been like that. Once his other work, and he joked that It’s told from the point of view of I get motivated, it is hard to stop he didn’t want to stick around the a fictional character named Fabian me.” store with little more to show for it Rourke that utilizes first and third- than a bad back. person perspectives. Having a job he enjoys has proven itself to be a boon to his musical As is the case with his church But music is James’ first creative pursuits as well. The creative band gigs, James’ work at the love, and now that he feels free to process behind his music, his bookstore dovetailed with another commit the time to his craft, he’s podcast, and even his long-in-the- of his creative projects -- a novel finding new opportunities to share making novel is complemented by he’s been writing off and on for it with the world. the last two decades. Like some his work for BMV rather than being Those kind of cars don’t pass you of his music, it’s anything but complicated by it. every day. conventional. “I like helping people with “The lesson there is that their transactions and gaining “During the quarantine last year I decided to start transcribing [the sometimes the more you chase knowledge about the ins and outs after something, the more elusive of motor vehicle laws,” James novel] to an online format,” said Ledesma. “It is about two-thirds it gets,” James said. “The minute said of his BMV career. “I like the you stop chasing, it comes to you.” benefits and the fact that I can of the way finished. I don’t know Story by Brent Brown, INSPD

The Torch | 16