The shootings that occurred in Broad Ripple at 2:30am on July 5th were many things to many people. Scary, disturbing, angering and sad to name just a few. When something tragic like this happens in one's neighborhood it can invoke many emotions and reactions which of course are totally understandable since everyone deals with trying situations differently. For example, these crimes, and the handful of others in recent history in Broad Ripple, may cause someone to want to avoid the area due to the inherent possible danger. And, again, understandable but unfortunate. . . and I would like to explain why I would urge you to take a different approach.

As I learned of these crimes of course I was deeply saddened, but probably more so, (although this word is a noun I think you will get it), I felt retaliation. You see, I, as many others have considered Broad Ripple my "home" for virtually my entire life. I hung out here and goofed off through high school (yep, I was one of those kids). And this is the neighborhood where I began my career as an entrepreneur having had all three locations in this unique and characteristic town. I thank this community for supporting my and hundreds of other endeavors by patronizing small and local business. Frankly, it is because of the residents of Broad Ripple and Meridian Kessler that I am not working at a Big Box Corporate Gym.

So, when I heard of this stupid and ignorant act, what does it make me want to do? Not hide away from the area and run up north or wherever else; it makes me want to support Broad Ripple like crazy, even more than before. Leaving the area sends a message to the criminals trying to "take over" our neighborhood: THEY WIN. They act like fools and yet, they move on into the town that we have worked so hard to build up with charm and vitality as we run in the other direction. If people turn away, it would ultimately lead to businesses closing, vacant properties, more crime, etc. Supporting businesses, using the Monon trail, visiting the parks, going to festivals, farmers market, the Art Center, dining at the restaurants, etc. sends a very different message to the offenders: This is our town, we have perseverance and tenacity and how dare you try to ruin it.

As, many of you know this is not the first time something in this arena this has happened to me. In 2013, I ran the Boston Marathon and was past the finish line when I witnessed the bombs detonate. It was a very traumatic experience, and I suffered from PTSD for about 6 months after. BUT, I was hell bent on returning this year to run again. Many people thought I was crazy, but many also thought I was spot on. I had to go back and it was an amazing experience and very healing for me. Of course I had some fear. . . but if I didn't return, I would have let Boston, a city I completely adore, down. And the bombers would have defeated me.

So I urge you, don't turn your back on Broad Ripple, people. Give it the love and support it deserves as Indianapolis' "midtown" playground. The police and the BRVA are working diligently to increase the safety of the patrons, and honestly I disagree with those that say there isn't a police presence. I have always seen them everywhere! Is life dangerous? Well, yes, every time you get in your car or even step into the shower there is always some level of danger. Of course I am not saying that boozing in Broad Ripple at 2:30am on a Saturday night is the ideal safe situation. However, it is not just the responsibility of law enforcement to keep out the "bad guys", it is the people and the culture of a unified urban area to stand together and rise above it.

**Side note: I wrote this article on July 15th. It is now July 18th and I arrived home from dinner in Ripple and it was packed everywhere!! Love it. . . .keep it coming 😄