A Quick Note from Me
We kicked off May with a bang last week as Krystal had the Grand Opening of her pottery storefront! It’s called Hepatica Pottery Collective and it’s located in Garfield Park. It’s been fun to watch how Krystal has gone from hobbyist to a successful ceramicist over the course of just a couple of years and it was fun to be able to see this vision come together last week.
In other news, this month I have the opportunity to celebrate Krystal’s birthday, the wedding of my youngest sister, and Mother’s Day. I’ll also be catching the Indy 500 again this year to round out the month of May.
I’m really looking forward to spending more time outside, so the newest addition to my backyard needs to be a grill! If anyone has any suggestions for which one to get, please send it my way!
Local Events by City of Shay
Things to Do This Month
Indiana Peony Festival (5/16 from 10 AM-4 PM)
The peony is Indiana’s state flower and you can be sure we like to go all out on celebrating spring by highlighting this gorgeous flower. The Indiana Peony Festival, located at the Historic Seminary Park in Noblesville, features artists, florists and delicious food and beverage that highlight these blooms in the prettiest way. This event is free and open to the public but be sure to arrive early as it gets extremely busy.
70th Annual 500 Festival Parade (5/23, starting at 11:45 AM)
The month of May is truly something to celebrate when you live in Indianapolis! Kick off the Indy 500 weekend with the 500 Festival Parade - all throughout the streets of downtown, local businesses and organizations will drive by in checkered flag style, plus the IndyCar drivers will make their appearances so you can cheer on your favorite before seeing them dominate the Speedway on Sunday.
CAMi - Now Open
Tucked into the heart of the Garfield Park neighborhood is Indy’s newest destination for contemporary art. CAMi will be opening as not just an art space but a spot where community can thrive. Check out Hepatica Pottery Collective here at the next First Friday at the former Tube Factory artspace location and experience the public greenspace, art park and chat with the artists in residence.
Movie Night @ White River State Park
Summer and the movies just go together. So what’s better than checking out The Incredibles this month on May 21st. Gates open at 6:30 with the movie starting at 7:30. Tickets are just $5 for a single ticket or you can bring there whole family for $20. Enjoy a classic with the Indy Skyline as the backdrop!
Home Owner Tip
Before you start buying a bunch of outdoor furniture or planning a full backyard makeover, pick one spot you want to use for hosting this summer.
Maybe it’s a patio, deck, front porch, fire pit area, or even just a small corner of the yard. This week, focus on making that one area feel clean, comfortable, and usable.
Start simple: clear out debris, power wash if needed, pull weeds, add a few chairs, set up a small table, and think through lighting. String lights, lanterns, or even a few solar lights can make a huge difference. You don’t need the perfect backyard to host people.
You just need one space that feels inviting enough for someone to sit down and stay awhile.
Our most recent Street Sweep had us in the rain again, but this time in Garfield Park. When we see the amount of trash in these neighborhoods it can be overwhelming. What stuck out to me is that our small team at Roots isn’t big enough to have the impact our city needs, we need more help!
I ask you to please consider doing us. And if not this time, on 07/07/2026 we are gathering 777 volunteers in one big citywide cleaning initiative.
Market Minute
Use Seller Credits to Lower Your Payment Now — Don’t Just Wait on Rates
A lot of buyers are stuck waiting for rates to come down, but what many don’t realize is you can control your payment today by negotiating seller credits. With more inventory on the market, sellers are more open to covering closing costs or helping buy down your rate, which can significantly reduce your monthly payment right now instead of hoping rates improve later.
If you’re buying, ask your lender to show you how much seller credit it takes to lower your rate and payment. Also ask about temporary buydowns versus permanent buydowns so you understand both short term and long term savings. The opportunity right now isn’t just finding a home, it’s structuring the mortgage in a way that puts you in a stronger financial position from day one.
Next Step
Planning to Buy a Home, but Don’t Know Where to Start?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, but aren’t sure what the first move should be, don’t guess. The Home Buyer Readiness Quiz at the bottom of this email will help you understand where you stand.
Whether you’re ready now or just starting to think ahead, you’ll walk away with a clearer game plan and fewer unknowns.
Biblical Wisdom
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17
Until next month,
Plant Roots. Build Community.