IndyBar Record Spring 2026

SECOND CHANCES, SOFT LANDINGS

IndyBar members Rob Shive and Megan Lewis , both of Emswiller Williams Noland & Clarke LLC, have always been pet people. In 2020, they felt called to take that love a step further by adopting senior dogs, those often overlooked in shelters. Their first adoption was an elderly beagle named Chase, who was given only about a month to live and showed clear signs of depression. Renamed Ernie, and sometimes affectionately called “Little Old Man,” he quickly found joy in simple comforts, especially roaming their fenced-in yard. With Rob and Megan’s care, Ernie lived nearly a full year, often sleeping with what they described as a smile on his face.

ON AND OFF THE FIELD

IndyBar member attorney Eric Schmadeke , Densborn Blachly LLP, has found a meaningful way to stay involved in his son’s life while giving back to the community: as a coach for the HSE/Fishers Mudsock rugby program. Eric began coaching when his son Jack was in fifth grade. What started as a way to support his child’s interests has grown into a lasting commitment to the team. Now, with Jack a freshman, Eric remains a steady presence on the sidelines, helping guide young athletes both on and off the field. That dedication has paid off. The team captured a state championship in 2024 and returned to the finals again in 2025. While they fell just short of a repeat title, the goal remains the same: get back and win. It’s not just about the competition for Eric; it’s about mentorship, teamwork, and investing in the next generation.

Since then, their home has welcomed a rotating cast of senior companions, including a blind puggle named George Cranberry, a Chihuahua named Pepsi, and a Dachshund Chihuahua mix named Prince. “What we’ve found is that these old guys are the sweetest creatures, just looking for some love,” Rob said.

While Megan has taken on the work of keeping their home running smoothly amid the constant arrivals and departures, the couple has fully embraced the rhythm of life with their menagerie. For Rob and Megan, opening up their home to senior dogs, and giving them a comfortable, loving place to spend their years, has become a deeply meaningful part of how they live.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT ROW

IndyBar member attorney Melanie Reichert of Broyles Kight & Ricafort PC has built a strong presence in the local fitness community as an instructor. She began teaching at the Benjamin Harrison YMCA in 2019 and continued at the Fishers YMCA when it reopened in 2020. Since then, Melanie has consistently taught three to five classes each week and expanded to the Fishers Community Center in 2025. She is certified in multiple Les Mills formats, including BodyPump, BodyBalance, RPM, Sprint, and yoga, and she is also a Level 1 Spinning instructor. Her schedule includes a 45-minute faith-based cycling class, “Worship on Wheels,” each Tuesday evening. For Melanie, teaching provides an opportunity to build community while helping others recharge both physically and mentally.