I love my job
July 28 2010 - 10:10:35 AM
You wanna know why I love my job? It’s people like Michael Crowther.
Crowther is a loyal southsider — residing in Greenwood. He’s also the CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo and our feature profile for our upcoming fall issue.
In preparation for this issue, I tagged along on an interview and photo shoot with the South contributor and photographer charged with bringing Crowther’s story to the pages of South.
When we arrived and I met Crowther, we struck out on zoo grounds to take some photos at a specific location. What I didn’t realize I would get that morning was a personal zoo tour by the man that runs it all.
As we started walking, it became immediately clear how and why Crowther is in the leadership position he is. His passion, expertise and shear love for his job radiated from his humble demeanor.
We were originally headed to the new and mighty impressive cheetah display, however we stopped along the way for Crowther to teach us about how rhinos rotate their cone-like ears in varying (and separate) directions so that they can hear in virtually all directions.
We met a bird species that staff fondly refers to as “banana beak.”
When at the cheetah exhibit, Crowther patiently and affectionately explained why the cheetahs we’re running, to an inquisitive 6-year-old zoo guest.
He talked about the important roles zoos have as conservation leaders. He showed us one of his personal favorites, the walrus exhibit.
It is opportunities just like that that remind me of why I do what I do and what I look for each quarter to fill the magazine.
It’s inspirational. It’s humbling.
I’m excited to share Crowther’s story with you in a little over a month when the South fall issue hits stands and doorsteps.
We’ll have plenty more fun, inspirational and informational stories in addition to Crowther, including our long anticipated FOCUS section on Outstanding Educators.
We’re even debuting a few new features, so look for our new trends and events section called This&That and our new Wine, Dine and Find section.
With it just barely August, I’m not giving up those summer days yet, but boy, am I excited for South fall!
- August 1
“Tri Indy - Triathlon”
7:30 a.m., White River State Park - August 5
“Animals and All That Jazz ”
, Indianapolis Zoo - August 5
“Greg Foresman”
5:30 p.m., Downtown Columbus - August 6
“A Fish Called Wanda”
6 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - August 7
“Bean Blossom Gospel Jubilee”
, Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground - August 7
“Clay Day at the Spears Gallery”
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Spears Gallery - August 7
“Jennie DeVoe”
7 and 9 p.m., Mallow Run Winery - August 7
“Rascal Flatts”
8 p.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds - August 8
“Alice in Wonderland Junior”
Times Vary, Buck Creek Players - August 8
“Buckcreek Players presents “Alice in Wonderland Junior"”
, Buck Creek Players - August 8
“Gen Con Indy”
, Indiana Convention Center - August 8
“Janet Hansen Fund Wine Country Road Rally”
, South central parts of Indiana’s wine country - August 12
“Animals and All That Jazz ”
, Indianapolis Zoo - August 12
“Justin Bieber ”
7 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse - August 13
“Stand By Me”
6 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - August 14
“His Girl Friday”
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - August 14
“Drum Corps International World Championships”
, Lucas Oil Stadium - August 14
“Green-Stock Music Festival”
, Valley Branch Retreat and Paintball Valley - August 14
“Eight Days a Week”
7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater - August 14
“Gin Blossoms and The Rembrandts”
6 p.m., Mill Race Park, Columbus - August 15
“Greater Greenwood Community Band”
7 p.m., Surina Square Amphitheatre - August 15
“Devour Downtown”
, Downtown Indianapolis - August 19
“Animals and All That Jazz ”
, Indianapolis Zoo - August 20
“L.A. Confidential”
6 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - August 20
“Sugarland”
, Indiana State Fairgrounds - August 21
“16th annual Car Show and Swap Meet”
9 a.m., Johnson County Park - August 21
“WAMM Fest 2010”
, Craig Park - Greenwood - August 22
“Indiana State Fair”
, Indiana State Fairgrounds - August 27
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
6 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - August 27
“The Woomblies”
5 p.m., Downtown Franklin - August 28
“Oklahoma”
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - August 28
“Bean Blossom Blues, Brews & BBQ”
, Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground - August 28
“Guys That Rock ”
7 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater - August 28
“Columbus ArtFest”
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Columbus - September 2
“The Tides”
5:30 p.m., Downtown Columbus - September 6
“15th Rib America Festival”
, Military Park - September 11
“Gone With The Wind”
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - September 11
“Eighth annual Bean Blossom BikerFest”
, Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground - September 11
“Penrod ”
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - September 12
“Greater Greenwood Community Band”
7 p.m., Surina Square Amphitheatre - September 12
“Rock Stars, Cars, & Guitars”
, Indianapolis Children's Museum - September 12
“25th annual Heartnut Heritage Festival”
, Johnson County Park - September 12
“2010 Quest for the West exhibition”
, Eiteljorg Museum - September 12
“38th annual Cider Run Custom Car Show”
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brown County State Park - September 12
“Columbus’ annual Scottish Festival ”
, Bartholomew County Fairgrounds - September 18
“22nd annual Hope Ride”
, Hope, Ind. - September 18
“Hot Rods & Rock ‘n’ Roll”
, Downtown Columbus - September 19
“15th annual Indy Irish Fest”
, Military Park - September 25
“Inaugural Mallow Run Run”
4 p.m., Mallow Run Winery - September 26
“B-Movie Celebration”
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - September 26
“43rd annual Hope Heritage Days”
, Hope, Ind. - October 2
“2010 Greenways of Greenwood 5K”
9 a.m., Downtown Greenwood - October 3
“Brown County Hills Challenge Bike Ride”
, Brown County State Park - October 10
“Indiana Junior Rodeo”
, Hoosier Horse Park - October 15
“5K walk/run and 1-mile family fun walk”
5 p.m., Franklin Cultural Arts and Recreation Center - October 15
“Pumpkins in the Park”
5 p.m., Franklin Cultural Arts and Recreation Center - October 16
“Greater Greenwood Community Band ”
7 p.m., Greenwood H.S. Auditorium - October 17
“Indy Wine Trail Wineries - Chili & Wine”
, Indy Wine Trail - December 11
“Greater Greenwood Community Band ”
7 p.m., Greenwood H.S. Auditorium