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Friday, May 9, 2025AfiSectionindianapolisrecorder.comBy HANNA RAUWORTHhannar@indyrecorder.comMarlon Llewellyn, owner of Scotchy Jamaican Grill, is on a mission to bring the authentic flavors of Jamaica to Central Indiana while raising awareness about mental health. Through a newly formed partnership with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Llewellyn hopes to break stigmas surrounding mental illness and developmental disabilities %u2014 one scoop at a time.The collaboration began in an unexpected yet fortuitous way. Llewellyn spoke with Vida Hillier, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream%u2019s catering manager, during church one day, hoping to find an ice cream vendor for some of their Jamaican flavors.%u201cWe struck up a great conversation about Scotchy, and she shared with me the vision and purpose of Howdy,%u201d Llewellyn said. %u201cFrom that moment and further discussion, a divine partnership was created between two faith-filled organizations founded to serve others and bring awareness to important causes.%u201dHowdy Homemade Ice Cream%u2019s purpose is to create jobs and career opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, a mission that aligns seamlessly with Scotchy Jamaican Grill%u2019s commitment to inclusivity and mental health awareness. %u201cHowdy%u2019s is a partner that aligns with Scotchy%u2019s vision to bring awareness to mental health and help break the stigma while serving authentic Jamaican cuisine and honoring my mother%u2019s legacy of food and family,%u201d Llewellyn said.The partnership has already made a significant impact. Kicking off the initiative, LEL Home Services donated $2,500 to NAMI on behalf of Scotchy Jamaican Grill and Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. Llewellyn expressed deep gratitude for the support.%u201cThe $2,500 donation from LEL Home Services is a significant contribution that will help kick-start the Catch Ah Vibe with Scoops and Smiles initiative. This generous support will allow us to educate, benefiting the community and our mission to raise awareness about mental health and developmental disabilities,%u201d he said.The Scotchy Jamaican Grill Ice Cream line, exclusively crafted by Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, will feature Rum Raisin and Grape Nut flavors. These nostalgic flavors hold personal significance for Llewellyn. %u201cThe Scotchy Jamaican Grill Ice Cream line represents the joy and nostalgia of summer memories growing up with my family in May Pen, Jamaica,%u201d Llewellyn said. %u201cMany of my fondest childhood memories revolved around these flavors. Rum Raisin and Grape Nut were our go-to flavors.%u201dA portion of sales from the ice cream line will be donated to NAMI, supporting mental health initiatives and education. Llewellyn hopes the collaboration will inspire the community to join the effort. %u201cThis collaboration%u2019s most important message to the community is that we are better together than apart,%u201d he emphasized. %u201cWe must work together to break the stigma of mental illness and help support children and adults with developmental disabilities to experience a life of significance, no matter their diagnosis or disability.%u201dCentral Indiana residents can support this initiative by visiting Scotchy Jamaican Grill and Howdy Homemade Ice Cream locations to experience the new ice cream flavors. Additionally, the community is invited to events like the Community Celebration on June 7, featuring food, ice cream, games and giveaways.Reflecting on the partnership%u2019s potential, Llewellyn is filled with hope and gratitude.%u201cWhen I began Scotchy Jamaican Grill in June 2024, I could not have imagined how God would take my act of obedience and transform it into a cause and mission that helps break the stigma of mental illness,%u201d Llewellyn said. %u201cGod always has the final say and will use a dark situation to create hope and bring light to the world while demonstrating His omnipresent power and presence in all things.%u201dTo stay up to date with Scotchy and their projects, follow them on Instagram at @scotchy_jamaican_grill.Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.SCOOPS OF HOPEScotchy Jamaican Grill and Howdy Homemade team up for a sweet missionMarlon (right) and Bryce Llewellyn have collaborated to formulate the Scotchy Jamaican Grill concept. (Photo/Marlon Llewellyn)The Importance of Safe Drinking WaterEveryone relies on safe drinking water, and it%u2019s important to know how this water gets to a home or business. Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, is a great time to learn more about the source of local drinking water and what makes it safe to use. Many federal, state and local organizations work with communities to protect source water, such as lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Protecting water sources is an ongoing challenge. Stopping sewage from seeping into drinking water sources by repairing broken septic systems and maintaining sewer systems can greatly reduce germs in source water. Over the last 100 years, many improvements in the health, success, and lifespan of the U.S. population can be linked to improvements in water quality. Providing safe drinking water was one of the most important public health achievements of the 20th century.%u00a0Water treatment methods used to reduce germs or chemicals that cause illness have helped ensure access to healthy and safe water across for millions of people across the U.S. Government regulations have helped reduce pollution of the water sources that supply our drinking water systems. However, treating the water before it reaches our tap to kill or remove harmful germs or chemicals is still critical to making sure the water is safe to drink. Drinking water can become contaminated:%u2022 In the original water source, such as a river or reservoir. %u2022 In storage tanks.%u2022 In drinking water distribution systems %u2013 pipes that carry water to homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates drinking water quality in public water systems. Every public water system is required to provide its customers with an annual%u00a0consumer confidence report, which provides information on local drinking water quality. Treating water to remove or kill disease-causing chemicals and germs is critical to protect the health of people, animals, and the environment. EPA regulations do not apply to%u00a0privately owned wells, although some states do regulate private wells. As a result, the 43 million Americans who get their water from private wells are responsible for ensuring that their tap water is safe from%u00a0contaminants. Residents whose homes are served by a well should take steps to protect it and have the water tested%u00a0at least once a year to make sure the water is safe from harmful germs and chemicals. The Marion County Public Health Department regulates the construction of private wells and well pumps through state and local ordinances. Contractors must obtain permits for new well construction, and pump repair or replacement, and must follow appropriate procedures to abandon wells no longer in service. Environmental Health Specialists from the health department oversee the permit process, educate homeowners on private well maintenance and conduct well water sampling at no cost to well owners. Staff also conduct neighborhood surveys to assess the groundwater quality throughout the county. More information about free water testing for Marion County residents with a private well is available by calling (317) 221-2147 or online at MarionHealth.org/private-well-program/.FREEDiabetesEDUCATION CLASSESJUNE 2025Martindale-Brightwood Library2434 N. Sherman Dr., 46218Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, 245:30 - 7:30 p.m.Please plan to attend all four classes.marionhealth.org/diabetes %u2022 317-221-2094