SOUTH Winter 2023

Serving the community

Kim Kasting, new president and CEO of Johnson County Community Foundation

TASTE Peppermint Treats / HEAlTH & FiTnESS Pickleball / TRAVEl Pigeon Forge

More expertise per patient.

That’s worth celebrating.

At Johnson Memorial Health, we believe every patient deserves the best care possible.

That’s why we’re proud to be celebrating one year as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. It’s a collaboration that allows us to amplify our own expertise with the knowledge, experience and resources of Mayo Clinic. Which means you get exceptional care, close to home, at no additional cost. And we think giving our patients that peace of mind is definitely worth celebrating.

JohnsonMemorial.org

Welcome,

For me, there’s nothing more relaxing than an early morning cup of coffee and a peaceful sunrise. I need that quiet time. It reenergizes me and helps me put things in perspective.

Speaking of perspective, it’s funny how mine has changed over the years; and because of that, my priorities have, as well. I guess age has a tendency to affect most of us that way.

What are your day-to-day priorities? What is it that truly energizes you?

If it’s community service, I know you will enjoy learning about Johnson County Community Foundation President Kim Kasting, as well as Carol Phipps, executive director of the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County in this issue of SOUTH.

If traveling recharges your batteries, be sure to check out our tips for wintertime visits to Oldenburg, Indiana, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. For those who get an extra boost from health and physical fitnessrelated pursuits, you’ll love our article on pickleball.

No matter your passion, I encourage you to pursue it. In fact, I think I’ll go pour myself another cup of coffee. Cheers … and Happy Holidays!

Greg

COPy

Michael

COnTRibuTing

Greg Seiter

Amanda Stevenson-Holmes

Glenda Winders

SE

Keely Spitler

COnTRibuTing

Angela Jackson

Dasee Johnson

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A New Taste in Town

Haberdasher Artisan Distillery is open for business

All it takes to open a distillery is a passion for cocktails and a dream to make spirits. Okay, there is a little more to it than that, but Brooks Bemis successfully converted an idea into reality when he and his wife, lauren, officially opened Haberdasher Artisan Distillery in Franklin Oct. 21.

The Haberdasher Distillery, located inside Franklin’s historic Garment Factory Events building, represents Johnson County’s first distillery since the Civil War era.

What is a “Haberdasher?”

Traditionally, the word haberdasher is used in reference to the seller of men’s fine clothing. However, during the time of Prohibition, it described those who were quietly selling liquor under the guise of clothing outfitters.

Technically, Haberdasher was established in the summer of 2017 and less than one year later, began distillation of its pot-distilled bourbon whiskey.

Today, Bemis, who serves as both founder and distiller, continues to work toward growing an already impressive line of whiskeys and gin. The facility’s barrel gin is traditional but aged in charred oak barrels, while its bourbon whiskey is aged in port wine barrels.

Hop Factory is a two-year aged whiskey distilled from Superfly Indian Pale Ale (IPA) and found at the Oaken Barrel Brewery in Greenwood. Haberdasher’s light whiskey is made in the spirit of traditional Irish whiskeys, while its original gin is an old-style gin distilled in a traditional

pot-still, infused with an array of botanicals. One other option — Spirit of Kwonjon — is a unique spirit distilled from an IPA beer and infused with botanicals.

The Haberdasher tasting room is also available for customized events. More information can be found at HaberdasherDistillery.com

Masterful leadership

Little did Gail Richards know when she attended the first Johnson County Community Foundation Starlight Express Gala in 1994 that she would eventually serve as the Foundation’s president and CEO for nearly 15 years.

When the position became available in 2009, Gail was a perfect fit for the job. Not only did Gail have more than 20 years of nonprofit management and community leadership experience at that time, Gail had already served as a Foundation board member and committee member.

Gail took the helm in economically troubled times. The Foundation’s endowment had been hard hit by the recession and had dropped below $11 million, but a new dawn had come to the Foundation. Under her leadership the endowment grew to more than $40 million. Gail led the Foundation masterfully.

Gail also furthered the Foundation as the philanthropic leader in our community. She grew staff capacity, increased grantmaking, and provided leadership on key community issues, truly connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Gail retired as president and CEO of the Foundation in July and will remain on staff as director of special projects through January 2024.

“Gail has dedicated her life to community service, and we are all better for it,” said new President & CEO Kim Kasting.

On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Foundation, thank you, Gail. You are a treasure!

1. Gail painted the Greenwood Color the County Mural in 2016.

2. Mark and Gail Richards attended the first Starlight Express Gala in 1994.

3. Gail’s first official staff photo in 2009.

4. Gail and Board Chair Bob Heuchan presented a $30,000 surprise grant to Girls Inc. at the 30th Anniversary Throwback Prom Night in 2022.

5. Gail and granddaughter Madilyn, with whom Gail eagerly anticipates spending much time with in retirement.

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“Alone in the Light”

by benjamin W. bass

Josh Carpenter hoped that going back to college would bring him peace, but the fact is, he’s been drinking more than ever to sleep and forget.

After serving in Iraq as a member of the National Guard and losing a leg, as well as a friend, Josh has been plagued with feelings of anger and loss. It’s hard to move forward when you’re stuck in the past, and it’s hard to function without booze when you’re constantly reliving your darkest moments.

Mary Fischer is hoping for a fresh start, and she’s ready to begin studies at Indiana University. Inspired by her military friend and the love of her life, Josh, she has decided to pursue an art degree and escape the challenges of living with her overbearing mother.

Neither Mary nor Josh have seen each other since they served overseas. Are they destined to meet back up at IU and if so, will the reunion be joyous or painful?

“Alone in the light” is told from the alternating perspectives of Josh and Mary and jumps back and forth from their time in Iraq to their time on campus at IU. A harrowing look at PTSD, death, traumatic injuries, alcoholism and veteran suicide is offset with hope, self-love and forgiveness. It is a powerful novel written by a Hoosier veteran.

— Reviewed by Erin Cataldi, JCPL Clark Pleasant Branchadult and teen librarian

“The Vaster Wilds”

by lauren groff

An unnamed woman escapes from a colonial settlement and into the woods of the New World. In her desperation, she takes nothing but the clothes on her back, a few possessions and minimal knowledge of how to survive in an uncharted land. This new land will test her imagination as she faces things that make her question what civilization has taught her.

Groff’s (Matrix) newest novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, its quest for survival and the risks we are willing to take when faced with danger. readers will get lost in the prose as Groff takes great care to make the world vivid, both in beauty and danger. Poetic, philosophical and beautiful, the woman’s quest is not just to find a safe place in a new, unknown land, but to find a safe place within herself.

— Reviewed by Elyssa Everling, JCPL Trafalgar Branch Library adult librarian,

“The Little Italian Hotel”

by Phaedra Patrick

This feel-good story finds Ginny Splinter, a radio host who gives counseling and love advice to her listeners, learning that she could use advice for her own love life.

After scheduling an Italian vacation with her husband, Ginny finds out that he wants to separate. Not being able to get a refund on her vacation, Ginny downgrades and told she can take four more guests with her. She invites four listeners to come along and work through their heartbreak.

The characters all go the vacation as part of a group therapy session, and they all behave in a manner that would be expected of a group of strangers. No one is immediately forthcoming. They all have their own way of dealing with things but still manage to keep an open mind with the understanding that what might help someone else could also be beneficial to them.

The ending is also refreshingly unique. I liked how the book shows people working through their problems while coming to the realization that things don’t always work out as planned. This book doesn’t shy away from the fact that sometimes, endings can’t simply conclude with “happily ever after.”

— Reviewed by Charissa Senteney, JCPL Franklin Branch adult and teen services librarian,

“The Seven Year Slip”

by Ashley Poston

Clementine West is a workaholic book publicist at one of the most reputable publishing companies in New york City. And she’s about to get a well-deserved promotion for all the overtime hours she puts into promoting authors and their works. But work doesn’t bring her joy — it brings her distraction. Distraction from the sudden, unexpected loss of her aunt and travel companion, Analea. By living a practical, routine, purposeful life, Clementine starts to forget the silly philosophies her aunt lived by, like chasing the moon and living wild and the ridiculous notion that her aunt’s apartment is magical.

So when Clementine moves into her aunt’s apartment, she seeks healing in being near Analea’s belongings. But what she finds instead is a strange man in her kitchen, a man with a southern drawl and exceptional cooking skills. A man who starts to help her see beyond her grief and into the possibilities of living a happy life. A man who is off limits … because he is seven years in the past. No, Analea wasn’t lying when she said her place was magical. It offers time travel possibilities that could make Clementine’s past and present collide unexpectedly and give her hope beyond her grief.

A slightly spicy rom-com with magical realism, it is also a heartwarming journey through grief.

—Reviewed by Julia

Reynolds,

Greenwood Public Library community relations specialist,

“Silver Lady”

by Mary Jo Putney

Mary Jo Putney’s newest book “Silver lady” is the first in the “Dangerous Gifts” series. “Silver lady” combines historical romance and magical realism in a story set in the early 1800s in Cornwall.

Bran and his chosen brother, Cade, are fostered and adopted into the Tremayne family after their birth families abandoned them for being “gifted.” Bran and Cade are both able to sense things others can’t, such as when a person is lying, or when they should make a detour from their planned route.

When Bran gets called to his birth family’s estate, he has no desire to go but feels himself being pulled in that direction. This leads him to save a damsel in distress, meet a mother he barely remembers and a sister he never knew. He, along with his siblings and silver lady, must use their gifts to figure out what catastrophe is heading toward the Cornish coast and how they can stop it.

The book is based in part on actual events around Plymouth Dock, a naval complex pivotal in protecting Britain from French invasion.

Once again, Putney has combined real life with fantasy to provide an exciting story that is sure to be a hit with fans of regency romance, historical fiction and magical realism.

— Reviewed by Donna Ciriello, Greenwood Public Library head of adult services

“You, Again”

by Kate goldbeck

In a millennial ode to “When Harry Met Sally,” struggling comedian Ari and floundering chef Josh stumble into each other’s lives by being involved with the same woman.

Throughout the next 10 years or so, Ari and Josh continues to randomly run into each other, bickering, jabbing and even throwing drinks in their faces each time. That is, until they hit rock bottom and find comfort in each other’s misery.

Ari is a classic commitmentphobe, and Josh, while the definitive grumpy to Ari’s sunshine, deeply believes in true love and is desperate to find the woman he can make breakfast for every morning. Through long-distance relationship woes, a failed marriage, the shadow of a revered father and finding yourself in your 20s, the two become one another’s flotation device as their failures threaten to drown them.

While Ari and Josh are incredibly unlikeable people when the novel starts, the quick, snappy writing creates chemistry that makes the book a joy to read. With the Gilmore Girls-esque, 90s rom-com rhythm, and the expertly crafted enemies-tofriends-to-lovers intrigue, romance readers are sure to eat up Ari and Josh’s antics.

— Reviewed by Abigail Barrett, Greenwood Public Library adult services librarian

Jake Sappenfield

by gRE g S E iTER // P HOTO g RAPH y by CHR i STin

Early in his banking career, Franklin native Jake Sappenfield, who now serves as senior vice president, commercial market president – Indianapolis First National Bank, is told that community involvement was an essential part of networking and making connections. It was even suggested for him to get involved with the Johnson County Good Cheer Fund.

“That was a pivotal moment for me, as I was 23 years old and had only focused on myself,” Sappenfield said.

His involvement with the Good Cheer Fund was lifechanging. So much so, in fact, that Sappenfield learned to look past the potential for personal gain through business relationships and realized the joy in helping others.

“Good Cheer is a passion for me,” said Sappenfield, who has three daughters with his wife, Elizabeth. “When you’re hungry, you really can’t focus on anything else. I like the idea that we can take that stress away from people for a short period of time.”

What is the g ood Cheer Fund?

It is a Johnson County-based organization that provides Johnson County families with food during the Christmas season. This year, we will deliver 900 food baskets to 900 families. Each basket will have 25 to 30 canned goods and more than 25 perishable/non-perishable food items, such as ham, eggs, milk, rice, brownie mix and cookies.

There are multiple groups within the county that assist with the process, including Johnson County REMC, the Daily Journal and the Franklin Rotary Club. Other groups like Leadership Johnson County also help behind the scenes. In addition, we have more than 200 volunteers who pick up the canned goods, sort them and deliver the baskets to the homes of those in need.

How and when was the g ood Cheer Fund started?

It originated in 1921 by a group of volunteers who wanted to help others. Local churches and service clubs, such as Rotary, wanted to help families during the holidays. The goal was to provide families with a Christmas day meal. That has expanded into several meals over the years.

What is your role with the organization?

I have been chairperson since 2009. I spend most of my time coordinating with volunteers and working with applicants to ensure they will have an opportunity to receive a food basket.

What does the g ood Cheer Fund mean to this community?

For those receiving a basket, I hope it gives them temporary relief. Life is challenging and keeps

getting more challenging. I hope we can help them during this special time of the year and put a smile on their face. For the volunteers, it’s a symbol of the Christmas season, and it’s a reminder that we live in a community that helps its neighbors.

What can others to do help and get involved?

Donations can be made through the Daily Journal or by sending a check directly to the Good Cheer Fund at P.O. Box 237, Franklin, IN 46131. You can also contact me through the Good Cheer Facebook page to volunteer for a sorting day, and you can even fill out an application for someone who may need help through the Good Cheer Fund and send that information to our P.O. Box.

Good Cheer Fund volunteers prepare food baskets for delivery.

peppermint SEASON FO r ’

Traditional holiday flavor is not just a delicious treat

by gRE g S E iTER // P HOTO g RAPH y by lARA HunT

For many holiday traditionalists, the flavor of the season is peppermint … and why not? Its distinct flavor incorporates itself with favorite holiday foods and beverages.

From candy canes (traditionally but not always flavored with peppermint), ice cream, cookies and cheesecake to pastries, tea, coffee and hard candy, peppermint flakes, chunks and syrup can be found in holiday treats and beverages toward the end of each year.

More than just another pretty taste

Recognized as a hybrid species of mint, peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint. No matter the time of year, it is commonly found in toothpaste, chewing gum, jellies and sauces.

Tummy trouble tamer

Peppermint is believed to potentially ease digestive issues. It’s also frequently used as a home remedy for tension-headache relief and to freshen breath.

b ug-be-gone

Because of its menthol properties, peppermint is often used to repel pests including mosquitoes, ants, spiders, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, beetles, moths, gnats and even rodents.

Seasonal spirit

Peppermint chocolate brownies are undoubtedly a popular seasonal choice for guests at Franklin’s Main & Madison Market Café.

Photo by jake duke

Festive

F l AVO r

Get in the holiday spirit with a minty bite

Easy Peppermint Crunch Bark

1 pound white chocolate

1 cup peppermint crunch (or crunched peppermint)

Melt the white chocolate for one minute in a microwave or double boiler. Stir in peppermint crunch. Spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place in the freezer until cool. Break the cooled peppermint crunch back into pieces.

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ADAM PRICE, DO MICHAEL ROESLER, DO

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CHRISTOPHER STONER, NP FAMILY MEDICINE

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VICTORIA OTHERSEN, DO JENNAH TENNELL, NP

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A game for everyone

Pickleball brings families, players and community together

EEven people who claim to have little athletic ability have probably heard of pickleball, which is considered by many to be one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S.

by A MA ndA S TEVE n SO n-H O lMES //

P HOTO g RAPH y by TO ny VASQ u E z

Developed in 1965, pickleball is believed to have originated as a game in a Washington state backyard and created by a group of families who were bored with other activities. However, almost 60 years later, the game is far from boring.

“A friend introduced me to pickleball, and I played once or twice and didn’t really think much about it,” said Lindsay Ems, associate professor of organizational communication and leadership at Butler University and Pickled Paddler founder. “Then, the pandemic hit, and we started to play a lot because it was something we could do safely.”

Jade Kawamoto

Photos Provided By Maggie M Photos

Pickleball explained

“Pickleball is a thinking sport, so it’s much like chess, except it’s active and social. There’s a lot of strategy to the game, which makes it fun to learn.”

— Lindsay Ems

A cross between tennis and ping pong, pickleball is played in doubles format — two players pitted against two other players, on a space about half the size of a tennis court. Each competitor uses a paddle to serve and to hit a ball, like a wiffle ball, across a net. The paddles are larger than ping pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. The ball travels slower than on a tennis court and the paddles are much lighter, making the sport more accessible for people who have physical limitations.

“The ping pong players often have an easier transition because it’s almost the same sport. It’s just that you’re standing on the table,” Ems said.

People who play the sport believe it provides them physical, mental and emotional health benefits.

“Pickleball is a thinking sport, so it’s much like chess, except it’s active and social. There’s a lot of strategy to the game, which makes it fun to learn. You never stop

learning, advancing and trying to improve,” said Ems, whose father picked up the game to meet people in his new community and lost 30 pounds in the process.

A game for everyone

Pickleball may also help build community relations.

“The best part of pickleball is its social aspect. It’s a party. You play. You’re active. You’re engaging with others. Whereas with tennis, you’re so far away from the other person or players, you can’t really talk to them,” Ems said. “During pickleball games, you learn what’s going on in people’s lives. It’s a community builder. It’s accessible for parents, grandparents and children.”

Ems incorporated her passion for pickleball into the communication and social responsibility course she teaches at Butler. In the course, students work with organizations that facilitate recreation, specifically in underserved communities.

Jade, left, and Jackie Kawamoto compete in a pickleball match.

Through the class, students learn how to help improve the accessibility of equitable recreation and expand their understanding of inequality in sport, recreation and leisure, and use communication to improve the health and well-being of communities.

“We have to keep the spirit of accessibility that pickleball originated from as we continue to grow the sport and as we invest more community resources, especially into public leisure infrastructure,” Ems said.

local pros among us

Jackie and Jade Kawamoto agree that accessibility is key to growing the sport. The sisters are local, pro pickleball players who originally excelled at tennis. In 2004, they moved from Hawaii to Greenwood with their parents, Don and Cindy, and siblings, Lisa and Dane. The two were all-state tennis players for Greenwood Community High School and played together in college at the University of Dayton.

“Our dad started playing and quickly brought us along,” Jackie said.

“What hooked us was that we could play with anybody, so we could play with our parents, or people younger than us or older than us. It didn’t matter. We could all share the court together and play,” Jade added.

The sisters, who are part of the Professional Pickleball Association (Carvana PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball, often play with their parents, but not at full-tournament strength.

“We definitely have to play down. We can’t blast it at the parents,” Jackie said with a laugh. Jade explained their strategy of pairing each sister with a parent and the goal of simply having fun, which helps keep the whole family engaged and interested in playing.

When the sisters aren’t playing pickleball with their family or competing in a pro pickleball tournament, Jackie is assistant coordinator at Championships and Alliances, and Jade is an assistant director in the eligibility center at the NCAA. Both would love to see pickleball as an NCAA and Olympic sport someday.

“What hooked us was that we could play with anybody, so we could play with our parents, or people younger than us or older than us. It didn’t matter.”

— Lindsay Ems

Jackie, left, and Jade Kawamoto.

g iving back to their community

Jackie and Jade also devote their time to supporting a new pickleball tournament in Greenwood that benefits the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. The tournament, called Making Memories Classic, was held at Craig Park last July, and the sisters intend to make it an annual event with co-host Dr. David Mandelbaum.

“We love helping, and it’s a way to get the local pickleball community involved and bring new people into the sport while having a little competitive fun,” Jackie said.

“It was a great way to bring the Southside community together,” Jade added.

Tournament proceeds provide local care and support, as well as fund dementia research around the world.

More information about 2024 dates can be found at www.pickleballbrackets.com

Where to get your game on

Public and private pickleball courts, both indoor and outdoor, are becoming easier to find on the southside of Indianapolis.

The city of Greenwood currently offers seven pickleball courts at Craig Park, four at the Greenwood Fieldhouse and four at the Greenwood Community Center. Plans are underway to build a 16-court pickleball complex at Freedom Park near Freedom Springs Aquatic Park on the west side of the city, bringing the total number of public pickleball courts to 24 in Greenwood. With 16 courts at Freedom Park, the city would also be eligible to host pickleball tournaments, which require 16

courts. More information can be found at www.greenwood.in.gov

Franklin is also in the pickleball game with its eight Youngs Creek Park courts, installed in 2022. Half of the courts tend to be reserved for competitive players, while the other half are reserved for more casual or social players. Explore more at www. franklin.in.gov

The Baxter YMCA on South Shelby Street offers an indoor court for members who bring their own paddles and balls. Learn more at www.indymca.org/baxter

Dropshot Pickleball in Franklin on Commerce Park Drive also offers indoor court options with standard and VIP memberships. Discover more by calling (317) 426-1566 or emailing info@ dropshotpickleball.org

Jackie Kawamoto

Equestrian passion

An interest in horses at a young age led

Emma DeJong to a life of riding

by g lE ndA Wind ERS // P HOTO g RAPH y by Ang E l A JACKSO n

WWhen Emma DeJong was just old enough to talk, she stood in her grandmother’s barn and announced that someday she would have horses there and that she would store their hay up in the loft. Her grandmother’s neighbor encouraged DeJong’s interest in equines and helped her learn to ride at age 4 and to obtain her first horse, Shiloh. By the time DeJong was 6, she was showing horses with the Valley Riders Saddle Club.

“I always loved horses and wanted to ride,” DeJong said, “but I wasn’t old enough at 2 and 3 years old, and no one in my family had anything to do with horses.”

Now at 17, she shows quarter horses all over the United States at many prestigious competitions. At the 2020 American Quarter Horse Association championships in Oklahoma City, DeJong won the world title in the Equitation category with Houston, one of her three show horses, and her trainer at that time, Tommy Sheets, who had never had a win with someone so young.

DeJong’s proud mother, Amanda Johnson, said, “For her to start showing and winning that quickly was pretty phenomenal. I don’t think she knows how talented she is.”

DeJong has also competed at the monthlong All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, the largest one-breed show for horses in the world and the National Snaffle Bit Association World Show in Weatherford, Texas. She enters several competition classes that range from showmanship, horsemanship and equitation to trail and western. Her show horses include Houston, Everett and Jett.

Houston is now with trainer Ashley Clock in Texas, and the other two are with local trainer Jennifer Goss, who moved here after working with DeJong in Arizona.

But those three aren’t her only animals. Others include Cassidy, another horse used

for giving lessons; Prancer, a pony; and Toby, a donkey. DeJong still has Shiloh, who is now 30 years old.

DeJong manages her equestrian pursuits with life as a high school senior by attending the Indiana Agricultural and Technical School, where she takes math, science and language classes online three days a week and goes to a campus in Trafalgar the other two.

One day on campus she learns about agriculture and the other day she takes college classes in dual enrollment with Ivy Tech. Currently, she is in a companion animal class, and in previous years, she took an equine class and another one on alternative growing methods. DeJong is also active in

““You can’t ask for a better, more wellrounded young lady,” Wolfe said. “She is so respectful when she represents our school and our organizations, and she is a truly unique and caring individual.”

— Amber Wolfe

the Future Farmers of America at her school and is a 10-year member of her 4-H club. She shows pigs on the side, just for fun.

Amber Wolfe knew DeJong as her daughter’s close friend when they were growing up and now as her agriculture teacher, FFA adviser and 4-H leader.

“You can’t ask for a better, more wellrounded young lady,” Wolfe said. “She is so respectful when she represents our school and our organizations, and she is a truly unique and caring individual. She is open and willing to be involved in everything, and she has never disappointed me. She always comes through. She shines. I feel lucky to be a part of her journey and watch her grow.”

Not long ago, they both returned from a 10-day class trip to Ireland, where they visited “

Front Row Left to Right: Brandi Greenleaf-Barnes, Jeff Kirkhoff, Sarah Eder, Bob Parke, Kyle Hensley, Jill Griffith, Doug Stewart

Second Row Left to Right: Brian Linder, Gary Stringer, Ulrich Koenig, Colby Stewart, Dean Abplanalp, Erik Weiss, Tim Hansen

Back Row Left to Right: Jim Evans, Stephen Colligan, Bryan Epperson, Steven Woods, Scott Mings, Mark Kirkhoff

Not Pictured: Chuck Hensley

““It’s considered an agricultural experience because I’m learning from someone. It can be learning about pigs or going to a farm show and learning about tractors or trade and the U.S. economy. They want you to work and have a job a nd start your life as a farmer. Farming is a dying occupation.”

— Emma DeJong

“small farms to learn how agriculture works there. The students still had to do their online studies, but everyone was excused from their agriculture studies.

“Our school is a good fit for Emma because she can pursue her passions without having to worry about attendance requirements,” Wolfe said.

“It’s considered an agricultural experience because I’m learning from someone,” DeJong said. “It can be learning about pigs or going to a farm show and learning about tractors or trade and the U.S. economy. They want you to work and have a job and start your life as a farmer. Farming is a dying occupation.”

DeJong’s sister, Ellie Johnson, is in the eighth grade and shows pigs competitively. Brothers, Eli and Dallas, play football and run track for Center Grove High School.

DeJong plans to attend the University

of Georgia next fall, where she received a scholarship to ride on the school’s NCAA Division I equestrian team. She plans to major in agribusiness and then possibly come back home to help her mom run her various businesses.

“I want to stay in the state of Indiana,” DeJong said. “I know that. It’s home for me, and I love it. I’ve been all over the United States, and there’s not another place I’d like to live besides here.”

DeJong also might consider becoming a horse trainer, but regardless, she hopes to have a farm with a few feeder hogs and calves, as well as a big garden where she can grow her own fruits and vegetables.

Being involved in horse showing can be expensive. In anticipation of that, when DeJong was still young, her mother saw potential and decided to support her daughter’s passion.

“When she was little, I had to make the commitment to her to do this, and I made it,” Johnson said. “It took us down a whole other path.”

One of the businesses Johnson started is The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, an event space and saloon, in Greenwood. At the stables, just down the road, she can board up to 27 horses, as well as give lessons and host birthday parties with pony rides.

“All of these things have come from Emma’s love of horses,” she said. “I’m so proud of her. She has worked really hard to get where she is.”

Her investment seems to have paid off. DeJong said she has received multiple benefits from her connection with horses.

“One thing is that being able to go to college and be on the team with all of those girls is really cool,” she said. “And the friendships I’ve made through the years are one thing I couldn’t find anywhere else — people who love what I love doing.”

“What I’ve learned as a person is that you sometimes get beaten, but you wake up the next day and try harder. You don’t give up. I’ve also learned how to love and understand and take care of animals and their feelings.”

— Emma DeJong

“ “

DeJong also said she has learned a lot about life from competition and from the animals themselves.

“What I’ve learned as a person is that you sometimes get beaten, but you wake up the next day and try harder,” she said. “You don’t give up. I’ve also learned how to love and understand and take care of animals and their feelings. Being around animals is so therapeutic. It relieves a lot of stress. There are lots of scientific studies about what riding a horse does to your brain.”

She said that when children come to the stables to ride, she can see the release and joy they feel when they are on a horse. She also appreciates the local therapeutic riding centers where disabled children can benefit from riding.

“Being around horses is just very good for the soul,” DeJong said. “It has made me the person I am. My life is horses.”

S E r VING HE r

beloved community

JCCF’s new president and CEO looks forward to facing challenges

Aby R E b ECCA

After Gail Richards, the former president and CEO of the Johnson County Community Foundation, announced her retirement in March, her mentee, Kim Kasting, who has worked for the organization for her entire career and is a lifelong Johnson County resident, decided to throw her hat in the ring, but she needed to earn new credentials first. This included her getting a Certified Fund Raising Executive certificate — or CFRE — a voluntary and internationally recognized program regarding ethical and accountable decision making for fundraising professionals.

After completing her certifications, she applied for the job, and the board officially approved Kasting in July, and her first day in the new role was Aug. 1. Richards, who had worked with Kasting for her entire time as president and CEO of JCCF, was happy to help with the transition, which has included sharing some of the smaller details that go with running a business.

“For example, she knows we have an annual audit but doesn’t know all of the documents that go into the annual audit assessment,” Richards said. “I put most of the finer details about JCCF into a 12-month document for her to use, and then she and I go over each month to make sure the details are addressed in a timely manner. As she passes each monthly milestone, and if there is background to share, I’ve done that for her, as well. I also like to think I’ve added a bit of ‘atta girl’ in encouraging this transition for her,” Richards said.

Now, a little over two months after starting the job, Kasting spoke to SOUTH about how she plans to keep up the hard work and continue to strengthen relationships that JCCF is known for while building new relationships along the way.

Kasting is a proud, 10-year, 4-H member who raised sheep and cattle and is a Franklin Community High School graduate

“The most exciting part for me is I’ve been in the Community Foundation for a long time. I started in scholarships and grants, so I’ve seen all the steps involved with that and the inner workings of the foundation.”

— Kim Kasting

who moved back to Johnson County after graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Kasting currently lives in downtown Franklin in a 160-year-old house with her two schoolage daughters, Avery and Ellie, who are both involved with 4-H raising sheep, her significant other, Todd, and their two dogs, Reece and Louie.

“I thought I’d end up in [agriculture] in some capacity. I thought about getting a master’s degree in agribusiness, maybe doing convention work,” she said.

However, instead of going back to school, Kasting learned from “a friend of a friend” that JCCF was going to have an opening for a director of grants and scholarships. Although she had received a college scholarship from JCCF herself, at the time, she said she had a passing understanding of the organization.

Kasting got that job after a meeting with then-CEO and President Sandy Daniels. She has appreciated how that role has led to other opportunities within JCCF, including her role as vice president of development for the decade leading up to Aug. 1 when her title officially changed to president and CEO.

“The most exciting part for me is I’ve been in the Community Foundation for a long time. I started in scholarships and grants, so I’ve seen all the steps involved with that and the inner workings of the foundation,” she said.

While at JCCF, Kasting has helped lead the foundation’s assets grow from $11 million to $40 million. She is credited by the organization for the JCCF’s first 24-hour “Giving Day,” which resulted in more than $270,000 being distributed to local nonprofit organizations. If that’s not impressive enough, she has been instrumental with JCCF receiving Lilly Endowment grants totaling $2.5 million for a 50 percent increase in the foundation’s ability to provide unrestricted grants, and she managed the “Color the County” mural program, among other accomplishments.

In addition to her work for the organization, Kasting has been an active supporter of the community. She was a 2008 graduate of Leadership Johnson County and president of the Franklin

“I think the most special thing about Johnson County is, and if you would ask anyone or any community leader, we’re very community focused and people focused, and the hospitality here is great. We want everyone to thrive. So we work together really well in all sectors.”

— Kim Kasting

Development Corporation and Franklin Education Connection and Franklin Rotary.

“I have known Kim for many years,” said Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County’s Executive Director Lee Ann Wilbur. “I have watched her grow into a mature, forwardthinking, dynamic leader. We have sat on committees together, worked together with three other women to establish the Give Back Gals and have collaborated on several community projects between JCCF and Habitat. She is a professional peer and a dear friend,”

As for why Kasting has spent her entire professional career working for JCCF, Kasting’s said, “I love meeting with donors, I love meeting with people. In the world of the Community Foundation, developing relationships and building awareness is a lot of what we do.”

A great place to live

Kasting looks forward to continuing and strengthening the partnerships she developed over her past 15 years in the organization and how those partnerships will help the community she knows and loves.

“I think the most special thing about Johnson County is, and if you would ask anyone or any community leader, we’re

very community focused and people focused, and the hospitality here is great. We want everyone to thrive,” she said. “So we work together really well in all sectors.”

Johnson County is booming with new and returning residents. “People want to come here, businesses want to open here,” she said. Kasting attributes the new influx of people into the county to it having a mix of urban amenities and a rural feel, depending on which part of the county you are visiting. Plus it’s a close proximity to the amenities in Indianapolis.

“There are so many opportunities and things for people to do,” she said of those who visit and decide to live in Johnson County. “I just love that the cities’ governments and community leaders all see the value in quality of life and place making. It’s really a big thing. People used to move

“I just love that the cities’ governments and community leaders all see the value in quality of life and place making. It’s really a big thing. People used to move for jobs, but now we’re finding places where we actually want to live and thrive and then figure out the job piece of it.”

— Kim Kasting

for jobs, but now we’re finding places where we actually want to live and thrive and then figure out the job piece of it.”

In her neighborhood, for instance, she said her family is able to walk and ride their bikes. She added that the public schools throughout the county are also strong, and their leadership tends to be accessible to families, not to mention the role of 4-H connecting neighbors and families who choose to be involved with that program.

Facing challenges

Kasting added that there will be challenges, which is something she looks forward to solving with JCCF’s team and community partnerships.

“There are things that are tough sometimes,” she said, adding that initiatives like Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance, as well as preexisting relationships between economic development, local chambers of commerce, city governments and nonprofit

organizations can help address issues in a meaningful way. This also includes JCCF’s employees.

“We have a great team here. Gail was instrumental in that growth and leadership, so I look to her. I’m grateful I’ve had her as a mentor all these years,” she said.

Having seen the endowment grow to $40 million is also encouraging for the staff and the board.

“What we’re able to do now from what we were able to do then, the impacts we can have on our community, we really are in that ‘let’s dream big’ stage. We’re at $40 million. What if we were at $50 million? That means there are more dollars available to meet the needs here in the community.”

Some of those ongoing needs include access to mental health resources, child care, affordable housing, job development and general issues leading to financial hardship.

Kasting is optimistic that even though these issues will continue to loom over Johnson County families, she and her team, with JCCF partners, have continued to have conversations on how to help make a difference while working together.

For instance, JCCF hired a success coach who works with local businesses and individuals by providing employees with access to resources. JCCF has also worked with Elements Financial on providing hardship loans to help employees get emergency repairs to their vehicles so they can get to work.

“The need for services and resources in Johnson County continues to grow. I believe with Kim’s vision and willingness to think outside the box, JCCF will elevate its level of donors and help offset this continued need,” Wilbur said.

Kasting also mentioned they continue to apply for large-scale grants, including a recent two-for-one matching grant through a Lilly Endowment grant for community foundations around Indiana where the funds would be unrestricted and used to meet the communities’ greatest needs.

“Kim truly believes in collaboration,” Wilbur said. “She listens and makes decisions based on the big picture. She

Six generations of our family have supported and assisted this community during difficult times. Today, we continue to help those who need our services. As a local, family-owned funeral home, we are deeply committed to every family who walks through our doors. You can trust our expertise when the time comes. When you need us, we’re nearby.

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Kristin St. Pierre Advanced Planning Manager

focuses on outcomes and how they will benefit the community. Kim uses a commonsense approach and truly strives to make Johnson County a better place. With her connections and ability to draw people in, I think JCCF and the community are in for great things to come.”

Knowing this publication would be out around the holidays, Kasting also encourages year-end giving, as well as legacy planning. Or, for those who know of an organization they would like JCCF to support, she’s always open to learning about new potential opportunities.

“I believe Kim is well positioned to help the foundation grow in assets, community leadership and addressing community needs through grant making,” Richards said. “JCCF has recently completed a new asset development plan and will soon be implementing a new marketing strategy. Kim is the one to make a lot of great things happen over the next few years. Kim has a great team to work with and a tremendous amount of support from the community. JCCF is in great hands with her leadership.”

‘a place TO BE US ’

Southside family builds dream house

by g lE ndA Wind ERS // PHOTO g RAPH y by gRAHAM

P HOTO g RAPH y

SSteve Falls and Rose Kelly-Falls had many reasons for wanting to leave their previous home of 16 years in Waters Edge and build a new one in the Duke Homes neighborhood of Aberdeen. For one, it had three levels, and with their children approaching college age, they wanted something simpler — essential rooms on one level and adequate space for social gatherings.

“It was time to make a change,” Rose said. “With our kids transitioning, we were trying to figure out what life would look like for us.”

With plans to stay in a new home for many years, they had a list of features they wanted to include. In addition to a floor plan without multiple levels, they wanted to make sure they would have sun exposure. Rose wanted a sunroom that was open to the house and had a fireplace.

“Now, it’s a place where we hang out year-round,” she said. “It’s pretty much our room.”

Sliding barn doors close off this area when there is a need. To make the floors warmer and more comfortable, they installed waterproof carpeting.

They also insisted on having an outdoor living space like their previous home. Fortunately, they were able to meet that goal with a screened-in porch that looks out over a forested area in the back. They also added a pool and a poolhouse that has a workshop, storage, onecar parking and a bathroom with a shower. The garage is attached to

the main house and has room for four cars and a golf cart garage at the end.

Rose said she and Steve brought most of their furnishings from their previous home and did some of the design work themselves, but they had help putting everything together from Sarah McCarty, Duke’s interior

designer and selections coordinator. George Summers, owner of Amplified Technologies, also helped with their audio and visual equipment, and Heather Diers of Pro-Art Gallery and Custom Framing assisted with the artwork.

The entire home is designed on a palette of neutrals — mostly grays and white on the main floor with more brown tones in the finished basement.

“I love the color choices because it’s very bright and open,” Steve said.

Flooring throughout the house is luxury vinyl planking with rugs, primarily in grays, anchoring conversational furniture groupings that are also neutral but with colorful accents. Their sparkle and shine make the décor pop.

In the great room living area, glass lamps sit atop glass and chrome tables. A silver and glass tray holds books and flowers on a tufted ottoman/coffee table. Large windows and glass doors look out onto the screenedin porch and the forest beyond. The fireplace and the TV set mounted above it are flanked with shelving that holds objects d’art — many of them glass and silver, too.

The adjoining kitchen also gleams with white cabinets, white quartz countertops and cabinets with glass doors displaying crystal barware. Twin chandeliers hanging over an island, which easily seats four, are brushed gold, and the drawer pulls

a mess trying to keep it straightened up for guests.”

The new laundry room/drop spot/ mudroom with space for their two cats, Mingles and Maya, and their dog, a Pomeranian named Daisy, solved that problem. The washer and dryer are steel gray, and a window keeps the room bright.

The dining room is a reincarnation of dining rooms they have had in previous houses, the couple say, calling it “a little bit traditional, a little bit modern and a little bit transitional.” They created an inset on one side of the room so that a large hutch housing more crystal pieces is flush with the rest of the wall. A

crystal chandelier is ablaze over the table, which easily seats eight.

The opposite wall contains photos from their trips around the world and shiny, silver decorative pieces. Rose was a part of the Greenwood Arts Council for several years, and her love of art is evident throughout the home in subtle but effective ways.

One hallway niche houses a painting they bought on a cruise, and two more spots await pieces they will collect in the future. On a wall nearby, is a map of the world filled with colored pins indicating where they have traveled separately and together and where they still hope to go.

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The spacious master bedroom with its dramatic tray ceiling is on this floor, and the ensuite facilities include double sinks with spacious cabinetry and a shower with Moroccan tilework on one wall and a sculpture gracing a corner. The master closet, the size of a full room, contains lots of hanging space, shelves, a wall of shoe racks and a bank of drawers that form an island in the middle.

Every bedroom in the house has its own closet and bathroom, including the second master, which is also on this floor. In master bedroom No. 2, as with all of the other bedrooms, the light-loving couple chose minimal window coverings with disappearing roll shades that are operated by remote control and are on a timer so that they open each morning and lower in the evening. The bathroom has a tile piece on one wall of the walk-in shower that is a striking, iridescent blue.

The house is 6,400 square feet. Some 3,200 are upstairs, and a lighted staircase leads to the other 3,200 square feet below. It is difficult to call this space a “basement” since it is as carefully thought-out and designed as the main floor. More browns join the grays in the décor here, and a multipiece sofa arrangement allows for comfortable movie-watching or conversation in the living area. Paintings by a graffiti artist brighten the walls.

This level also has its own full kitchen with a bar that seats four and a dining area with egress windows that provide light. Next to it

is a room that accommodates what Rose laughingly says is the reason they built the house — a golf simulator for Steve.

“That’s not the reason,” he teased back, “but as long as we were building a new house it was one of the features I wanted to include, a place where I could play indoors.”

The multisport device also allows their soccer-playing daughter, Eleanor, to practice with her friends, and when son, Rob, isn’t playing golf with his dad, he can try other sports. The rest of the room is decorated with sporting attire — Rob’s uniform from playing on the Center Grove golf team and an Indianapolis Colts’ jersey.

Steve said he spends much of his time down here because his office is also on the same level. The white desk and bookshelves are from IKEA, and a Murphy bed, housed in an attractive white cabinet, provides accommodation for any additional guests.

The couple decided to put their children’s bedrooms here since Rob is already

a pharmacy student at Purdue University, and Eleanor, now a freshman at Center Grove High School, will be moving out in a few years, too. But they let the kids design rooms for themselves, so they will always want to come back.

The Jack-and-Jill bathroom the siblings shared in their previous house was hard to manage when they became teenagers, so now Eleanor has her own bathroom with a geometric, gray-tile art wall in her shower. Both large baths have a great deal of storage space, but Rob’s has a darker, more masculine feel than his sister’s, as does his bedroom.

For Rose, moving to Greenwood was a homecoming of sorts. She grew up north of West Lafayette and graduated from Butler University before pursuing a master’s degree from Purdue. She has spent her entire career in supply chain and procurement and operations management, mostly in the automotive and pharmaceutical arenas.

Steve was born and raised in Connecticut and has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Wooster Polytechnic in Massachusetts. He has spent his career working primarily in turbo machinery and automatic transmissions.

The pair met in 2000, when they were working on the same project at the Ford Motor Co. in Michigan and married at the Henry Ford Estate in 2002. Eventually, they decided to leave Michigan and after looking at jobs all over the country, they accepted positions with Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis.

“Migrating back to Indiana wasn’t our plan,” Rose said. “It just happened by circumstance, but it worked out. It was meant to be.”

Steve is still at Rolls-Royce, but Rose is taking a break. She needed time to deal with the deaths of both of her parents in 2020, her son leaving for college, building this house and remodeling their second home in Florida. With all of that behind her, she says she is eager to get back to work. Meanwhile, she and Steve enjoy the home they seem to have gotten exactly right.

“We wanted to have a place we felt comfortable entertaining in,” Rose said. “But it is also a place where we can just be us.”

Winter e SCAP e

Pigeon Forge has much to offer during the cold season

There has always been a special place in my heart for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Maybe I was influenced by family visits there during my childhood, or perhaps my fondness has something to do with the area being a bustling destination surrounded by majestic mountains and natural beauty.

No matter the reason for my fascination, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve fallen into the bad habit of referring

to Pigeon Forge as a warm season vacation spot. After all, it’s easy to picture myself hiking, biking and whitewater rafting on lazy summer days while admiring the plush greenery, floral décor and wildlife that fills the Smoky Mountains. However, as I learned during a recent November trip, Pigeon Forge should be widely recognized as a year-round vacation option.

Pigeon Forge, with more than 10 million visitors annually, is part of a three-city section that also includes nearby Gatlinburg and Sevierville. The eastern Tennessee trio combines to offer countless shopping, dining and entertainment options. Undoubtedly, though, the area’s crown jewel is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Savvy travelers are becoming increasingly aware of these points. In fact, Pigeon Forge was recently voted as one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 most popular destinations in the U.S. by the TripAdvisor community.

However, prior to my recent trip there, I couldn’t help but think falling temperatures and even the possibility of snow might adversely affect my visit. Upon arrival, I

quickly learned how wrong I was.

Throughout or stay at The Inn at the River Hotel, which was recently renovated, my wife, Denise, and I enjoyed a spacious room, spectacular views along the Little Pigeon River and easy access to everything we needed, including sites and activities associated with an annual holiday season event called Winterfest, which began November 9 this year and continues until February 18, 2024.

With the combined efforts of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Winterfest essentially creates a winter wonderland feel to the area thanks to the display of millions of small, twinkling lights along streets throughout the mountain towns.

“We call them Winterfest lights because they can be seen all the way into February,” said Leon Downey, executive director, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Every year, Pigeon Forge invests about $100,000 in light displays. The city has three warehouses full of Winterfest lights. They start going up in August.”

Before our arrival, Downey advised that the light display at Dollywood and its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is a must see. He was right.

The 165-acre theme park, which took top honors at the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards for Best Park, is breathtaking during Winterfest. With more than 50 world-class rides and an abundance of high-energy entertainment options, it’s easy to see how Dollywood can be enjoyed in all seasons.

“Dollywood is gorgeous to see. It’s the most ticketed attraction in the state of Tennessee,” Downey said.

Of course, there are many other “any season” entertainment options in Pigeon Forge, including the Titanic Museum and The Island in Pigeon Forge, which features unique shops, casual restaurants and its own set of amusement rides. I suggest taking a spin on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which provides spectacular views thanks to its location at the foothills of what just happens to be the most visited national park in the U.S. — Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“The park is such a wonderful resource. With 550,000 acres, there’s so much to see and do there,” Downey said. “It has more than 800 miles of hiking trails and is described as an international biosphere.

“There are only 14 national parks with no admission. It’s always America’s most visited national park.”

Accessible from The Island parking lot, the Wonders of Light Walking Trail allows for a leisurely stroll at your own pace on a flat and paved out-and-back pathway. The trail features 25 large-scale light displays programmed to music.

Those with a need for speed, as well as individuals who appreciate a slower experience, will enjoy the customizable Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, an outdoor alpine ride that is the longest coaster in East Tennessee. It provides a little more than nine minutes of twists, turns and tunnels, depending on how riders choose to apply their brakes. It is operational in most rainy and snowy conditions.

If you’re like me, dining is an important part of any vacation, and Pigeon Forge certainly doesn’t disappoint in that area.

Dinner shows and theatrical performances are widely popular in Pigeon Forge. I can’t say that I’ve sampled all of them over the years, but for those I have experienced, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is one of my favorites. While seated in the facility’s 35,000-square-foot main arena, guests are treated to a four-course, southern-style

“The park is such a wonderful resource. With 550,000 acres, there’s so much to see and do there. It has more than 800 miles of hiking trails and is described as an international biosphere.”

— Leon

Downey

we insure your car. because some people never learned to park. simple human sense

meal, followed by a colorful show that features friendly competition, horse-riding stunts, special effects and a lot of wonderful music.

“We have many theaters that do shows and comedy,” Downey said. “They reopen in January and February after briefly closing in December.”

Then, to start off any given day, I recommend Mama’s Farmhouse, a locally owned restaurant that serves familystyle breakfasts. Another tasty option is The Old Mill Restaurant, where hearty,

Pirates Voyage dinner & Show

dolly Parton’s Stampede

southern classics are served family-style in a traditionally historic setting.

In the mood for a Tex-Mex lunch or dinner? Azul Cantina is Pigeon Forge’s newest restaurant and home to the city’s first rooftop bar.

Local Goat is advertised as a casual hub for modern American eats, while the Pottery House Café specializes in freshly made sandwiches, salads and hearty entrees. If there’s a chill in the air, you can warm up next to the facility’s original, stone fireplace.

Thinking of pizza instead? A frequent Pigeon Forge visitor told me about the West by God CoalFried pizza at the Country Roads Axe Co. in The Shops of Pigeon Forge outlet mall. Axe throwing and a 24-tap, self-serve beer wall was a vacation within a vacation for me!

But throughout our stay, what impressed me the most was the genuine warmth and welcoming attitude we experienced virtually everywhere we went.

“Tourism is the only industry we have in Pigeon Forge, so people here realize they have to make our guests feel welcome and appreciated,” Downey said. “A lot of people who come here to visit came with their parents when they were kids, so they may even be staying in the same hotel or cabin they did back then. They’ve gotten to know workers, and they feel like they’re a part of the place. In a way, they have ownership here.

“I’ve been in this job for 35 years. There’s always something new happening in Pigeon Forge, no matter what time of year you come.”

TRADITION

„ The Class of 2023 earned over $38 million in college scholarships.

„ The Class of 2023 completed 46,550 hours of community service during their four years at Roncalli, which averages over 181 hours per senior.

„ In the past 30 years, Roncalli students have collected more than 2.2 million canned food items for those in need of assistance.

„ Roncalli offers 21 Advanced Placement and 20 Dual Credit courses with eligibility for college credit.

„ The Class of 2023 included 5 National Merit Scholars.

„ Over 145 students participate in our comprehensive student support programs, including STARS resource, the Life Academy and ENL (English as a New Language) programs.

Bryce Lowery R’23 152-pound IHSAA Indiana State Wrestling Champion

Royal Rhapsody Show Choir 5x Grand Champions & 1st Runner-up in Indiana State Small School Finals

Roncalli Boys Volleyball Team 2023 State Champions

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR OLDER LOVED ONES

Even loved ones can be a mystery when it comes to figuring out what gifts you’re getting for everyone over the holidays. Older loved ones can be especially hard to shop for, as they seem to have it all — lifetimes of knick-knacks and keepsakes.

To fulfill its mission of being “local, helpful and personal,” CarDon & Associates — an Indiana-based senior living management company — compiled this list of gift ideas for seniors that stand out from your typical stocking stuffers and even embrace Hoosier history.

STORYWORTH: These days, most of us document our lives digitally. But many people of older generations still appreciate the feeling of flipping through the paper pages of a book or running their fingers across glossy photos. Storyworth allows subscribers to create a physical memoir that ages as gracefully as the other books on their shelves. With the subscription, they are emailed a question each week, and at the end of a year, Storyworth will bind their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. This gift is a great way to connect with loved ones across distances, engage a parent or grandparent’s memory, and preserve family stories for generations to come. Go to storyworth.com to start a book for your loved one.

AURA FRAME: Here’s another gift that puts an old-fashioned spin on a digital trend, sending photos “from your phone to mom’s frame.” You can preload the frame with your loved ones’ favorite family photos and then add to them all year round. To capture and share life’s many happy moments as soon as they happen, family members can simply email photos to the frame, where they will show up in a matter of seconds. This is an especially great gift for keeping loved ones connected to festivities if they won’t be able to visit during the holidays. With a premium subscription plan, you can also include photo captions, create photo albums and send videos. Perhaps best of all, a digital frame is a great space saver for collecting memories. O, The Oprah Magazine, calls it “the perfect gift for all relatives.” High praise! Learn more at auraframes.com.

THE GIFT OF TRAVEL: Catching a plane during the busy holiday season can be quite an ordeal. An alternative that allows for a more scenic route and leisurely trip is renting an RV. This year, make your family vacation an adventure on the open road! CarDon’s own Regional Director of Marketing Beth Cattoi attests that this is a wonderful idea. (Check out the photos from her own RV trip!)

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE: Are some of your loved ones just not into material gifts? Help them ring in the holidays with fun festivities — such as the Indiana Historical Society’s 10th annual Festival of Trees! (Or buy them an IHS membership so they can enjoy its many educational and entertaining exhibits throughout the year). Memberships to Conner Prairie and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library are other tasty slices of Hoosier history to which you can treat your loved ones.

THE META QUEST 2 VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET: This gift combines travel and experience with exercise, allowing seniors to take their morning yoga routine to the mountains of Iceland or hike around Machu Picchu. They can also virtually immerse themselves in big stadium games, feeling like they’re sitting courtside for the Pacers or cheering on the Colts all from the comfort of their homes. This virtual reality headset enables loved ones with limited mobility or health issues to still see the world.

We hope you find the perfect fit for your older loved ones this season. Happy holidays from the CarDon family to yours!

Worth the Trip

Photo courtesy of Jacob Paul

‘Village

Spires’ of

Small town still creating history

by g lE ndA Wind ERS // P HOTO g RAPH y by P H il AllE n

Photo courtesy of Jacob Paul

Oldenburg Academy of the immaculate Conception

OOldenburg’s story began in 1817 when William George from Pennsylvania settled in southeastern Indiana. Twenty years later, he sold his land to J. Henry Ronnebaum and Henry Plaspohl, who found the gently rolling landscape to be much like that in their native Germany. They platted a town here that they named Oldenburg, after their hometown, and they encouraged others to join them. Most of the people who came were German Catholic immigrants from Cincinnati.

In 1844, Father Franz Joseph Rudolf arrived from Alsace, France, and founded the village’s first church in a log cabin, initially naming it St. Mary’s. Later, there was a stone church, and then in 1861 — when two brickmakers set up shop in town — the current brick version with a clock tower and carillon was built.

When the priest discovered a need for teachers, he sent for Sister Theresa Hackelmeier, a Franciscan nun from Vienna, Austria, who spoke German. She founded the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg while establishing a convent and the Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception that would eventually house some 800 members of the religious order, as well as high school girls coming for boarding school.

Father Rudolf died at 56 and Sister Theresa at 33, but the settlement they created remains much like it was then. Today, it is known as the “village of spires” in honor of

the town’s multiple steeples. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

In the 21st century, the town remains idyllic. Its 650 or so residents walk their dogs, ride their bikes and look out for one another. The crime rate is almost nonexistent, and the local police station shares quarters with the Creek Bottom Brewery and its Tap Room bar.

Its rich history makes Oldenburg the perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

“We’re proud of our history and our heritage, and we like to share it,” said Jeff Pauls, who has retired as the town grocer but remains active in civic affairs. “But we don’t want to become a tourist trap.”

Residents have managed to keep their town pristine, except during Freudenfest (festival of fun) when for two weekends of

the year the population swells. Held the third week in July, Freudenfest has been known to bring in as many as 12,000 visitors to town. The two-day event features German food, a beer garden, traditional dress and games and contests. The revenue helps to fund improvements and the maintenance of the town’s infrastructure. Bricking Pearl Street was one such project and building a shelter house was another. The streetlights here are original, and the fire hydrants are painted to represent town leaders throughout the years. Characteristic details such as these need constant upkeep, and the festival proceeds help.

On the first Saturday in December, Oldenburg celebrates Holiday Under the Spires. Lights strung from the top of the Maypole by the Harvey Branch Creek transform it into a Christmas tree, and the packed schedule of events includes musical

Worth the Trip

Photo courtesy of Jacob Paul

performances by the Sisters of St. Francis vocal and chime choirs; open house at the Eagle Fire Station with hot chocolate, soup and miniature golf; an art and craft fair; breakfast with Santa; visits with live reindeer; bourbon and eggnog tastings; and more. The church carillon plays carols throughout the day.

But any time of year visitors will experience and enjoy Oldenburg. Exploring its history is reason enough to come, and regardless of one’s faith, the church is a good place to start. Inside are the sanctuary with its painted ceiling, extraordinary stained-glass windows and a wood carving

Maypole

Oldenburg Academy of the

Sisters of St. Francis

of the Sorrowful Mother that survived a tumultuous journey from Europe. On the altar, is a detailed carving of “The Last Supper,” and the stations of the cross along the walls were carved by a local artist.

In 1912, modern pews replaced the box benches that were auctioned off to earlier parishioners. Men sat on one side of the aisle and women on the other, and wealthy families vied for seats in the back so they could easily escape a fire if one were started by the candles used to illuminate churches at that time. Outside, there is a stone cross that honors veterans, and it is said to have a relic of the True Cross encased in a tiny window at the top.

At the convent across the street, Sister Claire Whalen gives an informative tour that is well worth taking. She guides visitors to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and shows them the terrazzo floors, an eye-popping garden, nuns’ bedrooms and dining areas, and mementos from across the years.

Marian College was founded by these sisters in Oldenburg, and later, moved to Indianapolis, so they are fans of the school’s teams and have one case filled with sports memorabilia. Outside, Sister Claire points up the street to the convent’s cemetery with its simple, identical crosses and across another street to the newer, now coed high school academy.

“The last Supper” carving on the alter at Holy Family Church.

The Farm Store, top. and its display sign, below right, are located at the Michaela Farm, above.

She only gives tours in the afternoons Monday-Saturday, and she requires a week’s advance notice. She charges no fee but happily accepts donations.

Also associated with the convent on the edge of town is the 200-acre Michaela Farm, named for Sister Michaela, another of the convent’s founders, who once ran the farm.

For many years, the nuns grew their own produce, eggs and beef, and the farm is still active today. Visitors from all over the county stop in at the untended Farm Store to select what they need and leave cash using the honor system. The farm was recently purchased by Greenacres Foundation, a nonprofit that is building an education center where students and guests can go to learn about jobs on the farm, sustainable agriculture, farm ecosystems and much more.

Worth the Trip

decorative street sign

A beautiful World

At all times of the year, the Maypole, reminiscent of ones in Europe, displays shields that represent all the elements residents love about their town – from agriculture and religion to festivals, the fire department and a visit from Morgan’s Raiders during the Civil War. The redand-yellow pole reflects the flag of both this village and its German namesake.

Shopping in town is limited but spectacular. A Beautiful World sells home décor pieces, clothing items and gifts like candles and linens. One of the owners is an interior designer, so the artful displays make every item deliciously tempting.

Just across the street is Carriage House Antiques, where a former bank is home to treasures that are pricey but genuine — many from the Civil War. A delightful array of colorful small items is arranged inside the vault, and the best part here is that Sister Cleo Werner comes over from the convent each day to make delectable

Carriage House Antiques

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homemade ice cream. Customers can relax at an ice cream parlor table while they savor their cup of cherry cordial or cone filled with butter pecan, among many other flavors.

Since Oldenburg is small and the street signs are written in both German and English, it’s easy to get around. Straight down Main Street from these two emporiums is the Schwestern Gallery of Arts with its artworks by some 70 Indiana artists and gifts such as textiles, ornaments and soaps. German articles such as lederhosen and dirndl skirts are available at the Golden Turtle Trading Center.

When it’s time for lunch or dinner, three restaurants provide tempting meal options. Wagner’s Village Inn, famous for its lard-fried chicken prepared in iron skillets and family-style meals, has won the James Beard award for American Classics.

The Brau Haus serves up tasty, deepfried chicken along with German specialties, such as pork schnitzel with red

Immediate need for

Dave Penoff

Wagner’s Village inn

The Pearl Street Pub

cabbage and potato pancakes. Sauerkraut balls with Dusseldorf mustard top the appetizer list and sides include German potato salad.

The Pearl Street Pub offers a cozy atmosphere in historic surroundings and is famous for its burgers, of which there are several versions on their diverse menu. The Village Store offers fresh-cut meat and groceries on days when a picnic seems like a better idea.

Hotels in Batesville, three miles away, accommodate larger numbers of guests, but local options are available for those who want to soak up Oldenburg’s quaint ambience.

The Historic Drees Haus, an 1870s home, is constructed of locally made bricks, as are many other homes and buildings in town. These buildings, as well as the convent and the ornate wall around it, are on the architecture walking tour, a self-guided exploration made possible with a printed guide available at selected businesses around town.

Another option is Haupt Haus, located high on a hill with a beautiful view of the entire town. And there’s the stone Federalist-style Huegel Haus, erected in 1845. It was in disrepair for years but is currently being restored. Soon it will be open to welcome lodgers who can’t bear to leave Oldenburg and decide to stay on for another day.

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Flags fly to honor the town’s heritage.

weddings

Audrie Thompson & Ray Haltom Jr.

June 3, 2023 // Ceremony and reception at Lucas Oil Estate

Audrie Thompson and Ray Haltom Jr. grew up in Whiteriver Township area. They knew each other in high school, but they didn’t begin dating until April 2019, during Ray’s junior year and Audrie’s sophomore year in college while they were both attending the University of Kentucky.

After two years of dating, Ray proposed to Audrie in 2021 in their home during Audrie’s college graduation party.

They wanted an elegant, modern wedding with a fairytale twist, and according to Audrie, that was exactly what they got.

“It was beautiful and sunny for an outdoor ceremony,” she said. “The venue was spacious with our ceremony being over the bridge by the fountain, cocktail hour by the pool, first part of the reception in the courtyard and last part of the reception in the sports barn. We wanted our guests to feel like they were able to move around and enjoy themselves. Our wedding felt magical and enchanting with the venue and instrumental music.”

Although they wanted a modern ceremony, they also wanted it to feel timeless and for the wedding to scream bridal.

“The dress code was formal, and we asked our guests to wear all black,” Audrie said. “The wedding colors were white, black, blush and gold. All of the flowers were white roses with baby›s breath. With the venue being so colorful, we didn’t want the wedding flowers or decor to clash.”

The bridesmaid dresses were blush and the mother dresses were champagne. The guests and groomsmen wore black. The pop of gold was the silverware and chargers. Everything else was all white.

“We felt an abundance of love on our wedding day,” Audrie said. “We couldn’t wait to see each other at the altar.”

Then, after having a day of cherishing loved ones and making long-lasting memories, they hopped on a plane and honeymooned at The Cape at The Thompson Hotel in Cabo, San Lucas.

Heather Sherrill Photography

weddings

Nicole Abrams & Christopher Heck

July 8, 2023 // Ceremony and reception at Barn at Bay Horse Inn

Nicole Abrams and Christopher Heck went to Center Grove High School and lived in the Center Grove area. They went to the same high school, but they never met or spoke to each other until they were in college — Christopher went to the University of Indianapolis to play golf and Nicole attended Roosevelt University in Chicago to play softball when Christopher reached out to Nicole on Instagram, and they immediately hit it off. Christopher seized the moment and drove to Chicago to meet Nicole, and they have been together ever since.

When asked about how the proposal went down, Nicole said, “We were on a family vacation in Clearwater, Florida, at our favorite resort hotel that they have been to every year together. He brought me out to the beach to take pictures during the sunset with his little brother Alex. Alex was taking a picture of us and Christopher got down on one knee and asked me. We had a private dinner on the beach after. It was the most beautiful night that I will never forget!”

For the wedding, they chose to have a Great Gatsby/Grand Theme, and their colors were white, black and gold. Nicole worked with a decorator and designer from Decor and Design Weddings, and they brought this theme to life perfectly at the Barn at Bay Inn in Greenwood.

As for wedding day jitters, Nicole said that neither of them were nervous.

“It felt like I waited for this day for so long because we were engaged for two years before our wedding date,” she said. “I was so excited and so happy. Everything I planned and dreamed of came to life! Christopher and I were so happy that we were so emotional most of the day. I felt so much love around me. It was the best day of our lives!”

After the wedding, they went to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas for much needed relaxation mixed with lots of romance.

Photos by Katy Frye Photography

weddings

Olivia Paszek & Ben Sprinkle

June 23, 2023 // Ceremony and reception at Garment Factory

Olivia Paszek grew up in Franklin and has lived there her entire life. “My family is from here, I am from here, and we hope to raise children here someday,” she said. “It’s our favorite little town.”

Olivia and Ben met at Franklin College in 2016. They had an education class together, and a mutual friend helped them connect, as well. Ben was also college roommates with the man who is now the husband of Olivia’s twin sister.

“It was meant to be,” said Olivia.

Ben was a pitcher for the Franklin College baseball team, and Olivia pitched for the Franklin College softball team, so they also shared the bond of their love for the game and the position. “That’s why we have such a love for Franklin and Franklin College,” she said. “It’s the place that brought us all together.”

Ben proposed to Olivia on July 23, 2022, at her parents’ house in Franklin.

“We were having a cookout and Ben said he had to show me something by my parents’ pond,” she said. “He popped the question, and my family and his family were all hiding out to watch the whole thing. I was so surprised.”

For their wedding, they wanted a venue that was rustic, bright, and beautiful and the Garment Factory fit that bill perfectly. According to Olivia, it already has such an old charm about it, so they didn’t need much decor. They had flowers from JP Parker, wedding doughnuts from Jacks and other rentals from Garment Factory and A Classic.

The colors they chose were light pink, sage green and navy blue.

“We had a lot of greenery and florals, she said. “My dress was also a floral design, which was perfect for a summer wedding from Marie Gabriel Couture. It was our dream wedding.”

When asked how she felt on her wedding, Olivia said, “I felt like a princess and the happiest person. I couldn’t stop smiling all day. I hope everyone gets to experience this feeling. It’s really like something from a movie. We wish we could relive our day over and over again.”

Their honeymoon was spent at an all-inclusive Sandals Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Photos by Courtney

Carney Photography

weddings

Kylie Coduti & Nathaniel Coy

June 24, 2023 // Ceremony and reception at Garment Factory

Nathaniel Coy grew up in Center Grove, and Kylie Coduti grew up in northwestern Indiana but moved here for college. Kylie works at St. Francis Hospital on the Southside as a registered nurse, and they own a house on the Southside to be close to family.

They met in October 2018, and Kylie said, “We never grew up in the same area or went to any of the same schools, but we had a mutual friend who said we were very similar to one another and helped us get in touch. We were dating less than a month later and after close to five years, we tied the knot.”

Nathaniel proposed to Kylie on December 18, 2021, at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. However, his brother also got engaged around that time, and they were planning a 2022 wedding, so Nathaniel and Kylie decided to take their time and planned for a 2023 wedding.

They wanted a venue that would be accessible to family and friends, and after visiting the Garment Factory, they knew right away that was the place.

For their wedding colors, they chose pink and champagne.

“We wanted a wedding that felt modern and classic all at the same time,” she said. “I think it all turned out so perfectly. Our family really helped the vision come to life. The women of our families came together and created all the wedding bouquets, centerpiece floral arrangements and boutonnières.”

She added that it was so much fun and that it allowed them to design exactly what they wanted. Besides that, Kylie’s aunt made the wedding cake, and her dad built their arbor, among other details of the wedding.

“It made the day that much more special, she said. “It truly all went so smoothly and we just celebrated our love with everyone we love.”

They went to Hammock Cove in Antigua for their honeymoon. They left the day after the wedding and Kylie said they had the best week in the sun.

“Truly, such a special summer,” she said. Photos by Danielle

Harris Photography

our side of town

Dancing with the Johnson County Stars

Sept. 9 // Historic Artcraft Theatre

1. Beau Jackson, representing ASSIST Indiana, dances with his dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio of Greenwood.

2. Jackie Eckles, representing F.U.N. Townships, with her dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

3. Charles Miller, representing Bridges Alliance of Johnson County, dances with his dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

4. rachel Newbrough, representing Dance Every Journey, performs with her dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

5. Bruce Varney, representing Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy, dances with his dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

6. Wayne Fancher, representing Turning Point, dances with his dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

7. Ella Sutton, representing Humane Society of Johnson County, performs with her dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

8. Doug Gray, representing Gateway Services, with his dance professional from Five Star Dance Studio.

PHOTOG r APH y SUBMITTED

our side of town

South Magazine

Ladies Night Out September 27th

Sept. 27 // Sycamore at Mallow Run

1. Savanna Sulivan, Michael Zafiroff and Julie Miranda with reis Nichols.

2. Annette Chambers and Sherry long with Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson.

3. Amanda Meyer and Ashley Peck with Modern Woodmen.

4. Naomi State and Monica Williams with Mary Kay Cosmetics.

5. Natasha Merrick with Beauty to Beast Nutrition.

6. Matthew Moore and Patti Cassel with Five Star Dance Studios.

7. Mandy Drake with Think Growth Service.

8. Sandy Evans, Terri Hopkins and Brianne Dobson with The Francisican rejuvenate Medical Spa.

9. robin Eads and lisa lemons with Precision Med Spa.

PHOTOG

our side of town

Raising Spirits

Bourbon Tasting

Oct. 20 // Garment Factory Events

1. Attendees taste bourbon.

2. Kevin Findley auctions off items.

3. Abby Shuck shows off bourbon auction items.

4. Ballotin bourbon on display.

5. Guests mingle during the event.

6. A variety of bourbon was available to taste.

7. A guest waits for a drink.

8. Attendees toast while enjoying the night.

9. Todd Shuck shows off a bourbon auction item.

10. Guests browse auction items.

9

our side of town

Johnson County Community Foundation Lottery

Luau Reverse Raffle

Nov. 17 // Garment Factory Events

1. Sherri Mitchell, Amy Mclaughlin, Chris Cosner, Alisha Pickerel, Michele Hughes, Angie Mardis, latoya lanham and Vacinda Hamm.

3. Nick Burks and Christine Arnold run the raffle.

4. From left are linda Nicoson, Jennifer McCarty and Donna Kindle.

5. From left are Todd Bemis, Kim Bemis, Ed Olibo and Emily Olibo.

6. A sign recognizes Johnson County Community Foundation partners.

7. From left are Stephanie Marten, Jenny Bay, Kim Kasting and Kelsey Kasting.

8. lisa and Scott Jones.

9. Jake and Elizabeth Sappenfield.

2. Back row, from left are Joe Paulson and Susie Qualls; front row, from left are leeann Abercrombie-logan and Stephanie Fox.

PHOTOG r APH y By C H r IS COSNE r

allergy

Indianapolis Sinus Center

701 e. County line rd., Ste. 209

greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 215-0177

indianapolissinuscenter.com

catering

archer’s Meats & catering

259 S. Meridian Street greenwood, in 46143 (317) 881-9300

cateringbyarchers.com

DAY CAMP

Baxter YMCA

7900 S. Shelby Street

Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 881-9347

indymca.org

FITNESS CENTER

Baxter YMCA

7900 S. Shelby Street

Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 881-9347

indymca.org

Heating Johnson

Heating | Cooling | Plumbing

555 industrial Drive Franklin, in 46131 (317) 881-7738

johnsoncomfort.com

Business Directory

ASSISTED LIVING

Greenwood Village South 295 Village Lane

Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 881-2591

GreenwoodVillageSouth.com

child advocate

Johnson county caSa 18 W. Jefferson Street, Franklin, iN 46131 (317) 346-4561

casajohnsonco.org

automotive

Fletcher Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

3099 N. morton Street, Franklin, iN 46131 (317) 738-4170

fletcherchrysler.com

country club

Hillview country club

1800 E. King Street Franklin, In 46131 (317) 736-5555

hillviewtime.com

DAY SPA

Transformations Salon & Spa

8083A S. Madison Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 882-1773

transformationssalonandspa.com

Fine Jewelry

reis-nichols Jewelers

789 US 31 north, Greenwood, in 46142 (317) 883-4467

reisnichols.com

Home furnisHings

martin fine furniture 5420 s east st. indianapolis, in 46227 317-787-8659

martinfinefurnitureonline.com

digital services

aiM Media indiana 30 s. Water street, suite a Franklin, iN 46131 (317) 736-2741

aimmediaindiana.com

Funeral service cremation society of indiana 4115 shelby st., indianapolis, in 46227 (317) 783-3357

cremationsocietyofindiana.com

BREWHOUS E

Tried & True Alehouse

2800 S. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 530-2706

triedandtruealehouse.com

countertops

natural stone creations

500 International Dr., Franklin, In 46131 (317) 736-0021

Ey E Car E

Vaught Family Eye Care 1150 N Main St Franklin IN 46131 (317) 736-7722

vfecfranklin.com

home & land

duke homes

4300 north Rd. 725 W.

Bargersville, In 46106 (317) 422-9000

www.dukehomes.com

garage doors

a-1 garage doors, Inc.

515 W. old s. st., Bargersville, IN 46106 (317) 422-5225

a1garagedoors.com

hospital Johnson Memorial health

1125 W. Jefferson st., Franklin, iN 46131 (317) 736-3300

johnsonmemorial.org

Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn

5255 Noggle Way Indianapolis, IN 46237 317.888.4814

12210 N. executive Dr. edinburgh, IN 46124 812.526.8600

magazine

SOUTH magazine

30 S. Water Street, Suite a Franklin, in 46131 (317) 736-2767

indysouthmag.com

newspaper

Daily Journal

30 s. water street, suite a Franklin, In 46131 (317) 736-2700

dailyjournal.net

REHABILITATION

Greenwood Village South 295 Village Lane

Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 881-2591

GreenwoodVillageSouth.com

sinus center

indianapolis sinus center

701 e. county Line rd., ste. 209

Greenwood, in 46143 (317) 215-0177

indianapolissinuscenter.com

insurance

Franklin insurance

359 n. Morton street Franklin, in 46131 (317) 736-8277

franklin-insurance.net

media

aim media indiana daily Journal

30 S. Water Street, Suite a Franklin, iN 46131 (317) 736-2730

dailyjournal.net

PIZZA

Arni’s Restaurant

1691 W. Curry Road

Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 881-0500

meetyouatarnis.com

Remodeling

gettum & Associates, inc. 4984 Smith Valley Rd, greenwood, in 46142

317-888-5681

gettum.com

SWIM LESSONS

Baxter YMCA

7900 S. Shelby Street

Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 881-9347

indymca.org

INVESTMENTS

Raymond James 1530 American Way, Ste. 230

Greenwood, IN 46143 (317) 885-0114

https://www.raymondjames.com/ greenwood-branch/

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Approved Mortgage

107 N State Road 135, Ste. 301 Greenwood, IN 46142 (317) 882-2255

ApprovedMortgage.com

Plumbing Johnson

Heating | Cooling | Plumbing 555 industrial Drive Franklin, in 46131 (317) 881-7738

johnsoncomfort.com

Salon

Transformations Salon & Spa 8083a S. Madison ave., Indianapolis, In 46227 (317) 882-1773

transformationssalonandspa.com

WATER CONDITIONING

Petro’s Culligan of Johnson County 900 Arvin Dr., Franklin, IN 46131 (317) 736-5922

culliganindiana.com

law office

williams Barrett & wilkowski, llP

600 N emerson ave., Greenwood, iN 46143 (317) 888-1121

wbwlawyers.com

neighborhood

Aberdeen 3840 n rd 500 W bargersville, in 46106 317-422-9000

aberdeenliving.com

real estate

smythe & Co., Inc.

tanya smythe

2000 longest Dr., Franklin, IN (O) (317) 882-7229 (C) (317) 412-0968

SmytheRealEstate.com

senior L i V in G

Greenwood Village south 295 Village Lane Greenwood, in 46143 (317) 881-2591

GreenwoodVillageSouth.com

winery

Mallow run

winery

6964 whiteland rd, Bargersville, in 46106 (317) 422-1556

mallowrun.com

Calendar of Events

OngOing

tickets to see holiday Movies at the historic artcraft theatre, now in its 101st year, can be purchased in advance. This year’s screenings include: “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 8, 9 and 10; a members-only showing of “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” on Dec. 14; and be sure to wear your jolliest holiday sweater while yelling back to the screen during “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 15, 16 and 17. Plus, the music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” performed by Jerry Navarro Trio on Dec. 21. And it wouldn’t be the holidays without a festive “Yipee-kay-ya!” from Bruce Willis in “Die Hard,” which the theater has tagged as “Action, Adventure, Christmas,” screening four times over Dec. 22 and 23. Information: historicartcrafttheatre.org

ours and tastings at Mallow run winery. To get a behind-the-scenes look of this local favorite for wines and beautiful scenery, call 317-422-1556 or e-mail info@ mallowrun.com to schedule a tour of the tasting room, production building and the grounds at 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville.

Mallow Run also offers events year-round, including “Pancakes with Santa” on Dec. 9, and a monthly “Yoga & Wine” gathering with Studio You on Dec. 6, Jan. 17 and Feb. 21. Specialty wine releases, seasonal outdoor concerts and other activities are also open to the public year-round on the grounds of this multi-generational farm. Information: mallowrun.com

vintage whimsy

Johnson county antique and vintage Market by vintage whiMsy, 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Every second Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Explore two buildings full of antique furniture, jewelry and other gift ideas for you and your loved ones from Indiana and neighboring states. $2 for adults, free for anyone under 18. Information: jcantiquemarket.com

arts for all at 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. Family members of all ages can try a new craft on Saturdays that is tied to that month’s theme at the Garfield Park Arts Center. Register online or call 317-327-7135 for each month’s new project. Visit the website for ideas for at-home crafts, if you feel cabin fever starting to set in during the holiday break. Free. Information: gpacarts.org/arts-for-all or email gpac@indy.com

Johnson county Public library events. A variety of programs and events are available for readers of all ages, including book clubs at the library and in the community, STEAM activities for school-age children, author signings, “Tales for Tails” (reading to therapy dogs) and other events for all ages. Information: pageafterpage. org

off-broadway gallery, 299 E. Broadway, Greenwood. Members of the Southside Art League Inc. display their work based on quarterly themes with gallery receptions throughout the year. Through the end of 2023, the theme is “Black and White.”

In December, the gallery will feature works from the SALI Members Christmas Show. The SALI holiday sale is also happening throughout December. Want to hone your creative skills? SALI also offers art classes taught by local creatives. Hours: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday through Tuesday. Information: southsideartleague.org

greenwood Public library. Our librarians are always looking for new ways to provide educational and inspirational projects, books and events, including book clubs, evening events for teens and adults, trivia nights and STEAM projects available to library patrons. In December, skate in your socks with the whole family at Sock-Capades from December 18 through the end of the year. See the library’s calendar of events for more details. Information: greenwoodlibrary.us

DECEmBER

9 – light it uP 5k and h oliday of l ights, John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E.

Main Cross, Edinburgh. Visit historic downtown Edinburgh for a festive 5K beginning at 9 a.m. Santa hats are encouraged. Then, enjoy the Holiday of Lights, starting at 4 p.m. with carriage rides, Santa, a holiday parade and a holiday market that runs into the evening. Information: facebook.com/ JRDCC.edinburgh

9 – c andlelight s ho PP ing n ight. The sidewalk along East Jefferson Street in downtown Franklin will be aglow and FrenChic, Farm Girl Mercantile and Salvage Sisters will stay open late, offering appetizers, specials and giveaways to guests. Information: salvagesistersantiquemarket.com

9 – c arols, cookies and cocoa. Enjoy the festive sounds of the Center Grove Music Ensemble at the White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 1660 Library Blvd., 11 a.m. - noon. Information: pageafterpage.org/ events

9 – g arfield Park w inter a rts Market. Support and shop for holiday gifts by local artists while enjoying live music. Noon - 4 p.m. Free. Information: gpacarts.org

Johnson county MuseuM of history. Examine art and artifacts from Johnson County, which has been celebrating its bicentennial throughout 2023. In December, check out and vote for your favorite Christmas tree in the annual Dec-a-Tree display. Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin. Museum hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.3 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Free. Information: |johnsoncountymuseum.org

through dec. 30 – christMas at the Zoo. Make reservations for a holiday tradition going back to 1967. Meet Santa, his reindeer and Mrs. Claus, wonder at the twinkly lights, take selfies at Instagram-worthy backdrops, and of course, visit the penguins and other zoo animals. Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Information: indianapoliszoo.com/events/ christmas-at-the-zoo

13 – weekly oPen Mic coMedy. Share your best jokes – or encourage that one funny friend to take the stage – at The Pixy Theatre’s weekly Wednesday night comedy open mic events presented by Happy Place Comedy. Prizes available. 6 p.m. 111 S. Walnut St., Edinburgh. Information: theedinburghpixy. com

16 – hoosier handMade craft fair & Market. Walk through a winter wonderland of holiday music and locally made goods in Scott and Herring halls of the Johnson County Fairgrounds. More than 60 local artisans will be selling hand-made leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, personalized charcuterie and cutting boards, hand-poured soy candles, goat milk products, farm decor and more. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on hand from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch will be available from local food trucks, and there will be a scavenger hunt for prizes for children 10 and under from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. 250 Fairground St., Franklin. Information: facebook. com/HoosierHandmade1

29 – read & bleed at the JCPL Franklin Branch, 401 S. State Street, from 1-5 p.m. Give blood while reading your favorite book or discovering a new favorite. If you can’t make this one, the Clark Pleasant Branch is also hosting a Read & Bleed event on Jan. 26. To schedule a donation or learn about other events seeking donors, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org

Calendar

30 – n ew y ear’s n oon countdown at Greenwood Public Library. Join other families at the GPL to celebrate New Year’s Eve a little early (the library is closed on Dec. 31) – and still be in bed at a reasonable hour. Countdown to a confetti party at noon. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. Information: greenwoodlibrary.us/ calendar

t hrough d ec. 23 – “h oliday M agic ” at o ns tage l ive! at t he lu X e. Bring the whole family for shows with a razzledazzle holiday flair on Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23. $25 for adults, $15 for ages 6-16. 916 E. Main St., Greenwood. Information: 317-300-0603 or onstageliveattheluxe.com

t hrough d ec. 31 – conservatory c rossing. Enjoy the holiday wonder at Garfield Park Conservatory, featuring brightly colored poinsettias, model trains and village and twinkling lights. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; and some evenings,

through dec. 31 – the lighted trail. During the holiday season, bring the whole family for a stroll through Amphitheater Park in Greenwood to enjoy more than 85 lit trees, 18 figures, five arches, a 12-arch candy cane tunnel, two 7-foot-tall candy canes, 3,600 lights on the bridge and 10 light poles, totaling 42,840 lights.

Information: Greenwood.in.gov

check the website for details. $5 for individuals, $12 per family (maximum two adults). Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden, 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis. Information: garfieldgardensconservatory.org

t hrough Jan. 6 – f estival of t rees. More than 75 trees will represent individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; noon - 5 p.m. Sunday; open until 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 20. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Information: indianahistory.org/events/ festival-of-trees

through Jan. 15 – Jingle rails: the great western adventure. The Eiteljorg Museum’s annual holiday model train exhibit features replicas of landmarks of the American West and the Indianapolis skyline. Some of the features are made from natural materials, including seeds, leaves, bark and twigs. Plus, explore Customary Native American art and the history of Indigenous people in Central Indiana in a familyfriendly setting. Extended hours to 7 p.m. from Dec. 16 -30. Information: eiteljorg.org/ exhibitions/jingle-rails

through Jan. 8 – sock skating rink at JcPl franklin branch. What better way to blow off steam while staying warm than to skate indoors –no skates required. The Franklin Branch has converted its Community Room into a sock-skating space for the whole family to enjoy. White River and Trafalgar branches will also have similar sock-skating events on various dates. See jcplin.libnet.info/events for specific dates and times when the Sock Skating Rink will be open.

through Jan. 15 – Jingle rails: the great western adventure. The Eiteljorg Museum’s annual holiday model train exhibit features replicas of landmarks of the American West and the Indianapolis skyline. Some of the features are made from natural materials, including seeds, leaves, bark and twigs. Plus, explore Customary Native American art and the history of Indigenous people in Central Indiana in a familyfriendly setting. Extended hours to 7 p.m. from Dec. 16 -30. Information: eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/jingle-rails

Calendar

JAnuARy

12 – library after dark: hi barbie! a Movie eXPerience. The Greenwood Public Library is going pink for the night. This event for adults 18 and older is perfect for a girls’ night out or invite your favorite Ken or Allan to watch the 2023 movie “Barbie” for the first or fourth time. Come dressed as your favorite doll of the Barbie-verse for a costume contest, crafts, games and giveaways. Registration strongly recommended. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 entry fee includes pizza, soft drinks and snacks. Information: greenwoodlibrary.us/calendar

15 – Mlk day of celebration at franklin college. “Then and Now: What’s Different?” is the theme of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture at the Richardson Chapel. Rev. Sharon Washington Risher will share her personal experiences from the shooting at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., on June 17, 2015. She also published a book, “For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre.” 4 p.m. Information: franklincollege.edu/about-fc/convocation-series

19 – trivia night fundraiser for center grove education foundation. Support CGEF by playing trivia and meeting other supporters of public education at Barn at Bay Horse Inn in Greenwood, 1468 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood. 6-9 p.m. Information: centergrovefoundation.org/events

FEBRuARy

1-28 – art & soul. This year will mark the 28th annual “Black arts family reunion” sponsored by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. More than 100 local African American visual and performing artists will share their talents at the Artsgarden, the glass-enclosed event center over the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets in downtown Indianapolis. The selection committee for the 2024 event includes leaders from Asante Art Institute, FLAVA FRESH!, IIbada Dance Company and Indy Jazz Fest. Free. Information: indyarts.org/ about/art-soul

10 – greenwood valentine’s day dance. Grab the kids for a night of fun and dancing from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This year, your child can also make a stuffed animal. Admission only tickets are $5; tickets that include admission and a “make-your-own bear” are $15. Information: greenwood.in.gov under “Visit” and “Events” for information and to reserve tickets.

BECAUSE OF YOU...

living through

grants and scholarships.



’Tis the season for giving

Two women in the Psi Iota Xi sorority prepare a doll for a charity fundraiser ca. 1950.

Photo courtesy of the Van Valer Family Collection

County Museum of History

Photo courtesy of

Johnson