The Southside Times reaches a vast segment of our community. For information about reaching our readers, call Amanda Babinec at 317-840-9114 or email her at amanda@myiconmedia.com.
Stories/News?
Have any news tips?
Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share? Call Nancy Hammerstrom at 317-698-1661 or email her at nancyh@myiconmedia. com. Remember, our news deadlines are several days prior to print.
SERVING THE SOUTHSIDE SINCE
1928
Gerald Sargent, Publisher Emeritus (1925- 2015)
Rick Myers, Publisher Emeritus (1962-2021)
A PRODUCT OF
Amanda Babinec, President / Publisher Rebecca Thie, Director of Operations
Annie Wolfinbarger Director of Business Development
Nancy Hammerstrom Managing Editor
Julie Brackemyre Copy Editor / Writer
Treva Patterson Production Manager / Graphic Designer
Carey Rudicel Administrative Assistant
For more information, contact us at: news@ss-times.com
The views of the columnists in The Southside Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
The Southside Times is published by ICON Media, LLC. Content published alongside this icon is sponsored by one of our valued advertisers. Sponsored content is produced or commissioned by advertisers working in tandem with ICON Media, LLC’s sales representatives. Sponsored content may not reflect the views of The Southside Times publisher, editorial staff or graphic design team. The Southside Times is devoted to clearly differentiating between sponsored content and editorial content. Potential advertisers interested in sponsored content should call: (317) 300-8782 or email: sponsored@ss-times.com.
COMMUNITY
Expand Your Universe
Heartland International Film Festival to show more than 110 films from around the galaxy, including 10 from Indiana
By Nancy Hammerstrom
Moviegoers are invited to explore 11 days of films, including 28 World/North American/U.S. Premieres, 20 Special Presentations, and 10 Indiana Spotlight films at the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF), held Oct. 10-20. This year’s theme is “Expand Your Universe.”
“MovieMaker Magazine named us one of the ‘Coolest Festivals in the World’ last year, but with this year’s lineup of premieres, indies, and awards season contenders, our reputation will expand across the galaxy,” said Artistic Director Greg Sorvig. “I would like to congratulate all of our 2024 filmmakers and invite everyone — wherever you are across the universe — to celebrate cinema together here in Indianapolis.”
HIFF kicks off the festivities on opening night, Thursday, Oct. 10, with A Real Pain from Search Pictures, directed, written by, and starring Jesse Eisenberg. Other highlights during the festival include four films that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May: All We Imagine as Light from Janus Films and Sideshow, Armand from IFC Films, FLOW from Janus Films and Sideshow, and The Seed of a Sacred Fig from Neon.
One of the Indiana Spotlight films (all are made by or about Hoosiers) includes the world premiere of Driven to Save Lives which has been driving the conversation about organ and tissue donation at racetracks across the nation. Discover the
untold stories woven into the fabric of the racing world – stories of hope, survival, and legacy.
“We hope this film resonates with people and shows them the real-life impact one person can have through organ and tissue donation,” said Executive Producer Taylor McLean. “These are stories of real people facing real circumstances, stories that show heartache, fear, and gratitude from everyday fans in the racing community and across all communities. This film can save lives. Every heartbeat tells a story of courage, community, and the race we’re in daily to save lives.”
McLean not only led efforts to make Driven to Save Lives a reality but also leads the Driven2SaveLives program as senior marketing specialist at Indiana Donor Network.
Justice 4 Three, a powerful documentary from director Denise Blane, exposes a tragic hate crime in Fort Wayne, Ind., claiming two lives and leaving one survivor. Through raw family interviews, chilling footage, and a call for justice, it demands a future free of hate.
“Justice 4 Three is a deeply personal project for me, marking several significant milestones in my career,” Blane said. “It’s not only my first feature film but also the first time I’ve had outside funding to bring a vision to life. The story it tells hits incredibly close to home — one of the victims highlighted in the film is my cousin, who was like a little brother to me. Being able
to share his story means the world to me and my family. This film is a testament to resilience, triumph, and the pursuit of true justice. It’s also the first film I’ve directed and produced since graduating college, and the first to be selected for a film festival. I am ecstatic to finally share this film with an audience and it’s happening for the first time ever at the Heartland Film Festival. You can find more information about the film on the official website justice4three.com.”
The Waiting Game, directed by Michael Husain, “is a powerful documentary examining how the ABA changed the game of basketball and then its players were largely forgotten by the billion-dollar NBA. It follows the David vs. Goliath fight of a three-person Indianapolis not-for-profit taking on the NBA to right the wrong,” Husain said.
Additional Indiana Spotlight films include Attachment Project, Code The Road, Dirty Laundry, Last Days of Summer, Major Taylor: Champion of the Race, North Putnam, and We Strangers.
One hundred and fifty filmmakers are expected to appear for Q&As following their screenings at the following theaters: Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant, Living Room Theaters, Newfields, Landmark Glendale 12, and Emagine Noblesville. For more information or to purchase tickets go to HeartlandFilmFestival.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the theater 30 minutes before the film starts.
Actor Craig T. Nelson is scheduled to attend the premiere of Green and Gold on Oct. 18 and will be honored with the Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oct. 19 Awards Presentation. (Photo provided by Heartland Film)
COMMUNITY
By Julie Brackemyre
1. In what town do you work, and how long have you lived on the Southside of Indy?
I grew up in Acton, Ind. and am a proud graduate of Franklin Central High School and Ball State University. My company, Guitar Academy of Indiana, has its headquarters located in Acton. Even though I do a lot of work locally, my area of operations spans across all of central Indiana.
2. Describe your immediate family to us.
My mom and sister are in my immediate family. Additionally, we often talk about our students at the Guitar Academy of Indiana as more than just customers – they’re like family to us. Each of our students brings their own unique personality and dynamic to the table, just like different branches of a family might. We value and cherish the unique contributions each student and their
families make to our business. We’re grateful for the trust, relationships, and community we’ve built.
3. Does your family identify with a certain faith, and if so, can you tell us more about the traditions in your faith?
Our family has a diver religious makeup that is mainly non-denominational Christianity and Taoism.
4. Describe your perfect family outing.
A perfect day would include a big breakfast and some time to watch a movie together. We do enjoy board games, so I am sure we would squeeze one of those in too if we could. We would go out and do some shopping and have dinner together. We love to eat out but hate breaking the budget, so anything with a gift card, especially if it’s to one of our favorite restaurants.
5. What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is traveling to Disney World. It is a cherished and exciting experience for my family. From the preparation and planning to the journey and experience, we love it all. We always get a picture at a different ride every year to hang up so we can reminisce about our time there and get motivated to plan our next trip.
6. What are three words to describe the reasons you choose to live on the Southside of Indy?
Cost of living, opportunity, location
7. Ask your youngest child (or spouse or sibling) to describe you. Kind, outgoing, intelligent, driven, creative, talented, funny, caring, and loving
Dakota Nicley
Teaching artist, Guitar Academy of Indiana
(Submitted photo)
COMMUNITY
By Julie Brackemyre
Sam Otley currently teaches advanced physical conditioning at Roncalli High School and works with the athletic department managing the strength and conditioning program. He is also Roncalli’s new head football coach. Otley is the 11th head coach in the history of the football program and the first Roncalli alumnus for this position. For the last eight seasons, Otley has served as an assistant coach for Roncalli and during the past two seasons, he was the offensive coordinator. Otley has coached both running backs and the offensive line. During Otley’s tenure at Roncalli, he was an assistant coach for two state championship teams (2016 and 2020). Otley also served as an assistant coach for the boys track and field program at Roncalli for two years.
1. What do you consider your greatest virtue? Determination
2. What do you like most about working on the Southside of Indy?
I enjoy the sense of community and close relationships built over the years.
3. If you had to live anywhere else, where would it be? Hawaii
4. If you could begin life over, what would you change? Nothing - I’ve been very blessed in this life.
5. If money weren’t an issue, where would you spend it? Food and traveling
6. What makes you happiest? My family
Wife: Allis Son: Magnus Daughter: Attila
7. What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii
8. What do you do with your idle time? Generally, hang out with family or a football-related activity
SAM OTLEY
Prior to being an assistant coach at Roncalli, Otley coached football at Franklin College and North Carolina Wesleyan College. As a student at Franklin College majoring in business, Otley played four seasons under Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee Mike Leonard. Otley was a four-time conference champion and advanced to the second round of the NCAA DIII playoffs during three seasons. He was named a team captain as a senior. As a student at Roncalli, Otley played football for all four years under Indiana Football Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Scifres. In his senior season, he was selected to the NorthSouth All Star Game and selected as a team captain.
Roncalli named 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
On Sept. 23, Roncalli High School was recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Roncalli becomes only one of 40 high schools in the country to have earned this prestigious distinction four times, having won in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2024. Roncalli students, faculty, and staff celebrated this great honor with a special ‘Blue Day’ on Sept. 24. All were out of uniform and dressed in blue! Administrators dyed their hair blue,
blue cake pops were served at lunch, and music featuring the word ‘blue’ played during passing periods. Principal Kevin Banich (Roncalli 2009) shared, “I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to celebrate this remarkable achievement with our school and community. Our faculty, staff, and families have made the commitment and sacrifice to provide a transformational education to our students. It is a blessing to serve our school alongside the dedicated educators who work tirelessly to develop our students in mind, body, and spirit.”
9. What do you do to escape from reality? Watch college football
10. What/who is the greatest love of your life? My wife, Allis and our two kids, Magnus and Atilla
11. What is the quality you most like in a person? Respectfulness, humor, compassion
12. What is your greatest extravagance? According to my wife - I’m not very extravagant
13. What is your favorite restaurant? Vida
14. Who is the person most influential in your life? My dad, Jim Otley
15. Which talent would you most like to possess? Playing the piano
16. What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty
17. Who is your favorite historical figure? Jesus
18. What tenet do you live by? Treat others as you would like to be treated.
(Submitted photo)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Central Indiana woman spreads message of hope after being diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago
By Amber Hankins
June 18, 2021.
That’s the day forever etched in the mind of Heather Jackson. The day her life changed … completely. The day she found out she had breast cancer. “I was laying in bed one night, and as women do, I did my routine self-examination in bed. I felt a lump in my right breast, and I just immediately knew … this is definitely not OK.”
At the time, Jackson was just 39 years old, so she hadn’t been in for a mammogram quite yet, as they’re typically recommended by doctors once women turn 40. After discovering the lump, she immediately visited her primary care physician and was sent to get a biopsy. “The lady who did the biopsy was like, ‘I’ve done hundreds, thousands of these,’ Jackson said. ‘This definitely does look cancerous.’” In a shaky voice, Jackson explained that when you get diagnosed with cancer, it completely takes over your life. At the time, her son Camden was only 1 1/2 years old. “I know sometimes people say, ‘it felt like a dream.’ It didn’t feel like a dream,” she said. “I very much knew it was happening … and I wept … in the hospital … in the hallway … I slid down the wall, like in a movie scene …”
A movie scene, that for Jackson, was now her reality. But she was confident she was going to beat it, and she couldn’t allow herself to imagine what life would be like for her son … if she didn’t. “I couldn’t let myself go there. It just felt like a really unsafe space to be in my mind, and so the thought did definitely cross my mind –what would life look like without me being his mom. The second I thought about it, it was like nope, I’m not going to go there,” she said.
So instead, Jackson decided to fight. She started going to all of the doctors’ appointments, met with her oncologist, and got a plan of attack set in motion. “Everything that once was life before was now completely focused around fighting cancer,” she said. Jackson’s cancer was what you call a “Stage 2, Triple Negative, Aggressive Cancer.” Because doctors couldn’t pinpoint where it came from, they treated it aggressively, she explained, treating her with chemotherapy immediately. She said her first treatment was the absolute worst. “It was really rough. You just don’t know until you do it … what it will be like,” she said. And if you’re wondering what it was
really like for Jackson, here is her real and somewhat raw version of the truth. “My fingernails were falling off, my skin was peeling, I was losing my hair, I was sick all the time, I was so, so tired, I couldn’t sleep, and I felt dizzy,” she said.
Dizzy. Nauseous. And out of sorts. Jackson said because of the chemo, she didn’t just lose her hair, but her confidence, too. “I’ve never felt more ugly or fat,” she explained. “I was terrified to go in the sun. That summer, I was so pasty white and bald and all the things.” Simply put, Jackson
Moving Beyond is an eight-week program that offers exercise with an instructor, guided lessons in stress reduction, healthy eating and lifestyle habits, confidence building strategies, and emotional support. This program is open to anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis, as well as family and support person(s). Whether you or your loved one has been recently diagnosed or already completed treatment, we invite you to join us. The Moving Beyond cancer survivorship program in Indianapolis is offered as a partnership between Franciscan Health Cancer Center and Cancer Support Community. Moving Beyond meets at the following times with virtual and in-person options: Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. If a virtual class is selected, a staff member will contact and assist the patient before classes begin. In-person classes are held at the Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. in Indianapolis. To register, contact: Kayla Epplin, MSW, LCSW, at 317-499-3077 or MovingBeyond@cancersupportindy.org to register. COVER STORY
felt miserable. “I cried, and I remember standing up and looking at my husband and saying, ‘OK, we’ve got to kick this in the butt … no more crying.’ I flicked my tear at him and was like, ‘we gotta be strong. We gotta pull up our bootstraps.’ I was very much like, ‘let’s just put one foot in front of the other and figure out how we’re gonna get through this.’” And that’s exactly what she did.
Two weeks after Jackson finished chemo, she had a double mastectomy, having both breasts removed. Then, she had her lymph
Moving Beyond: a program for those diagnosed with cancer
nodes “swept out” from underneath her right armpit to make sure the cancer didn’t spread anywhere else. About six months later, she started 20 rounds of radiation, and later, a chemo pill, and eventually, reconstructive surgery. By this time, it was December 2023. Just over two years of fighting … waiting … and persevering.
The good news? Jackson was told moving forward, she didn’t need to have any more screening for her breast cancer.
Doctors explained there was less than a 1% chance of it coming back in her breast tissue because she had a double mastectomy. The bad news? There was also a 30% chance of it returning as lung or liver cancer within the next five years. So even though she beat breast cancer, the thought of it returning, in some sort of way, still stays with her today.
“I can’t explain it,” she said. “Since I’ve had cancer, I understand how real it is and how it affects your life. I think about ... what if my cancer comes back? It’s a terrifying thought that I live with … every single day.” So, what gets her through and keeps her going? Her support system, or in her words, her village. “It’s everything. It made it so much easier for me to stay strong, for me to fight, for me to stay in a good mindset,” she said. “I’m a believer, and so I have so many loving Christian people around me, my whole family.”
Family. Friends. And faith.
And for any woman (or man) who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, her message to them would be this: “I’m incredibly sorry. Lean on God to find your inner strength and focus on surviving. Lean in and accept the help. It’s hard to do, but it’s actually so rewarding.” Also rewarding for Jackson?
The month of October. Every year, she said, the celebratory time for breast cancer awareness continues to be a blessing. “I feel like it breaks down the laws of the stigma around it and makes it so comfortable and easy to talk about it and to celebrate it even, almost,” she said. And what a reason to celebrate. Jackson has been cancer-free now for more than three years.
June 18, 2021, may have been the day her life changed forever … but it’s also the day she became a warrior. A fighter. And paved her way to becoming a survivor. For Jackson, that is the true meaning of this month and all that it represents.
“I know it sounds like an oxymoron,” she tearfully said, “but it really is helpful, and it kind of continues to give people hope and allows them to feel seen. That … is everything.”
(Submitted photos)
By Julie Brackemyre
1. How many years has Greenwood Happy Haunts been in business, and what inspired you to start/purchase/ work with this business?
Two years this past August. Halloween, and fall in general, has always been a passion of ours. We used to decorate for our Halloween parties two months prior, and we had so much fun, we wanted to do it full time. We closed our 69-year-old family tile business in May of 2023 and wanted to do something different. We were able to use the same shop for our new adventure. This is much more fun!
2. Are you the original owner? Yes, my husband, Scott and me.
3. Describe your typical workday. Making custom signs, glassware, or end tables for customers. Seeking new and fun inventory for our store. Scott and I love the hunt to find unique items.
4. What inspires your work, and what
sets you apart from everyone else?
Our sense of humor and what would we want in our own home. We are not a corporation where multiple items are sent to us. We personally seek out vintage or items you do not find everywhere that our customers would like. Plus, we can customize items as well.
5. If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently? Learn how to get our presence out sooner.
6. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?
Be patient! It will not take off overnight. Get the word out to as many people as you can. Social media has been a blessing in that regard.
Check out the owner:
Scott and Cory Steenbergen
1. How long have you worked with Greenwood Happy Haunts? Tell me a
little about your background and how you developed your skill set.
Two years this past August. My background is in computers and the tile industry. Since I was familiar with running a business and computer savvy, it wasn’t hard to get the business up and running and be able to make the custom items we have. My husband is a woodworker and cabinet maker, and he makes all things wood. So, the props were fun for him to make.
2. What has been your biggest success to date, and what has been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest success is how many people love our store and come back. We have had visitors from 14 states, and visitors from Massachusetts have told us our store is better than Salem! Now, THAT’S a compliment!
Our biggest challenge is just getting the word out about us. We’re working on getting a mural painted on the side of our building to make us stand out a bit.
3. What inspires you to hit the ground running each morning?
Being able to put smiles on our customer’s faces and make their day a little better. We love meeting new people, and our customers are awesome! We love talking all things spooky with them.
4. Tell me some of your hobbies, outside of working for Greenwood Happy Haunts.
My husband, Scott and I, are paranormal investigators.
5. What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
We are open year-round and make a lot of our items. Plus, our building is haunted! Don’t worry. It’s a very friendly ghost.
6. What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
I’m a crazy cat lady! I love all things cats, and our store allows me to have the best of both worlds.
Political predictions: The one poll that could decide our next U.S. president
By Jeff Binkley
We find ourselves again embroiled in one of the tightest presidential election contests in history. But I’m pretty confident that five days before Election Day, I will know who will win the White House.
There will be a lot of ink spilled in the next 35 days regarding the 2024 presidential election. Polls will come and polls will go. And if the accuracy of those polls in the last several election cycles is any indicator, none of us should pay any attention to them. There is one poll though that is deserving of paying very close attention to. Alas, this poll won’t be out until just before Election Day 2024, but it’s highly accurate … to the tune of 83% or better for the last 24 elections.
History shows that if the S&P 500 declines in the three months prior to an election, the incumbent presidential party
typically loses (Trump wins). And the reverse holds true as well; gains in the S&P 500 prior to an election tend to indicate a win for the incumbent party (Harris wins). No presidential predictor can be perfect, and the stock market is far from perfect. But the last time the S&P 500 indicator failed was in 1980. Actually, it failed (barely) in 2020 as well. From August 2020 to November 2020, the S&P rose just under one-half of 1% (+.4%). President Biden won the 2020 election with the slimmest of margins. Winning by less than .3% in Georgia, less than .3% in Arizona, and just under .5% in Wisconsin, with those states giving him his electoral college victory. The market almost got it right again. What I’m trying to convey here is that depending upon our political leanings, we can all be super excited with each new positive poll that comes out showing our candidate in the lead or get our panties in
a bunch if they’re losing. But none of those polls will truly tell us anything. The one poll that actually has a great record (+83%) is now being polled daily. But I’m not going to get too excited about what it says until the end of October. Nor will I be paying too much attention to any other polls until late October as well. To tell you the truth, I won’t be paying ANY attention to any other poll than the S&P 500. Its track record isn’t perfect, but in 20 out of the past 24 elections, the stock market has been right on the money.
Right now, it’s indicating that Harris wins.
On Aug. 1, 2024, the S&P 500 closed at 5446.68. As of press time, Sept. 19, 2024, the S&P 500 stood at 5730.73. Right now, per the market poll political prognosticator, the incumbent (Kamala Harris) will return to the White House. Should the S&P lose 300 or so points, or about 5% between
now and Oct. 31, Trump may return to the White House. The key number is 5446 on the S&P. Higher than that, Harris wins, and lower than that, Trump does.
Now knowing that, maybe quit obsessing on each new poll. Instead, take a walk, bike ride, or drive and enjoy the fall colors. Tune back into politics after Halloween and check the S&P 500 closing number on Friday, Nov. 1. When that number comes in, we’ll know, with 80% confidence, who will be sitting at the Resolute desk come Jan. 20, 2025.
PERSONNEL MATTERS
Overcoming fear with confidence
By Mike Heffner
This time of year, we’re watching scary movies and talking about spooky things. It’s also a time when fear-based news bleeds out of the political landscape. That fear is dominating our social feeds, news channels, and thoughts. Now, I do not want to go on a rant about “fake news” or how the media bombards us with negativity. My goal is to talk about how we can build the confidence and mindset to keep that negativity from driving us into fear. Fear is a basic emotion we all experience. It’s essential for our survival, alerting us to potential threats. But I also believe we can train our minds to handle fear differently. A lot of this comes down to understanding what we can control versus what’s out of our hands. Our brains process fear by weighing probabilities, making decisions, and drawing on past experiences. The media and other influencers try to skew those probabilities, pushing their view or agenda by creating fear and hoping to sway your beliefs.
One of my favorite thought processes comes from the bestselling author Jon Acuff. He suggests asking three questions: Is what you’re hearing true? Is it kind? Is it helpful? This idea, from his book “Soundtracks,” resonates with me because fear often arises when we believe something that isn’t true. We may accept it without fully examining the facts, and that unexamined fear can affect both ourselves and the people we care about. But why do we let it have that power over us? I believe it boils down to confidence. When we don’t have a strong belief system or we lack confidence in our own understanding, it’s easier to let others sway us without fully fact-checking or filtering what we let sink in. For example, let’s say you’ve been working out, meal planning, and you’re starting to see results. When Halloween candy comes around, you’re more likely to pass on it because you’re confident in your progress. You’ve got a plan, and it’s working. But if you lack that confidence or don’t have a plan, you might tell yourself, “One piece won’t hurt,” and
PEER TO PEER
What goes up may not go back down (much) again
By Howard Hubler
Inflation has been tamed to about 1.7%, far better than where we were. People keep waiting for the market prices to go down. Guess again?
So many young people have never experienced a recession like this before. They think if inflation went up 20%, it will go down 20% when we are “back to normal.” They think the house that they can’t afford that went up 20% will go down 20% and they will be a homeowner in several months. The inflated price you experience today with little downward movement (depending on the consumer item) will be the price for the rest of your life. Gas is more complicated and is pretty much a political decision made by our current administration. This is an election year; my guess is it will go down in price. When you take gas and make the price go up, it drives up a tremendous amount of consumer goods because whether it is through the production of that product or the transportation to bring it to marketplace, or home and business heating, gas pretty much is one of the biggest drivers of inflationary prices.
What does this mean for you? The national statistics suggested that goods and services
went up over 20%. If you have enjoyed salary raises throughout this process, you’re earning about 2% under the rate of inflation, or 2% worse than three years ago.
If you are a Hoosier businessperson trying to figure out how to make more money next year or you’re a Hoosier family trying to fasten your seatbelt, there will be no relief for your insight, unfortunately. Eventually, you will get enough raises in your workplace that you will equal the rate of inflation and then you will be four or five percentage points ahead of the rate of reflation. At that point, you can start creating excess cash, whether it’s for vacation savings or maybe for your kids’ college or tech school.
A peaceful thought: Hoosier prices for housing and cost of living seems to be cheaper than most other places that I visit. Other Americans are going through the same inflation, only many times at a rate higher than 20%.
Howard
give in. It’s a simple comparison, but it shows how belief systems and confidence can shape how we respond to fear. Here are a couple of ways to help manage your mind when it comes to fear:
• Know that fear is healthy – Fear is part of our hardwiring and serves a purpose. It helps us avoid danger.
• Fear isn’t a sign of weakness – It’s just a signal letting us know that something is going on that we need to pay attention to. We can leverage fear to make good, informed decisions.
• Confidence is the antidote to fear – When you believe in what you’re doing, it’s easier to stay disciplined and not let fear derail you.
• Preparation is the key to confidence – Having a plan, taking action, and being consistent with your actions all help build the confidence to face challenges head-on.
Remember, everything you hear or read is trying to influence you — including my writing right now. My hope is that it helps you become more aware of how others might be trying to shape your thoughts, and that it encourages you to pause, reflect, and make sure the information you let in is true and beneficial to your success. This article is written by Mike Heffner, the owner of the local Greenwood Express Employment Professionals franchise. Contact Mike at Mike.Heffner@expresspros. com, @IndySouthMike on X or visit ExpressIndySouth.com.
This article is written by Mike Heffner, the owner of the local Greenwood Express Employment Professionals franchise. Contact Mike at Mike.Heffner@expresspros. com, @IndySouthMike on X or visit ExpressIndySouth.com.
Hubler can be reached at howard@hubler.com.
EVENTScalendar
BEECH GROVE
SongFarmers Home “Music Jam”
Acoustic singers and musicians at any level are invited to come together to sing and play with each other in a big, happy circle, just like they would on a front porch. This is a free public event! | When: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. | Where: Horne Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave., Indianapolis. | Info: 317-788-4986; hornetparkcommunitycenter.com
Movies by the BonFire
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for Movies by the BonFire every Friday evening in October! Bonfire and s’mores begin at 6 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. The movie will be “Casper.” | When: Friday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. | Where: Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave., Indianapolis. | Info: 317788-4986; hornetparkcommunitycenter. com
FOUNTAIN SQUARE
IF Theatre’s Play-Lovers’ club
The newly minted IF Theatre (née IndyFringe), will host a new Play-Lovers’ Club, to bring audience members together in support of four unique performances at theatres across the city. The club is intended to function just like a book club, but for theatre enthusiasts looking to explore new productions. Each quarter, club members will attend a curated performance on their own time. After each show’s closing, participants will gather at IF Theatre for beverages, snacks, and a lively discussion moderated by IF Theatre’s staff. Judy’s Life’s Work by Loy A WebbPresented by Naptown African American Theatre Collective will be discussed. The performances – not the discussion – will be held at The Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center – visit phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets. | When: Nov. 4, 6-8 p.m. | Where: IF Theatre, 719 E St Clair St, Indianapolis. | Info: info@ indyfringe.org; (317) 210-4639
FRANKLIN
A Special Evening with James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
JCPL is excited to announce the JCPL Foundation’s fundraiser, “A Special Evening with James Patterson and Matt Eversmann,” featuring their new book
NIGHT & DAY
“American Heroes.” Proceeds from this event support the Library’s Authors at JCPL series. | When: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. | Where: Performing Arts Center at Franklin Community High School, 2600 Cumberland Drive, Franklin. | Info: jcplf.org/patterson
GARFIELD
Chair Yoga
Join us every Friday morning for a rejuvenating session of Chair Yoga designed to promote physical well-being and mental relaxation. These sessions are perfect for individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a gentle yet effective way to enhance flexibility, build strength, and find moments of tranquility. | When: Fridays at 10 a.m. through Jan. 3. | Where: Garfield Park Family Center Fitness Room, 2345 Pagoda Drive, Indianapolis. | Info: To register for this program/activity please contact the Indy Parks Customer Service Center at 317327-7275 (option 2), or email IndyParksCS@ indy.gov.
Levitt VIBE Indianapolis Music Series
We’re so excited to bring an incredible array of local, regional, national, and international live music acts and lots of fun to our neighborhood park thanks to a variety of funders and partners — including Indy Parks. These FREE concerts happen on seven Sundays in September and October. | When: Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. | Where: Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. | Info: bigcar.org/project/vibe.
GREENWOOD
City of Greenwood’s Fall Concert Series
“Dueling Pianos.” The series, presented by Festival Country Indiana, is free to the public. Musical performances cover a variety of genres at the outdoor venue, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snack-filled coolers. | When: Oct. 12, 6 p.m. | Where: Greenwood Amphitheater, 300 S Washington St, Greenwood. | Info: greenwood.in.gov
INDIANAPOLIS
Heartland International Film Festival
Heartland International Film Festival is returning for its 33rd year! Heartland International Film Festival was named by MovieMaker Magazine in 2023 as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World and as
one of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee. | When: Thursday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 20, Many times throughout the day and evening. | Where: various locations in and around Indianapolis. | Info: heartlandfilm. org/festival
People We Meet on the Bus Zine Release Party
People We Meet on the Bus will launch the release of their first free zine, co-hosted by Mirror Indy. All ages are welcome. Hear readings from contributors or join in for the open mic, the theme being stories of connection in public places. | When: Oct. 11, doors open at 5:30 p.m., open mic begins at 6 p.m. | Where: 10 E. Arts Hub, 3137 E. 10th St., Indianapolis. | Info: indyarts.org/event/ people-we-meet-on-the-bus-zine-releaseparty.
Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree: A Dramatic Reading with Ben Asaykwee Experience the magic and mystery of Bradbury’s Halloween classic, brought to life through Asaykwee’s engaging storytelling. This event is part of the Festival 451indy programming, celebrating Bradbury’s legacy with a tale that explores friendship, time travel, and the origins of Halloween. Perfect for fans of all ages, this reading promises to be a spellbinding experience! | When: Oct. 18-20. Performances throughout the day. | Where: Ray Bradbury Center and District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis. | Info: bradbury@iu.edu; liberalarts.indianapolis.iu.edu/centers/ bradbury-center.
First Thursdays
For all adults. First Thursdays are your FREE ticket to go behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Symphony! Enjoy a beverage and join us in our Hilbert Circle Theatre lobby along with ISO artists, staff, and special guests for an immersive experience. This season will include four hour-long programs featuring performances, exclusive interviews, and interactive activities. | When: Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | Where: Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis. | Info: 317-639-4300; indianapolissymphony.org/events
PERRY TOWNSHIP
Caregivers Support Group
Franciscan Health is hosting a weekly caregivers support group. The group is open to those who provide care for a loved one, who need a safe place to talk
and interact with others who understand the frustrations, weariness, rewards, and stress of being a caregiver. Topics discussed during sessions include signs of caregiver burnout, ways to reduce caregiver stress, and self-care. The support group is free, but registration is required. | When: Thursdays from 2-3:30 p.m. | Where: Franciscan Health Senior Promise Conference Room, 8778 Madison Ave., Indianapolis. | Info: To register for the weekly caregivers support group, call 317-528-2636.
GriefShare
GriefShare is a faith-based program of grief support, help, and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. Led by trained facilitators Mike Louden and Roxanne Deardurff, the GriefShare sessions will include videos by experts in grieving, support group discussion, and personal study/reflection. All are welcome. Begin attending at any time; sessions are not sequential. | When: Wednesdays, Aug. 21-Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m. | Where: Calvary Lutheran Church, 6111 Shelby St., Indianapolis. | Info: Contact the church at 317-783-2000.
‘A Halloween Who Done It’ – Join the Greater Greenwood Community Band for a thrilling evening of music and mystery at their annual Halloween concert, “A Halloween Who Done It.” Admission is free and open to the public – no tickets required. Audience members are encouraged to come in costume to fully embrace the Halloween spirit. At the end of the evening, band members will provide Halloween treats for guests as they exit the auditorium. | When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 6-7:15 p.m. | Where: Perry Meridian High School auditorium, 401 W. Meridian School Road, Indianapolis. | Info: Visit GreenwoodBand.org or follow the Greater Greenwood Community Band on social media for updates.
SOUTHPORT
Chair Aerobics
Join us for a 15-week, low-impact, themebased seated exercise and brain fitness class led by an instructor from Through the Ages Fitness. Please bring a water bottle to class. | When: Thursday mornings in August, September, October, and November, 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Where: Southport Branch Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis. | Info: 317-275-4512; attend.indypl.org/ event/10011026.
By Bradley Lane
The trailer for Barbarian is a rare treat. It is a textbook example of showing only enough footage to attract a crowd and not a second more. What was marketed as a thriller about a double-booked rental home and the tension of sharing a space with a complete stranger, is actually something entirely different and much, much weirder. Much like modern horror auteur Jordan Peele, writer and director of Barbarian Zach Cregger made a name for himself in sketch comedy before making the jump to horror filmmaking. With any luck Cregger will continue working in horror, because he is a filmmaker unafraid to take risks and if Barbarian is any indication, he seemingly has a lot to say. The unassumingly simple setup for the wild ride to follow is that Tess, played by Georgina Campbell, arrives at her Detroit
SPOTLIGHT
NIGHT & DAY
Barbarian
A smart, shocking, and surprising horror gem
Airbnb to discover Keith, played by Bill Skarsgård, is already staying in the house via a different booking app. The first awkward coincidence gives way to a tense exploration of gender roles as Tess and Keith discuss the potential danger he poses to her if she decides to accept Keith’s offer to share the house for the night. However, while this setup maintains a sense of unease, it just serves to open the story up into something much more dangerous and wildly more depraved.
No film in recent memory has had my jaw so consistently glued to the floor, as my theater experience with Barbarian. Just when you think you are tuned into his tricks, Cregger
hits the audience with a subversive, yet thematically consistent left hook. It would be impressive enough to have made a purely thrilling cinematic experience, but Barbarian is also a dense, thoughtful exploration of power, American economic decline, and especially gender dynamics.
Cregger here has written a layered and thoughtful critique on the near invisible, gendered expectations of women and how men enforce these unseen standards onto women without ever considering it themselves. No man in the film escapes Cregger’s critique, not even the progressive, charming, and self-aware male character can move out of himself
FEATURED ARTIST: BRENDA STICHTER
A One-Artist-Show by artist Brenda Stichter will be held at the Southside Art League Off Broadway Gallery from Oct. 2-31. She will be exhibiting a collection of her innovative abstract paintings. With a commercial art degree from UNW St. Paul, Stichter started out in advertising, but has turned her focus to painting in her Warsaw, Ind. home studio since 2010. Her abstract acrylic paintings portray her personal response to beauty, culture, and her Creator. That is where she finds a steady place of hope from which she can extend an invitation to breathe deeply and pause for wonder and curiosity.
Her starting point on her substrate focuses on composition, color theory, and principles of art. She chooses the tools and concepts which she thinks will communicate her ideas in the most interesting and beautiful way. At that point the painting itself almost always takes over, and part of her joy as an artist comes from responding to what she sees on the canvas.
Stichter has been awarded the BoldBrush Award for Abstract, BoldBrush first place for Abstract, and the BoldBrush third place for Abstract. She was juried into the Hoosier Salon (second place in 2022), the Acrylic International Biennial Juried Exhibit (2022 and 2024), and the SALI National Abstract Art Exhibit. She is a member of the Lakeland Art Association in Warsaw, Ind., the Fort Wayne Artists Guild, and the Hoosier Salon, and was named a Hoosier Woman Artist (2016, 2019, 2020, and 2021). She loves walking in the woods, coffee, clouds, and especially her beloved husband and her two adult kids.
Meet Stichter at the free SALI Open House, Friday Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. See more of her paintings at instagram.com/ brendastichter.
The Southside Art League, Inc. (SALI) Off Broadway Gallery is at 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood, IN 46143, two blocks north of Main Street and six blocks east of Madison
Avenue in historic Old Town Greenwood. Visit the gallery during regular hours, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Please call SALI to arrange for viewing by appointment at any other time. For more information, contact SALI at 317-882-5562 or Brenda Stichter at brenda@brendastichter.com.
fully to consider Tess’s perspective outside of a patriarchal framework. This feminism coming from a male writer might seem like lip service if it wasn’t so impassioned, intricate, and layered into each piece of the narrative.
Previously, I crowned Barbarian as one of the best horror films of 2022. Just a couple years later and it has already been canonized as a modern horror classic by fans and is considered among the ranks of the best of the last 10 years; films like Get Out, Hereditary, and The Witch. Revisit one of the scariest and smartest horror films in recent memory now streaming on Max.4.5/5 stars
Bradley is a Beech Grove High School alumnus and has been enamored by film for as long as he can remember. He recently graduated from IUPUI, with a degree in Media and Public Affairs with a minor in Film. Bradley can be contacted at blane2214@gmail.com.
Prayers & Promises. (Artwork by Brenda Stichter)
BIBIBOP ASIAN GRILL
AN OPTION
HUMOR
Top 10 reasons I was late for work/school this morning
By Torry Stiles
No matter what you want in your own bowl, BIBIBOP has you covered. (Photo courtesy of BIBIBOP Asian Grill)
Fans of Asian food are now enjoying the convenience of customizing their own meals through the drive-in or by delivery at BIBIBOP Asian Grill, which opened at the end of August. Customers can choose their choice of proteins, bases, toppings, and sauces, or order one of the chef curated bowls, like the BIBIBOP fan favorite with sweet potato noodles, purple rice, chicken, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, cheese, corn, and yum yum sauce. “The flavors were fresh, vibrant, and delicious, with perfectly balanced ingredients in every bite,” wrote a Google reviewer. “Our entire team was thrilled with the quality and variety. It’s clear that BIBIBOP takes great care in preparing their meals.” A $10 well b-ing meal with cookies and a drink is now offered for a limited time. Local customer favorites include the Korean BBQ pork or beef, sweet potato noodles, snickerdoodle cookies, and a plethora of options for vegetarians and vegans. BIBBIBOP also offers a 100% gluten-free menu. “As a mom of a teenager who has celiac, we are so grateful for your restaurant! It is a true relief to not have to worry when we eat here,” a Facebook reviewer wrote.
Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Address: 8603 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis. For more information, call 463-248-5326 or go to bibibop. com/menu.
The Southside’s Best Breakfast! Bring your family and friends and come fill up! Gus and Dimos welcomes you!
Buck Creek • 6AM-3PM 6845 Bluff Road, Indianapolis, IN • (317) 889-2253
Also visit the following locations…
Greenbriar Plaza
8555 Ditch Road, Indpls (317) 254-5993
7AM-3PM
Prestwick Crossing 5201 E US Hwy 36, Avon (317) 745-6262 6AM-3PM
Oaklandon Commons 11915 Pendleton Pike, Suites A & B, Indpls
10. Stayed up all night making raccoon noises outside the neighbor’s house.
9. Internet people say I should reach for my dreams. Went back to sleep ‘cause I still haven’t caught a unicorn.
8. Poured my morning cereal and the lack of a toy just bummed me out so bad I couldn’t leave the house.
7. Wife had me up all night because she thought she heard raccoons out in the yard.
6. He may not be MY grandpa, but he was SOMEBODY’S grandpa. I’ll bring you a card from a funeral when I get back.
5. Somebody two desks over was coughing all day yesterday. I ain’t gettin’ no more vaccines!
4. Stopped at Starbs. Out of pumpkin spice. Went back to bed.
3. If it’s too cold for Crocs then I’m too cool for school.
2. Didn’t know the work from home option didn’t apply to emergency room technicians.
1. Up all night snatching up the discounted Caitlin Clark memorabilia on eBay.
DUMB LAW
Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each issue, we’ll share one with you …
In Alabama, it is illegal to dress up as a priest on Halloween.
“It’s time again to celebrate that most beloved and versatile fall fruit – the pumpkin.” That’s a sign posted at the Dunkin’ donuts shop near me. There are similar signs at Trader Joe’s and Starbucks. Every aisle has something Halloweeny or pumpkiny, which are not words, except in September and October. Christmassy pops up in November and December. Thankgivingly never made it. And Easterly only comes up when you are traveling from California to New York.
Now, I’m not a big pumpkin fan. I don’t even like small pumpkins. But here are just a few of the current seasonal options I now see at the stores noted above. You can stop reading the list anytime. You’ll get the point.
Pumpkin pie mix, pumpkin-flavored cinnamon bagels, pumpkin Greek nonfat
Now, let’s wander over to Trader Joe’s and see what else you can buy. But first, pick up a copy of their in-store publication, Fearless Flyer. Whoever writes the copy has a way with words —maybe the wrong way.
For example, in their promotion for sugar bee apples, the writer says, “We take excellent products and cross-pollinate them with fair prices.” I can’t imagine how they did that. But I once saw a Rottweiler/ Chihuahua mix.
Caramelized onion goat log: We discover that this dish “creates a synergistic symphony on the palate.” Well, I’ll pass. I don’t want my tongue making noise. I’m already bad enough with soup.
Pruning hydrangeas
GARDENING
By John Chapin
As gardeners take advantage of the cool day of autumn to clean up their landscaping, one of the tasks is pruning shrubs, and a perennial concern is how to prune hydrangeas. It’s important to know that there are actually five species of hydrangeas commonly grown by Hoosier gardeners.
They are the smooth leaf hydrangeas (H. arborescens), panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata), oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia), bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla), and climbing hydrangeas (H. anomala). Each species is pruned differently, so it’s important to know just which species you are growing.
Smooth leaf hydrangeas, such as ‘Annabelle’ and numerous varieties bred from this native species, bloom on new growth, so can literally be pruned back to 6 inches or even to the ground.
The very popular panicle hydrangeas, such as ‘limelight,’ ‘quickfire fab,’ and ‘pinky winky’ also bloom on new growth, and are generally pruned when dormant to remove faded blooms, shape, and reduce in overall size, if desired.
Oakleaf hydrangeas, with many varieties developed from this native species, do not bloom on new growth and should be
pruned only to remove old blooms and to lightly shape, if needed. To avoid removing flower buds, heavy pruning should be done immediately after blooming in late spring.
Climbing hydrangeas can be pruned anytime of the year, but it’s usually only necessary to prune off errant shoots.
As for the finicky hydrangea macrophylla varieties, lightly prune to shape, but be prepared to be disappointed, as they rightly deserve the nickname of “endless bummer.” They usually die back to the ground every winter with or without protection, with only a few blooms if you’re lucky.
Happy gardening!
John Chapin is a retired school teacher and sole proprietor of Chapin Landscaping. He has over 30 years’ experience in the landscaping business. Contact him at jchapinlandscaping@gmail.com
Petite pumpkin spice cookies where “the white icing furthers the foray into pumpkin spice territory.” This sounds like something a Vladamir Putin pumpkin might do.
Pumpkin spice latte: “This latte elevates PSL to another level.” I recently got some blood tests back from the lab. I think they said my PSL was already too high.
Pumpkin butter: “It does not actually contain butter,” they admit, “but it’s great flavor is credited to its fruit-to-sugar ratio.” Compared to real butter, whose great taste is primarily credited to cows. Maybe they should place a note on the few perfectly symmetrical organic pumpkins they sell: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT PLASTIC.
Pumpkin bread: They admit that baking at home can produce a superior product, but then they say, “… but time does not always allow for such domestic pleasantries.” I asked my wife if she could think of any domestic pleasantries. I had never seen Mary Ellen stuck for an answer.
Joe’s sandwich pumpkin cookies are “twistable, crunchable, crumbleable.” I’m
guessing that they are also inedible, but remember, I’m not a pumpkin partaker. Finally, there’s Trader Joe’s harvest brunch turkey, apple, and pumpkin waffle recipe dog treats, the lengthiest named product in America. These treats are trendy on the West Coast because they are glutenfree, for pups that prefer meat to Wheaties. Finally, harpoon dunkin’ pumpkin box o’ beer? Yes, a box of beer. Somehow, that doesn’t sit quite right with me. I never wanted a box of beer abs.
If you are a pumpkin fan, please don’t be offended. I just wanted to make you smile when you read my column. And orange you glad you did?
Dick Wolfsie’s weekly humor column is published in more than 30 newspapers. Dick has written 14 books, including Mornings with Barney and Indiana Curiosities. His newest book, The Right Fluff, is a compilation of his most popular humor columns. He lives in Fishers with his wife Mary Ellen and a cat who doesn’t like him.
PERRY TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT TRUNK OR TREAT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH from 6 8 PM
Presented by:
Perr y Township Trustee, Patty Hagenmaier
Perr y Township Small Claims Cour t Judge, Cher yl Rivera
Perr y Township Board Members : Jim Sullivan, District 1
Terr y Trent , District 2
Randy Decker, District 3
Howard Howe, District 4
Tim O’Connor, District 5
Michael S. Calvert
Michael S. Calvert, 72, Indianapolis, died Sept. 23, 2024. Survivors: daughters, Judy and Tammie; lifelong partner, Katherine; grandchildren; siblings, Deborah and Ricky; nephews; great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased: son, Michael, Jr; mother, Rachel, father, Hobart; stepfather, James Guffey; and brother in-law, Gary Matthew. Arrangements: G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
Elisabetta “Lisa” Rafaella (Poeta) Cento
Elisabetta “Lisa” Rafaella (Poeta) Cento, 84, died Sept. 19, 2024. Survivors: son, Mike (Jennifer); five grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; and son, Tony. Arrangements were provided by O’RileyBranson Funeral Service and Crematory.
Mildred E. Clark
Mildred E. Clark died Sept. 19, 2024. Survivors: children, Bruce (Cindi) and Keith Clark, Carol (Matt) Flynn; grandchildren, Katie (Matt), Chad and Chase Clark, Leslie and John (Nicole) Flynn; greatgrandchildren, Payton and Rory Flynn, and Caleb Mushinski; niece, Donna. Predeceased: sister, Dolores Tunin. Arrangements: O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service and Crematory.
Nina C. Cotter
Nina C. Cotter, 76, Indianapolis, died Sept. 26, 2024. Survivors: children, Joseph Cotter and Stephanie Cotter, granddaughter, Isabella Cotter; and sister, Judy (Paul) Hilderbrand. Predeceased: sister, Connie Calder. There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to O’Riley-Branson Funeral Home & Crematory.s
Claude Fuhr
Claude Fuhr died Sept. 21, 2024. Survivors: wife, Judy; daughter, Dana (John); sons, David (Michelle), Brad (Megan), and Scott (Carrie); grandsons, Connor and Riley; granddaughters, Kenzie, Haley, Riley, Isabella, Christine, and Gabrielle; brother, Gary (Denise); and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements: G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
James Scott. Predeceased: mother, Barbara; and sister, Amy Scott. G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home.
Donald Albert Glowinski Sr.
Donald Albert Glowinski Sr. died Sept. 16, 2024. Survivors: wife, Mary (Spitz); sons, Donald Jr. (Cheryl DeVol-Glowinski) and David (Kailyn Duane) Glowinski; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Predeceased: oldest child, Victoria Glowinski, brother, Alvin; and sister-in-law, Kathy. Arrangements were provided by G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Sarah Ann Green
Sarah Ann Green, 43, Indianapolis, died Sept. 26, 2024. She was born to Mary Wheeler (survives) and Danny Green (deceased). Other survivors: stepfather, Dean, sister; Erin; brother, Matthew; grandmother, Barbara; niece, Lorelei; fiancé; Mark Andrews. Visitation: Oct. 9, 9:30-11 a.m., mass: 11 a.m., Our Lady of Greenwood Catholic Church. O’RileyBranson.
Robert L. Heid
Robert “Bob” L. Heid, 87, died Sept. 18, 2024. Survivors: wife, Beverly; daughters, Beth (Todd) Broeker and Sara Heid; grandchildren, Chantz Heid, Brandon Broeker, and Elinora Broeker; sister, Karen (Ken) Gordon; many cherished nieces and nephews. Arrangements: G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home.
Wanda Johnson Maynard Jenkins
Wanda Johnson Maynard Jenkins, 78, Indianapolis, died Sept. 11, 2024. Survivors: husband, John; son, William; daughters, Tracy and Lilly; stepchildren, Tammy and Johnny; 14 grandchildren; 30 greatgrandchildren; sisters, Gloria, Brenda, and Vonda; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased: daughter, Wanda; brother, Phillip. G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Peyton Nicole Leineweber
Peyton Nicole Leineweber, 32, Indianapolis, died Sept. 21, 2024. Survivors: parents, Corey (Lisa) Leineweber, Amanda (Jim) Melsheimer; grandparents, Ronald (Ruth) Roberts, Larry (Mable) Leineweber; siblings, Michael, Corey, Devon, James, Paige, Joshua, Matthew; and aunts, uncles and extended family members. Predeceased: grandmother, Carol Wright. G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home.
Judith “Judy” Anne (King) Meacham
Judith “Judy” Anne (King) Meacham, 79, died Sept. 20, 2024. Survivors: daughter, Angela (Mathew) Bauer; grandchildren, Chase, Isabella, and Brynnlee; partner, Stephen McCurry; and pet, Cooper. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Helen King. Arrangements handled by G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Maureen Meyer
Maureen Meyer, 91, Greenwood, died Sept. 23, 2024. Survivors: husband, John; brother, Tom Leahy; children, Kim (Ed) Siegfried, Marty (Bernadette) Meyer, Pat (Michelle) Meyer, and Mike (Tina) Meyer; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; extended family. Predeceased: brother, John Leahy; and sister-in-law, Pat Leahy. Arrangements: O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.
Sarah Ann Root
Sarah Ann Root, 81, Indianapolis, died Sept. 16, 2024. Survivors: daughter, Sharon Lynn; sons, Timothy Root; and Gerald (Sharon) Root; seven grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren, sisters, Margaret, Linda, and Marcia Dean. Predeceased: husband, Lawrence “Dick”; sisters, Evelyn, Annetta, Barbara Jean, and Brenda. G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Patricia Eileen Shannon
Patricia Eileen Shannon, 85, Plainfield, died Sept. 17, 2024. Survivors: sister, Kathy Pounds; nieces, Kathy Shannon and Tammy Gibson. Predeceased: parents; brother, Dennis Shannon, Jr. Special thanks to the doctors, nursing staff, and crew at St. Francis, Mooresville, for their exceptional care and support for Pat and Kathy. G.H. Herrmann.
Michael Smith
Michael “Mike the Barber” Smith, 75, died Sept. 15, 2024. Survivors: wife, Diane; children, Michael J. (Sabrina), Brad (Rebecca), and Scott (Tania) Smith; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Dunn and Ralph Smith. Predeceased: brothers, Richard, Thomas and Philip Smith. No services. Arrangements: O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service and Crematory.
Basic death notices (up to 50 words) are printed free of charge. Personalized Obituaries exceeding 50 words will incur a charge. Full-color photographs may be included for an additional fee. Families/estates or funeral directors are encouraged to send obituaries and photos to news@ss-times.com. Information received by noon Tuesday will be published Monday, space permitting.
Arrest made after 18-year-old was shot, killed in Beech
Grove
By Nancy Hammerstrom
An 18-year-old woman has died following a shooting Sunday night in Beech Grove, and a 15-year-old male was arrested for his alleged role in the shooting.
At about 9 p.m. on Sept. 29, Makayla Bauman was shot in the 5400 block of Sagebrush Avenue. She was then transported to an address on Riva Ridge in Indianapolis. Bauman was transported to Eskenazi in critical condition. Later, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at Eskenazi Hospital.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was initially contacted; however, after it was determined that the shooting happened in Beech Grove, the BGPD took over leading the investigation.
The BGPD Special Response Team was called to secure two vacant apartments near where the shooting occurred in an effort to locate a possible suspect, or suspects involved. No arrests were made at that time.
Beech Grove detectives continued their investigation. A juvenile suspect eventually became a person of interest. On Oct. 2, Beech Grove detectives along with their SRT executed a search warrant at a residence near the area of 34th Street and Emerson Avenue in Indianapolis. A 15-yearold juvenile male was arrested for their involvement in the shooting. At this time, the juvenile is being preliminarily charged with one count of murder.
The Beech Grove Police are emphasizing that this is still an active, open, and ongoing investigation. They encourage anyone with information about this case to contact them through Crime Stoppers or directly via email at crimetips@beechgrove.com or by phone at 317-782-4934.
7-October 20, 2024
* Copies of The Southside Times are available each week in this church's office or lobby.
✞ BAPTIST
Southwood Baptist Church • 501 S. 4th Ave., Beech Grove | 317-786-2719 | Proclaiming Christ because we care | Pastor John C. Jones II | Sunday worship 10:45 a.m. | Sunday school 9:30 a.m.
Holy Name of Jesus • 89 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove | (317) 784-5454 | Rev. Robert Robeson | Worship Times & Anticipation Sun.: 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. | Sat. Mass: 5 p.m.
First Christian Church of Beech Grove • 405 Main Street, Beech Grove, IN 46107 | (317) 786-8522 | In Person on Sundays at 10:30 or Zoom, same time: 121 813 648
✞ LUTHERAN
Calvary Lutheran Church & School • 6111 Shelby St. Indianapolis | clcs.org | (317) 783-2000 | email: info@ clcs.org | Worship — Traditional: Sat. 5:30 p.m. & Sun. 8:00 a.m.; Contemporary: Sun. 10:45 a.m. | Sunday School & Bible Study: 9:25 a.m. | Engaging People In Christ through Connecting, Learning, Caring and Serving
*Concordia Lutheran Church and Preschool • 305 Howard Road, Greenwood | (317) 881-4477 | Worship Sun.: 9:30 a.m. | Mon.: 6:30 p.m. | concordia-lcms.com
Emmaus Lutheran Church • 1224 Laurel Street
Indianapolis 46203 | Fountain Square 317-632-1486 | elcindy.org emmauschurchindy@gmail.com |
Pastor Raymond Smith | Sundays: Bible Study 8:45 a.m., Service 10:00 a.m.
✞ NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Tallwood Chapel Community Church • 5560 S. Shelby St., Indpls. | (317) 787-5595 | The Gospel is a seed - come grow with us | Worship with us Sundays 10:30 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Prayers are with you during this time | BIBLE CHURCH, Ministry of HOLY WORD
✞ UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
St. John’s United Church of Christ • 7031 S. East St., Indpls (U.S. 31, Southport Road) | (317) 881-2353 | Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. | Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18
As a criminal investigator I do my best to bring hope to people who are facing the darkest times of their lives. As a pastor I do the same. I pour out everything I have in hopes that people might be set free. I tell people all the time that I begin my days at the gates of hell, and I end my days leading people to the gates of heaven. There is a syndrome in my profession known as “compassion fatigue” and to this syndrome I am not immune. Some days after lifting spirits through the darkest of storms, I find myself feeling more than just fatigued. I find myself fighting with the very same spirit of depression that I work so hard to lift others above daily. Recently, I reached out to a dear friend who is a doctor and asked him for some words of inspiration. He asked me if I had taken a dose of my own medicine
✞ UNITED METHODIST
Rosedale Hills United Methodist • 4450 S. Keystone Ave., Indpls. | (317) 786-6474 | Email: officerhumc@att.net | Senior Pastor Amy Lee | Sun.: 9:30 a.m. | Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. | rosedalehillsumc.com
Legal/Public
Auction
PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION OF PROPERTY BY Nick’s Packing And Storage LLC. Public auction of personal property including household goods, furniture, non-perishables, belonging to the following persons: John Doe, Jane Doe, On Thursday October 17, 2024 at 6:30PM The location for the auction is: Mike Heimel Auction Services 59 N. 2nd Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107 PURUSANT TO IC 32-31-4-4, IC 32-31-4-5, IC 26-17-210(B)(5)PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION OF PROPERTY BY Nick’s Packing And Storage LLC. Public auction of personal property including household goods, furniture, non-perishables, belonging to the following persons: John Doe, Jane Doe, On Thursday October 17, 2024 at 6:30PM The location for the auction is: Mike Heimel Auction Services 59 N. 2nd Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107 PURUSANT TO IC 3231-4-4, IC 32-31-4-5, IC 26-1-7-210(B)(5)
Legal/Public
Auction
by praying for God to heal my heart. I told him that I had, and for some odd reason, it just didn’t seem to work this time. My doctor friend took a moment to gather his thoughts and then he responded with some sobering advice. He told me that my problem was that I was not taking God’s medicine as prescribed. He asked me a very serious question. He asked me how I could say that I had prayed and yet nothing happened, when scripture says to pray without ceasing! He told me that the most common reason doctors are not able to heal patients is because they fail to take medication as prescribed.
God bless and go and have a great day.
Pastor Dan Bailey is the chair of the Mayor’s Faith Based Round Table for the City of Beech Grove, who believes in its mission statement to “Strengthen the Community with Christ’s Love.” He is a lifelong resident of Southside with his wife, four children and five grandchildren. He has also been a criminal investigator for the last 30-plus years for the Public Defender Agency.
IU student from Greenwood arrested on rape charges
By Mattew VanTryon
Noah Apgar,
a 20-yearold Indiana University student, has been charged with five felony counts of rape, one count of criminal confinement, and one count of strangulation after sexually assaulting two women within one week at Greek houses on the Bloomington campus. He was arrested at his parents’ Greenwood house on Sept. 17 and booked into the Monroe County Jail. He is currently out on bond.
PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION OF PROPERTY BY Nick’s Packing And Storage LLC. Public auction of personal property including household goods, furniture, non-perishables, belonging to the following persons: Pamela Ward, Kensnel Baptiste, Michaella Pierre, Shawn Sargent, Unknown, Denise Patrick, Cherlyn Siegel On Thursday October 24, 2024 at 6:30PM The location for the auction is: Mike Heimel Auction Services 59 N. 2nd Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107 PURUSANT TO IC 32-31-4-4, IC 32-31-4-5, IC 26-17-210(B) (5)PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION OF PROPERTY BY Nick’s Packing And Storage LLC. Public auction of personal property including household goods, furniture, non-perishables, belonging to the following persons: Pamela Ward, Kensnel Baptiste, Michaella Pierre, Shawn Sargent, Unknown, Denise Patrick, Cherlyn Siegel On Thursday October 24, 2024 at 6:30PM The location for the auction is: Mike Heimel Auction Services 59 N. 2nd Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107 PURUSANT TO IC 3231-4-4, IC 32-31-4-5, IC 26-1-7-210(B)(5)
A woman reported to university police on Sept. 13 that she had been sexually assaulted by Apgar at Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he was a member until his recent expulsion. The two had met the previous night at a party and had been messaging each other on Snapchat. The woman went with Apgar into a bathroom, where he choked her and sexually assaulted her with his fingers, the affidavit said. She told him to stop several times. She left the house, and two women helped her report the incident to the university police. She went to the hospital for a sexual assault-exam. A campus-wide message was sent to students.
Two days later, another woman reported to university police that Apgar assaulted her early in the morning of Sept. 6 in a campus sorority house. The woman had met Apgar at a fraternity party. Apgar came to her sorority house room and sexually assaulted her multiple times. The woman said Apgar choked her multiple times during the encounter, and she sustained injuries that caused infection and bleeding.
Apgar pleaded not guilty in his initial court hearing on Sept. 18. He was served with two no-contact orders and two orders of protection. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 25.
Noah Apga. (Submitted photo)
From participant to mentor – a Green -
By Audrey Faletic
journey in Foster Success
The transition from child to adulthood can be tough on anyone. For some this transition includes attending college; others go straight into their careers. Either path has its difficulties, but some people will find those difficulties greater than others. Especially children who are trying to move into the future with fewer resources, such as those who have experience with the foster care system. However, finding support is not impossible.
Foster Success is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for teenagers and young adults, ages 14 through 26, who have been in foster care. The program works to make their transition out of the system as easy as possible by providing resources for those involved. One of the many opportunities Foster Success offers is the Summer Catalyst Bridge Program. The summer program takes place on a college campus for six-and-a-half weeks while attendees build skills for future readiness. There have been an average of 15 participants yearly since the program started in 2017, and in 2023, one of those participants was 18-year-old Lewis Lee from Greenwood.
“I believe accepting other members’ ideas was difficult at first since everyone has their own perspective and thoughts. However, that is when open-mindedness came in to save the day. Although each of us had different ways of thinking and solving, we made sure everyone’s ideas were heard and respected,” said Lee.
This open-mindedness may have been the key to success, as Lee’s team won the competition after “spending hours discussing ideas, researching information, creating slides, and preparing for the pitch.” Their product, SafeSeat, was pitched against competitors from all over the state. “Winning the competition meant all of our efforts had paid off. It is not just an achievement, but it is also a boost in confidence for me,” said Lee. Because of his appreciation for the Summer Catalyst Bridge Program, Lee decided to return in 2024, but this time as a mentor. “I wanted to fully explore my leadership ability and help others who have experienced foster care like me. So, I decided to become a mentor as a way to contribute my skills and knowledge to help others and further develop my skills,” said Lee.
Lee reflected on his time in the Summer Catalyst Bridge Program as a learning experience that allowed him to find a “more mature version” of himself. “I learned to expand my network, see things from different perspectives, love myself, and explore myself,” said Lee.
Angel Crone, Foster Success’ senior director of Impact and Programming, said that she believes those who participate in the Summer Catalyst Bridge Program are “just a little more ahead,” and believes it prepares them for success.
Lee’s experience mirrored this sentiment. While he described a summer of “priceless” memories, and remembered silly, laughter-filled moments with fellow participants, his time spent in the program wasn’t just fun and games. For Lee, it was far more meaningful than that.
“Summer Catalyst Bridge 2023 was a core memory for me,” said Lee. “I always dreamt of achieving higher education and living independently. The summer of 2023 was my first taste of living independently and living college life.”
Not only did Lee make positive memories and get a taste of college life, but he also competed in a Shark Tank competition, a yearly piece to the Summer Catalyst Bridge Program. Lee and his team collaborated to create a product and market it, an activity that came with its own challenges.
Lee became a mentor with the hopes of becoming a “motivator and role model” for others, bringing with him the abilities he’d developed during his own time as a participant. He believes his open-mindedness, developed from his Shark Tank experience, gives him the flexibility and empathy every mentor needs.
From participant to mentor, Lewis’ journey shows that Foster Success not only prepares children for the future, but instills in them the values needed to become productive members of society, ones with the abilities to serve others.
Caring for family members at home can take an emotional and physical toll. The result for Nancy was stress-related diabetes. That’s when she was introduced to LaTanya, a certified community health worker at Eskenazi Health.
According to Nancy: “Knowing she’s coming to my house and I have to see this woman and I have to be accountable to her, it really pushed me...” Not all barriers to health are obvious. Thankfully new programs exist which are changing that.
Eskenazi Health was recently named Indiana’s #1 hospital for community benefit by the Lown Institute. Thanks in part to community partners and philanthropy, we are helping families get beyond barriers
