MAT POWER
BROWNSBURG WRESTLING TEAM BUILDS A LEGACY OF STRENGTH & RESILIENCE
6 GOBBLE GALLOP Avon’s Annual Event Brings Community Together for Thanksgiving Tradition 10 FÜR DAS HUFEISEN (FOR THE HORSESHOE) The Indianapolis Colts Return to the World Stage This Month 12 NOVEMBER EVENTS
15 CREATIVE CHAOS Local Artist Brings Color, Joy & Stress Relief to Hendricks County
19 MAT POWER Brownsburg Wrestling Team Builds a Legacy of Strength & Resilience
PUBLISHER
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
DEVON DEAN MELISSA GIBSON JUSTIN SICKING JESS STEWART
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR JOSH BROWN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
GOBBLE GALLOP
AVON’S ANNUAL EVENT BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR THANKSGIVING TRADITION
Writer / Melissa Gibson
he Hendricks Regional Health YMCA in Avon has hosted its Thanksgiving morning fundraiser, Gobble Gallop, since 2016. This year, organizers introduced a new Wobble to the Gobble training program eight weeks prior to the event on Nov. 27.
They’ll also hold their annual National Anthem competition to find a local performer or choir to sing before the race begins. You may have even spotted Chase the Turkey around Avon in the weeks leading up to the Gobble Gallop. The YMCA releases videos and clues to help residents track him down — all in good fun leading up to the big day.
Most of all, the goal is to bring the community together while raising funds for a good cause.
“Hendricks County is a close-knit community, and the YMCA in Avon is right in the middle of things,” says Roland
Smith, Hendricks Regional Health YMCA executive director. “This event brings everyone together in the heart of the community, and it continues to grow year after year. We invite families to come out and burn some calories before they eat Thanksgiving afternoon and have a great time.”
Avon resident Mandy Evans and her family have made Gobble Gallop a Thanksgiving tradition. Mandy, her husband Patrick, and their two daughters, Olivia and Amelia, are a running family who enjoy staying active and giving back.
“We moved to Avon in February of 2018, and we looked for good schools and a nice gym in the area,” Evans says. “That nice gym happened to be the YMCA, and it was our first stop. We got a gym membership right away, and there has been this overall welcoming feeling from day one. Everyone was so receptive and happy to have us.”
When the Evans family moved across the country, their Thanksgiving traditions changed. Mandy suddenly found herself in charge of preparing the entire meal rather than going to a grandparent’s house or sharing the work with extended family.
“It made sense to start the day out right and give back to a community that has given so much to us,” she says. “You go for a run, get cleaned up and start cooking the meal. Last year, I thought ahead and made pumpkin pies the night before. Things changed when I was solely responsible for the meal, but it worked out because the race is at 8 a.m. You get that done and move on to what you were going to do.”
Evans has run the Gobble Gallop every year since 2018, and her oldest daughter, Olivia, will participate in her fourth race this November.
“She runs cross-country for her middle school,” Evans says. “The first year she asked to get involved, she was eight years old, and it was the day before the race. So that was a little late, but when she was
Orthopedic Urgent Care directly from the specialistsit doesn’t get better than that. And because life happens after hours, we accept walk-ins with no appointment necessary and provide extended hours for evenings and weekends.
nine, she ran it and really enjoyed it.”
Many appreciate the Gobble Gallop for its inclusivity. Families can bring strollers and wagons with children in tow, and walking or running the 5K is encouraged. Evans says she even had a friend walk it last year with a boot on her foot.
For Olivia, the event has become a bit more competitive. At 12 years old, she now runs in the 14-and-under category.
“I always tell them that no one can take away the feeling of how well you ran a race,” Evans adds. “Anything can happen, and she’s potentially running with high school teens. But what’s most important is not winning — it’s that we’re doing this for a good cause. We want to give back and have fun. I think she also really wants to win that pie.”
The prize for winners in a variety of age brackets — starting at 6 years old up to 56 and above — is a pie to bring home to the Thanksgiving table, a fun and fitting incentive for those needing a little extra motivation.
According to Evans, the event is a winwin for everyone.
“You get out and get your exercise,” she says. “It’s amazing to join more than 1,000 other participants during this busy season, but for us, we’re also giving back to this gym we stepped foot in several years ago when we moved across the country. My first 5K in Avon was at Gobble Gallop, and I hope I’m instilling a tradition in my girls — maybe not to run, but to always give back.”
In 2024, the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA’s largest fundraiser of the year raised more than $400,000 to support financial scholarships for community members who qualify.
These scholarships help children take swimming lessons, join youth sports leagues and attend preschool at discounted rates.
Gobble Gallop takes place from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 27. Participants can register for the 5K at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Avon/ GobbleGallop5k. There is also a virtual 5K and a Leftover 10K virtual option.
Those who register before Nov. 11 will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt with the Gobble Gallop logo, with the option to upgrade to a hoodie or beanie, and a custom finisher or completion medal.
Our Food Services team plays a vital role in helping Avon students succeed.
Children learn best when they are wellnourished, and our cafeterias specialize in providing tasty, healthy meals for hungry learners.
With the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint, several teams will once again play overseas this season— including the Indianapolis Colts. On Nov. 9, the Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons at the historic Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
For offensive tackle Bernard Raimann, the trip will be something of a homecoming. Born in Steinbrunn, a small town just outside Vienna, Austria, Raimann is only a short flight or train ride from Berlin. “About 20 members of my family will be at the game,” he says. “Half are taking the 4- to 5-hour train ride, and the rest are flying— it’s only about 90 minutes.”
FÜR DAS HUFEISEN
(FOR THE HORSESHOE)
THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RETURN TO THE WORLD STAGE THIS MONTH
Writer / Devon Dean
This won’t be Raimann’s first time playing abroad. He was also part of the Colts’ roster in 2023 when they played the New England Patriots in Frankfurt. “I’m over-the-moon excited to go back,” he says.
Raimann grew up playing soccer but switched to American football at age 14, drawn to the physicality of the game. “What I love about American football is how much we have to rely on one another as teammates,” he says. “You have to be able to trust the person next to you.”
He went on to play college football at Central Michigan and was drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 77th overall pick.
The Colts take careful steps to help players manage jet lag on international trips. Berlin is six hours ahead of Indianapolis, and anyone who has flown across several time zones knows how disorienting it can be. “The staff forces us to sleep on the flight to help,” Raimann says. “It makes a big difference.”
While Raimann and his teammates are excited for the trip, it will be all business once they land. “We’ll practice on Thursday, then fly overnight to Germany on Friday,” he says. “Once we arrive, we’ll check into the hotel and head straight to the walkthrough.”
Raimann hopes to squeeze in time for
dinner with his family—and to introduce them to his infant daughter, who will be taking her first-ever flight.
“We’re going to experience the whole ‘flying with a baby’ thing,” he jokes.
One thing he’s certain about? Enjoying some comfort food from home. “I’m looking forward to goulash, bread dumplings, and sausage,” he says. “All of the offensive line loved the food last time around.”
Berlin’s Olympiastadion has previously hosted NFL exhibition games from 1990 to 1994. Built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, the stadium is best known for American track star Jesse Owens’ legendary performance, making it a fitting venue for another historic sporting event.
This will be the third international matchup for the Colts. They previously played the Patriots in Frankfurt in 2023 and faced
Colts-Falcons game will be the firstever regular-season NFL game played at Olympiastadion.
Notably, the Berlin game marks the first time the Colts will serve as the designated “home” team abroad.
The 2024 NFL International Series will feature up to eight regular-season games, with matchups in São Paulo, Dublin, London, Madrid—and now Berlin. The
And one final note: the Colts beat the Patriots the last time they played in Germany.
Kickoff for Colts vs. Falcons is set for 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, Nov. 9.
AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2016.
NOVEMBER
Submit Your Events!
3
INDIANA PACERS VS. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. 7 p.m.
4-9
LES MISÉRABLES
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave.
7 p.m., Nov. 8 - 2 p.m., Nov. 9 - 1 p.m.
11
SWAN LAKE: INTERNATIONAL BALLET STARS IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. 7 p.m.
Indianapolis — witness the most beloved ballet of all time, live on stage! One night only. One unforgettable performance. One chance to be swept away by beauty, grace, and emotion.
12-16
CHRISTMAS GIFT + HOBBY SHOW
Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. (12-13), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (14-15), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (16)
It’s the most wonderful time of year –the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show!
12
CLUE - THE MOVIE
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave. 7:30 p.m.
A SCREENING TO DIE FOR Join the original ‘MISS SCARLET’ - LESLEY ANN WARREN - as she hosts a screening of the cult cinema hit CLUE.
15, 22, 28-30
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
2 p.m. (15, 29, 30), 5 p.m. (28, 22)
Indy’s holiday tradition Banish your bah humbugs and celebrate the season at the Indiana Repertory Theatre!
16
AZIZ ANSARI: HYPOTHETICAL TOUR
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave.
7 p.m.
Tickets will be available two weeks prior to the event. Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian.
20 MOLLY TUTTLE
The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N College Ave. 7:30 p.m.
22
JERRY SEINFELD
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
5 p.m., 8 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre Doors: 4:00 p.m. Show: 5:00 p.m.; All Ages Doors: 7:00 p.m. Show: 8:00 p.m.
28-30
SPECIAL EVENT: DREW LYNCH
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St.
7 p.m.
•
CREATIVE CHAOS
LOCAL ARTIST BRINGS COLOR, JOY & STRESS RELIEF TO HENDRICKS COUNTY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Jess Stewart
More than a decade ago, Melissa Cain of Avon was told by doctors to find a hobby to help relieve stress. She had developed epilepsy as an adult, and stress triggered and increased her seizures.
She leaned into her artistic strengths, looking back to her grade school days when she enjoyed drawing, crafting and creating. Even as an adult, Cain loved doing art projects with her children — and “making a mess” was never off the table. That same year, Cain’s daughter turned seven and requested a painting party, which became the perfect segue into exploring her love for art.
“We had a painting party for her, and it was a hit,” Cain says. “I started out just asking the kids what they wanted to paint. I’d sketch it out, and they would fill in the lines. Friends started asking me to schedule a party for their children, and then adults started suggesting a paint and sip night.”
She hosted parties and other events from her home until opening a retail space in Danville 13 years ago. The Danville location eventually closed, but the hiatus didn’t last long — Cain is back with her new studio, Cain’s Creative Chaos, on the east side of the
county. The space hosts birthday parties, workshops, paint and sip nights and more.
Visitors can schedule private events or stop in several days a week for the activity of the day.
“My workshops include all different mediums,” Cain says. “We paint on canvas, glass, pottery, woodwork, epoxy resin and UV resin projects. There’s a wide variety to choose from, and I offer one at least once per week. Sometimes I do an à la carte workshop where guests can do any of those, but it’s always something they can bring home with them.”
Cain’s Creative Chaos also offers fundraising opportunities. Hosts can organize a painting or craft fundraiser and receive 40% of the sales toward their organization’s cause.
She also offers at-home kits for those who live farther away or simply want a creative family night at home. Customers can order a variety of kits, pick them up or have them shipped. Each kit includes everything needed to complete the project, plus a step-bystep video to guide participants to the finished product. Perhaps most popular, however, is the Chaos Room.
“Think of it like a rage room, but instead of breaking things, you’re throwing paint on a canvas,” Cain says. “It’s really fun with a group or on a date night. You wear a hazmat suit, we close the door, and you’re just flinging paint. We actually have people come from far away to do it, and what’s funny is, they’re often surprised that they can take the canvas home with them. They’d be happy to just throw the paint around the room and call it a day.”
With her love for art, Cain also supports other artists and their pursuits.
The building she’s in features around 25 local artists’ works for sale in her gift shop — from paintings to sculpture, mixed media to
photography. The featured artists also offer their own workshops at Cain’s Creative Chaos on a regular basis.
She does everything she can to invite people in to enjoy the arts while supporting those who spend their days creating and honing their skills.
“We do pop-up markets in front of the store,” Cain adds. “During the warmer months, we have First Fridays with food trucks, live music and vendors with a variety of handmade goods and artwork.”
For the ultimate relaxing art venture, Cain offers art retreats several times a year in spots across the country. She may participate in an
art show while there, but she also plans art-related field trips and daily creative projects for the group.
Each five- to seven-day trip includes time to visit destinations like Panama City Beach, Colorado Springs or Southern California, depending on the season.
In the future, Cain hopes to move to a location that would allow her to bring in permanent vendor booths and studio space for fellow artists. Until then, she continues sharing her passion with others who can relate.
It’s a dream come true for Cain. From being a little girl making crafts to creating with her own children, she’s always cherished the gift of art and the joy of sharing it.
“I would have never thought I’d teach others how to paint. If it wasn’t for my children asking for painting parties, I don’t know if I would have given it a shot,” she says. “I think it was easier to start with young people and grow from there as my confidence grew. That opportunity, plus my experience in graphic design and marketing, has made this business a success.”
For more information or to reserve your spot at a workshop or in the Chaos Room, visit cainscreativechaos.com.
What are your real estate needs?
Life happens, home needs change. We understand. Real Estate For Real Life, that’s the Point
Claire-Anne and her team have skillfully helped hundreds of local families make their home dreams a reality and they would be honored to help you too, call them today!
MAT POWER
BROWNSBURG WRESTLING TEAM BUILDS A LEGACY OF STRENGTH & RESILIENCE
The Brownsburg High School wrestling team is gearing up for a new season after winning the 2025 state championship during the 202425 school year.
In fact, they’ve had several wins in the years leading up to last season. It’s their third state championship with the IHSAA and the second in a row, and they’re making history while they’re at it.
As a team, the Bulldogs accumulated 243 points, topping Crown Point’s previous championship mark of 178 in 2022. They also tied with Bloomington’s seven individual state champions, a record set in 1949.
Coach Darrick Snyder says, in wrestling, individuals can win state in one of 14 different weight classes, and the entire team can also win state — which they did the last two years.
“It depends on the school you wrestle for,” Snyder says. “I’ve always been focused on the team as a whole. You want to be as good as
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Justin Sicking
you can be as an individual, and that’s probably how the majority of teams in Indiana focus. Some programs focus on the best handful of guys and how well they do, but we’re big on culture here and making everyone feel valued. The guys that win individual state titles couldn’t do it without the other guys in the room.”
This winter, there will be four returning state champions on the team, and Snyder is always impressed by their dedication and determination.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve had an incredible group of young men, very focused on training the right way,” he says. “We hold them to a high standard — by the way they train, but also how they act in
Head coach: Darrick Snyder, leads practice
the classroom and what they do in their free time.”
They continued returning to the mat even after injuries — and even a car accident.
Jake Hockaday, for example, had a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a torn meniscus and damage to his medial collateral ligament, yet he won his 136th career match using handcombat techniques. Hockaday graduated and is wrestling for Nebraska this fall.
Parker Reynolds will return to Brownsburg wrestling this winter. He was involved in a car accident, and his hand injury resulted in doctors telling him wrestling would not be in the cards for his future.
However, Reynolds also defied the odds by entering state ranked sixth and winning the state title.
“Reynolds lost control of his car and hit a telephone pole. Then he came back and had
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Laundries, Pantries, Wall Beds, and more!
the best tournament of his life and won a state title,” Snyder says. “He was relentless in his rehab to get back on the mat.”
Time and time again, Snyder is amazed by the team’s tenacity and dedication to the sport.
“They’re very resilient,” he adds. “They’re more like, ‘I tore my knee up, and that sucks, but what can I do to get better? Let’s see how we can adjust my style.’ It’s really the mentality of being focused on the process over the outcome.”
That attitude is evident to those around them.
High school sports photographer Justin Sicking has been following the Brownsburg wrestling team for a few years now. After covering a tournament, some of the
Asst Coach: Brian Smiley helps in practice
parents requested he continue throughout the season. It helped document their success last year, and he’ll join them again this year.
“These are some of the most down-toearth, respectful young men I’ve had the opportunity to work with,” Sicking says. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know them, and they’re so hard working.”
In addition to IHSAA-sanctioned tournaments in November and December, the team takes advantage of extra practice and tournaments in the area.
The varsity team competes in the Ironman wrestling tournament in Ohio, which Snyder says is one of the toughest competitions in the nation — bringing in young men from all over the country to compete.
In addition, the National Wrestling Coaches Association hosts a dual state tournament — and the Bulldogs brought that title home too.
Despite the accolades, Snyder says they don’t focus on championships and state titles throughout the season. They simply focus on improvement and growth.
“It’s awesome to have these state championships, but we really just talk about getting better in this practice or in this week,” Snyder says. “Get better every day and every week, and just imagine how good you’ll be. We won’t talk about state for months because we’re just talking about getting ready for the next competition.”
It doesn’t hurt to have the entire community backing the team too.
“We’re really thankful for the support we receive,” Snyder adds. “We have a phenomenal coaching staff, the support from our administration is outstanding, and there are so many great parents involved in the program. To do what we do, it takes all of those components, and I feel fortunate to be the head coach at Brownsburg.”
The official start to the season is midNovember, though fans can catch some preliminary matches in the weeks leading up to competition.
