Geist Magazine October 2024

RENOVATION FOR EDUCATION MSDLT CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECTS

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Nurturing Young Minds at The Goddard School of Geist

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Centered on Wellness The Brain Center Helps All Ages With Assessments, Therapy, Consults and More

OCTOBER 2024

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4 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

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PUBLISHER JUSTIN ‘JD’ BIEHL justin@townepost.com (317) 294-7211

INNOVATIVE EUROPEAN-STYLE SIDING

KEY CONTRIBUTORS JUSTIN BIEHL ASHLEY CALLAN DEVON DEAN ALLI DONOVAN RENEE LARR WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY MACY WALTS

Elevate Your Home With NewTechWood’s UltraShield Technology

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SENIOR STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Izzy Simonsen

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RENOVATION FOR EDUCATION MSDLT Celebrates Completion of Major Renovation Projects

18 OCTOBER 2024

NURTURING YOUNG MINDS AT THE GODDARD SCHOOL OF GEIST

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CENTERED ON WELLNESS

The Brain Center Helps All Ages With Assessments, Therapy, Consults and More /ATGEIST

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TASTE OF ITALY

The Team at Portofino Is Bringing Fresh Updates to Its Menu and Operations

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

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FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

Ash & Elm Cider Company’s Eras Cider Box Celebrates Taylor Swift’s Indy Stop

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

SWIFT SOLUTION

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

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CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

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COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

OCTOBER GAME PAGE

LAWRENCE HALLOWEEN FEST MAKING ITS GHOULISH RETURN

/GEIST_MAGAZINE

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN

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?

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 5

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ASK THE GEIST DECK AND DOCK EXPERTS

Chris Reed

Chris Reed is the owner of Creed improvements specializing in building decks, pergolas, porches and more for Hamilton County families for over a decade. He enjoys building unique backyard spaces for his clients to create family memories of a lifetime. Chris has lived in Indy for over 30 years.

Each month Chris will be highlighting products and solutions for decks and docks. His major supplier is “Decks and Docks of Indianapolis”. His goal is to inform, educate and inspire renovations for the readers.

8 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

INNOVATIVE EUROPEAN-STYLE SIDING ELEVATE YOUR HOME WITH NEWTECHWOOD’S ULTRASHIELD TECHNOLOGY This month, we’re talking siding. Residential siding has evolved over the years, transitioning from wood to aluminum, vinyl, concrete and composite materials. With so many options for exterior cladding, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right solution for your home.

Creed Improvements, along with supplier Decks and Docks, is highlighting products from NewTechWood, a leading composite decking manufacturer offering a range of composite products to elevate your outdoor living space. All NewTechWood products feature UltraShield® technology, a protective coating that guards against rotting, fading, staining, scratching and other common issues associated with traditional siding and decking.

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SENIOR STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

IZZY SIMONSEN

“I’ve known I was going to be an actress for as long as I can remember,” Simonsen said.

Writer / Devon Dean “Performing in front of people has always been my passion, whether in the living room Lawrence Central High School senior doing impromptu dance routines or on the Isabella “Izzy” Simonsen is set up for big stage. For me, theater is a place where I success in more ways than one. As a fourcan be my authentic self and perform. My year varsity starter for the girl’s volleyball favorite thing about acting is how it allows team and standing 5 feet 9 inches, Simonsen me to fully step into someone else’s shoes, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. and portray them in a way that brings the audience closer to not only the character, Off the court, you will find Simonsen in but the overall story.” her other “happy” place - the stage. Having played a Dolly Parton-inspired take on Simonsen will play Dolores Gordon, the the Pharaoh in last spring’s performance lead in “Acting Can Be Murder,” in early of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor November at Lawrence Central.

Dream Coat,” Simonsen is passionate about theater.

Simonsen holds leadership positions for the varsity volleyball team and the International

10 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

Thespian Society. She is the speaking captain of her team and the webmaster for the Lawrence Central theater social media accounts.

On top of that, academics remain front and center. By graduation, Simonsen will have completed 12 A.P. courses. “I use my study halls to help me get ahead on all of my homework to make sure that I don’t fall behind with as much as I’m doing,” she said.

“I am also a member of the National Technical Honor Society [NTHS] through MCIT, the district career school, and the biomedical program/pathway offered there.”

Between the National Honor Society and NTHS, Simonsen has completed a staggering 220 hours of community service.

“I do this with whatever little free time I have,” she said. “But honestly, this does act as a sort of unwind for me. Giving back to the community is something that I see as a part of my lifestyle, not as a chore on my agenda.”

dedication.”

Simonsen is also a part of Lawrence Central Dance Marathon, which raises money for Riley Hospital for Children. Last year she raised 25% of the overall school donation.

Simonsen’s full schedule has taught her a valuable lesson for life - open communication is everything. “Let’s just say, it is not easy,” she said. “A lot of open dialogue is needed to participate in as many things as I do successfully, and my parents, coaches, directors, teachers, and club/honor society sponsors have helped me grow those skills.”

Her volleyball skills have garnered plenty of recognition, as she was named to the all Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference team, and made honorable mention on the all Marion County team two years in a row.

“She excels at everything she does,” said her dad, Steve Simonsen. He has coached volleyball at multiple levels for decades, and has watched his daughter blossom while expanding her hobbies and interests. “It’s more than just sports,” he said. “You can tell a lot about this kid by her character and

As for what comes after graduation, she remains undecided, but is leaning toward a larger school to get what her dad calls a “more traditional college experience.”

When Simonsen does have free time, she is with friends, critiquing horror movies, going to concerts or sitting around a bonfire.

“Other than that, there is no resting,” she said with a wry smile. “I thrive off being busy, so I can’t imagine a life where I have nothing to do. As Bon Jovi said, ‘Gonna live while I’m alive, I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’ ”

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RENOVATION FOR EDUCATION MSDLT CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECTS Writer / Macy Walts Photographer / Walker Photography

Lawrence Township is the fifth-largest school district in Indiana, educating just under 17,000 students across all school levels. The district has celebrated an impressive 95% graduation rate, and has not only maintained its enrollment, but has also grown it with no racial disparity in its graduation data.

“We take great pride in the 14 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

accomplishments of our students,” says Dr. Dana Altemeyer, the director of communications for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (MSDLT). “It is our responsibility to educate and provide a graduation pathway to every student, regardless of circumstances. We take that charge seriously and recognize that a high-quality public education will benefit students throughout

their lives.”

The district is committed to providing a first-class education to all students, in firstclass facilities. Over the past decade, well over $400 million have been invested in capital projects across the district. However, with the extensive needs of two large high schools, in 2019 the MSDLT took a significant step by pursuing its first-ever

capital referendum aimed at upgrading key educational facilities. The vast majority of the funds were used to update Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools.

On November 5, 2019, voters showed their strong support for referendum, totaling $230 million, with 67% voting yes. The funds from the referendum have enabled extensive renovations at both high TownePost.com | October 2024 | 15

staff and administration were all actively involved in the design process. “During the design phase, a feasibility study was done that included input from students and staff at both high schools,” she says. “Those students have since graduated, but the district wanted their perspectives on what they wanted to see in a high school.”

schools. Prior to these updates, the last major renovations occurred 31 years ago at Lawrence Central and 48 years ago at Lawrence North.

Altemeyer highlighted the importance of these updates, noting “Lawrence North hadn’t been renovated since 1976, and the science lab reflected as much. When we talked to the community about the need for this project, we showed them pictures of the biology room designed and built in the 1970s. Students deserve facilities that reflect the world in which we live today, not relics of the past.”

Altemeyer explained that students, teachers, 16 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

With the community’s support behind them, the MSDLT embarked on a significant renovation project aimed at creating the best-possible learning environment. These multifaceted renovations targeted internal issues like the replacement of HVAC systems, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as external improvements such as new roofs, kitchen facilities, a new 50-meter pool for each high school, resurfaced parking lots and more. The addition of state-of-the-art security features is also an area of focus, providing additional security features to the entire campus of both schools.

For the students, these updates mean learning in updated and flexible classrooms, and in modernized labs and multipurpose spaces. The changes have resulted in bright, more open spaces, invitational to all who enter, fostering a better educational experience.

“With the overwhelming support of the community, we have completely transformed our high schools to reflect 21st century teaching and learning, and to serve as a beacon in our community,” says Dr. Shawn A. Smith, superintendent of schools.

“This community’s investment in public education is an investment in the future, and I am excited to see the impact these facilities will continue to have for years to come.”

“Undergoing these renovations at Lawrence North has been a transformative process for our entire school community,” says Brett Crousore, principal at Lawrence North. “It’s not just about updating the facilities, but creating an environment where our students feel inspired and supported. By providing students and staff with enhanced spaces, we have expanded educational opportunities.

Our students take pride in their school, and this project strengthens our tradition of excellence, ensuring continued success for years to come.”

“The design of the new spaces prioritizes open classrooms and natural light, noting we did this because of the correlation between students’ well-being and mental health with natural light,” says Altemeyer.

Student satisfaction and well-being was a driving force behind these renovation

projects, and it appears the objective was met. “The students love it,” Altemeyer says.

“They love the new buildings. They’re proud of their schools. When you walk into a fresh, clean, invitational space, you feel different about where you are. It does impact your attitude and your outlook. I think they take more pride in their schools now - admiring and respecting their school space, and engaging in school pride. It’s truly a nightand-day experience of being at school.”

These sentiments are shared by the principal at Lawrence Central, Franklyn Bush, who echoes the students’ satisfaction.

“Undergoing this renovation has truly transformed our high school into the pride of 56th Street,” Bush says. “Not only have we updated outdated facilities, but we’ve also created modern spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of pride among students and staff. These improvements directly enhance student engagement, boost morale and prepare our students for the demands of the future. The renovation has been an investment in both our students’ success and the community as a whole.”

With the multiyear project coming to a close, the schools will have a community open house on October 6 at Lawrence Central High School. The event will include a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony with school leaders and community figures. Tours of the renovated spaces will also be given, allowing the community to see the results of their support. “We are thrilled to share these completed, beautiful learning spaces with our community,” says Board President Wendy Muston. “These renovations were a labor of love and reflect our commitment to providing the best possible learning and teaching spaces for both students and staff.”

Overall, this five-year undertaking has been a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and community support. These improvements will help foster generations of skilled and curious learners and workers, and the greater Lawrence Township community will benefit for decades to come.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 17

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

NURTURING YOUNG MINDS AT THE GODDARD SCHOOL OF GEIST Writer / Alli Donovan

The Goddard School stands as a beacon of quality early childhood Rosita Hardy education, under the visionary leadership of Rosita Hardy. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, she has built a learning environment that prioritizes the holistic development of each child, ensuring they are prepared for the future with confidence and curiosity.

Hardy, an immigrant from Finland, came to the U.S. as a child and was raised in San Francisco. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology and psychology at UCLA, and came to Indiana when she learned about an opportunity to open a Goddard School on the northside of Indianapolis.

Hardy’s journey into early childhood education was fueled by her deep belief in the importance of a strong foundation during a child’s formative years. “My passion for early childhood education has been the driving force behind my career,” she shares.

This commitment led her to open The Goddard School of Geist, where she could implement a philosophy that resonates with her values, nurturing each child’s individual development through inquiry-based learning.

This approach focuses not just on academic growth, but on the social and emotional development that is crucial during early childhood.

18 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

Recognizing a need in the community for high-quality early childhood education, she was determined to bring The Goddard School’s esteemed educational experience to the area. “With such a need in the community, I’m proud to offer the Goddard experience,” she says.

One of the key elements that sets The Goddard School of Geist apart from other early childhood education centers is its exclusive curriculum, Wonder of Learning.

This program builds on The Goddard School’s 36-year experience of child-centered, playbased learning, introducing a cutting-edge curriculum that embraces how children learn best - through their innate curiosity.

The Wonder of Learning curriculum was developed collaboratively by Goddard’s in-house education team and an educational advisory board, comprised of a diversely skilled group of educators, physicians and early childhood experts. These teams were led under the leadership of Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lauren Loquasto, and designed to integrate a holistic approach to education - building in assessments of academic and social-emotional progress, family communication, as well as resources, training and support for faculty.

Providing a quality, fun learning environment is of the upmost importance to Hardy and her team at The Goddard School of Geist.

“Ensuring a high-quality, nurturing environment at our Goddard School is at the heart of everything we do,” explains Hardy.

“Our focus is and continues to be creating a

safe, warm and welcoming environment for our students to feel valued.”

The Goddard School carefully selects teachers who are not only highly qualified, but also genuinely passionate about our children and their education. The school also prioritizes parental involvement in their approach. Teachers maintain open lines of communication with families to ensure that the child’s needs are met both at school and at home.

As The Goddard School of Geist looks to the future, Hardy’s goals remain focused on continuous improvement and inclusivity.

“We’ve been open for 22 years and our primary goal is to keep improving the quality of education we provide,” she says.

Hardy and her team are committed to fostering a culture of respect, kindness and inclusion, ensuring that every child feels welcome and valued.

Under Hardy’s guidance, The Goddard School of Geist continues to be a cornerstone of early childhood education in the Geist community, nurturing young minds and preparing them for a bright future.

The Goddard School of Geist is located on 10925 Cork Place in Indianapolis. For more information on their education, programming and teachers, call 317-826-7522 or visit their website at goddardschool.com/schools/in/ indianapolis/lawrence-township-geist and schedule a tour today.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CENTERED ON WELLNESS

THE BRAIN CENTER HELPS ALL AGES WITH ASSESSMENTS, THERAPY, CONSULTS AND MORE Writer / Ashley Callan

Dr. April Krowel

address the concerns of the patient, family and referring provider. She also offers supportive consultation services for loved ones/caregivers who are caring for those with dementia or other neurodegenerative disease processes. “I offer a therapeutic consultation session to hear their concerns, and to offer suggestions to help The Brain Center opened in September 2019. “I At The Brain Center, Krowel uses her them navigate caregiving and/or to provide actually never closed my doors during COVID, specialty to provide neuropsychological and and continued to provide services in person and psychological assessments to adults and older assistance in behavioral and environmental individuals, with a wide variety of neurological modifications,” she says. my business flourished,” Krowel says. “From disorders, medical diagnoses and psychiatric there, I hired my first two employees in 2020 and had to move to a larger office. I opened my conditions. She is very experienced with areas “I know my military experience influenced my career decisions and has shaped who I am as of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), third office in March 2023.” a mother, wife, boss and community leader,” movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease she adds. “A large part of The Brain Center’s Now with three centers that are thriving across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, mission is to serve fellow veterans, whether stroke, seizure disorders, attention-deficit/ central Indiana (Indianapolis, Fishers and through our VA contracts or by accepting hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, McCordsville), Krowel plans to eventually TRICARE and CHAMPVA.” and psychiatric disorders. merge all offices to function under one roof.

Dr. April Krowel has been revolutionizing neuropsychological and psychological assessment and psychotherapy in central Indiana through The Brain Center for the past five years.

assessment, when a practicum placement did not work out while she was a doctoral student. “I ended up, very luckily, at IU School of Medicine doing neuropsychological assessments and fell in love with this field.”

When Krowel started college, she was a history and theater major, but her trajectory completely shifted after the sudden deaths of some of her military colleagues. “Some of my military buddies were dying by suicide, so I changed my major to psychology and decided I would be a therapist,” she says. “From there, my first psychology professor, Dr. Kenneth Guttman, encouraged me to pursue doctoral studies and I laughed it off.”

Krowel uses a comprehensive and integrated approach to assessment that begins with a thorough intake interview, followed by testing.

“My approach is comprehensive because I assess all functional domains,” she says. “It is integrated because I take what the patient and their loved ones/caregivers report, the test data, the referral information, any lab or brain imaging results, etcetera.”

The Brain Center also serves as a training clinic, where masters- and doctoral-level practicum students provide low-cost services to clients in need. Krowel credits her team as her greatest achievement with The Brain Center. “They are amazing, kind and dedicated to their work,” she says. “They genuinely strive to be better clinicians in order to do what’s best for their clients.”

Krowel strives to help patients understand the impact of a condition on everyday functions and to provide useful recommendations that

If interested in utilizing The Brain Center’s services, visit braincenterindy.com for more information.

Krowel ended up specializing in neuropsychological and psychological

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 19

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

20 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

TASTE OF ITALY THE TEAM AT PORTOFINO IS BRINGING FRESH UPDATES TO ITS MENU AND OPERATIONS Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Justin Biehl

Chef Dan Stackpoole, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, opened the reservation-only Portofino restaurant in Geist in 2021. The restaurant offers a guided culinary tour of all regions of Italy. The multi-course, fine-dining menu, curated by Chef Dan, is unlike anything else in the area. Portofino allows guests to choose from several selections in five different courses.

For the first time since its inception, Stackpoole is making some major changes to the restaurant’s operations. These changes are aimed at enhancing the dining experience for guests. He recently brought on his niece, Mikaila Stackpoole, as chef.

She moved to Fishers from Ohio and has been running the kitchen since June. While only 21 years old, she already has five years of restaurant experience, including most recently as a sous chef. She says she gets her love for and inspiration for cooking from her parents and grandparents.

“I work alone in the kitchen, but I really

love speaking with customers and meeting people,” Mikaila Stackpoole says. “It’s much easier to do here because it’s a more intimate restaurant setting. Only a few of us work here, so we’re a small, little work family.”

Chef Dan and Mikaila are adding new, exciting items for the first time for guests who have come to know and love Portofino’s carefully sourced menu. These include boneless braised prime beef short ribs with risotto Milanese and demi-glace, a dish that combines tender beef with creamy risotto; mushroom truffle risotto with pancetta, a savory and earthy dish with a hint of luxury from the truffle; and the coastal favorite cioppino seafood stew with scallops, shrimp, salmon, root vegetables, pancetta and lobster tomato broth, a hearty and flavorful stew that showcases the best of the sea and the land; and spaghetti puttanesca with black squid ink pasta, fresh herbs, olives, capers, garlic, fresh tomatoes and anchovy.

“We source only the highest-quality products,” Stackpoole says. “We have our

seafood delivered fresh daily. Chef Dan also goes to Detroit to find some of our products. We spend the extra time and money creatively using those products to make all our dishes. I think our guests can tell when they have the food.”

In the future, Portofino may be easier to get into, with the Stackpooles now accepting walk-in diners along with reservations. Later this year they will also be open for lunch on Wednesdays through Sundays. They’re closed on Monday and only serve dinner on Tuesday.

Chef Dan has over 25 years of restaurant industry experience. Adding Mikaila to the team will allow him to work on additional restaurant projects in the future, such as expanding the restaurant’s offerings or opening new locations. He says he always focuses on creating new and exciting dining experiences for his guests. Mikaila says she’s excited to bring another option for Sunday lunch to the Geist area.

For more information, visit portofinogeist.com.

TownePost.com | October 2024 | 21

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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SWIFT SOLUTION

ASH & ELM CIDER COMPANY’S ERAS CIDER BOX CELEBRATES TAYLOR SWIFT’S INDY STOP Writer / Devon Dean

Are you ready for it? As Indianapolis prepares for the long-awaited Taylor Swift Eras Tour dates early next month, Ash & Elm Cider Company is offering something sweeter than fiction to prepare. The Eras Cider Box is akin to an advent calendar, featuring 13 different ciders to celebrate the complete works of the already legendary artist.

Each cider flavor represents one of Swift’s 11 albums, with two bonus ciders, including a holiday cider and a “zany” pick.

“It was awesome to go back and create and listen to lyrics from different songs from each era and pair them with a cider,” said Ash & Elm Co-Founder and CEO Andréa Homoya. “We did new labels for each of them and new copy on the back that referenced the song that the cider was from, and just kind of wanted to celebrate the variety of her career 24 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

along with a variety of our ciders.”

Tide. “It’s our most popular cider and they match perfectly,” she explained. Then, the surprise release of “The Tortured Poets Department” threw a slight wrench into the plan. “I had to try and force a square peg into a round hole, but I made it work,” she said.

Homoya said the idea began last year after the tour dates were announced, with one Swift-themed cider for the weekend…and then grew in the same way as the artist’s popularity. “The more I thought about it, the more I was like, ‘We could we have a year. Let’s do something fun and unique that Alongside the 13 ciders is a guidebook.

There is a page for each cider where you can shows the ways we can be creative on our put tasting notes with a QR code for the side,’” she said.

Ash & Elm website, where users can view a video of Homoya talking about the cider, The whole process of selecting ciders to match Swift’s extensive catalog took several how they chose it, and how it was placed to create a fully formed, interactive user months. “I didn’t have to rush it,” Homoya experience. said. “We are still running our normal company, so I didn’t have to focus on it Homoya says the ultimate goal would be for that much, but it was always kind of in the back of my mind as I was going about other Swift’s people to hear about the box and get one to her while she is visiting Indianapolis. operations. I would say probably by March Time Magazine reports that Swift’s current we had most of them done.” tour is projected to generate close to $5 billion in consumer spending in the United Homoya started with the most obvious States, which sets central Indiana up for an connections, such as the album “Red”, and the track “All Too Well” paired with Autumn economic boost right before the holidays.

The Eras Cider boxes are available online at erasciderbox.com, and in-store on Indianapolis’s near east side and the newlyopened Carmel Tap Room at 525 North End Drive, Suite 190. The box is $75 and can be shipped to most places in the United States. Shipping is $20.

Taylor Swift plays at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2 and 3. No, Towne Post cannot get you tickets.

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LAWRENCE HALLOWEEN FEST MAKING ITS GHOULISH RETURN Writer / Renee Larr

Children are encouraged to wear their most creative Halloween costumes to the event. Each department of the Benjamin Harrison YMCA will be on hand, offering a diverse range of crafts and activities to spark your child’s imagination. There will also be pumpkins to give away to attendees. The event will also include fire pits, the essential ingredients to make s’mores, and adult supervision. There’s something for everyone at the Lawrence Halloween Fest.

“It’s a lot of fun for the whole family,” Weirich says. “The kids love receiving and decorating their pumpkins. We will also have some food for participants. Last year we provided hot dogs.”

Calling all ghouls and goblins. Fall fun and Halloween cheer are headed to the Geist area all October long.

The Benjamin Harrison YMCA and the City of Lawrence are hosting Lawrence Halloween Fest at Lawrence Civic Plaza (5710 Lawrence Village Parkway) on October 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The free event is a true testament to our vibrant community. Last year the hosts were thrilled to welcome around 1,500 community members and their children, and they can’t wait to see even more of you this year.

“The YMCA has hosted the event for several years, but last year was the first time it partnered with the city to host it,” says Jami Weirich, director of communications for city events. “The event includes various vendors with candy for the kids.”

30 | October 2024 | TownePost.com

Remember, this event is completely free to attend. However, the YMCA kindly asks that you register in advance through its website.

This will help ensure enough supplies for everyone and minimize wait times at the entrance. The City of Lawrence and the YMCA want to ensure participants have the maximum amount of time to enjoy the fall fun during the two-hour event. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a Benjamin Harrison YMCA member to enjoy the fun!

For adults who want to be part of a welcoming and inclusive community, Wolfies Grill at Geist is hosting The Haunted Mansion at Geist with Jai Baker live on October 19 at 8 p.m. The party is not just about the fun, but also about celebrating individuality. With a variety of awards for different costume categories, everyone is encouraged to join in and have a great time.

If urban legends or ghost stories are more your vibe for Halloween, Geist and Lawrence both have plenty of allure. The House of Blue

Lights was a popular myth in the ’50s and ’60s. The house belonged to eccentric millionaire Skiles Edward Test, and the untrue story goes that he killed his wife and kept her lifeless body in a glass casket decorated with blue Christmas lights. The home is said to have been built with milky white glass and was located where Skiles Test Nature Park is now located. Pieces of the ceramic dishes and other leftover mementos from the home can still be found around the park.

Lorri Stackhouse and Keri Young co-authored the book “Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Indianapolis”. Stackhouse says that while they didn’t find anything paranormal during an extensive search of the property, something interesting happened after she left the property.

“I had found a couple of shards of white porcelain with a blue design, probably part of a plate or dish,” Stackhouse says. “When I returned home, I was distracted and put the pieces inside my hiking boot, which were returned to the closet without any further thought. A few weeks later, my husband cleaned out that closet, found what he assumed to be trash in my boot and threw the pieces in the trash can outside. The following day, I opened the closet to find both pieces of china lying on the carpet in the middle of the closet.”

Geist Reservoir is also allegedly a haven of paranormal activity. The man-made body of water was created in 1943 when Indianapolis Water Company built a dam across fall creek, flooding about 1900 acres of an area known as Germantown. The reservoir was named after Clarence Geist, a former president of Indianapolis Water Company. Many myths surround the body of water to this day, including the possibility of old Germantown buildings lying in its depths. While there is no proof, many people believe that an old church steeple can be seen when the water is low.

“The area around the reservoir is one of the most active in the Indianapolis area,” Stackhouse says. “Any disturbances to ground and/or water are liable to disturb the energy surrounding the area. Geist is more disturbing than most. This could be due to the unnatural flooding of the valley or the town buried beneath it.

Clarence Geist had a troubled history before construction on the

reservoir and dam began. We cover many of the details in our book in the chapter “Nefarious Neighborhoods”. Geist homeowners have contacted us many times, asking for explanations of strange events such as knocking sounds, cold spots and hearing whispers with no origin.”

Stackhouse says she has not investigated but has heard rumors that the Harrison Inn at Fort Harrison is haunted. Before it was an inn, it served as a hospital during wartime. She says there are a few videos online of employees and guests who say they have heard and seen things there. The ghosts are even mentioned in Tripadvisor reviews.

So mark your calendars for these exciting Halloween and fall events in the Geist area, whether you’re dressing in costume or diving deep into ghost stories and folklore. Whether you’re looking for a familyfriendly evening of fall fun or a night out with friends at a costume party, there is something for everyone to enjoy this October. Get ready to embrace the Halloween spirit and join in the festivities!

NEW MEMBERS JOIN OCTOBER 1-8 AND YOU’LL GET DECEMBER FREE. PLUS, NO JOIN FEE. The Y. For a better us.® INDYMCA.org/Join

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8237 N MT VERNON WAY, FORTVILLE Jamie Boer Homes is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.