Geist Magazine - December 2020

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE INSIDE

MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2020

Winterfest Returns

ORGANIZERS ADAPT FOR SAFE FORTVILLE WINTERFEST LIGHT IT UP Newfields Hosting Fourth Annual Winterlights Event OUTDOOR MERRIMENT A Merry Prairie Holiday Returns to Conner Prairie

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B u sin e ss S p otlig h t: We stmin ste r Villag e North Lig h t It U p : Newfie ld s H ostin g Fou r th A nnual Win te r lig h ts Eve n t Stan d in g Tall: S amb ol’s Tre e Far m is Keepi ng a H olid ay Trad ition Alive Stron g e r Tog e th e r : G ood S amar itan Ne twork Provid e s H e lp Arou n d th e H olid ays 7 H e lp fu l H olid ay S h op p in g Tip s O u td oor Me r r ime n t: A Me r r y Prair ie H oli day Re tu r n s to Con n e r Prair ie H olid ay G ift G u id e Win te r fe st Re tu r n s: O rg an ize r s Ad ap t For S afe For tville Win te r fe st Gifts for Angels: Central Indiana Angel Tree Program Makes the Holidays Special For Youngsters Class 101 H e lp s with Colle g e Ap p licatio n Ch alle n g e s in Covid -19

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WESTMINSTER VILLAGE NORTH 11050 Presbyterian Drive Indianapolis, IN 317-823-6841 westminstervillage.com

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Westminster Village North, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), offers a continuum of options for elder care that can ease anxiety for seniors and their families.

Located on 57 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the complex includes options for independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care.

“As individuals and couples retire and get older, they often consider moving into a smaller house,” says Laura Roman, director of marketing and public relations. “But what is the step after that? Once we get older, we know our health will change.

If people give some thought to what is down the pike they may think, ‘Do I want my kids to make the choice for my care in case my needs become complex, or is it something I’d like to consider now?’”

As a CCRC, the supportive community at Westminster Village North ensures that as health needs change, individuals can move seamlessly into a different living situation.

Independent living choices include cottages, luxury apartments and ranch homes, in which occupants never have to worry about yard work or maintenance. The staff is diligent about making sure everything is in tip-top

shape and in working order. As situations change, additional steps to meet individual needs include assisted living, memory care or the skilled nursing community.

“Sometimes people get overwhelmed,” Roman says. “Seniors themselves, or children of seniors, are concerned about safety. Fears about not taking medication regularly, not eating properly, or even carrying baskets of laundry down basement stairs to the washing machine are very real worries.”

surgery, our Health Center can provide the rehabilitation and aid needed after hospitalization. My hope is that people will consider living in a CCRC such as Westminster Village North. Our oldest Roman says a CCRC provides a safety net resident is 105 and we have six residents for all residents, and nurses are on duty over the age of 100. I truly believe that around the clock. they have lived so long in part because they “Most residents wear a lanyard, and all they made the choice to reside in a place where they received necessary support when their have to do is push a button for immediate help,” she says. “For those recovering from health needs changed.”

“Most residents wear a lanyard, and all they have to do is push a button for immediate help.”

4 atGeist.com / FISHERS MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 MAGAZINE / atFishers.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST / 9

LIGHT IT UP NEWFIELDS HOSTING FOURTH ANNUAL WINTERLIGHTS EVENT

Jonathan Wright, Deputy Director for Horticulture & Natural Resources Writer & Photographer / Michael Durr

The only thing better than the silent majesty of a winter’s morning is a holiday evening spent at the Winterlights event at Newfields.

2020 marks the fourth year for what has quickly become one of Indy’s favorite holiday traditions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be thinking that it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery, but fear not - this year’s Winterlights have undergone a few tweaks and you can keep your expectations high, as the Newfields team members have once again shown they know best when it comes to exterior illumination.

10 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

Jonathan Wright, deputy director for horticulture and natural resources, leads the charge for this year’s Winterlights event.

Timed tickets, a mask mandate and a oneway flow are just a few of the steps being taken by Wright and his team to ensure the health and safety of all the attendees and staff members.

half the year putting the lights up and half the year taking the lights down,” Wright says.

What exactly goes into making the Winterlights event such an incredible holiday spectacle?

Some of the 100-year-old trees located throughout the historic garden are wrapped from the ground to the tips of the highest branches, with a single tree having as many as 60,000 individual lights illuminating it.

The wrapping of those trees can start as early as August, and finishing touches are typically completed leading up until the final days before the start of the show.

“The big joke among our staff is that we spend

With more than a million-and-a-half lights atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 11

glowing throughout the property, it’s not surprising that this endeavor takes months of meticulous planning, preparation and bulb checking. Between staff members and volunteers, there are hundreds of people involved in putting the show together.

“We couldn’t put on this show without the incredible team of dedicated garden volunteers who help throughout the year, creating some of the components, stringing lights and making ornaments,” Wright says.

This year, Wright and his team are excited to

unveil some incredibly bright, robotic flood lights that will allow for some breathtaking illuminated backdrops as attendees stroll through the garden.

“The show is going to be bigger and brighter than it ever has been, and about 25% of the show will be entirely new,” Wright says.

Also new this year is Indianapolis-based Huckleberry Funk’s cover of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” which will be added to the Landscape of Light alongside last year’s “Nutcracker.”

“The Landscape of Light is over 465 panels, and each one of those panels needs to be programmed to the eighth of a second to sync with the music,” Wright says. “It takes weeks and weeks of nothing but programming by our lighting designer, who has the incredible ability of translating the music visually.”

12 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

Abundant lights, a beverage selection and new features will put a smile on the faces of all who attend. Warm chocolate chip cookies and Just Pop In! popcorn will be available for purchase, along with Sun King Brewing’s Electric Reindeer ale, West Fork Whiskey Co.’s cider, as well as hot cocoa.

It might be a bit nippier out this year with fewer indoor activities, so come prepared to be outside this season, and enjoy a safe and socially distanced moment of togetherness.

The show this year runs from November 21 through January 3, and is sure to be one of the highlights of the holiday season for anyone living in or around the Indianapolis area. Advanced tickets are required for all guests and members.

Newfields is located at 4000 North Michigan Road in Indianapolis. For tickets or additional information, call 317-9231331 or visit discovernewfields.org.

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STANDING TALL SAMBOL’S TREE FARM IS KEEPING A HOLIDAY TRADITION ALIVE

Owners Susan & Lance Sambol

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

For years Lance Sambol enjoyed owning a golf practice center in McCordsville, but when the recession hit in 2008, he decided to sell the business and switch gears. He was looking for a career in which he could work outdoors as he had before, but not something that took up 12 hours of his day like his golf business did. One day he saw a news segment highlighting Dull’s Tree Farm.

“They did a panoramic shot of the land and I saw these straight rows of trees, a log cabin and a barn, and I told my wife, ‘Let’s go tomorrow, get a tree, and check this place out,’” Sambol says.

He chatted with the owner of Dull’s to find out more about the business, and the owner suggested Sambol join the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association (ICTGA), through which members share knowledge, tips and lessons learned. An entrepreneur at heart, Sambol decided to go for it. He bought land in Fortville and planted his first trees in the fall of 2009.

From the start, he took cues from his farmer friends, learning along the way.

14 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

“I went from knowing absolutely nothing about growing Christmas trees to getting heavily involved,” Sambol says. “Now, 12 years later, I’m the president of the ICTGA as well as the national representative from Indiana to the National Christmas Tree Growers Association.”

Sambol was enticed by the Christmas tree industry because it offers flexibility, which enables him to get his young daughter on and off her school bus. Plus, he gets to work in the great outdoors.

“My office is an 18-acre tree farm - can’t beat that,” Sambol says.

Though the Christmas tree selling season is only two to three weeks long, it takes all year to prepare. In a typical season, Sambol plants 1,700 trees. In early March, he determines where each of those trees will go, then spaces them 7’ apart. In April saplings are delivered, and then Sambol and eight high school or college kids embark on the grueling process of planting.

“It goes pretty quick as one guy punches the holes and then we come in behind him, pop in the tree, and go to the next hole,” Sambol says.

During the growing season, he focuses on weed control and cutting grass. In late summer he starts shearing and shaping the trees.

“You’ve got to touch every tree a couple of times, and when you’ve got 12,000 trees on the farm it takes some time,” says Sambol, noting that some trees will not grow a top while others will send up four tops, three of which have to be snipped out.

In October Sambol starts putting price tags on the trees and getting the farm ready for opening day - the day after Thanksgiving.

He does, however, open on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving to sell precut Frasier fir trees.

“Some people don’t want to grab a saw and cut it down themselves but they still want to come to a tree farm for that experience,” Sambol says.

has shifted toward firs, as they provide soft needles, typically strong needle retention, and firm branches for hanging ornaments.

At Sambol’s Tree Farm, the staff shakes dead needles from trees, runs them through a baler to compress them, and ties them to vehicles. The business also offers a tree delivery and pickup service.

The staff members will also pick up trees on the first Saturday in January. Sambol’s Tree Farm is a sponsor of the Fishers Christmas Tree Recycling program, and the trees are chipped, turned into mulch, and placed around little trees in Fishers parks.

Though he sells a few white pines, the industry Sambol’s wife Susan helps during the selling atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 15

season, working in the gift shop where the business sells tree stands, wreaths, garlands, candles and homemade ornaments crafted by local artisans. There is also a food trailer, Gloria’s Heavenly Creations, that sells chili, pulled pork sandwiches and hot chocolate.

Sambol hires a crew to help during his busy selling days to keep the customer flow going smoothly.

“We do most of our business the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the following Saturday and Sunday,” says Sambol, noting that last year he sold 1,400 trees, including 400 on opening day.

This year due to COVID-19, the business

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“It’s a bad experience for everyone when 400 people show up all at once,” Sambol says. “This way folks can pick a tree, get it processed, shop around and not be crowded.”

Sambol greets visitors as they arrive at the farm and directs them where to go, while Susan thanks them at the conclusion of their visit when they are paying.

“I think it’s important that we talk to our customers twice during their time here,” Sambol says. “After all, we only see them once a year so you’ve got to do it right,” Fir tree prices are as follows: 6’ for $66; 7’ for $81; 8’ for $98; 9’ for $119; 10’ for $135.

Sambol’s Tree Farm is located at 7783 North State Road 9 in Fortville. For more information, call 317-850-0135 or visit sambolstreefarm.com.

ENGEL & VÖLKERS INDIANAPOLIS WISHES YOU AND YOURS A S A F E A N D H A P P Y H O L I DAY S E A S O N !

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STRONGER TOGETHER GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK PROVIDES HELP AROUND THE HOLIDAYS

a centralized database of all the people served by them and other Hamilton County entities,” Chance says. “Nothing like that Each year the Good Samaritan Network of existed and I was glad to say yes. It has helped Hamilton County (GSN) strives to ensure with consistency, and cut down on double that the holiday season is a joyful one for and even triple dipping, so there are enough families struggling financially. The staff at resources for everyone who needs help. GSN the 501(c)(3) organization conducts an is a data depository and sort of a best-kept annual Holiday Assistance Program for those secret. We started off with 390 families. In who qualify. Led by Founder and Executive 2019 we ended up with about 40,000. We Director Nancy Chance, GSN also works are an umbrella that tracks activities of over to coordinate the efforts of multiple local 268 agencies, 47 pantries, 280 churches, 69 groups and agencies that aid the underserved. schools and nine township trustees.”

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

The group was officially organized in 1995, but its activity began in 1980. Chance was well known in Hamilton County due to her work with abused children and her resourcefulness at securing donations for needy families, especially during the holiday season. At the time, she also served as a trainer speaking on the subject of child abuse for various county organizations.

“Firemen from Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville asked if I would put together

Besides the organization’s signature holiday programs conducted at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, other types of assistance are provided throughout the year. GSN addresses the need for food, utility payments, shelter and medical assistance.

The group also coordinates in-kind donations, plus education along with its many partners.

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc. reports that Hamilton County has a 5% poverty rate.

DECEMBER 2020

“This will be my 40th year organizing a Christmas assistance program,” Chance says. “There are families out there that are just getting by. The need will be even greater this year because of COVID. People were already struggling and working two or three jobs. Then people who worked in places like barber shops or restaurants were laid off for months. They can barely pay their bills, so they don’t have money for Christmas expenses.”

This year’s GSN Christmas distribution will be held December 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Llama Barn at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville.

To participate, an application must be pre-submitted and approved. GSN leaders prefer that applications be accessed and submitted on the organization’s website, but individuals can call the office as well.

New this year is a pre-event called Holiday Share Days. On Thursday, December 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., gently used

clothing, toys, baby items and household goods will be available at the same location as the Christmas distribution. Inventory will be restocked for the second day, but visitors can only choose one day to attend.

“We started collecting things for this year’s Holiday Assistance last January,” Chance says. “Donations are kept in various storage facilities. We still need new clothes, socks, underwear and toys for children fiveyears to teens. We also need volunteers to receive donations. Many people are needed December 8 through the 11 to sort through stuff at the Llama Barn.”

During this time of COVID-19, GSN has a no-contact donation process. Donations will not be received in the office or lobby area.

Instead, on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., individuals can drive directly to the back of the building and proceed to the warehouse garage door.

Donors should remain in their car with a

mask on. Honk if the garage door is closed, or call 317-842-2603, extension 200.

Volunteers can sign up via the organization’s website by clicking on the iVolunteer link.

Face masks, social distancing practices and temperature checks are required. Individuals 16 years and younger are welcome to volunteer, but must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers must agree to participate at their own risk, and not to hold GSN liable if COVID-19 is contracted.

GSN leaders pride themselves on strong connections developed with community partners. Under the GSN umbrella, participating organizations are stronger together than alone. This dedication continues to make Hamilton County a place where all individuals feel supported.

Good Samaritan Network is located at 12933 Parkside Drive in Fishers. For info, visit GSNLive.org or call 317-842-2603.

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Our Nurse Practitioner Patient Navigator follows up with you after surgery to ensure you and your caregiver have all the information you need. She is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help speed your recovery.

From state-of-the-art technology in our new Fishers outpatient surgery center to hands-on, personalized care even after you return home, we are invested in getting you back to doing what you love. It’s the only way we know how to operate.

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7 Helpful Holiday Shopping Tips Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

It always feels like the holiday season comes around and many people start looking for ways to save. Who doesn’t love to put money back in their pocket?

Every year it seems like we say we’ll buy less, and then budgets are blown as supershopping ensues. However, this year is a little different. Situations and plans are all changing at rapid speeds, so maybe it really is time to think about how less can be more. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy the holidays with minimal stress, and without breaking the bank.

1. Make a List and Budget Many people make a list of who they want to buy for and what they’d like to receive, so feel free to make a list and check it twice. Not everyone operates according to a budget, but it’s not a bad idea to project how much you’ll spend on each person.

This year, write it down. Make a budget and stick to it. Not only is this helpful for spreading the love evenly, but it’s also much better for your bank account. Once you are done shopping for certain things, check them off your list and record how much you spent.

DECEMBER 2020

2. Plan to Buy Less As stated before, we often plan to buy fewer gifts than in previous years, but end up with more than enough presents to fit under the tree. Think outside the box. Some of the best gifts aren’t the biggest, but the most thoughtful. Stick to the philosophy of “Something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need,” and see how that goes. If you hate it, you can buy more next year.

3. Shop Early Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead in these crazy times of uncertainty, but this is one thing you should do if you can.

When you shop early, it spreads out your expenses to make the process more bearable, and sometimes you can get amazing deals. This can alleviate the stresses of last-minute shopping.

4. Shop Local There are many local shops that need us this holiday season.

Go directly to your favorite local retailer or visit a website like TruLocal.com, where you can shop online through your hometown favorites and pick up curbside. You can save on shipping, give back to your community, and find unique and fun gifts for your family.

5. Shop Around Do your research. Don’t jump the gun on buying something.

Check out all the places where you can find a certain item, and look for the best price. You can even price-match at many stores these days. Keep your smartphone handy to look up prices on other sites quickly. The best things for your budget and bank account during the holidays are discounts and coupons. Also, check into cash-back programs like Rakuten. These can be easy ways to recoup a little cash if you are shopping online.

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giving gifts like memberships to museums or zoos - gifts that go beyond the holiday season. Maybe you’ve even thought about Do you make a particular type of pie or forgoing gifts altogether, and instead plan fudge that everyone loves? Homemade to give to others as a family. Encourage items, edible or not, can garner lots of love your little ones to get in on this too. They and appreciation from others. Taking time can go around collecting canned goods to out of your life to make gifts is the perfect way to trim spending this year. There’s a lot donate to a soup kitchen, money for meals for hospital workers, or donations for a of inspiration online, but think ornaments, cookies, or even hats and mittens if you knit. favorite charity.

Many people appreciate handmade items, Whatever you do this holiday season, and they come with a little extra love. remember the reason for the season. It’s a time to share in love and joy. Gifts are not 7. Try Something New all that matter, so don’t stress about those too much. While this year may look a little Maybe this year is a little different, but different, enjoy it. Sometimes the experiences that doesn’t mean it has to be less joyful. we have that are different, and not quite what Maybe this is the year when you draw we expected or hoped for, are the best and names as a family, so that each family member doesn’t need to purchase as much most memorable. Happy holidays. as in past years. Perhaps you’ve considered

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OUTDOOR MERRIMENT A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY RETURNS TO CONNER PRAIRIE

DECEMBER 2020

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Conner Prairie

L

ast year Conner Prairie launched its first-ever winter festival, A Merry Prairie Holiday, which offered magical winter evenings throughout the month of December featuring charming lights, fun storytelling, carnival games, festive treats, and quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We knew it would be something special, but it ended up being something really, really special and immediately became a new tradition for a lot of families, much like our Headless Horseman Festival we have in the fall,” says Christine DeJoy, director of public affairs for Conner Prairie. “People told us that they were eager to come back and do it again this year.”

The Conner Prairie staff was excited to bring back A Merry Prairie Holiday, but then COVID-19 happened and questions were raised about safety concerns.

says DeJoy, noting that the staff followed state and city mandates for mask wearing, capacity limits and sanitation. “We always make sure we are in line with what the community wants.”

This year Conner Prairie is requiring advance ticket sales ($20 for guests 2 and older, and $10 for members). This way attendees can select the day they want to come, and enjoy a walking experience from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through the park.

Buying tickets ahead of time means the staff

the difficulty in cleaning and sanitizing as guests would normally load and unload from the wagon, has its advantages according to DeJoy. “The thing about the wagon ride is that it’s easy to miss things that are situated on the other side from where you are seated,” she says. “Now when you walk through, you can take your time and take it all in. It’s an Instagram lover’s dream.”

Families will have plenty to do during their four-hour stay. Activities include the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge dry tubing hill, festive rides on the Kringle’s Carousel, and holiday shopping at the Conner Prairie Store. The Reindeer Games, which include Gingerbread House Chimney Toss, Hi Striker and more, have all been reconfigured to be COVID-safe. There are also performances by local musicians at Blitzen’s Bandstand scheduled, fire pits situated throughout the grounds, and cool historic experiences such as “Letters Home: Holidays and the Civil War.” The event will also include holiday treats like hot chocolate from various vendors.

“Itlover ’s ans Instagram ’ dream.”

“We are a cultural institution that gives opportunities for a lot of families to come out and explore our grounds and participate in these festivals,” DeJoy says.

The staff disliked the idea of stripping away those wonderful opportunities. Thankfully, Conner Prairie is largely an outdoor museum, and while this will likely change in the future, for now it’s a huge plus.

“When we got the OK from the City of Fishers Health Department that we could put on the Headless Horseman, we knew we’d be able to do A Merry Prairie Holiday,”

knows when they have reached capacity for the night, and keeps families from potentially being turned away at the gate.

A Merry Prairie Holiday starts on Black Friday, November 27, and runs through December 23. The biggest change from last year is that there is no longer a wagon ride through the lighted Winter Wonderland stations, each of which have a theme such as “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “Candy Cane Lane.” The change, which results from DECEMBER 2020

Kids can enjoy watching Santa and his elves busy in their workshop making gifts, preparing for the big night. Instead of hopping onto Santa’s lap and getting a photo with the family gathered around, selfies with Santa will be offered - a safe way to keep this age-old holiday tradition alive.

“We can’t risk Santa getting COVID,” DeJoy says.

To help with social distancing, Conner Prairie will have markings on the ground as

well as signage that encourages guests to be vigilant about keeping masks on and staying with their group.

“We are a cultural

Given the various difficulties of the year so far, the community is grateful to have something to look forward to this holiday season.

institution that gives opportunities for a lot of families to come out and explore our grounds and participate in these festivals."

“We’ve gotten lots of positive comments, starting with the Headless Horseman,” DeJoy says. “People thank us for still doing these two festivals. In fact, they are even more excited about them than usual since so many things this year have gotten cancelled.

They say, ‘We like having something to look forward to at the end of the year.’”

Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. If you have questions about COVID-19 safety precautions at Conner Prairie or would like to purchase tickets to A Merry Prairie Holiday, visit connerprairie.org or call 317-776-6000.

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36 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

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Winterfest Returns

ORGANIZERS ADAPT FOR SAFE FORTVILLE WINTERFEST

38 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

Winterfest is sponsored by Fortville Action Inc., a nonprofit organization of volunteers who promote the community throughout Fortville Winterfest, a free, one-day event, the year with events like the Fortville has become a holiday tradition for area Summer Concert Series, as well as cleanup families. This year’s festival, scheduled for and flower planting days. The group was December 5, is sure to get attendees into the formally established two years after the Christmas spirit as it showcases Fortville’s first Winterfest was held in 2010. Founding charming downtown with its unique shops member Milda Sterrett continues to be and eateries. Although activities have been active in the organization. scaled back in an effort to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, the day will have the old“We are trying to make this year’s fashioned Christmas feel it is known for.

Winterfest as safe as possible Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Belinda Russell

atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 39

during this time of COVID,” Sterrett says.

“I’ve talked with the board of health a couple of times. It’s been kind of hard to figure it out and we agonized whether to even have it this year. Some people may not be happy that some of the usual activities won’t be going on, but most are excited that Winterfest is still happening.”

As in past years, Main Street will be blocked off so visitors can roam among the shops and restaurants. Although there will not be a performance stage set

up, small groups of carolers will walk around and sing throughout the day. In an effort to avoid large gatherings in one spot, the usual parade featuring a dance routine by Snowflake Princesses will not take place.

Families can still enjoy several activities.

Carriage rides will be offered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at a cost of $10 for a one-bench carriage and $15 for a double bench. Several circle areas resembling ornaments will be available for kids to decorate with colorful chalk. Sambol’s Tree Farm with have a lot set up for families to pick out and purchase Christmas trees.

“We are planning things so a large crowd doesn’t gather closely,” Sterrett says.

“Unfortunately, due to safety issues during this time of COVID precautions, Santa will not be attending this year’s Winterfest. My husband Bob typically plays Santa, but it didn’t seem like something he should do this year. The Christmas tree will still be lit, but at an unannounced time.”

stamps, two tickets for every five stamps, and four tickets for a completed passport.

There will be a grand prize along with first and second prizes, which include substantial winnings sure to make Christmas merrier.

“We are so happy for the support of our sponsors and individuals,” Sterrett says.

“Up until March, we were getting donations New this year are downtown shopping passports. Through December 5, shoppers from businesses. Although we offered to can pick up a passport at one of 10 give back the money, they told us to keep it. participating retailers and restaurants. When After March, our donations came from a few small checks from people in the community. customers make a purchase, they receive We never make anything from Winterfest a stamp on their passport. The number of we put it back into the next year’s event.” stamps determines how many times the passport holder is entered into a raffle to be For more info on Fortville Action Inc., visit held on the day of Winterfest - participants facebook.com/fortvilleactioninc. obtain one raffle ticket for every three 40 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

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GIFTS FOR ANGELS CENTRAL INDIANA ANGEL TREE PROGRAM MAKES THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL FOR YOUNGSTERS

42 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

ANGEL TREE IS WHAT PROVIDES CHILDREN WITH CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BUT REALLY WHAT ALLOWS US TO DO SO IS THE RED KETTLE.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Five years ago the Salvation Army Indiana Division began hosting the Central Indiana Angel Tree, through which donors adopt children (“angels”) from newborn to age 12, providing them with personalized gifts to help make the holidays special. Prior to the Angel Tree program, the Salvation Army hosted a Toy Shop where toys were placed on tables, and parents would select gifts.

The organization’s leaders switched to the Angel Tree program to allow for a more a personalized experience. Christmas is a time of happiness and celebration for many, but that’s not always the case for those who come from unstable homes.

“We want to give these children the same opportunity that every other child is getting,” says Captain Brianne Bowers, Divisional Candidate and Youth Secretary for the Salvation Army Indiana Division.

Often when parents come in to register their child for the program, they are upset because they don’t know how they are going to provide gifts for their kids at Christmas. This year is especially challenging due to COVID-19.

“We have no idea what these families have been going through, so we want to be that support and that encouragement to empower them to make Christmas memorable,” Bowers says.

This year the Central Indiana Angel Tree will serve 5,000 angels. This number is lower than in past years, but the staff felt the number was plausible given the economic difficulties facing many people in 2020. Each angel will receive a bag of goodies valued at $50. The Salvation Army leaders ask that each bag contain something the child wants, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

“It could be a couple of books or an entire outfit, depending on how the donor shops,” Bowers says.

The number-one ask for this year has been a Fire tablet, which can be helpful with the recent increase in virtual learning due to the pandemic. With many libraries being closed, the ability to check out a library book using an e-reader is a helpful alternative.

In the past, Angel Trees have been displayed at both the Castleton Mall and the Fashion Mall in Indianapolis, but atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 43

due to COVID-19 that will not be the case this year. Instead, Salvation Army leaders are relying heavily on online adoptions and encouraging donors to use Amazon. For those who prefer to drop gifts in person, they may do so at the Eagle Creek or Fountain Square locations.

Through the years, community response to the program has typically been strong.

“Awareness is important,” Bowers says. “The more we’ve been able to communicate and bring an understanding of what Angel Tree is about to our volunteers and donors, the more we’ve seen an increase in participation.”

In past years, bicycles and beds have been donated. Unfortunately, this year coronavirus restrictions make such donations difficult.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t still want to meet those needs,” Bowers says of larger items like beds. “We just have to be a little more creative by using social services or working through our other partner agencies.”

Each year there are invariably a handful of children whose tags aren’t adopted, but according to Bowers, as soon as she and her

colleagues spread the word about the need for a few more donors, community members immediately rise to the occasion.

“To see the generosity of the community and how they have stepped up to make sure that kids have a good Christmas has amazed me every single year,” Bowers says. “Sometimes parents shop with their child for an angel who is the same age. It’s teaching their kids how to share the love and how to give back in their community. It’s teaching the younger generations how to be generous with what you’ve been given.”

44 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

701 E. New York St. / Indianapolis, IN 46202 /t 317.632.6501 /CVRindy.com /

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The Salvation Army Indiana Division is located at 6060 Castleway West Drive in Indianapolis. To learn more about Central Indiana Angel Tree, call 317-937-7000 and go to centralusa. salvationarmy.org/indiana/angeltree.

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“We aren’t trying to give anybody a band-aid to cover the problem,” Bowers says. “We are wanting to provide hope in a time where parents may feel hopeless, because we know there are circumstances outside of the parents’ control.”

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“Angel Tree is what provides children with Christmas gifts, but really what allows us to do so is the Red Kettle,” says Bowers, noting that when the Salvation Army meets its Christmas goal, the organization is not only able to provide kids with gifts, but also resources needed for its two community center locations that provide year-round youth and family programs.

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The Salvation Army has a pool of longtime volunteers, but can always use extra sets of hands to help with setup, distribution and cleanup.

For those who don’t have the time but do have the means, a financial contribution is also appreciated. In addition, Bowers encourages folks to check out the Red Kettle program, as the two programs go hand in hand.

CLASS 101 HELPS WITH COLLEGE APPLICATION CHALLENGES IN COVID-19 Story and Photos provided by Class 101

While attending freshman orientation with their daughter preparing for her first year of college, Randy and Kim Stegemoller learned that she was one SAT question shy of receiving a major scholarship. This news was devastating because the ten-point difference would have saved them thousands of dollars each year. It was then that they realized many parents were having similar experiences as they stumbled through an increasingly complicated college application process and scholarship dollars were on the line.

“We knew then that we wanted to help other families like ours. While our children had support through school, they weren’t receiving all of the attention we knew we could provide when managing the process full-time. Had someone told us about that one additional question on the SAT, we could have identified specific weak spots to strengthen and coached her through practice tests,” explained Class 101 owner Randy Stegemoller.

journeys and dedicating their careers to understanding the ins and outs of scholarship applications, crafting stand-out college essays, and helping students find best-fit colleges, the duo opened a location in Carmel.

In fact, many colleges switched to testoptional admissions, not requiring a college placement test with a student’s application.

However, the college planning experts at Class 101 encourage families to submit a test score to ensure their child has access to all available scholarships: “Colleges may “Our passion is helping high school students be test-optional for admission but could find their future and guiding parents require a test score to award scholarships through the financial aspects of the process. or direct-admission to top programs. If you Carmel was an obvious choice with so many apply without a test score, you could be leaving scholarship dollars on the table,” college-bound students and parents who said Alyssa, Class 101 Office Manager. value a great education,” Randy added.

This year with the impact of Covid-19, the admissions process is even more complex.

Randy and Kim were inspired to open Class 101 , a national college planning franchise, in their hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. After nearly ten successful years guiding hundreds of students through their college planning atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 45

Additionally, Class 101 tells clients to signup early for PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests to

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changing admissions criteria. The Hoosier ensure students get a spot and have plenty parents encourage families to ask specific of time to retest. Carmel Class 101 College questions during the application process: Planner, Kara, explains, “early engagement • Is this college test-optional? in the process is a game-changer. When it comes to maximizing college and scholarship • Is a test score required for directadmission to a specific program? opportunities, the earlier the better. People • Does this college superscore the are shocked when they see how we help SAT or ACT? improve test scores with time and coaching.

Geist Jewelers canscore do itrequired all, from • Is a test for in-house scholarshipcustom CAD designs One of our students is going tuition-free to all your repair needs. consideration? to his dream school after a 300-point increase.” Additionally, many colleges allow Seeing their succeed and reach superscoring, where the highest scores creating Come in and subject experience your students own jewelry designs with the team including free appraisals their goals is what keeps the Stegemollers are combined across all of the dates tested to with all purchases. Get to know the team by bringing your jewelry in for free inspections and cleanmotivated afteralso a decade college planners.Replacement Specialists. create the best score. To geting a superscore, a basis. on a regular They are StateasFarm Insurance student needs to test more than once but spots Kim adds, “Class 101 becomes part of the family while helping each student succeed. have been limited due to Covid-19.

That’s what we’re all about. We help a good student become great and a great student The Stegemollers want to ensure collegebecome phenomenal.” bound students don’t miss out due to Class 101 Carmel is located at 600 E. Carmel Drive, Suite 109. Visit their website at class101.com/centralindiana or call 317-975-1012 to schedule a free consultation.

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This holiday season, Geist Jewelers is offering Custom, High Quality, One of a Kind Gifts and Featured Specials for the Holidays. A Wide Selection of Fine Jewelry for that perfect Christmas Gift.

Holiday Specials • Couture Pieces • Fashion Lines at All Price Points • Estate Sale Pieces • Distinctive and Elegant Holidays Gifts AT GEIST JEWELERS, WE TAKE CARE OF YOU

When it Matters

11561 Pavilion Drive, #100 • Fishers 317-845-8400 • GeistJewelers.com

JOIN US AND SHOP THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY SALE! 46 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atGeist.com

START PLANNING YOUR 2021 PROJECT NOW

The one stop shop for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Flooring Carmel Showroom

Indianapolis Showroom

3217 Shadeland Ave 14570 River Road Indianapolis, IN 46226 Carmel, IN 46033 317-545-2174 atGeist.com / DECEMBER 2020 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 47 317-405-9073

MUCH LOVE AND GOOD CHEER FROM JAMIE BOER HOMES!

BEFORE

AFTER

Tina Mudd- Blue Desk

Jamie Boer Team Leader 317-289-9169

Alex Kliengensmith Asoc. Broker 317-691-1741

Zeke Mayberry Asoc. Broker 765-220-6947

Mike Fialkowski Asoc. Broker 317-694-3795

Tiffany Aquino Staging Consultant

Not only is she our design consultant she owns her own furniture transformation business called Blue Desk Transformation Business.If your furniture needs an update call Tina at 317-440-3358.

2020 Has Been Challenging For All Of Us. However, We Added More Clients To Our Family And That Makes For A Great Year! We Wish Everyone A Happy Holiday Season And A Very Joyous New Year! g min Co oon S

12729 Desplaines Dr.

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135 W Hoover St

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309 N East St

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11934 Brockett Circle

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13221 Lamana Place

We have sold almost all of our inventory and we need your listing!

We would love to see your home right here next month!

For more listings, visit: JamieBoerHomes.com @getmorewithjamieboer

GET MORE WITH JAMIE BOER 317-289-9169 ∙ JamieBoerHomes.com

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