Geist Magazine December 2023

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL EDITION

DECEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

DEDICATION TO EDUCATION FISHERS RESIDENT LAURA IRVIN LOOKS BACK ON 20 YEARS AS A LOCAL EDUCATOR

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE CULTURAL COMMUNICATOR

Local Resident Endeavors to Educate Others on His Native Turkey

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

DECEMBER 2023

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHER JUSTIN 'JD' BIEHL justin@townepost.com 317.294.7211

16

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

19

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

MUSICAL MERRIMENT

The Indy Christmas Caroling Big Band Puts a Spirited Spin on a Time-Honored Tradition

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

21

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS

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Not So Silent Night Helps Families in Need Around Christmas Time

DEDICATION TO EDUCATION

10

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

Jake Eads

14

The Tradition of Picking Out THE Tree at Christmas Time

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

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Fishers Resident Laura Irvin Looks Back on 20 Years as a Local Educator

26

SEASON FOR CELEBRATION

City of Lawrence Kicks Off Winterfest

EXPERIENCE TRADITIONS OF THE SEASON

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

CONGRATS LADY ROYALS ON YOUR PERFECT SEASON! State Champions!

A HOLIDAY THEY WON’T FORGET

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER

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CULTURAL COMMUNICATOR

Local Resident Endeavors to Educate Others on His Native Turkey

KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMIE DRUDGE / JULIE MONTGOMERY MATT KEATING / RENEE LARR

This December at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North Holiday Spectacular December 7th & 8th • 7:00PM Lawrence Central HS 7300 E 56th St.

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A HOLIDAY THEY WON’T FORGET NOT SO SILENT NIGHT HELPS FAMILIES IN NEED AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Scotty Randolph is helping people have a merrier Christmas with Not So Silent Night, an event that helps many families during the holidays.

Randolph says on one Monday every month, FoxGardin would host an open-mic night that quickly turned into a who's who of local musicians and would draw some great crowds every month.

Randolph, founder and president of Not So Silent Night, says his foundation is known as The Giving Note Foundation, and their annual event has come to be known as Not So Silent Night. It’s a completely volunteer-led effort.

“In 2015 I began participating in the United Way's program to adopt a family every Christmas, to provide holiday gifts and assistance to needy families across Indianapolis,” he says. “A couple of years into that, they changed their process for providing gifts and I didn't feel it benefited the families as much anymore, so I set out to find a way to help those families in a more proper and beneficial way.”

of The Giving Note Foundation and Not So Silent Night.

“I am a singer-songwriter and country music recording artist, and have played all over the place for the last 10-plus years,” Randolph says. “One of my regular spots was FoxGardin in Fortville. Jake Burgess and former Operating Partner Toby Shelton had set up a great community there through great food, atmosphere and a focus on Randolph’s busy schedule led to the creation music.”

8 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“Spencer [Foster] is the director of operations for Burgess Restaurant Group and worked all the behind-the-scenes work for FoxGardin at the time,” Randolph says. “Elaine Thiel managed for them as well, and had a contact with Mt. Vernon schools that asked for volunteers to adopt families around the holidays - many of whom were once with United Way before they changed their process.”

Randolph and Foster decided to pair the December open-mic event with an opportunity to raise funds for the families they had adopted.

“Our first year, we adopted two families and raised between $1,000 and $2,000 for them,” Randolph says. “That grew over the next few years until we got to 2020.

Our friends, Chris and Amy Fuller, told us they'd like to adopt a family of their own, and from that, the larger idea of The Giving Note was born.”

The donations went from $7,000 in 2020 to $18,000 in 2021.

“When we got to that level of donations, we knew we had something, and the 501(c) (3) was founded,” Randolph says. “We had our first official Not So Silent Night last year and were able to support 18 families, providing gifts and financial assistance to vetted families over the holiday. Our hope is to continue to grow organically each year and use our Not So Silent Night event on the first Friday of every December to help raise money and awareness for those in need.”

Interested donors can make contributions to Not So Silent Night.

“They can attend our event on December 1 at the Hawthorns,” Randolph says. “They

can donate to our PayPal link. We raise money all year round. We have hopes of starting a Christmas in July event soon to assist teachers in need, to stock their classrooms and to help kids buy their backto-school shoes as well.”

the families, the shopping and the delivery of the gifts, along with a long list of things.

Chris and Amy Fuller are board members of the foundation and were instrumental in taking the event to the next level as well. This year Patrick Cavazos has been a huge help to the group, as well as Dale Randolph has enjoyed spreading holiday Stewart. They both volunteer their time and cheer. energy out of the kindness of their hearts, and it's really appreciated. Elaine Thiel “Christmas has always been my favorite time isn't involved anymore but she was a huge of the year,” Randolph says. “I love the spirit help early on as well.” of the season and the general goodwill that it brings out in people across all walks of Randolph also gives a lot of credit to the life. When I realized we could help people donors. on a larger scale, I knew we had to take the opportunity. One of my main motivations “Finally, I want to just give a thank-you to for holding the event on the first Friday of the donors,” Randolph says. “A big reason every December is to get people into the this thing grew the way it did is because we spirit of the season and remember the true realized how much the community wanted meaning of Christmas. Our group is just to help. We're surrounded by great people happy that we can do our part.” in this area, and it really shows this time of year.”

Randolph is grateful for all of the help he receives.

For more information on the Not So Silent Night event, check out their Facebook page “I have to thank Spencer Foster for her @notsosilentnightfound, or email Randolph help,” Randolph says. “The foundation at notsosilentnightfound@gmail.com. never would have gotten to the level it's at, had she not been involved. She coordinates TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 9

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

High School: Lawrence North High School Sport: Basketball Baseball

JAKE EADS Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Jake Eads, a senior at Lawrence North High School, puts in a lot of time and effort to achieve both his academic and athletic goals.

During the school year he plays both baseball and basketball.

In basketball, Jake achieved the threeyear varsity award, varsity Hardest Worker award, junior varsity MVP, junior varsity Hustle award, and Freshman Player of the Year award. He plays forward.

Jake says he and the basketball team members enjoyed a great previous season.

“Our team had a winning season as runnerup in the Marion County tournament and we were very competitive in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference,” he says. “Our success ended during the sectional, unfortunately, but our team has top talent in the state tournament. We are expected to be ranked very high preseason.

I am hopeful for a highly successful senior year for our team that extends well into March.”

In baseball, Jake won the two-year varsity award, and junior MVP. He plays center field.

“Our baseball team got off to a rough start last year, but started winning midseason,” he says. “Unfortunately we fell short in sectional. With several seniors returning to the team and talented underclassmen coming up, we are expecting greater success in the upcoming season.”

His mom, Pam Eads, is very proud of his achievements.

“Jake is extremely busy as a multiplesport athlete at a large metropolitan high school, which isn’t something a lot of kids do, as most students at this stage choose one sport,” Pam says. “He’s glad he chose this path as it has kept him active.

He’s developed valuable friendships with many different teammates, and learned how to manage time and juggle priorities as he has spent many days practicing both sports while maintaining schoolwork and a high GPA.”

10 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

League board as a youth board member, and a senior spirit leader for Lawrence North. He’s played for the Indy Sharks travel baseball program for three years and has worked for three summers as a camp counselor for the 3 to 5 age group at the Allisonville Christian Church."

Jake’s hard work has paid off.

“Jake admits, though, at times he has wondered whether he should have focused on one sport, and has considered whether he would have been more successful with one focus,” Pam says. “That he will never know, and is thankful to have had the opportunities to follow his passions and experience two very fun and exciting sports programs at Lawrence North.”

Despite his hectic schedule, Jake manages to find time to relax.

“He likes to spend time with friends, play video games, watch sports on TV and relax,” Pam says. “He’s tired a lot.”

Jake is also a Lawrence Township Spanish immersion student who has been taught Spanish since kindergarten, and is now bilingual and biliterate.

Jake loves Lawrence North High School.

“At Lawrence North, there is a place for everyone to be included,” Pam says. “You can be yourself without worrying about others judging you or bringing you down.

He can’t imagine attending any other high school and is grateful for all the academic and sports opportunities.”

“Jake is an AP Scholar Award recipient, a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and will graduate in June with a Spanish Immersion diploma and AP Honors diploma, currently with a 4.6 GPA,” Pam says. “Jake is also on the Lawrence Township Basketball

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HOW TO QUALIFY To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

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EXPERIENCE TRADITIONS OF THE SEASON THE TRADITION OF PICKING OUT THE TREE AT CHRISTMAS TIME Story Provided Photographer / Julie Montgomery

The tradition of picking a real Christmas tree is a cherished and time-honored practice for many families. This festive experience is not just about obtaining a holiday decoration. It’s a journey that creates lasting memories and fosters a sense of togetherness. Is your family thinking about starting its own tradition of getting THE tree? Here’s a closer look at why families may choose the tradition and experience of picking a real Christmas tree.

VISITING A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Families often venture to a local Christmas tree farm, where the air is filled with the delightful scent of pine. The farms are transformed into winter wonderlands with rows of trees covered in snow, creating a magical atmosphere that adds to the holiday spirit. Many offer cider, snacks, visits from Santa and other fun experiences to make your trip to the farm special.

FAMILY BONDING Choosing a real Christmas tree often involves the whole family. Parents and children, and sometimes even extended family or friends, come together to embark on this annual adventure. It's a special time for bonding, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT TREE The process of finding the perfect tree is an adventure in itself. Families explore the rows of trees, carefully examining each one for the right shape, size and overall appearance.

Children might play hide-and-seek among the trees, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

14 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

CUTTING DOWN THE TREE Once the perfect tree is found, there's the exhilarating task of cutting it down.

Whether families choose to do it themselves or seek assistance from the tree farm staff, this moment marks the culmination of the search and the beginning of the tree's journey to its new home.

LOADING AND TRANSPORTING With the tree in tow, families load it onto their vehicle, often tying it securely to the roof. The journey home is filled with laughter, anticipation, and sometimes a car ride filled with classic Christmas tunes.

CREATING LASTING MEMORIES The entire process of picking a real Christmas tree is about creating enduring memories. From the chilly air of the tree farm to the warmth of the decorated tree

in the living room, these moments become part of a family's holiday tradition, often recounted and cherished year after year.

In essence, the tradition of picking a real Christmas tree goes beyond acquiring a festive decoration. It encapsulates the spirit of the season, the joy of shared experiences, and the creation of traditions that connect generations.

We’ve gathered up a list of some local tree farms that might get you started on your Christmas Tree adventure! Double check their websites or social media pages for specific hours of operation. For more Christmas tree farm information, visit indianachristmastrees.com.

• Yakey Tree Farm - Fishers • Sambol’s Tree Farm - Fortville • Piney Acres - Fortville • Dull’s Tree Farm - Thorntown • Watts Christmas Tree Farm at Traders Point Creamery - Zionsville • Lost Forty Tree Farm - Greenfield • Evans Whispering Pines - Danville

Seeing the sparkling lights of the season is another cherished tradition for families. No matter if you want to walk along the winter wonderland or drive around in your holiday pajamas sipping on hot chocolate, here are some suggestions to take in the magic.

•N PT Night Lights: In downtown Fishers along the Nickel Plate Trail.

Check out the This is Fishers blog for a map of local houses decked out for the season.

•H istoric Noblesville Square, Seminary Park and Holidays on the Hill.

•C armel Christkindlmarkt: Voted one of the best in the country, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt truly is a magical experience.

•A Merry Prairie Holiday: Visit the home of the local favorite Reynolds Farm Equipment Christmas Lights at Conner Prairie's holiday festival.

•C hristmas Nights of Lights: At the Indiana State Fairgrounds. A drivethrough light show.

•C hristmas at the Zoo: Indianapolis Zoo gets all aglow for the season and transformed into a winter wonderland.

•C ircle of Lights: Downtown Indianapolis on Monument Circle. See the large Christmas tree along with a festive tradition of lights, music and pop-up vendors.

•W interlights at Newfields: An outdoor walking experience that features over 1.5 million sparkling Christmas lights.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 15

Holiday Gift Guide

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PETITE G JEWELERS

Petite G is a boutique jewelry store with all of your holiday wishes.

More than just traditional jewelry, we are a family devoted to creating memories, commemorating milestones, and preserving treasured family heirlooms. Immerse yourself in fine jewelry, where elegance meets timeless beauty.

5609 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-255-5555 PetiteG.com Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

YMCA OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

ROMAN & LEO

Have a little guy to shop for this holiday season? Come visit the only all boys shop in the Midwest, Roman & Leo, right here in Fishers! We specialize in boys' apparel, accessories, gifts, stocking stuffers, and more! Find us at 8800 North Street #115, Fishers - or online at www.romanandleo.com

Fishers YMCA & Benjamin Harrison YMCA 317-266-YMCA (9622) INDYMCA.org Give an experience this holiday season: Give the gift of the Y! Gift cards in any amount can be used for membership, swim lessons, personal or small group training, youth sports, camp, and more.

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YOUNIQUE TOUCHES

Younique Touches is a cultivating, semi-permanent, eyebrow microblading business offering the following services: Microblading, Touch Up, Color Boost and Ombré Brows.

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Terrms and conditions apply. Offer subject to change. $100 gift card purchase required. Promotion cannot be combined with other offers. May include taxes. Offer valid through December 31, 2023 while supplies last.

PERKINS RESTAURANT & BAKERY

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ANGELO'S ITALIAN MARKET

Our gift baskets feature Angelo's dry pasta plus a variety of other Italian style provisions! Small & large options are available. Get yours online or in store. Gift cards are also available!

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MUSICAL MERRIMENT

THE INDY CHRISTMAS CAROLING BIG BAND PUTS A SPIRITED SPIN ON A TIME-HONORED TRADITION band production with no plans of slowing down. Nix says he dreams of a day when the ICCBB is a five-band group traveling Providing joy to others by Christmas caroling around Indianapolis, providing yearly is a pillar of the holiday season. In 2009, holiday memories. accomplished musician Dan Nix thought it would be a fun twist on a time-honored “Now we rent a bus to take us to three or tradition to have a saxophone quarter travel four different homes,” Nix says. “Then we around the Fishers area performing classic all jump back on the bus and head to a Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. Nix says random but predetermined local public the first year was such a huge hit that the place like IKEA to perform. I’m fortunate so group knew they had to continue each year. many people want to join me on Christmas morning, and take time away from their “We performed as a saxophone quartet for own families to provide a little joy for others the next few years,” Nix says. “Then we had experiencing a tough time.” a friend who was a drummer who wanted to join, so we became a saxophone quartet plus Nix began self-funding the ICCBB each a drummer in the back of a truck bed. It got year, but as the group has grown, the to the point where I wanted to expand it to nonprofit has continued to rely on the something that had never been done before. community’s help through donations. Nix I want this to be a complete 20-person jazz says he likes to provide the group with band.” breakfast and apparel since they’re donating their time.

Ten years ago the group of merry revelers officially became the Indy Christmas “Some of these performers are driving Caroling Big Band (ICCBB). They would all more than three hours to get here, so I like file into unsuspecting homeowners’ kitchens to pay for their gas,” Nix says. “We have to or living rooms and perform. Eventually pay licensing fees for the music, so the bills Nix and his friends wanted to find someone do add up. We all love doing it and want who had experienced a rough year and was ICCBB to continue and grow.” in desperate need of merriment and holiday cheer, rather than just area residents.

For more information or to donate, visit dannixmusic.com/iccbb.

The ICCBB is now a 75-person, twoWriter / Renee Larr Photography Provided

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 19

CONGRATS LADY ROYALS ON YOUR PERFECT SEASON!

STATE CHAMPIONS!

HSE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM

20 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

DEDICATION TO EDUCATION FISHERS RESIDENT LAURA IRVIN LOOKS BACK ON 20 YEARS AS A LOCAL EDUCATOR Writer / Amie Drudge Photography Provided

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 21

• She is beautiful • She is kind • She is a princess • She always wears lipstick • She gives the best hugs • She is family • Her hair is golden • She is like Cinderella • We love Mrs. Laura!

C

hildren talk often about growing up. They simply cannot wait to do it. We were all asked at some point in time that age-old question - What will you be when you grow up?

For Laura Irvin, her answer was always simple. She wanted to be a teacher. “As a small child I would set up my own classroom and play teacher,” she says. “As a teenager I took every babysitting job I could get.”

When it was time for college, she stayed true to that dream and walked into Purdue University to declare herself a teaching major. The rest has been a dream come true for not only her, but also every single student who has crossed her path in the last two decades.

For the last 20 years Mrs. Laura has worked at The Goddard School at Brooks School, where she has molded the minds and hearts of hundreds if not thousands of children in the Fishers/ Geist community. She teaches motor skills, counting, social skills, problem solving, teamwork, early academic foundation skills, and most importantly, she teaches our children to be kind and treat everyone equal. She is a gift and the children simply adore her.

But we couldn’t just take anyone’s word on it. We went straight to the source to ask the minds who really count…the 4and 5-year-old children who see her daily at her best and at her worst. What came out of their mouths sounded something like a symphony:

Perhaps these are the kinds of words spoken about you when your life motto is, “Always stay humble and kind.” Perhaps this is the gift you get when you stay true to your childhood dream and live it every single day. When we asked her peers the same question, we heard words like selfless, mentor, hard-working and dedicated.

all of those years ago,” she says. A few of these friends graduated from high school last spring and Mrs. Laura was at their open houses to celebrate.

Fishers/Geist community. Her mother was one of the founders of the Fisher’s Freedom Festival and her father, in his retirement, works at Conner Prairie.

She lives in Fishers with her husband, Josh, and her two boys, Landon and Logan.

Mrs. Laura has made The Goddard School at Brooks School a second home for not only herself, but also for her two boys.

When asked if she ever thought of quitting, she says “of course, but then you look around at the children and you understand that they are quick to forgive and they don’t hold grudges. Every moment is different with them and that’s what makes it so special.”

“The friends my boys have now are the friends they made here at this preschool

She graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School and has deep roots in the

“It is an honor for a parent to choose us for their children,” she says.

The honor is all ours. Congratulations, from the entire Fishers/Geist community, on 20 years of service at Goddard!

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SEASON FOR CELEBRATION CITY OF LAWRENCE KICKS OFF WINTERFEST Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

The City of Lawrence is once again in the holiday spirit.

The Winterfest holiday wonderland of fun kicked off on November 25 with A Lawrence Christmas, and runs through December 23. Family-friendly events are held at the newly renovated Civic Plaza.

Except for the first weekend, events occur every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The ever-popular skating rink is back again this year, along with a sensory skate day in December to include children with sensory issues.

There will be live music every Friday and Saturday evening to offer a holiday soundtrack for the event. Artists include Jason Hathaway, Sweet Tunes Band, Traci and Jimmy, At Your Door Productions/Dickens Carolers, Carlos Ponce Torres and Grupo Alberto.

Santa will make several appearances at this year’s event as well. He’ll be in attendance starting December 2nd, along with another chance for attendees to dine with the beloved world-traveling gift giver. Children can attend Breakfast With Santa on December 9th at Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza. Each Sunday is designated as Family Day and will include family-friendly activities.

Heartland International Film Festival will show movies from December 7th through 10th. The Winter Market is back with different vendors each Saturday, and guests can holiday shop.

The Lawrence Winter Solstice Walk has been reimagined into a Winter Solstice Skate. There will be a crafting opportunity, skating at the ice rink, and s’mores making.

26 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Oversized greeting cards will line the median of 56th Street from November 18 through New Year’s Day. Businesses will also be decked out with holiday decor. The community chooses a People’s Choice Award winner.

The Theater at the Fort will also put on performances and screen films throughout Winterfest, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and others.

For a complete list of dates, events and activities, visit visitlawrenceindiana.com/events/winterfest.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 27

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DECEMBER GAME PAGE CRYPTOGRAM DECODE THE MESSAGE

Each letter in the phrase has been replaced with a random letter or number. Try to decode the message.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS WILL BE POSTED ON THE GEIST MAGAZINE FACEBOOK PAGE. 1 2

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TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / GEIST MAGAZINE / 29

DOWN: 1. Lawrence North's Senior Student Athlete spotlight for December.

2. A decorative board laid out with a spread of meats, cheeses, fruits and sauces.

5. Publisher of the Geist Magazine.

7. Fishers pre-school focused on early childhood development.

ACROSS: 3. HSE Lady Royals have won this sport two years in a row.

4. Owner of the Goodard School in Fishers.

6. What pizza place is hosting breakfast with Santa in Lawrence?

8. Ed Martin has this many locations in the Indianapolis area.

9. One-night event turned 501c3, working to provide local families a holiday to remember.

10. What country celebrated its 100th year of independence on October 29th?

CULTURAL COMMUNICATOR LOCAL RESIDENT ENDEAVORS TO EDUCATE OTHERS ON HIS NATIVE TURKEY Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

ongtime Geist resident Hikmet Kutlu calls himself Turkish by birth but American by choice.

Kutlu has lived in Geist for 33 years and came to the United States to obtain his master’s degree at Indiana University. He loves sharing his Turkish heritage with friends and neighbors in hopes of proving we’re all more alike than different.

L

economic and cultural reforms. Kutlu says the centennial anniversary is a huge celebration in Turkey.

On October 29, Kutlu hosted a dinner for 26 of his friends to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic Day. The holiday celebrates Turkey declaring itself an independent republic on October 29, 1923.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is widely credited for the victory and many other political,

Kutlu says he cooks but doesn’t dare try his hand at cooking traditional Turkish food, as it’s very time consuming and elaborate. For the dinner, he enlisted the help of a friend, Sultan Lockwood. She served kebabs, rice pilaf, potato salad, tzatziki, spinach and feta cheese borek, shakshuka, stuffed grape

“Atatürk is responsible for changing our alphabet from the Arabic script to the Latin alphabet, with a few exceptions,” Kutlu says.

“That alone made it much easier for Turkey to open up to the Western world. He also gave equal rights to women.”

30 / GEIST MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

leaves, baklava, ashure (Noah’s pudding), and kadayif.

Kutlu is an Indy Wine member, and learned about the group through the Meetup application. The group meets monthly for dinner, so he felt hosting the celebratory dinner would be a great way to share his culture with the group. Kutlu says the event wouldn’t have been possible without a group of his friends, including Elif Alptekin, Kim Lane, Dilay Benoziyo, Hizir Yimaz, and Lockwood.

“I grew up very pro-American, and in fact some of my best memories from growing up are going to see American movies with my dad,” Kutlu says. “I also learned a lot

about America in high school. We largely learned about this country, including its history and geography. When I arrived in the United States I was surprised to learn that not many Americans know much about Turkey, so I felt I needed to share its history.”

In fact, Kutlu traveled to high schools, universities, social clubs and churches, teaching others about Turkey and its rich culture and history. He says he also likes to discuss Turkey’s relationship with the United States. He calls it a never-ending desire.

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“I feel like with all that’s going on in the world right now, we sometimes focus on our differences,” Kutlu says. “I think if we all stopped to learn and focus on personal experiences, we would see we have much more in common than we realize.”

Kutlu is currently writing a book and hopes to continue sharing his positivity and culture with friends, neighbors and even strangers.

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