Merry, Bright And Everything Nice
The Warmth of Giving
Everyone's heard the old saying, "It's better to give than to receive." It's definitely a great saying and holds a lot of truth. For me personally, there's a warmth that comes over me when I give someone something, especially for no reason and with no expectation of a return. It just makes me feel really good, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this. I know the typical picture of giving is viewed in monetary terms and I see a lot of the businesses around us donating to some great causes. Some of the stories I hear about people's generosity is nothing short of amazing, and I applaud those businesses and owners for stepping up and supporting what they believe in. But let's face it, we're not all in a position to do what others can do and that's OK, because giving can encompass a lot more than money.
We all have something we can give to this world. Some of us have a gift, a skill or a personality trait that lends well to the spirit of giving. Maybe you're out of school and don't have kids but have some time; Big Brothers/Big Sisters is always looking for mentors. Johnson County Senior Services might like your help. Maybe people in general aren't your preference; Love of Labs Indiana is one of my favorites. In fact, we just became "Foster Failures," which means we fostered a lab and ended up adopting him. All I'm saying is there are a ton of organizations that could simply use your gift, skill or passion.
There's actually another level to this giving thing and my wife had to remind me of this one but it's something we can all do every day. She has this T-shirt with a bumble bee on it and it says "Be Kind." You never know what someone's going through and a kind word or a smile can make their day. So often we just float through our day and barely acknowledge those around us. With just a smile to a passerby or a kind word to your server while you're enjoying a night out, you can make all the difference in their day. You never really know what impact you may have on a person.
We hope you enjoy this "Giving" edition of GCL and have a blessed holiday season.
SCOTT GILCREST, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Scott Gilcrest | scott.gilcrest@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Amber Gilcrest | amber.gilcrest@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Amanda Buck, Erica Bibb, Mindy Wester
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amber Gilcrest, Janie Jones, Donna Rice, Mindy Wester
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Every treatment not only nurtures your well-being but also supports causes close to our hearts, both locally and globally. Over the past year, we’ve proudly partnered with Isaiah 117 House to provide safe, loving spaces for children in transition, supported Indianapolis Animal Care Services in their mission to protect and care for animals, and offered respite to orphan caregivers from Ukraine in Poland through the Boaz Project. Discover a place where wellness and purpose come together.
This holiday season, share the gift of relaxation with a spa gift card. Perfect for spreading joy and making a difference.
inside the issue
Jake
Bischoff Wealth Management Principal Provides Tips, Guidance For Giving Inheritances
Bayberry Spa Owner Jen Hagner’s Mission Is
Johnson
May Your Days
A Dental Office Designed Around You
The team at Sauer Dentistry treats each patient as a member of the family. They take time to understand their symptoms and concerns and develop custom treatment plans that encourage optimal oral health and beautiful, vibrant smiles.
Dr. Whitney Marsh & Dr. Aaron Sauer
city scene
1: Journey Health + Wellness supports StudioYou Yoga at their fall Open House. 2: GFD members, families and community members push new firetruck into bay to mark its service. 3: Small businesses, including Prime IV, supported one another at StudioYou Yoga for fall Open House. 4: Duke Homes provided free hay rides at The Aberdeen Harvest Festival. 5: Guests could feed free-range chickens at Aberdeen's Harvest Festival, sponsored by Duke Homes. 6: A Halloween themed class at StudioYOU Yoga. It's just a fun place to work out. 7: Recent rainbow over downtown Bargersville.
LA Fitness Adds New Personal Training Director
Beau Musch joined LA Fitness as personal training director in Greenwood at 540 N. State Road 135. He says his fitness philosophy is shaped by his 11 years of service in the National Guard, including five years as a Green Beret. He adds that he’s a firm believer in the mental health benefits of exercise. “I love teaching, leading by example, and helping people realize their own strength, both physically and mentally,” he says.
Greenwood City Lifestyle Gets New Roof
With help from Ezra Deckard and the Rees Restoration Team, Greenwood City Lifestyle received a new roof and is whole again. The storms of this spring and fall have played havoc on many communities throughout Greenwood, Center Grove and Bargersville. Much thanks and appreciation to the local team that worked so hard to get the job done, as another example of local businesses supporting local. Ezra can be reached at 317.430.8089.
Scan to read more
CGHS JROTC Promotes Two
Center Grove High School JROTC program continues to gain momentum with two more students promoted to the rank of Cadet Private: senior Moriah Cluff and sophomore Ethan McCrea. This is the first year for the Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at CGHS. The CGHS JROTC instructors are LTC Rick McIlrath and CSM James Garber. JROTC is offered in more than 1,700 US high schools. JROTC students have no obligation to pursue military careers.
Photography by CGHS
Leading the way in Patient Safety
Johnson Memorial Health has earned the nation’s top distinction for patient safety with an “A” from the Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the U.S. This honor belongs to every one of the providers and associates at JMH who work each day to provide exceptional health care for our patients.
Great care starts here.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
“Ever since I was 6 years old, the Lord has drawn my heart to be around people who’ve never heard the name of Jesus. That word spoken to my heart so many years before has never left.”
“Are you willing to lead a big life, a life with a big kingdom impact?” Jake Duke, broker/owner at Duke Collective based in Bargersville, decided he was and so has served in religious missionary roles since August 2014.
As an international lead trainer and director of the Global Refugee Outreach (GRO) for missionary nonprofit Biglife Global, Jake serves in many countries alongside indigenous people, partnering with them to help reach people for Jesus. In essence, he trains them with reproducible tools they can make into their own to share God’s story. He says many times, his efforts are coupled with crisis caring for urgent needs, such as food and blankets.
"There are so many people in the world who are hurting, broken or searching for purpose and truth. God’s heart is for those people. He is near them. I want to be right there with Him. It’s not just overseas, but it's also in our own backyard. We're called to be His love right where we are in every moment," explains Jake.
Biglife began as a ministry using sports as a unique tool to share the gospel in restricted countries, and since has grown into a cutting-edge church planting and discipleship ministry with 20,000-plus churches established in more than 130 countries.
"Ever since I was 6 years old, the Lord has drawn my heart to be around people who've never heard the name of Jesus. That word spoken to my heart so many years before has never left," Jake recalls.
He says in 2014 he traveled with a group to a Central Asian country and personally witnessed the power of God in ways he never thought he would.
"God began opening doors in many places around the globe to share His amazing love story. Similar to the Book of Acts, we go and raise up local leaders who already know the language, culture and people. It’s important for sustained movement and healthy growth to simply pass along Biblical tools and principles, and not American-based models. In short, locals lead as we walk alongside as brothers and sisters. That’s why I love Biglife, because it's about advancing the Kingdom of God."
Nations that Jake has worked within span Cuba, Brazil, Iraq, India, Nepal, Jordan, Armenia, Moldova, Turkey, Greece, Syria, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Canada, United States, several Island nations and displaced peoples of various nations from global crisis zones.
"We're just as active in the United States, with a longing to see disciples of Jesus making more disciples of Jesus, and we have a large network of multiplying churches that gather from home to home in simple ways. It's such a joy as we go for people to see, maybe for the first time, that they have a Creator who loves them and has great purpose for them," Jake states.
For 2025, Jake says local teams are hosting a disciple-making training for those interested to grow in how to be a disciple who makes more disciples for Jesus. He concludes: "What it came down to for me is: Do I want to live a little life in my own little world? Or do I want to live a Biglife? A life that's not my own – but for Him."
Big.Life
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
"To leave an inheritance requires planning; it's important to consult a tax advisor to determine what makes the most sense."
Brian Bischoff /
Photo by Donna Rice
Properly Passing Assets To Dependents
Bischoff Wealth Management Principal Provides Tips, Guidance For Giving Inheritances
Given that Brian Bischoff, principal/ financial advisor of Bischoff Wealth Management in Greenwood, has five children, he knows firsthand facts about planning for gifting personal assets.
Brian says he and his wife, Holly, started planning their inheritance approach as their oldest children were nearing college age, underscoring the concept that it's never too early to start working toward a goal. Brian obtained his certified financial planner designation in 2007 and started his own firm.
"Planned giving is one of the fundamental aspects that I discuss with every client as one part of their goals and objectives. Giving's intertwined with savings and retirement, so we monitor it all regularly, and for sure on an annual basis to check for any potential changes," Brian states.
Proper timing of giving gifts from a personal estate while one is still alive can be done for valid tax reasons, however timing or value amounts also can create financial problems, especially with capital gains taxes. Establishing a trust and gifting
assets to loved ones can be effective ways to transfer assets, but there are rules and limitations, reminds Brian.
"Whether an inheritance is left for relatives, or designated for charitable purposes, can impact how you save and take retirement plan distributions. Before deciding to leave an inheritance, consider your income needs, potential health care costs or long-term medical and residential needs," suggests Brian. "Retirees risk running out of money if they live long lives, so preparation is key."
Alternatively, he says some people prefer to leverage the current federal $18,000 gift tax limit, also known as the gift tax exclusion. This amount is the maximum one can give a single person without having to report it to the IRS. For married couples, the limit is $18,000 each, for a total of $36,000.
"Within our process, we also can work with attorneys and other professionals for more elaborate plans," Brian assures. 317.851.9718
BischoffWealth.com
Providing Community Care
ARTICLE BY AMANDA BUCK
When Bayberry Spa owner Jen Hagner co-launched Bayberry Spa LLC during 2018, she says it was out of a deep passion to care well for others and give back to her community.
Her study of massage therapy showed her that physiologically, a kind touch can genuinely make a difference. “It just made sense to me that caring for others through touch can have a profound impact on the whole person,” explains Jen.
But the mission of Bayberry Spa doesn’t stop at their spa services. "Our entire team is committed to see our care and effort ripple out into Greenwood, and beyond," Jen adds.
In fact, the overall business of Bayberry is centered around giving back. From seemingly small details, such as the fact that their skin care line, FarmHouse Fresh, actually donates a portion of their proceeds on every product to animal rescues, to partnering with and supporting local non-profits.
One initiative especially close to the hearts of the Bayberry team is the Isiah 117 House. Not only does the spa host events in both winter and summer to platform and highlight the work the local nonprofit does in supporting foster children between placements, but many of the staff also volunteer their own hours at the house itself, tangibly caring for foster children when they need it most.
Even on a global scale, Jen says she and her team strive to give back whenever they can. Last year, Bayberry raised funds to join a mission trip to Poland to care for Ukrainian orphanage workers. While there, she was able to teach about trauma-informed care and daily work on each caregiver through massage. Ultimately, she took the Bayberry experience to them with a restful spa evening. 317.893.5370
BayberrySpa.com
Isiah 117 House
Giving For Generations To Come
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Philanthropy has the power to influence lasting community change. When an organization receives someone's long-term support, a 'ripple effect' occurs. Many lives are touched, potentially for generations. One such local charitable clearinghouse organization, Johnson County Community Foundation based in Franklin, assists in these types of initiatives through the nonprofit's Legacy Society.
Stephanie Marten, vice president of development, says that she and the staff connect donors to worthy causes that truly matter, ones that are tailored to each person's interests and preferences. "We accept a wide range of assets and invest your gift no matter the amount," she explains. "We protect the integrity of donors' investments and their wishes."
In 1991, a group of Johnson County residents shared the vision of wanting to address challenges and opportunities in the local region, so they invited their circle of friends to create an organization that would encourage charitable giving. They were the founders of what now is the JCCF.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JCCF
Stephanie outlines various ways to become a JCCF Legacy Patron:
• Bequests/Wills
• Charitable Lead Trusts
• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Funds
• Real Estate Property
• Charitable Reminder Trust
• Grain
"Giving presently, while alive, has an immediate impact and lets you help those who may need it most now. Giving over time offers more flexibility, although it requires important longer-term decisions, such as how your assets are held until the gift is distributed. And, the last way to give is through an estate, will, trust, beneficiary or bequest, after you pass on," states Stephanie. She says she believes planned giving with the JCCF team or a financial advisor is the best approach to becoming a Legacy Patron. Benefits of planning giving include: having a way of making a charitable gift during one's life or death that's part of the overall financial or estate plan; gifting from assets rather than cash flow; gifting doesn't affect one's current financial security; making an enduring impact on a cause about which each person is passionate; and leaving a permanent statement of one's values.
Key causes are grouped by JCCF, according to special projects done in collaboration with community leaders, and those categories are:
Circle of Friends: to develop and provide operational capacity funding for community projects, nonprofit training and leadership initiatives.
Agriculture: to sustain the spirit and rich history of the local agricultural heritage.
Arts and Culture: to strengthen and enrich the performing, visual and oratorical arts.
Civic and Community Development: to support initiatives and projects that enhance the desire to live, work and play in Johnson County.
Education: to ensure the community’s prosperity by preparing children to learn.
Enrichment: to address any aspect of Johnson County’s well-being.
Health and Human Services: to support and promote physical and mental health.
Scholarship: to provide higher education opportunities.
One example of a supportive JCCF donor is Thelma Slisher, who shares she was excited when she learned about JCCF. "A light bulb went off in my head that this was my opportunity to continue to give back to my community after I am gone."
Stephanie Marten, Johnson County Community Foundation vice president of development, says, "Our JCCF manages more than 300 funds established by people with philanthropic passions. Many of our donors contribute to one or more of these existing funds, while others set up their own. There's no right or wrong way to give. What’s important is giving in a way that helps you accomplish your philanthropic goals and JCCF is here to help."
317.738.2213 | JCCF.org/Share-Your-Legacy
Thelma made plans for a Legacy Fund that will carry out her wishes, choosing the name for her future fund: The Kids Can Do Fund, which gives her the flexibility to revise at any time. She also started a basketball program to give kids with disabilities an opportunity to play.
“My desire is to give kids of all abilities a chance. Like my mom did for me, I want to provide opportunities to those who may not have the resources to meet their needs,” Thelma adds.
"Sometimes, donors want to honor a loved one or a person who made a significant difference in their lives. In other cases, donors want to ensure a great cause is supported for many years to come. They want to leave a legacy. Each fund is established with a simple agreement between the donor and JCCF," Stephanie assures.
"Whatever motivates someone's decision-making, JCCF understands there are many reasons to give, and is ready to help you accomplish your goals."
CRAFTING CHEER:
DIY WINTER CRAFTS
ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ORNAMENT CLUSTERS
SUPPLIES
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
STEP 1
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
STEP 2
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 3
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
STEP 4
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 5
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
CONFECTION
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board. Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 6TH
Santa Train & Holiday Market
Downtown Bargersville | 4:00 PM
Join those gathering in downtown Bargersville to watch holiday magic come to life as Santa makes his grand appearance on the train for the town's annual Santa Train & Holiday Market. Santa will disembark the train and head to Town Hall to take pictures inside. The date and time reflect the railroad's schedule; call 317.422.5115 to confirm closer to event.
DECEMBER 6TH
Covenant House Christmas Fundraiser
The Barn at Aberdeen Farms | 7:00 PM
Organizers of this YES Ministries 2-hour fundraiser promise it will be filled with holiday cheer and goodwill. The event supports the group's work for its Covenant House Orphan Care Ministry. Get ready for a night of joy, music and community as attendees assemble to make positive differences. Adult tickets (18-plus years old) are $25; children are free.
DECEMBER 7TH
KiD CiTY Christmas
Greenwood Community Center | 5:00 PM
This event will be filled until 9 p.m. with holiday fun, including a train ride through the Amphitheater Lighted Trail powered by Williams Comfort Air to grab selfies with Santa. Admission is $8 each. Go inside for some hot cocoa, holiday movie, popcorn and a holiday craft to take home to remember the magic.
DECEMBER 8TH - 9TH
Sound Therapy Meditation
StudioYOU Yoga | 4:30 PM
Devi facilitates personalized sessions in a ceremonial setting that focuses on a specific theme aimed at helping individuals relax their minds, bodies and souls. Sessions conclude at 6 p.m. Cost is $45; StudioYOU Yoga members receive 10% discount. Sign up at the studio's front desk, email SYYTeam@StudioYouYoga.com or call 317.882.8733.
DECEMBER 14TH
Aberdeen Festival Of Lights Presented by Horizon Bank
Aberdeen | 5:00 PM
This free event is open to the public until 8 p.m. Complimentary Christmas cookies provided to the first 1,500 people to arrive. See live nativity, pictures with real-bearded Santa and a Christmas book (bring camera), Christmas market, decorated homes, live music. Donations accepted for Center Grove’s Blessings in a Backpack to fill backpacks of students who need food for weekends.
DECEMBER 21ST
Hoosier Handmade Craft Fair & Winter Market
Johnson County Fairgrounds | 9:00 AM
Enjoy festive music and décor while strolling through Scott and Herring Halls to shop among 70-plus artisans, featuring leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, personalized charcuterie/cutting boards, hand-poured soy candles, goat milk products, farm décor, handmade rag rugs. Free admission and free parking. There also will be food trucks, crafty classes, and free scavenger hunt game/prizes for kids 10 and younger.
Christmas Toy Drive for the children on the island of St. Vincent November 9 from 10am-5pm at The Light Church in Bargersville 2861 N rd 500 W Bargersville, IN 46106
A Covenant House Christmas Fundraiser December 6 from 7-9pm at The Barn at Aberdeen Farms in Bargersville. Get your tickets today!
