Indianapolis IN 1

WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

MAY

MAY

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

+ Signature Event

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada CBS, GOLF, ESPN+,

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship +

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE INDIANAPOLIS

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 19 | CINEMANIA

Heartland Film’s new signature fundraising event debuting on April 19, 2024! Immerse yourself in a whimsical world of yellow submarines, strawberry fields and diamond skies with the inaugural theme of A Tribute to The Beatles in Film. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/567bjxrv

APRIL

27 | BREWFEST

Join the Historic Irvington Community Council to celebrate our annual Beastside Brewfest! Come watch this brawl of breweries for Best Beer and cast your vote for Attendee Favorite. Enjoy endless samples of amazing brews from local breweries with live entertainment and food trucks. While having a blast, know that you’re also helping raise money to support FIDO Indy and the Our Lady of Lourdes playground project. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdftf5ux

MAY

MAY 1 - 24 | 500 FESTIVAL

500 Festival For over six decades, the 500 Festival has shown commitment and excellence in our community. Every year, 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participate in many festival activities throughout the Month of May and beyond. For more info visit: 500festival.com

MAY 10 - 11 | MOTOR SPEEDWAY

The first auto race of the month, the Grand Prix shifts the stars of the NTT INDYCAR series into high gear on the IMS road course for a challenging 14-turn, 85-lap contest. Anything can happen in this tight race. For more info visit: 500festival.com

JUNE

JUNE 14 | FOODWAYS FESTIVAL

The Juneteenth Foodways Festival, made possible through the generosity of Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, celebrates the many ways in which Black culinary traditions have influenced Ameri-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE INDIANAPOLIS

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

can culture by exploring the story of White House Chef Dolly Johnson and promoting local Blackowned businesses. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mtbs9kch

JUNE 22 - 23 | INDIAN FESTIVAL

More than 140 native artists from across the US and Canada bring their jewelry, paintings, pottery, beadwork, and more to this festival at the Eiteljorg Museum celebrating Native American culture. Cultural performances include music, dancing, storytelling, family art activities, and even authentic cuisine. For more info visit: eiteljorg.org

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day in Indy is serious business. We have the largest collection of monuments and memorials outside of Washington, DC, an extended home stand with the Indianapolis Indians baseball team which includes fireworks at

Victory Field after each game, the Star-Spangled Symphony featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Glorious Fourth historical celebration at Conner Prairie, an ice cream social and naturalization ceremony at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and a massive fireworks display launched right from the heart of downtown. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2vspzftf

JULY 4 | CARMELFEST

CarmelFest is a beloved annual summer tradition for families and friends throughout Indiana. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious festival food, shopping at the unique marketplace, sitting together under the spectacular fireworks, and celebrating our country’s independence at our patriotic parade! Come make special memories! For more info visit: carmelfest.net

JULY 23 - 28 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Fes-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE INDIANAPOLIS

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

tival presented by Heartland Film is the largest shorts festival in the Midwest, running in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 2018! Originally an expansion to the Heartland International Film Festival, Indy Shorts has become its own six-day summer festival that celebrates the unique, creative and captivating art of short films in a wide range of categories, including horror, comedy, documentary, narrative, animated and more!

For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4znsjd7c

AUGUST

AUG 2 - 18 | STATE FAIR

For nearly three weeks each summer, we turn our minds toward celebrating Indiana’s agricultural roots, meeting a variety of farm animals from the world’s largest hogs to baby chicks, hopping on daredevil rides, playing games to take home stuffed animals larger than we are, catching free concerts, and indulging in fair delicacies like pickle pizza, everything at the Dairy Bar, and deep fried

ANYTHING. For more info visit: indianastatefair.com

AUG 15 - 25 | INDYFRINGE

The IndyFringe, Indy Eleven theatre, is an intimate, 70-seat blackbox theatre ideal for solo performances and intimate plays showcasing the new works of emerging and established Indianapolis and visiting Fringe artists. For more info visit: indyfringe.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 7 | ARTS FAIR

Discover why this is called ‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’ when you visit Newfields to see work from more than 300 artists, multiple stages of entertainment, a large children’s area, and a selection of arts-related organizations. One of the largest single-day arts fairs in the US, the festival also includes a large beer garden featuring favorite Indiana craft brews. For more info visit: penrod.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE INDIANAPOLIS

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

SEPT 20 - 21 | IRISH FEST

Circle City Irish Fest is keeping tradition alive in Indianapolis by celebrating Irish heritage through music, dance, culture, and sport. We will have two days of fun, entertainment, and shenanigans on September 20th and 21st headlined by a group we can always count on to bring the energy and enthusiasm, The Fighting Jameson’s! For more info visit: circlecityirishfestival.com

OCTOBER

OCT 10 - 20 | FILM FESTIVAL

Honoring a vast variety of cinema, Heartland awards storytellers who take a purposeful approach to filmmaking. The festival showcases more than 200 independent films for nearly two weeks via in-person and virtual screenings, red carpet premieres, and many more events and parties. For more info visit: heartlandfilm.org

OCT 26 | DÍA DE MUERTOS

With roots going back thousands

of years to Indigenous traditions in Mexico, this holiday is a time to gather together to remember and celebrate friends and relatives who have passed on. Día de Muertos, also called Day of the Dead, has evolved into a diverse festival, celebrated not only in Mexico but in the U.S. and many other countries. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n7a3u2p

NOVEMBER

NOV 9 | MONUMENTAL MARATHON

One of the 15 largest marathons in the US, the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is also Indiana’s largest, fastest marathon and ideal for everyone from first timers to elite athletes. Start and finish at the Indiana State Capitol, then follow a course through landmarks and historical neighborhoods. Along with a half marathon, 5K, and kids fun run, race weekend is full of events for the entire family. For more info visit: monumentalmarathon.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE INDIANAPOLIS

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | CIRCLE OF LIGHTS

The spectacle of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument lit with nearly 5,000 lights is a delight for all ages. One of Indy’s beloved holiday traditions, the tree lighting ceremony falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving and includes many live performances to get rid of anyone’s grinchiness. The lights stay up into January, so bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and let that holiday spirit flow. For more info visit: https://tinyurl. com/3vy2959u

DEC 17 - 22 | ELF THE MUSICAL

ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his

true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n8m3sw2

JANUARY

JAN 14 - 19 | MOULIN ROUGE!

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n7rsknh

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.