Geist Magazine December 2022

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 MARKETING CONSULTANT CAMERON WEST cam@townepost.com 317.627.1761 PRODUCTION

Prairie & Bright

CONNER PRAIRIE PRESENTS A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

onner Prairie is known for its living history experience, inviting the public to learn more about what life was like in the 1800s.

Many of us have attended a field trip or enjoyed a summer afternoon there with our family while visiting the 1816 Lenape Indian Camp, the 1836 Prairietown and one of Indiana’s oldest brick homes, the William Conner House.

The property of 1,000-plus wooded acres in Fishers isn’t just a great place to visit during the spring and summer. The staff has worked to provide amazing experiences all year, including the fourth annual A Merry Prairie Holiday event.

It’s a fun family event held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 through December 18, including two special days on December 21 and 22.

“We’re really excited for visitors to experience holidays from around the world in the 1800s,” says Rich Cooper, vice president and chief programs officer at Conner Prairie. “We’re bringing back a lot of our favorites like the carousel, Frosty’s skating rink and sledding hill, along with some new additions.”

Guests can enjoy thousands of Reynolds Christmas lights and displays throughout the Conner Prairie property, and watch an oldfashioned crankie show at the Potter Shop Kiln Shed. Performance times are 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

Get a selfie with Santa and visit with Mrs. Claus and the elves as they prepare for Christmas. In Santa’s workshop visitors can watch

the elves prepare for the big night, making flight plans, wrapping last minute gifts and more.

If you’re questioning your status on Santa’s list, you can even chat with Trinket Puddingmoon, Santa’s official list keeper, and find out if you made the naughty or nice list.

“The Kringle Carousel is always a big hit, and last year we added a 3D magical experience at William Conner’s house with the story of ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’” Cooper says.

The 3D projection will transport participants nearly 200 years into the past, and gives visitors the feeling and nostalgia of holidays long ago. The show is on a 10-minute rotation from 6 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.

Throughout the evening, catch live music at Blitzen’s Bandstand, featuring rotating local performers at the Café on the Common. If you don’t grab a bite to eat at the Café, you’ll still have a chance at the South Pole Train Station, Blitzen’s Bar and Rudolph’s Bavarian Snack Stand to purchase hot chocolate or an adult beverage to sip while enjoying the scenes.

New this year is the Winter Wonderland stroll, a new set of dazzling holiday lights that connect Prairietown to the Civil War Journey. There is also a new light tunnel that guides guests to the tubing hill, the 150’ Polar Bear Plunge, as well as new and exciting photo opportunities along the way.

“We’ve worked really hard in the last five years to expand our traditional season, from the end of March to the end of October, to engage the community year-round,” Cooper says. “More than

all we’re offering, it’s just that time with your family. There are incredible light shows in central Indiana, but at Conner Prairie you can experience nature, engage with storytellers, sit around a fire and create those family traditions. That’s what makes Conner Prairie truly special.”

Although the staff is only in their fourth year of providing the experience, families have quickly made A Merry Prairie Holiday a tradition.

Each night, A Merry Prairie Holiday is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and will sell out quickly. Members must also reserve tickets for the special experience and Access Pass cardholders are eligible for the event.

Can’t make it to A Merry Prairie Holiday? There is still plenty of time to catch some of the magic at Conner Prairie.

Sign up to enjoy breakfast with Santa from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday from November 26 though December 18. As you enjoy breakfast with your family, Santa will share Christmas tales, then move to the stage to take photos and visit with each family individually.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 10, those who wish to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment can attend. Decorate cookies, play with fidget toys and share your Christmas list with the big guy himself.

Visit connerprairie.org to register for the event and for more information.

Writer / Renée Larr Photographer / Justin Sicking

An act of friendship toward new teammates is blossoming into a full-fledged philanthropic endeavor for Cincinnati Bengals player Ted Karras. When Karras moved to Cincinnati, he wanted to gift his new teammates with something special — a hat emblazoned with the word Cincy and a large cat scratch mark. Fans and local media quickly took notice of the players wearing hats in the locker room, peppering them with questions about where they got the hats and how others could get their hands on one.

Karras is looking to capitalize on the newfound attention for the piece of apparel by selling them online, with the proceeds going to the Village of Merici in Indianapolis. The organization

provides direct support services, learning opportunities, and independent living through partnerships with various developers. The Village of Merici currently supports more than 75 people throughout Indianapolis with a goal of self-reliance.

“The hats were originally a fun gift for my new teammates through a family friend’s golf supply business,” Karras says. “I figured everyone loves to get a piece of gear, and the response from my teammates, Bengal fans, and media members was extraordinary. The demand for the hats grew rapidly thanks to my teammates wearing them in interviews, and we decided to sell them, but it had to benefit Village of Merici.”

Karras’ involvement with Village of Merici is thanks to childhood friend Matt Renie. Karras and Renie both attended Saint

in to facilitate the logistics of producing and selling the hats.

“Ted grew up as a family friend observing his friend’s brother who has intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Colleen Renie, Executive Director of Village of Merici, and Matt’s mother. “Ted also has a family member with autism. He saw the potential in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their desire to live independently as they grew up, just like other people want their own place to live, have a job, do fun things in the community and have money to achieve those goals. Ted saw the struggles of his friend’s brother who had limitations in earning money, trying to find affordable housing, and acceptance in the community

Matthew Grade School and Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Renie recently stepped

“I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT A FUN GIFT AND PROJECT HAS FOUND A SPECIAL PURPOSE.”

— TED KARRAS, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Ted Karras

and finding friends.”

There are currently three hats available, with a fourth in the works. The hats retail for $35 each, and customers can choose from black, orange or white. Matt says the pair hope to sell as many as possible. The fourth hat will be white with a black logo to match one of the fans’ favorite new uniforms.

They’re utilizing some of the people served by the Village of Merici to assist in packaging and shipping the hats. Colleen says finding employment opportunities for the individuals they support is critical.

“It’s still a little up in the air, but we’re hoping to involve the community there in some of the logistics,” Matt says. “We’re considering making this an employment opportunity for some of them and a volunteer opportunity based on volume.”

Colleen says the funds will go to supporting the programs that teach and support individuals in independent living skills to enable them to be successful. The selling of the hats is really a two-fold win for Village of Merici.

“Not only are we helping to raise needed funds, but we’re also looking to get the name of the organization and what they do out in the world,” Matt says. “Many people resonate with the idea of knowing an adult with developmental disabilities but haven’t heard of Village of Merici. We’re hoping to start a conversation.”

Colleen says the people Village of Merici serve know and love Ted. She says he visits when he’s in town, and they watch him play on Sundays. Ted has even brought his Super Bowl rings for them to see and try on. He’s also spent time teaching them card games,

and he texts with several of them. They know how he supports their lives with his donations and sincere interest.

“I am so grateful that a fun gift and project has found a special purpose,” Karras says. “It’s a great hat with an awesome design that I hope can become the unofficial hat of the Bengals. Our goal is that these hats can provide an income stream for the Village and involve many villagers in the process. The Village of Merici is a very special place that does so much good. Any way I can ever help their cause is a special opportunity for me.”

To purchase a hat, visit thecincyhat.com. The website also offers a link for donations for Village of Merici. For more information regarding Village of Merici, visit villageofmerici.org.

Ted Karras and long-time friend and fellow Cathedral High School graduate Matt Renie are working together to sell "Cincy" hats to benefit the Village of Merici.

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Many of us look for volunteer opportunities around the holidays, but many local nonprofits seek volunteers and donations far past the holiday season. Hamilton County Kids Coats was started in 2004 by three women who attended Carmel United Methodist Church. Their mission is to provide Hamilton County residents in need with winter coats and cold-weather clothing.

“During that first year we only collected at our church, and from that experience we quickly realized we needed to involve more people,” says Linda Withrow, executive director. “We knew it was a 50-mile round trip all the way around Hamilton County, so we wanted to branch out into other areas besides Carmel.”

Kids Coats now partners with six local churches in Carmel, Fishers, Sheridan, Arcadia, Noblesville and Westfield, which

act as distribution centers for the coats they receive. Each church sponsors a giveaway day during the end of October and beginning of November. Some sites allow for in-person shopping, and some are designated for pickup only. The organization accepts new and gently used hats, gloves, mittens, boots and coats, for adults and children from schools, churches, libraries, businesses and neighborhood communities throughout Hamilton County.

“The idea is to meet those in need right where they live,” Withrow says. “It can be hard for families living paycheck to paycheck to live in a county where the cost of living is the highest. These churches have opened their doors to help those in need. That’s significant.”

She says parents often sacrifice their need of coats and winter apparel so their children can have what they need. That’s why Hamilton County Kids Coats services the whole family. Withrow says they give out many adult-sized coats to parents each year.

Merciful H.E.L.P. Center in Carmel also serves as a distribution center on specific dates throughout November, December and January. Recipients make appointments for each location online or by calling Hamilton County Kids Coats. This allows the organization to control the flow of demand and ensure specific sizes are available.

“When families make an appointment, they can pick the location and time that fits their schedule,” Withrow says. “In addition, they tell us the sizes and preferred colors for the coats they are ordering. For in-person shopping sites, this helps the family guides lead the family to the right coats. For pickup sites, this helps the shoppers find the right coat to fill the family’s order.”

While Withrow says the organization is grateful for the fall volunteers, she still needs volunteers well into January and February. It takes about 900 volunteers each winter season to ensure Hamilton County residents in need are outfitted for the cold weather.

“The big collection push happens from August to October because we give out the majority of coats at the end of October and the beginning of November,” Withrow says. “However, because the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center will still need a supply of coats until the end of January, we will serve anyone in Hamilton County that needs a coat until spring. They just need to call us at 317-324-8818.”

Withrow wants to extend her gratitude to longtime partners Carmel United Methodist Church, Green Valley Church of Christ, St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, Arcadia Brethren Church, Sheridan First United Methodist Church, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Merciful H.E.L.P. Center, and Good Samaritan Network. She says without these partnerships, Kids Coats would not be successful.

“They have gifted us with their time, facilities and communities,” Withrow says. “We’re able to help so many Hamilton

The Kids Coats team also accepts cash donations. Each year they host RibFest, and this year’s event raised more than $18,000 while Kids Coats received more than 300 coats for families in need.

Withrow says Kids Coats leaders work within the school systems in each area they serve. She’s looking for someone within the Hamilton Southeastern school system to assist in donation drives.

“We’re looking for volunteers within Fishers or HSE schools to assist us,” Withrow says. “If we had donation drives at each school, we would be able to receive more coats and also, in turn, help more people.”

Withrow says Kids Coats provided winter clothing this year to more than 600 families by mid-October. She says the number is significant because it indicates the need is present. Coats not accepted by the organization are given to other local charities for distribution.

For more information on volunteering or to make an appointment, visit kidscoats.org.

County residents because each of these groups or churches has provided their time, energy and talent.”

Story Provided by Hamilton East Public Library

As we draw near to the end of the year, many in our community will turn their focus to celebrations and times of giving. This year, the library will celebrate that spirit of giving in November and December with our initiative “Season of Giving.” Happenings include partnering with local organizations for donation drives, fun programs, and acts of service!

HamCoLove is a local organization striving to end period poverty in Hamilton County. Part of their mission is “to provide necessary period care products to Hamilton County, IN residents.” HEPL will be collecting items from HamCoLove’s wish lists throughout November and December.

WISH LISTS ARE FEATURED IN THE QR CODES BELOW:

Noblesville Library to help us pack meals for the hungry. To participate, register on our Calendar of Events online.

If you are a teen looking to create a homemade gift this season, join Crafty Teens at 5pm on either December 5th at Noblesville or December 7th at Fishers to create “Hot Chocolate in a Jar.” Decorate your creation with ribbons, tags, and bows to keep for yourself or to give away to celebrate the Season of Giving. Registration information on our online events calendar.

Join Fred May from the Kadampa Meditation Center in Indianapolis for a virtual talk and guided meditation during our “A Meditation on Giving Happiness to Others” on December 19 at 7:00pm.

Please bring donations to any service point at either library location through December 31, 2022. If you would like to donate directly to HamCoLove they have a Venmo: @HamCoLove. Learn more about this organization at HamCoLove.com.

Support those in need in our community this season by donating unopened boxes of facial tissue as well as new socks, winter hats, and mittens/gloves (in all sizes). Look for donation collection spots at both the Noblesville Library and the Fishers Library throughout November and December. Donated items from the Fishers Library will go to the Delaware Township Trustee’s office for distribution, and donated items from the Noblesville Library will go to the Noblesville Township Trustee’s office for distribution.

Giving comes in many forms, including acts of service. Be a volunteer and join HEPL and International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) on Wednesday, November 30 - 4-7pm at the

There are numerous opportunities in our Ignite studio to create one-of-a-kind gifts for friends, family and even your canine companions. Join our Maker in Residence, Megan Benson during her “Holiday Gift Class” to learn the basics of weaving and complete a gift for someone special or yourself. Multiple dates for this class will be offered. Register through our Ignite Studio Calendar of Events online. December drop-in programs include Woven Dog Toys and Matisse Trees. After you’ve made your marvelous gifts be sure to stop by the “Screen Print Your Own Wrapping Paper” program to complete your gift!

We hope you will celebrate this season of giving with us at HEPL!

MANAGING JUST FINE

KNOWLEDGE SERVICES CLOSES IN ON 30 YEARS AS A SUCCESSFUL HOOSIER BUSINESS

When Julie Bielawski cofounded her company, Knowledge Services, in 1994 with her husband, Joe Bielawski, she couldn’t have known that 28 years later it would be the largest woman-owned business in Indiana. Knowledge Services started as a computer training facility, but quickly

pivoted when Bielawski recognized the need for temporary information-technology staffing. Today, Knowledge Services is a technology and professional-services firm, focusing on government entities and serving their needs in the contingent labor and cybersecurity markets.

The $850 billion business is located in a

building near 96th Street and Interstate 69 previously used as a Marsh headquarters. Bielawski purchased the building in March of 2020, before the pandemic-related shutdowns. The building had long since been vacant and needed more than just a minor renovation.

“The building itself was beautifully built,

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

Knowledge Services is a technology and professional-services firm led by Owners Julie and Joe Bielawski.

but it needed a lot of work,” Bielawski says. “It needed more than cosmetic changes. We were fortunate because people were available to do the work. It took about nine or 10 months, and we brought everyone back.”

Bielawski says she’s happy to see the building restored to its full glory.

Knowledge Services employs around

2,200 people, with the number constantly fluctuating. It’s vital to Bielawski that her employees have a positive work-life balance. While they’re back to being in the office, employees are allowed to work from home one or two days per week.

“It’s so much fun for me to see our employees back in the building,” Bielawski says. “It’s

great to see them being productive here again in their professions and other people’s lives. I’m a Fishers resident, so I love seeing great things happening in this area.”

Company culture is a hot topic now, in a competitive job market. Bielawski believes company culture starts with hiring the right people. She says it’s an enormous undertaking once you realize you’re not only responsible for your own family’s wellbeing, but also for others.

“I think sometimes company culture is misinterpreted as having a swing set inside or a ping-pong table, and we do have a ping-pong table, but I think it’s more about how people are treated,” Bielawski says. “It’s about providing opportunities for people to promote themselves and therefore contribute to the organization in a meaningful way.”

She says she has a fantastic team of hardworking people at Knowledge Services who want to make a difference. She says they’re very particular about who they hire. The Indianapolis Star has included Knowledge Services in its Central Indiana Top Workplaces list for five consecutive years.

“It’s important to us to hire people who are

kind, want to make a difference and have a strong work ethic,” Bielawski says. “I think that’s been a key component to our success.”

Knowledge Services is located at 9800 Crosspoint Boulevard in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-578-1700 or visit knowledgeservices.com.

ON A MISSION

Fishers residents now have another option for donating gently used clothing and home goods, while also thrift shopping.

Wheeler Mission opened a new thrift store at 8640 East 96th Street in Fishers on September 16. Braden Pothier, director of thrift store operations, says Wheeler Mission chose the 24,000-square-foot space to be closer to donors.

“I was actually looking for something a little smaller, but commercial real estate is a

little difficult right now,” Pothier says. “This ended up being the perfect size for us. In the thrifting world we typically try to find places where people are already donating. My primary customer is the actual donor.”

While Wheeler Mission has several other 24-hour, anonymous drop-off locations around the city, this location is currently the only thrift shop in Indianapolis.

“Wheeler Mission is the oldest and largest homeless shelter in Indianapolis,” Pothier says. “This store is a great way for us to take

some of the things we can’t utilize within our shelters and sell them. Those proceeds go toward feeding and sheltering people at our shelters.”

Wheeler Mission has three shelter locations in Indianapolis and three in Bloomington. It offers two programs to anyone who comes through its doors experiencing homelessness. The first involves emergency services, and the second is for those struggling with addiction, incarceration or fleeing domestic violence.

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Travis Hinkle

Braden Pothier, Director of Store Operations

“One hundred percent of the funds from what sells at the store goes directly to those specific programs,” Pothier says. “We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at all of our sites. Currently it costs about $2.73 per meal. Right now we’re averaging around 650 people per night as an organization. Depending on the program, people can stay with us anywhere from one night to two years.”

Pothier says while the store accepts gently used clothing for men and women, there are also some new items they need including new, packaged men’s underwear and socks. He says Wheeler will move into Winter Contingency - a partnership with the City of Indianapolis and a few other local entitiesstarting in November and December. The doors will remain open for anyone who wants to get out of the cold. The nonprofit sees an average of more than 800 people per night during the cold season.

Donations are accepted at the back of the store. Pothier says in addition to quality clothing, the store carries household furniture, appliances, decor and other goods such as books. He prides himself on the quality of the items he sells and the condition of the store itself.

UNBELIEVABLE SELECTION

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For over 30 years, we’ve been totally committed to giving you the lowest prices on the brands you love. The best part is, it’s simple – we buy more, so you pay less.

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 26 with A Lawrence Christmas, and runs through December 23. Family-friendly events are held at the newly renovated Civic Plaza.

“The space was recently renovated, and I think people are going to find it a really great place for the event,” says Corinne Korn, chief of staff for the City of Lawrence Mayor’s Office. “There will be warming stations around the area for guests to stay warm.”

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 on December 15 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 Copper Stills, 38th Infantry Division Band, Jennifer Mlott, Freetown Village Singers, Jared Rodriguez, and Tracy and Jimmy.

Santa will make several appearances at this year’s event as well. He’ll be in attendance on November 27, along with two chances for attendees to dine with the beloved world-traveling gift giver. Children can attend Breakfast With Santa on December 3 at Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, and Brunch With Santa on December 4 at The Garrison. Each Sunday is designated as Family Day and will include family-friendly activities.

Heartland International Film Festival will show movies from December 15 through 18. The Winter Market is back with different vendors each Saturday, and guests can holiday shop. On December 10 the Winter Market will transform into the Mercado Navideño, the Latino Winter Market. New this year is Pet Day on December 11. It includes an ugly-sweater contest and pet photos with Santa. It’s all

celebrating the holiday season with your beloved animals. Also new this year is the Touch a Truck event on December 18.

“There will be all kinds of police vehicles, fire vehicles, front loaders, snowplows, and really any kinds of city vehicles you might see out on the streets of Lawrence,” Korn says. “There are some other vehicles, but those will remain a surprise.”

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. 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 “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and others.

“This year is going to be better than ever and more inclusive to everyone,” Korn says. “We can’t wait for people to come out and celebrate in the newly renovated Civic Plaza for the holiday season.”

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