EXPLORE AT THE SPEED OF INDY.
Photo: Butler University Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium / Vi
4 OCTOBER CALENDAR 6 SCARY TALENTED Jess West Hones Her Haunting Craft With Monsterz Inc. in Irvington
Adam Michaels’ Artwork Ranges From the Horrific to the Heroic
PUBLISHERS
MICHAEL & LINDSAY DURR michael@townepost.com (630) 853-1142
KEY CONTRIBUTORS ELY AYERS
SARAH BROWNING DEVON DEAN
RYAN GABBERT
DESTINY HOLLAND
ALESHA MCCARTY
ADAM MICHAELS
JULIE YATES ON THE COVER
JESS WEST PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BROWNING
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT
tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES
DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
OCTOBER
1
CELEBRATING LATINO AND HISPANIC HERITAGE AT INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
10 AM - 5 PM
EUGENE AND MARILYN GLICK INDIANA HISTORY CENTER, 450 W. OHIO ST..
For four weeks, visitors can celebrate and learn more about Latino and Hispanic heritage in Indiana through art, a costume display, an exhibit and special programming! indianahistory.org
THROUGH OCT. 31
ZOOBOO
9 AM - 4 PM
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO, 1200 W WASHINGTON ST
2-7 PM Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
2-9 PM Friday-Saturday
*Closing Early on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7 PM for Brewfari www.indianapoliszoo.com
4
LITERALLY, A HAUNTED HOUSE
INDIANA STATE MUSEUM, 650 W
WASHINGTON ST.
Enter the mansion for a night of peril at our annual haunted house! www.indianamuseum.org
13 LEAH RUDICK 7 PM HELIUM COMEDY CLUB, 10 W. GEORGIA ST. www.bandsintown.com
16 MATT FRASER
7:30 PM
CLOWES MEMORIAL HALL OF BUTLER UNIVERSITY, 4602 SUNSET AVENUE. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket for admission, including babes in arms.
17
TINKER HOUSE TACO TAKEOVER
6 - 9 PM
PROVIDER @ TINKER HOUSE, 1101 EAST 16TH STREET.
Tinker House Taco Takeover Returns in 2024
We're bringing back the good times and great food with our Tinker House Taco Takeover! www.eventbrite.com
19
BUTLER UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL VS DAYTON
Butler University Football vs Dayton butlersports.com
31
HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY FEATURING LIVE MUSIC FROM BROKEN NAILS 8PM - 2AM THE MELODY INN, 3826 N ILLINOIS ST. melodyindy.com
SCARY TALENTED JESS WEST HONES
HER HAUNTING CRAFT WITH MONSTERZ INC. IN IRVINGTON
Writer / Julie Yates
Jess West, owner of Monsterz Inc., loves to watch people’s faces when they walk through her door. Located at 7 Johnson Avenue in Irvington, the business is home to Jess West Costumes, but also includes a lounge bar, a performance stage with VIP seating and Frank N. Stein furniture groupings for sale. It’s the perfect destination for spooky October, or any time someone wants to visit a magical space and experience unique entertainment offerings.
“People come in and their mouths just drop,” West says. “Word of mouth is a powerful thing and when people tell how much fun it is, it gets their friends in the door. When they experience it for the first time, it’s cool to watch people become enamored.”
West calls Jess West Costumes her first child, and Monsterz Inc. her second. She began making costumes at age 12 after watching Tim Burton’s “Batman” movies. She was enthralled with the outfit Uma Thurman wore when she portrayed Poison Ivy. It launched her love of making a costume-in-acostume, a garment taken off that reveals a second but equally elaborate one. After winning a contest with a costume that had to be crawled out of to showcase another garment, people started asking her to make costumes, and Jess West Costumes was born.
Images of her work on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube attracted the attention of executives from Hulu, a subscription streaming service owned by The Walt Disney Company. Producers developing a reality fashion competition show, “Dress My Tour”, were amazed by West’s creativity. She became one of 11 contestants selected from thousands of hopefuls. The competitors created performance outfits for music celebrities while struggling not to be eliminated.
Photographer / Sarah Browning
Jess West Owner of Monsterz Inc.
The winner received $100,000.
West represented Indianapolis well, and held her own against other contestants who had designed for touring musical artists before. In the fifth episode, her avant-garde wearable art piece was a favorite of rapper JT.
“The show was just released about a month ago,” West says. “I was in there, keeping up with fashion designers. What I learned is that I can create anything, but what I am is monster maker. It brings me creative joy.”
“My storage unit was getting filled with more and more things I made or collected,” she continues. “I get commissioned by people to make costumes. The ones I make for myself, such as a shrimp cocktail dress, I will wear once and then sell. When I returned to Indianapolis I wanted to do something different and eccentric. I opened Monsterz Inc. in March on my 40th birthday.”
The first floor of the building has an open-concept floor plan; patrons can see West sewing her high-end custom creations. All around are racks of items for sale. They aren’t the common costumes seen in big-box stores around Halloween time, but instead are vintage garments donated and collected by West.
In the evening the dungeon in the basement is where all the action takes place. Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. is Scaryoke Night for karaoke lovers. Burlesque and drag shows take place at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday. Funny Fridays feature a comedian at 7 p.m., shuffling dance instruction at 8:30 p.m., followed by a dance party that lasts until 2 a.m. or later.
“Saturday is a wild card,” West says. “We rotate all kinds of entertainment and we want to find the most interesting artists we can. There is a variety of magic, fashion and music, and even puppets. Every second Sunday we have some kind of themed yoga such Zombie Turkey Yoga on November 10. Brunches are planned with rotating chefs and bakers. Dates and times of all the entertainment are listed on our social media sites.”
The Monsterz Bar offers drinks, and also mocktail potions with wispy smoke provided by dry ice. CBD is available as well. Furniture sets with themes such as “Phantom of the Opera”, “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice” are also for sale.
“It’s so hard to answer the question, ‘What is my favorite costume?’” West says. “I can do anything, but what I make for myself is my most favorite. I do like the giant sand worm and the red wedding dress from the movie ‘Beetlejuice’. There is no number you can put on how much time I take to make a costume. Some took over 100 hours.”
“I chose Irvington for Monsterz Inc. because it’s the spookiest part of town,” she adds. “The whole month of October is wild. Last year thousands of people came to the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. It’s the perfect place to be.”
For more info, call 317-643-0275 or visit themonsterzinc.com. Also find Monsterz Inc. on Facebook and Instagram.
MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND TOWNE POST NETWORK
Kim Senkus, Kokomo/Tipton; Jeanne Britt, Towne Post Network, Inc. Co-Owner and President; Alison Gatz, Fishers; Lyndsey Brown, Carmel and Mandi Lewandowski; The Lakes East and West
(Not pictured Fredda Kovacs, Center Grove; Amy Skirvin, Franklin)
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
—Dolly Parton
Drawing Inspiration
ADAM MICHAELS’ ARTWORK RANGES FROM
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
THE
HORRIFIC TO THE HEROIC
It’s spooky season, and you know what that means - it’s time to break out the decorations, the costumes, and the classic hair-raising films. While the length of spooky season varies depending on the person, for one individual, it is less of a season and more of a lifestyle.
Adam Michaels is an Indianapolis-based artist whose work covers a wide variety of subject matter. From “Lord of the Rings” to “Harry Potter” as well as familiar Halloween creatures, there are few subjects he won’t take on.
Michaels has been drawing since he was about 5 years old, but he didn’t have any desire to be a professional artist until later in life. It wasn’t until 2009 that he thought about pursuing art as a career, even though in the beginning, it was just on the side.
Michaels made the rounds at every convention, art show and gallery he could. He went wherever his art was appreciated, even if that meant going out of town and out of state. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Mike Mignola, Gerald Brom, Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee, Michaels sought to take what he had learned and infuse it with his own style.
“I didn’t really think about it much,” he says. “I just did it. I recognized what needed to be done and made it happen. I didn’t set out with the intention of doing art full time. I
Artist / Adam Michaels
just kept figuring out what was working and what wasn’t, and eventually looked around and realized it was a full-time thing.”
Although he uses a variety of mediums, including acrylics, spray paint and even red wine, watercolor is his specialty. His process begins whenever inspiration strikes, usually with a doodle. Over time it grows and changes, but the end result is always creative, colorful and vibrant. It’s clear from just looking at his art that Michaels is deeply passionate about the work itself, and also the creative process. It’s not about fame or prestige; he just genuinely loves creating art. In addition to being an artist, Michaels is also a singer-songwriter and an actor.
“There’s always uncertainty, which can be scary, but others have trail blazed this before so I knew that it wasn’t impossible,” he says. “The biggest thing is having an awareness of what is working and what isn’t. It takes time and baby steps to develop, but eventually it starts coming together. I’m not looking to be famous or remarked as an artistic legend; I just really enjoy doing it.”
“It’s looking like the theme this year will be Creepy Cuties and Kolossal Kaijus,” he says. “I’ll be making art of characters from ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Labyrinth’ all the way to ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Mothra’ and more. The general approach in my daily Halloween event has really become to do a fun theme and a series. It wasn’t really ever the plan, but over the years it kind of morphed into that, and I imagine there will be a year where the theme could also be, ‘There is no theme.’”
As for the future, Michaels plans on continuing to tour America showcasing his work, and eventually wants to set up a brick-and-mortar store. In the meantime though, he will continue to create great art and follow his passions wherever they take him.
If you would like more information on Michaels
We are Friends of the White River. Since 1985, we’ve advocated for the preservation of the river as Central Indiana’s most precious natural resource. We represent the people who use the river for outdoor recreation, those who live near its banks, and all citizens who benefit from the river.
FOWR would like to invite you to come Paddle with Us this summer. Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs. Enroute, our guides discuss history, shoreline and aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science and water quality, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at Central Indiana’s most valuable natural resource.
We’re always recruiting volunteers to help with programs. Experienced paddlers can join the River School program as Raft Guides and use their skills on our White River Canoe Cleanups. You can also volunteer for a shore-based cleanup, or join Habitat Healers to restore streambanks. Check out the Events page
Memberships and sponsorship opportunities are available on our website. These donations are usually tax-deductible and provide an amazing opportunity to make a positive impact on Central Indiana’s most precious natural resource.
THEY’RE COOKIN’ NOW
EXPERIENCE THE WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS
Writer / Alesha McCarty
November will be our time to highlight our talented chefs and bakers, as well as our flourishing city.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds will host the 2024 World Food Championships (WFC) during the second weekend of November, inside the newly renovated Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome the World Food Championships to Indianapolis and the Indiana State Fairgrounds,” says LeRoy Lewis, fairgrounds director of community and media engagement. “This event is a celebration of culinary excellence. We are excited to provide a platform for such an extraordinary competition, and look forward to welcoming participants and visitors from around the globe to experience the vibrant food culture and hospitality of Indiana.” Lewis recently became the director of community and media engagement for the fairgrounds and has overseen the media aspects resulting
Cindy Hawkins Owner of Circle City Sweets Photographer / Michael Durr
in platform growth over the last several years.
The WFC is the largest competition in food sports, where culinary creators, home bakers and top foodies come together for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and cash prizes. This year over 1,500 chefs, home cooks and other professionals from around the globe will be competing for the title of World Food Champion. Spectators can buy a general admission ticket for just $15 daily or a $25 weekend pass via online presale. There are also Taste of WFC and VIP tasting experience tickets available.
In addition to the 1,500 adults competing this year, the WFC also has a junior section of the competition, and children aged 12 to 17 will compete for their spot in the winner’s circle. Junior competitor applications are still being accepted, and interested talent can apply on the WFC website. The junior competition has the theme “Healthy Fresh”, challenging student chefs to create their best Indiana pork dish within a 90-minute timeline. Do you know a future foodie who wants to get a jump-start on their culinary career? This would be the perfect opportunity.
“Indy’s diverse culinary scene makes it a perfect home for our main event,” says Mike McCloud, WFC’s founder. The competition has 12 categories for competitors: Bacon, Barbecue, Burgers,
Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Rice, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soup, and Vegetarian, as well as a Last Chance Qualifier round, when chefs get a second chance. The theme of this year’s event will challenge competitors to dive deep into their past and create a dish that captures an important event from their lives.
Eighteen of Indy’s very own, under the team title Team Indiana, will be competing at WFC this year. The Indiana team will include of some of our best talent from around the city, starting with Chef Mike Gomez of Gomez BBQ and Dean Sample from Bonge’s Tavern in the Bacon category. Indiana has some amazing barbecue, and this year Chef Mark LaFay from Old Major market and Chef Dave White from Great White Smoke BBQ will smoke up a fire creation. Turon Cummings, known for Bull Burgers, Soul Katina and Chicago Pit Stop, will represent the Burger section. Travis Hitch, head chef at Kan-Kan, and Isabelle Jarquin of Bibibop, will be representing in the Chef category. The rice category will be headed by Brady Foster of Foster’s Catering. Cindy Hawkins, who first competed in 2015 and is a founder and president of the Team Indiana nonprofit will be representing in the Dessert category. Hawkins is the owner of Circle City Sweets, and known for delicious buttery croissants and other decadent French pastries that you can find in the AMP at 16 Tech.
CHEFS COMPETING FOR TEAM INDIANA
Craig Baker
Turon Cummings
Marcus Daniel
Brady Foster
Mike Gomez
Cindy Hawkins
Dean Sample
Steve Amore
Erin Gillum
Travis Hitch
Mark Lafay
Jennifer Norem
JJ Boston
Dave White
Isabelle Jarquin
Erica Oakley
Tracy Coulard
Ross Katz
Glenn Brown
Colin Hilton
In the sandwich category, Indiana will be represented by Chef Craig Baker, who is a veteran of Indy’s food scene and pioneered family-friendly, farm-to-table dining. Baker will be the head chef at the new InterContinental Indianapolis hotel opening in downtown Indy in January 2025. Baker is also a previous WFC competitor and helped build the Team Indiana nonprofit with Hawkins; he has the role of vice president of the Team Indiana Corporation. Jennifer Norem, a home cook who placed in the Bacon category in previous years, will also be competing in the Sandwich category, as well as JJ Boston from JJ’s Backyard.
Erin Gillum, an Area 31 teacher, will be presenting in the Seafood category. Chef Marcus Daniel and Chef Steve Amore will be representing in the Vegetarian section. Team Indiana also has three Last Chance Qualifiers: Chef Erica Oakley (North Mass Boulder/Top Out Cafe), Chef Tracey Couillard (317 Pasta), and Chef Ross Katz, known for Rooster’s and now owner of RHB restaurant consultation.
The Team Indiana Corporation goes beyond the WFC. Team Indiana started in 2017 to help cover expenses for chefs traveling to these food competitions. In 2023 they became a corporation, and shortly after, a nonprofit. The foundation offers classes, tutoring and workforce development training. Team Indiana has supported Second Helpings and other programs, helping individuals get job training to obtain a career in the culinary field. They will also host the high school cooking competition at Fishers Test Kitchen. Jobs in this industry are some of the most widely available in the city, with
no limit to growth, and Team Indiana is dedicated to helping individuals find their place there.
Hawkins praises the spirit and camaraderie of the WFC. It is a lot of work, and she says the individuals who participate “are a very supportive community,” while other food competitions may exhibit a cutthroat competition atmosphere. She adds that “especially within our team, there is a collaborative aspect. We run through our dishes in the test kitchen and provide feedback - anything we can do to help each other succeed.”
The World Food Championship will start on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. with the Biscuits & Jampionship event. It goes through Tuesday, November 12 at 8 p.m.
For more information and event details, visit worldfoodchampionships.com; and for purchasing tickets, visit www.indianastatefair.com/events/2024/ world-food-championships.
STARS ON THE RISE
CONEXUS INDIANA RISING 30 NOMINATIONS OPEN
Writer / Devon Dean Photographer / Michael Durr
October ushers in many things - cooler weather, the excitement of Halloween, and National Manufacturing Month. While many may not be familiar with the latter, it’s a nationwide effort to highlight industries that contribute innovations that raise the standard of living for everyone.
Though Indiana is largely known for its agricultural contributions, the state’s manufacturing sector now accounts for 30% of its gross domestic product. It employs over 530,000 Hoosiers, with an annual average income of over $89,000.
As part of Manufacturing Month, Conexus Indiana will open nominations for the 2025 Rising 30 list at the end of October.
Entering its fifth year, the Rising 30 list showcases emerging talent and future leaders in engineering, entrepreneurship, education, CEOs and product development.
Conexus Indiana, a nonprofit arm of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is focused on advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML). CICP oversees five initiatives designed
to position Indiana as a global leader in economic development: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology.
“The AML sector continues to grow,” said Conexus Senior Director of Communications Molly Zentz. “We are a destination for the industry because of our central location, strong ecosystem for growth, vibrant start-up community, and comprehensive small-business supportall poised to drive Indiana forward.”
The Rising 30 list is an extension of
Frederick Cartwright President and CEO of Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana’s mission to establish Indiana as an ideal location for AML enterprises.
“Other industries have many awards, but that value is often overlooked in AML,” said Zentz. By identifying 30 innovators making waves before turning
30, the initiative provides recognition and exposure for future leaders and entrepreneurs. “These are the doers and change-makers,” she explained.
While the list includes engineers, project managers, and rising C-level executives, all the honorees share a common goal:
to play a larger role in their communities and encourage younger generations to pursue high-paying careers in AML, while keeping their roots in the Hoosier state.
“This list helps create a network of new champions, not just for the industry, but
for Indiana as a place to work and live,” Zentz added.
Nominations for the Class of 2025 open on October 28 and close on January 6, 2025. Zentz shared that ideal nominees possess the following characteristics:
• Manufacturing or Logistics Impact: Directly shaping the design, manufacture or logistics of products.
• AML Innovator/Change-Maker: Leading transformational change and innovation within their company.
• Community Impact: Committed to volunteerism, mentorship or developing other leaders, with a preference for AML-specific community impact.
• Storyteller/Inspiration to Others: Influencing and inspiring others to enact change.
• Career Progression: Demonstrating career advancement with compelling future goals.
For more information on the Rising 30, including lists of past award winners and how to nominate someone, visit conexusindiana.com.
Sara H., patient
TAKE ME THERE
Destiny here! I’m Indy-based but I’m all over the place, showcasing the best spots in town and all around. As an Indy native I’ve grown more in love with my city over the years, and have learned there’s always something new, and something to do. I love being able to share and encourage others to get out of their comfort zone, as I venture out of mine.
NAPOLESE @napolesepizzeria
8702 Keystone Crossing
Founded back in 2010 by sixtime James Beard Foundation semifinalist Martha Hoover, you can be sure you are in for something special. From the artisanal pizzas to the carefully crafted appetizers and desserts and the intentional ambiance, Napolese, located in the Fashion Mall, needs to be your next showstopper pizza date. I’ve never been huge on pizza myself, but Napolese drew me in with their unique, fresh selection of ingredients on their wood-fired pizzas.
Content Creator / Destiny Holland @takemethere.indy Photographer / Michael Durr
SOPHIA’S BRIDAL AND TUX
@sophiasbridalandtux
8665 River Crossing Blvd.
Whether it’s your big day or you’re just a daydreamer (for now), Sophia’s Bridal & Tux has you covered with a wide array of bridal gowns, something for the mother of the bride, and for the groom - tuxes and suits! With the JOIÉ line being exclusively available at select locations (this location being one), as well as other glorious, glamorous gowns from A-line, Ball Gown, Mermaid, and everything in between, Sophia’s is guaranteed to wow down the aisle. Sophia’s is YOUR spot to say yes to the dress! And for the men, Sophia’s makes it simple for you to figure out your style - so I guess you could say it’s your spot to say yes to the…tux!
THE ROOST
@theroost_nora
1435 E. 86th Street, Unit A
The Roost has menu items ranging from simple egg dishes and those with a twist, to chicken and waffles, pork tenderloin, and a Hoosier Benedict. You may be asking what the difference is between eggs Benedict and the Hoosier Benedict. A pork tenderloin makes all the difference. My favorite thing about The Roost is their specialty menu that changes out every two weeks. On that specialty menu you can find special drinks, entrées, a section for all you busy people who need a grab-and-go situation. The Roost has a beautiful patio connected to the Monon to enjoy while it’s still warm out!
SPRIG + PLATE
@sprigandplate
3915 E. 96th Street
Sprig + Plate is such a beautiful concept, and one I’ve never personally seen before. The business started as a way to help a family member in need, and now it’s growing to its ninth and best year yet of meal prepping and charcuterie. Now, I am a huge fan of charcuterie and all things meat and cheese, as well as meal prepping weekly with ingredients I know are good for me. Sprig + Plate makes meal time a breeze, and their goal is that you to spend less than 30 minutes of hands-on time in the kitchen…and with football season in full swing, the charcuterie boards come quite handy this time of year. From the ombre board to the s’mores box, you’re sure to find something the whole group will enjoy.
IRONWORKS HOTEL
@ironworkshotelindy
2721 E. 86 Street
Winning numerous awards including the 2024 Travelers Choice - Best of the Best by Tripadvisor - and I’m not exaggerating when I say the list literally goes on, with the most recent being a Michelin Key - the Ironworks hotel truly is a head above the rest. It’s a unique boutique hotel on the north side of Indy with a 19th century industrial design, on-site restaurants, beautiful guest rooms and an ambiance unlike others. Ironworks is the place to be on the northside, within five to 10 minutes of so many other things to see, eat and experience. It truly is the perfect place to stay.
DEBRAND
@debrandfinechoc
8685 River
Crossing Blvd.
A trip to Nora wouldn’t be complete without a stop at DeBrand Fine Chocolates. DeBrand isn’t just some graband-go chocolate store. As my favorite chocolate spot, I’ll tell you it is an atmosphere you want to sit in to enjoy your chocolate experience - and yes, it is an experience. And first class, at that. Customize a box as a gift, or for yourself. Sit and grab a hot chocolate when it’s cold out, or enjoy a house-made ice cream or gelato during the summer. DeBrand makes the most beautiful chocolates, and truffles filled with scratch-made centers.
International Violin Competition of Indianapolis
Tuesday, October 22 | 7:30 PM | Indiana Landmarks Center
In this co-presentation with Ensemble Music Society, the ESPRESSIVO! piano quartet performs works by Mozart, Brahms and American composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Comprised of IVCI Artistic Director Jaime Laredo, violist Milena Pájaro-van de Stadt, cellist Sharon Robinson and pianist Anna Polonsky, the quartet performs its first-ever commission by Ngwenyama, Joy Steppin’, co-commissioned by the IVCI. Join us for a pre-concert discussion at 6:45pm on the Grand Hall stage. This performance will be livestreamed and available on-demand.
Friday, November 22 | 7:30 PM | Indiana Landmarks Center
2006 Gold Medalist Augustin Hadelich with pianist Chih-Yi Chen
In collaboration with the Violin Society of America, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, the IVCI presents 2006 Gold Medalist Augustin Hadelich in recital with Official IVCI Pianist Chih-Yi Chen featuring works by Poulenc, Ysaÿe Ravel and more. This performance will be livestreamed and available on-demand.
An optional Meet the Artists cocktail/dessert reception follows the concert for $150. ($100 will be tax deductible.)
HAVEN OF HOPE
FAIR HAVEN PROVIDES ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES BATTLING SERIOUS ILLNESS
Writer / Ely Ayers
Throughout the year, thousands of patients facing serious medical emergencies and their families journey to Indianapolis from all corners of the state and beyond, seeking critical medical care at the state’s most renowned hospitals. This voyage marks some of the darkest hours a family can live through, bringing uncertainty and fear in regards to their loved one’s medical treatment. As these patients and their families confront their battles against serious illnesses, Fair Haven, an Indianapolis nonprofit near the downtown area, offers a sanctuary and true home away from home, where they can find solace and meaningful support. Named after a Mediterranean island whose name translates to
“Fair Havens,” the organization’s mission embodies a spirit of shelter and solace, striving to share the love of Christ through gracious hospitality and compassionate support.
Amanda Milner, who is not only the founder of Fair Haven, but also a cancer survivor and the heart and soul of the organization, found a way to harness the pain that her own cancer diagnosis brought, and used it as a catalyst for building a foundation and literal house for healing. At the age of 30, Milner faced her toughest battle, and despite the overwhelming odds, she experienced an outpouring of support from friends, church members and neighbors. They helped her manage her children, provided meals, assisted with household chores and helped carry her through the darkness. She states that it was through these acts of kindness and her belief in the unwavering presence of Jesus as her refuge that her faith deepened, and her resolve solidified. Her experience became the bedrock upon which Fair Haven was built. The foundation is built upon being not only a comfortable place to stay, but also a compassionate embrace in the midst of life’s storms.
“The story of my recovery and Fair Haven in general is a story of real
redemption, and of God’s support in the midst of a storm,” Milner says.
Located in close proximity to major medical facilities, Fair Haven ensures that patients and their families have a comfortable, convenient place to stay, alleviating some of the burdens that come with traveling far from home for treatment. The organization’s impact is profound. For many families, the comfort of a home-like environment, coupled with the support of a caring community, makes a world of difference during a critical time. The Fair Haven team, comprised of board members, staff and volunteers, shares a common passion for service and a deep commitment to shining the light of Christ’s love during these sacred windows in people’s lives.
Milner’s role as both founder, advocate and executive director is central to Fair Haven’s mission. Her fundamental gift of empathy, which comes from her own personal experience, infuses every aspect of the organization. Understanding firsthand the emotional and logistical hurdles faced by patients and their families, Milner channels her experiences into providing the kind of support that she once received.
“Now it is a privilege for me to serve other patients and families in the midst of a storm by providing housing and compassionate support - the very gifts He once gave to me,” Milner says.
Each day the organization fulfills its mission by bringing comfort and hope to those in need, embodying the essence of its namesake island, as a safe harbor in the midst of life’s most turbulent storms. Part of this task includes raising financial support to keep the gift of hospitality going. For the 12th consecutive year, Fair Haven will be hosting an annual Parisian Market fundraiser. At this special community event,
shoppers gather to browse through a vast collection of upscale home accessories, furniture, estate jewelry, and gift items. The market has not only been a popular and successful annual fundraiser, but it has also introduced thousands of people in the Indianapolis community to the mission of Fair Haven.
This year Fair Haven will be hosting its Parisian Market fundraiser at Glendale Town Center. It opens up for shoppers during a Shop First event on October 3 at 6 p.m. for those supporting by purchasing a ticket to the event. The market’s general hours will run between Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. daily.
The market’s community impact and exposure has grown into a celebrated annual event that local Indianapolis residents attend. Fair Haven celebrates a lifelong attendance of over 5,000 shoppers, and the organization has had over 25,000 volunteer hours served, which, according to Fair Haven, is equivalent to around $620,000 in donated hours, proving how strong the community support is and how meaningful the fundraiser is to so many people. Fair Haven has been able to raise roughly $900,000, which goes directly to serving the future people seeking refuge through Fair Haven’s hospitality.
As the sun sets over the Glendale Town Center and the final shoppers depart, the enduring spirit of Fair Haven’s mission will continue to shine brightly, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of storms, hope and community can create a beacon of light.
To learn more, go to fairhavenfoundation.org.
