Micro Center Prides Itself on a Great Selection and Sensible Solutions for Customers
Laura Lachowecki’s New Establishment Is a Sweet Addition to Broad Ripple
Gifting Can Be a Piece
Shipped to 49 states. Just waiting on you, Nebraska
Searching for the perfect holiday treat to send employees, clients, business partners, friends or family? Our recipe is so good it’s remained unchanged for almost 40 years. All cakes are lovingly crafted in our family-owned bakery in Fishers, IN, giving them a special, thoughtful touch that your recipients will appreciate and ask for again year after year.
PUBLISHERS
MICHAEL & LINDSAY DURR michael@townepost.com (630) 853-1142
KEY CONTRIBUTORS ELY AYERS
SARAH BROWNING
DEVON DEAN
4 NOVEMBER CALENDAR
5 TERRIFIC TECH
Micro Center Prides Itself on a Great Selection and Sensible Solutions for Customers
9 FILIGREE BAKERY
Laura Lachowecki’s New Establishment Is a Sweet Addition to Broad Ripple
12
WHITE CHRISTMAS
White River State Park Offers Abundant Holiday Excursion Options
17 SIMPLY THE BEST
Carmel Christkinglmarkt Continues to Gain Recognition Throughout the U.S. and Beyond
21
PEDALING TOWARD PROGRESS
Seventh Annual Nancy’s Ride Benefits Freewheelin’ Community Bikes
RYAN GABBERT
DESTINY HOLLAND
ALESHA MCCARTY
ADAM MICHAELS
JULIE YATES
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
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ALL MON TH
WINTERLIGHTS PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA
7-10PM
NEWFIELDS, 4000 N. MICHIGAN RD.
It’s merry. It’s bright. It’s Winterlights presented by Bank of America at Newfields. discovernewfields.org
NOVEMBER
2
T.H.E + NOM PRESENTS: ERAS EXTRAVAGANZA
1-4PM
TINKER HOUSE EVENTS, 1101 E. 16TH ST.
Calling all Swifties! Get ready to shake it off, because we’re hosting the ultimate Taylor Swift party!
eventbrite.com
6
WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA
GUGGMAN HAUS BREWING CO., 1701 GENT AVE
Join us every Wednesday for Trivia Night at 7:30PM!
9 CNO FINANCIAL INDIANAPOLIS MONUMENTAL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS, 18 N. CAPITOL AVE.
One of the 15 largest marathons in the U.S. monumentalmarathon.com
11
BUTLER UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN butlersports.com
HEARTLAND FILM AWARDWINNING SHORTS FEATURING “THE ICE CREAM MAN” 7PM
JCC INDIANAPOLIS, 6701 HOOVER ROAD
$10. A perennial favorite - two great festivals in one program. eventbrite.com
16 ICON PARTY • THE KING & THE PURPLE ONE 9PM
THE JAZZ KITCHEN, 5377 N. COLLEGE AVE. For reserved-table seating, please visit oldsoulent.com. ICON is back! bandsintown.com
22 JEFF ALLEN: ARE WE THERE YET? 7:30PM
SHELTON AUDITORIUM AT BUTLER ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER, 1000 W. 42ND ST. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket for admission, including babes in arms. View All Local Events or Submit Your Own
Technology is great…when it works. Unforeseen tech issues can be some of the most frustrating situations that people face today, and many around the world have felt the all-too-familiar desire to just ditch technology and go back to simpler times. Don’t throw that PC in the trash just yet, however. There is a place that prides itself on going above and beyond to help its customers.
Founded in 1979, Micro Center is one of the country’s premier retailers of all types of computers, consumer electronics and a wide variety of accessories. It is the perfect destination for any gamer, tech enthusiast, small-business owner, or just anyone looking for that perfect holiday gift.
With a successful completion of the GMIT program, he took over the helm as general manager of the Mayfield, Ohio, store and even won general manager of the year in 2022. Morrissey then became the general manager of Indianapolis’s only Micro Center store when it opened in July of 2023. Micro Center’s leadership had long since identified Indianapolis as a viable place to expand their operations.
“Our corporate office views Indianapolis much like Columbus,” Morrissey says. “They feel the city’s up and coming - that it’s growing. It’s kind of becoming more on the cutting edge of major metro areas. So we had our eye on Indianapolis for years. It just took us to kind of be patient and wait for the right time to launch in this space.”
With well-trained and knowledgeable staff members ready to help with any issue and over 25,000 items in stock, there are products and solutions for every customer.
Steadily growing from the flagship store in Columbus Ohio, Micro Center now operates 27 large stores across the United States.
Ryan Morrissey began his journey with Micro Center in 2011 when he started as a salesman in his native Colorado. Morrissey was selected to take part in Micro Center’s General Manager in Training (GMIT) program. Through the program Morrissey traveled the country, working at multiple stores and learning a variety of on-the-job skills.
Through all of his travels and various experiences, he learned what made Micro Center unique: its commitment to customer service. In today’s internet age, it’s hard to compete with the ease and efficiency of giants like Amazon, but Micro Center endeavors to level the playing field through its excellent customer service. This commitment to customer service begins with the executive team and goes down to the associates on the floor.
“Profits will come if we take care of our customers,” Morrissey says. “Our focus is on the customer and taking care of them, not just selling something to sell something.”
When customers visit a Micro Center store they can rest assured that all of the staff members are product experts, and can help with any tech challenges they might be having. The Knowledge Bar located in every Micro Center store is the place for efficient technical support and any personalized help that the customer requires.
One of Micro Center’s specialties is custombuilt computers, and there is a wide array of options to choose from as well as something for every price range. Whether for gaming, live streaming or just sending Slack messages
at the speed of light, Micro Center’s extensive inventory and knowledgeable team members can help each customer build the computer of their dreams.
With the holidays just around the corner, Micro Center is offering all kinds of deals and
Micro Center 5702 E 86th Street, Indianapolis
special pricing events, with Black Friday deals being the most prominent.
Looking towards the future, Micro Center always wants to stay viable in the market and expand to new cities.
For 2025, a new Santa Clara location is being planned and development will be underway soon.
For Micro Center and Morrissey, it has always been about the customer, and helping the customer starts with helping the employees be the best they can be. Micro Center knows that happy employees often create happy customers, and happy customers often become repeat customers.
“Take care of people,” Morrissey says. “It’s amazing what can happen when you take care of your staff; they take care of your customers.”
Being able to provide a helpful and smooth
Coverage Made Easy
If you would like more information about Micro Center, visit their website at microcenter.com, or pop into one of
RESEARCH STUDY SEEKING
Men 65 or Older or Women 50 or Older
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking healthy volunteers who are at least 65 years old (men) or 50 years old (women) to participate in a study to determine if a hormone called testosterone or progesterone can reduce the risk of a heart rhythm abnormality.
If you qualify for the study:
• You will complete one 2-hour visit and two 10- hour visits at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis
• Prior to the 2nd and 3rd visit, you will apply testosterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
Angie Mercer Matthew Kubal Matthew Mundy
FILIGREE BAKERY
LAURA LACHOWECKI’S NEW ESTABLISHMENT IS A SWEET ADDITION TO BROAD RIPPLE
Writer / Tiffany Shull
In the heart of Meridian-Kessler, a nationally accredited pastry chef has been quietly crafting perfection from her kitchen. For those in the know, Laura Lachowecki’s Filigree Bakery is a farmers market and pop-up favorite. Her macarons, focaccia and custom cakes are sought regularly by loyal patrons from all over the Circle City.
One of Lachowecki’s greatest joys is being part of the local community. She lives, works, and is raising her children in the Broad Ripple area. Lachowecki is involved in various local organizations including the Broad Ripple Village Association, and she is eager to participate in upcoming events and partnerships. She has already been involved in several significant life events for residents including engagement cakes, wedding cakes, anniversary cakes and baby-shower cakes.
In this communal spirit and love for the area, Lachowecki is preparing for the next chapter: a brick-and-mortar space for Filigree Bakery. The progress has been slow-going as she coordinates the various aspects of the project to ensure her dream space takes shape. “I want
Owner & Pastry Chef - Laura Lachowecki
it to be chic, cozy and quaint,” she says. “I want to keep the character of the building and the Broad Ripple history.” The interior will feature elegant and custom accents, creating a welcoming and inviting space for customers to enjoy their treats.
In addition to her delicious pastries and desserts, Lachowecki is excited about the possibility of expanding her menu in the future. She is considering specialty items like crème brûlée and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Additionally, she is considering incorporating breakfast pastries such as croissants, scones and muffins, to cater to earlymorning customers. While there are no immediate plans for coffee drinks or specialty beverages, she hints at exploring these options in the future.
As the holiday season approaches, Lachowecki is busy preparing a festive selection to delight customers. Traditional favorites like stocking stuffers and gift boxes filled with holiday-themed macarons will be returning. “We are also bringing back holiday samplers for hostess gifts and parties,” Lachowecki shares.
As Filigree Bakery continues to grow and evolve, Lachowecki is excited about the opportunities ahead. She is looking forward to continuing to participate in events like the Penrod Arts Fair and the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, as well as remaining a valued member of the Broad Ripple community.
Place a custom order at filigreebakery.com, or follow along on Instagram @filigree.bakery.
BROADRIPPLEINDY ORG
FESTIVAL & PARADE
SATURDAY, DEC 7 - 2:30-5:30 PM
NEW YEAR - NEW YOU!
As 2024 draws to a close, we want to hear about your goals for 2025! Follow the North Indy Magazine Facebook page and share your New Year’s Resolutions the week of November 18th.
Submit your answers online by November 25 and you may see them featured in our January print edition.
Let’s kick off 2025 with some inspiration!
White Christmas
WHITE RIVER STATE PARK OFFERS ABUNDANT HOLIDAY EXCURSION OPTIONS
Writer / Renee Larr
Christmas fills our hearts with nostalgia, whimsy, wonder, goodwill, faith, hope and love. White River State Park offers countless activities and events for Indianapolis residents to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Jake Oakman, executive director, says people think of White River State Park as an outdoor attraction only, but with its many attractions, families can enjoy the park yearround.
“Between Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum and IMAX, there is an unofficial train theme during the holidays that connects those three attractions,” Oakman says.
“Typically IMAX plays the movie ‘The Polar
Express’ several times throughout December and hosts events like pajama parties. It’s really incredible to see people old enough to see the movie when it first came out now bringing their own children to see the movie at IMAX. Also, guests should check the IMAX website for additional holiday programming.”
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg Museum is a one-of-a-kind holiday tradition featuring a model train display complete with nine G-scale trains, traveling through spectacular landscapes and famous past landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West. Guests might notice some of painstakingly crafted local scenes like the
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and OneAmerica Tower, or national attractions like the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore, the Las Vegas strip and the Old Faithful geyser, which actually erupts.
The 30-plus scenes are lovingly decorated with twinkling holiday lights and include nearly 1,200 feet of track. Families can engage in holiday photos with near-life-size train engine models made of all-natural materials. Guests may notice natural materials such as twigs, sycamore leaves, pinecone scales, walnut shells or cinnamon sticks.
“The use of natural materials defines the uniqueness of Jingle Rails,” says Conner Richberg, festivals manager for the Eiteljorg Museum. “When you look closely at the buildings and scenery, you notice leaves, gourds, twigs, mosses, bark, nuts and pomegranate seeds. This is nature reimagined. Nowhere else can you experience Yosemite’s railroad station or Ahwahnee lodge looking stunningly beautiful - and it’s made of sticks.”
The newly expanded Allen Whitehill Clowes Sculpture Court features additional family activity areas. Families can also access additional bonus materials simply by scanning a QR code at each scene. Jingle Rails runs from November 16 through January 20.
For children and childlike adults yearning to catch a glimpse of the jolly old man himself, Santa, Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum is a great way to make cherished holiday memories. Santa arrives via helicopter and lands on the front lawn at 11 a.m. on November 29. Mrs. Claus also shows up to delight guests with holiday stories.
Families then jump on the Snowfall Express with a direct ticket exploring Celebration Crossing. Late fall and winter scenes dot the landscape with charming, whimsical characters and music. Riders will encounter cheerful wildlife putting on their warm winter clothes, baking cozy meals and enjoying winter sports. Riders might even experience snowfall on the ride. The cost of attending Celebration Crossing is included with admission to the museum.
Santa will be on hand during select days for those wanting to share their Christmas wish list and have a photograph with Santa. The Reindeer Barn in Santa’s front yard is a frequent stop on the Snowfall Express. Guests will learn about Rudolph and his eight flying friends. Community choirs, bands, ensembles and soloists perform holiday music in the Governor Frank & Judy O’Bannon Great Hall on select dates. The Indianapolis Symphonic Band performs on December 8. Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa in the Great Hall on Saturday mornings in December. Prices for special events vary and require advanced
registration.
The Indiana State Museum also recreates the L.S. Ayers Tea Room for those old enough to remember the charm of sharing a lunch at the iconic restaurant. The nostalgic lunch buffet treats guests to favorites, including the iconic chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches and miniature desserts.
Even the Indianapolis Indians get in on the holiday merriment. Rowdie’s Home Plate Holiday is December at 8 a.m. at Elements Financial Club at Victory Field, and includes a pancake breakfast, a photo opportunity with Rowdie dressed as Santa, face painters and crafts. Kids can decorate an ornament to take home.
Another long-standing holiday tradition is Christmas at the Zoo. The event dates back to 1967, and each year the event continues to grow and entertain families with new decor and experiences. The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to thousands of twinkling LED lights draped over every inch
Zoo event,” says Emily Garrett, director of public relations for the Indianapolis Zoo. “In 1967 the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to host a holiday lights event. Over the years Christmas at the Zoo has become a holiday tradition for central Indiana families. We now see multiple generations of families taking part in this special zoo experience. The event has evolved to feature thousands more glittering lights. This year we are unveiling a brand-new experience called Santa’s Magic Cottage. The whole family is invited to step inside a cozy cottage for a magical journey to the North Pole, where Santa is ready to visit
tell him what they want for Christmas and create holiday memories with a photo of Santa. After meeting with Santa, kids will be presented with a special gift - Santa’s Magic Key.
Santa’s Village also includes a noel-themed mirror maze and jolly animal encounters, including Santa’s reindeer, Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources miniature horses, and coldweather-loving penguins. Adults will enjoy holiday-themed cocktails at Tinsel Tavern featuring Hotel Tango spirits and wine from Daniel’s Vineyard. Children can decorate
Indianapolis Zoo residents native to colder climates peek out to say hello to guests. Holly and Sprinkles weave holiday tales outside Cafe on the Commons. Participants will love riding the gorgeous carousel and train-ride journey to the North Pole. Christmas at the Zoo begins November 23 and continues through January 5.
The NCAA Hall of Champions is also exquisitely decorated for the season with event space rental, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Special Screenings of The Polar Express 3D at The IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum Starting December 6th.
SIMPLY THE BEST
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT CONTINUES TO GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND BEYOND
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Last year a businessman from Berlin, who had been working on assignment in Washington, D.C., was feeling homesick, so he googled “best Christmas markets” and found the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, which has been ranked four times in USA Today’s 10Best travel media group’s Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Holiday Market.
The man flew to Indianapolis to attend Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt and was so enthralled by the experience that he asked to speak to the person in charge. He told Maria Adele Rosenfeld, CEO of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, that they had nailed it.
“This could be picked up and put in any German town,” he said. “Being here makes me feel at home.”
The open-air holiday market, which first opened in 2017, has improved each year and become a holiday tradition for many families. Visitors can browse a variety of products sourced from Germany and neighboring German-speaking European countries, while indulging in traditional German foods and beverages. Guests can ice skate on the outdoor rink or take kids to do crafts in the Kinderecke (Kids Corner). They can also listen to live music in the Winter Pavilion, watch renowned artisans from Germany in the
Werkstatt (Workshop) including woodworkers from the Erzgebirge region of Germany and glassblowers from Lauscha, catch a puppet show, meet Santa, or mingle with a fairy-tale princess in the Spielhaus (Playhouse).
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt attracts roughly half a million visitors annually. Last year National Geographic Travel named it one of six U.S. markets that “feel like a fairy tale.” Every year the market brings new, authentic offerings to its visitors. This year there will be Knödel & Champignons, a vegan hut offering delicious dumplings and sautéed mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce. A German vendor and his wife are flying over from Germany to run the booth for the duration of the market.
In addition, this year the market will offer Feuerzangenbowle (translated to “fire-tongs punch”), a punch wine base with a sugar cone that’s soaked in rum and lit on fire. The caramelized sugar drips into the rum punch below. “This flaming cocktail is a showstopper,” says Rosenfeld.
Along with Feuerzangenbowle, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt will offer liquor options on-site for the first time, including spiked hot chocolates. Also new this year is Zinnstadt, a hand-painted pewter ornament booth.
Earlier this year Rosenfeld and Sandra Richardson, vice president of cultural programs for the event, attended a Christkindlmarkt conference in Munich that invites only the most authentic, highstandard markets.
“We were the only market in the U.S. that was represented at the conference,” Rosenfeld says.
While there, they shared how German woodworkers, glassblowers and other artisans participate in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
“The people at this conference told us that they have trouble getting artisans to come to their market from just a few hours away,” Rosenfeld says. “They asked how we attracted these artisans to our market.”
The answer is simple. Unlike privately owned markets in Europe, Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means that education and cultural programming on German culture is at the heart of what they do.
“There are people of all different ethnicities, faiths and socioeconomic levels speaking different languages,” Rosenfeld says. “I believe coming to the market is a unifying experience for guests.”
Carmel Christkindlmarkt starts on November 23 and runs through December 24. It’s open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. Visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com for a schedule, and see the full list of entertainment and activities for each day.
PEDALING TOWARD PROGRESS
SEVENTH ANNUAL NANCY’S RIDE BENEFITS
FREEWHEELIN’ COMMUNITY BIKES
Writer / Ashley Watters
Community and citizenship are two words that Freewheelin’ Community Bikes lives by.
Located at 34th Street and Central Avenue just north of downtown Indianapolis, Freewheelin’ strives to enrich the lives of youths throughout Indianapolis, and create positive neighborhood and community connections through a shared passion for bicycles.
As part of this mission, Freewheelin’ Community Bikes hosted its annual Nancy’s Ride event on September 21, an inclusive ride for cyclists of all ages. The event was
sponsored and hosted by the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood. The event took place at the church, where it has been held since its inception.
Nancy’s Ride is a community event that honors the memory and mission of Nancy Stimson, the youth pastor who founded Freewheelin’ Community Bikes. She devoted much of her time to educating kids about bike maintenance and repair as part of her citizen development work. Her work touched the lives of many through a shared passion
of bicycles, and the team at Freewheelin’ continues to strive to be like Nancy.
All proceeds from the event went to benefit the Freewheelin’ Community Bikes youth development programs. “The $20,000 in proceeds raised during the event will be used to strengthen the Freewheelin’ mission and serve additional families over the next 12 months,” says LaNisha Clark, executive director of Freewheelin’ Bikes.
This year nearly 100 cyclists, volunteers and Freewheelin’ team members gathered as part
of the event to chat with other riders and prepare for their upcoming bike loops. Steve Hershberger, a Nancy’s Ride Committer member, launched the event with inspiring words to participants about what cycling means to him. He shared some lessons learned after a bicycle accident earlier in the summer, during which he sustained multiple injuries including a concussion and broken bones. “Steve led one of our bike routes,” says Clark. “The Freewheelin’ team is so grateful to have him on board.”
Riders began to file in around 8 a.m. for registration and enjoyed a variety of activities before heading out on their chosen loop. Participants enjoyed arts and crafts, games, cone courses and mechanical activities. There was something for all ages. Participants were also treated to snacks and beverages.
“It was great to see some young [cyclists] ride with their families,” says Clark. “It’s always fun to see their personalized bikes and decorated helmets before they ride. Smiles were had by all.”
Riders chose from distance rides of varying lengths that took participants to the north, west and east throughout different Indianapolis communities. A family-oriented destination ride was also available and ran a circuit of 6.2 miles. Upon their return to the church, all participants were served lunch.
Of this year’s registered individuals, nearly 40% were return participants. Many treat the ride as an annual reunion to gather and enjoy some time with the Freewheelin’ team.
“Nancy’s Ride is always a fun time,” says Clark. “It has become an annual reunion to see friends and colleagues, and to ride
through some amazing Indy communities. This year the group enjoyed some coffee, shared some inspirational stories on how cycling has positively impacted our lives, and then enjoyed some group rides in the beautiful sunshine. It was a beautiful day to remember our founder, Nancy, and make new memories with our neighbors.”
Next year’s event will take place on September 20.
To learn more about Nancy’s Ride and Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, visit freewheelinbikes.org.
Paddle With Friends!
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.
