Experience Meets Extravagance
Ankawa Fine Jewelry Sparkles With Connection & Care
Making Memories 6TH DAY FILMS CREATES LONG-LASTING SNAPSHOTS FOR NEWLYWEDS
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Wedding Planning Season!
JANUARY 2026
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PUBLISHERS MICHAEL & LINDSAY DURR michael@townepost.com (630) 853-1142 KEY CONTRIBUTORS KATY ELLIOT RENÉE LARR MARK ROBINSON JASMYNE ROMERO ASHLEY WATTERS TAMMY WEGMAN CHRIS WHONSETLER
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JANUARY EVENTS
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EXPERIENCE MEETS EXTRAVAGANCE
Ankawa Fine Jewelry Sparkles With Connection & Care
JANUARY 2026
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE WEDDING PLANNING SEASON!
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MAKING MEMORIES
6th Day Films Creates Long-Lasting Snapshots for Newlyweds
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TIMELESS RETREAT Preserving History at the Story Inn
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FIRED UP
New Indy Ignite Head Coach Lauren Bertolacci Ready for 2026 Season
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1, 8, 15, 22, 29
JANUARY
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026
STORYTELLING DRAWING
View All Local Events or Submit Your Own
Harrison Center, 1505 N Delaware St. 1–2 p.m. Listen, converse, and create with fellow community members as you exchange stories.
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TRIVIA NIGHT IN TOP OUT CAFE!
North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave. 7:45–10 p.m. Come play a fun round of Trivia with a group of up to 5 friends in the Top Out Cafe!
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INDIANAPOLIS HOME SHOW
Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. FREE DAY
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MJ - THE MUSICAL
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. 7 p.m. (Jan. 13–16), 2 p.m. (Jan. 17), 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 17), 1 p.m. (Jan. 18), 6:30 p.m. (Jan. 18)
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Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 West Washington Street. 3–10 p.m. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Eiteljorg Museum with FREE admission for all visitors! Honor Dr. King’s legacy through art, culture, and community engagement.
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BUTLER UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL VS DEPAUL Butler University Men’s Basketball vs DePaul 7:30–9:30 p.m. TV: truTV Radio: 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan
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CRAFTING CORNER | JACQUELINE P.
North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave,. 6:30–9 p.m. Welcome to Crafting Corner, a monthly gathering where creativity, laughter, and friendship come together in the form of crafts!
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INDIANA PACERS VS. CHICAGO BULLS Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.. 7 p.m.
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SPECIAL EVENT: GODFREY
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St,. 7–9:15 p.m. (Jan. 30), 7–9:30 p.m. (Jan. 31)
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MONSTER JAM
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue. 5 p.m. Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air and action-packed excitement, it?s the definition of fun for everyone!
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LEARN MORE AT BUTLER.EDU/CAMPS TownePost.com | January 2026 | 7
EXPERIENCE MEETS EXTRAVAGANCE
ANKAWA FINE JEWELRY SPARKLES WITH CONNECTION & CARE Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Chris Whonsetler
Very few people feel apathy or a lack of interest when it comes to the jewelry they wear. For most, jewelry is deeply personal, speaking volumes about personality while also being tied to emotions and the special moments in life. Over the years, Niv and Hannah Ankawa have seen the deep connection people feel with their jewelry, and that inspired them to open Ankawa Fine Jewelry. Both Niv and Hannah bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their jewelry boutique. Niv fell in love with the human side of jewelry when he took a part-time sales job more than two decades ago. “I fell in love with the human side of the 8 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
industry — being invited into life’s most meaningful moments, from engagements and weddings to anniversaries and milestone celebrations,” he says. “That connection is what turned jewelry into a true passion for me and carried me through an extremely rewarding career, including senior leadership roles with some of the industry’s most respected companies.” His wife, Hannah, comes from a 15-year career as a hairstylist. Niv credits her background in cosmetology as the other half of his vision — the intersection of where beauty meets business. Hannah’s experience makes her uniquely skilled at visualizing the right looks for customers while also making them feel comfortable and welcome.
Together, the two saw their dream realized when Ankawa Fine Jewelry opened its doors Dec. 6, 2025. The grand opening set the tone Niv and Hannah hope to maintain long term. Amid cookies and champagne, attendees were invited to leisurely peruse the offerings to the soft tones of harp music, a tribute to the way they believe all jewelry should be experienced — firsthand and without urgency. “What stood out most was the reaction: people were genuinely surprised by how unique and special the pieces felt, and how the boutique itself created a warm, elevated experience,” Niv says. “The response
affirmed exactly what we set out to build — something personal, distinctive and beautifully different.” Niv and Hannah hope local residents will develop long-lasting relationships with Ankawa Fine Jewelry and continue returning not only for fine jewelry, but for the supportive and welcoming environment they aim to provide each time someone walks through the door. “For us, jewelry isn’t a transaction — it’s the beginning of a relationship,” Niv says. :”Our goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience that feels personal and genuine, and over time, to build a true community of clients who feel like family. That philosophy is ultimately what defines us.” The couple aims to set themselves apart by how they treat customers more than by the size of their selection. They focus on education and understanding, without high-pressure sales, so each purchase feels
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“Enjoy the process,” he says. “Choosing an engagement ring or wedding band should feel exciting and memorable, not rushed or overwhelming. Take the time to do your due diligence. Try on different styles, shapes and settings, and see diamonds of varying qualities. Each diamond is truly unique, and understanding those differences is an important part of the journey.”
Their collection is carefully curated by Hannah and features one-of-a-kind pieces crafted with natural diamonds and gemstones. With a keen eye for design, she takes great care in selecting rare and specially designed jewelry.
He encourages couples to fully understand what makes a quality piece, including cut quality and proportions, complementary appeal, and the subtle details that impact brilliance and sparkle. Niv and Hannah hope the community will visit their store in the months and years ahead to explore jewelry designed to last a lifetime.
When it comes to purchasing the right wedding set, Niv also offers advice he hopes will help couples choose rings they will cherish for a lifetime.
“Whether someone is celebrating a milestone or simply wants to explore something beautiful and meaningful, our doors are always open,” he says.
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To learn more about Ankawa Fine Jewelry, visit ankawafinejewelry.com or stop by the boutique at 110 W. Main St., Suite 120 in Carmel.
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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE WEDDING PLANNING SEASON! Photographer / Jasmyne Romero
January is the time of year when we take down the twinkle lights, put away the holiday décor, and reflect on the joys the season brought to our families. But for thousands of couples in the greater Indianapolis area, January also signals something just as magical: the start of wedding planning season. As we thought about helping couples navigate this exciting – and sometimes overwhelming – journey, we spoke with a trusted local wedding professional: Tammy Wegman, founder of Posh Wedding Events. For more than 20 years, Tammy has been guiding couples through the intricacies of planning their perfect day, all while keeping the process fun, creative, and stress-free. Through luxury wedding planning expos, vendor networking events, and industry education seminars, Posh Wedding Events has become the go-to resource for engaged couples and wedding professionals alike.
INDIANAPOLIS WEDDINGS: BIG NUMBERS, BIG OPPORTUNITIES Every year, more than 11,600 weddings take place in the greater Indianapolis area, making central Indiana one of the Midwest’s most active wedding markets. In 2024 alone, weddings contributed over $431M to the local economy – supporting venues, caterers, florists, planners, photographers, DJs, bakers, apparel shops, jewelers, and countless other small businesses. For newly engaged couples, these numbers mean one thing: you are part of a major moment in our city’s life. And the journey you’re about to embark on? You’re in excellent company. Today, couples spend an average of 15 months engaged before saying “I do” – a full year to dream, design, research, taste, tour, and ultimately bring their vision to life. The average cost of a wedding in Indianapolis in 2024 was $37,123, with a median spend of $22,505, reflecting the city’s wide range of venues, styles, and budgets. And behind every celebration is a thriving wedding industry. Thousands of local businesses – from attire and beauty professionals to caterers, florists, planners, entertainers, and transportation providers – support weddings each year. Wedding
venues alone include approximately 300 local businesses with different vibes, capacities, and costs. It truly takes a village to make each couple’s dream day a reality.
HOW TO PLAN WITHOUT THE OVERWHELM With so many choices and so much information online – from Google searches and Instagram feeds to Pinterest boards and TikTok trends – planning a wedding can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. Couples often spend hundreds of hours researching, comparing vendors, sending emails, and managing long to-do lists. That’s where Tammy Wegman and Posh Wedding Events make all the difference. By producing several wedding planning expos throughout the Indianapolis area each year, Posh provides couples with a refreshingly simple, one-stop, stress-free way to plan their weddings.
TownePost.com | January 2026 | 11
A ONE-DAY, ONE-STOP WEDDING PLANNING EXPERIENCE Posh Wedding Events’ expos bring hundreds of local wedding professionals together in a single location, on a single day, with a single purpose: to help couples secure every service they need for their dream wedding. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Posh will host its largest annual event: Posh Promise & Plan 2026, from 12-4 p.m. at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. This signature expo is designed for couples who want to elevate their planning experience – and actually enjoy it. Attendees can meet vendors face-to-face, ask questions, compare personalities, taste catering and cake samples, see décor trends up close, and explore stunning fashion and floral displays. From newly 12 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
PLAN AT THE SPEED OF INDY.
Photo: Finley Creek Vineyards
TownePost.com | January 2026 | 13
engaged couples to those already mid-planning, every visitor leaves inspired, informed, and ready to take action.
help check major items off your to-do list, and reconnect you to the joy and excitement of the celebration ahead.
WHY WEDDING EXPOS WORK
Wedding planning should feel magical – not overwhelming. With thousands of couples preparing to say “I do” each year, January is the perfect time to dive in, get inspired, and start making unforgettable memories.
In a world filled with websites, curated social media feeds, and algorithm-filtered content, nothing replaces the clarity of in-person interaction. At a Posh Wedding Events expo, couples can: - See linens, bouquets, and centerpieces up close - Taste food samples and cake combinations - Compare DJs, live musicians, and entertainers - Talk directly with planners, photographers, and bakers - Ask candid questions about pricing, availability, and expectations - Trust their instincts about people, energy, and style
Bring your partner. Bring your friends. Bring your mom. And get ready for a spectacular, stress-slashing day of wedding planning excitement with Tammy Wegman and Posh Wedding Events.
Instead of scheduling dozens of separate vendor meetings, couples can gather nearly all the information they need – and even make many bookings – in just a few hours. Past attendees often say the biggest surprise is how much easier wedding planning becomes afterward.
CELEBRATE, EXPLORE, AND PLAN – ALL IN ONE DAY Whether you’re newly engaged or deep into planning, Posh Wedding Events’ expos are designed to spark creativity, answer your questions,
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Making Memories 6TH DAY FILMS CREATES LONG-LASTING SNAPSHOTS FOR NEWLYWEDS Writer / Ashley Watters
Your wedding day is a special day, and no two are alike. There are tons of decisions to be made about food, venue, the dress and flowers. But more than that, a wedding day is the culmination of a story. According to Jared Ensminger at 6th Day Films, a wedding day is the bespoke story of two people — one he feels especially honored to capture for couples. In fact, the inception of 6th Day Films starts with a story of its own. Around 2018, Ensminger’s roommate was planning his own wedding and on the hunt for a videographer. Without a huge budget, he approached Ensminger and asked him if he’d be willing to take on the job. He answered with a resounding no, but the question continued to plague him. So, he threw himself into research mode, doing a deep dive into what makes wedding videography truly great. Shortly thereafter, Ensminger found himself on the opposite side of the ask. “I just couldn’t seem to let go of the idea,” he says. “Luckily, a friend of mine was getting married, and I approached her and offered my services for free with the full disclosure that I was inexperienced. She said yes, and we spent the whole day being a part of that special memory. And that was it. I was hooked.” That video gained immediate attention from others in the industry, and Ensminger soon found himself on the receiving end of referrals. They spun up a website for 6th Day Films, launched social accounts and are a thriving business more than seven years later. “This thing went from a side project to a passion project and is now our main purpose. We love to tell couples’ stories,” he says.
Jared and Sarah Ensminger Katy Frye Photography
Ensminger would eventually be joined by his now-wife, Sarah, who accompanied him on wedding-day shoots and helped launch their current business and pave the way for what he calls the “6th Day way.” Specifically, he and his team devote time to understanding what makes TownePost.com | January 2026 | 15
each wedding day special and uniquely tailoring their videography to best suit each couple. Although he cautions that wedding films will have similar themes and elements, he feels that every couple deserves to have
16 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
their story told as a one-of-a-kind. Through this approach, the team at 6th Day Films delivers a wedding film that couples can enjoy immediately after their special day and for years to come. “We create timeless, cinematic highlight films
that never feel dated and will be enjoyed the first and fiftieth times you watch them,” he says. “We devote time to ensuring we understand what is behind each couple — what they’re going to want to see and remember. We capture all of that, and we create a legacy heirloom piece.”
With wedding season ahead, Ensminger wants to encourage couples to take care when selecting a wedding videographer. He has a few tips for making sure your wedding video is something you’ll love for years to come. Review their work. There are many different styles of wedding films out there, and he encourages you to choose a style that fits you and your partner. Most videographers have a portfolio of past work, and you should be able to get a sense of what you will be delivered after the big day. Know who is doing the work. Oftentimes, wedding videographers will subcontract out work to help boost profits, which he warns can lead to a very different result than what is expected. “We are seeing a pretty common occurrence of videographers double-booking themselves and sending associates to film on their behalf,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong with this. Capitalism is healthy when done with integrity and generosity at heart. But this information should absolutely be disclosed in advance.” Meet with your videographer before hiring them. You can tell a great deal about a person and a company by having a direct conversation. Trust your gut.
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Ultimately, he encourages you to find someone who will capture your special day with care, just as they do every time at 6th Day Films. “I want to create something people are going to love and cherish forever,” he says. To learn more about 6th Day Films, visit 6thdayfilms.com. TownePost.com | January 2026 | 17
TIMELESS RETREAT
PRESERVING HISTORY AT THE STORY INN Writer / Renée Larr
Just beyond the rolling hills of Brown County lies one of the Midwest’s most charming hidden getaways: the Story Inn. Located about 20 minutes from Nashville, the property is a fully preserved National Historic District, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back into the 19th century. It’s rustic, romantic and proudly “one inconvenient location since 1851,” a slogan as quirky and beloved as the inn itself. 18 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
Today, the Story Inn is led by proprietor Richard Hofstetter, who carries forward a legacy begun by his father, a lawyer with an unexpected passion for historic preservation. In the late 1990s, Hofstetter’s father purchased the entire town of Story at a sheriff ’s sale, an impulsive moment that shaped the destination guests know today. He went on to secure its placement on the National Register of Historic Places and fought significant legal battles to bring utilities to the property. When he passed away, Richard took the reins. Rather than feeling confined by his father’s legacy, Hofstetter views his role simply. “I’m a custodian,” he says. “I’ll take care of the place until somebody else wants it back.” His commitment to preservation is evident
everywhere, from the restoration of historic cottages to the return of original family names to each building. Many of the cottages now bear the surnames of the earliest residents, a meaningful gesture that has helped reconnect present-day descendants with their heritage. “Some people have deeper roots here than I do,” Hofstetter says. “I don’t want to violate someone else’s family history.” Beyond history, what makes the Story Inn truly remarkable is its rare structure: The business owns the entire unincorporated town. That creates an unusual cohesion between departments. Culinary staff help with winter maintenance, the maintenance team assists with dishes, and employees float seamlessly between roles. This symbiotic model allows the inn and its award-winning restaurant to operate
sustainably, even in a challenging rural location. Guests come for many reasons, from quiet getaways to candlelit dinners, weddings and photography sessions, and nearly all of them return, Hofstetter says. The Story Inn boasts one of the highest repeat-visit rates in Brown County, something Hofstetter attributes to offering a great value at a fair price and creating an experience guests can’t replicate elsewhere. Overnight packages simplify stays: For a flat rate, guests enjoy lodging, a fine-dining meal and a truly unplugged retreat. Wi-fi is available, but its sparsity is part of the charm. “People come here for disconnection,” he says. “It’s a slower pace. When you’re not distracted, you can reset.” The inn is also known for its inventive events, from comedy shows and wine fairs to murder-mystery dinners, one of its most popular offerings. Staff are encouraged
TownePost.com | January 2026 | 19
to dream up new ideas, and if something works, they refine it. If not, they try something else. Natural beauty also sets the Story Inn apart. Photographers regularly travel two hours or more to capture its diverse backdrops — gardens, wooded trails, rustic barns and the iconic blue-and-yellow cottages. “We have what other people don’t,” Hofstetter says. “The grounds are just beautiful.” Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a culinary escape or a nostalgic brush with Indiana’s past, the Story Inn offers a destination that feels both timeless and refreshingly simple. For more information, visit storyinn.com. 20 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
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FIRED UP NEW INDY IGNITE HEAD COACH LAUREN BERTOLACCI READY FOR 2026 SEASON Writer / Mark Robinson
of the MLV ladder. The journey begins now, with the 2026 season opening Jan. 10 on the road at Dallas. Indy opens its home schedule Jan. 24 against Omaha, the first of 14 matches slated for Fishers Event Center, the sparkling arena filled with energy and loyal Ignite fans urging their team on to victory each time out.
The Indy Ignite came tantalizingly close to achieving the unthinkable in the inaugural season for the women’s professional volleyball franchise, advancing to the championship match of the 2025 Major League Volleyball playoffs before bowing out. It was a heralded accomplishment for the league’s new kid on the block. That, however, was last season, and the Ignite’s sights are now laser-focused on how to take that next step to the top 22 | January 2026 | TownePost.com
Much of the core roster that led the Ignite to the MLV championship match last May has returned, including All-MLV First Team pick and opposite hitter Azhani Tealer, 2025 rookie standouts Lydia Martyn (middle blocker), Elena Scott (libero) and Anna DeBeer (outside hitter), and outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh, who was well on her way to becoming an all-league selection before an ankle injury cut short her season. There’s also new fire burning within the Ignite, and it starts at the top. Indy named Lauren Bertolacci, a longtime successful pro coach in Europe, as the team’s new head coach in July.
Bertolacci’s philosophy has been simple from the outset. “Getting to the championship final was a huge achievement, and of course we want to take that next step,” Bertolacci says. “For me, the way forward is clear. We’re going to play bold, aggressive and fast. We want to put pressure on teams, score points and play with a big personality and character. “It’s very interesting for spectators
when we’re enjoying ourselves, being the aggressors and pushing the pace and style of the game,” the Australian native adds. “Most importantly, you score more points that way. You win games when you score more points, you let your mind be free, and you can really get in there and just play. I want to build an ‘Ignite way’ of volleyball — a clear identity that we can lean on every time we step on the court. If we stay true to that style, good things will happen.”
hitters Taylor Landfair (6-5) and Emoni Bush (6-3). In the second round, Indy landed libero Emma Halter, who starred at Indianapolis Roncalli High School before playing at the University of Texas.
To that end, Bertolacci and the Ignite staff have bolstered the returning talent by adding more size and skill to the roster through free-agent signings last summer and the college draft in November. The team has been working hard in training camp, which began in December, to achieve that identity and be ready to go when the first serve is launched on the 2026 season.
That last aspect — high character — is what Bertolacci and the Ignite emphasize most as the franchise moves on from an immensely successful first season to build for the long term.
The added size to the roster can’t go unnoticed. Of the free agents, middle blocker Alexandra Botezat stands 6-foot-6, opposite hitter Camryn Hannah 6-2 and outside hitter Kayla Lund 6-0. In the MLV draft, the Ignite used their first-round selection to take 6-6 middle blocker Cara Cresse, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, native who was teammates with Ignite returnees Scott and DeBeer at the University of Louisville. With a pair of fourth-round picks, Indy chose outside
“The draft could not have gone any better for us,” Bertolacci says. “We were able to get all the players we wanted, and we are sure they will add value both on the court and off the court, as they are all high-character human beings.”
“For me, it’s always about having an impact. It’s what I crave,” she says. “This league is new, it’s growing, and it was made clear that our foundation is great but that I’d have the chance to lead the volleyball side of things. That’s what I want: to put my stamp on it, combine my vision with what Ignite already stands for and help push the league forward. I’m not someone who is overly excitable, but honestly, I’m really excited about this.” Ignite season tickets, single-match or group tickets, and information on premium or suite space are available now at IndyIgnitevb.com.
TownePost.com | January 2026 | 23
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