Meet Your Neighbor: “Bongo Boy” Ed Gaus

Ever heard of a drum circle? The phenomena where random groups of people with no previous musical experience miraculously find rhythm together? It’s a weekly occurrence at Bongo Boy Music School, along with a whole set of other things, where Ed Gaus is the leader of the band.

Drummer, percussionist, music teacher, songwriter, composer and business owner Ed Gaus, a Geist Woods resident, is living his dream with music. Gaus is an accomplished musician with much credit to his name, as a drummer having played with a host of famous names being just one, as a teacher and owner of Bongo Boy Music School as another.

Gaus and his drum set have traveled some miles playing with famous names including Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Money, The Subdudes, Dar Williams, Tom Waits and Bob & Tom to name a just few, as well as touring with John Prine in the mid 1990s.

Growing up in Northbrook, IL, Gaus started out playing piano at six years old, and soon progressed on to the sax, marimba and drums. He attended Indiana University to study music. It was here Gaus met John Mellencamp’s drummer, Kenny Arnoff, at a drum clinic. “He floored me,” Gaus remembered. Gaus had seen his share of drum clinics before, but seeing Arnoff perform at this one really changed him. “I knew I wanted to do that,” he reflected.

Gaus later toured with various bands, including a band headed by Larry Crane, Mellencamp’s former guitar player. Opening for national acts, playing gigs, songwriting and touring were Gaus’ life after college, and he was doing exactly what he wanted to be doing. “I believed in the music,” Gaus described with fondness of that time in his life. “But I never only want to be a drummer,” he said. And he’s certainly proven that.

In 1999, Gaus started Bongo Boy as a music production company, all the while researching music education and evaluating the need for a music school in Indianapolis. In 2003, he opened Bongo Boy Music School in its current location at 8481 Bash Street (off of 82nd Street, just west of I-465), to offer music instruction. By July 2005, the studio doubled in size to 5,000 square feet and now has 16 instructors and over 300 students.

The studio has private instruction rooms with sliding glass doors lining the hallways, state-of-the-art recording equipment, a large back room where indoor drum circles (otherwise they’re outside) and rock band classes are held and every drum and percussion instrument known to man—it’s quite a site to see, and hear. Instruments taught at Bongo Boy include drums, percussion, guitar, bass, piano, violin, clarinet, and sax among many others. Weeknights come alive with the sounds of students striking, strumming and blowing away on various instruments, and having a blast.

“I love passing on my knowledge to students,” said Gaus. “I wish I had known about the music business, production, what it takes to be a session player, make connections, etc., so it’s neat to give all that back,” he commented. “That’s what makes it all worthwhile to me.”

Also, Gaus produces music for jingles, commercials and corporations. His recording room is fully loaded with music software, sound boards and the like where he also teaches students the mechanics of music production.

To Gaus, he has the best of both worlds at his studio, “The merge of music production with music instruction,” he said. “To our students I’m saying, ‘Use all this to be the best person you can be, take all this knowledge and run with it.’”

And let’s not forget about these drum circles…this concept that to the non-musical type may sound somewhat…scary? Gaus explained it’s really about connecting with others, and yourself. “Everyone has inner rhythm,” he claimed. “Drum circles are a great stress relief, they spark creativity and can be very relaxing.” He finds it rewarding to see, and hear, people whether it’s students, strangers, co-workers or whomever, find a rhythm. Bongo Boy holds public drum circles every Thursday night for those who may want to venture outside their usual bounds and try their hand on a conga. And these drum circles reach far beyond what you might think.

Drum circles are used in the fields of healthcare, social work, even corporate settings to help promote wellness and reduce stress. Called “health rhythms,” they can be used with Alzheimer’s and cancer patients as well as teens at risk and to help build team morale in the workplace. Gaus and other Bongo Boy instructors are trained health rhythms facilitators.

Another big beat on Gaus’ drum is the relationship and partnership he forged with Remo, the world’s leading drum company. Gaus thoroughly impressed the company heads with his professional operation and community connection gaining their support for his community drum circles. Remo supplies Bongo Boy with all the drum and percussion equipment for their drum circles and the fostering of “recreational music making.” Gaus is very pleased with the partnership, “Remo saw the possibilities with us, so we all win here,” he said.

Clearly Gaus, in a variety of ways, is all about the music. “It’s fun to carve these niches. I love the business side just as much,” he said of his ability to go outside the bounds of just being a musician.

“It’s not about being a rock star, it’s about doing what I love doing, and sharing it with others,” he concluded. And with quite a music career already under his “skin,” Gaus’ passion for it ensures that beat will most certainly go on.

Learn more about Bongo Boy Music School at www.bongoboymusic.com or call 595-9065.

Tasty Holiday Dessert: Bread Pudding with Jack Daniel’s Sauce

Here’s a great holiday recipe from Sushi Chef Manager Rob Koeller at Kona Grill Carmel. It serves between 16-20 guests…great for a party!

Bread Pudding with Jack Daniel’s Sauce

Pudding:
3 lbs. stale bread (cut into cubes)
4 cups milk
8 eggs
1 can 12 oz. evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 tbls. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 & 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup butter (cut into pieces)

Put cubes of bread in large mixing bowl and set aside. Combine all ingredients except 1 cup of butter. Mix well, and pour over bread. Soak bread for 15 minutes. Pour into 14 x 10 buttered pan. Top bread mixture with cup of butter. Bake at 325 degrees for 60-90 minutes, or until bread has risen 1-inch.

Sauce:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter
2 oz. Jack Daniel’s (Black label)

Mix sugar and water until dissolved. Add butter and simmer until melted. Cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Add the Jack Daniel’s and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy!

This Year’s Holiday Fashions include Glitz, Glamour and the Little Black Dress

Are you looking for the perfect holiday outfit? Or, how about just updating your wardrobe for the cold months ahead? Here’s a look at what’s hot for the holiday and winter seasons.

First of all, the little black dress is not going away anytime soon! It is still popular and it just keeps reinventing itself.

There are many versions of the little black dress in fabrics that are crinkled, shirred and textured for variety. From the full length strapless black gowns to the black tops that double as mini dress in the spring, the little black dress is still a popular choice for your party needs. For the holidays, you can pair your black dress with satin heels or flats and one of the new metallic or beaded purses.

Something you will see more and more of from designers is “transitional” clothing. These are items that can be worn one way and then can transition into an entirely different look and outfit.

I found a great example of this at Frankey’s located at 1300 E. 86th street in Nora. It is called the “convertible skirt.” It is a long, soft, silvery black skirt from designer Rozae Nichols. Nichols, by the way, won an innovative designer of the year award at the 2006 Fashion awards in Los Angeles.

The skirt paired with a jacket makes a great outfit for evening. But, with one tug, the skirt pulls up to a mid-length dress. Add a sheer top and satin platform round toes shoes and you have a fashionable outfit for the holidays.

Frankey’s owner, Mariea Best, says enamels, shiny metallics and velvet, textured purses and shoes are all big this holiday season. Colorful patent and satin flats are popular. Boots for men and women are found in bronze, gun metal and silver tones.

The “new” black this season is a softer version of the traditional black.

At Dolce Sorella, located at Fall Creek and Brook School, I found a couple more versions of the little black dress. They also carry a wide array of the high-heeled round-toed shoes that are so popular this fall. I didn’t see any blue suede shoes, but they did have them in red, black and leopard print!

For jewelry this season, it is the year of the retro-inspired bold baubles. That’s right, when it comes to costume jewelry the rings are big and covered in sparkling faux gems. A must have for your favorite holiday outfit!

It is nice to know your little black dress is still in style for the holidays, just take advantage of all the sparkle jewelry and metallic accessories to dress it up, and you are set for the party season!

Travel Far or Near for Festive, Seasonal Activities

You don’t have to drive far to find seasonal festivities, but if you want to make your holidays truly magical this year, consider taking a winter road trip.

While Reynold’s Farm Equipment in Fishers puts on a spectacular holiday light display, those who just can’t get enough Yuletide cheer can keep on driving up I-69 to Marion, aka. Christmas City USA.

The Christmas City Walkway of Lights sprawls along four miles, starting in downtown Marion and stretching along the Mississinewa Riverwalk before ending at Matter Park. A gift shop awaits at the end of the illuminated route, where visitors can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and browse items made by local artisans.

Taking in the 2.5-million twinkling lights will take an hour or two on foot, or visitors can drive along the walkway, with headlights dimmed for optimal viewing.

Light displays range from inspirational — including a life-sized, wooden manger scene and a host of heavenly angels in the night sky — to playful, with penguins sliding down an igloo and elves playing in the snow. The lights reflected in the Mississinewa River are especially breathtaking, including a lighted suspension bridge, an old-fashioned riverboat and a 95-foot sea dragon.

A Nov. 18 parade and “Winterfest” celebration kicks off the festivities, with the Walkway illuminated at dusk. Lights go on nightly from 6-10 p.m. through New Year’s Day. For more information, visit www.walkwayoflights.com, or call the Marion-Grant County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at (800) 662-9474.

If you can’t make it to Marion, drive through the light display at Reynold’s at least once this holiday season. For the 15th year, Reynolds will light up its stretch of Ind. 37 with a free display featuring more than a million lights. New displays are added each year to the attraction, which features illuminated farm equipment, sports scenes, Bethlehem, and even a circus.

All light displays are built on-site, and everyone from salesmen to the general manager helps erect the metal structures.

“Everybody pitches together as one and makes this happen,” said Heather Cosby, who works full-time on the light displays during the holiday season. “It’s like a family.”

When everything is in place, Reynolds Founder Mac Reynolds flips the switch, and a sense of awe sweeps over all who’ve helped make it happen. The lights will be shining at Reynolds from Nov. 21 through New Year’s Day.

If trees and lights get you in the holiday spirit, you may want to head south to Lanthier Winery in historic Madison, Ind. Lanthier hosts its Festival of Trees Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, featuring more than 100 themed trees — from cats to M&Ms.

“There are no two alike,” said Staci Laker-Skinner of Lanthier.

During the event, the winery also showcases its Host of Angels, one of the Midwest’s largest private collections of angels. The holidays at Lanthier also mean seasonal wines. Sample Rudolph Red, St. Nicholas Blush or Snowflake White while you’re there. For more information, visit www.lanthierwinery.com or call (800) 41-WINES.

Of course, few Christmas trees can compare with the giant one created when the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is lit up downtown with nearly 250,000 twinkling lights. The spectacular, day-after-Thanksgiving event draws a crowd of more than 100,000, with entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and tree lighting at 7:50 p.m.

Those seeking a spiritual experience this Christmas may have to travel further this year, as the annual live nativity at Castleton United Methodist Church has been canceled due to construction at the church.  A road trip to northern Indiana may be the solution for families who want to experience the awesome wonder of the Biblical first Christmas.

The Holy Walk in Bremen, Ind., features a cast of 300 costumed actors, who interact with visitors to this re-created town of Bethlehem.  The event takes place Dec. 1 and 2, with shuttles to the Holy Walk leaving from Bremen High School.  Expect to wait about two hours, enjoying the entertainment in the gym, before being transported to the outdoor site of “Bethlehem,” in the middle of Amish country about two and a half hours northeast of Indy.

Once you reach the site, your family will be given a passport and assigned to a guide, who will take you on a journey to Bethlehem to pay your taxes, just like Mary and Joseph were doing. Along the way, you will encounter shepherds, angels, Roman soldiers, the wise men and even King Herod,  who sought to kill Jesus.

“You really experience what it was like back at the very first Christmas,” said Jan Hebman, secretary of Grace United Methodist Church in Bremen.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with shuttles departing from 6-9 p.m. The Holy Walk involves a lot of walking and exposure to the elements, so dress accordingly. For more information, contact Grace UMC at (574) 546-2042.

While you’re in northeast Indiana, make a stop at Pokagon State Park in Angola for some winter toboggan fun. Up to four people can ride on a toboggan for $10 per hour. The giant sleds race down the track at 35-40 miles per hour.  The dual toboggan track is open weekends from Nov. 24 through February. For more information, contact the park at (260) 833-2012.

If you don’t make it up to Pokagon, don’t forget to have some winter fun at our own Ft. Harrison State Park. Visitors can enjoy one of the area’s best sledding hills or go cross-country skiing on trails in the park anytime it’s snowy. Gate admission is $4 on weekdays and $5 Friday through Sunday.

Coyotes Cause Concern in Several Geist Neighborhoods

Hearing howls in the night sent Meg Sterchi on a search for information about the urban coyotes which have become her new neighbors in Feather Cove III.

At first, she wasn’t sure what was making the eerie noise every evening.  She suspected coyotes, but her husband, David, didn’t believe it until he spotted one howling in their backyard, under a tree right next to their kids’ playset.  As a mother of two, that concerned Meg.

“We have paths through the woods the kids walk on,” she said.

Meg started researching urban coyotes and learned that they are becoming less afraid of humans as they lose their natural habitat to urbanization.

Coyotes usually prey on small animals like mice but are very adaptable and will eat a wide array of food including squirrels, rabbits, livestock, deer fawns, wild fruit, garbage, roadkill, and yes, even household pets.

“We’re taking their habitat, so they’re adapting as best they can, and they’re finding ample opportunity in the suburbs,” said District Wildlife Biologist Rick Peercy. “They’re not opposed to eating a cat or a small dog if necessary.”

Sterchi said a neighbor’s cat was ripped from a screened-in porch by coyotes this summer, and coyotes have been a topic of conversation and concern among fellow members of Geist Clubhouse, which sits in Admiral’s Bay at Geist subdivision near several wooded areas.

So far, there have been no reports of coyotes harming children, but Peercy recommends keeping a close eye on small children in areas where coyotes have been seen or heard.  As winter approaches and food sources are becoming scarcer, coyotes may be forming packs to take down larger prey, he said.

By fall, young coyotes who were born in the spring are large enough to be on their own. They are most active from dusk to dawn. As they become less fearful of people, however, coyotes may be seen during daylight hours.

In fact, coyotes often associate people with an easy source of food, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on managing urban and suburban coyote problems.  Uncovered garbage, pet food left outside and even bird feeders can encourage coyotes to move closer to residences.

As Indianapolis continues to sprawl, urban coyotes will increasingly be spotted in the suburbs.

“As we take away their habitat, we have to learn to co-exist with them,” Peercy said.

That doesn’t mean we should put out the welcome mat.  Hunting is the best form of coyote management, but that’s not an option within city limits, where guns cannot legally be discharged. When coyotes are spotted, Peercy recommends trying to scare them away with loud noises and motion-sensored lights. To be coyote-proof, fences need to be at least six feet tall with the bottom extending at least 6 inches into the ground, as coyotes will dig under fences to get at prey.

The USDA offers these additional tips for discouraging coyotes from taking up residence in your neighborhood:
·        Do not feed coyotes!
·        Feed pets indoors whenever possible and do not leave pet food or water dishes outside after dark.
·        Consider removing bird feeders, as they attract birds and rodents, which are prey for coyotes.
·        Secure garbage containers with tight-fitting lids.
·        Trim any shrubbery that could provide hiding cover for coyotes or attract prey.
·        Do not allow pets to roam free, especially at night.

If problems persist in your backyard, you may contact the DNR Wildlife Conflicts Information Hotline at (800) 893-4116 for more tips or to obtain a list of contractors who will remove nuisance wildlife for a fee.

Snazzy Purses in Bagolitaville

Have you ever been to Bagolitaville? I hadn’t either until recently, when I spied the coolest purse I had ever seen. This purse had fringe and a wild print that exuberated personality all on its own. I have been to Bagolitaville and quite frankly, I want to live there to bask in the upbeat mood experienced in its presence.

The whimsical purses were started in April of 2005 when Janice Baldes of Iowa City attempted to recover some chairs in her kitchen. She picked out the fabric and when her husband came home from work, he told her he wasn’t interested in sitting on the fabric she chose. She was on a budget and didn’t want to just throw away the material, so she made herself a handbag. Janice’s friends, and even strangers, kept complimenting her on the bag, which led to “Bagolitas by Janice.” Her grandmother Vonnie had given her some money with a card that read, “Use the money for opportunities you weren’t expecting.” That is just what she did.

Janice had several parties and sold so many bags that the demand had her sewing more than she could handle alone. After Hurricane Katrina, she and her husband noticed an ad that one of the victims of the storm needed a tenor saxophone for her child. Ironically, they had one in their basement that they could donate. When they called the family said they had already received one, but that they did need jobs! In laughter, Janice asked if they could sew, and the answer was yes! Herren, the mother, had actually worked in a sweatshop in the garment district in New York when she was younger. Janice hired Herren and another woman named Elsa, both experienced seamstresses, and that is when the business exploded. You might say it was a little fate between the grandmother’s gift and the end result of offering help.

Just last year, Tanya Alford, the wife of the Iowa men’s basketball coach and former Hoosier, purchased a bag for herself and gave the other coaches’ wives each one for Christmas. Obviously, those bags were done in black and gold!

The bags are still made in the USA by a talented team of women who adhere to the mission statement of the company, which is, “Our mission at Bagolitas is to provide an opportunity for women to redefine themselves through a career partnership or the statement they make when carrying one of our bags.” Janice describes the purses as “spunky” and a “mood lifter,” and they come in a variety of styles. The bags start out at around $40 each.

Visit www.bagolitas.com to pick your favorite or to browse all of the combinations. Each bag is named with a “b” name like Biddy, Brady, Beverly, Benny, Bernie and Booker except for the Vonnie bag, which was designed for her grandmother, a breast cancer survivor.

There are a couple of options for obtaining these wonderful bags locally. Contact Susan Bilbrey, our local Bagolitas Consultant, at 847-8810 or susan-bilbrey@bagolitas.com. She is planning a trunk show on December 2nd at Lucky Lou (8962 E. 96th Street) from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Also, Lucky Lou offers the collection at their store. Visit Susan or Lucky Lou and go to Bagolitaville soon! It’s a great gift idea for the holidays!

Christmas Trees, Poinsettias and Live Reindeer at Brawner’s

Gail and Carlis Brawner started their greenhouse business with only one hundred poinsettias for the holidays years ago and have now grown to over four thousand poinsettia plants in different varieties yearly, Christmas trees and yes reindeer too! The Brawner Greenhouse will be booming the day after Thanksgiving all through the holiday season with live trees, wreaths, grave blankets, poinsettias and reindeer games! The greenhouse will be alive with the spirit so come out and enjoy.

Brawner’s Greenhouse is a part of the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association which sends 100 trees out of the country in mid November for the troops during the holidays - particularly the Middle East in previous years. The greenhouse decorates over fifty local churches for Christmas. They take great pride in offering churches decorations for a cost effective price and love making them beautiful for the holidays. They also take pre-orders on grave blankets for the holidays.

I just had to ask them exactly how to care for a poinsettia, and why on earth this plant looks great for a couple of weeks and then dies after Christmas? Both Carlis and Gail laughed hysterically then told me some great tips on how to care for the poinsettia. First off, do not buy them in grocery stores as most of those have been boxed and sleeved and transported for an amount of time. The first thing you should do when purchasing your poinsettia is remove the red, green or gold foil around the base. This stifles the plant and can kill it. The best advice is location, location and location. Most people place the poinsettia on the mantle above the fireplace which is a terrible location due to the heat. We tend to put the plant on a table next to the window which isn’t the best location either due to the window and furnace vents. Do not place a poinsettia next to a furnace vent because it will get too warm there as well. They suggest maybe in the kitchen away from heat sources or table that is free from vents and the fireplace.

Don’t miss the reindeer known as Prancer, Star and Noel. They are a tough group that could be called upon by Santa this year to help him on his trip around the world!

Brawner’s Greenhouse also keeps busy in the spring/ summer by decorating those churches for Easter. They also do mulch and hanging baskets.

Don’t miss the festivities and grab yourself some gorgeous decorations for the season!

Brawner’s Greenhouse
Gail and Carlis Brawner
1015 East Broadway
Fortville, IN 46040
317 485-5853

Geist Gives: Families Helping Families this Holiday

The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club members and staff are adopting families who need assistance this holiday season with their 2nd annual “Families Helping Families” project. “Project volunteers provide wrapped age-appropriate gifts, new clothing, personal items and non-perishable food items to completely outfit a family for the holidays,” stated Lori Gallant club member, project organizer and founder.

Last year three families were supported. One of the recipients, a single mother with five children, had just moved from a homeless shelter to her own home and The Hawthorns members were instrumental in providing her items to start a new life in her new residence. She was thrilled with gifts for all the children. Gallant received several heartwarming notes of thanks. “The response and generosity of club members was overwhelming. We ran out of storage space,” said Gallant. This year they have planned for ample space anticipating an even bigger response this holiday.

This fall $890 was raised at the Hawthorn’s September Fall Festival when members donated funds in exchange for the opportunity to dunk tank the Hawthorns staff and very cooperative members. These funds will go directly toward purchasing items for the adopted families.
The holidays are certainly a time of giving. The Hawthorns members will begin donating to this wonderful cause after Thanksgiving. Geist residents who would like to support this charitable effort may drop off donations of food and new toys in The Hawthorns lobby Wednesday thru Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club is located within the Hamilton Proper community off of Brooks School Road between 116th Street and Fall Creek Road. Please direct any questions to Lori Gallant at 317-913-6799.
We encourage you to nominate a business or individual that incorporates giving back to the community or to charity as a standard part of their business practice. Each month we will select a business to recognize as the “Geist Gives Corporate Citizen of the Month.” The selected business will receive a case of gourmet coffee courtesy of Mission Coffee & Tea Company. To make a nomination for Geist Gives visit www.atgeist.com.