The story of Lafayette’s very own Sassy Fitness Studio all began when Heather Kannal was on her way home from a pole dancing class in Indianapolis.

“To be honest, my first class was not fun, and I did not want to go back,” said Kannal. “But my friend insisted we use our five class pass we had already purchased.” So, she gave it a second chance and went back. She’s glad she did.

“The second class was a life-changing experience for me,” Kannal said. “For possibly the first time in my life, I felt strong and a bit sexy.” She wanted everyone to feel this way, but there wasn’t anything comparable in Greater Lafayette. That’s when the idea to open a studio in her own community came to mind.

“The name of our studio was actually my husband’s idea and I loved it,” said Kannal.” My husband has been my biggest supporter.” But there was a time before the studio opened where Kannal began to get cold feet, ice cold feet. “I told him (my husband) that no one would take a 43-year-old mom of four, who was definitely not a size 0, seriously,” Kannal said. “He said that I was exactly why this would work. People would be comfortable with me and the fact that I am about as real as they get, instead of a young, tiny person who has never had children.”

He was right. By just being herself, Kannal proved that pole dancing is for everyone. With the studio located on Lafayette’s south side, people from all walks of life, all ages, all sizes, all everything have paid a visit to Sassy Fitness Studio. Kannal encourages anyone 16 years old and older to stop by. “We want a place for adults to feel comfortable learning something new and a bit sexy,” said Kannal.

After several years in the making, Sassy Fitness Studio is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Kannal said she loves her job and her clients. “Everyone at Sassy becomes family,” she said. “I promise you that you’ll have never been to a more welcoming place.”

If you’re interested in learning more about what Sassy Fitness Studio has to offer, head over to wellnessliving.com/login/sassyfitnessstudio. No membership is required and classes are offered both individually and in packages at a discounted rate.

Goodbye July and hello August! The kids are beginning to head back to school as summer break comes to a close, but that doesn’t mean the summertime fun has to come to an end. The month of August is jam-packed with events all throughout Greater Lafayette.

To help keep you in the know about all the happenings in our community, we’ve created a list outlining some of the big events taking place in the weeks to come. If we missed one, feel free to leave a comment with the details below!

Saturday, August 1
Tippecanoe County Flea Market
7:00AM – 1:00PM, Tippecanoe County Amphitheater, West Lafayette
FREE
https://www.homeofpurdue.com/event/tippecanoe-county-flea-market/10560/

If you love a great blast for the past or are looking for a particular antique, this is the place to be! Dozens of vendors are on hand, bound to have something that piques your interest. If you work up an appetite while shopping, no worries! Food vendors are on site. Come prepared to stay for a while!

Monday, August 3
Fort Quiantenon Artifacts – Show & Tell
6:00PM – 7:00PM, The History Center At Fort Quiantenon, West Lafayette/Zoom
FREE
https://tippecanoehistory.org/event/show-tell-fort-ouiatenon-artifacts/?instance_id=314

Interested in learning more about Tippecanoe County history? Grab the kids and join the Tippecanoe County Historical Association’s Operation Manager Leslie Martin Conwell as she shows some of the artifacts that were excavated from Fort Quiantenon. You’re bound to learn a thing or two!

Art In The Park – Back To School Night
6:00PM – 8:30PM, Columbian Park, Lafayette
FREE
https://www.lafayette.in.gov/1756/Art-in-the-Park

Art plus the outdoors… does it get much better than that? This marks the FINAL Art In The Park of the season! Bring the family out and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the food trucks and enjoy a live music performance from the Stay Outside band. To top it off, there will also be a FREE kids scavenger hunt to celebrate the end of summer.

Friday, August 6
First Friday – August Art Fair
5:00PM – 9:00PM, Tippecanoe Arts Federation, Downtown Lafayette
FREE
https://www.lafayette.in.gov/1756/Art-in-the-Park

Art and complimentary wine?! Now that we’ve got your attention, the Tippecanoe Arts Federation will host an outdoor art fair on its front lawn to promote the work of its members. Come support local artists, check out some of the new exhibitions, and enjoy a glass of wine!

Saturday, August 7
Subaru CASA Cycling Challenge
10:00AM – 10:00AM (Sunday, August 8), Subaru of Indiana Automotive Test Track, Lafayette
Non-rider food ticket can be purchased for $25
https://crm.enmotive.com/casa-challenge

It may not be the Olympics, but it’s right up there with it! The Subaru CASA Cycling Challenge is an extreme event that allows individuals and teams to test their endurance over a 24-hour period while raising funds for children in need.

Thursday, August 12
Girls Gone Local
4:00PM – 8:00PM, Downtown Lafayette
FREE
https://crm.enmotive.com/casa-challenge

In need of a girl’s night out that includes some shopping? Purchase your Girls Gone Local tote and hit the streets of downtown Lafayette for special discounts at participating retail shops, exclusive cocktails at your favorite bars, and new experiences with all the ladies. Totes can be purchased for $10 each at Boutique LoriAnn, Elevated Athleisurewear, Mad Love, Retail Therapy, or Willow & Grace Boutique.

Friday, August 13
Museum and Mansion Outdoor Movie Night: Finding Nemo
7:00PM – 11:00PM, Fowler House Mansion, Lafayette
FREE (but RSVP at fowlerhouse.org/product/omn21registration/)

What better way to spend a Friday evening than laying beneath the stars and watching a classic with the family? If you’re planning on coming out to the Fowler House Mansion, the event is free, but don’t forget to RSVP!

Saturday, August 14
Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering
10:00AM – 9:00PM, 200 Battleground Avenue, Battle Ground
FREE
https://www.indianafiddlersgathering.org

Looking for a day full of live entertainment? Head on over to Battle Ground for the annual Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering. The acoustic music festival features the best in old-time, bluegrass, swing, jazz, fiddle, string band, Celtic and ethnic music on one stage. For more information, visit indianafiddlersgathering.org.

Mosey Down Main Street
6:00PM – 11:00PM, Downtown Lafayette
FREE
https://moseydownmain.org

Bring the entire family downtown for an evening full of music, outdoor food, beer, and wine sales as well as street performers, sidewalk chalk and handmade Hula hoops, Drum circles and DJ’s, belly dancers, and balloon animals.

Thursday, August 19
Wines On The Terrace
4:30PM – 8:30PM, Fowler House Mansion, Lafayette
$25/person plus tax

Come celebrate Friday Eve and sample taste wines from around the world! The wine samples are paired with charcuterie from the Fowler House Kitchen. Keep in mind, this is 21 years of age and over event. Proceeds from this event will help fund the continued preservation of the Fowler House Mansion.

Friday, August 20
Long Center Presents: Robert Cray Band
7:30PM – 12:00AM, Long Center For The Performing Arts, Lafayette
Tickets start at $26 each plus fees
https://longpac.org/events/robert-cray-band

Over the past four decades, Robert Crayhas created a sound that rises from American roots, blues, soul and R&B, with five Grammy wins, 20 acclaimed studio albums and a bundle of live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career. Come out and see him perform live in Lafayette!

Saturday, August 21
Ice Cream Crawl
1:00PM – 4:00PM, Lafayette-West Lafayette
Ice cream passports are $10 each, or $25 for a family up to five
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lafayette-rotary-ice-cream-crawl-tickets-143853249943

Calling all ice cream lovers out there! The 2021 Ice Cream Crawl is a Lafayette Rotary fundraising project with proceeds going to fund the Tippecanoe Co. Imagination Library, a program started by Dolly Parton. ‘Crawlers’ can go to any of the shops listed to get a free sample of ice cream or frozen custard. There are shops in both Lafayette and West Lafayette.

Thursday, August 26
Purdue Farmers Market
10:00AM – 3:00PM, Purdue Memorial Mall, West Lafayette
FREE
https://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/sustainability/involved/farmers-market.html

Flowers, baked goods, vegetables, fruits, plus honey, jams and jellies… sounds great, right? Stop by and visit the Farmers Market at Purdue for some of the finest and freshest produce, as well as an enjoyable opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Purdue campus!

Friday, August 27/Saturday, August 28
Ouibache Music Festival
2:00PM – 10:00PM (Friday), Tippecanoe Arts Federation, Lafayette
2:00PM – 10:00PM (Saturday), The East End, Lafayette
Tickets are $10 each, ages 12 and under are FREE
https://ouibache.com

Stage shows will feature local, regional, national, and international acts. Music, demonstrations, dancing and all sorts of fun will be going on throughout the festival. Free jam sessions, workshops, and the “Night Before Concert” will take place the night before the festival so be sure to join us for all the fun. The opportunity is yours for the taking. Come and embrace your musical roots in a care-free setting. There is something for everyone. It’s about the music. It’s about passing on the traditions. It’s passion with a purpose.

Saturday, August 28
Beers Across The Wabash
3:00PM – 6:00PM, John T. Meyers Pedestrian Bridge, Lafayette-West Lafayette
Advance tickets are $40 each, price increases to $45 each the day of the event
https://www.facebook.com/BeersAcross/

Taking place on the pedestrian bridge linking Lafayette and West Lafayette, Friends of Downtown is proud to present the 9th Annual Beers Across the Wabash. This annual event calls for a fantastic afternoon of sampling craft brews from a host of Indiana’s finest small breweries.

“It started with a hypothesis that there existed a better way to pursue health and fitness than the model the fitness industry had given us.”

From there, the rest is history for Lafayette’s very own The Uncommon Gym.

TRC spoke with Jacob Watts, Head Coach at The Uncommon Gym. He tells us more about the facility and what makes it “uncommon” from any other gym. 

Tell us about the history behind The Uncommon Gym 

My mentors, bosses, and friends, Pete and Crystal Deiwert discovered CrossFit back in the late 2000’s and immediately saw the value in this type of training. Back then, the only way to get information about CrossFit was through www.CrossFit.com. They posted free workouts every day starting all the way back in 2001. Pete and Crystal started gathering a small group of like-minded friends who were also curious about trying out this relatively new workout routine. After seeing enough of a change in themselves and seeing how it impacted other people, they decided to open their own CrossFit location in Lafayette. In August of 2012 they opened CrossFit Uncommon, and it is in the same location to this day.

What does The Uncommon Gym have to offer?

At our core, The Uncommon Gym offers CrossFit classes. CrossFit is defined as constantly varied; functional movement performed at a high intensity. So, our workouts mostly consist of movements that people do every day (squatting, picking up off the ground, carrying, lifting overhead, running, jumping, etc.) and we change up the combinations of movements from one day to the next so we can always keep improving. What really drives the benefits of CrossFit, and what separates it from most people’s workout routines, is intensity. We spend a great deal of time and effort teaching people how to move their bodies and weighted objects safely and efficiently. This allows them to push their bodies to greater and greater levels of effort with minimal risk of injury. It is this ever-increasing effort that keeps the improvements going indefinitely.

We require four one-on-one sessions with a coach where we teach you the basics before you join the group classes. This is called our Foundations program. If anybody wants more focused attention, we offer one on one sessions. This could include working on a particular skill, addressing a weakness, or even rehab from an injury. If somebody signs up for an Unlimited class membership, they even have the ability to attend one yoga class per week at Community Yoga in West Lafayette, which is owned by a pair of our very own members, Jacqueline Allen-Magers and Jay Magers!

Do you set goals for each individual member? How do you keep them coming back?

While we certainly have the ability to meet and discuss goals with individual people, we do find that most people’s goals have quite a bit of overlap. Everybody says they want to be leaner and/or stronger but what they really want is to feel better. Everybody loves to talk about the little things that might make a 1% improvement. What supplements should I take? What special strength program should I try? Should I do CrossFit, or OrangeTheory, or spin class? But very few people are doing the things that will make 10% improvements. So, we make sure our members know that they need to take care of the big things before they even worry about the little things. The big things are getting at least seven hours of quality sleep every night, drink enough water every day, eat mostly fresh produce and unprocessed/unsweetened food, and do something very physically intense at least three times per week. If somebody has those things dialed in, then we can start making the little tweaks to get small changes here and there.

If you ask any one of our members or even any member of the worldwide CrossFit community why they keep coming back they will tell you it’s the people in their gym. Everyone is so supportive of each other that it’s very easy to make showing up a habit. The other nice thing about CrossFit is that there is SO MUCH to work on that you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to improve. Not only are there many different exercises that require a great deal of skill and practice to master, but we also encourage people to work on various aspects of their mental fitness. 

Tell me a little bit about your coaches and what they bring to the table
In order to coach at a CrossFit affiliate, one must obtain a minimum of a Level 1 certification through CrossFit HQ. We currently have 5 part-time coaches who have their Level 1 and 3 coaches who have their Level 2.

Beyond certifications, Pete and Crystal have done an excellent job at setting a standard from the very beginning. The expectation is that you lead class like a professional coach. It’s a tricky thing to do because the beginnings of CrossFit are very underground, grassroots, and informal. It started out of people’s garages and backyards. It was friends training with other friends. But it has evolved into a huge, thriving community. You can see the influence of CrossFit in other commercial gyms. Gyms that look a lot like Planet Fitness, but they also have barbells and bumper plates and kettlebells. They are also offering memberships that are cheaper than ours. So, we have to go above and beyond. When people leave our classes there can be no doubt in their mind that they were just coached by a professional. They were coached by a person who not only loves coaching but is obsessed with becoming a better coach and improving the lives of everyone they meet. That is what the coaches at Uncommon bring to the table; an extensive knowledge of movement, how to improve quality of life, and we offer our expertise in adjusting workouts to fit the needs of any individual we coach.

Is The Uncommon Gym for anyone and everyone?

I want to emphasize in all caps here… ABSOLUTELY!!

We have trained everyone from kids as young as 12 to adults in their 70’s. We have trained women through their entire pregnancies, people working around injuries, and anyone who has to modify for other limitations. CrossFit is safe for everyone. The key is in the coach’s ability to modify to the needs of the individual. A large part of our ability to do that depends on the tools we have in our toolbox. That means we are constantly looking to different sources of information. Even if it is just one little thing that helps one person, it’s worth it.

How would you encourage someone to stop by and see what you have to offer?

Our class schedule is online at theuncommongym.com! Anybody can stop by at any time to see a class and talk to a coach. We also offer a free community workout every month! It is usually the first Friday of the month (every class of the day is free) but sometimes we do a single free class on Saturday morning.

What sets you aside from other gyms and fitness centers?

In avoiding a huge essay, I’ll try to summarize some of my answers to the other questions. We have a community full of people who are willing to pursue personal growth (physical and mental) through experiencing challenging workouts. They are also relentless in their support of each other. That doesn’t just mean we cheer for each other and give high fives and say great job after a workout. We are willing to help each other confront some difficult things in life. We are there for each other when somebody is going through a hardship. We are willing to ask hard questions of each other and ourselves. Through our pursuit of personal growth, we are there to help our friends do the same. We truly are a tide that raises all ships.

Do you have to be a member to use the facility?

Yes, but we do allow drop-ins. Also, if somebody lives locally and has CrossFit or extensive workout experience, we let them try the gym free for a week to see if it’s for them.

What is your definition of wellness?

We believe in treating each person as a multi-dimensional being. You are not just a sack of muscle and bones and organs controlled by a brain. You are literally the most complex organism that has ever existed. We believe true health and wellness comes from getting to know yourself better. Difficult workouts are a good start but we as humans are way too distracted these days. There an infinite number of things trying to take your attention. The apps on our phones are literally designed to get your attention and keep you addicted to them. All of this distraction is driving us further and further from knowing ourselves. It’s no wonder so many people are sick, and they don’t even know it. If you are an overall well person, you are sleeping well, you are physically capable of doing just about any challenging thing you want, and you can emotionally handle adversity.

Ready or not, summer break will soon come to an end for Greater Lafayette students. With many of us staying busy this summer, the exact date your kids head back to class may have skipped your mind. If that’s the case, we’ve listed the start dates for all Greater Lafayette school districts and corporations. 

Tippecanoe County

• Lafayette School Corporation: Tuesday, August 10
• Tippecanoe School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11
• West Lafayette Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11
• Lafayette Catholic School System: Monday, August 16

Benton County

• Benton Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11

White County

• Tri-County Community School Corporation: Thursday, August 12
• Frontier School Corporation: Thursday, August 5
• Twin Lakes School Corporation: Monday, August 9

Carroll County

• Carroll Consolidated School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11
• Delphi Community School Corporation: Thursday, August 12

Clinton County

• Clinton Central School Corporation: Wednesday, August 4
• Clinton Prairie School Corporation: Thursday, August 5
• Community Schools of Frankfort: Friday, August 6
• Rossville Consolidated School District: Friday, August 6

Montgomery County

• Crawfordsville Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 4
• North Montgomery Community School Corporation: Tuesday, August 10
• South Montgomery Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11

Fountain County

• Attica Consolidated Schools: Monday, August 9
• Covington Community School Corporation: Thursday, August 12
• Southeast Fountain Community School Corporation: Wednesday, August 11

Warren County

• Metropolitan School District of Warren County: Wednesday, August 11 

Colleges/University

• Ivy Tech Community College: Wednesday, August 18
• Wabash College: Thursday, August 26
• Purdue University: Monday, August 23

“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.” – Doug Larson

If you find yourself agreeing with that quote, you’re probably ready to get out and do some fishing this summer! If fishing is your way of getting in a little bit of R&R, but it’s been a while since you’ve broken out the bait and the fishing pole, lucky for you, Greater Lafayette is home to plenty of great fishing spots. 

Before you pack up your gear and head out to the water, be aware that you’ll need a fishing license if you plan on fishing in one of Indiana’s public bodies of water. But don’t worry, it’s easy to apply for a fishing license. It can be done online at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/indiana-fish-and-wildlife-online-license-system/. Licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and are $17 for an annual license.

Armstrong Park

851 Beck Ln, Lafayette

Located on the south side of Lafayette, this 30-acre park includes a pond where fishing is permitted, but all state regulations do apply, so don’t forget to bring your fishing license! 

Fairfield Lakes

County Roads 200 S & 750 E, Lafayette

Sitting on nearly 100 acres of land, Fairfield Lakes is home to four lakes stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. A fishing license is required. The lake located across from the parking lot is stocked every spring with rainbow trout and requires a trout stamp. Amenities include a handicap accessible water fountain and restroom, a walkway to the northwest lake that features two handicap fishing pads, and canoe access to the Wildcat Creek. The park closes at 8:30pm or dusk, whichever comes first. 

Wildcat Park 

5201 Eisenhower Rd, Lafayette

This 53-acre property is owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is leased to the Tippecanoe County Park and Recreation Department. Fishermen are able to make great use of this property. Amenities include a picnic shelter, handicap accessible walkway linking the restrooms, water fountain, and observation deck overlooking the creek, and to the parking area

Tapawingo Park

100 Tapawingo Dr, West Lafayette

Located along the banks of the Wabash River in West Lafayette, Tapawingo Park is 20 acres in size and is managed by West Lafayette Parks and Recreation. The park offers access to the Wabash River where you can fish, but must have a fishing license.

Prophetstown State Park

5545 Swisher Road, West Lafayette

The Wabash River runs near Prophetstown, making for the perfect opportunity to go fishing. There are several varieties of fish that call the river home, including bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike, and walleye. If you’re in need of a fishing license, stop by the park’s main office beforehand. 

Munger Park

3505 Greenbush Street, Lafayette

Located on the northeast side of Lafayette, the 32-acre park is home to a pond where fishing is permitted, but again, don’t forget your fishing license! 

Munger Park is also part of Indiana DNR’s urban fishing program called Go FishIN in the City. For more information about the program including stocking times and fishing opportunities, visit https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/urban-fishing/ 

Bicentennial Nature Area

North side of Sagamore Parkway (between Schuyler Avenue and Duncan Road), Lafayette 

This 196-acre nature area features a large pond (70 acres) allowing for limited bank fishing, small boat fishing (electric motors only), kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and windboards. Keep in mind, fishing is currently catch and release only. The area is open on a limited basis and can be accessed from the Sagamore Parkway ramps only. 

Faith East Community Park

5572 Mercy Way, Lafayette 

The Faith East Pond is stocked with blue gill, bass, and other native Indiana fish for catch and release fishing.  

Summer time is in full throttle here in Greater Lafayette. As we spend time outdoors soaking up the warm weather and hosting guests once again, some unwelcomed guests may invite themselves to your party – yes, we’re talking about mosquitoes.

According to the CDC, more than 200 types of mosquitoes live in the United States. As if those itchy, red welts weren’t enough of a nuisance, some mosquitoes can carry diseases including the West Nile and Zika viruses. As the mosquitoes make their appearance in the months to come, we’ve got some tips and recommendations to help keep them from spoiling your time outdoors.

Get Rid Of Any Stagnant Water And Clean Up Your Yard

Is that old wheelbarrow that’s been sitting in your backyard since last summer full of rainwater and yard clippings? Or maybe the sandbox in the corner of the backyard is full of dirt, sand, rainwater, yard clippings, and everything in between? Three words… DUMP IT OUT! No matter how big or small, mosquitoes are known to breed in bodies of standing water, so if you eliminate the source, there’s a good chance you’ll eliminate mosquitoes as well.

What about a swimming pool? Well, that’s a different situation, if your pool is maintained properly. If it’s fully maintained, there’s no need to worry about mosquitoes breeding in it. That’s because the chemicals and filter will keep the mosquitoes away. Kiddie pools or non-chemically treated pools, that’s another story.

Also, something to keep in mind, like many insects, mosquitoes also tend to create a habitat in and around tall grass and tree limbs. So, take the time to ensure that your yard is free of debris or overgrown vegetation. And if your yard is prone to wet spots, consider filling in any uneven terrain with topsoil and grass seed.  

Consider Using Mosquito Netting

A mosquito net is a meshed curtain that can be draped over a dwelling to serve as a barrier between you and mosquitoes (and other pesky insects as well). This netting is made from a variety of different materials including cotton, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. 

This netting can be found at most big box retail stores and online. If you do opt to use this netting, keep in mind that it can restrict air flow, which might make air stagnant and uncomfortable depending on where you’re at. 

Go Natural And Set Out Mosquito Repelling Plants

Not a huge fan of lathering yourself in mosquito repellent or spraying insecticides all over your yard? Like humans, there are certain smells that mosquitoes don’t like, some of which are plants that can be grown around your home. Some of these plants include:

• Basil
• Peppermint
• Marigold
• Catnip
• Rosemary
• Lemongrass
• Lavender 

Consider Your Clothing

When it’s hot and humid outside, the last thing you likely want to wear is long sleeves and long pants. But when skin is not exposed, it’s much more difficult for mosquitoes to bite. So next time you find yourself outside for an extended amount of time, consider wearing clothing made of materials such as nylon and rayon to help keep you cool.

You may also want to consider using permethrin, which is used as both a medication and an insecticide. As an insecticide, it can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets to kill any insects that touch them. Sold under the brand name Nix, permethrin can be found at most major retailers.

And we all know lighter colors help keep us a bit cooler as opposed to darker colors, but did you know wearing lighter colors can help keep mosquitoes at bay? Mosquitoes tend to flock to black and clue colors. 

Set Up An Electric Fan

Fans are a mosquito’s enemy for two reasons.

First, did you know that mosquitoes are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide? And when a fan is nearby, air dissipates the carbon dioxide, keeping the mosquitoes away. Secondly, mosquitoes aren’t very big, so all it takes is a small gust of air to make it physically unable for them to get close to you.

And If You’re Up For The Challenge… Attract Predators Of Mosquitoes

We know this might not be for everyone, but mosquitoes have many natural predators. If you’re up to it, you can take it upon yourself to create an environment in your yard for these predators to come and help alleviate the burden of mosquitoes. Some of these creatures include:

• Bats
• Frogs
• Fish
• Turtles 
• Birds