Who doesn’t like an evening of hunting Christmas lights? Some of my favorite displays have been around since I was a kid and some have gone away. This year I’ve found some great displays just north of Tippecanoe County. While I was born and raised and still work in West Lafayette, country living is just my style. On the plus side, I have a lovely 30-minute commute through wooded river valleys with the occasional stunning sunset over the cornfields. I’ve also discovered some awesome light displays between The Russell Company office and my home in Monticello.

This route is less than an hour long from the first stop to the last and located just north of Lafayette. I’d recommend a mug of hot chocolate for everyone in the car and maybe a container of popcorn or your favorite treat. Of course, you’ve got to have Christmas tunes. I’m a big fan of Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys, Santa’s Back in Town by Elvis and of course, the timeless Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi.

I’ve mapped the route for you! Just click the link to begin navigating! https://goo.gl/maps/tCERV158nnqzCjJP6

First Stop: Appleview Drive

This one is new to me but man, it’s awesome! A great drive-by anytime but a musical light show 6:30-9:00pm most nights. Tune to 98.3 fm!

Next: Tecumseh Bend

Private residence with a lovely scenic drive in and out. They’ve covered their entire property! Be courteous of the residents and the winding roads, take it slow and watch out for reindeer!

Then: Short drive up to Monticello

As you come into town, the City Park loop has a quick drive through and light tunnel! Exit right and follow Main Street to downtown for THE BEST small town Christmas lights around! Monticello went all out this year and I’m so into it! If you need to grab a bite, check out my faves, Kopacetic Beer Factory or Oak & Barrel.

The best for last: Lowry Family Lights

After you cruise down Main Street, come back around to US 24 heading West. In just a few minutes you’ll find yourself in the town of Reynolds. Take a left at the light on SR 43 heading south toward West Lafayette and then right on the first county road. This family farm has an amazing drive through display! Follow the the loop counter clockwise as directed and check out their custom displays, including an actual moving Ferris Wheel! Once you’re done here, just hop back on 43 heading south and you’ll be back in West Lafayette before you know it.

Recently, TRC spoke with Katie Haymond about Pure Barre and what makes it such a great addition to our community. We loved her answers and encourage you to read more about Pure Barre if you’re interested in a different way of getting a workout in.

Can you tell us a little bit about the history behind Pure Barre and why West Lafayette is a great fit for it?

It’s actually a funny story about how we ended up here in West Lafayette! Our owner, Stephanie, fell in love with the Pure Barre technique on a trip and was looking for a similar workout here in town. She ended up driving to Indy throughout the week to go to Pure Barre, and after a few months of doing that drive just to work out thought, “Why not bring PB to West Lafayette?” And so the idea was born! Pure Barre opened three years ago and we haven’t looked back ever since. West Lafayette is a great place for PB because we have a mix of locals and college students that creates a constantly upbeat and fun atmosphere for working out!

What is Barre?

Pure Barre offers an effective total body barre workout focused on low-impact, high-intensity movements that lift and tone muscles to improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody.

What are the benefits of participating in Barre? Is this a form of exercise that anyone and everyone can participate in?

There are many benefits of Pure Barre! Some of the most common benefits our clients rave about are gaining strength, weight loss, an improvement in mood, and stress relief. Pure Barre is for any and all fitness levels and ages. We have college-age students as well as retirees that work out with us. The other huge benefit is the modifications we offer as well whether it be for injuries or pregnancy – again, it really is for any and everyone!

What kind of classes/programs does Pure Barre have to offer?

We have three class formats here at Pure Barre:

Classic – Our tried and true, “bread and butter” class so to speak. Rooted in our classic technique, you’ll be guided through a series of high-intensity, low-impact movements to strengthen and tone your body in ways that no other technique can. Give us 50 minutes and we’ll give you the best of barre – long and lean muscle without the bulk.

Empower – This is our cardio class! Pure Empower is a fusion of barre and interval training designed to elevate your heart rate, build strength, and rev up your metabolism. For 45 minutes, you’ll use multi-directional, dynamic movements with ankle weights and a plyometric platform to target different muscle groups simultaneously – all at an invigorating pace.

Reform – Inspired by resistance training. Perfected by Pure Barre. Pure Reform is a total body barre workout that targets, shapes, and defines all major muscle groups through resistance-based strength training. The 50-minute barre class merges the elements you love from our Pure Barre technique with moves that challenge your strength, coordination, and balance by using resistance bands, sliders, and the barre.

Is it affordable for anyone and everyone?

It is a boutique fitness program, so it may come in slightly higher than your local gym, but we like to say that each class should feel like a personal training session. You get lots of attention from instructors and are constantly challenged to push your hardest in every class you take! All that to say, our membership packages start at $49/month and go up from there.

How would you encourage someone to stop by and try out a class?

Your first class is always free at Pure Barre West Lafayette! We want you to be able to try the Pure Barre technique with no strings attached. Pure Barre is a totally different workout where you really just have to try it to see if it’s for you. So we always say, come to try it – and if you love it, awesome! But if you hate it – we’re not offended. We want you to find the best workout for your body, lifestyle, and fitness goals!

Do you participate in events around Greater Lafayette?

We have done pop-up classes around town at places like Ripple&Co and also partner with local businesses to do giveaways as well. We LOVE to partner with other local businesses!

How do you personally define wellness?

Wellness to us is nurturing your body both from the inside and outside. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle through self-care, stress management, and healthy habits. Regular exercise is a great way to be committed to a positive wellness journey! We are constantly cheering on our clients in their personal wellness journeys both inside and outside the studio.

Thanks for sharing more about Pure Barre, Katie! To learn more about the studio in West Lafayette, visit their website.

If you bought a home, you’d expect it to fit the description in which it was presented to you, right? For example, if the home was described as sitting on a half-acre lot, you’d expect an entire half-acre of property. But what if you later discovered that the property lines were off, and part of your yard is really your neighbors’ yard? Now, you could potentially have a huge problem on your hands. This is where a property survey would’ve played an important role.

To simply put it, a property survey is performed to confirm exact boundary lines between properties. When you’re buying a home, a property survey will be addressed in a purchase agreement and whether you would like to have one done. If you opt to have a survey done, you will have to decide which survey best suits your needs. In some cases, mortgage lenders and title companies may require a survey be completed before a mortgage application is approved or title insurance is issued. 

Some different types of surveys include:

• Boundary Survey: Just like it sounds – it determines the boundary lines of a property. 
• Location Survey: This is like a boundary survey, but this includes any additions and improvements made to the property.
• Right-Of-Way Survey: This helps property and utility owners determine the access right and access points on a particular property.
• Topographic Survey: This is used to identify and map the contours of the ground and existing features on the surface of the earth. This includes contours, utilities, ditches, roads, water, etc. 

If you already own property and are looking to begin construction on a new project, you may want to consider having a survey done before work begins. If a project is completed and found to be on a neighbor’s property, you may have a problem on your hands.

According to Experian, the average property survey in the United States comes out to be around $500, but costs vary by location. In reality, you can expect to pay between $400 and $700, a small price to pay to potentially avoid a major issue down the road. When you buy or sell a home, lenders and title companies sometimes arrange for a survey included in closing costs. You can expect a survey to usually take a few weeks to be completed.

Before you rush to have a survey done, check to see if your property has already been surveyed in the past. You can usually check records at local tax accessor’s office. But keep in mind that the tax records may not always reflect the correct information.

If you’re in search of a surveyor in the Greater Lafayette area, the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors offers a helpful tool on their website, www.ispls.org.

In conclusion, if you prefer to err on the side of caution, it may be in your best interest to set aside the money to have a survey completed. Better to be safe than sorry, right? 

As much as we wish we could, none of us can predict exactly what the future holds, especially when it comes to finances. Unexpected medical bills, job loss, divorce, and everything in between can quickly lead to financial hardship. 

In the case of homeowners who have fallen on hard times, if you’re not able to make your monthly mortgage payment, some lenders may offer assistance for a certain amount of time, but eventually you will need to take further action.

A couple of real estate terms you may be familiar with are short sale and foreclosure. Both have similarities, but they are also very different. Of course, each individual’s situation is unique, but we’ll give you a bit of insight into each process.

Short Sale

According to www.bankrate.com, a short sale is when a lender agrees to accept a lower mortgage payoff amount to facilitate the sale of a home where the owner is in financial distress and can’t catch up with payments. The homeowner VOLUNTARILY begins the process of selling their home if a short sale is approved by the lender. Once a buyer is interested, the lender will need to approve the terms for the sale to be facilitated.

When a short sale is approved and the home is sold, that doesn’t mean the homeowner is completely off the hook.

A short sale will likely harm the homeowner’s credit score as they did not fulfill the terms of the loan agreed to. Also, think about it this way, in a situation where a homeowner is selling their home with positive equity, they’re going to walk away with a profit. When they walk away with negative equity, they walk away with nothing, possibly making it hard for you to find another place to live, but not necessarily impossible. In the end, both the lender and the homeowner will likely take a loss, but it may not be as large of a loss as a foreclosure.

Short sales can also be a lengthy process from start to finish depending on the situation. It may be in the homeowner’s best interest to reach out to an attorney or real estate agent before beginning the short sale process.

Foreclosure

On the other hand, a foreclosure is defined as the legal process where the homeowner’s lender FORCIBLY takes possession of the home due to delinquency on mortgage payments. The lender then tries to recoup lost costs. 

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, mortgage companies usually start the foreclosure process three to six months after the last mortgage payment. If you run into financial hardship, it’s highly recommended that you stay in touch with your lender as there may be alternative solutions rather than going into foreclosure. 

Like a short sale, foreclosure not only brings along the threat of losing your home, but several additional consequences as well. This includes damage to your credit score for several years, which ultimately impacts your ability to obtain new housing, credit, and possibly employment until the foreclosure drops off your credit report. According to Experian, that is seven years from the first missed payment. 

When it comes to the foreclosure process, there are three different types: judicial, non-judicial, and strict foreclosures. 

Judicial Foreclosure: This is the most common type of foreclosure. The lender files suit within the judicial system where the borrower will receive documentation in the mail demanding a payment. If a payment is not made within 30 days, the foreclosure process will begin. The property is then sold to the highest bidder via a local court or sheriff’s office.

Non-Judicial Foreclosure: Also known as statutory foreclosure, this may take place if a Power of Sale clause is included in the mortgage. If the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender will send out a notice demanding payment. After a certain amount of time passes without a payment, the lender will take it upon themselves to hold a public auction. These types of foreclosures tend to take less time to carry out, although they may be subject to judicial review to ensure the legality of proceedings. 

Strict Foreclosure: Just a small number of states allow this type of foreclosure. This is when the lender files a lawsuit on the borrower after defaulting on the mortgage. If the borrower is not able to pay the mortgage within a certain time frame ordered by the court, the property goes directly back to the lender. These types of foreclosures usually take place when the debt amount is greater than the property’s value.

Each of these requires the public to be notified as well as all involved parties to receive notice of the proceedings. Once a buyer acquires the property from the bank, the tenants have a short amount of time before eviction takes place.

Conclusion

If you’ve fallen on hard times and are considering either of these options, it’s recommended that you consult your mortgage lender and/or a professional to see what the best course of action is for your situation.

If you have questions, reach out to The Russell Team at (765) 497-0700.

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.