Greenwood, IN April 2024

Investing In What Matters

When I think of investing, the first thing that comes to mind is the obvious; finances, money and retirement. While these should be a major part of your investment strategy, I wanted to take a closer look at what real investment means. There are so many ways we can invest on a daily basis that have very little to do with money, so welcome to the 'investment' edition of Greenwood City Lifestyle.

When you take the money part out of it, I think all of us spend a lot of time investing in the happiness of others. I find many of the people around me go above and beyond to help their friends and family. Heck, a lot of our advertising partners have stepped up to help me get this publication going. Investing in others is an integral part of life and can bring much joy and fulfillment, but there's another kind of investing; actually investing in yourself.

There's a lot going on in April and I promise you're going to find yourself pulled in a million different directions. Spring has sprung, Easter is upon us, spring breaks are wrapping up and we are about to be eclipsed by a horde of tourists. It will be really easy to forget about yourself, so we've put together a few thoughts to help you with that, to assist you in a little self investment, and even some ideas to continue investing in those around you.

As I mentioned, financial wellbeing is important so that's the focus for one of our features, but we've also included some other things that might just spur you to find what makes you happy. Last week I took a half day off to go watch a baseball game. As I sat all by myself, in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon, I thought about how nice it was to simply take a few hours for myself to do what I enjoy. You may not like baseball, but I guarantee you like something. Whether it's decorating your home, working out, donating time to charity or just reading a book, find some time this month to invest in yourself. You'll come back refreshed and all of that time that you invest in other people will be a lot more rewarding.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoy this edition of Greenwood City Lifestyle

SCOTT GILCREST, PUBLISHER @GREENWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Scott Gilcrest | scott.gilcrest@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Amber Gilcrest | amber.gilcrest@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Judy Goppert, Casey Weber

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donna Rice Photography, Amber Gilcrest, Tommy Combs Concert Media, Dena Marks, Kelley Photo

Corporate Team

CHIEF

Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

A Dental Office Designed Around You

Dr. Whitney Marsh & Dr. Aaron Sauer

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: South Stars Hockey faces off against the Zionsville Eagles. 2: Ribbon-cutting for Barn at Aberdeen was enjoyed for grand opening of the community's event venue. 3: Center Grove Middle School Central raised $15,000 for Special Olympics at 2024 Polar Plunge Greenwood. 4: Everyday Leaders first annual Galentine's event was held at Stage 1 Dance Academy. 5: CG Show Choirs, Debtones and Sound System, dominate Carroll Classic 2024; both crowned Grand Champions. 6: CG Show Choirs, Debtones and Sound System, dominate Carroll Classic 2024; both crowned Grand Champions. 7: White River Fire Department supports Special Olympics at 2024 Polar Plunge Greenwood.

TOMMY COMBS

Breaking

up into 3 parts:

1.

8: Dexter, likely to become police K9, transitioned from advanced training at Top Tier K9 Greenwood. 9: One of Aberdeen's community activities featured a private cookie decorating class with Mrs. B's Cookies. 10 - 14: Polar Plunge Greenwood raised $44,000 for Special Olympics from 140 total plungers taking the dip in 2024.

COURTESY OF ABERDEEN COMMUNITY

PHOTO BY TOMMY COMBS CONCERT MEDIA

PHOTO BY TOMMY COMBS CONCERT MEDIA

PHOTO BY TOMMY COMBS CONCERT MEDIA AMBER GILCREST

PHOTO BY TOMMY COMBS CONCERT MEDIA

business monthly

Sunrise Real Estate Welcomes Jeff Sauter

As a lifelong Southside resident and Center Grove High School graduate, Jeff says he looks forward to continuing to serve his community as a member of the Sunrise Real Estate Team. "My hope is to share my vast knowledge of the local neighborhoods, school systems and social landscape as I assist area residents in either the selling process or their quest for the perfect home," he says. Jeff can be reached at 317.440.6955 or sauterwillsellit@gmail.com.

Rees Restoration Expands Team To Prepare For Spring Season

For a variety of customers, Rees Restoration handles roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters,  insulation, commercial roofing and water or fire mitigation. The family-operated business owned by Johnny Rees gets excellent reviews for making projects stress free and handling communications with insurance companies. Rees sales manager Scott Whitlock says new team members have been added to accommodate the busy spring period: Rick Ruppert, Jamie Sumner, Ezra Deckard, Gage Rees, Scott Whitlock, Nicholas Luedeman and Jason Humphries.

One-Day Only Boho Boutique Shop Coming Up

Rickie Long, Crafts & Creations owner, promises fun shopping on April 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3100 Meridian Parke Drive in Greenwood for a one-day-only sale. "We're a group of creative women who love stretching our artistic talents to wearables and home décor items. Our group will share our love of making, creating, sewing and transforming vintage linens, materials and up-cycled fabrics into welcoming décor, one-of-a-kind jewelry and stunning artwork and gifts."

Photography by Crafts & Creations

on the lawn at Mallow Run Winery

Lively Saturday concerts & laid-back

Sunday afternoons every weekend

May 25th-September 21st.

For more information & to get your tickets to select concerts scan the QR code or visit

www.mallowrun.com

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA RICE

SOUND INVESTMENT ADVICE

Those seeking trusted guides for the road to financial freedom can benefit from the diverse backgrounds and unique skill sets of investment professionals at Bischoff Wealth Management in Greenwood.

social security, possible pensions or profits from other investment types.

"I thrive on building one-on-one relationships with clients and helping to ensure their financial needs are met," Brian assures, adding he

"CREATING A LIFE MAP INVOLVES A CLOSE REVIEW OF PERSONAL FINANCES AND AN ASSESSMENT OF OTHER BUILDING BLOCKS."

Brian Bischoff, principal/financial advisor of the firm, started his career as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Indianapolis during 1994. In 2007, he obtained his certified financial planner designation and started his own firm, Bischoff Wealth Management, partnering with Wells Fargo.

"I help clients organize their financial portfolios to very efficient levels, through inexpensive fees and effective advice that parallels their best interests. Because we're an independent registered investment firm, it's one of the benefits that allows us to advise our clients for lower fees," says Brian.

Having built his wealth management business mainly from client referrals, Brian says he proactively manages clients' conservative portions of investments in cost-effective manners.

Part of his successful formula he says comes from evaluating how best to supplement fixed incomes with diversified streams, such as dividends off stocks, interest payments from bonds,

believes communication is key to successful client relationships.

Located at 107 North State Road 135, Ste. 207, Brian says the firm's professionals guide clients through a proprietary, four-step planning process that begins with rigorous client discovery. "We discuss where you want to be financially, your goals, objectives, timeframe and risk tolerance. We go over your financial priorities, including retirement, estate planning and education. Then we create an end goal that's measurable and achievable from the information provided."

The second step involves organizing each client's investments to emphasize the reduction of investment costs and taxes.

For the third step of the investment process, Brian says they begin investing client assets using a mix of low-cost, broad-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds (typically through the Vanguard family of funds).

"In our opinion and experience, we feel the best performing funds

or investments over time are the least expensive," he says. "We highly value the certainty of what an index fund or similar based fund will deliver relative to its benchmark. We want assurance that if clients are going to take the risk associated with owning an asset class, they should also get the return. An index fund best delivers that certainty."

The fourth step includes monitoring and managing clients' portfolios. "We stay in touch with clients regularly because goals and objectives change. We want to be aware of any fluctuations professionally and personally, so we can quickly make sure clients are on course to achieve new goals," states Brian.

Brian says he actively manages client portfolios regardless of risk tolerance.

"All investments, both conservative and aggressive, have some element of volatility. We feel volatility creates opportunity. We believe in the cyclical nature of both the market and the economy. No one investment will always do well or poorly. Being disciplined in how we rebalance and invest a client’s portfolio through tax and cost efficiency is what gives our clients the best probability to achieve their financial goals," Brian says.

Handling estate planning with Brian includes parceling financial assets in the most efficient way possible, including heir designations, charitable giving and matters outlined by wills. "I assist clients

"GOOD FINANCIAL GUIDANCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE."

with getting wills and trusts current, IRA beneficiaries updated and proper titling on their assets. We take care of first things first," he assures.

When it comes to retirement planning, Brian says most clients want the ability to generate the same income range during retirement as they had when working so they can maintain the same or similar lifestyle.

Personalized plans that match clients' goals and investment time horizons in the most cost-efficient and tax-sensitive ways possible is what Brian says he monitors. "And, good financial guidance doesn’t have to be expensive," he asserts. "We know many clients don’t understand what their financial advice is costing them. We take transparency to heart. We charge nominal fees that help us protect clients' investments from erosion that can be caused by paying high fees to an advisor."

Brian is an Indiana native who attended Franklin College. He and his wife, Holly, live in Greenwood with their five children, cheering on his daughters who've been extremely active in local basketball for years, and with their youngest two, a girl and boy twins.

BISCHOFF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

317.851.9718

BischoffWealth.com

Hours: Mondays through Fridays:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: By Appointment

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Taking care of health in a complete manner through body, soul and spirit is the promise of trainers at Cornerstone Fitness Studio. Owner Paul Elmore says they offer exceptional one-on-one personal training, small group training, youth training, agility honing, metabolism reset and nutritional coaching.

"We operate the gym to help people grow in genuine love of life and other people. Fitness is a good avenue for that," Paul explains.

He adds that services also include customized strength training, diet planning and weight loss, along with supplements and meal options.

"We strive to help our clients identify lifestyles that fit their needs so they can still enjoy their lives while they reach their goals," explains Paul.

This studio in Bargersville was launched during 2019, and serves clients in Johnson and Morgan counties, specifically Bargersville, Greenwood, Center Grove, Whiteland, Franklin and Mooresville. The staff there has coached youths as young as 6 years old, as well as semiprofessional bodybuilders. They also assist people with different physical developments, such as helping a 72-year-old woman recover after back surgery and mothers with newborns who want to regain strength and slim down.

Paul says client pricing is based on the estimated number of hours someone wants to use the gym per month. He adds that flexibility in schedules and dates is intentionally built in. Clients have the convenience of being set up on auto-pay, and one month's hours can be extended to the next month, should unforeseen circumstances or schedule changes occur.

As a passionate health professional himself, Paul has a decade of experience in the fitness industry. He says his fitness journey took him from Illinois to Indiana, Florida, Ohio and then finally back to Indiana.

"In all the time I spent training in different states, one thing became very clear to me, that people need much more than just diets and exercise routines," he states, indicating he intentionally focuses on assisting clients to achieve better lives through motivation, education and leadership.

One fitness trend in 2024 is people seeking more ‘real’ plant-based foods and beverages that feature wholesome vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds and other plants, compared to ultra-processed plantbased choices.

"We take an intentional stair-step approach with incorporating plant-based foods into diets. By that, I mean we set a goal for the next level of healthy choices that each person is ready for. That way, everyone can succeed in making changes, and we celebrate each of those solid steps. Then we go on to the next level of change," Paul says.

Another fitness trend for this year is closing the protein gap for older adults.

"The objective is to have lean body mass, and that's based off of current muscle, no matter someone's age. One of our most in-shape clients is a 70-year-old man who has 12 percent body fat and who benches 300 pounds," Paul says, noting that he and this client have been working together to maintain a healthy lifestyle and fitness regimen for the past 13 years.

CONTINUED >

Gastroenterologists predict more emphasis for the remainder of this year will be devoted to well-rounded, sustainable diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, because studies indicate this comprehensive approach is the best way to eat. Paul says the Cornerstone approach has never been about fad diets. In fact, he's happy to assist clients even with the best protein options to choose at restaurants.

"We've had a lot of success in helping people learn how to eat healthier within their busy lifestyles," he adds.

Since changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, group workouts continue to return in popularity as more people crave interactions with other people and realize how important relationships, connections and having a supportive community are. Paul says they've always navigated that aspect by providing accommodating schedules or customized hours.

The Cornerstone Fitness team also provides sleep and stress management tips. "If I notice someone seems stressed out in the gym, I may ask them if everything's OK. They can open up or not, but for most people, it's helpful to have a third-party person to talk to. We've had plenty of tears in the gym, given how many of life's challenges and tragedies knock us down," Paul says.

"Along with fitness, for us, it's about relationships. We deliberately have a relaxed gym environment and oftentimes organic friendships develop. We're very honest with clients. Sometimes, consistency is the main goal. It's just how life should be," professes Paul. "We just want others to do something to better themselves and we're happy to help them learn how to move in safe, beneficial ways."

317.997.8348

CornerstoneFitnessIN.com

Personal trainer Paul Elmore customizes exercise for children, too. Photo by Dena Marks

Cornerstone Fitness Studio is located at 5080 IN-135 D, Bargersville.

DEVOTED TO MEMORABLE, GRATIFYING Florals And Gifts

STEVE'S FLOWERS

DELIVERS QUALITY DESIGNS, SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

ARTICLE BY

JULIE

BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY STEVE'S FLOWERS AND GIFTS

TEAM

Steve's spring items.

Steve's Flowers and Gifts carry so much more than flowers.

Ensuring customers are extremely satisfied is the everyday mission of Steve Huth Jr., owner of Steve's Flowers and Gifts, 2900 Fairview Place in Greenwood.

"Flowers for every design we produce are bought directly from farms, which enables us to provide very fresh flowers. We buy from local growers, such as for daffodils, lisianthus, sunflowers, zinnias or peonies. Flowers also are flown in from South America, and shipped in from Florida and California," says Steve Jr.

Another important aspect in which this florist is distinct is their artists custom-create their own designs to use in unique containers, rather than following national templates.

Steve Jr. says April and May is one of their busiest periods, given that orders come in for prom, Administrative Professionals Day, Nurses Day, Teachers' Day, graduations and Mother's Day.

This floral business was founded in 1973 by Linda and Steve Huth Sr., who is still engaged in the family operation. By 1976, they needed to move into a larger facility, and during 1982 opened a second location in Greenwood. Through expansions from 1988 to 1999, this second-generation business includes two additional locations in Indianapolis and Pendleton.

The team now provides farm-fresh florals, wreaths, gifts and plants for birthdays, weddings, special occasions, sympathy and condolence observances. Gifts span throws, boutique clothes and chimes to balloons, sculptures and gourmet packages.

"We're all about integrity and instilling confidence. Our customers receive pictures of arrangements before they're delivered," explains Steve Jr. "We show they're getting exactly what they expected."

317.787.3431

StevesFlowers.com

Steve's giftware

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

Adventure Awaits

Chance Adventure Co gives families the freedom to hit the open road in classic style.

Kelley and Sam Chance have it figured out when it comes to spending quality family time together with their two young sons, Sully, 9, and Grady, 7. They literally took a chance in 2013 and bought Stella, a 1984 Airstream Excella, as a renovation project. One family camping trip and they were hooked. Now they are true vintage Airstream enthusiasts.

They sold Stella, but the “silver bullet” calling never left and Chance Adventure Co was born. Sam had talked for years about renovating and renting Airstreams.

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLEY PHOTO

“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls.”

“Once the pandemic hit, it was now or never,” Kelley says. “We welcomed Carolina into our family, a 1983 31’ Excella, and she’s been rocking out camping trips with us and our clients since early last year. In 2020, she traveled to Yellowstone, Glacier, the Badlands, Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Indiana Dunes, Kannapolis, Kansas and more. Georgia, a 1978 31’ Sovereign Land Yacht, is currently being renovated from the frame up.”

They will be adding to their fleet soon and are adding an Airstream Renovation Workshop on their Tonganoxie property. They also have the Chance Adventure Co shop, loaded with outdoorsy inspired items.

Adventure is a part of life for this active couple, who live on 10 acres. They have horses, garden, hike, bike and explore.

“By far, our favorite thing to do as a family is travel and spend time outdoors. We hiked the three miles roundtrip, 480-foot climb to Delicate Arch when the boys were 8 and 5, biked through the Badlands, kayaking Lake Michigan. We’ve had so many incredible experiences connecting the four of us, and connecting us to nature via camping,” she says. “The boys have learned a deep appreciation and love for Mother Earth, to navigate the terrain using a compass or their own wits, to identify and care for the flora and fauna around us, and they’ve gained so much confidence and courage through it all.”

Each trailer is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each rental. Airstreams are available for rental for road trips, or they can deliver and set up at local locations.

“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls,” she says. “Making them a part of our family story just made sense.”

913-669-9251.

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

Hambone's Trivia

Chilly Water South, Center Grove | 7:00 PM

Starting in 2007, former attorney Matt 'Hambone' Hammond began writing trivia questions for friends. Now, he's the creator and owner of Hambone's Entertainment. He and his team of hosts conduct corporate events, fundraisers, public games and themed games. This particular trivia night lasts until 9 p.m. Chilly Water typically has eight to 12 beers on tap, plus a food menu.

APRIL 5TH

Grafton Peak Night Market

Grafton Peak Social Hall, Greenwood | 5:00 PM

Join an evening of fun at Grafton Peek Night Market. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as you explore a selection of locally crafted treasures from talented artisans, all proudly made in Indiana. Enjoy the bluesy tunes of Benito DiBartoli from 6-9 p.m., sip handcrafted drinks and savor delicious snacks while discovering unique finds.

APRIL 6TH-7TH

Eclipse Handmade Market

Take Root Country Store | 9:00 AM

Celebrate the 2024 Solar Eclipse with a unique lineup of 40 handmade vendors and food trucks. Plus, pick up some locally made Eclipse merch. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free parking and shuttle will be available at the Main Street and Madison Ave. parking lot.

APRIL 7TH

PreEclipse Balloon Glow

Craig Park Event Lawn | 5:00 PM

Join a night of celestial celebration from 5-9 p.m. As enthusiasts gear up for the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, a Pre-Eclipse Party is being held, which includes food, drinks, live music and hot air balloons.

APRIL 8TH

Eclipse Viewing Party

Taxman Brewing Company, Bargersville | 12:00 PM

Join an immersive experience to witness the awe-inspiring eclipse phenomenon together. In partnership with NASA and Southern Illinois University’s Eclipse Team, Taxman Bargersville will provide telescopes and complimentary eclipse glasses. Two, brand-new limited edition beers crafted for the occasion, "Totality" and "In the Black," will be launched and available in four packs to carry out to remember the day.

APRIL 8TH

Eclipse Fest

The Sycamore At Mallow Run | 11:00 AM

Gates open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for live music, food trucks, cash bar and a total eclipse viewing party. Entertainment by The Doo from 12:303:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per parking spot. Each ticket grants admission to Eclipse Fest, live music, food truck eats from The Lonely Monkey, refreshments from The Sycamore Bar, and up to four viewing glasses.

APRIL 13TH

Yoga Nidra With Acupuncture

Studio You Yoga | 1:00 PM

Using conscious deep breathing techniques can relax muscles and tendons, allowing for improved circulation and better sleep. Acupuncture points will be used to improve lung capacity and release the tendons and muscles. Ear seeds will also be applied to extend the effects of the treatment. Cost is $45, with members receiving a 10 percent discount at the front desk.

APRIL 20TH

Death And Taxes Day Beer Release & Tasting Festival

Taxman Brewing Company, Bargersville | 12:00 PM

Celebrate the spirit of Indiana's brewing scene at the Death and Taxes, where more than 45 esteemed breweries gather to showcase the best of Indiana's craft. Beyond the vast array of samples, Taxman proudly presents an exclusive brew crafted just for this occasion: Deadline, a Belgian-style stout. Go to Event.ontaptickets.com/events/death-taxes-day-2024-4-20-2024 for tickets.

APRIL 25TH

Infant CPR

Franciscan Education Center | 6:30 PM

Choking is the number one cause of death in babies. This class focuses on the lifesaving skills of infant CPR resuscitation and infant choking relief. Registration is required with the hospital. Classes fill up fast so mothers are encouraged to register by 24 weeks into their pregnancy and to start classes at 28 weeks gestation. Call 765.449.5133 with any questions.

APRIL 26TH

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

Greenwood Community Center and Craig Park Shelter | 8:00 AM

With a name like Greenwood, a love for trees comes naturally for the community. A total of 1,000 trees will be given away in honor of Arbor Day 2024. Trees will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until gone. Trees to choose from will be: Red Oak, Redbud, Tulip, Gray Dogwood and Sweet Gum.

“

Everyone from the time you enter the

is kind. They are very attentive to

needs. After a recent knee replacement they have helped me tremendously. I really enjoy going there and will hate to leave when my therapy is over. ” – Neva

events

APRIL 27TH

Rock The Block Run

Center Grove High School | 8:30 AM

Rock the Block is 10K (timed), 5K walk/ run (family-friendly) and a free Kids Run. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways to provide fun for everyone. Awards given for top finishers male and female in nine age categories for both races. Proceeds benefit organizations serving youth and families in Johnson County. To register, go to RockTheBlockRun.org.

APRIL 27TH

Greenwood

Farmers Market

525 N. Madison Ave./Greenwood

United Methodist Church | 8:00 AM

This farmers market typically boasts more than 20 vendors, ranging from dried flowers, freeze-dried treats and cupcakes to a variety of tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers and other produce. Get fresh herbs, goat milk soaps and potted plants, too. Email  greenwoodinfarmersmarket@gmail. com for a vendor list. The market concludes at noon.

SPECIAL Olympics INDIANA:

Founded in 1969, the Special Olympics Indiana program includes 18,000-plus athletes and partners with support of 10,000-plus coaches and volunteers throughout the state.

The group recently observed the 25th anniversary of its largest signature fundraiser: the Polar Plunge. One supportive bunch, Center Grove Middle School Central participants, raised $15,000 for Polar Plunge Greenwood. From 140 total plungers taking the dip, $44,000 was raised at the Greenwood event.

Plunger Jeremy Stout says his wife, Erin Stout, was first in their family to take the Plunge in 2007. He followed in 2008. "Now, our two teenage boys are involved. This year J took his fourth Plunge while Eli took his third. The Stout Squad has a total of 42 Polar Plunges combined!"

Jeremy says they host an annual Poker Plunge tournament with 50 players that raises approximately $5,000 every year. "We're thankful and lucky to have a large circle of support from many generous people and businesses in our community."

Erin adds, "It’s important students get involved in the Polar Plunge because it's a valuable lesson in giving back to community. This event allows them to experience how it feels to make the lives of others better."

Special Olympics Indiana receives no federal or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way Agency, and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations.

The group provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with different intellectual abilities/disabilities.

To support the cause, one can volunteer, financially donate or become a sponsor. Visit: SOIndiana.org or call 317.328.2000.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Investing In Power Of Sports As Catalyst For Social Change

Photo by Amber Gilcrest

Photo by Tommy Combs Concert Media