BROWNSBURG TEEN RISES IN CHESS RANKINGS WHILE INSPIRING GIRLS
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812 KEY CONTRIBUTORS
MELISSA GIBSON JEFF LUCKEY AMY PAYNE
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
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PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS EDITOR JOSH BROWN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
Queen’s Gambit
BROWNSBURG TEEN RISES IN CHESS RANKINGS WHILE INSPIRING GIRLS
Writer / Melissa Gibson
tPhotographer / Amy Payne
At just 8 years old, Laura Escobar joined the chess club at her elementary school — and little did she know she’d fall in love with the game.
“It interested me because it was an intellectual activity. You could display creativity and gain many skills. I was a curious kid, and I wanted to join right away,” Escobar says.
It was in that elementary school club that Escobar learned the basics of the game. Today, the Brownsburg High School sophomore has earned titles like the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Indiana State Champion through Scholastic Chess of Indiana and the Indiana State Chess Association.
She won the Indianapolis Fall League in 2024, going undefeated against recognized state players, and most recently took 16th place in the Pan American Youth Chess Championship in Lima, Peru, among the top female players in North America and the Caribbean islands. It’s been a lot of work and dedication to get to where she is at 16 years old.
“I began taking chess lessons with coaches and eventually participated in tournaments every week,” Escobar says. “If I’m not at a tournament, I’m constantly training at home.” The basic tournament in Indianapolis, Escobar says, is a great way to gain ratings and perfect her skills against other skilled players. Once or twice per month, larger statewide tournaments can occur, and twice per year, international tournaments are held.
You’ve likely seen it in a movie — two people sitting across a chess board with a chess clock on the side. Games can be played in any established increment: a blitz game in three minutes to a classical, international game played in 90 minutes.
Each player is allotted a certain amount of time, and the faster they hit the clock, seconds are added back. Essentially, a player could be winning the board, but if they’re too slow on the clock, they’ll lose the game overall.
“There can be time pressure, and that can be frustrating, but it requires strategy and quick
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thinking. If not for the time constraints, you could think about it forever,” Escobar adds. Training helps her make plans and strategy, but it never goes exactly as expected.
“You have to know what to do and when to do it, but your opponent is also trying to prevent you from accomplishing your plan,” she says. “So, you also have to be flexible. The flexibility allows you to move forward because the first thing didn’t work. You don’t want to keep pushing something that isn’t working.”
She has a rating that ranges between 1,800 and 2,000. Each game moves the rating slightly higher or lower. Professionals are typically rated around 2,000, and those who reach 2,200 are considered a national master.
“There are peaks and valleys,” Escobar says. “You start out at zero, and at the basic level, you’re around 1,000. I’m around 1,800 right now, and my goal by the end of the year is to hit 2,000.”
The national championship in Peru this summer was an experience that might have
discouraged some but only inspired Escobar. “It was an intense experience,” she says. “It’s the hardest tournament I’ve played in my life, and it’s great just to have gone. I didn’t get the high results I was expecting, but I am satisfied with how I played. I was playing better than ever in my life, but every game really teaches me not only about the game but also about myself. Sometimes, the hardest part is not losing but maintaining your self-confidence after losing. It hurts when your best is not enough to win the game, but you have to move on.”
In fact, chess is full of life lessons and true-tolife experiences.
Not only does it require focus, time management, strategic thinking and academic discipline, just like any sport, the game prompts self-confidence, determination and more.
“I love how chess mirrors life,” Escobar says. “There are ups and downs. You’re going to lose sometimes, but you go on to the next game with your best mentality and your best self. No matter what happened yesterday, here you are today, and you can prove yourself again.”
She says the life lessons have shaped her into the person she is today, and she’s inspired to give back to young women, passing her love of chess to the next generation.
“Chess has always been a sport for men,” Escobar says. “Just recently, the world has begun to recognize women and their skill in chess. Less than 10% of players around the world are female, and we need to change that. If I can do that for my community, I will.”
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She volunteers with Pawns to Queens (P2Q), an initiative for young girls launched in January 2025 in Indianapolis.
“The girls are eager to learn, and it’s great to be able to motivate them,” Escobar says. “One day, one of the girls said she will beat me even though I’m the best chess player in the world. That makes me smile to this day. I want them to see they can reach their goals, and I hope we continue this program.”
She’s also planning to propose a program to Brownsburg Community School Corporation (BCSC) to benefit Brownsburg students.
“I’d love to teach free online classes to girls, developing a dynamic academic chess program for growth and achievement, authorized and regulated by BCSC. I want to help promote women in chess,” Escobar says. “There are so many benefits. It helps you visualize your future, see patterns, calculate, and it promotes brain connections. Just like in life, one decision can change the whole thing.”
HEROES AMONG US
SUSIE’S PLACE HONORS COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Writer / Melissa Gibson
They play a critical role in investigating child abuse and neglect, providing forensic interviews for children in a child-first facility. They also work to promote prevention, justice and healing for young victims of abuse and violence.
At Susie’s Place, you can imagine the number of staff, partnerships and volunteers it takes to make the much-needed service a reality. This fall, they’ll once again celebrate those heroes — law enforcement, prosecutors, volunteers and others — at their annual Superhero Celebration.
“This event started around 15 years ago when we were doing a masquerade gala with the Avon Kiwanis Club, but as it grew, it became our largest fundraiser of the year,” says Founder and Executive Director Emily Perry. “In the past five or six years, I think it’s become a signature
event for Hendricks County.”
It may have started with a masquerade ball theme, and the superhero title might have you thinking about a favorite Halloween costume, but that’s not the type of event they’re putting on. Instead, it’s cocktail attire and celebrating the everyday people who have become superheroes to youth in the county.
“It takes an entire community that cares about kids to come together when we see these acts of kindness that end up as superhuman things,” Perry says. “We’re making such a difference in the lives of kids in big and small ways that eventually make a big impact.”
The Crane Bay’s Crystal Catering will provide a sit-down, served dinner to guests. There will be unique items and experiences offered at the live and silent auctions. One of the packages up for auction this year is a private
dinner with former Colts Coach Tony Dungy at Cunningham Restaurant Group’s Vida.
In addition, the popular Dessert Dash will return.
“We are the originator of the Dessert
Dash,” Perry says. “We have beautiful cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more donated from bakeries all around central Indiana. There are about 50 of them on display in the middle of the room, and our guests bid for the dessert they want. That alone raises between $25,000 and $35,000 each year. It’s a huge part of our
popular offering — a bourbon and cigar tasting in the outdoor area.
“It has a little bit of a speakeasy vibe to it, and I think it’s a fun part that many look forward to throughout the evening,” Perry says. Most of all, those at Susie’s Place want to
ways through donations or volunteering or through the work that they do,” Perry says. “Our local law enforcement, for example, have truly dedicated their lives to protecting our children.”
While the Superhero Celebration is a
Director, Emily Perry
“We only release around 30 individual tickets, but we know some people like to snag those up, so we make them available as the event date gets closer,” Perry says.
Proceeds from ticket sales, the Dessert Dash and the silent auction provide the nonprofit with general operating funds for all three advocacy centers each year.
The Avon location opened in 2009, Bloomington opened in 2011 and Terre Haute opened in 2017.
Of course, financial support is always needed, but Perry says there are other ways the community can help.
“One of the things we’ve really been trying to inspire in the community is to get educated,” she says. “We need people willing to come to community trainings and outreach so they can be those superheroes for kids. If a kid needs help, if they are scared or in danger, so few adults are prepared or equipped for that moment. We’d love to see our community members hosting these conversations at their church groups, moms’ clubs, civic clubs and others.”
Perry says the dangers of young people’s interactions online, as well as hands-on abuse and maltreatment, have created staggering statistics. Susie’s Place is seeing the need for educated volunteers grow.
They’re also looking for volunteers and groups to help clean, organize or restock at the facility. Groups can schedule a one-time event or develop an ongoing relationship with the staff to share their gifts and talents.
In 2024, Susie’s Place served 1,306 children across its three locations who were victims of crimes. They also worked with more than 100,000 children in their K-12 educational programs in schools across Hendricks County and beyond.
The Superhero Celebration at Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis is Oct. 4. Table sponsorships are available now, and individual tickets will be on sale soon. Visit susiesplace. org/events for more information.
SEPTEMBER
Submit Your Events!
3
EVERY WEDNESDAY WILD WEDNESDAYS
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 US Highway 136
Want to go fast? Want to see how your vehicle compares to others? Wild Wednesdays are open to all makes and models. Just bring your favorite car. visithendrickscounty.com
5
INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 N. Pennsylvania St. 7:30 p.m.
Cheer on the Fever for Opening Night of an exciting season. ticketmaster.com
SPECIAL EVENT: COREY HOLCOMB
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St. Biography Video Website Click Showtime To Purchase visit indianapolis.heliumcomedy.com.
6
BILLY CURRINGTON & KIP MOORE: LIVE IN CONCERT
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. 7 p.m.
Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).
COLTS 5K
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue 8 a.m.-noon
Celebrate the Return of Football and Finish on the 50! The 13th annual Colts 5K, presented by Ascension St. Vincent, is back and bigger than ever — now part of Home Opener Weekend!
SPECIAL EVENT: COREY HOLCOMB
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St. Biography Video Website Click Showtime To Purchase indianapolis.heliumcomedy.com
7
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue 1 p.m.
14
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. DENVER BRONCOS
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue 4:05 p.m.
19 CODY JINKS - THE HIPPIES AND COWBOYS TOUR
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. 7 p.m.
20
PLAINFIELD SKY DANCE
Hummel Park Performing Arts Center, 5373 Sugar Grove Rd.
7-9 p.m.
townofplainfield.com
25
IU INDIANAPOLIS JAGUARS WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. WRIGHT STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER
Carroll Stadium, 1001 West New York Street
7 p.m.
2025 IU Indianapolis Jaguars Women’s Soccer Season. Tickets are digital only and it is recommend all fans purchase in advance through Ticketmaster or IUIndyJags.com/tickets.
LEE BRICE: WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT TOUR 2025
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
7 p.m.
Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).
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THE MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Noon, 7 p.m.
Doors open one hour before the show.
PAPA ROACH & RISE AGAINST: RISE OF THE ROACH TOUR
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
7 p.m.
Blankets, tarps, and lawn chairs are not permitted for this event.
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THE MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Noon, 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
Doors open one hour before the show.
VENTRILOQUIST
DARCI LYNNE AT MAD HATTER
Mad Hatter Shows, 916 E. Main St. | 7-9 p.m.
Actor/singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne was 12 years old when she paired her love of music with ventriloquy to hit the prime time stage and capture the hearts of audiences around. festivalcountryindiana.com
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THE MURAT SHRINE CIRCUS
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
Doors open one hour before the show.
FULL-THROTTLE FUN
ANNUAL 4-WHEEL JAMBOREE REVS UP IN A NEW LOCATION
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jeff Luckey
Monster trucks, 4x4s, custom trucks or the daily driver – if you have something with four-wheel drive, you can join the fun at the annual 4-Wheel Jamboree this September. If you don’t, don’t let that stop you. There’s plenty to see for spectators too.
The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals will come to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Complex Center for the first time this fall after more than 30 years at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Chief Revenue Officer at Events Inc., Andy Knapp, says to think of it as a motorsports event meets a truck show meets the world’s largest tailgate party.
“This event is really for anyone who likes an outdoor festival,” he says. “By September, the festival season is starting to slow down, and it’s like an end-of-summer celebration at an incredible venue.”
Monsters of Destruction (M.O.D.) will be on hand with seven monster trucks and four shows over the weekend.
On Friday, monster trucks will qualify for the racing brackets and compete in a Best Trick competition. Saturday will feature monster truck racing rounds up to the semifinals, followed by
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all seven trucks competing in Freestyle. Sunday will cap off the event with the final round of monster truck racing, followed by two-truck tandem freestyle performances.
On Saturday, the Indiana Pulling League and Indiana Truck Pullers Association will showcase four classes of big machines and compete for a full pull and a spot in the Pull-Off finale.
With multiple events happening over the three-day weekend, perhaps what’s most unique is that the average truck enthusiast can get involved too. Register beforehand if you want to see just what kind of power your truck or 4x4 has compared to a competitor.
“The Mud Bog is a four-foot, soupy mud pit. We do six different types of truck classifications throughout the weekend, and the goal is to get all the way through it with your vehicle and also to
be the fastest,” Knapp says.
The Tuff Trucks competition invites drivers to try their hand at the monster truck course with their own truck. Both Stock and Modified Stock will compete. Competitors make a timed qualifying pass in each lane, with those times setting the field for eliminations.
The Side X Side racing is popular too. Bring your UTV and test your equipment and driving skills against another Side X Side
in two-seat and four-seat classes.
Monetary prizes will be awarded for the Tuff Trucks and Side X Side competitions, but that’s not all.
“We have a burnout competition sponsored by Yokohama and Tire Rack, and that’s always fun,” Knapp adds. “People burn out their tires down to nothing
for a chance to win a set of tires.”
For those who don’t want to burn out their tires or drag their truck through the mud, there’s a category for you too – the ShowN-Shine.
Awards include Best Make, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engineered and more.
Not only is it fun to show off your favorite four-wheel-drive vehicle, but all of the events your average truck enthusiast can join come with some sort of recognition and can even lead to cash prizes.
“People enjoy participating in the events because they can go home with money or trophies or in-kind products,” Knapp adds. “We have a lot of merchandise vendors and companies that donate prizes too.”
With all of the events testing the limits of vehicles both professional and amateur, there’s another entire show going on outside of the arena.
Car fans can check out the most recent developments in restoring, modifying and caring for the vehicle you own or hope to own someday among the dozens of specialty vendors set up all weekend long, or you may just enjoy the food and entertainment.
“There will be 60 different vendors with all kinds of fair-like food,” Knapp says. “There are always more than 2,000 trucks on display. Some of them are $100,000 trucks or more, and others are the typical daily driver. All of those are professionally judged. Visitors will be able to check out the latest and greatest in manufacturers. It’s the best of both worlds.”
All 4x4s are welcome, even if you don’t want to participate in a competition or the Show-N-Shine. A cruise route is established, and throughout the day, hosts expect to see trucks cruising around all weekend. Think of it as a parade of off-road enthusiasts.
In addition, visitors and participants can camp at the fairgrounds over the weekend. With easy access to the live shows and vendor row, it’s an entire weekend full of fun and 4-wheels.
Knapp says the hosts at Events Inc. are looking forward to the change in venue and believe fans of the event will enjoy it too.
“One of the reasons we moved to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds was the absolutely beautiful, shaded property,” he says. “I think, if anything, we’ll increase our attendance numbers. We’re really excited to be here in 2025.”
The 44th annual 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals is Sept. 19-21 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Complex Center. Visit 4wheeljamboree.com/event/fall/ for a complete schedule or to register for your favorite event.
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