Center Grove Magazine October 2025

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25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

INDIANA’S PREMIER CELLULAR THERAPY TRANSPLANT PROGRAM

LEARN MORE OR TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

Franciscan Health IBMT is the only program in Indiana to surpass national expectations for one-year survival rates for stem cell transplants, earning a +1 rating, a rare national recognition ranked among top transplant centers in the country.

*Valid at Greenwood location only. Excludes diesels. Up to 5 quarts. Shop supplies & taxes extra. Most cars/light trucks. Cannot combine with any other offer. Present coupon at time of service to receive discount. Expires October 31, 2025.

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*Valid at Greenwood location only. Any additional parts and/or labor extra. Cannot combine with any other offer. Present coupon at time of service to receive discount. Limited time only.

KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine? TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER,

8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

CONTACT THE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AUTO

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

AUTOMOTIVE GREENWOOD (317) 740-1883 cbac.com/greenwood

KOPETSKY AUTO WASH (844) 927-4386 CG (844) 529-2833 GW kwash.com

MY BABY DETAILING (317) 360-9222 mybabydetailing.com

PRISTINE AUTO SPA (463) 300-6377 pristineautospa.com

BANKING

JCBANK (317) 884-8817 jcbank.com

BOATS & WATERCRAFT

REEDER TRAUSCH MARINE INDY (317) 786-9562 rtmindy.com

COUNSELING

SERENITY COUNSELING

COACHING CONSULTING (317) 210-0662 serenitynowllc.com

DENTAL

SAUER DENTISTRY (317) 865-1234 sauerdentistry.com

FITNESS

VICTORY STRENGTH & FITNESS (317) 721-2821 victorystrengthandfitness.net

FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

ELEVATE HEALTH (317) 708-0798 www.elevatehealthcg.com

HEALTH &

WELLNESS

JOHNSON MEMORIAL HEALTH (317) 736-3300 johnsonmemorial.org

ORTHOINDY (317) 802-2000 orthoindy.com

FRANCISCAN (317) 528-5000 franciscanhealth.org

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

COOL INTERIORS, LLC DECORATE • DECLUTTER • UNPACK • ORGANIZE (317) 223-3042 facebook.com/coolinteriorsllc

CLOSETS BY DESIGN (317) 779-3212 closetsbydesign.com

FURNITURE FAIR (800) 966-3040 www.furniturefair.net/pages/ greenwood

HOME SERVICES

DECKS BY WADSWORTH (317) 422-8888 (317) 985-3095 (text) facebook.com/p/Decks-byWadsworth-100062929073722

RAPTOR ROOFING (317) 886-0696 raptorroofing.com

VIP HOME SOLUTIONS & RESTORATION (317) 883-4847 vip-homesolutions.com

WINTERS PLUMBING (317) 696-5844 wintersplumbers.com

INSURANCE

INDIANA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE/ NEER AGENCY (317) 360-7500 x3321 infarmbureau.com/agency/owner/ Bryan-Neer-JohnsonGreenwood-IN

INVESTMENTS

JCBANK (812) 524-7965 jcbank.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

JCBANK (317) 506-7235 jcbank.com

SPA

BAYBERRY SPA (317) 893-5370 bayberryspa.com

SPORTS CG SPORTS NETWORK @cgsportsnetwork

WEDDING SERVICES

JUST THE TWO OF US WEDDING SERVICES LLC (317) 416-7777 justthetwoofus weddingservices.com

Contact Fredda Kovacs at Fredda@TownePost.com for information on how to be included in the Business & Services Directory.

OCTOBER

1-30

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE, INC. (SALI)

SALI Off Broadway Gallery, 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood 11a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays A One-Artist-Show by Indiana artist Sandy Hall exhibiting a special collection of paintings in various media. Meet Sandy Hall at the SALI Open House on Friday, October 10, 6:00 –8:00 p.m.

3-5,

10-12, 17-19, 24-26

KELSAY FARMS FALL FUN WEEKENDS

Kelsay Farms, 6848 N. County Road 250 East, Whiteland

6 – 9 p.m. Fridays; 12 – 9 p.m. Saturdays; 12 – 6 p.m. Sundays

Every weekend in October, join Kelsay Farms as they celebrate 19 years of fall fun. Enjoy the corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, jump pad, corn crib, Moo Choo, and the pumpkin patch where you can pick the perfect pumpkins and much more.

4

FALL VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FEST

237 W. Monroe St., Franklin 10 a.m. - to 5 p.m.

Stroll and shop amazing antique, vintage, and handcrafted goods in two convenient locations in Downtown Franklin -the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Young’s Creek Park and the public parking lot on East Jefferson Street. Enjoy live music and food trucks.

HARVEST FESTIVAL AT MALLOW RUN

12 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville

Celebrate the season with food trucks, wine, fall treats, live music and local vendors on the lawn.

PORCHTOBER

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Each Saturday this month, enjoy Porchtober. Bring a cooler and a chair and enjoy free live music. Meet and mingle with your neighbors. Porchtober is a free event presented by Discover Downtown Franklin. Locations vary each week. Visit festivalcountryindiana.com/ porchtober for exact weekly locations.

17

GREENWOOD MONSTER MASH

Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Rd. 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Grab your costumes and join in on the activities at Greenwood Parks Annual Halloween Party. The activities include trickor-treating, music, dancing, food and a hayride.

24

BARGERSVILLE TRUNK OR TREAT

Town Hall, 24 N. Main St. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Families are invited to dress up in costumes and see decorated car trunks and get lots of candy for the kids. Local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy from their decorated vehicles. Free admission.

31 HALLOWEEN

Experience the Farm at

Activities

NEW Corn Maze Scavenger Hunt game, Kid’s Corn Maze Story Book, Photo Opps AND New Products in the Store!

Farm Animals • 7-Acre Corn Maze

Pedal Tractor Track • Straw Bale Mountain

Baby Barnyard • Corn Crib Play Area • Hayrides Hoppy Cows • Funky Pumpkin

Human Moosball-Foosball • Jump Pad the Moo Choo Express • pumpkins!

Enjoy delicious snacks including vanilla & chocolate milkshakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, apple cider slushies, caramel apples, and more!

Shop at our Country Store, featuring Kelsay Farms merchandise, Indiana items, and other local products!

THE HOLIDAY STROLL

Sept. 26 - Oct. 26, 2025

Fridays 6-9 PM | Saturdays Noon-9 PM

Sundays Noon-6 PM

Open daily the weeks of Oct. 6 and 13 from Noon-6 PM for Fall Breaks!

General Admission is $14/person and includes ALL activities on the farm! Excludes food, pumpkins, and gift shop items. (Discounts available for groups of 25 or more. Private group bookings are also available.)

Open weekends Nov. 28 - Dec. 23. Stroll through the farm with larger-thanlife decorations, hundreds of lit trees, magical displays, over 60 di erent photo opportunities, live nativity, camp res and hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and plenty of Christmas Cheer!

Haunting historY

FRANKLIN COUPLE RESTORES CANDLELIGHT HOUSE WHILE PRESERVING ITS GHOSTLY LORE

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran

Every town has a ghost story. In Franklin, it lingers at the edge of 17 acres, beside an old family cemetery, inside a weathered brick home built in 1868. Locals call it the Candlelight House — a place where generations have whispered of flickering lights in the windows, rocking chairs that move on their own, and shadows that seem to linger long after dark.

But for Ella Casper and her husband, Adam Eichhorn, the house is more than a legend. It’s their project, their passion — and, perhaps, a little bit of their haunting, too.

“We found the Candlelight House in 2014,” Ella recalls. “My husband and I were looking for land to build a pole barn dream home and

to get back to country living. When I saw the ‘for sale’ sign, I had no idea it came with 17 acres, the Owens family cemetery, and this historic house. The moment I stepped inside — even though it was boarded up, dark and dusty — I smelled that old musty scent of history. If you’ve been in a historic home, you know the smell. It instantly felt like home, and I wanted to save it.”

For Adam, the pitch was a little more practical.

“What I told him,” Ella laughs, “was: I found land. Now, there’s an old house on the land that can be my lifelong project to restore — we can’t live in it. But if we can purchase the property, we can build your pole barn shop for all your hobbies. He was sold and said yes —

sight unseen.”

They closed on the house on Ella’s birthday in January 2015.

“It was meant to be,” she says. “Though we had no idea what we were getting into.”

At first, the couple didn’t realize they’d bought one of Franklin’s most infamous landmarks.

“Adam’s boss told him that only out-of-towners would buy ‘Franklin’s haunted house,’” Ella recalls. “We had no idea it came with that kind of folklore. But the more we talked to people, the more we learned — stories of lights in the windows, eyes in the basement, knocks and noises, even a rocking chair moving on its

Advanced cancer care focused on you.

After a cancer diagnosis, you want to know your care team is following the right treatment plan for you. That’s why we’ve partnered with Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center. Together, we’re bringing a new level of cancer care to Indiana. So you can simply focus on getting better.

Byron H., patient

AGING BOLDLY

CELEBRATING VITALITY, HEALTH & LIFELONG ACHIEVEMENT

In 2025, America reaches a remarkable milestone: more people will celebrate their 65th birthday this year than ever before. This is largely driven by the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964. Familiar names include Cal Ripken, Hugh Grant, Rick Savage of Def Leppard, and Jennifer Grey — “Baby” from the iconic film, “Dirty Dancing.”

To say “today’s 65 isn’t what it used to be” is an understatement. Today’s seniors are healthier, more active and living longer than any generation before. They’re running marathons, still active in their careers or launching second ones, exploring new hobbies and traveling the world. Far from slowing down, they’re stepping into a chapter filled with vitality, purpose and possibilities.

This holds true for folks right here in our community.

David Cook, 78, ran the 500 Festival Mini Marathon for the 38th time this year. A 1965 Greenwood High School graduate, Cook started running in 1982 “just to stay in shape,” and is still running every day.

“Staying active, socializing and making new friends is vital to good health and longevity,” Cook says.

He practices what he preaches by traveling the world with a couple of groups of longtime friends, playing trumpet in the Greater Greenwood Community Band, attending his grandchildren’s activities and maintaining monthly lunches with colleagues from the 1970s.

As if all that is not enough, Cook and his fiancé, Miss Peggy, will make it official in just a few weeks.

Cindy Crafton, featured in the April 2025 issue, celebrated two milestones this year – her 70th birthday and a 50-year career of being a flight attendant. Her career continues to carry her to dozens of countries across the globe, criss-crossing time zones and wildly varying climates as well as passengers, but she remains as enthusiastic today as she was as a 20-year-old in 1975.

“There is so much more I want to do and I’m not slowing down,” Crafton says.

The Indiana State Games at the 2025 National Senior Games had several participants from Johnson County – Ruth Everson (86) and Janet (61) and Leja Simpson from Greenwood, Joe Shumaker (74) from Franklin, and Thomas Marcotte (77) from Nineveh.

Competing against women in her division of 85-89, Everson won Gold in the 5K Run, 10K Run and 5K Power Walk. Janet Simpson placed 7th in Women’s 60-64 in a very competitive Bowling Singles competition. The Indiana State Games is open to any 50-plus Indiana resident. Visit Indianastategames.org for more information.

These folks prove that you’re not just getting older, you’re getting bolder. And the right choices in Medicare will help support that.

Whether you’re newly retired, planning to work a few more years or somewhere in between, understanding your Medicare

options is essential to protecting your health—and your wallet.

But with multiple parts, enrollment deadlines and supplemental plans to consider, Medicare can feel overwhelming at first glance. While the system is designed to support you, the options — Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap plans, Advantage plans — can be confusing at first glance.

For help, we’ve turned to the local experts, Easy Street Insurance, to demystify Medicare and empower you to make smart, confident choices. From understanding the basics to avoiding enrollment missteps, they’ll help you navigate the process with clarity and ease, just as they have for hundreds of your friends and family members over the past years.

SENIOR SUCCESS

John Pemberton, a pharmacist, invented Coca Cola at age 65. His creation became one of the most successful and popular products worldwide.

Colonel Harland Sanders faced many failures before success. In his 60s, he perfected a fried chicken recipe now known to the world as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first book at 65, based on her childhood. Her Little House books became classics, earning her significant wealth and popularity late in life.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president at age 76 after 27 years in prison. His leadership changed a nation and influenced the world.

FREE ESTIMATES

MEDICARE MADE EASIER

EASY STREET INSURANCE IS READY!

Halloween is on its way with its share of frights. One thing that shouldn’t inspire terror is navigating the changes to Medicare for 2026. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starts October 15 and runs through December 7th.

Easy Street Insurance in Indianapolis is ready to help guide folks through what they call a “complex maze of options.”

Easy Street Insurance owners, Jess and

Sandra Carrasquillo, have been helping seniors understand the shifting Medicare Advantage market since its inception in 2006. They and their team have been preparing for AEP by certifying with the carriers and learning about the plans that will be offered for 2026.

Carriers are feeling more pressure as they cover an influx of seniors and the rising cost of medical treatment. To manage the bottom line, carriers are reducing some of

the ancillary benefits many seniors have come to expect. However, some companies are coming out with more robust options. This is a good year to take a deep look at your current coverage and see what else is available in your area.

Original Medicare, paired with a Medicare supplement, will continue to have the same coverage as it has for many years. The cost of Medicare supplements continues to rise, squeezing some seniors’ budgets.

“No Cost. No Pressure. Just Sound Advice.”

Check out the new Indiana Birthday Rule effective January 1, 2026, discussed later in this article.

How Easy Street Insurance Is Preparing

In response to the expected changes, Easy Street Insurance began reaching out to its clients over the summer.

“We’re using a mix of emails, texts, voicemails, and other technology to ensure we’re communicating effectively,” Jess says. “We’re gathering detailed information, like a list of their medications, doctors and preferred pharmacies, so we are ready on October 15 to help them select the right option. This proactive approach is necessary so that our team of agents can assist people more efficiently with their Medicare needs.”

The Carrasquillos say more seniors are becoming computer-savvy, which is a powerful help.

“It’s possible to go online to pick a plan with a company, but without having adequate industry knowledge, selfresearch might not be enough,” Jess says. “With us doing this for more than 25 years, with all the contacts we have with the insurance companies, we become an advocate for our clients, and they trust and depend on us year after year. People stay with us because we take care of them. If a plan changes, we don’t just let them figure it out on their own — we alert them. For example, we might say, ‘Your plan has worked well for the last several years, but this year there are additional options available for you.’”

Disruptions and Why Professional Help Matters

Finding the right agency to work with is especially important now because of disruptions in the marketplace. New carriers have entered Central Indiana, while others have left. That’s the disruption.

“Navigating all of that requires help from someone who knows the industry,” Jess says. “It’s similar to working with an accountant, a lawyer, or even your home and auto insurance agent — having a professional on your side makes all the difference.”

Sandra and Jess also want to offer a word of caution, as scam artists are getting more sophisticated at going after unsuspecting Medicare recipients.

“Sometimes a senior answers a call or calls a number from an ad,” Sandra says. “They provide their Medicare number and (unknowingly), agree to being enrolled in a new plan, then they realize later they made a big mistake. It can take several weeks or months to work with Medicare to get everything straightened out and restore their original coverage. It’s a lot of work, and stressful for clients.”

Recently a client in Florida contacted Easy Street, saying a claim was denied because they did not have coverage.

Naomi, Justin, Avery, Jess, Sandra, Levi, Julie, Denise

“We Make Medicare Easy”

“When we checked, we discovered they had been disenrolled from their Advantage plan as of June 30 without their knowledge,” Sandra says. “They had reverted to Original Medicare, but they were missing benefits and even lost their Part B premium giveback — about $185 a month in income — because of it.”

Scams are becoming more common, which is why it is critical to have an advocate whom you can trust.

Help with Medicare Sign-Up

In recent years, with the need for added security, it has become a bigger challenge for someone to sign up for Medicare, which is where the Easy Street team can step in and help.

“Many people don’t have their Social Security accounts set up, and now, because

of fraud concerns, the process requires more verification,” Sandra says. “You must upload a photo of your driver’s license (front and back) and even take a live photo of yourself to confirm your identity. It is much more secure and stricter than before, so we’re seeing more people coming to us for help with enrolling in Medicare before they can even get to the steps to select the right Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. To qualify for either choice, they first need to enroll in Medicare parts A and B.”

Indiana Birthday Rule

Although it does not go into effect until January 1, 2026, Easy Street Insurance wants to make you aware of an upcoming legislative change available to seniors in Indiana that have a Medicare Supplement plan.

Legislation was signed that allows people

on Medicare Supplements to change from one insurance carrier to another during a 60-day window starting on their birthday. This is exciting for those who have been stuck in old policies that have become unaffordable. The rule allows a person to switch to a different carrier’s version of the same plan (i.e.; a Plan G to a Plan G or a Plan F to a Plan F, etc.) for a potentially lower monthly premium rate with no health underwriting during the 60-day period following their birthday.

This means an 85-year-old senior who has a Supplement policy, paying $300 or $400 a month could move to another carrier and hopefully get a lower rate. Currently, to change to another carrier and a lower rate, a senior must pass medical underwriting.

If they have significant health issues they

could be declined and stuck with their existing coverage and its ever-increasing yearly premium. In 2026, carriers will not

As we approach the Medicare sign-up period for 2026 (Oct. 15–Dec 7, 2025), the Easy Street team is working tirelessly

Medicare.gov, 1800MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

JEWELL LAW OFFICE LLC

Working with law firms can be stressful, so much so that many people put it off until it’s absolutely necessary. This is especially true in areas like elder law and estate planning, where thinking ahead and planning for the inevitable can feel daunting.

Jewell Law Office LLC (JLO) was created to change that. Founded by Kimberly Jewell in November 2020, JLO focuses on removing the anxiety and complexity from the legal process.

Jewell began her career in financial planning but discovered her true calling in law, and she hasn’t looked back since.

JLO handles all aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced health care directives. Additionally, it also focuses on long-term care planning. This means helping families protect their assets while still qualifying for the care they need.

“Nobody really wants to think about estate planning, and nobody wants to talk about it,” Jewell says. “I always joke that nobody actually wants to see me, and I don’t take it personally. The only person they probably want to see less is the funeral director. That said, I promise I don’t bite, and most people tell me the process is surprisingly painless.

My goal is always to make it as easy as possible.”

Planning for the future can feel intimidating, but it is an essential step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Life is unpredictable, and the consequences of being unprepared can be overwhelming. Taking the time now to plan ahead ensures that you are ready for whatever challenges may come.

“Right now, only about 30% of people have estate plans in place,” Jewell says. “But having the right documents is absolutely essential if something unexpected happens, like a heart attack or a stroke, because it makes it possible for loved ones to step in and help without unnecessary stress or delay.”

In addition to this, JLO offers assistance with the Medicaid application process. A process that can often be confusing and discouraging.

“Many people think you have to be completely broke to qualify for Medicaid assistance, but that’s not true,” Jewell says. “In many cases, we can help people qualify while preserving a significant portion of their assets. For a single or widowed

individual, we can typically protect about 50% of their assets, and for married couples, we can often preserve 90–95%. There’s a lot of misinformation about Medicaid, so I want people to know that they have options to protect their assets while still qualifying for the care they need.”

Looking ahead, Jewell and the team at JLO will seek to build the firm further and help as many Hoosier families as they can to prepare for their futures.

“One of my biggest tips to families is this: yes, it costs money to hire an attorney, but having well-drafted estate planning documents in place usually saves money, time and stress in the long run and ensures your plans protect you for life,” Jewell says.

If you would like more information about Kimberly or Jewell Law Office LLC, visit its website at jewellelderlaw.com or call 317-705-8805.

NEED A NEW HIP?

JMH offers new, less invasive hip replacement surgery

Say goodbye to hip pain with Anterior Hip Replacement surgery at Johnson Memorial Health

Are you struggling with hip pain that’s preventing you from living your best life? Johnson Memorial Health is proud to offer anterior hip replacement surgery, a cutting-edge procedure designed to get you back on your feet faster and with less post-operative pain.

Here’s why patients choose JMH for anterior hip replacement surgery:

• Minimally Invasive Approach: smaller incision, less muscle disruption, quicker recovery.

• Greater Precision: Dr. St. Germain, fellowship-trained in total join replacement surgery, utilizes OrthoGrid AI-assisted technology.

• Personalized Care: our compassionate team is focused on your unique needs, from consultation to recovery.

• Close to Home: world-class care, conveniently located here in Franklin.

Nicholas St. Germain, MD

ADDING HEART TO SENIOR CARE

LifeSpan Companion Care

Sometimes, care isn’t just about medical needs. It’s about a friendly face at the door, someone to share a laugh with, or a companion who truly listens to your loved one’s stories. CarDon & Associates makes this possible through LifeSpan Companion Care — a state-licensed, non-medical personal service.

“LifeSpan was created to allow our clients to receive high-quality, compassionate care in the comfort of their home,” said Jennifer Devitt, Director of Residential Operations at CarDon. “That includes their own private homes as well as our independent living, assisted living, memory care, or long-term care communities.”

More than help — it’s connection.

Our caregivers don’t just check daily tasks off a list. They take time to get to know your loved one, learning what makes them smile and what makes them feel secure. After an in-depth interview and assessment, we match each senior with a caregiver who feels like family.

HERE’S SOME OF THE HELP WE CAN PROVIDE:

Personal Care

• Bathing, dressing, and hygiene

• Medication reminders

• Incontinence assistance

Meals Made Easy

• Planning and preparing favorite meals

• Feeding assistance when needed

Around the House

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Grocery shopping and errands

• Pet care

• Organizing mail and bill paying

Getting Out and About

• Walking or wheelchair assistance

• Trips to appointments, events, or worship

• Encouragement during activities or exercise

Companionship

• Looking through photo albums

• Listening to favorite songs

• Scrapbooking and memory-sharing

Specialized Dementia Care

• Safety support

• Helping with personal interactions — from phone calls to special occasions

• Encouraging participation in meaningful life moments

“CarDon is living up to the continuum of care it promises through the addition of LifeSpan,” Devitt said. “Companion caregivers can serve as families’ eyes and ears, reporting back on their loved ones’ health conditions and transitioning them to more specialized medical care, if necessary.”

LifeSpan Companion Care is also part of the Indiana PathWays for Aging program, which helps many Hoosiers aged 60 and older receive care at home — often at a much lower cost than other options.

It’s peace of mind for you and dignity for your loved one.

“Companion Care puts a face on the idea of aging in place,” Devitt said. “It’s the face of caregivers who ensure seniors’ safety and independence wherever they call home.”

For more information about LifeSpan Companion Care, visit www.lifespanservices.us, email info@lifespan-cc.us or call (317) 333-8240.

65 IN 2025 ATHLETES CROSSWORD

ACROSS

4. Frank, MLB pitcher and 1988 AL Cy Young Award winner

6. “Buster”, 1990 undisputed world heavy-weight champion

7. Juli, winner of 31 LPGA events, including seven major championships

9. Al, 1984 Olympic gold medal winning triple jumper and brother of Jackie

10. Greg, 1984 and 1988 Olympic gold medal winning diver

12. Brisko-Hooks, 1984 Olympic gold medal winner in the 200, 400, and 400m relay

13. NFL Pro Hall of Famer Eric

18. Baltimore Orioles “Iron Man” Cal

19. Kent, MLB player for the Minnesota Twins

21. Jane, winner of 11 LPGA

Tour events and two major championships

23. Mark, 1992 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year

25. Andy, winner of 5 Gold Gloves

27. Chicago Bears Super Bowl MVP Richard DOWN

1. Davis, 3-time World Series champ and switchhitter born Charles Theodore

2. Roger, right-handed relief pitcher for the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers, Orioles

3. Buffalo Bills QB Jim

5. Paul, winner of 12 PGA Tour events and Captain of the 2008 Ryder Cup team

8. Mary Beth, 4-time LPGA winner

11. “Saxie” of MLB

13. Atlanta Hawks NBA AllStar Wilkins

14. Mark, winner of 13 PGA Tour events

15. Williams, NBA forward for the Trail Blazers and Knicks

16. Allen, 1981 Heisman Trophy winner

17. Last name of MLB’s “HoJo”

20. Kyle of NASCAR

22. Joe, 1993 Toronto Blue Jays player and World Series champ

24. Legendary Denver Broncos QB

26. Czech-American tennis great, Ivan

Answers will be posted on the Center Grove Magazine Facebook page on October 5.

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TROJAN POWER

CENTER GROVE TEAMS CHARGE TOWARD POSTSEASON GLORY

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

Football: Trojans Chase Sixth State Title

Center Grove football has stormed into the 2025 season ranked No. 2 in Indiana. The Trojans have dominated the early slate, starting with a 24-6 season-opening win at Warren Central. A week later, they survived a tough road test at Fort Wayne Carroll, winning 35-24. The Trojans thrilled the home crowd with a 55-0 rout of Marion in the first meeting against the Giants in the home opener.

Center Grove maintained its momentum the following week with a 63-35 win at home over Ben Davis.

The Trojans, led by head coach Eric Moore in his 27th season, have already etched themselves into Indiana high school football history. Moore has guided Center Grove to five state championships. This fall, the Trojans aim to capture a sixth crown, beginning with a challenging October schedule: Homecoming against Indianapolis Cathedral on Oct. 3,

followed by Lawrence North on Oct. 10, and a road trip to Bloomington South on Oct. 17.

The IHSAA Class 6A tournament begins on Halloween night with the sectional semifinals.

Volleyball: Tradition Meets New Energy

The Center Grove volleyball team is peaking at the right time, riding confidence-boosting wins over Johnson County rival Franklin (3-0) and southside rival Roncalli (3-1).

For head coach Jennifer Hawk, the Roncalli victory was significant, given the team’s recent

Photography / Amit Munjall & Tony Pironello

struggles in the rivalry.

“I was so proud of the girls,” Hawk says. “They stayed determined and stuck to the game plan and executed. I threw a new lineup at them, and they adapted so well. I’m extremely proud of them.”

The program also celebrated a milestone this season, marking the 25th anniversary of the school’s 2000 state championship, the only girls volleyball state title in Center Grove history. Hawk, who was a player on that team, reflected on the accomplishment.

“Being behind 7-14 in the third set and going on a 9-0 run to win the title is a story I’ll never forget,” she says. “Celebrating those memories reminded us what sports are all about.”

This year’s squad is hungry to create its own lasting memories. With postseason play beginning in mid-October, the Trojans’ chemistry and resilience could propel them toward another title run.

Girls Golf: Peaking at the Right Time

Ranked in the top 10 statewide all season, Center Grove girls golf has made steady progress. The Trojans placed second in both the Johnson County Tournament and their own Trojan Classic, fueled by improved shortgame execution.

Head coach Tyler Strako praised the team’s development.

“To start the year, we couldn’t hit a pitch shot or chip to save our lives,” Strako says. “Now it’s one of our stronger aspects. We’re always spotting a few yards off the tee, so I told the girls we can’t be weak inside 100 yards. Wedge work and putting have become our strengths.”

Leadership has also been crucial. Strako credited Zoe Land and Olivia Alvey for setting the tone in practices.

“They’ve really led by example and raised the standard,” he says.

With momentum building, the Trojans are eyeing a top-five finish in the state tournament.

Boys Cross Country: Rising With Experience

Center Grove boys cross country has turned heads with strong showings, including first-place finishes at both the Franklin Invite and the Terre Haute Invite. At Franklin, the Trojans edged Columbus North, 48-53, capitalizing on a rare opportunity when the state’s top-ranked team rested some of its runners.

Head coach Howard Harrell says his squad seized the moment.

“We established ourselves early and competed well down the stretch for a narrow five-point victory,” Harrell says.

At Terre Haute, Center Grove beat Fishers 42-49, proving the program’s depth and resilience. Harrell believes the team’s senior leadership will determine how far the Trojans advance in October’s state tournament.

Girls Cross Country: Steady Progress

The Center Grove girls cross country team, led by head coach Wes Dodson, continues to grow stronger against elite competition. The Trojans placed second at the Franklin Invite and fifth at the Terre Haute Invite, showing consistency in a deep field of contenders. With steady improvement, the team is well-positioned to make noise when the postseason begins in midOctober.

Boys Tennis: Depth and Determination

A year removed from finishing state runner-up, Center Grove boys tennis has reloaded with new energy and significant results. The Trojans captured titles at the CG Extravaganza and the Jasper Invite, while also making program history by winning two varsity matches at once — sweeping Jeffersonville 5-0 and defeating Bloomington North 4-1 simultaneously.

Head coach David Beasley credited the group’s balance.

“That moment showed our depth,” he says. “We can rely on players up and down the lineup to step in and perform.”

With leaders like Yuvraj Dasari and Jack Dybwad, alongside emerging talents such as Louis Teed, Austin Crow, Alexander Kandris, Maanav Kamath and Johnny Cracraft, the Trojans are blending experience with new contributors.

“Our goal is the same as always,” Beasley says. “Compete at the highest level and give ourselves a chance to be back on that final weekend.”

Girls Soccer: Aiming for Another Deep Run

The Center Grove girls soccer program is ranked in the top five of the Class 3A state poll, determined to build on last year’s runner-up finish. The Trojans claimed the Panther Classic title at Evansville Mater Dei and have earned impressive wins over East Central, Bloomington South and Columbus North. The team has its eyes set firmly on a return to the state finals in October.

Boys Soccer: Battle-Tested for the Postseason

The Center Grove boys soccer team embraces one of the most demanding schedules in Indiana, and it has paid off with big wins over Roncalli, Columbus North and Guerin Catholic. The challenging competition has prepared the Trojans for October’s state tournament.

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