JULY 2022
MAGAZINE
LEADING THE WAY INDIANA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IDEAL FOR HOMESCHOOLMINDED, FAITH-BASED FAMILIES
GRAB YOUR CLUBS Hickory Stick Golf Club Owners Have Big Plans 5 INEXPENSIVE IDEAS TO CHECK OFF YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST
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“Advertising in Center Grove Magazine has brought many customers to our new automotive detailing shop. As a local small business, introducing ourselves to our neighbors is key to generating business. Center Grove Magazine’s distribution perfectly matches our community footprint, making it the ideal advertising choice for us. Readers of this publication now know where to find a local professional cleaning service for their car, truck, or motorcycle.” - Dave Barnett, Owner, My Baby Detailing
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CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN 2022
Kung Fu Tea
Local Nonprofit Helps to Battle Canine Cancer
FUR THE BRAND
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™
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Hickory Stick Golf Club Owners Have Big Plans
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Completion of Multi-use Sports Complex Delivers on Mayor’s Vision for Old Town
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GRAB YOUR CLUBS REAL-TIME ANALYTICS
GREENWOOD FIELDHOUSE OPENS
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COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
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LEADING THE WAY
JULY EVENTS
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5 INEXPENSIVE IDEAS TO CHECK OFF YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Indiana Leadership Academy Ideal for Homeschool-Minded, Faith-Based Families
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CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN 2022 CGHS GRADUATED 638 STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2022 Center Grove High School (CGHS) graduated 638 students on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the high school’s Ray Skillman Football Stadium. The Valedictorian of the CGHS Class of 2022 is Gavin Anderson. Gavin ended his high school career with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.864. He will attend Indiana University to study political science and music and plans to pursue a career in law. The Salutatorian for the Class of 2022 is Raef Sauer who finished with a GPA of 4.851. Raef plans to attend Indiana University to study Biochemistry and Spanish. CGHS has several graduates who plan to serve in the military following graduation. Drake Buchanan has accepted an appointment to US Air Force Academy. Chase Ennis will attend Army ROTC. Eighteen students have enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines, or Navy. “The Class of 2022 has certainly endured challenges during their high school career as our community navigated the challenges associated with the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Dr. Jeff Henderson, Principal.
stay in touch with us and let us know how they are doing as their exciting futures unfold.” Among the graduates, 279 seniors will receive Core 40 with Academic Honors diplomas, 13 will receive the Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma, and 47 seniors will receive both. To qualify for Academic Honors, students must meet additional requirements beyond the state mandates for a Core 40 diploma, earn a total of at least 47 credits that are recommended to include additional math. world language, and fine arts credits, earn a GPA of a B or better, and meet certain AP, dual credit, or SAT/ACT requirements. Technical Honors recipients must also meet state mandates for a Core 40 diploma, earn a total of at least 47 credits that are recommended to include additional math credits, earn a GPA of a B or better, and complete either dual credits in a technical area or additional career-readiness criteria.
Forty-three seniors will receive an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Vincennes University, along “Despite these challenges, we always with their high school diploma, try to look for the bright spots and through the CGHS Early College the growth that happens as a result. program. Thirty-one of those This class of students has gained skills seniors have earned college honors. in flexibility and perseverance that Seventy-six students will receive will benefit them, both personally a 30-hour Indiana College Core and professionally as they navigate certificate, which means they have met their futures. I wish them success, all requirements for general education good health, and happiness following courses at all state universities in their graduation from Center Grove Indiana. High School. We encourage them to TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 7
KUNG FU TEA
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To satisfy her craving for the tasty tea, La routinely made the trek to Chicago, as that was the closest location offering authentic bubble tea. Recently, however, she learned of a place in Plainfield. One visit and she was wowed.
“Boba tea is a traditional Taiwanese drink,” she says. “The tea is mixed with milk or fruits and topped off with chewy tapioca pearls. Those ‘boba’ or ‘bubbles’ are boiled until tender. We make our bubbles every three hours and brew our tea every four hours. Using fresh, premium ingredients and our attention to detail in the crafting process is what makes our teas exceptional in quality and in taste.”
An interesting line of snacks is available with Dragon Pop and Candy Boba. La, who also owns Royal Spoil Spa & Nails in the Meridian Parke Shopping Center, is committed to Center Grove and the surrounding area. Her daughter Bella Tran is a sophomore at Center Grove High School who particpates in Marching Band, Indoor Percussion and in the Accents Choir. “Being a hands-on owner of Kung Fu Tea Greenwood allows Bella and me to work together to build a business,” she says. “Bella loves to bake and create drinks. She’s also very social and naturally friendly. Bella can learn about business, customer service, and the importance of quality and community. Kung Fu Tea Greenwood is a place where she and others can socialize in a safe and comfortable environment.”
Aside from being delicious and healthy, the texture and endless variety of combinations makes enjoying Kung Fu Tea a unique experience. Categories such as Milk Cap, Milk Strike, Classic, Punch, Slush, Milk Tea, Business hours are Monday-Thursday, Yogurt and Espresso are served daily. Kiwi 11am to 8pm; Friday-Saturday, 11amflavor has recently been added to the Slush and Punch lines. Toppings include pudding, 8:30pm; Sunday, 12noon-6:30pm. nata jelly, coffee jelly, red bean, mango jelly and more.
Writer & Photographer / Fredda Kovacs
Boba tea. Bubble tea. Milk tea. No matter what you call it, one thing is certain - it’s all the rage these days. And it’s now available on Indy’s southside. Katie La, a resident of Center Grove, opened Kung Fu Tea in late March. TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 9
GRAB YOUR CLUBS HICKORY STICK GOLF CLUB OWNERS HAVE BIG PLANS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer Brandi Caplinger & Provided
When Roger Underwood was 14 years old, he would ride his moped to the golf course with his clubs slung over his back to play a round. Now Underwood lives in the Hickory Stick neighborhood. The community was developed in 2004 as part of a planned urban development located in the heart of the community, just two miles south of Center Grove High School.
“There’s a high-end custom homes section, an empty-nester section and a garden-home section,” Underwood says. “There are these villages within the community that sprawl around this planned urban development, and in the middle of it is Hickory Stick Golf Club.” During the 2008 recession, those who owned the property endured hard times. Interestingly, all this time the neighborhood and the golf course have remained separate legal entities.
10 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2022 / TownePost.com
Two years ago, members of the neighborhood heard rumors that the current owner was interested in selling to a land developer, which would close nine holes of the course. Underwood didn’t like the sound of that, so he and four others Todd Kuebel, Tyler Keller, Dick Buergler and Peter Szostak - purchased ownership of the property in March of 2022. Their mission is to not only improve the golf course itself, but also build a stronger tie with the community by offering more than just golf.
“We think there’s been a miss for the past 15 years since there has been no engagement between Hickory Stick the golf course and the Hickory Stick residential development,” Underwood says. Given that the property sits in the middle of several gorgeous communities including Aberdeen, Kerrington Proper, Kensington Grove and Waters Edge, possibilities abound. For instance, they have plans to offer full dining options at the clubhouse, akin to Big Woods Franklin restaurant at Hillview Country Club. They would love for community members to come to the clubhouse for a drink and dinner on Friday or Saturday night, instead of hopping in their cars and driving 20 minutes to downtown Greenwood. Other plans include concerts on the range, community card nights, bourbon and cigar nights, and special holiday events. “We just want to give the community something local and casual, like maybe a band and fireworks show on the Fourth of July,” Underwood says. Other ideas include a Valentine’s Day dinner, Kentucky Derby shindig and Indy 500 party. This isn’t to say they’re downplaying golf
in the community. Quite the contrary, as they’re working to improve the golfing experience. Designed by Tim Liddy, the Irish links-style course has full irrigation, bank grass fairways and a nice design. “We’re making investments in maintenance-type activities to get the premises and property up to where we want it to be from a standards perspective,” Underwood says. They have refreshed the landscaping around the clubhouse and have plans to repair the cart paths and parking lot, and add sand to the bunkers. In the spring of 2022, the Hickory Stick
L to R:Todd Kuebel, Brian Hollingshead, Peter Szostak, Roger Underwood, Tyler Keller & Dick Buergler TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 11
team hired Brian Hollingshead, a Center Grove grad, to be general manager of the property. He immediately recognized untapped potential. “We believe there is significant opportunity to expand the current offerings of Hickory Stick,” Hollingshead says. “One of the things we did right out of the gate was develop some programming.” He established a deal with the Brad Fellers, owner of the Golf School of Indiana, to host women’s clinics and junior clinics. “Brad is one of the state’s top fitters for golf clubs, plus his staff runs programming all over the state,” he adds. “We thought
it would be a good partnership to let Brad and his staff come in and help put on programming, knowing it would be done at a really high level.” They’re focusing on those individuals who don’t play a lot of golf so that when they show up, they feel right at home. Their fiveweek Intro to Golf, designed specifically for women, breaks down barriers that make the sport seem intimidating. “The class covers everything from where to park and check in to golf course etiquette,” Hollingshead says. All classes offer a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, which allows for a good deal of personalized attention. They are also offering some Nine & Wine golf clinics geared for female audiences. Summer golf clinics for juniors are divided by age (5-8, 9-13 and 14-18), and will run June 7-10, July 19-22, and July 26-29. In addition, the Golf School of Indiana at Hickory Stick offers lessons (both individual and group), fittings, yardage guides and caddies. Hickory Stick is pleased to have established a tighter relationship with the Center Grove school corporation. The owners want the high school golf teams to make Hickory Stick their home to practice and have matches. In the past, golfers have complained that it takes too long to play a round of golf at Hickory Stick because so many people are often packed on the course. To remedy this problem, they’re now offering more staggered tee times and some player assistance on the course to help move people around. “We want to improve upon the overall golfer experience,” Hollingshead says. “We want everyone to know that the door is open for them to come any time they want, whether that’s to play golf, have a drink, grab a bite to eat, or shop in the pro shop,” Underwood adds. Hickory Stick Golf Club is located at 4422 Hickory Stick Boulevard in Greenwood. For more information, call 317-422-8300 or visit hickorystickgolf.com. 12 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2022 / TownePost.com
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LEADING THE WAY
INDIANA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IDEAL FOR HOMESCHOOLMINDED, FAITH-BASED FAMILIES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
As a couple that travels frequently in their careers, Zach and Megan Duke were trying to determine the best way to educate their 5-year-old daughter Malia. This was in 2019, and although there were a number of wonderful schooling options in the area, there wasn’t one geared toward homeschool-minded, faith-based families. So the Dukes decided to start one of their own. In 2020 they launched Indiana Leadership Academy (ILA), designed to nurture foundations, multiply leaders and teach students ownership. “The timing was divine because the pandemic really helped shift people’s perspectives about alternative ways of doing school,” says Zach, the headmaster for ILA. Though ILA is legally a private school, parents who gravitate to it want to help with their kids’ homework and truly be part of their child’s educational experience.
as at school.”
climb that mountain together.”
The way Zach explains the school’s mission is by comparing their role to that of a Sherpa. Sherpas are skilled in mountaineering, and guide people up the steep Himalayas.
The Dukes have added a grade each year since ILA’s inception, and now they offer kindergarten through third grade. They plan to continue doing so until they reach grade 8. Classes are small (10 to 12 students), which enables kids to receive customized attention in the classroom.
“We are like Sherpas in that we don’t say, ‘Give us your kids and we’ll get them up the “Our goal is to train and equip both students mountain,’ but we also don’t say, ‘Hey, good luck finding the mountain yourself,’” Zach and parents,” Megan says. “I think that’s a says. “We act as those equipping guides, unique differentiator because becoming a lifelong learner happens in the home as well working in partnership with families as we TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 15
The majority of their curricula comes from the Charlotte Mason method, which incorporates an experiential, hands-on learning model. They include traditional
academics like math, reading and writing, while also weaving in biblical studies, nature studies, music, poetry, foreign language and scripture memorization. “There’s a long list of subjects that help cater to the overall well-roundedness of the child,” says Megan, noting that they focus on three core competencies - leadership, character and perseverance. “The mindset that we’re going to engage, endure and not give up builds mental fortitude,” Zach says. They want to help students learn habits and disciplines that create a love of learning. A big part of that is teaching leadership. One often doesn’t have a true grasp of a subject until training it and passing it on, and rather than assessing skills through standardized testing, they take the students through a leadership training process. “Going through school I was amazing at test taking, but I was also amazing at forgetting what I was tested on two weeks later,” Zach says. “Learning something deeply and experientially, and knowing how to pass that on, is what makes it stick.” Zach and Megan recently received a text message from a mom of one of their second-grade students. She explained how her introverted son came home from school and shared how he had stepped up and led the class that day. The experience provided a huge self-esteem boost. “We are so grateful for our top-tier teachers at ILA. From day one they have exceeded all expectations”, says Zach. “Our head teacher, Lydia, also trains the onboarding teachers in curriculum and culture.” Something else that distinguishes ILA from other schools is their half-day schedule. By offering focused hours, students learn quickly and effectively. It also aids in muscle memory in their brains. They hold classes Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon (on Fridays schoolwork is done at home). On Mondays and Wednesdays, 16 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2022 / TownePost.com
“What we want is for every single school in this community to be firing on all cylinders,” Zach says. “We want to see this community flourish for the next generation.”
parents lead extracurricular activities from noon to 1:30 p.m. These activities may include soccer, basketball, softball, crafts or science experiments. “We give parents the freedom to teach based on their interests and passions,” Megan says.
To learn more, visit indianaleadershipacademy.com.
In addition, every Wednesday they engage in a disciple-making program that helps students understand who God is and who they are in Jesus Christ. ILA offers families a great deal of flexibility, so if they want to homeschool for the day or need to take a trip, the teachers provide parents with assignments to administer from home (or on the road). The Duke family has deep roots in the Center Grove community, having been here since the early 1800s.
“Our daughter is absolutely thriving at ILA. We were extremely careful in our search when we were considering where to invest in our child’s education - Christ-centered, strong curricula and passionate instructors. ILA exceeds our expectations in all of those areas.” - Renee R., current ILA parent
WHY FAMILIES ADORE INDIANA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
“We had the best experience at ILA and highly recommend for anyone wanting a strong biblical foundation for their child’s education. We were blown away by not only the curriculum, but also by the extracurricular activities offered.” - Megan S., former ILA parent
“Our son loved learning the classical curriculum not taught at most schools now. We also enjoyed working on the curriculum with him. It felt like homeschooling without the planning. You certainly feel like family at this unique school.” - Laura K., former ILA parent
“ILA is the perfect fit for our family. We love the close friendships we’ve formed with the other families and tutors. Our kids love going to school. It’s never a fight. We’re so thankful we can build a strong foundation for our kids’ lives through ILA.” - Brittany N., current ILA parent
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Country Chic Yet Local Location The Barn at Bay Horse Inn property is large and secluded enough to offer comfortable privacy for your event, but it is also conveniently situated close to many sites and activities. This 35-acre property is located on the southside of Greenwood, IN and includes a rustic-style barn and saloon, a cozy cabin for overnight guests, a horse barn, and trails within the surrounding wooded area. However, while our beautiful property is large and offers a country-style tucked away feel, it is quickly accessible to local shopping, restaurants, bars and other activities in Franklin and Greenwood.
On-Site Amenities Choosing to host your event at Bay Horse has its perks. Our on-site amenities are available for clients to use during their 10-hour rental period. Some of these benefits include access to our 35-acre grounds for photography and videography; usage of the catering kitchen; access to groom and bridal suites; and use of venue decorations such as signage, barrels, fireplace mantel shutters, and more.
All in One The Bay Horse property is easily able to accommodate a variety of events and occasions. Weddings, parties, and other private events enjoy our large indoor and outdoor space. The bridal and groom suites, outdoor yard and pergola, saloon, and
main space provide an assortment of available areas for clients to use before and during their events. Event day becomes much simpler when everything is all in one place. Our flexible and versatile event barn allows for clients and guests to enjoy the entire day from start to finish in one location.
We Want All the Details We are truly humbled to play a role in celebrating life’s special occasions. Every event hosted at The Barn at Bay Horse Inn is unique, and we firmly believe in making your special occasion flow as smoothly as possible. From booking day to event day, our staff is in communication with the client regarding their event layout, timeline, decorations, bar packages, and any additional notes that are needed to make the day a success. Our trained event managers are ready to assist on the day-of with setup and venue preparation as well as throughout the event’s duration. We want to work with you to help ensure that the entire day flows smoothly and you are able to enjoy the day from start to finish. It is our hope that your celebration at The Barn at Bay Horse Inn will bring much joy in the moment and a lifetime of precious memories.
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GREENWOOD FIELDHOUSE OPENS
COMPLETION OF MULTI-USE SPORTS COMPLEX DELIVERS ON MAYOR’S VISION FOR OLD TOWN Story & Photography Provided by the City of Greenwood
Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers joined city and community leaders on May 6 to officially open Greenwood’s newest public amenity, the Greenwood Fieldhouse. The 65,000-square-foot facility, located on the site of the former Greenwood Middle School, is a modern sports and fitness complex that will expand indoor sport options. “This project is very dear to my heart because it is a state-of-the-art facility that blends the old with the new,” Myers says. “Our team was very careful in preserving a part of our history in the design. What we have now is a unique facility that delivers on our vision to create the best quality of life and place for our residents and visitors.” The Greenwood Fieldhouse features an elevated indoor running and walking track, two multipurpose turf fields, and golf simulators, as well as basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts. It also contains rental spaces for parties and events. Elements of the original middle school are visible in the design. The facade of the former school and gymnasium center court are featured in the atrium, and exterior walls of the
original building remain. About 40% of the construction is new build. “To say we are ecstatic for the community to walk through the front doors of the Greenwood Fieldhouse is an understatement,” says Greenwood Parks and Recreation Director Rob Taggart. “We put our heart and soul into this project and cannot wait to see the community enjoying
TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 19
this facility for years to come.” The facility is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Annual Greenwood Fieldhouse memberships are available and can be combined with Greenwood Community Center memberships at a discounted rate. Day passes and punch passes are also available, and various event spaces can be
20 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2022 / TownePost.com
reserved. For membership and reservation information, go to greenwood.in.gov/ fieldhouse. The fieldhouse is part of the city’s larger vision for transforming Old Town Greenwood into a vibrant multi-use destination. With a focus on driving community engagement through quality of place and state-of-the-art amenities, the city recently broke ground on a multiuse development, The Madison, located just south of the Greenwood Fieldhouse.
TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 21
Additional Old Town projects include: • Construction of 300-plus apartments and 60 for-sale units • A parking garage with 300-plus spaces • 75,000 square feet of potential retail and office space • Nine acres of new or upgraded open space • Nine miles of new or reconstructed streetscape
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FUR THE BRAND
LOCAL NONPROFIT HELPS TO BATTLE CANINE CANCER Writer / Megan Arszman Photographer / Amy Payne
If there’s a furry animal somewhere nearby, you can almost guarantee that Samantha McAfee will find it and either try to feed it or give it some love. There’s a reason why she grew up with the name Snow White, and it’s because of her deeply ingrained love for all animals - wild and domesticated. It’s because of that love that she started her foundation to help dog owners battle canine cancer.
Fur The Brand is a nonprofit foundation run by McAfee and her two best friends, Noelle Norwood and Mystica O’Connor, out of Hamilton County. The national foundation is dedicated to assisting with treatments related to canine cancer. It all started because of McAfee’s beloved pup Valerie, and her battle with cancer. “Her first round of surgeries, I was a mess,” McAfee says. “I was emotionally drained. I just kept thinking about growing up, knowing my parents wouldn’t be able to TownePost.com / JULY 2022 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 23
pay the extra bills, there would be no way I could afford to pay for any of the treatments she needed.” To McAfee and her husband, former Indianapolis Colts punter and multimedia mogul Pat McAfee, their seven animals are their children, and Valerie is a lot like her firstborn. The couple spent their honeymoon trying to think of what they could do to help other dogs battling cancer like Valerie.
“Being an animal lover, I was first thinking of how I could help the animals, but then I got to thinking - why can’t I help the person too?” McAfee says. “I needed to be able to do both.” That’s how Fur The Brand was born. The company name is inspired by For The Brand, a slogan Pat incorporates into his marketing and products. Fur The Brand helps to pay for cancer treatments. “This helps the dog fight the cancer while relieving the financial burden on the owners, so they can just be there for the dog,” McAfee says. At the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020, McAfee went to work learning all about running a foundation and how to start fundraising. While the National Canine Cancer Foundation exists for research and medication development, McAfee has not been able to find another foundation like her own. In just over a year, Fur The Brand has helped 14 dogs from Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania
and Texas. Each cancer treatment might cost an owner $5,000 to 10,000. “We’ve heard a lot of stories from owners saying they had to pick up second jobs or work overtime to be able to afford treatment for their dogs, so to know that we’re able to help them be home more with their dog to enable the healing
24 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2022 / TownePost.com
process is huge for me,” McAfee says. If an owner is looking for assistance from Fur The Brand, they start with an application process available on the official website. Applicants must fill out the form and a veterinarian authorization form that allows the foundation team to speak with all treating veterinarians
to discuss the dog’s illness. Photos of the dog and a treatment estimation are also requested for the next step. After discussing the dog’s health and the honest chances of the dog pulling through, Fur The Brand’s team, which consists of Bridget Davis, Brandy AllenHarveth and Rachel Hickey, then reviews the month’s budget and decides how to best spend that money.
Funding for the foundation comes mostly from donations accepted via the website’s PayPal link. Fur The Brand was able to host one formal fundraiser early in its inception called “Dinner for the Dogs,” which was a four-course meal with cocktail pairings. McAfee is planning on one more big fundraiser this year, a gala in November, which happens to be National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.
“We haven’t really turned anyone away yet, except for those that don’t fill out the entire application process,” McAfee says. “I feel like the bigger we get, the more we’ll have to tighten the rules as to whom will get the funding.”
Currently, Fur The Brand merchandise is available on the official website, with proceeds going towards the foundation. McAfee is working on a sponsorship program in hopes that local and even national groups will work
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with the foundation to help more dogs nationwide. “We hit the ground running last year, and it’s just been really cool to be able to help dogs and their owners,” McAfee says. “There are hard days. There are multiple times that we’ll get stories and we just sob. At first I wanted to spend all of our money helping everybody I could, but my friends have been able to wrangle me in and help me work on a budget. I still have some learning to do, but this has been very fulfilling.” To learn more about Fur The Brand and how you can help, visit furthebrand.com.
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JULY EVENTS GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, through Sept. | 8a-12p 525 N. Madison Ave.
BARGERSVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Wednesdays, through Sept. 28 | 5-8pm 24 N. Main St.
FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, through Sept. 17 | 8a-12p Young’s Creek Park
GREATER GREENWOOD COMMUNITY BAND PATRIOTIC CONCERT Friday, July 1 | 7p-8p Greenwood Amphitheater – 100 Surina Way Enjoy a collection of patriotic favorites from the community band. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy this free event.
PICNIC CONCERT SERIES AT MALLOW RUN WINERY
Saturday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 6p-9p 6964 W. Whiteland Rd. July – 2, 3, 4 Red, White & Blueberry Festival July 2 – Sounds of Summer + Fireworks Finale July 3 – Living Proof + Fireworks Finale July 4 – Indie Annies (2p-5p) July 9 – Hairbanger’s Ball | July 16 – The Bishops | July 23 – Brass Transit | July 30 – The Woomblies
FRANKLIN FIRECRACKER FESTIVAL
Friday, July 3 | 2p-10p Franklin Amphitheater – 237 W. Monroe St. Food, entertainment, fireworks and more.
FRANKLIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Friday, July 3, 29 | 5p-10p Young’s Creek Park – 237 W. Monroe St. July 3 – Absolute Queen | July 29 – 7 Bridges
RAY SKILLMAN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Thursday, July 7, 14, 21 | 6:30-8:30p Greenwood Park Mall – Outside Fountain near Entrance 3 July 7 – Blue River Band | July 14 – Five After Midnight | July 21 – Revery Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT DIVE-IN MOVIE
Thursday, July 7 | 8:15p-10:15p Freedom Springs Aquatic Center Open Swim from 8:15p-9:15p with movie starting at 9:30p. Concessions will be open through the end of the movie. Come out splash into the sunset and relax on the deck or in the lazy river during the movie.
GREENWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Saturday, July 9, 16, 23, 30 | 7p-9p 100 Surina Way July 9 – Endless Summer Band | July 16 – 45RPM | July 23 – Dueling Piano | July 30 – Tastes Like Chicken
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BURN THE CORK
Friday, July 15 | 6p-10p Mallow Run Winery The Bargersville IAFF Local 4252 invites you to the Burn the Cork event to raise money for Hoosier Burn Camp (which helps young people who have suffered severe burns) and IAFF Local 4252. Enjoy wine, music and fun for a great cause.
JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR
July 17-23 | 8a-11p 250 Fairground St. Franklin Rides, games, food, music and great events like the demolition derby. Check website for times and events.
NIGHT LIGHTS
Friday, July 22 | 8p-11p City Hall – 70 E. Monroe St., Franklin Enjoy live music on the 4th Friday of each month, then stick around and see a light display revealed when the sun sets.
ADULT NIGHT AT FREEDOM SPRINGS
Friday, July 22 | 8:15p-10:45p Freedom Springs Aquatic Center Enjoy wine, craft brew, live music and water fun.
ALL CORVETTE CAR SHOW
Saturday, July 23 | 9a-3p Greenwood Park Mall Join the Hoosier Corvette Club for an allCorvette car show. Trophies will be awarded for 11 different categories. Registration is $25 and there will be a 50/50 raffle. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.
Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photography Provided
While I like the idea of a summer bucket list, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I prefer to make a short list, so I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can complete the list. Here are 5 inexpensive ideas to add to your summer bucket list. I guarantee you’ll save money and have some fun this summer.
1.
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM … VISIT AN ICE CREAM SHOP!
It doesn’t seem like summer unless I’m standing in front of an ice cream stand. I have many fond memories of visiting ice cream shops when I traveled with my family. I enjoy standing in line and chatting with other customers about what they plan to order. Long lines don’t matter to me when there’s an ice cream treat waiting at the end. My favorite ice cream splurges are a hot fudge sundae and a cherry soda with vanilla ice cream. Go with a group of family or friends and each choose something different. Ask for recommendations and try some fun flavor combinations. Make it a contest and vote on who ordered the best ice cream treat. Award the winner a gift card from the ice cream shop.
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2.
HAPPY HUMMINGBIRDS. SET UP A HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER.
These tiny birds bring me so much joy. A hummingbird feeder is an inexpensive investment. Most feeders run between $10-$20. You will need a pole or a stand to hang the feeder and they are around $20 or less. It’s easy to make the hummingbird nectar. It’s one part sugar to four parts water (1 cup of sugar 4 cups of water) and let boil. Let the solution cool and fill the feeder. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so be sure you have some red objects near the feeder. You can have red flowers or even a red patio umbrella. Hummingbirds will visit the feeder a handful of times a day. Believe me, they are fun to watch and sometimes I’ll have three or four at the feeder at one time. Delightful! For more information on hummingbirds, visit the National Audubon Society at audubon.org.
VISIT A FARMERS MARKET
Summer is the time to appreciate local produce and other homemade goods. I enjoy stopping at a local farmers market and thinking of different things to cook. It’s a way for me to jump out of my comfort zone. I set a budget for myself before I go the market. A trip to the market doesn’t have to be expensive. A stop at a farmers market can be one-stop shopping for breads, dairy, produce and meat all in one trip. On a recent trip to my local farmers market, I purchased a loaf of country white bread, a couple of spice packets to make a fantastic meal, and some fresh produce. When I’m finished shopping, I sit on a bench and do some people watching and listen to music. It’s also a good time to see if I need to get anything else. I usually decide to make a few more stops at the market before I leave.
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3.
GO FOR A SUNSET WALK
Some of the best sunsets are during the summer. You can’t beat the mix of amber and violet hues. I take my dog, Louis for long sunset walks, and I always bring my phone. It’s a chance to capture a few photos and send to friends and family. I get some ideas by looking at my neighbors’ yards. As an extra bonus, you’ll be getting in a healthy workout while enjoying a gorgeous sky. Perfection!
PROVEN EXPERTISE for uncertain markets.
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I can sometimes get into a grilling rut. Summer is the perfect time to shake up your grilling game. I like to make kabobs (veggie, chicken, shrimp, steak), which are inexpensive if you buy the ingredients and assemble them yourself. You can save money by using less meat and more vegetables. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper or spice mixes. Serve the kabobs with rice and a feta, tomato and cucumber salad and you’ve got a perfect meal. Grill packets are inexpensive and easy to make. Put veggies and potatoes in aluminum foil and season with salt, pepper and olive oil. Seal them up and cook them on the grill. Fajitas are another fan favorite. Choose your veggies, protein and put them on the grill. Any of these meals can be enjoyed outside. Want to save a little more money? Check the grocery store ads and select your grill meal based on what meat and produce is on sale. Make your meal fun by taking photos of your grilled feast.
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