Center Grove Community Newsletter July 2015

JULY 2015

Fine Art for Kids MARK LANDIS, DIRECTOR OF CENTER GROVE FINE ARTS ACADEMY

2 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

PUBLISHER’S WELCOME Long, long, ago in a community far, far, away, I acted in high school plays. Well I’m not sure any of my performance ever rose to the level of acting, but I was on stage.

Regardless of my talent, or lack thereof, it was fun. This month, we look at the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy, a youth theater launched by the Center Grove Church (full disclosure: I am a member). The group recently presented its third play “Music Man, Jr.” with more than 100 kids involved.

They have big plans for the coming year, providing a great opportunity for our youth to be exposed to the theater.

As long as I’m looking back, I’ll mention that while I was in college and also my first job out of college were at a radio station in Sioux City, IA. Although the crash of

United Flight 232 would happen more than six years after I left Sioux City, the news coverage was something that captivated my attention. Not just because of my time living in the city, but the stories of courage and survival. Greg Clapper was one of those who responded to the crash. Greg, now a Greenwood resident and UIndy professor, talks about how that day of “baptism by fire” affected his life.

of the many organizations that make our community a great place to live.

Finally, I want to introduce Alecia Bonson.

She is working with us as an intern for the summer. Alecia is a senior at Taylor University where she is majoring in professional writing. She is actively involved in the production of both the Greenwood and Center Grove Community Newsletters.

Her duties include writing articles, copy editing and proofreading. She touched nearly every article in this issue. Alecia is another reason it’s a great summer!

How could it be summer without a story about kids and water? Center Grove Aquatics Club has existed for decades and produced many top-notch swimmers.

With my swimming ability a cut below my alleged acting ability, it is not something I would have participated in; however, the story of the club is a good read about one

Jody Veldkamp, Publisher

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July 2015 / Vol. 4 / No. 7

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Cover Photo / Forrest Mellott

Alyssa Sander

FINE ART FOR KIDS

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Writer / Kristen Parker

With their desire to give children the opportunity to participate in quality performing arts on the southside of Indianapolis, Mark Landis and Kathy Phipps began the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy at Center Grove Church in the spring of 2014. The southside has many opportunities for athletics and music but far fewer choices for creative young people in the performing arts. The Academy provides young people a place to gain confidence, learn teamwork and discipline.

FEATURED COLUMNS 14 Heart Religion in a Heartbreaking World

25 Making a Splash 33 The Face of Foster

6 8 49 50 53 54

11 Center Grove 2015 Graduation 41 17 Micky Maurer, Leading By Example 44 21 Inspire Program Plants a Seed of 46 Purpose

atCenterGrove.com

Gardening Nana Community Connection CGHS Front Row Event Calendar Word Search Kate in the Middle

Austin Vance

EDITOR

Katelyn Bausman

JULY WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alecia Bonson / Annette Roy / Hannah Sturm / Jennifer Uhl / Joyce Long / Kara Reibel / Kate Rhoten / Kristen Parker / Leigh Lawson / Nancy Craig / Tonja Talley

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Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Center Grove Community Newsletter offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

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Post your stories to TownePost.com or email to PR@atCenterGrove.com.

Coffeehouse Five tatewide Organization Recognizes S Hoosier Military Veterans Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone: 317-288-7101 / Fax: 317-536-3030 The Center Grove Community Newsletter is published

by Chilly Panda Media, Center Grove, under license from TownePost Network, and is written for and by local Center Grove residents.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 5

GARDENING NANA

TUSSIE-MUSSIES OR LEARNING TO TALK WITH FLOWERS Tussie-Mussies are a fun way of arranging flowers in a small bouquet to tell someone special that you love them or to express other sentiments by using the language of flowers. My great-nieces, Lindsey and Lauren, like to help me pick flowers and love to give them to their mom. We made her a very special Tussie-Mussie.

This lab also had a project for my great-nephews, Max and Eli, to make a twig and twine cover for the mason jars that we used as flower vases. The lab furthermore had experiments for the boys to test different ways to help preserve the flowers. We added lemon, sugar and bleach to the water of three different vases to see which solution would keep the flowers blooming longer.

The most fun was picking out the flowers that would convey the message we wanted to express. We placed a rose for love in the center of the Tussie-Mussie for their mom and added these flowers around it: lavender for luck, daisies for innocence and baby’s breath for happiness. For my daughter’s birthday this month, her Tussie-Mussie will be centered on a calendula for health surrounded by basil for best wishes and artemisia for dignity.

I referenced several books in regards to the meanings of the flowers, but a special one is Kate Greenaway’s book, “Language of Flowers.” It is now an e-book. I shared with the kids some of the history and details of these types of bouquets from the book “Tussie-Mussies: The Language of Flowers” by Geraldine Adamich Laufer.

The twins were just devastated when their mother stopped the

Tussie-Mussies can be made using all kinds of flowers, herbs, leaves, berries and even twigs, so we had lots of fun making these “talking bouquets.”

Nancy loves flower gardening almost as much as she does her great nephews and nieces. Her interest in gardening intensified while living in Holland and was perfected with Master Gardener courses.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF JOHNSON COUNTY Writer / Hannah Sturm . Photos / Provided

Karen Magnum, also known as “Suzy Sunshine,” is the well-deserving homeowner for the Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County build of 2015. Magnum always has a smile on her face and is ready to work with an appreciative attitude.

Karen and friends

After reading an article about the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, Magnum decided to apply, and she has been waiting patiently since 2013 to start building her new home. When talking about the process leading up to the build, she had not an ounce of expectancy in her voice. Magnum was nothing but grateful for the opportunity to complete 300 “sweat equity” hours, financial training and lessons on being a good neighbor and homeowner.

Her humble heart is moved by the over 240 volunteers who have come out to help her build. Magnum and her family will be able to move in after the dedication ceremony in July. There are others out there just like Magnum seeking a hand up, not a handout. It is up to us as a community to support one another, share our resources and skills and make a difference.

PIFJC IMPACT

The Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County (HHJC) was the wild card winner of the annual golf event, Pay it Forward Johnson County (PIFJC), last September. They have participated in the event since it began in 2011.

In total, PIFJC has raised over $124,000 for various organizations serving Johnson County.

8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

The funds HHJC received from PIFJC helped build Magnum’s home. This is the second Women’s Build and the first in Trafalgar. Both Women’s Builds have been huge successes.

Lee Ann Wilbur, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County, says, “We think everyone should support Pay it Forward Johnson County because of the wonderful things they do for our community.”

Twelve women leaders recruit teams of 20 Facebook.com/habitatjohnsoncounty women volunteers to complete the build

GET CONNECTED

habitatjohnsoncounty.org 317-736-4454 habitatjohnsoncountyindiana@gmail.com

YOU CAN HELP

HHJC runs on volunteers and offers diverse ways to get involved.

Currently, the organization is working to open a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The store will sell new and gently used building materials, furniture and other home accessories.

The organization is looking for donations to build their inventory. If you are looking to give back to your community by sitting on a not-forprofit board, Habitat has two board positions to fill. They are looking for folks who are passionate about Habitat’s mission who have experience in investments and residential real estate. Interested candidates need to contact Lee Ann at the Habitat office.

Habitat’s mission is to provide everyone with an affordable, safe and healthy place to live, which is why we must come together and partner with them for the betterment of our community. Helping a little can have a big impact.

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CENTER GROVE 2015 GRADUATION Writer / Alecia Bonson . Photographer / John Simon

On May 30, Center Grove High School’s Vandermeer Gymnasium was filled to capacity with parents, faculty and students who were eagerly anticipating the graduation of the Center Grove High School’s 2015 senior class.

In total, 560 students walked across the stage and received diplomas that day. Of that total, 233 graduates (almost half) received a Core 40 diploma with Academic Honors — an honor only earned by students who met certain requirements beyond just the Core 40 required by the state. Some of those requirements include extra math, world language and fine arts classes as well as achieving an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.

“This is an outstanding senior class,” said Doug Bird, principal of Center Grove High School. “We are very pleased that many of our students plan to continue their educations at colleges, universities and technical schools next year.”

Beyond that, 58 students received recognition for their involvement in the National Honor Society (NHS). Students apply to become a part of the NHS their senior year, and then certain members of the faculty consider each student’s character, scholarship, leadership and service before deciding which students would ultimately join.

In total, the senior class of 2015 earned a combined $4.5 million in scholarships toward college.

SPECIAL HONORS

A high school diploma always feels a little different in the hands of the valedictorian and salutatorian. Center Grove High School’s 2015 valedictorian was Kaveet Pandya, and the salutatorian was Julie Simon — both kind-hearted and eager students.

“Walking across that stage felt amazing,” says Simon. “All the hard work finally paid off.” However, even after graduation, Pandya and Simon’s streaks of excellence can’t stop there. With all the knowledge of the past four years under their belts, they are charging head on into the next phase of their lives: college.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 11

Left to Right: Salutatorian Julie Simon and Valedictorian Kaveet Pandya after the ceremony .

CGHS Choir and Orchestra perform "Battle Hymn of the Republic" . Senior Class President Jacob Shiley gives welcome remarks

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Pandya received a Wells scholarship from Indiana University and is setting his sights on medical school. It’s not just his obvious intelligence — as evidenced by a GPA of 4.839 — that makes his career aspiration unsurprising. Working in a field that aims first at helping to care for other people is completely in line with Pandya’s character.

He helped organize and lead a branch of Timmy Global Health at the high school. Timmy Global Health is a humanitarian organization originally started by an Indiana resident in 1997 and is dedicated to bringing quality healthcare and medical support to those in need in five developing countries. Pandya also volunteered with his Spanish IV class in helping to clean up some of the landscaping of a school in Indianapolis.

Simon, the salutatorian of the 2015 class, is no stranger to working hard and giving her all. Simon not only earned a perfect score on the reading portion of her SAT, but she was also a National Merit Scholar semifinalist.

Macy’s Day Parade in the fall of last year. Simon accomplished all of this on top of her advanced placement courses while still earning a final GPA of 4.726.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY GAINS TWO TOP STUDENTS

Both Pandya and Simon plan to continue their education at Indiana University — Pandya as a cognitive science and pre-med major and Simon as a chemistry major. Neither are strangers to the IU campus as both of them have older brothers attending the university as well.

Pandya’s older brother, Janit, was the valedictorian of Center Grove High School’s class of 2012. Pandya plans to go into medicine and use his intellect and heart to help others, and Simon plans to become a researcher and possibly even own her own lab one day.

Both students make their communities proud, and they will no doubt change the world for the better.

Alecia Bonson is an intern at Chilly Panda Media. She has lived in the Center Grove area for most of her life, and she is currently studying Professional Writing at Taylor University.

Outside the classroom, she was active in sports as she threw shot put and discus for the CG track team for all four years. Not to mention she was also a dedicated member Center Grove marching band — even marching with her fellow band members in the 2015IndyVet-CenterGroveCommunityAd3_Layout 1 6/22/15 1:01 PM Page 1

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HEART RELIGION in a HEARTBREAKING World Writer / Joyce Long . Photographer / Chris Williams

14 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Impact zone of crash. Photo / Iowa Public Radio

H

umidity radiated from the cornfields and hills — a typical summer afternoon in Sioux City, Iowa. To beat the heat, Greg Clapper had taken off Wednesday afternoon to take his family to the movies. He wanted his two young daughters to see Walt Disney’s version of “Peter Pan.” Walking toward the mall theater, his wife Jody and he stopped. A jumbo jet flew precariously low. Seconds later the ground vibrated. Smoke spiraled in the distance. United Airlines Flight 232 had crashed at Sioux City’s airport, July 19, 1989.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the airport where police had already secured the crash site. At the roadblock, Greg handed the car keys to Jody. Instructing her to go back to the theater, he began running toward the airport a half a mile away. Commissioned three months earlier as a U.S. Air Force chaplain for the 185th Tactical Fighter Group of the Iowa Air National Guard, Greg wanted to help. With a doctorate from Emory University in theology, he was technically qualified. Yet Greg knew this catastrophe would be beyond a degree or textbook’s scope.

Originating from Denver, United 232 was en route to Chicago when its rear engine blew apart, causing the hydraulics to fail and the pilots to lose control. Those in the Sioux City control tower watched as the plane exploded into a fireball heading down the runway. The plane’s tail snapped off, its nose rising, and then bounced before it landed on its back in an adjacent field. (“Flight 232,” Laurence Gonzales. A short explanatory video can be found on YouTube: bit.ly/1zL14WE)

BAPTISM BY FIRE

More than 25 years later in his Greenwood home, Greg calls those ensuing hours “baptism by fire.” He remembers approaching the

field with papers blowing everywhere, seats scattered, some filled with silent passengers and others empty. He spontaneously raised his hands to heaven, praying, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace and help me to be your servant here.”

No one witnessing the crash expected survivors. The 296 passengers and crew were presumed dead. Nevertheless, the unexpected happened. Flight attendants and passengers emerged, some injured, others simply shaken. An unmoving form that had flattened a few cornstalks caught Greg’s attention. Moving closer, he saw a man, injured but alive and conscious. After kneeling beside him, Greg said, “I’m the chaplain. Just keep breathing in God’s spirit, and people are going to be here to help you.”

“After they had taken all the injured off the field, my ministry focused on the uninjured,” said Greg. One of the flight attendants, Susan White, also helped survivors. He’ll never forget when Susan paused to call her father. “Dad, I’m alive,” she said. Her voice radiated humility and hope. Illustrating how close these rescue workers became, a few years later Greg co-officiated her wedding in Wadsworth, Ohio. “I was counseling survivors and rescue workers years after the crash during my time with the Iowa Air National Guard."

HEART RELIGION

Even before the crash, Greg gravitated toward what John Wesley called “heart religion,” a topic explored in his dissertation, “John Wesley on Religious Affections.” Early in his life, Greg felt called to ministry. “I was raised a Christian in a suburban Methodist Church outside of Chicago, the same church where Hillary Clinton grew up.” As a young adult majoring in philosophy and psychology, Greg experienced “an intensification of his faith.”

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 15

“I heard someone quote 1 Corinthians, Chapter 2, verse 5, which says you must trust in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men,” said Greg, who redirected his study and received a Master’s degree in Divinity and eventually his PhD in theology. “I took those interests into the world of faith, which led me to combine academics with my personal faith.”

In 1998 after accepting a professorship at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy), Greg, Jody and their two daughters, Laura and Jenna, moved to Greenwood. He currently teaches religion and philosophy courses at UIndy. “I love teaching. I see this as a great ministry, to teach students that Christianity is still a live option,” said Greg. “Christianity is a way of life. You don’t have to think of it as a doctrine, a creed or even a book.”

A well-known John Wesley scholar, Greg also teaches a two-course sequence at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) focusing on the history and doctrine of the Methodist Church. In 1997, he published his first book, “As If the Heart Mattered: A Wesleyan Spirituality” through Upper Room Books, Nashville.

there are resources in our religion that help us not to suppress it but to move through it. It helped me become a more humble and an attentive presence in the midst of heartbreak.”

Greg’s second book, “When the World Breaks Your Heart,” speaks directly to spiritual ways of living with tragedy. In Chapter 5 entitled Hope, he explains why people attended the anniversary memorial service for Flight 232. “Some came to see where their relatives had died. Some came to thank those who helped pull them from the plane. Some were workers who had pulled the dead and dying and survivors from the plane. Some came to cry. Some came not knowing why.” (p.73)

“DAD, I’M ALIVE!”

Before the memorial service, Greg had hoped Susan White would attend. Helping her call her father and hearing her say, “Dad, I’m alive,” impacted Greg. “The thanksgiving that was part of that worship service is directly linked to those basic words, naked in their primitive joy: ‘I’m alive,’ those words which seem to say ‘Thank you, God, for this beautiful and deeply mysterious gift.’” (p.75)

In understanding heart religion, Greg quotes one of Wesley’s letters, “I regard even faith itself not as an end, but as a means only. The end Teresa Kilburn, a computer operator for the Air National Guard, of the commandment is love — of every command, of the whole also helped when Flight 232 crashed. She and Greg forged an Christian dispensation.” (p.100) ongoing friendship and a counseling relationship that helped her navigate out of a downward spiral of abuse and addiction. Like AFTER THE BATTLEFIELD Susan, Teresa asked him to help during her wedding a year after During Greg’s 24 years as a commissioned officer with the Air the crash. But Greg was shocked when she asked him to give her National Guard, he volunteered for military deployments five away because her father had died. “My walking her down the aisle times. The first happened the spring of 1995 in Turkey, counseling symbolizes our relationship,” said Greg. a fighter unit after the Gulf War. For three stints during 2005-07, Greg served as the chaplain on the psychiatric ward of the U.S. As a chaplain and professor, relationships are important to Greg.

Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where He seeks to listen, be real and move people toward a future of hope, wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are brought before one that celebrates life. returning to the U.S. In the summer of 2008, a slot opened in Guam. Greg signed up, anticipating a more leisurely, less stressful Joyce Long has called Center Grove home since 1987. She has deployment in an “island paradise.” He smiled when adding, “While taught language arts at Greenwood Middle School and coordinated I was there, a B-52 crashed.”

As a chaplain, Greg has looked tragedy in the eye and tried to make sense of it. “Tragedy really comes as a mystery into our lives, but

marketing for Mount Pleasant Christian Church and communications for Center for Global Impact. Currently Joyce enjoys freelance writing and co-leading Heartland Christian Writers.

16 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

MICKEY MAURER

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Writer / Kara Reibel . Photographer / Brian Brosmer

“Take the leap, and the net will appear,” said Sylvia McNair, one of 19 women featured in a book by Michael S. Maurer, “19 Stars of Indiana: Exceptional Hoosier Women,” IU Press.

This statement by McNair adequately sums up Mickey Maurer’s approach to life. Maurer has been many things, and the term “entrepreneur” doesn’t seem to do him justice.

on my tennis shoe. I decided to continue my education and strive for something that smelled a little better,” shares Maurer.

After graduating from North Central High School, Maurer attended the University of Colorado for his undergrad, then earned a degree from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington.

After practicing law for 20 years, Maurer realized he was more of an He is not someone that knows a little about a lot of things; he knows a entrepreneur. “I became an attorney because my father couldn’t due lot about a lot of things. Maurer doesn’t take an interest in something to the constraints of the Great Depression. I wasn’t very good at being a lawyer,” says Maurer. lightly; he digs in, immersing himself until expert level is achieved.

Then once saturated, he moves on to the next item on his list.

Turning to other interests, Maurer indicates he’s dabbled in cable television, film production, radio broadcasting, newspaper “I am not sure he keeps a ‘to do’ list, aside from writing down his publishing, real estate and banking. To be clear, Maurer is Chairman schedule each night before leaving the office,” shares Maurer’s daughter, Jill Burnett. “He is the only person I know who still actively of the Board of the IBJ Corporation, which publishes The uses a Rolodex, even though I have told him his phone could do that.” Indianapolis Business Journal, Court and Commercial Record and The Indiana Lawyer. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of The National Bank of Indianapolis, so saying he “dabbles” is “My first job was leading ponies for small children at an amusement drastically understating the truth. center. I was in elementary school. The pony in front of me dumped

“Mickey has been a tremendous resource in the community,” says Emmis Communications Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan. “He has made a real impact through his tremendous civic stewardship.”

As one of original board members of Emmis Communications, Maurer’s friendship with Smulyan dates back over 30 years. Smulyan continues, “Mickey’s had a positive impact on improving the quality of life here in central Indiana.”

The impact of Maurer’s civic and philanthropic endeavors is impossible to quantify. Maurer’s contributions run wide and deep within our community, including his name gracing the Indiana University Law School in Bloomington. This incredibly generous donation on behalf of Maurer and his wife Janie illustrates their commitment to the school. The Maurer School of Law is a national leader in the study of the global legal profession.

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As part of his civic duties, Maurer served as the President of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., and the following year, he was named Indiana Secretary of Commerce by Governor Mitch Daniels.

“I was paid $1 per year for that job,” shares Maurer emphasizing, “ONE dollar!”

Maurer replaced Vera Bradley co-founder Pat Miller as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce. During the transition, Maurer referred to Miller as a “classy dame,” which was spun as an offensive comment

by The Indianapolis Star.

To the contrary, Maurer was offering Miller, who was not offended in the least, a sincere, heartfelt compliment.

This incident inspired Maurer to pen the book, “19 Stars of Indiana: Exceptional Hoosier Women,” highlighting true role models for our society, both locally and globally.

“I marvel at Mickey’s perseverance and passion by which he pursues the things that are important to him,” praises Christel House Founder and CEO Christel DeHaan. “He is making a difference. What a great testimony to living a purposeful life.”

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The success of the book influenced Maurer to create one honoring Hoosier men. In the book, he features, among others, Senator Richard Lugar, Eugene B. Glick and Gebisa Ejeta, a Purdue University geneticist and World Food Prize Foundation 2009 Prize Laureate, whom Maurer sincerely credits with the sole responsibility of saving more lives than anyone else on the planet.

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“Dr. Ejeta researched drought-tolerant and striga-resistant sorghum seeds which reported yields four times larger than traditional sorghum crops. He’s helped save the lives of millions of Africans through his food research which cannot be understated,” says Maurer. Dr. Ejeta still teaches at the Purdue University Glenn W. Sample School of Agriculture in West Lafayette.

“My dad has always believed in following and pursuing your interests and passions,” shares Burnett. “He’s always encouraged my brothers and me to do so, as he certainly has followed his.”

One hobby turned into a gorgeous coffee table book, “Water Colors,” a stunning collection of underwater photography of creatures barely noticed by the naked eye. Aside from one photo of his beautiful wife hidden in a school of fish, all other photographs are of objects no bigger than a fingernail. The quality of the photographs look to be from one of National Geographic’s veteran underwater photographers.

Unlike others in his position, he freely and graciously continues to share his knowledge.”

Hoover’s Patachou, Inc. proudly provides sponsorship for Mickey’s Camp, a unique camping experience Maurer created 15 years ago. What if you could combine two and a half days of fun events, relaxation and networking in a different environment than you are used to?

Mickey’s Camp splits the week between the women and the men, enabling a fun networking experience for their campers, and it’s partially tax-deductible.

“It was always a dream of mine to have a camp where you can learn new skills from the best, so billiards is taught by world ranking professionals Jeanette Lee and her husband George Breedlove,” says Maurer, mentioning only a couple of

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“One snowy weekend, I thought I would arrange my underwater photographs into a book,” recalls Maurer. “One year later, the book went to print.”

In his most recent book, “10 Essential Principles of Entrepreneurship,” Maurer features life lessons you never learned in school. He dedicates the book to his father, Julius Maurer, and his Uncle Mickey.

“My dad and uncle owned Maurer Brothers Auto Parts at Ninth and Senate Avenue,” shares Maurer. “Out on the fence was a sign that read, ‘If you can’t stop in, smile as you go by.’” The lessons shared in the book are illustrated with examples of Maurer’s friends, including Martha Hoover, who exemplifies redefining “barriers to entry.” Hoover is not mentioned once but four times throughout the book.

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“I am fortunate to be able to call Mickey Maurer a mentor, as well as a friend,” shares Hoover. “So often people refer to him as a ‘serial entrepreneur,’ but really he is a ‘serial mentor.’ Always generous to me personally, to countless others and to the community at large, Mickey gives of his time, talent and treasure.

“I never walk away from even a chance meeting without learning something.

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Harold Smith has attended Mickey’s Camp for 14 years the 40+ activities on the list of options.

“A camper can learn how to play Texas Hold’em from World Series of Poker champion Linda Johnson.”

Since its inception 15 years ago, Mickey’s Camp has raised and donated over $2 million to local charities. Descending on Bradford Woods are 125 women and 125 men to immerse themselves in activities taught by the best in their fields.

Burnett joined event manager extraordinaire Kari Strolberg in coordinating all camp activities, meals and logistics. Not only does Burnett get to work with Mickey’s Camp, but this enables her to work closely with her dad, gleaning knowledge from him.

“You can’t get a better teacher than my dad,” says Burnett. “He is patient and encouraging, and while he may steer me a bit, he is always there for me. I love being

with my dad and watching him in action.”

“This is the ninth year for women and the 15th year for men,” shares Strolberg.

“We have many repeat campers, but new campers are always welcome.”

And thanks to donors like Patachou, Inc., campers experience incredible meals. “We have amazing partnerships providing our meals such as Patachou, Scholars Inn, Palomino, Kahn’s Catering, Traders Point Creamery, Amore, Sullivan’s and Shapiro’s, to name a few!” says Burnett. “We are so grateful for all of our sponsors!”

“Mickey’s Camp is a rewarding experience with so many stories,” shares Strolberg. “It is a great opportunity to try new things, and it can be whatever you want it to be.

There are people who do wine tasting, gourmet cooking and anything that isn’t fitness related. There is something for TOWNEPOST NETWORK / JULY 2015 / TownePost.com

everyone, no matter what kind of person you are, athletic or not, and each camper can choose eight options from over 40 activities, which encourages campers to come back and try more things.”

“Similar to Dr. Seuss’ ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ lesson, how do you know you don’t like them unless you try?” adds Burnett.

“After all, trying something new might spark an unknown passion or skill.”

Maurer and his wife, Janie, have three children and nine grandchildren.

For more information on Mickey’s Camp, please visit mickeyscamp.com.

Kara Reibel and her family reside in the Fishers/Geist area, where she has lived for more than 30 years. In addition to owning Geist Pilates, Kara loves writing. You can follow her at karareibel.blogspot.com. She can also be found on Facebook and Twitter: @karareibel.

INSPIRE PROGRAM PLANTS A SEED OF PURPOSE Writer / Tonja Talley . Photos / Provided

A purpose flows through the veins of everyone in this world. A seed will grow if passionately nurtured. One or a community gathers to breathe life into the creation.

Timing and thinking outside of the box enhances the goal.

Special Services, Johnson County and Surrounding Schools (SSJCSS) planted a seed in 2013, and the result blossomed into a program — a goal with purpose.

INSPIRE. The acronym stands for Individual Needs in Special Places to Increase Relevant work Experience.

WHAT IS INSPIRE?

The program applies a new mindset in the transition of 18- to 22-year-old intellectually disabled students from the end of their

senior year of high school into adult life. The INSPIRE program supports the students who want to continue academic, career and independent living instruction to prepare for gainful employment.

Commons helped me get a job.” Olopade now works for Sodexo.

“INSPIRE allows students to have the independence that they want in a structured environment,” said Neumann. “Being around According to Michele Neumann, SSJCSS age-appropriate peers in a college environment assistant director, the INSPIRE students through this program allows for students to participate in a college or a career school and explore opportunities that they might not obtain hands-on work experience before otherwise have been able to achieve.” they apply for jobs within the community.

When asked what his favorite part of One INSPIRE program works amid a INSPIRE was last year, Greenwood High partnership with SSJCSS and Franklin School student Christian Parks said, College. Heading into its second full year of “Exploring freely around the campus and operation, students and nonstudents alike Franklin. It means a lot to me.” praise the program.

“The INSPIRE students get on campus, and Former Center Grove student and INSPIRE the students, parents and teachers are blown graduate Richie Olopade said what he liked away with what they are accomplishing,” said about INSPIRE. “I enjoyed working in the Jennifer Casselman, Center Grove’s teacher kitchen with Danny. Learning to work in the of record.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 21

APPLICATION PROCESS

According to Mike Nevins, SSJCSS transition coordinator, a committee filled by employees of both Franklin College and SSJCSS selects students from a number of high school senior applicants who attend the county’s school districts. Before selection, each applicant and

P

r i v a t e

the board meet to get to know one another.

Anyone interested in the program may contact the teacher of record from the student’s high school and obtain an application.

HOW INSPIRE WORKS

“For the students and parents who have

B

heard ‘I can’t,’ we can,” said Alisha Webb, INSPIRE job coach.

The 1- to 2-year program utilizes Franklin College as a base. The students work, attend class or college events and socialize.

The program’s job coaches assist the students in all aspects of becoming an independent adult during INSPIRE. In the beginning, the job coaches walk with their students to all campus activities or into the town of Franklin.

Once confidence builds, student independence develops cautiously.

“Our students are pretty good getting around on their own. It doesn’t take them long to roll their eyes and say, ‘Alisha, I can do this on my own.

Please go away,’” said Webb, giggling.

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CLASSES

Each semester for 50 minutes a week, students attend INSPIRE-100, a class designed just for the INSPIRE students. The class utilizes a simple syllabus with different sections. One section considers campus conduct and rules while later in the curriculum, the “Getting a Job” segment of the course teaches students how to write a résumé, fill out an application and present themselves in an interview.

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Class Fun Day adventures find the group and its coaches traveling. One never knows where they might go.

No matter where the adventure, the students reaffirm skills learned in INSPIRE-100. “When arriving at the bus stop to get to our destination, students recall learning the bus schedule in class or they remember how to tip when we stop at a restaurant for lunch,” said Webb.

“Skills like these allow students their independence.”

financial success. She applies experience.

JOBS

Keeping in mind a student’s interest, Franklin College offers a variety of jobs to undertake. If the student enjoys the outdoors, their work assignments may consist of painting curbs, working in flowerbeds or

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Left to right: Tina dissecting a crawfish . Mike receives a baseball on Fun Day from Franklin College player #22 . Ali and Daniel with teacher of record Jennifer Casselman . Brandon sweeping the stairwell.

mowing the lawn. If the work involves being indoors, the jobs might entail cleaning, taking inventory or moving furniture for banquets.

the student to rely on what he or she knows the employer requests of them instead of using the job coach as a crutch.

Participants learn from the campus employees how to complete a task. At each job site, job coaches assist the student with questions or concerns. There’s much to be learned accomplishing a job task properly.

Job coaches encourage questions pertaining to task completion, work breaks and appropriate times to start new assignments.

“Franklin College welcomes the INSPIRE students to attend one class a semester as guests,” Nevins said. When asked to give some examples, he said, “For instance, one student last year visited a biology lab and dissected a crawfish. Another student interested in law took a political science class where he participated in a mock trial.”

Job coaches respond to these types of questions. However, once a student starts feeling comfortable with their assigned employee and task, job coaches slowly step out of the picture. The reason is this forces

GUEST AND MENTOR CLASSES

The mentor classes place an INSPIRE student with a college student for a class project. Last spring for a class assignment, media students were to film the INSPIRE students working their various campus jobs.

The collaboration brought the INSPIRE students stardom and the college students credit. Coming fall semester, these films hit the red carpet at Franklin College just in time for the new INSPIRE students to experience.

In speaking about the guest and mentor classes, Neumann commented, “Our partnership with the Franklin College community has been incredible for not just the INSPIRE students, but the faculty, staff and students who have participated together.”

NEW ADDITIONS

Coming this semester, the SSJCSS welcomes Central Nine (C-9), an area career and technical school, as its second INSPIRE partner.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 23

Photos (left to right): Jennifer working out with a Franklin College student . Mason sprucing up the Franklin College lawn .

Christian painting the walls

The 2015-16 year welcomes three new students to the programs, two of which attended Center Grove. Ali Callahan advances to Franklin College INSPIRE, and Daniel Peed furthers his education at C-9 INSPIRE. In a recent interview with Callahan, she expressed her desire to take in as much of campus life as possible.

“I want to go every day, so I can talk with old friends and make new ones.

I someday want to work in an office. I like to work on the computer entering data. I hope Franklin College has some of that.”

Peed likes to work on anything with four or more wheels. “I dream of having my own auto body shop someday. C-9 [INSPIRE] has auto classes. I think the program will help me.”

“For many families, INSPIRE is a dream come true,” Webb said. “We are planting a seed by giving students a chance to participate in postsecondary activities and obtain handson work experience using real-life scenarios. What an opportunity!”

For more information about Special Services, Johnson County and Surrounding Schools or the INSPIRE program, check out their website at ssjcs.k12.in.us.

If your business would like to find out what an INPIRE partnership could look like, please call Michele Neumann at 317-736-8495 or email her at mneumann@ssjcs.k12.in.us.

Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993.

An 11-year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi and her church.

24 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

h s a l p S a g n i k a M THE CG AQUATICS CLUB COMMUNITY Writer / Leigh Lawson Photographer / Jessica Kelly

The Center Grove Aquatics Club (CGAC) has been a part of the community for many decades producing top-notch swimmers who have competed on the national stage. With extraordinary coaching, the club has achieved success from their youngest swimmers to the high school swimmers. What is that winning equation besides coaching, water and practice? The answer is a tight, supportive community of coaches, teammates and families.

The CGAC family knows that the key to building a strong, supportive community is to mix fun into the training equation.

Often the club organizes events as a way to kick back, relax and have fun. Whether it is group tickets to an Indianapolis Indians game or impromptu sledding at a park, these events deepen the friendships among swimmers and parents.

CGAC is planning another such event but is inviting the entire community to come and enjoy. The next big club event is the CGAC Community Night. atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 25

On Tuesday, July 14, CGAC will be holding a swim meet for club swimmers 12 years old and younger with several other area clubs competing. The meet begins at 6 p.m. at the Center Grove High School Natatorium.

During and after the meet, food trucks will be on-site including pizza from Brozinni’s, Mexican cuisine from Ahh-Burrito and the CG community favorite, Ella’s Frozen Yogurt. Following the meet, the party will then move to the CGHS football field for fireworks where everyone is welcome to come.

Amy Spencer, CGAC head coach for the age group swimmers, shares the club’s intention for inviting all of Center Grove. “We wanted to do something fun and different to get our name out into the community to let them know that we are more than just a middle school and high school team," she said. "We work hard but have fun too! What says ‘summer’ better than swimming, picnics and fireworks?”

CGAC parent Kevin Trammell is hopeful that many people will come and enjoy the evening. Trammell has three daughters in the program. He wants the community to feel welcome and witness the offered benefits of CGAC. He explained that the sport realizes great fitness levels and develops

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increased focus, which translates into better academic achievement.

Trammell also explained that since the club draws from all of the schools within the district, his daughters have a greater sense of their community. Those friendships are priceless.

CGAC understands that there is a need to grow in conjunction with the community. While CGAC feels the support of the community like most of the other sports, they would like to welcome and include the community as well. The community night offers the club an opportunity to share the club’s welcoming atmosphere with the public.

In addition to the community night, the club decided to give back to the community by organizing sessions for the adult public to use the lap pool at the Natatorium Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m. for $1 per session.

For more information on CGAC, visit their website at cgacswim.org.

Leigh and her husband, Mike, have called Center Grove their home for 14 years. They chose Center Grove as the ideal place to raise their two children, Eric and Julia. She is an active member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church where she writes an online Bible study.

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Fine Art for Kids MARK LANDIS, DIRECTOR OF CENTER GROVE FINE ARTS ACADEMY

Writer / Kristen Parker . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

With their desire to give children the opportunity to participate in quality performing arts on the southside of Indianapolis, Mark Landis and Kathy Phipps began the Center Grove Fine Arts Academy (CGFAA) at Center Grove Church (CGC) in the spring of 2014.

BIRTH OF THE MINISTRY

“The southside has many opportunities for athletics and music but far fewer choices for creative young people in the performing arts.

[We] co-founded the CGFAA to provide young people a place

to gain confidence, learn teamwork and discipline and grow as singers, dancers and actors,” said Phipps. “In our culture, people are becoming more and more isolated. We all have within us a desire for community and a yearning to make a contribution to something bigger than ourselves. Theater productions give us that opportunity.”

Previously, Landis and Phipps worked together in Christian Youth Theater. However, the Theater discontinued further productions on the southside. The pair of directors felt compelled to begin something new. Originally only housed in the church, CGFAA is now an official ministry of the church, falling under the leadership of Landis, the CGC worship ministry director.

28 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 29

“In my previous church, we worked a lot with the homeless population. Here, it is the theater ministry. My motto is ‘Do what God puts in front of you,’ so they [Mark and Kathy] were obedient to what God put in front of them. This seems to be rare in many churches, so it’s exciting to be part of what God is doing here.” -CGC Senior Pastor Art DeBruyn

GROWTH OF THE MINISTRY

The ministry began with a production of “Godspell Junior” in the summer of 2014. Made up of 30 kids on stage, the production utilized simple stage setups and layouts with no backdrops. Next, they set their sights for the fall on the Theater for Young Audiences version of “Shrek”; that show utilized 47 actors and actresses but included props and backdrops.

This past spring brought about their third production: “The Music Man JR.” This shortened version of “The Music Man” included a cast of 100 children ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old.

been overwhelmingly positive. It is such a supportive group of students, directors and parents. Our son has grown as a performer and has made lifelong friends.”

“My children and I attended the final performance of ‘Shrek,’ and I was stunned by the actors’ commitment to their characters, the incredible set with its great use of space, and the depth and quality of the costuming; it was not what I had expected from a community children’s theater,” said Jo Green, mother to two performers in the most recent production. Jo also participated herself backstage with the hair and makeup committee.

As can be seen, the cast numbers more than tripled in less than a year. “We are a no-cut ministry, meaning that anybody who auditions will be in the show in some way,” said Landis. However, as he pointed out, this is not as an effort for the group to be a moneymaking operation. Each actor only pays $75 to be in the show, which makes this opportunity a more affordable option.

CONGREGATION BEHIND THE MINISTRY

These fees for the actors as well as the low ticket prices for patrons (just $5 for adults and $3 for students) cover many of the production fees. “We want a family of five to be able to see a quality show for less than $25,” said Landis.

Art DeBruyn, the CGC senior pastor, is supportive of and excited about this ministry, and he has encouraged the congregation to be supportive and excited as well.

“The congregation is almost overwhelmed by the number of people walking through our doors for the CGFAA,” said Landis. For instance, the regular CGC congregation of more than 200 people witnessed more than 1,600 seated in their sanctuary for “The Music Man JR.” performances.

DeBruyn said, “In my previous church, we worked a lot with the homeless population. Here, it is the theater ministry. My motto is FAMILIES OF THE MINISTRY “I first heard about CGFAA when a flyer for ‘Shrek’ auditions came ‘Do what God puts in front of you,’ so they [Mark and Kathy] were into my job at GuitarWorks. As a to-be theater major, it looked like obedient to what God put in front of them. This seems to be rare the perfect opportunity for me to get involved outside of my school, in many churches, so it’s exciting to be part of what God is doing here.” so I tried out,” said Zane Franklin, an Indian Creek High School student. “I’m extremely blessed to have been able to find this group, OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MINISTRY especially the directors. They have been such good mentors to me, This summer, CGFAA is doing a one-week evening camp from July and I wouldn’t leave this group for the world.”

27 — August 1, which will culminate in a dinner theater production Taylor Ward, a Center Grove High School student, said, “I think the called “Meet Me at Luigi’s.” This fall, CGFAA will stage two productions, “Mulan” and “Annie,” in an effort to accommodate the atmosphere is just awesome. There is very little drama and a ton of presumed increase in audition numbers. Moreover, for the spring of Jesus.”

2016, they are already planning one musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” “We first heard about CGFAA through the directors who had For more information about CGFAA, visit the CGC website at directed our son in previous productions through Christian Youth centergrovechurch.org.

Theater,” said Angie Ward, mother of Taylor. “Our experience has atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 31

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32 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

THE FACE OF FOSTER Writer / Kristen Parker Photographer / Forrest Mellott

As I write, a sweet baby naps down the hall. He is not mine for always, but he is mine for now. The toothy smile he flashes while playing peek-a-boo with my boys and the chance to be there for all his “first” moments bring the same joy as with my other children.

THE STORY

After my husband and I had our two children, we knew without a doubt that we were done. There were two of us and two of them. We were choosing the one-on-one strategy.

Yet, over time, our paths crossed with several families who had successfully navigated foster care. Though their often difficult and painful experiences were different from one another, their stories of lives being changed made my heart swell up with excitement. The need for foster parents was apparent, and I became eager to jump in and serve other families in need.

However, it was a few years before my husband was on the same page as me because, let’s be honest, it is asking a lot to bring someone else’s child into your home to love and care for as though he or she is your own.

I won’t sugarcoat it. Our foray into foster care was difficult for us, but we were able to view it for what it was: an amazing opportunity to learn about how the system operates as well as gauge what we might be capable of handling. It paved the way for a smoother start to the next placement, which has been life changing.

We learned that we must love the children placed in our care fiercely, deeply and completely. They might not be ours forever, but they are ours for a time, and they are family. We decided that attachment to the children was our goal — not because it was good for us (which, by the way, it is), but because it is best for them.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 33

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE KIDS IN FOSTER CARE?

U.S. CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE ETHNICITIES

REUNITED W/ BIRTH FAMILY . 52% ADOPTED . 21%

WHITE . 42% HISPANIC . 21%

OTHER OUTCOME* . 2% LEGAL GUARDIAN . 7%

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN . 26% AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN . 2%

LIVING W/ RELATIVES . 8% EMANCIPATED . 10%

TWO OR MORE RACES . 6%

Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway *e.g. transfer to another agency

UNKNOWN/UNABLE TO DETERMIN . 2% ASIAN . 0% NATIVE HAWAIIAN/OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER . 0% Source: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) FY 2012 data

34 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

THE FACTS

In March of this year, the Department of Child Services (DCS) cited that about 12,500 children in Indiana have been removed from their homes and live under the umbrella of the foster care system.

THE CLOSE

Many of the children currently in care have been in and out of the system, going home for a while only to be removed again and often placed with a different foster family than the previous one, or they are bounced

around from foster family to foster family.

This, understandably, leads to attachment issues for the children who simply want to be loved, yet, through no wrongdoing of their own, they don’t understand what love looks like nor how to express it appropriately.

Of that total, nearly half, 5,750 of them, are living with relatives but with supervision by DCS. The other half are living with non-relatives in a “typical” foster care home (such as we are). The remaining approximately 1,000 are either in a residential facility or in an alternative situation.

There are approximately 5,390 foster homes throughout Indiana; only 83 of them are located in Johnson County.

By numbers alone, this county should be able to easily handle the 55 Johnson County children currently in care. However, counties are often reciprocal, helping one another, as they are able. In addition, many homes are licensed with Private Agencies (such as Children’s Bureau or Adult & Child), and those agencies accept children from surrounding counties as well.

Proven expertise for uncertain markets.

Here is the issue: most foster families’ (ourselves included) place limitations on age, gender, sibling groups, behaviors or other special needs, and those parameters may not match the populations most in need. As a result, there tend to be more homes available for younger children while there is a greater need for homes open to teens and adolescents as well as children of all ages who have unique medical needs.

We learned it is important to decide as a family what kind of parameters to put on placements. Nevertheless, we know that every home is different, and every family must make the decision that is best for them. The bottom line: the more families that make the decision to foster, the more options DCS will have in finding a safe place for children to go.

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Foster parents have the chance to help these neglected children work through (or at least work on) their bonding issues by demonstrating what real love and attachment are, giving them a gift they can use for a lifetime.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the time to act.

The need has never been greater. I won’t lie and say that it’s easy. In fact, I would dare say it has been one of the more difficult things I have ever done in my life. However, I know that we are making a difference in this child’s life, and he is most assuredly making one in ours.

For more information on how to become a Foster Parent, visit the DCS website at in.gov/dcs/fostercare.htm or our agency, Children’s Bureau, at childrensbureau.org.

Source: Children's Bureau Inc.

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Carmel resident Roger Conn and members of New Life International, headquartered in Indiana, are spearheading efforts to bringing water purification systems to Nepal that was recently devastated by powerful earthquakes. Learn how you can assist these efforts by watching our video interview of Conn. Visit our website at townepost.com or waterfortheworld. com. You can contact New Life International at 812-752-7474.

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TOM SLACK PUT ASIDE HIS DREAM OF BEING AN ARTIST FOR YEARS — AND THEN HE GOT A SECOND CHANCE Writer / Jennifer Uhl . Photographer / Jim Eichelman

Those who say “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” never met Tom Slack. The Greenwood artist has earned acclaim over the past 20 years for his high-contrast impressionistic style, but it took decades of hard work to get there.

For the better part of Slack’s life, becoming an artist and doing what he loved was a dream deferred.

Slack demonstrated a gift for art from an early age. Even before he started kindergarten, he would draw his portrait while looking in a bathroom mirror or create pictures of the stories from Sunday school lessons. His elementary school teachers called in Slack’s parents and praised his talent. However, Slack’s mother and father didn’t encourage his ambition — quite the opposite. Their Depressionera memories of trying to earn enough money to provide for a family stuck fast, and becoming a “starving artist” wasn’t a feasible profession. (Oddly enough, Slack’s paternal grandmother had been a professional artist who did well; odder still, his parents hoped for their children to become musicians — a profession not often associated with job stability or a steady paycheck.) With his musical talent encouraged, Slack became something of a violin prodigy but disliked it. “I had dreams of laying my violin on the floor, climbing on top of my mother’s piano, and jumping off and stomping on my violin,” he says. In high school, the closest he came to art was making pre-game posters for the cheerleaders.

After graduation, Slack, a Utah native, struggled in choosing college courses. “I went through the catalogs while trying to decide what to major in,” he recalls. “Suddenly I’d see something that looked interesting, but it had to do with art, and I knew it would be wrong for me to major in that terrible subject,” he says, wagging a finger like a stern schoolmaster. He put all thoughts of creative classes aside and instead studied subjects where he “could make a good living.” For the next 20 years, he took on various sales jobs to support his wife, Norene, and their seven children. “I was absolutely bored,” he remembers. “I was very unhappy with what I was doing.”

A DECISION

In March 1995, fate struck in the guise of a snowstorm. Slack was staying at a hotel in Vernal, Utah, waiting for a sales appointment that afternoon. The hotel manager wouldn’t let him stay past checkout time, so Slack decided to go for a drive. He drove his small Toyota Corolla into the mountains and got stuck in a snowbank near the top, where he spent hours trying to claw and kick away the hardened snow. As night fell, he stuffed his 6’4” frame into the backseat and tried to get warm, but his shirt sleeves were wet, his arms and hands were bleeding and he didn’t have a coat. Late that night, freezing and despondent, Slack started to think about what it would be like to die and the sadness of life not fully lived. “I just thought, ‘What a shame,’” he says. “I thought it was a shame that I had wasted my life doing what someone else wanted me to do. I decided then that if I made it out, I’d bag it and be an artist.”

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 41

42 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Slack doesn’t remember exactly how he made it down the mountain the next morning, only that he was finally able to get out of the car and walk a little ways before a farmer found him. As soon as he recovered from a mild case of frostbite, Slack quit his job on the spot and signed up for art classes at Salt Lake Community College.

His wife’s reaction? “Hallelujah!” she exclaims. “I remember him coming home from his first figures class, and his eyes were bright.”

HARD WORK AND SUCCESS

Slack transferred to the University of Utah a year later and spent the next two years working full time while taking 20-24 credit hours each semester. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1998, and then he and Norene moved to Greenwood to be closer to their grandchildren and two of their daughters, who live in Avon and Fishers. Even though Slack had finally realized his dream, carving out a spot in the art world wasn’t easy. He spent more than a year contacting galleries and trying to get in to art shows, but no one was interested. Finally, Mass Ave’s 4 Star Gallery gave him a chance, which led to his work being featured in Hilbert Circle Theatre.

He drove to Madison and Rising Sun and found gallery owners who wanted to represent him. Offers from galleries in Milwaukee, Detroit and St. Louis followed. In 2002, Slack submitted a large oil painting of an art student in the professional fine arts category at the State Fair. When he went to see it after judging, he was disappointed to find all the other entries but his had received ribbons. Later that day, a friend called to congratulate Slack on “that big ribbon”: He’d won the Governor’s Choice award, which earned the painting a spot in the governor’s mansion and Slack a lunch with Governor Frank O’Bannon and first lady Judy O’Bannon.

All of the work came with a hefty price in 2010 when Slack had to have back surgery. He spent 40 days in the hospital, 19 of them in the Intensive Care Unit. The stress took a toll on his ability to draw, something he now does four hours each day.

Norene brought in a sketching pad so Slack could draw while he recovered, but he could only make scribbles. Fortunately, the talent he’d honed for years came back over time. “I just cried the first time he could draw a face,” Norene remembers. “Now his work is more vibrant; it’s even better than it was.”

Today Slack paints in his living room where finished canvases of cityscapes, landscapes and various figures rotate down the hallway and back again until he finds homes for them. He also teaches workshops and has many funny and touching stories of commissions he’s done for people all over the world. “I was working so hard, and now I have more work than I can keep up with,” he says. He and Norene have 23 grandchildren; his only son is an artist. Though his father has died, Slack’s mother has seen her son follow his heart and is one his biggest supporters next to Norene. Sixty-four this month, Slack says he will continue to paint until he can’t pick up a brush. “Art has been a wonderful part of my life,” he says. “It happened a lot later for me, but I’m so glad I pursued my dream.”

Jennifer Uhl is a former associate editor of Indianapolis Monthly Home. Now a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom, Uhl’s work also appears in Indianapolis Monthly and the city’s suburb-based publications. She lives in Center Grove with her husband, two children and a bluetick coonhound named Naomi.

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atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 43

Michelle and Brian Peters with their daughter Amanda (back)

COFFEEHOUSE FIVE COFFEE FOR BENEFIT

Through his research to figure out why that seemed to be a trend, Brian discovered that many struggling couples choose to wait for counseling because of the cost. “But the longer they wait, the Named as a nod to Indiana author Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse longer the root of bitterness grows, and it becomes impossible to Five,” Coffeehouse Five looks to be simply a hip and trendy coffee overcome,” he said. “We want to get to couples earlier…help them shop in downtown Greenwood. However, it doesn’t take long to sooner.” Coffeehouse Five became their outlet to achieve just that. discern that it is so much more.

Writer / Kristen Parker Photographer / Forrest Mellott

Founded by Brian and Michelle Peters, Coffeehouse Five differentiates itself by how it invests its profit: turning it into resources to strengthen families, which the Peters view as the backbone of a healthy community. As a self-proclaimed “forbenefit” coffee shop, one of the main tenets of its ministry is bringing free marriage counseling to couples in need.

“We want to be a high-quality coffeehouse, but the core of what we do is the counseling,” said Brian. When Brian first began to work in ministry, he received many requests for marriage counseling; unfortunately, the marriages were often at a point when they were too late to salvage.

The Peters also desire to obliterate the stigma often associated with counseling. “We want to bring dignity to the process, as well as make it comfortable and normal,” said Brian. “This plays into the coffee shop approach to create an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.”

VOLUNTEERS, NOT EMPLOYEES

Making the business a family affair, Brian and Michelle’s adult children also volunteer alongside them. “Our children, Tay, Amanda and Lucas, volunteer to help because they are great kids and support our calling,” said Michelle. While their children all wear several hats, Amanda’s includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the volunteers. Volunteers are the crux of how Brian and Michelle are able to provide counseling free of charge.

44 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Dispensing a Greenwood exclusive “Nitro Coffee,” coffee with the body of a Guinness Stout.

Not only are their children volunteers, but all their baristas are volunteers, which is how the Peters are able to direct their profits toward counseling. Currently “employing” seven volunteers, they are always looking to add to the staff. “To be a volunteer barista, we require you be over the age of 18, personable, outgoing, excited about working in a fast-paced environment and able to work at least 10 hours a week,” said Amanda.

Brian went on to explain further, “We have to be particular…only using people who view it as a job,” he said. “It’s different from the way many people look at volunteering for a nonprofit…one to two hours a week or a month. That just isn’t helpful to us.”

COMMUNITY, NOT CONGREGATION

About the coffee, Brian confessed that as a family, they are “coffeesnobs.” “One of the things we are committed to is quality. We did a lot of taste-testing, and that’s how we ended up with Ancora Coffee Roasters from Madison, Wisconsin,” he said. He went on to say that they would someday love to roast their own coffee; however, there just is not the time to include this at present.

Staying ahead of the trend, Coffeehouse Five was the first shop in Greenwood to premiere Nitro Coffee last month. Nitro Coffee begins with cold brewed coarsely ground beans; then it is placed in a keg and served through a nitrogen tap. This creamy-textured beverage minimizes acidity but maximizes the caffeine content, and the result visually appears much like Guinness Stout.

Although not part of the church, Coffeehouse Five launched itself FUTURE VISION from a space within Community Church of Greenwood’s Gathering Currently, Michelle works full-time for a division of the Indiana Place in 2011. The coffeehouse moved into their current digs in July Supreme Court, so her time is limited. However, she is fully of last year. committed to the ministry filling in as needed as a barista and baker and helping Brian with counseling as time permits. In the future, Though they do not have a “congregation,” Coffeehouse Five does however, she envisions herself there full-time. have a community who gathers to worship together once a week.

“About half of the people we work with do not have a church home, “Our goal is that Coffeehouse Five will be totally self-supporting so our worship time helps connect people together,” said Brian. at a level where both Brian and I can be there making coffee and available to do counseling. In addition, it is my dream that every day Currently, Brian is serving as the interim pastor at the First Baptist all day, the tables would be filled with people enjoying a drink and a Church of Greenwood (just down the street from the coffee shop), baked good while studying, reading or sharing with friends,” so the community meets there Sunday mornings. Ultimately, once she said. the interim period is complete and the church has a permanent pastor in place, the Coffeehouse Five community plans to worship For more information or to contact Coffeehouse Five, visit the again at the shop Sunday evenings. website at coffeehousefive.com.

NITRO COFFEE AND MORE

Although the counseling is the core of what they do, Coffeehouse Five takes great pride in the quality of their food and drinks. All of their baked goods are made in-house, many of which utilize multigenerational family recipes. They include cookies, scones, cinnamon rolls, muffins, sandwiches and more.

A lifetime resident of the Center Grove area, Kristen graduated from IU Bloomington with a degree in Journalism. She and her husband, Jimmy, parent two active, homeschooled boys and one foster son.

If she had spare time, she would enjoy blogging and thrift store shopping.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 45

STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES HOOSIER MILITARY VETERANS

NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH AUGUST 1, 2015

Writer / Annette Roy . Photos / Provided

The IMVHOF is currently virtual via its website; however, the group’s plans are to build a physical monument in the future.

The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame (IMVHOF) is calling for nominations for its second group of honorees. The not-for-profit Up to 15 veterans will be honored for military service achievements organization inducted 16 into the Hall of Fame last November. and/or community contributions. To be eligible, a nominee must meet any one of these criteria: The IMVHOF’s stated objective is “to publicly emphasize the honor brought to our state and nation by the sacrifice of Indiana • Been born in Indiana military veterans and their families.”

• Entered military service in Indiana • Lived in Indiana for a minimum of eight years All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, all ages, living or deceased, and males and females will be considered equally. The complete nomination packet and criteria can be found at imvhof.com.

Nominations will be accepted through the end of the day August 1, 2015. There is no cost to make a nomination.

The second induction ceremony will take place on November 13, 2015, in Carmel. Tickets can be purchased at 2015imvhof. eventbrite.com.

In 2014, IMVHOF selected 16 military veterans with Hoosier ties for outstanding service achievements in military or community contributions.

46 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

IMVHOF FACT SHEET

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CGHS FRONT ROW

BEHIND HOME PLATE Writer / Leigh Lawson . Photos / Provided

The American pastime of baseball thrives in every community. From those first moments on the ball diamonds where prekindergarteners play tee ball all the way to the major league, baseball still captures that American pride and spirit. Center Grove loves the American pastime and equally loves its high school team. While baseball is a part of the community, it is a community within itself.

parents," she said. "While some [players] have played on competing travel teams, most of the boys have played together since Little League. The parents, families and the boys really enjoy each other and truly support every boy. The bonds are very strong and something we all really cherish.”

As with most CGHS athletic institutions, the baseball team has favorite traditions handed down through the years. Most include ways to demonstrate team pride.

Baseball parents take the reins through Most of the CGHS team has played within organizing buttons that display their the Center Grove Little League, either players, the telephone pole signs that together or competing against each other. lead to the school and the senior banners Beyond those CG Little League days, most that celebrate the contributions of those continued honing their skills in competitive teammates. The senior parents take the lead travel leagues. They came together, though, on organizing the traditions and preparing to represent their school and community the parents of the underclassmen. on the CGHS team.

With the arrival of Coach Hatfield, new The Trojans are finishing their second traditions came too. According to Coy, year under the leadership of Coach Keith the team and families embraced these new Hatfield. The season has been a season of traditions. The merging of traditions made success including a ranking in the top 10, the season enjoyable while strengthening winning the Metropolitan Interscholastic the already-strong baseball community.

Conference (MIC) Championship as well as the Johnson County Tournament and Coy believes that the merging of the advancing to Regionals. old and new has created close working relationships. “We work very closely with Jennifer Coy, parent of graduate and Coach Hatfield and the assistants … We are starting catcher Nathaniel Coy, shared how very fortunate to have such a great working much her baseball family means to her. “We relationship with the coaches. It has made have a very special group of families and the season very special.”

Moms of senior players wait to be introduced on Senior Night

Center Grove Baseball begin each game with prayer

Traditions and games are only parts of a season. While winning games and advancing in important tournaments are the focus, there are some behind-the-scenes chores. The parents “step up to the plate” in doing those jobs.

They tackle the daunting job of washing the team’s uniforms. They organize team dinners and meals for between games.

These jobs are not dreary chores but a demonstration of support. They not only work to feed the team, but they coordinate the task of feeding the game crowd by operating the concession stands.

For Coy, this has been a busy season filled with memories. She prepared to witness her son graduate and celebrate his milestone achievement as a student. She treasured Nathaniel’s last baseball season as a Trojan.

With spring sports, the emotional roller coaster for a parent of a senior student athlete is condensed.

The ride is thrilling and quick. It epitomizes the reality of the brevity of these high school years for sons, daughters and parents.

Wasn’t it just yesterday that the Class of 2015 hit their first ball off that baseball tee?

The echoes of the parents’ cheers from that first baseball moment to the last CGHS game will forever remain in their hearts.

Carson Lee with his parents after winning the Johnson County Tournament

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 49

JULY LOCAL EVENTS 2-31 / SALI FEATURED ARTIST

Bruce Moore resides in Fishers, IN. The professional artist shows his work regularly in regional and national juried exhibitions. His painting style has evolved over the years from representational work to imaginative contemporary painting, most often on “Yupo,” a synthetic paper made of polypropylene.

Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet the artist July 10 from 6-8 p.m.

Free Southside Art League, Inc. (SALI) Off Broadway Gallery 299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood 317-882-5562 southsideartleague.org

10 / 26TH ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL ON THE CIRCLE

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month and take a break from summer’s heat with a delicious, refreshing ice cream sundae! Guests can treat their tastebuds with gigantic sundaes drizzled with the choice of chocolate, strawberry or caramel syrups, among with a variety of other delightful toppings. All proceeds benefit Girls Inc. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $3 per giant ice cream sundae SE Quadrant of Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis (in front of Hilbert Circle Theatre) 317-842-7955 WinnersDrinkMilk.com

11 (RAIN DATE JULY 18) / JOHNSON COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL OPEN HOUSE

Johnson County Animal Control invites the public to an Open House with Dave “The King” Wilson and other celebrities. Visit vendor booths, see demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Department K-9 officer, watch obedience trainers work with dogs and learn grooming tips and tricks. Other activities include: Photos of you and your dog: $5* Microchipping $10. (Pets must be altered and up-to-date on rabies shots in order to be microchipped or photographed.)

Pet ID tags made while you wait: $3 Fixed and vaccinated “barn cats” available for free!

“Name Your Price” adoptions.

Free pizza and popcorn.

Drawings throughout the day for door prizes.

Rabies certificate required for all dogs over six months of age brought to the event.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Free Johnson County Animal Control 2160 N. Graham Rd., Franklin 317-736-3924 adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/77631.html

17 / BARGERSVILLE ANNUAL CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET Dash plaques, judged show, People’s Choice awards, best interior, best paint, games, competitions, raffles and Remnants Band 6-9 p.m.

5-10 p.m.

Free to attend, $20 to show vehicle Main Street in Bargersville 317-422-3126 lhess@townofbargersville.org bit.ly/bargersville_annual_carshow

18 / BBQ AND BLUES FEST

People’s Choice BBQ contest, food vendors, craft vendors, Michigan Street Band 6-10 p.m.

11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Main Street in Bargersville 317-422-3126 lhess@townofbargersville.org bit.ly/bargersville_bbq_blues

18, 25, AUG. 1 / GREENWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

July 18 - Tastes Like Chicken July 25 - Stella and the Satellites August 1 - Living Proof 7pm Greenwood Amphitheater Free Admission Lawn Seating Please bring a chair The Greenwood Summer Concert Series is a familyfriendly event. http://bit.ly/GWconcerts

50 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

SPONSORED BY MALCOLM T. RAMSEY AGENCY Post your events online: atCenterGrove.com & click "Events"

20-24 / SPRINGHILL DAY CAMP

SpringHill Day Camps include small group Bible teaching, high-energy large group sessions and adventure activities such as archery, bungee trampoline, camp songs, climbing wall, crafts and more. Designed for children who have completed grades K-4.

Registration deadline is July 5.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. $169 Mount Auburn United Methodist Church 3100 W. Stones Crossing Rd., Greenwood 317-535-8555, ext. 1352 eliam@mtauburnumc.org bit.ly/springhill_camp

We invite you to submit events for the Center Grove Community Newsletter.

This is what we need to make your listing meaningful: . Name of the event . Description of the event (2-3 sentences) . Date and time of the event . Cost of attending event . Place of event including address . Contact information (phone number, website, email) . A picture or graphic. Please be aware that pictures from a website do not work well in the magazine. Please try to include a “high quality� version of the graphic in .jpg or .pdf format.

Email the information to dann@atcentergrove.com.

You can also post your event online on our website, atcentergrove.com.

Select Events/Submit Your Event. Be aware that submitting an event for publication does not place it on the website, and placing it on the website does not submit it for publication. The two systems are not linked in any way.

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 51

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52 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Animal Sounds

WORD SEARCH

Creator / Lucy Stravers

When you fill in the blanks, you will have the animal names that are hidden in the puzzle or when you find all the hidden names in the puzzle, you will be able to fill in the blanks. Words will appear in a straight line in any direction.

Save your answers. It will make next month's puzzle much easier.

FIND THE ANIMAL THAT ...

1. BRAYS __________________

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2. ROARS __________________

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4. BAYS __________________

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5. NEIGHS __________________

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6. BUGLES __________________

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7. CROWS __________________

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8. OINKS __________________

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9. CACKLES __________________

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10. MOOS __________________

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11. HOWLS __________________

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12. BAAS __________________ 13. BARKS __________________ 14. MEOWS __________________ 15. COOS __________________

19. BELLOWS __________________

23. CAWS __________________

27 CHIRPS __________________

31. CRIES __________________

16. GOBBLES __________________

20. QUACKS __________________

24. SQUEAKS __________________

28. PECKS __________________

32. BUZZES __________________

17. SQUAWKS __________________

21. WARBLES __________________

25. WHISTLES __________________

29. TRUMPETS __________________

33. GROWLS __________________

18. PEEPS __________________

22. HONKS __________________

26. CROAKS __________________

30. BLEATS __________________

34. HISSES __________________

Lucy Stravers lives in Pella, Iowa, and is the mother-in-law of Dann Veldkamp.

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atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 53

 KATE IN THE MIDDLE

CHECK OUT OF HOTELS, CHECK IN TO AIRBNB Writer / Kate Rhoten

Summer is here. Vacation plans have been made.

I want to share an alternative to hotels if you are traveling or looking at options for future trips.

Many of us have stayed in hotels or rented a condo at the beach through a rental management company.

Perhaps you have heard of VRBO (Vacation Rentals

by Owner) or HomeAway (part of VRBO). We used VRBO once in the past for a summer hiking vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado. VRBO was founded in 1995; HomeAway was in 2006. HomeAway is the parent company of VRBO. They each state that they have over one million listings.

Another company in the overnight accommodations sector has taken off since it began in 2008. This would be Airbnb. It started during the last recession and became “the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space” as described on their website’s About page. It now has over 1.2 million listings available in over 190 countries. Airbnb is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

The uniqueness of Airbnb is that they offer places to stay from a room in someone’s home to an entire castle. Don’t believe me; check out their site at Airbnb.com. Out of all the companies that offer accommodations for families, Airbnb is my favorite one.

The website itself is beautifully designed. The user interface on the Internet, as well as an app on your tablet or phone, is easy to navigate. That just makes hunting for a place to stay that much more enjoyable. Plus our inquiries to the owners were responded to in a very timely fashion.

Last year, we tried Airbnb for the first time when we went to California. We were attending ComicCon (yes, I went with my family and enjoyed the bucket list experience). We had reserved a hotel, but when you start factoring in miscellaneous fees and dining out, we decided to look into Airbnb. That’s when we found the perfect place and canceled the hotel.

We stayed in a beach cottage at Solana Beach. This was a perfect location as it got us away from the busy areas of downtown San Diego and Mission Valley. It was just a two-minute walk to the beach without a single road to cross. We were very pleased with

our selection, and our youngest loves the beach, so he was thrilled. The place was clean, comfortable and recently remodeled.

We used Airbnb for a second time this past March for spring break. This time, we stayed in a condo in Sunny Isles, Florida — just north of Miami. This condo was on the west side of Florida’s A1A Highway, which runs alongside the beachfront buildings — another short walk that was all of four to five minutes. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The boys each had a queen size bed and a television in their room, so they were happy not to be on top of each other. Our room was perfect for us, and it had a television as well. We had great beach access, and it was not busy at all. That was very relaxing for us.

Next month, this column will cover what you should know going into a rental through Airbnb and our top reasons for continuing our vacation rental searches through them. I will also outline our costs on the places in Solana Beach and Sunny Isles compared to the hotels we would have stayed in.

Until then, enjoy the long days of summer and vacation if you have one coming up.

Kate’s nearing mid-life in the middle of America raising her boys with her hubby building their dream one day at a time while feeling like she’s always in the middle of something.

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54 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

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