Center Grove Community Magazine March 2016

MARCH 2016

CHEF BRICKER

Guides Indy’s Food Service Professionals

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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2 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

PUBLISHER’S WELCOME As I write this, it is a beautiful February Saturday. Temperatures are in the 60s, and I see kids on bicycles and people working in their yards. When you read this, it may be a more typical late winter day. Don’t worry, you know what they say, “If you don’t like the weather in Indiana, wait 10 minutes and it will change.” I have noticed that “they” say that in Minnesota, in South Dakota and in Iowa too. My relatives in Michigan, New York and Ohio also say it. The only ones I know who don’t say it are my wife’s cousins in Southern California, which leads me to conclude, “The only constant is change.”

many of those changes and training those who now work in these new places. You’ll be as surprised as I am at how influential he has been.

Now I am going to change my position and say some things don’t change. Center Grove residents have always cared about each other and others. We could fill an entire issue (and more) with stories of area residents helping. This month, we highlight several ways people are helping out.

Mount Pleasant Christian Church hosted “Night to Shine,” a full prom experience for people with special needs ages 16 and older.

The smile on the girl’s face on the opening page tells how it was received.

I’m happy to say that the dining scene is changing, and it’s more than just a Hardee’s becoming a Wendy’s. Our cover story looks at Chef Bricker, Hospitality Administration Chair at Ivy Tech. He has been involved in

Several area families are a host family for

Jody Veldkamp, Publisher

Safe Families. The organization not only finds safe places for kids to live when life at home gets difficult, but volunteers also mentor the parents and help them find housing, employment and such while knowing that their children’s needs are being met.

Finally, congratulations to our Advertising Account Executive Miranda Stockdall who got married February 20. Miranda and her husband, Josh Gray, will continue to reside in Center Grove, even though they wisely chose to get married on the beach in Florida.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE The team photo in last month’s “The Genesis of a Team” was taken by Gary Blake.

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A

THE RT OF PERSONAL SERVICE

West Smith Valley Road and SR 135

882-8200

©2016 The National Indianapolis Member FDIC 4 / CENTERBank GROVEof COMMUNITY MAGAZINE www.nbofi.com / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

March 2016 / Vol. 5 / No. 3

PUBLISHER

Dann Veldkamp

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

dann@atCenterGrove.com / 317-345-9510

VP OF SALES

Jody Veldkamp

jody@atCenterGrove.com / 317-507-4334

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Miranda Stockdall

Miranda@atCenterGrove.com / 317-833-2248

TOWNEPOST PUBLISHER Tom Britt

COVER STORY

tom@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

BUSINESS MANAGER Jeanne Britt

Cover Photo / Forrest Mellott

32

jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Folzenlogel

CHEF BRICKER GUIDES INDY’S FOOD SERVICE PROFESSIONALS Writer / Frieda Dowler

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Remember when dining out in Greenwood during the 1970s was limited to a few restaurants: MCL Cafeteria, Jerry’s and Pete Steffy’s? Now we have an abundance of choices. Not many have personally experienced the evolution in Indy’s food service industry over the past 40 years like Chef Bricker, Chairman of Hospitality Administration at Ivy Tech Community College.

FEATURED COLUMNS 14 Night to Shine 26 Safe Families 56 Emily Butler

6 60 61 62

7 Get the Yuck out of Your Ducts 8 Teen Film Festival 10 Maintain Your Drain 19 Wine, Women & Shoes 22 Gender Reveal Parties 25 Angie’s Pool & Spa 30 Bringing New Life to a Lake Home

atCenterGrove.com

Gardening Nana Event Calendar Word Search Kate in the Middle

36 Partners in Connecting the Community

39 Center Grove Montessori 42 Becker Landscape 45 Beyond 3.1 49 Join the Greenwood

Alyssa Sander

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance

EDITOR

Katelyn Bausman

MARCH WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alaina Sullivan / Eghe Lenze Frieda Dowler / Janelle Morrison Johnette Cruz / Joyce Long Julie Yates / Kara Reibel Kate Rhoten / Katie Burrell / Keeley Miller / Kris Parker / Nancy Craig

SHOP LOCAL!

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

STORY SUBMISSIONS

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

Community Garden

52 Alive & Thriving Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 1272 / Greenwood, IN 46142 Phone: 317-507-4334 / Fax: 317-868-2240 The Center Grove Community Magazine 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 / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 5

GARDENING NANA

GOOBERS, MONKEY NUTS, GROUNDNUTS – PEANUTS! The most fun is learning how the peanut grows underground which gives it the name groundnuts. The flower of the peanut plant puts down a stem called a peg which grows down into the soil where the peg grows into peanuts. So when you harvest the peanuts, you pull up the entire plant and let the nuts dry. Actually, the peanut is not a nut but a legume!

With a name like goobers, what boy or girl could resist wanting to plant them? My great nieces and nephews are so excited to try some different vegetables to plant this season. We have decided to plant peanuts, sweet potatoes and a new tomato/potato plant called Ketchup ‘n’ Fries or TomTatos®.

Purdue consumer horticulture extension specialist, Rosie Lerner, has an article on growing peanuts. See her picture of the peanut plant at bit.ly/purdue_peanuts.

Rosie says it is better to use raised beds to grow peanuts in the Midwest, so we are going to plant our peanuts in straw bales which I will write about in the April Center Grove Community Magazine.

Most of the peanuts in the USA are grown in the south, but now there are varieties that can be grown in the Midwest. In the South, most know the term goober or goober peas and know it is referring to peanuts. The name goober originates in Africa, and the first peanuts came to North America with the slaves from Africa. But the peanut has been grown in South America for thousands of years.

We are going to get our peanuts and sweet potatoes slips from the Urban Farmer located in Westfield. They have a very large selection of seeds also online at ufseeds. com. The kids will like this book, “Garden to Table: A Kid’s Guide to Planting, Growing and Preparing Food” by Katherine Hengel, which has easy step-by-step planting, care and harvesting tips and 30 recipes for several vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes.

Writer / Nancy Craig

The peanut does have an interesting history. George Washington Carver, the plant scientist of the 1900s, was known as the Peanut Man. He developed over 300 manufactured products from peanuts.

But today, we love our peanut butter and even have a National Peanut Butter Month (November) and a National Peanut Month (March). So celebrate peanuts this month by buying seeds to plant or trying out new recipes.

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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BENEFITS OF KEEPING YOUR AIR DUCTS AND DRYER VENTS CLEAN

Art and his wife Rhonda contacted longtime friends Jim Girdley and his wife Meresa (Baker) to discuss the opportunity. Jim, just retired from the National Guard as a Lt. Colonel, was looking for a new endeavor. After months of planning and market research, it was WHY USE RESCUE DUCT time to put the plan into action. They obtained equipment, outfitted • It Takes More Than a Truck and A Duck to Do the Job Right a truck, went to Pittsburgh to train, advertised and did some pro • Art, Jim And Their Staff Are Trained Air Duct Cleaning bono work to get started. So many things fell into place so quickly Specialists that Art states “divine providence led us here.”

• Truck Mounted System Cleans Better Than Smaller Units • Several Cleaning Options Allow Them to Clean Air Ducts Others WHY THE TRUCK AND THE DUCK Can’t The truck mounted unit provides a powerful vacuum sucking out debris while air whips pass through the ducts, dislodging the “yuck” Art and Rhonda and Jim and Meresa live in Center Grove. Rhonda clinging to your ducts. Using a large vacuum also keeps a home and Meresa are the “silent partners” working on advertising, cleaner during the process. equipment and business development. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” adds Art. The duck was Art’s idea. It was one of those ideas that “sort of comes to you, and you scribble it out on a piece of paper.” With the help of a graphic designer, the “Rescue Duck” was hatched and now adorns their trucks which leads people to ask if it is a franchise. The answer: “Not yet!”

Duct BEFORE cleaning

WHY CLEAN AIR DUCTS

Duct AFTER cleaning

Dust or dirt and warm air provide a place for bacteria, germs and viruses to live. Look at the before and after pictures. Do you really want the air you breathe passing by that “stuff ”?

WHY CLEAN DRYER VENTS

Many people are unaware of the danger from the buildup of lint in their dryer vent. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states there are over 15,000 fires annually in the United States that

Owners, Art Schlangen & Jim Girdley

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 7

Clogged dryer vent

2015 Film Festival Winners

and documentary. Special awards, based on content, could highlight “best villain,” “best monster” or “best costume.”

Last year’s winner, Kyle Bastin, is now a junior at Greenwood High School. His short film, “Alone,” told the story of a teen who struggled with depression and self-harm. After releasing his film on YouTube and showing it at the Festival, he had multiple people come up to him, all of whom he’d never met before and shared with him how much the film meant to them.

TEEN FILM FESTIVAL Writer / Kara Reibel . Photography / Provided

The 7th Annual Teen Film Festival will be held May 5 at the Greenwood Library. Creator Emily Ellis, Head of Reference and Teen Services, is the Chair for the event.

“The Teen Film Festival is all about supporting and encouraging the creative efforts of the teens in our community. It offers a platform for inspiring filmmakers, directors, script writers and actors to show off their talents and receive recognition for what they are creating,” shares Ellis. “And what they’re creating is pretty awesome.”

“This meant the world to me, even more so than winning the Festival,” confides Bastin. “I hope I can continue helping people and displaying inspiring new ideas through my films for the rest of my life. I am very excited to enter into this year’s Festival with my film ‘Persecution’ which will tackle the idea of a Catholic high school student who is also gay.”

Film is a powerful means of expression, and with the technology available and reasonable pricing, films can be made on a mobile device. The Teen Film Festival encourages the creative process for these kids, welcoming middle school students with the category of “Up and Comer” for the Festival.

“The Teen Film Fest was such a great experience for me,” shares Bastin. “My whole goal as a filmmaker is to create pieces of art that can have positive impacts on someone’s life, and the Johnson County Teen Film Festival was a perfect outlet for that.”

“The students are thoughtful, hilarious, introspective and passionate about what they are creating,” shares Ellis. “It also gives us an opportunity to thank the teachers, media specialists, librarians, friends and especially parents who support these amazing and creative teens. We really feel like we get to know each The Greenwood Library reaches outside of Greenwood to invite the student and their family with each entry.” greater area of Johnson County and surrounding areas, including “I would ask anyone who has the slightest interest in filmmaking to Roncalli, Martinsville HS and Perry Meridian HS. Others are enter and to not give up after their first year. I entered in the 2014 welcome too.

Film Fest with my film ‘Visions,’ and I didn’t have the slightest The Teen Film Festival is a collaborative program with the Johnson chance of winning, but it was still a great experience,” says Bastin.

County Public library system. The highlights are shown at the Greenwood Library in the Teen Room and Community Room.

Last year, 80-90 people attended with as many, if not more, expected to be in attendance this year.

Bastin plans to attend film school after graduation.

MAY 5

A montage of highlights is featured with everyone recognized. The winners of each category have their films shown in their entirety.

TEEN FILM FESTIVAL  Greenwood Library  greenwoodlibrary.us/ The awards categories include music video, book trailer, feature film teenfilmfestival

“The Teen Film Fest was such a great experience for me. My whole goal as a filmmaker is to create pieces of art that can have positive impacts on someone’s life, and the Johnson County Teen Film Festival was a perfect outlet for that.” - Kyle Bastin, 2015 special awards winner 8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

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BEFORE A ditch in need of cleaning increases the risk of water where you don't want it.

AFTER The clean ditch can now handle the level of water it was designed to move.

MAINTAIN YOUR DRAIN BEFORE The fences likely led to the decline of this swale to a point where weeds were blocking water flow.

AFTER With significant effort, a clear path for storm water is now open.

10 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

The problem does not necessarily show up immediately upon planting the tree but more so as it matures. “Their root ball then Owning a home comes with a lot of raises the ground around [the tree] as it responsibilities, and they do not just include matures and grows,” said Jones. That would maintenance of the home. As a homeowner, result not only in the removal of the tree but your duties extend to the yard and structures extensive work to restore the soil around it, on the yard in addition to the actual house neither of which are low-cost fixes. structure. This includes general drainage and maintenance of the drains and swales on COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS your property. Generally speaking, a ditch is One of the more common misconceptions a trench for drainage while a swale is a low people have is the result of a property tract of moist, often grass-covered, land. owner not understanding what an easement Writer / Alaina Sullivan Photographer / Jim Eichelman

“Roadside ditches along public roads are generally the responsibility of the Highway Department, but any ditches/swales on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and Homeowners Association (HOA),” said David Hittle, Director of Johnson County Department of Planning and Zoning.

BASIC MAINTENANCE OF YOUR PROPERTY’S DRAINAGE

is, said Jones.

easement does not necessarily mean that we have to come through there, but that we have a right to come through there.”

Therefore, if your swale clogs up and floods the yard, do not assume that because you did not put it there that you have no responsibility for fixing the damage. The city has no duty to come in there and repair any damage caused from lack of maintenance.

MAINTAINING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD RETENTION POND

Individual homeowners are not the only ones with responsibilities but the entire Just because you did not put the swale or neighborhood as well. Retention ponds drain there does not mean it is not your are considered privately-owned drainage responsibility. Unless it is on city property, systems and are thus the responsibility of said Jones, the responsibility rests in the those in the neighborhood. “The city owns hands of the homeowners. Most, however, the pipes, storm sewer pipe, but not the assume that the term “easement” means that actual ponds themselves,” said Jones. particular part of their land is city property.

“The homeowners, as represented by the The easements are there for a purpose, HOA, fully owns the retention ponds,” said but it is the homeowner’s responsibility to Hittle. “Their maintenance is wholly the maintain them. owners’ and HOA’s responsibility.”

Property owners are to keep the drainage swales clean and free of debris. These areas include side yard or rear yard swales as well The City has released a pamphlet recently as tributaries and creeks located around to inform the public about easements, what the home. they are and what they are not. According to Jones, residents may say, "I have a puddle in “For ditches and swales, it is important my yard so fix it,” which is not a responsibility to not erect structures, berms, landscape of the city per se but of the homeowner. “The islands, fences or the like within them,” said Hittle. “Also, ditches and swales which are subject to collecting sediment over time Chris Jones is responsible for storm need to be cleaned out occasionally.” water planning for the city of Greenwood.

Continual maintenance for a retention pond would include basic oxygenation and clearing of the area around the inlet.

Fountains can mean bubblers or ones that shoot water up in the air, said Jones. The key is to keep the water moving and turning.

Maintenance can be basic or fairly complex.

It simply depends on the drain, its quality and upkeep. “It depends on the drain, it depends on the swale,” said Christopher Jones, Greenwood City Superintendent.

“Generally, just keeping up with the mowing and [avoiding] planting trees as well as encroaching with fences and or yard barns” will ensure free-running water.

Knowing where to plant and what to keep clear can add extra work, but in the end, it could save you a lot of work in the future.

“Just because it is wet there often does not mean you should plant a little tree there,” said Jones. “It is really not a good idea to plant a tree in an easement.” atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 11

Jones suggests ensuring the HOA secures a quality aquatic management company to treat for algal blooms, installation of a fountain or bubbler to encourage the aquatic life of the pond and keep the outlet or control structure free from debris.

The life span of a pond before it needs to be cleaned out, Johnson said, is approximately 10 to 12 years. Hittle said that in the long term, sediment will collect, making dredging necessary. Aesthetically speaking and on a more short-term basis, algal blooms will negatively affect the appearance of the pond.

It can be a common misconception that smaller animals, such as muskrats and beavers, can lead to major issues in retention ponds or surrounding land. “Muskrats can dig into pond banks and cause some bank destabilization, but we do not really see a problem with them,” said Jones. “Beavers, who build a dam here and there during certain times of the year, are usually over a tributary somewhere.”

However, those problems are fewer and farther between. Jones said, however, geese are the usual suspects when it comes to these problems. The amount of waste, as well as the e-coli that the waste produces, can cause major issues for the pond.

The costs for basic maintenance versus the cost of fixing a big problem can vary wildly, said Hittle. “Recently, a neighborhood had to spend $40,000 repairing a retention pond which had been neglected for decades,” he said.

Relatively speaking, Hittle said, that is a modest repair cost.

Not staying on top of the pond’s maintenance could result in your HOA fees increasing due to costs of repairs as well as to cover any fines issued for code violations. More importantly, not staying on top of pond maintenance can almost guarantee a hit to your home value.

“Ponds, if lacking maintenance, can impact property values negatively,” said Hittle. “Eventually, the neglected pond will adversely impact subdivision drainage.”

To learn more about maintaining your drain, visit the Johnson County Indiana Partnership for Water Quality’s site at jccleanwater.org.

Alaina Sullivan is an attorney in Greenwood, focusing her work on family law and estate planning matters. She is passionate about serving those who are not able to afford normal legal fees and devotes part of her practice to modest means cases. You can reach her by visiting alainasullivanlawoffice.com or email at alaina.sullivan.law@gmail.com.

12 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

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NIGHT TO SHINE

An Unforgettable Prom Experience

14 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Writer / Johnette Cruz . Photographer / Carly Glass

Do you remember what your prom experience was like? How memorable the night came to be? When I think of my own high school prom, I think of the awesome dress I got to pick out, the limo, the food, my date, the dancing, time spent with my friends – the experience was worth every moment. I felt like a princess!

Prom for most is an experience of a lifetime.

It marks a certain rite of passage … leaving high school and going into the adult world.

Night to Shine is exactly like that except this prom experience takes it up about 10 notches.

More than 235 attendees from central Indiana just got an experience that will have a lasting impact! For the first time, Mount Pleasant Christian Church partnered with the Tim Tebow Foundation to bring the community Night to Shine, a full-on prom experience centered on God’s love for people with special needs ages 16 and older.

The event aims to show the complete and unconditional love that Christ has for us all.

This prom is not only for the young but the young at heart. The age range for this year’s Night to Shine was 16 all the way to 74 years young! For most that attended, the evening was something that would not have come to fruition in their lives if it hadn’t been for the

ABOUT THE TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION

The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. That mission is being fulfilled every day through the foundation’s seven areas of outreach, including W15H, Timmy’s Playrooms, Orphan Care, Adoption Aid, the Tebow CURE Hospital, Team Tebow and Night to Shine. For more information on the Tim Tebow Foundation, please visit timtebowfoundation.org.

foundation. This night was made to show others that regardless of their circumstance, they are welcomed, valued and loved.

The event was absolutely spectacular.

As soon as prom-goers entered Mount Pleasant Christian Church’s Community Life Center, their dreams became reality.

Every guest of Night to Shine entered the prom on a red carpet completed with welcoming friendly paparazzi and folks cheering them on.

Once inside, guests received VIP treatment including hair, makeup stations and shoeshine stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room and dancing!

ABOUT MOUNT PLEASANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Mount Pleasant Christian Church’s mission is to change the world one life, one family, one opportunity at a time.

Their vision is to be a church that is locally focused and globally engaged with an undeniable influence for Christ.

Through compelling worship, relational discipleship and making an impact on others across the street and around the world, Mount Pleasant is a welcoming place to learn, grow and connect. For more information, visit mpcc.info.

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 15

“When I was at one of the proms last year, a beautifully dressed queen of the prom was hugging me when the girl’s mom leaned over and whispered with tears in her eyes, ‘My daughter will never get married, and she will never have children, but tonight you made her feel like a princess!’”

TIM TEBOW

So why does it take 450 volunteers to run Night to Shine? Here’s a snapshot of the areas that people volunteered in: * Buddies * Welcome/Greeters * Guest Registration * Karaoke * Dance Floor * Salon and Shoeshine * Game Room * Food Prep and Service * Medical Team * Photographers * Red Carpet * Paparazzi * Caregivers Retreat * Quiet Room Attendants * Coat Check Attendants * Limo Drivers * Parking lot Attendants * Safety Team * Shuttle Drivers

The highlight of the night came when every one of the Night to Shine guests was crowned as a king or queen of the prom. This is a key factor in the planning of the foundation, a reminder that the attendees are a king or a queen always in the eyes of God. Tim Tebow’s Foundation started Night to Shine in 2015. Last year, 44 hosts churches and 15,000 volunteers worked together to honor more than 7,000 kings and queens of the prom. This year, the numbers have dramatically increased to more than 200 host churches in 48 states and eight countries. That’s more than 70,000 volunteers and 32,000 honored guests sharing the same amazing prom experience on the same night around the world!

This event could not be made possible without the help of volunteers. Every person who attended was required to have a buddy, someone to share the evening with them and helping with any of their needs. In addition, volunteers were needed to help set

up and prepare for the event, run different stations and then tear down the event afterward; Mount Pleasant recruited over 450 volunteers to serve at Night to Shine.

Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is amazed at the response to the event itself. “We are honored to be able to work with so many churches across the country and around the world to impact the lives of people with special needs. Our prayer is that this event will one day change the face of Valentine’s Day weekend from simply a celebration of love to a celebration of God’s love for people with special needs.”

You can watch a video of the event, created

by Worship Programming Pastor Joey Santos, at bit.ly/mpcc_nite.

16 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Johnette Cruz is a Multi-Media Professional with experience in TV, radio, ministry and non-profit organizations. She is currently the Communications Director at Mount Pleasant Christian Church.

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Schools fill their heads with knowledge.

Help us fill their tummies with food.

One in four Hoosier children doesn’t have enough to eat – nearly 90,000 kids in Greater Indianapolis* alone. Gleaners Food Bank is trying to change that with our BackSacks Weekend Food for Kids program. But distributing a school year’s worth of weekend BackSacks in our entire service area comes with a cost of about $2 million.

Fundraising events like Wine Women & Shoes and its sponsors help pay for this program. Yet, they’re not enough. A gift of just $20 from you provides a child with a month’s worth of weekend BackSacks. And a $100 gift provides him or her with an entire semester’s worth. Please help us fund this worthy program by making a donation today at gleaners.org

2015 Map the Meal Gap

*

A special thanks to our 2016 Wine Women & Shoes sponsors:

Benefiting Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES

A DAY OF WOMEN, WINE AND SHOES…A WEEKEND OF FOOD FOR CHILDREN

Front row left to right: Jill Burnett and Jill Schuman. Back row left to right: Heidi Dilger, Sara Kirby, and Ann-Marie Deets.

Held at the opulent Lucas Oil Estate, the fashionable midday event will be hosted on Friday, May 13 in Carmel for its third In the words of the iconic Marilyn Monroe, annual year.

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” In the case of some The fundraiser’s heritage comes from an dedicated local women fundraisers, “Give established fundraising corporation that them the right shoes, and they can conquer began over a decade ago. Wine, Women a worthy cause.” & Shoes originated in Napa Valley, Writer / Janelle Morrison Photographer / JJ Kaplan

In previous years, the Women, Wine & Shoes event has been the toast of the town when it comes to feeding chronically hungry children through Gleaners BackSacks Weekend Food for Kids program. Last year’s fundraiser hosted 400 guests, targeting high income women aged 30-55+ and has raised nearly $200,000 annually to fund the Gleaners program.

California, and has become a popular sophisticated fundraising platform. The WW&S® team has managed more than 175 events and raised over $37 million for their charity partners that includes the local event benefitting Gleaners. Inspired by the classic country ballad “Wine, Women and Song,” this unique concept offers both charity and corporate clients the opportunity to leverage their successful TownePost.com / MARCH 2016 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

platform to achieve a variety of goals from charity fundraising and cause awareness to team building and client networking.

The event will boast world-class wine tastings, gourmet treats, an exclusive fashion lounge, shopping opportunities for the latest in shoe fashions, a silent auction and of course the company of the striking “Shoe Guys.”

What woman could possibly resist a hunky man who knows the difference between a wedge and a platform pump? The Shoe GuysTM are one of the highlights of a WW&S® event. These attractive, fit and friendly guys may look like models, but they are men from the community who support the cause and are willing to brave a

party full of women.

Jill Schuman, co-chair of the event, spoke about the collaborative efforts that go into organizing this incredible event and the purpose that continues to motivate her and her co-chairs.

“We have been thrilled with the previous years’ success,” Schuman said. “It all began when Gleaners pitched the idea of teaming up with Wine, Women & Shoes, enjoying a day with our girlfriends shopping, eating and wine tasting while raising money for a good cause. It is a relaxing and enjoyable midday event that is designed to be different from a typical black-tie evening gala.”

Schuman mentioned that guests will be able to experience a wide selection of wines and delectable foods from local sponsors and restaurants. There will be 10 local vendors and restaurants on-site. As another way to raise money that day, the vendors will donate back 20 percent of the purchases made by the attendees. They will also be able to participate in a variety of contests, and the most incredible raffle prize is a key to a magnificent wardrobe closet, constructed on-site by California Closets and filled with over $12,000 of merchandise, gift certificates and other incredible prizes donated by the 10 vendors at the event.

There will be 160 tickets sold at $160 per ticket, and at the end of the event, the lucky ticket holder will take home all of the prizes and the opportunity to have California Closets come to their home and build a custom closet. In the closet are hidden boxes with additional prizes such as a certificate to purchase a pair of designer shoes with the assistance of a personal shopper at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Keystone Fashion Mall and other elaborate and fun gifts.

“This year’s event will feature the Saks Fashion Lounge,” Schuman added. “There will be a bar and music in this area.

We will have a live auction with some incredible donated items, and we will have a presentation for our guests on the Gleaners BackSacks Weekend Food for Kids program and how the event and all of its components supports Gleaners. We will also have a ‘Fund a Need’ segment. There will be several photo opps and fun contests such as ‘Best Shoes’ and ‘Best in Dress.’”

Schuman also expressed that one of the more unique and entertaining parts about the event is the presence of their Shoe Guys.

“Our Shoe Guys are absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “We will have ‘shoe cards’ with each of their faces printed on the cards. Our guests will vote for their

TOWNEPOST NETWORK / MARCH 2016 / TownePost.com

favorite Shoe Guy, voting through the Gleaners website during the event. They can donate as little as a dollar or whatever amount that they wish. Whichever Shoe Guy wins the most votes will be honored and recognized on stage and is awarded some fun gifts. In the past, we have awarded them fun trips and even a foursome at Crooked Stick Golf Course.

“I would really like to emphasize that all of our gifts and prizes are generously donated by our amazing donors and sponsors who are very supportive of this event. We couldn’t do these things without them. I also work with an amazing committee of dedicated women who are very talented and focus on making their parts of the event successful, entertaining and fun. We identify the list of things that need to be done and then we divide and conquer.”

The event is supported by a plethora of community and corporate sponsors such as Moyer Fine Jewelers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Pillow Talk, Sullivan’s Steakhouse and so many more wonderful local businesses.

For a complete list of this year’s sponsors and supporters, visit gleaners.org.

Carmel Magazine will be the exclusive print media sponsor, so look for photos from the event in their June issue.

GLEANERS Leadership Team: Cindy Hubert,

WW&S HAS RAISED MORE THAN $37 MILLION FOR THEIR CHARITY PARTNERS!

Gleaners Executive Director David Moore, Gleaners Chief Advancement Officer Sheila Carlson, Gleaners Director of Corporate and Volunteer Partnerships Kristen Grills, Gleaners Director of Marketing

GLEANERS Team on this Event: Kari Strolberg Detail & Design — Logistics/event planning/staff lead/operations Syanda Miley Detail + Design — logistics

Event Co-Chairs: Jill Burnett Culinary partners & entertainment Ann-Marie Deets Graphic design/sponsorship materials & signage/social media Heidi Dilger Shoe Guys

In a world of change, our focus is steadfast.

Sara Kirby Keys to the Closet Jill Schuman Marketplace vendors/fashion lounge

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www.dmdcap.com May Lose Value

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P

GENDER REVEAL A

Writer / Eghe Lenze

T

here’s an exciting new trend among expecting families called gender reveal parties. If you’re asking yourself, “What’s a gender reveal party?” then you either don’t know anyone who’s expecting, you aren’t expecting or you live under a rock.

A gender reveal party is a party to find out the gender of an expecting couple’s baby. Generally, gender reveal parties lie somewhere between the pregnancy

R

T

I

announcement and the baby shower.

Thanks to social media, this trend is exploding with some good and bad reviews, but it’s a trend that is not going anywhere any time soon.

Who is doing it? A lot of people. Gender reveal parties started popping up around 2011 with a simple cake you could cut into to find out reveal the baby’s gender: blue for boy and pink for girl. What started with a small gathering of immediate families has grown to include friends, extended families TOWNEPOST NETWORK / MARCH 2016 / TownePost.com

E

S

and even the whole world.

Celebrities like Snooki, Dave Annable and Carrie Underwood, just to name a few, revealed their baby’s gender on national television or video to not only tell their families but the entire world. Other celebrities have used gender reveals on their Instagram and other social media pages.

If you are invited to a gender reveal party, you should expect food and games, maybe even together. Be prepared to have some

cookies or cupcakes either pink, blue or some neutral color. Games often include guessing the gender of what you think the baby might be, predicting the day of birth or learning old wives’ tales of boys versus girls.

Finally, the reveal — is it a boy or a girl? If you are thinking of bringing a gift, it’s not necessary (unless it’s a shower and gender reveal in one).

Thinking of throwing one? Let your sonographer know ahead of time that’s the plan, but you can always know and keep it a secret too. Bring an envelope if you don’t want to know and ask the sonographer to put the gender inside. At that point, you can give the envelope to a trusted friend or family member or give it directly to your baker/party planner.

If you plan on doing a cake reveal, contact a local bakery and see if they accommodate your request.

BOY? GIRL?

OR

Beat the Spring rush Beat the Fall Rush & make your backyard & Make your Backyard dreams a Reality reality Dreams a

Setting the date a month in advance for your gender reveal party is enough time for you to plan and invite guests. Decide how you want to do the reveal — Cake?

Balloons? Silly string? Reveal tees? The possibilities are endless and honestly a lot of fun!

If you are looking for a little bit of inspiration, check out our Pinterest page for tons of ideas. Pinterest is full of tips that you can use for themed gender reveal parties such as Football theme, Ties or Tutus and What will it Bee. Don’t forget to check out gender reveal themed decor. Visit your local party supply store for more ideas. Another forgotten gem for inspiration is Etsy. If you have something more out of the box, this is definitely the place to go for inspiration, ideas and one-of-a-kind decor. And to see what not to do, search YouTube.

Whether you have been to one, think it’s ridiculous to have one, are thinking of having one for your first or your third or never heard of one, one thing is for sure — this trend is not going away. Prepare to see more Instagram reveals, YouTube videos and whatever social media platform is coming next. My advice, enjoy the cake.

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ANGIE’S POOL & SPA 3130 Meridian Parke Dr., Suite A Greenwood 317-881-1257 AngiesPools.com Find on 

Writer / Julie Yates

As thoughts turn to spring, the experienced staff at Angie’s Pool & Spa are ready to help Greenwood and surrounding area residents achieve the backyard they have been dreaming about all winter.

The team spends the cold weather months attending training classes on new product technology, and they are excited to share their knowledge with new customers as well as the many loyal ones they have had for years. The company takes pride in their products and services and is proud of the fact that many clients come to them through the “word of mouth” referrals.

Then Paul, head of construction, personally oversees each pool as it is built. After the pool and surrounding hardscape are completed, the site will be graded and beautifully landscaped to the customer’s specifications. Whether the idea is for a secluded oasis of leisure relaxation or a child friendly pool for a large family, the crew at Angie’s can build anything imaginable.

QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Besides building in ground pools and installing spas, Angie’s Pool & Spa continues to assist their customers through their quality products and services. Reva Lauth, Angie’s youngest daughter and Marketing Director for the company, stated, “We only PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS AND want to provide the best products that won’t CUSTOM DESIGNED POOLS cost the customer in the long run. Angie In business since 1990, Angie Lauth and values the old ways of customer service her husband Paul guide each customer where you are greeted with the door being every step of the way from the initial design opened, products are carried to the car and to ongoing support once the project is the atmosphere is always friendly. Quality completed. They meet with the homeowner, over quantity has always been her motto.” listen to their ideas and help them make the best decisions The company offers several different lines within their budget. of the industry’s top hot tubs as well as

American made outdoor grills that range from entry level to those that can smoke turkeys and bake pizzas. Also for purchase is anything needed to keep a pool or hot tub running smoothly such as chemicals, vinyl liners, equipment and automatic pool covers. Services available include pool opening/closing, water care, service and repair, vacation service, energy audits and renovation.

CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE

The relationship that Angie’s Pools & Spa forges with its customers continues long after a pool is built or a spa is installed.

The staff treats customers like family and welcomes questions on pool tips, care and water chemistry at any time of the year. The company’s extensive website, angiespools. com, has an entire section devoted to tips and advice on anything ranging from energy saving to how to grill ribs poolside.

Lauth sums it up by saying, “Angie has never wanted to build the most pools. She simply wants to provide a beautiful place for families to enjoy and make memories for years to come.”

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 25

Safe Family host family Joel and Amy McCall, along with their three children

SAFE FAMILIES

Helping Families in Crisis Writer / Kris Parker . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

26 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Sometimes the struggles of everyday life are too much to handle, especially for those who find themselves without the safety net of friends and family. This is where Safe Families stands in the gap for them, providing hope and help as they get their feet back on the ground.

WHAT IS SAFE FAMILIES?

As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, Safe Families allows children to stay with loving volunteer host families while their parents take care of the situation that brought them to their breaking point. At the same time, other Safe Families volunteers are working to mentor the parents and help them find housing, employment, etc. This allows the parents to focus on their needs, while confident in the knowledge that their children’s needs are also being met.

children, are one of those host families living in Johnson County. Beginning their journey in 2011, they have had the chance to host at least 10 children and develop a relationship with some of their parents.

“As parents ourselves, we can only imagine how difficult it must be to find yourself in a place where you don’t know where your kids are going to sleep or what they’re going to eat or to be afraid you are going to lose your job because you don’t have childcare for your children. It’s really a privilege to be a part of a ministry like Safe Families,” said Joel.

Safe Families kept these two girls safe and in school

“Our program objectives are to deflect families from the child welfare system, to prevent child abuse and support and stabilize families in crisis,” said Krista Shepard Seeds, Executive Director for Safe Families for Children in Central Indiana.

However, there is a disproportionate number in Johnson County. “It is behind other Central Indiana counties; only 11 [host families] are from Johnson County.

We have written several grants recently in hopes of expanding our services in there,” said Seeds.

This skewed balance reduces Safe Families’ ability to adequately serve families in Johnson County; school-aged children remain in their original schools while living with host families, so ideally, placements are made within the same school district.

If there are not homes available within a family’s school district, the opportunity to serve that family becomes a challenge.

BECOMING A HOST

Joel and Amy McCall, along with their three

For families taking advantage of the Safe Families program, the average stay for a child with a host family is six weeks but can range anywhere from two days up to a year. During the time apart, biological parents retain full custody of their children and can be reunified with them as soon as they feel they are ready.

“They build parenting partnerships with a focus on keeping families intact and helping parents improve parenting skills,” said Seeds. “As the placing family addresses their crisis and builds a network of support, they increase their ability to care for their child as well as their likelihood of long-term success as demonstrated by 97 percent of children reunified with their parents. This is significantly higher than rates achieved within the current child welfare system.”

Biological parents are encouraged to remain in contact with the Safe Family volunteers, even once they are reunited with their children. This gives the parents a resource as well as provides them with encouragement and advice, should they begin to feel overwhelmed. “You can be as involved as you are comfortable; it is Spirit-led, and it’s nice that it’s not State-run,” said Amy.

OUT OF BALANCE

Founded in Chicago in 2002, Safe Families expanded to Indiana in 2008. Currently, they have 385 host families in Central Indiana alone with hundreds of other volunteers as well.

TIME COMMITMENT AND CONTINUING RELATIONSHIPS

“Supporting families and bringing them through a crisis without removal of their children also prevents trauma and longterm effects of family deterioration.”

Host families come to the program in a variety of ways, but the McCalls were motivated to join Safe Families when their pastor at the time preached a series on getting outside of the church to serve and minister to people in need. “At the same time as the teaching series, I met a homeschooling family who was a host family. I saw how the children they took in just blended in with their families and how their own children loved the children who stayed with them. As a homeschooling mom, I didn’t feel like I had a lot of time on my hands to go out and really get involved in a ministry,” Amy explained.

“Safe Families appealed to me because I thought ‘I can do this … I’m basically doing what I’m already doing but simply adding another kid into the mix.’”

In addition to being a Christian ministry, Safe Families also saves taxpayers money; the program is free to placing parents and is supported entirely through donations and fundraising efforts. “This mission saves the State of Indiana millions of dollars and keeps children out of foster homes when they don’t need to be placed there,” Seeds explained. “Supporting families and bringing them through a crisis without removal of their children also prevent trauma and longterm effects of family deterioration.”

LASTING EFFECTS ON BOTH FAMILIES

Safe Families, however, leaves a lasting effect on the host families as well as the placing families. “For our kids, it has taught them to not judge people; that’s one of the lessons I wanted for them to learn through this experience. Also, it has been a great opportunity to open up our hearts to complete strangers and feel for their suffering and difficult circumstances.”

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 27

“It is a real lesson that one of the best things we can do for people is just to care about them and love them,” Amy said. “Plus, everyone in our family gets to be part of this ministry. It’s neat to have that opportunity to do this together.”

Amy’s children echoed her thoughts as well.

“It’s an amazing experience to share the love of Jesus with the kids and to show them how much He loves them by being with them and loving them,” said her daughter, Rachel. And son, Will, added, “The opportunity to show the kids love and attention that may be lacking

at home is an awesome feeling. Every day with them is a blessing.”

SETTING PARAMETERS

The host families determine the profile of children for which they can care. In addition, placements are done based on a family’s availability and comfort level.

“Safe Families cares about your family as well. They give lots of flexibility in time and convenience. If a placement won’t work for your family, then they find another host family,” said Amy.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT

Although it is typically the first thing thought of when Safe Families is mentioned, being a host family is not the only opportunity for involvement; there are many other ways in which individuals can serve.

These include, but are not limited to, Administration, Case Management, Communications, Hospitality, Public Relations and Tech Support.

For more information on Safe Families in Indiana or for ways to get involved, check out insafefamilies.org.

A lifetime resident of the Center Grove area, Kris Parker 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.

28 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

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GETTUM ASSOCIATES, INC. 4984 W. Smith Valley Rd. Greenwood 317-542-3853 Gettum.com Find on 

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO A LAKE HOME

BEFORE THESE HOMEOWNERS WANT TO LEAVE SOMETHING TO THEIR CHILDREN, CREATE MEMORIES WITH FAMILY AND SPEND THE SUMMERS AROUND CAMPFIRES AND BOATING.

AFTER

Writer / Katie Burrell Photographer / Alan Petersime

There comes a time when you think, “Should we stay, move or remodel our current home?” Gettum Associates is a design-build remodeling contractor that can take a home and make it look new. Their consultation and planning process will lay out a complete package that adheres to your budget.

You may want to switch out hardwood floors for carpets or upgrade hardware on cabinets.

That’s not a problem, Gettum is flexible throughout the entire process.

The Sweetwater vacation retreat, featured on

this page, has been a summer getaway for the current owners for more than 15 years as the 1,200 square foot cabin served its family well.

Now, with three adult children and middle age on the horizon, they had hopes of opening up the home for the possibility of an extended family and ease of use as the homeowners age.

Things don’t always go as dreamed of in a complete remodel, but Gettum Associates is prepared for the unexpected, such as finding moisture and mold in walls during a bathroom remodel. Sometimes local ordinances may prove to be a roadblock for major projects like what happened with the Sweetwater project.

Located south of Nineveh, Sweetwater Lake has become a popular place for families to have a home away from home. What was once an area filled with small cabins is now an area filled with beautifully remodeled lakefront homes designed for weekend entertaining. The lots, however, are connected to septic tanks and not set up to handle a large family for the longterm.

While Gettum stressed that the remodel was not about adding square footage, the family had hopes of being able to entertain a large family by adding bedrooms to the structure.

Local ordinances, however, put a halt to the family’s plans and forced them to keep it a two-bedroom home.

30 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Still, Gettum said they created a home that will allow for additional bedrooms if and when a sewer system is installed in the Sweetwater area.

Founded in 1987, Gettum Associates is a family business with a big reputation.

Specializing in home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, decks or porches and exterior improvements, President and founder Phil Gettum said his business is a one stop shop for all remodels.

With a team of design consultants, construction supervisors and carpenters, Gettum can offer quality services because its team of in-house employees answer directly to Gettum, which helps keep costs down and efficiency up.

While overcoming some major obstacles, Gettum stepped in to handle the planning, attend local board of health meetings and even got creative with ways to make the home everything the family wanted, all without infringing on the law and burdening the homeowners with more headaches.

By opening up the home and offering breathtaking views of the lake in nearly every room, Gettum honored the family’s wishes. The project took about six months – not including the correspondence with local government – and involved taking the home down to the studs. It features new wiring,

repositioned walls for ease of use, a new kitchen with vaulted ceilings, two additional levels offering large bedrooms on each level and a covered outdoor entertaining area complete with a fireplace and infrared heaters for year-round enjoyment.

“Gettum Associates is responsible for design and quality,” he said. “Aside from trade partners such an electricians and plumbers, it is our team that delivers the complete remodeling project.”

“These homeowners want to leave something to their children, create memories with family and spend the summers around campfires and boating,” Gettum Associates President Phil Gettum said. “This remodel was all about the space, views of the lake and the family connection.”

As with all of their designs and projects, Gettum Associates looks to the future of a home. “We try to bring perspective, not just today and now but after the homeowner retires,” Gettum said. “We plan as much of the life cycle of a structure that we can, so that we don’t eliminate the available people who want to buy your home in the future.”

BEFORE THIS REMODEL WAS ALL ABOUT THE SPACE, VIEWS OF THE LAKE AND THE FAMILY CONNECTION.

AFTER atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 31

CHEF BRICKER

Guides Indy’s Food Service Professionals Writer / Frieda Dowler . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

32 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Remember when dining out in Greenwood during the 1970s was limited to a few restaurants: MCL Cafeteria, Jerry’s and Pete Steffy’s? Now we have an abundance of choices. Not many have personally experienced the evolution in Indy’s food service industry over the past 40 years like Chef Bricker, Chairman of Hospitality Administration at Ivy Tech Community College.

JEFF’S JOURNEY

Center Grove resident Jeff Bricker began working at a family owned Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at age 15. He continued working there after graduation in 1977 from Perry Meridian. Then a couple of years later, he enrolled at IUPUI’s School of Business for accounting, planning to veer away from food service. But when his parents bought the franchise rights to another quick service restaurant, Potatoes Etc., opening the first at the Greenwood Park Mall and then three others, he attended corporate training to become operations manager.

program from l’Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Burgundy, France, under the direction of Chef/Author Anne Willan. With new inspiration, they opened The Colonnade Room in 1998, a small fine dining room in the building they purchased from Steve Pfendler which housed The Columns. They served a seasonal menu of fresh ingredients in multi-course dinners paired with wines.

Bricker says they “stuck out like a sore thumb” because it was ahead of its time food trend-wise, although it gained attention from Indianapolis Monthly Magazine which recognized them with an award-winning white chocolate crème brulee.

on teaching adults. He knew teaching at a community college was a good fit, and Ivy Tech realized it too.

TURNING THE TABLE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Bricker then agreed to teach a Monday morning baking class at Ivy Tech. But the 80-hour workweek started to take a toll.

Even though he enjoyed the food service industry, the hours and the demand were unrelenting. He was feeling frustrated with life and was ready to make some changes.

Ivy Tech offered him a full-time culinary teaching position which he accepted. He put Jeff soon became District Manager, overseeing his businesses up for sale and fortune smiled all of their restaurants. But he was intrigued as someone offered to purchase them as a by a request from Steve Pfendler of P.I.P.E., package: The Colonnade and The Columns Inc. to cater a corporate event for 100 people. real estate and Royal Oak food service.

Without a catering space, he used what he had, the kitchen at Potatoes, Etc. and served In 2002, he began teaching full-time at the meal at one of the buildings Pfendler Ivy Tech. Part of the requirement for his owned in downtown Greenwood. It proved new job was continuing education. So to be a success, and Jeff became hooked on in 2004, Bricker received a bachelor’s catering as more requests came his way. degree from Indiana Wesleyan in Business Administration, and in 2006, he earned a In 1987, he and wife Lynda opened The master’s degree from Ball State in Adult Columns on Main Street in downtown and Community Education with a focus Greenwood, a full-blown banquet room facility. Lynda managed the accounting, scheduling and serving, and Jeff became fully immersed in food preparation all the while feeling that he wasn’t quite prepared for it. He enrolled as a part-time student in Ivy Tech’s culinary program and finished four years later.

Their business continued to grow during this time as they expanded it to include catering for the Grafton Peak banquet facility and dinner food service three nights a week, plus catering special events at Royal Oak Golf Club (now Dye’s Walk).

In 2004, Bricker became the Program Chairman over Hospitality Administration at Ivy Tech which includes culinary arts, pastry arts and hospitality management. He loved working with students, advising them on a career path as they acquired skills and carved out a future. He enjoyed the different backgrounds and cultural diversity of the students and knowing what Ivy Tech offered in the food service industry could help people make a better life for themselves.

When talk of Lucas Oil Stadium began, Bricker knew Ivy Tech needed to ramp up their program to accommodate the influx of people expecting great hospitality in Indianapolis. Bricker began to scout for suitable sites, so the program could grow.

Seven years later with five prospective sites and just when Bricker was “burnt out on the process,” they received a call from the Lilly Endowment offering a $22.9 million grant to remodel the old Stouffer’s Hotel on North Meridian Street to expand their campus, including the hospitality program.

Since they’ve moved into the Stouffer’s Building, the Hospitality Administration program has grown from 220 students to the current enrollment of 800 students.

There are eight training kitchens that allow those students to train to fill some 4,700 jobs in food service management in the Indy area.

During Jeff ’s time as a student, he took a summer intensive Classical French Cooking atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 33

Students also get the experience of performing their newly acquired skills in a restaurant called Courses where the restaurant is the classroom. It is on the 13th floor of the former Stouffer’s Hotel in the remodeled Ramsgate Restaurant of the 1960s, offering “the best view of the city.” The menu is Classical French and

International cuisine. On the first floor of the old hotel, students in the pastry arts program also operate a Bakery/Café.

Bricker’s staff includes six full-time and 35 part-time people, including longtime faculty member Lauri Griffin who has been a strong supporter throughout this journey.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

As Indianapolis grew in food service offerings, a new problem emerged: food waste. Bricker began to serve as a board member for Second Helpings, a food rescue and hunger relief program. Each day, 4,000 meals are served to 70 United Way agencies as they rescue food donated from restaurateurs, retailers and wholesalers and safely prepare meals, preventing unnecessary waste and offering solutions beyond the obvious.

They also offer a 10-week culinary job training program to disadvantaged adults for careers in food service, eliminating hunger at its source.

CHEF BRICKER’S FUTURE

Two years ago, Bricker had a “health reality check.” He was 35 pounds overweight and knew he needed to make some changes. He sought the professional advice of Dr. Leanne (Schlueter). She turned him into a food label reader, and he became more aware of good nutrition. Fortunately, the food industry had also begun to swing toward offering healthier fare, making healthier choices more available. But one thing he had trouble finding was a truly healthy salad dressing.

While searching for healthy salad dressings, he came up with his own based on a favorite from his days in catering. His children and students encouraged him to bottle it, and he began to sell it at farmers’ markets.

Purdue Food Sciences evaluated it, and it is labeled as non-GMO oils (genetically modified food), low sodium, no sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The results are three tasty and nutritious salad dressings under the label of Brick House Dressings. He procures the ingredients, assembles them in a shared commercial kitchen and has them bottled at a Food and Drug Administration-inspected facility on the westside of Indy. They are sold at the “Indiana Grown” kiosk at Kroger, Georgetown Market, R2Go Market, Green Bean website 34 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

and Tiny Footprint, distributing local and sustainable foods throughout the Midwest.

FINDING BALANCE

Bricker’s life has been a busy one as he’s carved out a path in the ever-expanding food service industry. Getting away from food and finding ways to relax is difficult in a society where food commands attention.

He enjoys occasional afternoon concerts with friends and a bottle of wine at Mallow Run, but his best escape is on the golf course where only the ball commands his attention.

Courses, located on the 13th floor of the former Stouffer’s Hotel in the remodeled Ramsgate Restaurant of the 1960s, is a restaurant and classroom.

Courses offers “the best view of the city.”

Frieda Dowler is co-owner of The Color Café with husband Bruce.

She is a longtime Johnson County resident, freelance writer and author. Her third book, “Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World,” was published earlier this year. Friedadowlerbooks.com

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atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 35

JOHNSON COUNTY FIBER NETWORK, LLC Franklin JCFiber.com 317-883-6000 Find on 

PARTNERS IN CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Writer / Alaina Sullivan . Photos provided

Local information technology service and support can be hard to find. Finding quality service can be tricky, but finding quality locally outsourced services can be near impossible. Johnson County Fiber Network was created with this in mind and provides top-notch information technology products and services to businesses, schools and organizations in Johnson County.

WHO IS JCFN?

Johnson County Fiber Network was created out of a partnership between Johnson County REMC and NineStar Connect. In

late 2012, Johnson County REMC (jcremc.com) completed installation of 115 miles of fiber optic cable spanning their entire distribution network. With this installation complete and with the potential to reach their entire membership base, Johnson County REMC was ready to take the next step of offering fiber to the premises.

NineStar Connect holds over 120 years of experience in the telecommunications and fiber industries and offered a large number of highly trained staff, experts in technical and customer support services.

“We were not experts, so for this, we needed a business partner – one that not only had the technical and logistical background for the job but who also had an understanding of

the cooperative business model,” said Chet Aubin, CEO of Johnson County REMC. Therefore, Johnson County REMC joined forces with NineStar Connect to become Johnson County Fiber Network, LLC. To JCFN, it is all about being local. “We do not have stockholders in other states or countries, nor are our board’s actions dictated by some outside influence,” said Aubin. “Everything is local and is akin to the saying that ’a rising tide lifts all ships.’”

JCFN SERVICES

Johnson County Fiber Network’s services include broadband services (up to 1Gig and beyond), Voice Services, Hosted Phone Solutions, Outsourced Information Technology Solutions. Data solutions

Taxman Brewing in Bargersville is another business using JCFN fiber service

36 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

include Colocation Services, Live Call Center offerings and Security solutions.

NineStar Connect’s outsourced information technology services include installation and reinstallation of operating systems, server and network setup, wireless networking, data migration and backup services, hardware upgrades, diagnostics and repairs, new computer setups, virus and spyware removal and more.

“Most providers cannot provide this type of speed both up and down,” said Aubin.

The company decided 10 days before our opening date that they couldn’t provide the requested services. I turned to Johnson “We have over 140 miles of fiber optics County Fiber Network. They were able to installed throughout Johnson County,” install fiber and deliver the critical Internet/ he stated. “Existing customers are in VPN services needed to support our network areas including Greenwood, Bargersville, and point of sales systems at the new facility.

Trafalgar, Franklin, Nineveh and Whiteland.” Their quick response was a lifesaver!”

Indiana FFA Leadership Center, located south of Trafalgar, used to suffer from poor Internet access. Joe Park, Executive Director, WHY JCFN? said, “When we were looking to upgrade “JCFN is a Central Indiana company,” our Internet access, our current provider Aubin points out. “All of our operations, submitted a bid too. NineStar [ Johnson staff, support center and field personnel are County Fiber Network] came in at half the located in Johnson and Hancock counties.” price with a much faster speed. It’s been a godsend for us. Having fiber allows our JCFN also deploys the latest in technologies visitors to keep in touch with the outside that provide the fastest broadband speed world, and it opens up new opportunities to and most reliable services to organizations host new groups and events.” in Johnson County.

One of JCFN customers is the City of Broadband speeds are synchronous, which Greenwood. Rich Jones, Greenwood’s means if you have a 150Mb connection, CIO, had this to say about working with you get 150Mb down and 150Mb up JCFN at Freedom Springs Aquatics Park, connectivity. Broadband solutions up “After months of planning with a major to 1Gig and beyond are also available telecommunications company, I suddenly through JCFN. found myself scrambling to find a vendor.

INVESTING IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

“At the core of JCFN are two cooperatives, Johnson County REMC and NineStar Connect,” Aubin pointed out. “These companies are owned by their members, and their board of directors are elected by the members. They operate within their specific territories and are driven to provide the best services possible to the customers they serve.”

Both founding partners of JCFN reinvest in the communities they serve. Millions of dollars have been provided to charities and organizations within their service territories including sponsoring students on weeklong Youth Tours to our nation’s capital and the Johnson County Fair Queen contest. They also award scholarships annually to high school students.

“HAVING FIBER OPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE INDIANA FFA LEADERSHIP CENTER.” - JOE PARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“IN BUSINESS, YOU WANT TO GET QUALITY, PRICE AND SERVICE. YOU ARE USUALLY LUCKY TO GET ONE OF THE THREE. WITH JOHNSON COUNTY FIBER NETWORK, I TRULY GET ALL THREE.” - ED SULYA, PRESIDENT, ARCHITECTURAL WALLS, INC

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 37

Johnson County Fiber provides fiber and critical Internet/VPN services to support the network and point of sales systems at Freedom Springs Aquatics Center.

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Jayden Enderle and Kate Plunkett and their teacher Melissa Plunkett display just some of the games and DVDs the students collected.

CENTER GROVE MONTESSORI YOUNG PHILANTHROPIC MINDS AT WORK Writer / Jessica Pflumm . Photographer / Ron Stiemert

As many of us started off our 2016 with our own New Year’s resolutions, several students at Center Grove Montessori (CGM) decided to resolve for others less fortunate than themselves. With a focus on community service and ‘giving back’ as part of their everyday curriculum, these fourth, fifth and sixth graders came up with some great ideas to honor others and put their plans into action.

While doing an assignment on child-aged heroes, two CGM students found an idea and then decided to give it their own twist.

Jayden, a fifth grader who enjoys playing video games and helping others, and Kate, a sixth grader who has previously given books to IU Hospital chemo patients, started researching a California-based company that accepts used DVDs and video games. Jayden and Kate thought of local children staying in area hospitals that might benefit from the same idea.

They started a drive to collect gently used DVDs and video games to then take and leave at Riley Children’s Hospital. Upon contacting Riley, the students were told that Riley did accept these types of donations. Jayden and Kate created their own flyer and donation boxes and contacted local businesses to solicit donations. Half-Price Books on U.S. 31 donated a box of DVDs.

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 39

Before they knew it, they had a large box of DVDs and books to donate! Their goal is to reach 100 items, and as of February 5, they had collected 95. Jayden and Kate plan to personally deliver the DVDs, books and games to Riley upon reaching their goal.

Children and families of all ages will benefit from this by having the entertainment to get them through long hospital stays.

Similarly, other students at Center Grove Montessori have thought of wonderful ideas in giving back to our local community:

• Gabby, a fourth grader who has a passion for animals, is working on a pet food drive for a local shelter.

• Gillian, a fifth grader with a love for the environment, has created a ‘Trash Team’ to pick up trash along local running trails in April and May. • Sarah, a fifth grader interested in dance, is contacting local nursing homes to set up a time to come and perform for them.

If you have used DVDs, books or video games that are age appropriate, please contact Center Grove Montessori – it is never too late to give to this wonderful cause. Thank you, Center Grove Montessori students, for being an exemplary example for all of us to follow!

For more information on CGM, call 317-883-0335 or go to centergrovemontessori.com.

EASTER

New to Indiana, Jessica Pflumm has fallen in love with all things southside. She lives with her hard-working husband Matt, outdoor-loving daughter Phoebe and enjoys antiquing, bulldogs, traveling and especially healthy cooking and baking.

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APRIL 23

ROCK THE BLOCK

Writer / Bethany Henderson

Looking for something fun that you and your family can do together?

Come ROCK THE BLOCK! Create an exciting new tradition, enjoy a bit of healthy competition or train for the upcoming Mini-Marathon, all while making unforgettable memories. This inaugural event April 23 is structured as a community celebration featuring a 10K, a family-friendly 5K walk or run and a FREE Kids Run. In other words, fun for ALL ages!

Howard Harrell, Center Grove Boys Cross Country Coach, is excited about ROCK THE BLOCK. “Competitive running races on Indy’s southside are few

and far between. This event will cater to the competitive 10K runner as well as the first time 5K walker. Add in a few kids races, and now you have an event for the whole family!”

The Main Street Expo will feature food vendors, healthy lifestyle gear and interaction with local charities and sponsors as well as activities and games to participate in. Experience a lively block party atmosphere as local bands entertain you on the Main Stage.

The proceeds from ROCK THE BLOCK will benefit charities, organizations and trail projects in the Center Grove area.

Plan to have an enjoyable time Rocking the Block while supporting and improving

your community.

With enthusiasm, Carla Johnson, Executive Director of the Center Grove Education Foundation, says, “This will be a unifying and energetic event that underscores the strong sense of community in Center Grove.”

Are you ready to start an exciting new tradition? We invite YOU to come ROCK THE BLOCK! *ROCK THE BLOCK is powered by Pay it Forward Johnson County and Tuxedo Brothers. Early registration runs through March 31 and is $25. For more information, contact Erin Smith at info@rocktheblockrun.org.

Print • Apparel • Promo • Signs

April 23 rd @ Center Grove HS Campus

Register Online

RocktheBlockRun.org This community event includes...

...10K Run, Family-Friendly 5K Walk/Run, FREE Kids Run, Music, Food, Vendors, Giveaways & Awards! Proceeds raised will benefit CG area charities, organizations & trail projects.

TownePost.com / MARCH 2016 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

3

Becker Landscape 3749 N. Kitley Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46226 317.542.5200 beckerlandscape.com

Jay Cheesman, Larry Becker, Allison Becker, Steve Hastings, Michelle Morris, and Adam Bossung

satisfaction and customer retention are Becker Landscape’s key areas of focus as they continue to systematically grow Becker Landscape, a family-owned business, their company. Becker and his team offer began reshaping the greater metropolitan’s a complete line of both residential and landscapes in 1976. The company, founded commercial services, including lawn

by John C. Becker and his five sons, started care, lawn maintenance, design/build, out of the family’s garage. Today, the construction, tree care, irrigation, lighting founder’s son Larry Becker oversees the and snow removal. daily operations and has grown the family’s business to where it employs as many as 240 Becker Landscape has first rate during their busy season. educated and experienced employees to Writer / Janelle Morrison Photographers / Kevin Foster & Lori Koppold

Becker graduated from Purdue with a degree in Landscape Management and Design. Afterwards, Becker continued to work for his father and now presides as president and CEO. Both of his daughters work for the company, full-time, and sons work for the family when they are not attending school.

Integrity, attention to detail, customer

complement the services they provide, including professionally trained arborists, accredited and credentialed managers and supervisors, and fully trained, professional, and dedicated teams working onsite. Each client receives a customized program, customized exclusively for their unique landscaping needs.

When asked about trending installations, Becker said that the outdoor living areas TOWNEPOST NETWORK / MARCH 2016 / TownePost.com

are still the most requested installations by their residential customers.

“When we work with our clients, we sit down with them and one of our designers to discuss their ideas and how they plan to use their outdoor space,” Becker explained.

“We try to identify and utilize the ‘bones’ of what currently exists and work with that.

Trees are the clients’ most valuable asset in the landscape. While we try to work with the existing features, we also have clients who want or need to start completely fresh and new. We are able to accommodate our clients, whatever their needs and preferences are. We take a practical approach to each project. One can design anything but our specialty is building and maintaining it.”

Becker and his team work with clients to fully understand the project and desired outcome and set milestones right out

of the gate to ensure everyone involved achieves those goals. This includes full commitment to building a meaningful relationship with the customer and maintaining it past the end of the project, whether residential or commercial.

other specialty vegetation including driving focused wildlife activity if desired.

“Landscapes, particularly in residential installations, are incredibly personal and intimate to our clients,” Becker stated. “We are creating these outdoor spaces as an extension of their homes. They use these spaces to relax or to entertain so we want to create high-quality features WITHIN functional spaces for them.”

For these clients, Becker and his specialists are able to offer recommendations for specific types of trees and plants that will attract several species of birds or other wild life if the client is interested in assisting the ecosystem while designing their landscapes.

Trees like the Grey Dogwood or Wild Cherry trees act as a single-source feeder to many native Indiana birds and are commonly included in the design process for this reason.

Becker also works with clients who are not as concerned about an outdoor kitchen or fire pit area but are avid horticulturalists who want to design healing gardens or other specialty areas where they can cultivate their favorite species of exotic plants and

There are examples of Becker Landscape’s work all over central Indiana. Notable projects, including the landscaping along Georgia Street for the Super Bowl, the vegetation garden on the rooftop of Eskenazi Hospital, Saxony Park, both the

residential and corporate park behind the I.U. Hospital, the new entrance to Mooresville, along Highway IN-67, and the Hamilton Town Center and the Palladium in Carmel, are just a few of the exquisite installations designed and completed by Becker Landscape.

“We are more than just contractors,” Becker said. “We are designers and specialists who work with our clients to create their own personal sanctuary, meditative gardens or ultimate outdoor living spaces and maintain them, using the same high-level of quality personnel and products as we would provide our commercial cliental.”

For more information on Becker Landscape and their full-service landscape and maintenance options, visit www.beckerlandscape.com.

Becker Landscape has received numerous awards over the years and most recently has received recognition for the following: Becker Landscape is ranked 104th on Landscape Management’s TOP 150 for 2015 and 2014.

INLA’s Award of Excellence Application in 2013 • Commercial Landscape Installation, Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville •C ommercial Landscape Design/Build, Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville •C ommercial Hardscape Installation, CityWay, Indianapolis

TownePost.com / MARCH 2016 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

BEYOND 3.1 : INDIANA’S RACE FOR THE CURE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Founders of the first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Central Indiana recently met the current organizers to talk about the first year race and the 25 year impact. Standing left to right Natalie Sutton, Pam Miltner and Jane Ambro. Seated Sally Friend, Kathy Harrison, Lisa Cole and Kasey Koffman.

Writer & Photographer / Keeley Miller TownePost.com / MARCH 2016 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

S

usan G. Komen Central Indiana began a race 25 years ago that lasted for more than the final mile marker. The annual Race for the Cure 5K has become the largest fundraising event for breast cancer globally, reaching to 150 annual races in four continents since beginning in 1983. In 1991, Susan G. Komen Central Indiana joined that legacy with the first race in the state, beginning at historic Fort Benjamin Harrison. But with 25 years of spreading hope, change and support, Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure is more than just a race.

racers and members on breast health. Today, to breast cancer research, a large amount for that push for education is also a driving force only the first year. That money was able to for the race, although it is open to males as well. potentially save numerous lives by providing women with mammograms and even biopsies. “[The first race] was back in the time where Twenty-five years later, the money raised from breast cancer was not talked about like it is the annual race is still being pushed back into today,” commented Pam Miltner, Co-Chair the community, saving lives and raising hope. of 2016 race as well as Co-Chair of the 2004 and 2008 race. But not only has Miltner been Natalie Sutton, current Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Central Indiana, emphasized a key role in the Race for the Cure, she is how important these donations and funds are also a survivor of breast cancer, making her experience with the race much more personal. to helping the local community, not only to the national program.

“I was diagnosed in ‘93, and during my last In celebration of the 25th anniversary of treatment, [my oncologist] gave me the “We still feel like it is really important that the Indianapolis race, the leaders that put brochure for the race. He said, ‘You need to go most of the money stays local, and it is together the very first race came back together invested in breast health programs in the local and do this.’ He told me I would not be able to for a special interview. Sharing memories, run or walk, but they would need volunteers,” community,” said Sutton. the group was able to reminisce on where said Miltner. “[At the race], there were 200 Indiana’s Race for the Cure began and what it After countless hours of work and preparation, survivors. I remember standing at the water has grown to. station, and all the women came over and told roadblocks and accomplishments, the very me to join them. Going up there with them,… first Central Indiana Race for the Cure took Local organizations, including the Junior it was wonderful. Having all those survivors place. In 1991, the only major race that took League of Indianapolis and Little Red place locally was the OneAmerica 500 Festival together helped me because they knew exactly Door Cancer Agency, were crucial in the Mini-Marathon, so to put together a race from what I was going through. They were all just formation of the first race. Lisa Cole, who was nothing and grow it to an event recognized hugging [me] and saying that it was going to introduced to the race from her position in the around the city that gives back so much was be okay. That was huge for me, and the rest is women’s volunteer organization Junior League powerful. history.” and became the 1991 race’s first chairman, That community of support has only grown. shared how these organizations pulled the “I think that is what is great about being able community together. to have this chance now and look back,” added In the 2015 race, around 1,500 survivors were present, and the event raised $1.3 million. For Cole. “Those are the important things that “The Junior League has a long-standing have stuck with the race all these years. It still 2016, the goals are even higher with hopes to history of starting efforts from the ground exceed the previous year’s outcome to be able has that really strong connection.” level. Conner Prairie Farm is an example of Not only has the race been able to provide the to give back even more. that. There are a lot of different institutions local community with healthcare, but it has that have stayed here in our city. Komen also been able to educate women and provide For more information on the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, visit approached Junior League to see if we would support. The first year, the race was exclusive komencentralindiana.org/race. be interested in starting a race with the to women only and also aimed to educate eventual opportunity of starting a chapter.

In the process, Junior League selected their Go online to townepost.com to watch the 25 year reunion of the original Race for the Cure leadership team for the event, so that is how all organizers and current organizers hosted at Ed Martin Acura in Fishers. of us got to be a part of it,” said Cole.

“Although [the race] was coming from a national program, to have that local connection [was special]. We knew that a percentage of the money raised from the race would go to national efforts for research and all the important things that were going on on a national level, but we also wanted to make a difference in our own community.”

In the first year, the race granted $35,000 to Little Red Door Cancer Agency and $15,000 TOWNEPOST NETWORK / MARCH 2016 / TownePost.com

HARDING OUTDOOR LIVING WILL TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE INTO AN OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE!

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Mulching is a good way to keep weeds down without chemicals. Straw makes excellent mulch.

JOIN THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY GARDEN!

A birdhouse surrounded by sunflowers adds some additional beauty to the garden.

Writer / Nancy Craig . Photographer / Ron Stiemert

Probably the most famous community gardens of the 20th century were the Victory Gardens during WWII. Not only did these gardens let people grow their own fruits and vegetables, but they provided a sense of patriotism. Now most community gardens are in urban areas, and some provide a sense of community and a way to support food pantries.

Just one of many watermelons on the vine.

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 49

In Johnson County, the City of Greenwood under the Parks and Recreation Department has a community garden located on Fry Road. They rent 34 garden plots each year, and you can get their application for membership online at bit.ly/gw_garden.

The Greenwood Community Garden is perfect for those people with Green Thumbs but nowhere to garden. It is located along Fry Road between U.S. 31 and State Road 135. A 20-foot by 20-foot plot rents for $20 for community center members, $25 for city residents and $30 for nonresidents. Returning members can reserve their plots before March 1. Newcomers can rent remaining plots beginning March 1.

Located near the fire station on Fry Road, piles of Christmas trees are turned into piles of mulch to be used on the Community Garden.

The membership application packet lists rules and conditions for gardening at the site. The gardeners are expected to use organic practices, weed and water their own plots. The city provides water, but the gardeners must bring their own hoses

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and garden tools. Rob Taggart, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said some years, the parks department will till the ground, but they do not have staff on-site. Gardeners can call the Greenwood Community Center with questions at 317-881-4545. The Center’s address is 100 Surina Way, Greenwood.

Ron Stiemert has gardened at the Greenwood Community Garden in the past and had a very good experience, especially interacting with the other gardeners. You can see from his pictures that he was successful in growing watermelons; he got 13 good watermelons out of one three-plant mound. Ron also had success with beans, radishes, onions and early tomatoes. He said weeds were a major problem, and each gardener had their own technique to deal with them.

Ron used straw and mulch to help control the weeds. The Fire Department next door has mulch free for Greenwood residents.

Gardeners can get information from the Purdue Extension offices. In Johnson County, they can call Sarah Hansen, Ag and Natural Resources Educator, at 317-736-3724.

There is also a Johnson County Garden Club that has educational speakers on gardening – visit facebook.com/ JohnsonCountyGardenClub andGardenCelebration.

Marion County has a Demonstration Garden located at their offices on the Northwest corner of the Indiana State Fair Grounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. “The garden demonstrates how to grow food and ornamental plants,” says Steve Mayer, Extension EducatorHorticulture for Purdue ExtensionMarion County. “Gardeners can see and learn about plants adapted to Indiana and how to care for them.

Gardeners can see award-winning flowers and vegetables as well as vegetable gardening techniques

such as raised beds.” Visit facebook.com/ PurdueIndyDemoGarden.

home, you can always take advantage of the Greenwood Community Garden.

Growing your own fruit and vegetables is very satisfying and a great way to teach your children where their food comes from and how to care for the land. So if you do not have room for a garden at your

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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ALIVE & THRIVING THE ARTS IN GREENWOOD Writer and Photographer / Joyce Long

“Colonization of Commonality” by artist Quincy Owens 52 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

“Seed” by Sam Spiczka

Karen Wilkerson

When browsing Greater Greenwood Arts Council’s (GGAC) website, greenwoodarts. org, you’ll immediately notice its main characteristics — color and design. It’s quite fitting for a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “advance and promote the visual, performing and literary arts in the Greater Greenwood Community.”

You’ll also discover how active this group is locally. As a community connector, GGAC collaborates with a variety of businesses and organizations. In conjunction with Mallow Run Winery, it sponsors a bi-annual contest, Art Uncorked!

Local artists submit original design labels for Mallow Run’s Artist Series wine via GGAC’s website. Co-owner John Richardson emphasized Mallow Run appreciates their association with GGAC. “We love supporting the arts in our community. Usually the Artist Series wine is something new we’re introducing.”

Incoming GGAC President Barbara Dunn Stear

Looking forward to involving more of the community and businesses with the arts, the GGAC board of directors is planning a redesigned Arts Alive! — an interactive event featuring local artists and their talent which will debut in 2017. GGAC’s next event, Art for the Ages Community Art Show, is scheduled for April 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library.

PUBLIC ART ON THE TRAILWAY

They catch your eye despite traffic. Since 2012, sculptures have greeted walkers, runners and parents pushing strollers on the trail along Smith Valley Road east of Meridian Street. That’s about to change.

Leased for the past two years, Art on the Trailway — “Seed” by Sam Spiczka, “Iris”

by Scott Westphal and “Colonization of Commonality” by Quincy Owens — will be replaced mid-April, according to GGAC’s Vice President of Development Karen Wilkerson.

“We would love to expand and install four new sculptures this year. This has been a really good partnership with the Greenwood Parks Department,” said Wilkerson.

Incoming GGAC President Barbara Dunn Stear remembers the community’s initial

response to the sculptures: “It has been 99 percent positive. I have enjoyed watching citizens interacting with the sculptures and have heard many fine compliments and answered a few questions. We did have a few people who didn’t understand the provocative nature of abstract art. But it caused a conversation, and that is part of what art should produce.”

Without the support of the Greenwood Parks Department and the Johnson County Community Foundation along with a donation by D&M Concrete, the current public art would not have been possible.

“We would love to expand because this helps Johnson County increase its brand and culture,” said Wilkerson.

To date, both Sertoma Club of Greenwood and Greenwood Parks Department have committed to sponsoring the 2016-18 public art to help fund the four leased sculptures budgeted at $12,000. Two years ago, the parks department purchased “StriderII,” the permanent sculpture by John Merigian.

INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Stear praised the dedication of the Greenwood Parks Department in its commitment to public art. However, more sponsors are needed. GGAC will provide packets that detail the different levels of participation and labeling to interested parties. Potential sponsors may contact Karen Wilkerson at 317-432-1093 or kwilkerson48@gmail.com.

atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 53

“LIFE IS ENHANCED BY ART. TO BRING ART EXPERIENCES TO OUR COMMUNITY PROVIDES A QUALITY OF LIFE CHERISHED BY PEOPLE OF ALL CULTURES AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS.” “We hope this is a beginning for public art to become prevalent in our area,” said Wilkerson. With more sponsors, White River Township could feature public art on the roundabout at Fairview and Morgantown Roads and at Independence Park.

A panel comprised by members of both the Indy and Columbus Arts Councils will select the 2016-18 art by mid-March.

GGAC’s Vice President of Public Relations Lynsey Gregg will gather the jury for this selection. Other officers include Laura Richardson serving as treasurer and John Reames as secretary. The GGAC 16-member board of directors invites the public to attend the Artist Reception Friday, May 6. Check the website for more details.

Stear emphasized the need for more volunteers to help with GGAC events.

“One of our primary goals for 2016 is to encourage volunteers to engage with the Arts Council on a specific task or event. This year, we have a Community Art Show slated for the month of May, a concert coming up in September, an art wine label to choose and sculptures to place. We need marketing, public relations and finance volunteers as well as social media gurus.” If interested, contact GGAC at greenwoodarts.org/ volunteer.php.

COMMUNITY VALUE

Stear believes public art makes a huge statement about a community. “Someone made this point to me while relating it to traveling. When you go to a new place, what do you want to visit and experience? I bet you will say the food and art. They create memorable and lasting impressions and interesting conversation.”

Wilkerson echoes this belief. “Life is enhanced by art. To bring art experiences to our community provides a quality of life cherished by people of all cultures and economic backgrounds.”

Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers agrees and advocates for local arts. “The arts are alive and thriving in Greenwood and a part of what is great about our city. That is especially true for the Greater Greenwood Arts Council who is actively working to educate the community about all types of local art forms.”

Joyce and her husband Al have called Center Grove home since 1987. Empty nesters with both children, Chris and Valerie, living out of state, they enjoy Bible study, traveling, golf and Johnson County Garden Club. Joyce currently serves on the board for Center for Global Impact.

54 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

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EMILY BUTLER A LEADER IN “HARD-KNOCKS-KIND-OF” SCHOOLS Writer / Joyce Long . Photographer / Ron Stiemert

Years ago when Billy Butler spent hours shooting baskets in adjacent Bill and Sandy Gilkinson’s backyard, his younger sister was watching, hiding from the bushes. Her 14-year-old brother Billy often shouted, “Mom, make her leave me alone!”

Butler, now in her second year as principal at Indianapolis Public School’s Washington High School, remembers the day when Billy taught a 6-year-old Emily to shoot a layup. After he left, she stayed on the court until she made 100 layups. Through the years, Butler’s focus and drive have served her well, including, when as an eighthgrader, she set the goal of making Center Grove High School’s (CGHS) varsity team as a freshman.

The following year, February 24, 1996, to be exact, Butler started as a freshman for the CGHS basketball team when they defeated Valparaiso, 55-44, for the IHSAA Girls’ State Championship.

Ironically, basketball wasn’t even her primary sport. Butler spent most of her time playing soccer and even some tennis. Those

sports were for fun, but basketball was “more about striving to be excellent,” said Butler.

Her efforts earned her a full basketball scholarship in 1999 to Northwestern University. “Sports have taught me many things.

For what I do now as principal, it would be having a big goal and recognizing and capitalizing on every opportunity that will get us there.”

INFLUENTIAL EXPERIENCES

Majoring in Social Policy and English at Northwestern, Butler wanted to work in a field that made a difference in people’s lives.

Because Butler had grown up watching her mother Bev teach elementary school students for 32 years, the idea of education appealed to her. “I tinkered around with both social work and teaching. I wanted to help people,” said Butler.

When she heard Teach For America’s founder Wendy Kopp explain public school inequity, Butler resonated with their mission for high-poverty schools. Kopp emphasized how more leaders needed to make it their life’s work and be grounded at the classroom level.

Butler noted several younger CGHS graduates who joined Teach For America after college including Justin VanAlstyne, Brandon Brown, Nick Perry and Emily Masengale, the latter two both serving as Indianapolis principals.

56 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

After graduating from Northwestern in 2003, Butler committed to Teach For America for two years and began her education career at Patterson High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Roger Wrenn, whom she fondly calls her “Baltimore Dad,” didn’t hesitate to hire her. “I met Emily at a Baltimore job fair and was instantly struck by her idealism, energy, intelligence and her pragmatic approach to problem-solving,” said Wrenn.

Butler taught freshman English and coached girls basketball at Patterson, which was one of Maryland’s first schools to be taken over by the state. Rich in cultural diversity with its 1,100 students, Patterson, located in Baltimore’s southeastern HopkinsBayview neighborhood, provided a great beginning for Butler’s understanding of schools needing strong leadership.

“Emily’s successful methodology learned in athletics carried over into the classroom. She always wanted to teach at a ‘hard-knockskind-of ’ school. Emily says the best thing she learned from me was to tell students something important at least three times,” said Wrenn, who also encouraged Emily to get her principal’s license from John Hopkins University. Before returning to Indiana, she was an assistant principal at several Baltimore City high schools similar to Patterson.

CULTIVATING STRONG LEADERSHIP

Her 12 years in Baltimore also included a 2006 internship with Mayor Martin O’Malley, during which she learned how Baltimore actively acknowledged and creatively dealt with their problems.

“Baltimore is a tough place; children and those living in poverty overcome a lot from challenges with transportation, healthcare, hunger, violence and housing. A recent study showed that Baltimore’s children grow up in worse living conditions than kids in Nigeria,” said Butler. She notes that the creative approaches implemented by the city and school system to address challenges was a great environment in which to begin her career and learn.

Butler returned to Indiana in 2014 to become Washington High School’s sixth principal in five years. Her first year concentrated on improving the school’s climate and establishing a clear vision for the approximately 650 students who attend this near Westside school, comprised of grades 7-12.

During summers, Butler is continuing her education at Columbia University Teachers College in New York through the Indianapolis Principal Fellowship, which fully funds an M.Ed. in organization and leadership. “I love being a principal. I’ve recruited great people who are similarly passionate about turning around schools. I believe any school can be a great school with great leadership,” said Butler.

Eli Lilly partners recently donated 39 banners valued at more than $25,000 throughout the building. Her father and his friends helped install them. “These signs all speak to values we want to instill in students and staff. My job as principal is to leverage adults and change our students’ lives through education.” atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 57

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E M A R C H LO C A L

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BEGINS MARCH 2 / WEEKLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Get help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. You do not have to attend the first session if you want to join us Wednesday evenings. Please feel free to contact us to find out more about the wonderful resources available through GriefShare.

6 p.m. $20 Southland Community Church, Room 31 5800 W. Smith Valley Rd. 317-513-9203 or 317-340-3284 griefshare.org/groups/63700

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More than 130 families will be selling gently used clothing, shoes, toys, large equipment, furniture, maternity clothes, strollers, high chairs, swings, costumes and so much more. Only expectant parents of multiples (twins or higher) and parents of multiples can shop early at 7 a.m.

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A mother and son bring the audience into the world of Asperger’s. Tamara Perry, a behavior therapist specializing in Asperger’s, will join us with her 17-year-old son, Alexander, who is helping to educate others through his personal journey from childhood to teen years since being diagnosed with Asperger’s at 9 years old. Tamara will also offer her insight on how to work with this amazing population.

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60 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / MARCH 2016 / atCenterGrove.com

Cold as ICE

WORD SEARCH

Creator / Lucy Stravers

Hidden in the puzzle are words that contain the letters ice. Hey are listed below the puzzle and may appear in any direction in a straight line.

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54. VICE PRESIDENT

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

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atCenterGrove.com / MARCH 2016 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 61

 KATE IN THE MIDDLE

CONNECTING WITH KIDS IN THE UNEXPECTED MOMENTS Writer / Kate Rhoten

Having two teenage boys is an interesting endeavor. Each son has different interests and has completely unique attitudes in their approach to life, but they both need opportunities to connect with us.

There are many moments in our daily lives that can be opportunities to connect with our kids. We just have to find the time and place which doesn’t have to be a major production. Here are five opportunities to connect with our children that I believe are often overlooked:

these experiences tie us together. Experiences create memories that children can take with them.

We have plenty of opportunities to just be. It is important to just be with our kids. It is important to take advantage of the easy opportunities. It won’t be long before there won’t be these easily obtained moments as the boys keep getting closer to their next phase of life. In the meantime, I am going to capture and hold on to as many of these moments as I can.

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.

1.

Dinner for two. Occasionally, there is an opportunity to have dinner with one of my guys when the other is busy doing some extra-curricular activity. Going out separately and asking open-ended questions will help get the conversation started. Let the young man or woman lead the conversation.

2.

Running errands. I have found that there can be great moments to be had in the mundane activities. Recently, I had a pretty long list of things to do, and both boys came with me. We ran to a children’s resale shop, a recycling center, Goodwill, a bookstore to sell books and then off to get ice cream to cap off the afternoon. During these errands, stories were shared that did not come up previously during the week. Some of the conversations were funny stories that were overlooked, and others were question and answer in design.

3.

Breakfast before school. It is important to start your day off with a good meal, and a few minutes with your children will do the same. If we can adjust our schedule to carve out a little bit of time in the morning, we might send the kids off in a better frame of mind.

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Taking a break from the daily household activities. My youngest occasionally gets me to stop what I am doing to sit and watch a movie with him. Recently it was “The Boy in Striped Pajamas.” He was about 30 minutes into it and asked me to sit with him. He had heard about the movie and found it on one of our streaming services. This gives great insight into their interests and opens up a conversation afterward.

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Experiences. We have been able to go on trips and do activities that we continue to reference in our conversations periodically. Whether it was our trip almost four years ago to Europe, skiing in Colorado or going to Comic Con,

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Dr. Nicholas Vornehm, Dr. Michael Boyer, Dr. Dana Lindsay, and Dr. David Wippermann

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it is curable if caught early through regular screening and is even preventable if caught in the pre-cancer stage.

Call the Johnson Memorial Surgical Specialists today at (317) 736-7603 to schedule your colonoscopy.

johnsonmemorial.org