Center Grove Community Newsletter - 2013-03

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Community Newsletter

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Reaching More Center Grove Residents Than Any Other Publication!

Ray Skillman

Collecting the Classics

A part of the TownePost.com Network of Hyper Local Newsletters

Cover Photo | John Cinnamon march 2013

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| march 2013

publisher’s welcome | Jody Veldkamp Issue 12. The first 11 went by very quickly, and I didn’t expect that. Finding the content for the first issue wasn’t as hard as we expected. Carol Tumey was a great story to tell. I must admit we were concerned about how we would fill each issue with interesting stories, and if advertisers would support the magazine and see results from their advertisements. What we found out is there are many more stories to tell about the Center Grove, Greenwood, and Bargersville area than we expected.

Expert investment management for portfolios of $500,000 or more.

Our readers and writers suggest many stories to us; we receive phone calls, emails, and have even been stopped in church with story ideas. This month’s cover story is about one of those hidden gems in our community, one of the country’s finest collections of classic cars. We all know Ray Skillman from his auto dealerships and contributions to the Center Grove School system, but have you visited his collection of classic cars?

It’s free, and open six days a week.

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Size/Specs: many4.72" x 7.37"; 4C Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank our advertisers, Insertion Date: February 2013 of whom have been with us since the first issue. They pay the Pub: @Carmel, @Geist & @CenterGrove bills. Without their advertising we would not be able to write, lay out, print, and deliver the issues to you.

AD: CW: Acct. Serv.

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We love your feedback, both the good comments and the critical ones. They all make us better. Please don’t stop, we love the input. cg

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COLORS SHOWN ON THIS PROOF WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM FI

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THE RT OF PERSONAL SERVICE

West Smith Valley Road and SR 135

882-8200

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rch 2013 center grove c oŠ2013 m m u n iThe ty ne w s l e t t eBank r | m National ofaIndianapolis www.nbofi.com Member FDIC

centergrove

contents March 2013 Vol. 2, No. 3

Community Newslet ter

Dann Veldkamp Dann@AtCenterGrove.com (317) 345-9510

Sales Manager

Accounting

CW:

AD:

CD:

Jeanne Britt Jeanne@atGeist.com (317) 823-5060

Acct. Serv.

Jody Veldkamp Jody@AtCenterGrove.com (317) 507-4334

Creative Director Alyssa Sander Alyssa@atGeist.com

PROUD MEMBER www.greenwood-chamber.com

Tom Britt Tom@atGeist.com

Story Submissions

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

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 36097 Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097 Phone: (317) 823-5060 Fax: (317) 536-3030 www.atCenterGrove.com The Center Grove Community Newsletter is published by Chilly Panda Media, Center Grove, under license from Britt Interactive, LLC. and is written by and for Center Grove residents.

John Cinnamon

@Center Grove

January 2013

Half Page Vertical - 4.72" x 7.37"; 4C

Art of Persnal Service Ad

• Friendly Technicians • Service at Your Home or at Our Shop • Internet Connection Problems • Virus Removal • Hardware Repair • Private Lessons

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Publisher’s Welcome | Jody Veldkamp

10

Truth in the Eyes of the Homeless | Miranda

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Making a Comeback: Promising Musician Gets a Second Chance | Katelyn Bausman

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Franklin Window and Door: Seeing Through the Typical Window Pitch| Jody Veldkamp

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The Gardening Nana: Growing a Moon Garden and a Bat Attitude | Nancy Craig

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Ray Skillman - Collecting the Classics: Center Grove Resident’s Unexplored Car Museum | Ann Craig-Cinnamon

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Local Author Creates Style | Joyce Long

From Center Grove to Las Vegas and Back | Rick Ebb

McGovern

Event Calendar Making Cents: Money and Murphy’s Law | Kate Rhoten Restore Your Lawn | Tonja Talley

Word Search: Basketball | Lucy Stravers

Spring into Spring with SALI February 28 - March 29 at the Greenwood Public Library A new show from Southside Art League (SALI) artists entitled ‘Spring Into Spring.’ The art is available for viewing in the Library’s first-floor exhibit hall Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 8 PM and Friday - Saturday 1 - 5 PM. southsideartleague.org

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Publisher

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gala for the grove The 2013 Gala for the Grove was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

The 2013 Center Grove Education Foundation “Gala for the Grove” fund raising event was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom late February. Visit AtCenterGrove.com to find pictures from the event, and videos showing how Foundation grants are used to fund educational programs in the Center Grove Schools. See event photos at bit.ly/atCG2013Gala.

taste of the southside The last Sunday in February was the annual “Taste of the Southside”. Area residents were able to enjoy samples from more than 40 area restaurants, bakeries, caterers and wineries. Find photos from the event on AtCenterGrove.com visit bit.ly/atCG2013taste.

Guests enjoyed samples of food and beverages from more than 40 area restaurants and wineries.

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Photo | Christopher Carter Pickrell Center Grove High School graduate (class of 1986) Jeff McDonald found his calling as a comedian, starting locally at One Liners and touring nationally working with stars like Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld.

| Rick Ebb Ever since he was a little boy, Center Grove native Jeff McDonald dreamed of doing something big. Growing up on Grace Street, Jeff loved playing basketball with the neighbor kids. At age six, he told anyone who would listen that he wanted to become a Harlem Globetrotter. One day someone told him he couldn’t possibly live that dream because he wasn’t tall enough.

That simple comment was the first of many moments in Jeff’s life where he realized that in all of life’s events, one could find an element of humor.

Throughout his school years, Jeff would become the guy who was always telling jokes. He continued to play sports, but he would always find ways to connect with people through 8

center grove c o m m u n i t y

humor. On the night of his 1986 graduation from Center Grove High School, several teachers signed a note stating he was the “class instigator and that he was incorrigible.” What others might have seen as a negative Jeff took as a compliment which simply reaffirmed for him that he was successful in finding ways to think “outside the box.”

Jeff enrolled at Indiana University and ended up studying psychology. His first job was caseworker for Johnson County Welfare Department where he got more write ups than raises.

He started to go to amateur comedy nights in the mid 90s, but didn’t get serious until around 1998. In early 2001, Dave Wilson, owner of One Liners comedy club, told Jeff he had the talent

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from center grove to las vegas and back but it was up to him either to live it or not.

So in 2001, Jeff gave his two-week notice to his current employer, a bank in Indianapolis. He soon was living the life of a road comic, emceeing and then featuring at clubs all over country – racking up thousands of miles and never looking back on the former 9-to5 life. He was lucky enough to work clubs in Vegas relatively quickly in his career and was given the opportunity to work at the Tropicana, which at the time was the place where only the top comics in the country worked. His Vegas resume expanded to Catch a Rising Star in the Luxor and several other prestigious Vegas clubs. Jeff was soon working from Atlantic City to Orlando to Reno and almost everywhere in between.

Since his start in 2001, Jeff has worked with such stars as Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld. He was twice named “Indiana’s Top Comedy Writer.” He performed in a number of commercials and has even starred in a short film coming out in 2013 that has already been accepted to several top film festivals around the country.

Although competition is high in the comedy industry, he has taken his hard knocks and learned the tricks of the trade from the top people in the business. His inspirations vary from Red Skelton to Pryor and Carlin to the late Richard Jeni, who befriended Jeff and used a joke Jeff wrote. That cemented to Jeff that he really did belong in this profession.

After a decade of traveling, Jeff started to feel the stress of constantly being on the road take its toll. His uncle invited

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS • 15th Annual Midwest Jestival Winner and *Midwest Jestival “Rising Star” Winner • Twice named Indiana’s Top Comedy Writer • Numerous Commercials • Principle role in short film “Cavalier” (due out in 2013) • Current member of Indy Actors Academy

him back to Indiana to do a show for a local American Legion Post. Jeff agreed and discovered a new direction.

He always enjoyed the crowd at fraternal-organization-type shows. The audience tends to connect and embrace a comic more than a typical comedy club crowd would. He realized that he missed his Indiana roots and the “home town” feel. He then turned his focus to performing for corporations, veterans, and fraternal-type organizations.

Today, Jeff is striving to bring a topnotch professional quality “Las Vegas” level show to the people of Indiana.

In preparing for the Greenwood VFW Post show, Jeff provided a list of suggestions including how to set up the room, best ways to promote the show, and how to make the atmosphere enjoyable for the crowd and the comics. Comedy is popular nowadays,

Has Appeared With (Partial Listing)

but not many entertainers have cut their teeth on the Las Vegas strip. Jeff brings a level of entertainment not typically seen outside the major cities.

Maybe the teachers who labeled him as “class instigator and incorrigible” might come to one of his local shows and see just how “incorrigible” their former student has become! Center Grove native Jeff McDonald, following his dreams, is still instigating the laughs one crowd at a time.

Learn more about Jeff McDonald at ComedyMac.com. cg Rick Ebb is a resident of Greenwood and a member of the VFW. He has served for 36 years in the Army and has served three tours overseas. He is currently in the Indiana National Guard.

To see more of Christopher’s photography, visit MadeByCarter.com.

Television & Films

Drew Carey, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Jeni, Brette Leake, Bobcat Goldwait, Tim Wilson, Dr. Gonzo, Heywood Banks, John Fox, Vince Morris, Bob Zany, Jimmy Pardo, B.T., Ralph Harris, Mario Joyner, Basile, Jeff Wayne, Pinkard & Bowden, Pat Kilbane, Chas Elstner, Dwight Slade, Charlie Viracola, Tim Cavanaugh, Tom Parks, Blair Shannon, Killer Beaz, Tim O’ Rourke, Jeff Marder, Todd Snider

• Principle in short film “Cavalier” due out in 2013.

• Three Regional Commercials for hhgregg (seen in over 20 states) • Two Commercials for J.D. Byrider Used Cars with Tony Stewart and G.W. Bailey • One commercial for NASCAR (salute to fans) • Numerous Local and Regional Television shows for comedy appearances.

• Co-Produced Blair Shannon CD HBO Comedy Minute

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This photo is the winner of a Gold Key Award.

Truth of the 10

in the

Eyes

Homeless

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Text & Photos | Miranda McGovern, Gold Key award winning photographer in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Miranda is a Junior at Center Grove High School.

This photo truly shows that dreams can be the

start of a silver lining within a storm.

This man was an amazing human being. His sense of humor had my father and I laughing until it hurt.

This man was humbling to talk with. He was very down to earth and humble. He and his “family� welcomed us under their bridge without knowing us. Their hospitality and friendly attitudes is what truly made this a wonderful experience.

This woman has been through so much and was truly an inspiration. She and two

others became each other’s family.

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down with the intentions of capturing that emotion. Not only did I take the photos, I talked to them. I learned about their hardships, families, and dreams.

While downtown one night, I ran across a homeless man with a look that made me want to take a photograph and capture the emotion shown. My photography teacher had just assigned a series to our class. I used my assignment as an opportunity to bring awareness to a very real problem within society. A few weeks after that night, I went back

After capturing the emotion I sought in my photographs, I turned them in. My photography teacher came to me and asked if I wanted to enter my photo into the Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. A few weeks later, I received a letter in the mail saying I was one of the 197 students out of 2,150 to be given the Gold Key Award.

My photo, along with other works of art, will be displayed in Clowes Hall until the mid-March awards ceremony.

Photography has always been a huge part of my life and a way I can express myself. I sincerely hope you enjoy my photographs displayed. I also hope this article motivates you to try to make a difference. cg

hroughout my life, my parents have always stressed the importance of putting others before myself, to follow my dreams and passions. I have always had a strong drive to help those less fortunate. The homeless are exactly that. The homeless are people like you and me who just had a streak of bad luck. I have often associated the homeless with being harmless. Stereotypes have depicted them as dangerous and deceptive, but sitting and talking to them for 5 minutes will prove that it is just a stereotype.

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Making a Comeback

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Promising Musician Gets a Second Chance | Katelyn Bausman . Photos | Jeannie Casie {Casie Photography} Greenwood native James Meiser knows all too well that it’s a tough road to the top. He’s still paying the consequences of poor decisions he made starting over a decade ago.

As a result of DUIs, his driver’s license was suspended.

Being without it has been a challenge, but James takes full responsibility. “The troubles I got myself into were my fault. I have accepted that,” he says. “The changes I had to make to reform my life brought very difficult challenges.

It was not easy for me to look in the mirror and finally see what everyone had been so concerned about.”

James says he has definitely learned his lesson. “I am never going back to that lifestyle of feeling like a criminal. It showed me that I needed to grow up and be a productive citizen.”

composing. “I would hear music in my head all day long.

I’d go play it on the piano and see what I could do with it, sounding out on the keys what I was hearing in my head.”

At 14, James was introduced to electronic music and became consumed with the newfound sound. “There are many different types of music under the ‘techno’ label, but I fell in love with ‘progressive trance’ because for me, it covers everything that I look for emotionally in music,” James says. “You can go to bed listening to it because it’s very relaxing. You can dance to it. You can listen to it if you’re sad. It is the one kind of music that I could count on as my go-to comfort.”

Although he continued to write piano ballads, DJs became his inspiration.

James began his career as a DJ at house parties and came up through the ranks. His career took him all over the country and overseas. A typical gig was playing in a lineup of DJs for crowds of 40,000 people.

“I consider piano God’s gift to me as an outlet .... If I have a bad day, I’ll come home and pound away on the keys as a way to get my emotions out.”

James’ highly-promising career as a musician started at five years old. One day on the car ride home with his mother, he heard a piano ballad he liked on the radio. When they got home, James sat down at the piano and began playing. “Honestly, I don’t know how I knew how to play,” James says. “I can’t explain it. I heard the song in my head, and I just understood how to replicate it. It’s like an artist who sees a picture one time and can draw it without having any training.”

Describing it as the most beautiful feeling in the world, he says, “It’s just you up on the stage, and you’re having a great set. People are going wild. The pulse of the crowd is my favorite part. There is nothing more beautiful than to watch 40,000 people react to the touch of your fingers. When I’m up there, I see unity, power, and precision of movement. It is very much an

Recognizing this special gift in her son, James’ mom enrolled him in piano lessons immediately. But piano lessons didn’t quite suit his style. “I hated lessons with a passion. I liked it when I was left alone to do whatever I wanted to do, which was write.”

At six years old, James won first place in a statewide musical competition. He wrote his first piano ballad at seven years old. It was at his first recital when he felt called to pursue his real passion. “When I finished, I got a roaring standing ovation,” he says. “People just launched to their feet. That confirmed to me that I should pursue my heart for writing music.” By the age of 10, James had played at venues throughout most of Indiana.

By middle school, he decided to focus strictly on

Left to right: Scott Fross (DJ S-Cott), Dale Walling (DJ Wobble), Eric Rubio (DJ Freeze), Jason Lee (DjAllready Lee), James Meiser (The Meiser), Joseph Franklin (DJ Iron Lion), Uzo Udu (DJ Uzo), Jeff Huddleson (DJ Hugh Jeffner).

Photo by Jeannie Casey from Casey Photography. march 2013

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adrenaline rush and, for me, a spiritual experience. I often find myself being emotionally touched.”

James hopes to help break the most common misperceptions about DJing, one being that DJing is easy. “There is an absolute art form to DJing.” He describes the turntables as his instrument, like a guitar is to a guitarist. “A DJ has 110 things going on simultaneously to make it happen.

I’m mixing while I’m looking at my computer, doing my effects while scratching a record and loading the next song, watching the crowd, thinking three steps ahead, and going through my list of 80,000 songs to see what’s going to be best to keep the crowd going.”

James is unique as a DJ in that he plays some of his own music when he performs. His first full-length album, Bellesun, will be available this summer on iTunes and SoundCloud. “The album definitely takes you on an emotional journey that you can relate to your personal life.”

James is passionate about running Studio 77 LLC (studio77music.com). Established in 2009, he serves as Owner/DJ/Producer along with Joseph Franklin (DJ Iron Lion). They lead a team of eight DJs who perform at weddings, in clubs, and do everything from promotional jingles to movie soundtracks.

. more information .

You can sample James’ work from Studio 77 online at soundcloud.com/studio-77-music. To contact James, call 317-755-7723 or visit studio77music.com.

James’ last five years without a driver’s license has made performing around the country a hardship that he never wants to repeat in his life. He is happy to say he is no longer that person, and faith has played a huge role in rebuilding his life. “I give all the credit to God and the people in my life who never gave up on me including my wife, my parents, and my senior pastor. They did so much for me when I was a burden.”

After all these years, piano is still James’ first love. “I consider piano God’s gift to me as an outlet,” he says. “If I have a bad day, I’ll come home and pound away on the keys as a way to get my emotions out.”

Through all the ups and downs, James says he wants to give back in his own way with the gift of music. cg Katelyn Bausman is a lifelong Southsider. She is a freelance writer/ editor and handles communications and event planning for an international ministry. She and her husband, David, enjoy calling Center Grove home.

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business spotlight

Franklin Window & Door

Custom Franklin window in new construction

seeing through the typical window pitch | Jody Veldkamp V is full of them, pitching their product in fast-paced commercials, utilizing classic TV pitchmen. If you let these window pitchmen in your home, often times they appear to refuse to leave until you buy.

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Enter Cori Brown. Cori is the antithesis of that. She’s a nurse – a nurse who decided on a career change and started her own business, Franklin Window and Door. It is not as big a leap as you may think. Cori’s husband, Scott, had been in the home remodeling business for years. He learned that windows are a problem area in both replacement and new construction. When Cori started the business a year ago, Scott’s connections got her off to a good start.

To display her line of custom windows, doors, and hardware, she needed a showroom in addition to visiting people in their homes in Franklin, Center Grove, and elsewhere. The showroom in downtown Franklin is one of seven or eight buildings that are currently part of the Interior door hardware with a leather-like coating 16

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revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown. The building started life as a car dealership circa 1915. As these pictures indicate, remodeling the building was no simple task; the exterior and interior required total renovation.

All the windows were custom made to fit the building. Of course, they all come from Franklin Window and Door’s supplier, Sun Windows. Sun is a familyowned business that manufactures premium custom windows in their Owensboro, Kentucky, factory.

Although they have installed custom windows into other historic buildings and homes, Cori says, “Our primary focus is premium windows and entry door systems for replacement and new-home construction.” There is no “this is what you get” from Cori and her staff. She says, “What you get with us is a consultation, options, flexibility, and local service to create the look you want.”

Windows and doors can change the entire character of your home. “You don’t have to replace all your windows at once. Start with a large front window for example. You will always be able to come back and get matching windows for the rest of your home,” adds Cori.

In addition, an extensive door hardware selection allows you many design options by mixing and matching various components. Brown suggests a spring home spruce up by simply replacing cabinet, entry, or interior door hardware.

Many 15-year-old homes already require replacement windows.

If you are building a new home, pick the premium windows you want and you won’t be replacing them in a few years. Franklin windows have an extruded aluminum exterior, powder coat

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112 W. Jefferson Street Franklin, IN

317-739-0093

FranklinWindowAndDoor.com

Owner, Cori Brown finish, custom fit, and an exclusive water management system to keep water from damaging the wood.

Cori and Scott have a different way of “doing” windows. They encourage you to shop around, stop by the showroom, or invite them to your home. Cori says with Franklin Window and Door, you will find the “mom and pop customer service” not found in the window industry. Give them a call and you’ll find Franklin Window and Door offers window and door solutions with you in mind. cg

oor indow & D Franklin W : Specialties ltation

consu s ome design ent window • Free in-h d replacem n a n io ct ru st • New con r systems o o d y tr • En et hardware r and cabin o o d , w o d • Win

the

the

gardening

Nana

Growing a Moon Garden and a Bat Attitude In Sharon Lovejoy’s book, Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children, (bit.ly/ atCGRootsShoots) she assures us that “Bats have gotten a bad rap for centuries. These gentle bug-eaters aren’t after you, and they won’t land in your hair.

Instead, they’ll rid your yard of hundreds of pesky mosquitoes every night.” With that in mind, I’m going to develop a “bat attitude” and use her plan for a Moon Garden.

gardening Nana

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At the center of the garden will be a pole tent of climbing moonflowers, surrounded by other night blooming, fragrant flowers. My great nephews won’t care that the Moon Garden will smell so sweet but the scent attracts moths and other insects that, in turn, will attract bats. The 261-9790 boys will have fun making “moth broth” (bit.ly/atCGMothBroth); ©2013 The National Bank of Indianapolis www.nbofi.com Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee May Lose Funds and who knows, maybe we’ll get to see the amazing Luna moth or the sphinx moths.

2257 WM Trust & Estate_7.37x9.58.indd 1 birds, and nature. This year, there will be celebrations of1/8/13 12:10 PM The summer night garden will also be lit up by fireflies or Gene Stratton-Porter’s 150th birthday at both her homes, lightening bugs. Did you know that the firefly larvae also Client/Filename: NBI are 2257 WM Trust & Estate_7.37x9.58 Limberlost and Wildflower Woods, which are Indiana state Job #: ANBI-2257-02 luminous? historic sites (bit.ly/atCGLimberlostHistory).

Check the Job Name: WM Personal Trusts & Estates Ad CD: Indiana State Museum link for family nature outings: Lovejoy’s books always have great ideasSize/Specs: and tips for 7.37” x 9.58”; 4C AD: Insertion From Date: this February 2013 bit.ly/atCGOutings CW: making it fun and easy for the kids to garden.

Pub: @Carmel, @Geist & @Center Grove Acct.

Serv. book, I’ll use her “Seed Tape” idea to make is easier for my SoCircle, we’ll see/ Indianapolis, if afterINtime a Moon Garden I’ll develop that /cvrindy.com / 111 Monument Suite 4150 46204 / in 317/632/6501 great nieces when we plant our flowers. Then we’ll use her “bat attitude.” And, just in case, I’m going to keep on my “Explorer’s Kit” idea to gear up the boys for our night watching. garden hat. cg Nancy’s love of flower gardening The best place in Indiana to see moths and other night intensified while living in The Gardening Nana, critters is on a night hike at Limberlost, the home of Gene Holland and was perfected with Stratton-Porter who wrote A Girl of Limberlost Nancy Craig Master Gardener courses. (bit.ly/atCGLimberlost) and many books on moths, t

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Ray Skillman

Collecting the Classics 18

center grove c o m m u n i t y

newsletter

| march 2013

Center Grove Resident’s Unexplored Car Museum Story | Ann Craig-Cinnamon . Photos | John Cinnamon

C

ars are more than a business for a long-time dealer and Center Grove resident. You know the name – Ray Skillman – and you know it’s associated with car dealerships. You’ve doubtless seen Ray himself in his TV commercials for the past 30 years, and you know that he likes to “stack ‘em deep and sell ‘em cheap.” But what you may not know is that Ray Skillman has lived in Center Grove for more than 30 years, he drives race cars, has a fabulous collection of classic cars (some that he has personally restored), and he is a man who contributes to the community. march 2013

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We met Ray recently at his Classic Car “Museum” which is located behind his Ford dealership at 1250 US 31 South.

The museum is in a huge, open warehouse setting with probably 100 cars displayed on the floor. There is everything from a 1954 Corvette to classic Kaisers, Deloreans, and even antique bicycles. Restored classic neon signs from such companies as Studebaker, Texaco, and Meadow Gold Ice Cream hang from the rafters and give you a sense of nostalgia instantly. Walking around with Ray looking at his collection, it becomes obvious that he loves cars. “You know, I guess I do. When I have any free time, I’m hangin’ out with cars. I’ve just always been a car nut,” he says.

His association with automobiles goes back to when he restored his first one at the age of 14. In 1960, he got into the car dealership business in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky. He moved to Indy in 1979 to become a partner in the Charlie Stuart Oldsmobile dealership. All these years later, he now has 15 different stores around Indianapolis with 900 employees. It’s also a family affair as several members of his family are heavily involved in the business including a daughter, a grandson, and three sons-in-law.

Ray started collecting classic cars in the mid 1980’s by buying a car here and a car there and often doing the restoration work himself. He built a 6-car garage at his Center Grove home to house some of his collection, and he had others scattered around friends’ houses and at his dealerships. The hobby was clearly getting out of control.

“It’s either an extremely bad habit or an addiction or both. In addition, that’s the reason why we started trying to support our habit by selling a few of them from time to time, trying to make a little money. Some you win on, and some you lose,” he says.

That’s what led to the opening of the Classic Car Museum about 7 years ago. Since then, he says they’ve sold hundreds of classic cars -usually 70 or 80 a year. Some are not for sale because he personally restored them and they have meaning to him. Others have been restored so perfectly that there is too much money tied up in them. “You know, I get mixed emotions every time I sell a car. Every time I sell a car, I wish I hadn’t sold the car.” He adds, “We kind of love all of them. Everybody asks me what’s your favorite car,

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center grove c o m m u n i t y

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| march 2013

Top to bottom: Some of the vintage neon signs that hang in Ray Skillman’s Classic Car Museum – It’s not just about cars; these are refurbished classic Schwinn bicycles on display – Ray Skillman points to some Daytona 500 memorabilia on display in a guest room – A DeLorean, like the one used in “Back to the Future”, is among Skillman’s car collection

More than 100 cars and dozens of vintage neon signs fill Ray Skillman's Classic Car Museum. and it really just kind of depends on the day. I’ll get in one sometime in the summer and drive it and say I don’t want to ever sell that car and then somebody will call…”

If the price is right, he will part with most of them. There’s a 1957 Corvette that he restored with a friend that’s not for sale. Then there’s the 1967 Shelby Mustang that arrived in pieces in three trailers. After chasing down parts and putting hours of labor into it, he says it’s not for sale because they can’t get their money out of it. Between the quality of the restoration and the rarity of the vehicle, Ray estimates that it’s worth $400,000. “So we don’t win every time we do these cars. A lot of it is a labor of love and then you kind of look back and say, ‘I wonder why I did that.’ I would advise anybody that wanted a nice collector car, don’t do it yourself; go buy the thing after it’s already been done.”

Next to the classic cars is a row of old and new race cars.

One was driven by the Unsers, Mario Andretti, and A.J. Foyt. Ray, himself, has driven others. He drag races and has been on the NASCAR All Pro circuit, and will be traveling extensively for several weeks this summer racing around the country with his son and grandson in places like Chicago, Las Vegas, California, and here at Lucas Oil Raceway. He’s had his share of accidents over the years, breaking arms,

ribs, and his neck, but nothing “life threatening” he claims.

He also briefly owned an Indy car that was driven by Tony Bettenhausen in an Indianapolis 500 back in the ‘80’s. He became a race car owner rather accidentally, more out of friendship for Bettenhausen than a desire to be an Indy race car owner.

Ray says he’s been lucky and, as a result, he has contributed to the community as well. His $1,000,000 donation to the Center Grove School Athletic Department paid for athletic fees that were set to kick in and that parents would have had to pay. The program he is most proud of is one they began many years ago called “Clothe a Child.” Skillman employees donate to the program weekly, and the company matches it dollar for dollar. Last year, the program clothed 950 children from head to toe. “We have done that through the help of all our employees. We believe in kids because they’re our future; our future customers, our future employees, legislators. So we kind of feel that it’s part of your crops – you’ve got to take care of them. We love being involved with schools,” he says.

As a highly-successful businessman, he could live anywhere but chooses to stay here. “I love Indianapolis, I love Center Grove. I like all of this area here. We’re fortunate enough, march 2013

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. more information .

Visit Ray Skillman Classic Cars at 1280 US 31 S, Greenwood, IN 46143. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM. 888-521-0723.

RaySkillmanClassicCars.com

Matchbox-size classic cars are used to replicate Skillman’s dealership and showroom. my wife and I, that if it gets real, real cold we can go somewhere it’s warm for a while. But we love seasons. And we still really care a lot about our business. We like our people. It’s fun. You know, my mother died thinking I didn’t have a real job. That is the truth. We just like this area. We don’t have a home in Florida or a home in Mexico, we just live here. But we’re fortunate enough with all the help from the 900 people that we employ that we can go somewhere nice and stay.”

Retirement is not in the picture either. “If I don’t want to come to work – and I come to work every day – but if my wife and I want to get in the car and go somewhere or get on an airplane and go somewhere, we can go do it; and they’d probably do better if I’d go away. But I really don’t want to because it’s still exciting, interesting, and it’s just what I love to do.”

Something else he loves to do is tool around in some of his classic cars. Look for him this summer in an updated 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible that he’s planning to take off the museum floor and take home with him soon. You won’t be able to miss it on the road; it’s a beautiful car. All the cars are.

Ray Skillman’s Classic Car Museum is a little piece of history hidden away in an obscure building behind a car dealership in Greenwood. It’s a gem and worth a visit. The museum is free and open to the public and you just might catch Ray there. After all, he is addicted. cg Ann Craig-Cinnamon is a 30-year radio and television broadcast veteran. Ann is the Publisher of the Carmel Community Newsletter, a writer , travel speaker and author of an upcoming book about her time spent living in Iran.

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| march 2013

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Frieda Dowler with her office storyboard for Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World.

Local Author Creates Style | Joyce Long Creativity, great stories, and a strong faith fashioned Frieda Dowler as a novelist.“I grew up in a family that had great imagination, particularly those on my Dad’s side who loved to tell stories from the Great Depression. They laughed a lot and looked at life lightly.”

Frieda Dowler’s first two novels are available on Amazon.com and FriedaDowlerBooks.com.

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| march 2013

Author of two self-published novels with a third on its way, Frieda’s inspiration began with family. In 2007, her brother, Dorian, and she debated theories found in the popular Left Behind novels written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.

Those lively talks spawned Frieda’s trilogy starting with The New World: Kingdom of Heaven (2008) and New Money for an Old America (2012).

While writing challenges Frieda, the real issue is time.

Frieda and her husband, Bruce, co-own Color Café Salon on Olive Branch Parke Lane. As a stylist spending 30–40 hours a week behind the chair, training, or marketing, Frieda must prioritize her writing time.

. more information .

To schedule Frieda as a speaker or purchase her novels, call the salon at 317-884-2222. Also check out: friedabastoryteller.blogspot.com and FriedaDowlerBooks.com.

“I live such a regulated life in the salon with 30-minute appointments that I’ve learned to accomplish smaller goals that build toward a bigger goal.”

Also, juggling family obligations and domestic duties keeps Frieda well versed in time management. Her typical writing day begins early in the morning with an hour of solitude that focuses on introspection, knowing God, and reading either the Bible or inspirational books. She strives to keep this time fresh each day. After that, she writes.

Then she moves on to other responsibilities.

“Philosophically speaking, if you know yourself and know your purpose, you can be more efficient with time.”

The majority of her writing, approximately 10 hours a week, happens on Monday when the salon is closed.

Frieda doesn’t set specific writing goals for each day or week to avoid hindering creativity. In fact, she recently spent three weeks honing one chapter, fewer than 2,000 words, because of its significance. In addition, she prefers working from notes rather than an outline. “I let my characters take me where they want. The book is finished when they resolve their dilemma.”

For her second novel, she toured parts of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, where she found an oppressive environment of hopelessness for Native Americans on the reservation. New Money for an Old America explores a faulty infrastructure and tribal corruption. While her first novel emphasizes escapism, the second highlights positive change. The trilogy’s final book features characters wrestling with good and evil.

Frieda and her husband, Bruce, co-own Color Café Salon on Olive Branch Parke Lane.

Frieda is also writing a nonfiction workbook/journal for young adult women, Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World.

Last fall she taught this study in two four-hour sessions at Southport United Methodist Church. For Frieda, writing is a ministry. Her advice for aspiring writers is simple: “If you have the desire to write a book, write the book! Worry about its destiny later.” cg Joyce Long, Greenwood Middle School language arts teacher from 1992-2000, has called Center Grove home for the past 25 years. Currently Joyce works as the communications coordinator for Center for Global Impact and is passionate about engaging people to empower the poor.

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Community Event Calendar Corporate Cup Challenge March 8 - 9 Mount Pleasant Church Community Life Center and The Gathering Place A two-day fun event to promote community relationships, fun, and fitness! corporatecupchallenge.com Amazing Robots March 9 from 1 - 4 PM White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library See the creations of Red Alert 1741, an award winning robotics team from Center Grove High School. These teens will kick off “Teen Tech Week” by demonstrating their high tech knowhow all afternoon. Contact Teen Services Librarian Erin Kirchoff at 317-885-1330.

Midwest Fashion Week Children’s Showcase March 10. 5:30 PM – Exhibits, Guest Registrations, Networking.

6:30 PM – Fashion Showcase Artsgarden, 110 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN Runway show benefitting Little Red Door Cancer Agency.

Hosted by: Kathy Polston-Dalton, Mrs. Kentucky USA 2012.

General: $15 advance/$20 door. VIP: $40 advance/$45 door.

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Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, March Business Matters Luncheon – Healthcare Reform & Your Business March 12 from 11:30 AM - 1 PM Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, 100 Byrd Way, Greenwood Healthcare Reform and Your Business. Presented by Brent Tilson, President and CEO, Tilson. bit.ly/atCGHealthCare

You can also post your event on TownePost.com for free! newsletter

| march 2013

Making ¢ents Money and Murphy’s Law

A commercial shares statistics regarding Hoosiers and their income situations in Marion County. It states that 45,000 families are one paycheck away from being homeless. That’s nearly 7% of the family households in the county. That’s right here in our own back yard. Are you saving some of your paychecks to build up an emergency fund in case you miss a paycheck? Or are you living paycheck to paycheck?

Lastly, have you noticed the lower paycheck since the turn of the year? We can thank our elected officials for this. A few years ago, we were given a break on the amount of money taken from our paychecks to fund the Social Security bucket.

As time passed, we got comfortable and forgot about this reduction, and now the time has expired on that temporary reduction. If the average American family makes about $50,000 a year, it works out to a $1,000 pay cut for the year.

Break that down into two-week payroll cycles, and that’s around $40 every two weeks. That may be a nice dinner per pay period or another chunk of money to go into a debt snowball or retirement account. It all adds up.

The reason I write about this is that the last four years have been difficult for many with job losses, company-restructuring pay plans, and the rising cost of food and fuel. Many of us

Kate is a financial expert of what to do and not do with money as well as owner of 4 Walls Financial, A Coaching-Focused Company. She has attended and completed Dave Ramsey’s Counselor Training. Follow Kate on Twitter 4WFCoach, reach out to her via email at kate@4wallsfinancial.com, or visit 4wallsfinancial.com. Feel free to share ideas or questions for future articles.

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…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…

In early February, a morning news program highlighted ever so briefly the savings situation of families in America. I was curious about the details, so I looked it up on the Internet. The Corporation for Economic Development (CED) gave some statistics that gave me pause. The data from the CED shows that 44% of households (approximately 132.1 million people) do not have a savings account to help in an emergency. “Liquid asset poor” is the term used to describe families that do not have the equivalent of three months of basic living expenses in a savings account in case of unemployment. Here in Indiana, 42% do not have liquid assets in a savings account to maintain their household.

Even so, “Murphy” is always lurking out there. He may come in the way of a car repair, home maintenance need, or some other major unexpected expense. Get a plan in place to enjoy the present, but secure your future. We don’t know what is ahead of us, but by making the effort now to protect your family, you may manage Murphy if he visits. He’s out there. He’s looking for somewhere to go. Murphy will come knocking; will he choose your door? cg

It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…

Here we are a couple months into 2013, and I have heard some interesting data regarding finances. They come from three different sources: an advertisement on television, a brief story on a news show, and one directly from Uncle Sam via our paychecks. The all have something in common: Money.

I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…

|Kate Rhoten

have been fortunate to get through the financial crisis without significant changes. It is important to plan what and how you and your family will get through a financial crunch.

Keep reviewing options to reduce costs and increase savings (savings, retirement, college, etc.).

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Restore Your Lawn | Tonja Talley Drought and high heat claimed a stranglehold on Indiana last summer. The historic 2012 drought forced mandatory water restrictions around Center Grove. As a result, many lawns and landscapes suffered extensive damage.

What was once soft, green grass, at Center Grove residents Terry and Jeanne Moore’s home slowly turned to a burnt orange intermixed with thatch and dirt. The plants in the landscape took on a desert look — dried leaves lay on the ground next to bare trees, bushes blazed orange-brown in the sweltering heat, and the wilted flowers begged for water.

The drought took its toll on the lawn. Not knowing where or how to start the process of recovery, they called on Zo Zeigler, owner of Zeigler Landscape Service, to help them.

“Living in our home for over 20 years, I had done nothing special for our yard with the exception of the regular lawn mowing and laying mulch down for the landscape beds on occasions,” said Terry.

According to Zo, our lawns and landscapes have taken a beating for the last few years. Our stressed lawns have endured disease, weeds, and bugs — all caused by the droughts – and our landscapes have not fared much better.

However, we can take certain steps in bringing our lawns and landscapes back to health.

Recovering the Lawn

Most of us are used to brown patches or dormant grass in our lawns at winter’s end. But if drought repair wasn’t done last fall, “these patches are more likely dead than dormant,”

Zo said. In these areas, the dead grass becomes matted and tightly woven. When this matting occurs, it is hard for new seed to penetrate the soil and germinate.

In a typical growing season, dormant grass seeding takes place in February or March, while the ground is still freezing and thawing. In order for the seed to germinate the temperature needs to remain above 55°. The warmer the soil, the faster the seed will germinate. “But it has not been a typical year for lawns,” Zo said. “If drought repair was not executed this past fall, in March I would suggest aerating the ground before seeding.” It is also important to wait 12 weeks after aeration and over-seeding before starting lawn treatments.

With the potential for another hot summer and to lessen more stress on our lawns, Zo suggests applying these products around the following holidays: • • • • •

Easter: Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control Mother’s Day: Apply weed and feed post-emergent Father’s Day: Apply grub control Labor Day: Apply fall lawn food and fertilizer Halloween: Apply winter guard

“For the do-it-yourselfers, homeowners should ask a store’s lawn expert about which product is right for their lawn. Not every product uses the same concentration of chemicals and nutrients. They must be aware of what their lawn is doing.

It’s also important the homeowner to follow the instructions on the bottle, including when to water.”

In talking about the health of restoring this year’s lawns, Carl Bigelow, professor for the Department of Agronomy and assistant at the Purdue Extension Office, said: “It makes sense for those that truly care about their lawns to consider hiring professionals to aid in the recovery process.

Professionals keep up with correct application schedules, select appropriate fertilizers and seed, scout for pests, and know how to best prepare your turf for future stresses.”

Photos left to right: McCarty will delivery mulch to your door. From there, you can put it in place or hire someone like Zo Zeigler’s team to make your beds. - This drought stricken lawn needs a major renovation. - Mulch adds the finishing touch to your landscape. And, it retains water and keeps the weeds down.

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| march 2013

Recovering with Mulch

For landscaping plants, Zo explained that homeowners will just have to wait to see if the trees, shrubs, and flowers have survived. But, he did say that grass competes with surrounding plant material for the soil’s nutrients.

Mulching around the base of trees, shrubs, and flowers will significantly boost a plant’s health.

“A good layer of mulch applied to a landscape will reduce soil erosion during heavy rainfall,” Josh McCarty, owner of McCarty Mulch & Stone, said. “It will also aid your plants during seasonal weather, retaining moisture in the soil during summer heat, and insulating roots against winter freeze.”

How does one select the correct protection for their plants? “The final decision really comes down to personal preference.” However, Josh did suggest a homeowner consider the following questions.

• What stressors affect the garden? Wind? Water?

Slopes?

• What price range can you afford for mulch?

• Do you want low-maintenance mulch?

• What kind of look are you after?

Mulches come in two types—wood and rock. Both lend their own unique style to a landscape. Rock mulch encompasses the whole color spectrum; wood mulch comes in natural and dyed colors.

Dyed wood mulch is now an option in garden landscapes.

This mulch comes in a variety of hues and shades. The application of non-toxic dye mulches in a landscape can aid in the creation of a specific desired aesthetic appearance.

“People may use dyed mulches to offset their plants with a bold contrasting color, such as our finely ground red or black wood fiber mulch,” said Josh. “Often called the ‘Mock Cypress,’ homeowners like the golden colored mulch to blend their home, surrounding soil and hardscapes together.”

. more information .

Zeigler Landscape Service 317.966.0438 zeiglerservices@gmail.com zlandscaping.biz

McCarty Mulch AND Stone 100 Bluffdale Drive Greenwood,Indiana 46142 317.885.1985

sales@landscapemulch.com HOURS Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM, Saturday: 8 AM - 1 PM

Many people question the safety of dyed mulch. “Our dyed mulch is made with non-toxic Heartland Enriched colorants that are processed using ‘Color-Safe’ Technology. This colorant is completely safe for plants, pets, and children.

Matter of fact, some of the same materials used to make the colorant is the same materials commonly found in cosmetics.”

When considering mulch, gardeners need to consider what happens to their plants beneath the dirt. As wood mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil assisting in the landscape’s root system. This is especially helpful to areas containing small plants, such as annuals and perennials.

Termed the ‘permanent mulch,’ rock mulch makes excellent groundcover for those who covet low-maintenance landscapes. For homeowners with a slope in their landscape, rock is excellent for erosion prevention, and it doesn’t puddle during heavy Indiana downpours. “Because its permanent nature, rocks can be incorporated into fixed garden elements like trees and fountains, creating a bold design element, said Josh.

Recovery

According to Zo, it will take time for some lawns and landscapes to recover. Why? Because there are many factors the affect recovery time, different soils in the area, the amount of water that is applied, and the type of plants and grass seed that is used. It takes a ‘common sense’ program, such as the ones listed in this article, with a lot of time and patience. cg Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993. An 11-year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi, and her church.

Warner-Castner porch

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1. Baseline 2. Ball 3. Baskets 4. Boards 5. Center 6. Cheerleaders 7. Coach 8. Contact 9. Dead Ball 10. Defense 11. Dribble 12. Dunk 13. Fans 14. Forward 15. Foul 16. Free Throw 17. Guard 18. Halftime 19. Hoop 20. Huddle 21. Hustle 22. Inbound 23. Jump Shot 24. Lay Up 25. Lockerroom 26. Offense 27. One and One 28. Out of Bounds 29. Overtime 30. Pass 31. Players 32. Quarter 33. Rebound 34. Referee 35. Rim 36. Score 37. Sideline 38. Steal 39. Substitute 40. Team 41. Tied 42. Three Pointer 43. Timeout 44. Travel 45. Turnover 46. Whistle

Lucy Stravers lives in Pella, Iowa and is the mother-in-law of Dann Veldkamp. Need a large print version? Find it on AtCenterGrove.com “It is our mission to help you develop the right plans to meet your insurance needs.”

859 Riverside Dr., Suite 12 • Greenwood, IN

ChambersAgencyInsurance.com Get an online quote: farmersagent.com/rchambers Rick Chambers

30

center grove c o m m u n i t y

newsletter

Andy Johns

| march 2013

317-885-6900

Stop your heavy period and restart your life

Has your heavy period been keeping you away?

If you’re like 1 in 5 women with heavy periods, you want to get back to life. NovaSure is a one-time, five-minute procedure that can lighten or end your heavy period. No pills. No hormonal side effects. For 90% of women, menstrual bleeding is dramatically reduced or stopped. It’s a simple procedure that can be done in your doctor’s office, usually for the cost of a copay. Talk to your doctor about stepping back into life with NovaSure. Life will be there to welcome you back.

Call Dr. Lori Davidson about NovaSure or visit CFWhealth.com/novasure for more information.

Dr. Lori Davidson Next to Community Hospital South

Call 317-528-9380 & PRESS “5” to get your questions answered.

Important Safety InformatIon: NovaSure is for premenopausal women with heavy periods due to benign causes who are finished childbearing. Pregnancy following NovaSure can be dangerous. NovaSure is not for those who have or suspect uterine cancer, have an active genital, urinary or pelvic infection, an IUD or a metal uterine implant. NovaSure is not a sterilization procedure.

Rare but serious risks include but are not limited to thermal injury, perforation and infection. Temporary side effects may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, discharge and spotting.

-2013-

southside real estate directory

atten tion r ealto rs!

Get Listed in our spring “Southside Real Estate Directory” 1. Visit AtCenterGrove.com and click “Realtors” in the menu 2. Click on the “Get Listed” button 3. Submit your name, phone, broker info, and city Listings are FREE for licensed realtors.

Request a PREmium Listing: For an additional $75 we will accent your listing and add your website, email, and a one-line description.

coming i n

spring

centergrove atCenterGrove.com

Community nEwSlEt tER

Questions? Contact Jody 317-507-4334 or jody@AtCenterGrove.org

to submit your free listing, visit atcentergrove.com and click on “realtors” march 2013

|

atCenterGrove.com

31

Let us put the finishing touch on your perfect wedding day AtCenterGrove.com P.O. Box 36097 ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER …a perfect smile.PAID Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097

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(317) 881-4726

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Come in for a FREE LUMISmile® digital smile makeover toCsee arly, ient ied Cl satisf how beautiful you can be with LUMINEERS. • Instant whitening that lasts As you walk down the aisle glowing with We Groom • No shots, pain or drilling of sensitive tooth o! smile is just as radiant joy, beCasure ts, toyour structure* with LUMINEERS. In just two visits, we • Backed by over 20 years of clinical research** can painlessly give you a permanently straight, white, beautiful smile that can Our staff will provide professional grooming in a safe and enjoyable last until your 20thensuring anniversary. environment a pleasant experience for you and your dog! *Tooth contouring may be necessary. Individual cases may vary. **Data on File. ©2012 DenMat Holdings, LLC. 805352900A 12/12MO

Follow us as Groomer Gregg’s grows and expands its services. We are committed to becoming your neighborhood resource for dogs.

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4800 W. Smith Valley Rd. Suite C • Greenwood, IN 32

center grove c o m m u n i t y

newsletter

| march 2013

Office Name Dentist Name

Hours of operation

street address Monday-Saturday: 8am-5pm city, ST Zip Code Sunday: 9am-4pm Walk-ins welcome!

(000) 000-0000

Conveniently located in the heart of Center Grove next to Hampton’s Market!