Center Grove Magazine August 2019

AUGUST 2019

MAGAZINE

Joy. Confidence. Freedom.

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317-261-9790 Š2019 The National Bank of Indianapolis

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MAGAZINE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER

Fredda Kovacs

Fredda@TownePost.com / 317-402-3051

TOWNE POST CEO Tom Britt

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TOWNE POST PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Robert Turk

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Austin Vance

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Valerie Randall

EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown

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AUGUST WRITERS

THE VOICE OF THE COLTS: SOUTHSIDE NATIVE MATT TAYLOR TALKS EXCITEMENT & HONOR OF TAKING OVER AS COLTS RADIO ANNOUNCER Many sports fans grow up listening to sports announcers, like Indiana University Football and Basketball Hall of Famer Don Fischer. Others aspire to earn one of those coveted microphones that comes with one of the best seats in the house. Franklin College and Roncalli High School graduate Matt Taylor officially earned his microphone (and seat) on January 4, as “The Radio Voice of the Colts.”

7 Business Spotlight: Danna Green:

24 The Voice Of The Colts: Southside

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

8 Welcome To Walnut Grove: Center

12 10 Pins: New Duckpin Bowling

28 The Driven Life: The Lemondime 30 Master of Crime: Center Grove Alum

Grove’s newest elementary school is a vision for learning Alley Celebrates Grand Opening In Johnson County

16 Stimulating Young Minds: 6th Annual

Community Career+Education Forum Coming Up September 19

20 The Mills House: History, Memories & Progress

Native Matt Taylor Talks Excitement & Honor of Taking Over As Colts Radio Announcer

Publishes Mystery Thriller

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Johnette Cruz Kevin Conrad / Matt Keating Megan Stephens / Suzanne Huntzinger

AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHERS

JWcreative.indy / Johnette Cruz Chalais Randle Photography Joylily Photography

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local.

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

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

The Center Grove Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Center Grove residents.

Submit story ideas to PR@atCenterGrove.com.

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone / Fax: 317-810-0011

33 Learning To Ride: Indianapolis

Southside Harley-Davidson Offers New Riding Academy Location

36 A Historical Season: Center Grove

Softball Coach, Players Reflect On Record 7th State Championship

5 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

atCenterGrove.com TownePost.com

Making Your Dream Project a Reality Go-to Design and Remodeling: Gettum Associates

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DANNA GREEN: HEALTHMARKETS INSURANCE AGENCY 3147 Smith Valley Rd, Suite E Greenwood 317-430-7094 HealthMarkets.com

Photographer / JWcreative.Indy

Serving Center Grove, Greenwood and surrounding states, Danna Green represents HealthMarkets Insurance Agency by advising individuals, families and small businesses concerning their health insurance, life insurance and benefit needs. As a busy, single mom of three, she is passionate about her career.

“I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, so this was a completely different ballgame for me, but I absolutely can’t see myself doing anything else,” Green says. “I love it!”

Recently, Green celebrated the opening of the new HealthMarkets location in Greenwood with a ribbon-cutting on June 20. The grand opening was received with a positive turnout by the community.

“It turned out to be a successful day,” Green says. “We had a really nice turnout of clients and potential clients. The weather wasn’t great, but even with the weather, we had a great turnout. We had carriers present to hand out giveaways. We hope to make this a yearly event.”

Green is happy to serve the Southside and for the opportunity to give back to the community as well.

“I am excited that we are able to have a location right here in Center Grove,” she says. “We sponsor many of the Greenwood and Center Grove sporting events. I try to give back to the community as much as possible.”

“I feel like, now more than ever, people need the guidance of an agent to help them decipher what plans are available for their family and within their budget,” Green says.

Green’s business success is noted by her appointment to HealthMarkets 2019 Agent Advisory Board and as a member of the HealthMarkets 2019 Chairman’s Club, which recognizes the top producing agents in the nation. She is in the Top 30 producers out of thousands of agents across the country. In addition to meeting health and life insurance needs, the office provides guidance for beneficiaries looking into Medicare plans, as well as assisting those interested in dental, vision, critical illness, disability, accident, longterm care insurance or wellness programs.

“Maintaining and taking good care of my clients is what is important to me,” Green says.

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 3147 Smith Valley Rd, Suite E in Greenwood.

For more information, Danna Green can be reached at 317-4307094 or by email at dgreen@healthmarkets.com.

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is licensed in all states, including the District of Columbia. Service and product availability varies. HM007052

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is one of the largest distribution groups for benefits in the United States, working with many of the available options and representing more than 200 insurance carriers across the nation. This allows Green to help people shop for and tailor plans that are targeted to meet their specific needs instead of steering them to a particular company or product.

People may not be aware of the alternative methods that are offered.

7 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

Welcome to Walnut Grove Center Grove’s

newest elementary school is a vision for learning Writer / Brian Proctor, Walnut Grove Elementary School Principal

Center Grove Schools will open its first new school in 13 years when Walnut Grove Elementary welcomes students on August 6. It’s thoughtfully designed to utilize every inch of space, while creating a fun and engaging learning environment for students of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire learning and creative thinking, while being functional and fiscally responsible. We are especially proud that through the careful planning of our Board of School Trustees and leadership team, the funds used for this school did not impact the tax rate for White River Township residents.

To accomplish these goals and fulfill our mission for this new school, we did a lot of research and enlisted our talented staff.

It has been a transformational journey to understand how a learning environment can best help students learn and educators teach.

Lancer+Beebe, LLC synthesized and refined these ideas to create a beautiful building that is both functional and built to sustain the changing educational environment.

Function, Flexibility, and Fun Walnut Grove boasts 38 classrooms spanning two floors. Grades are grouped into three communities, complete with shared spaces to encourage collaborative learning across the grade-level.

8 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

The next step was to connect the physical pieces of the building. Special classes like Music, Art, and Physical Education are positioned away from classrooms. This reduces the potential distraction that can come from students changing rooms.

Specials are also clustered near the cafeteria to reduce interference with another grade level transitioning to lunch. The building design connects spaces through colors, rather than words, to remain timeless. The colors, inspired by the seasons, coordinate with designs in the floor to allow for easy navigation. Kindergarten and Grade 1 feature green to represent spring. Grades 2 and 3 are red for fall. Grades 4 and 5 are yellow for summer. Special classes are blue for winter. The colors are also reflected in eight murals inside the building that depict the establishment of Indiana, points of interest, and other educational components connected to Indiana.

Flexibility is essential for today’s learners.

Walnut Grove’s design creates a learning environment that blends structure with the ability to adapt the space as needed. Over the last year, Center Grove piloted flexible seating and furniture in classrooms in each school to determine what to purchase for Walnut Grove. We also piloted new technology, including smart boards that connect with student devices. Because bids from the Walnut Grove Project came in below estimates, Center Grove is using leftover funds to outfit all elementary classrooms in the district.

used as a reward for student achievement.

Safe & Secure Student safety is a top priority in the design of Walnut Grove. Safe zones are designated throughout the building. Six large group areas and seven smaller group areas will provide a safe location during severe weather. A secure main entrance will require visitors to be screened before being allowed into the building.

The parking lots surrounding the school are designed to separate bus traffic and

Walnut Grove has some unique features that are new to Center Grove, inspired by our research of innovative learning spaces around the country. An Innovation Lab will provide a flexible space for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lessons that are not conducive to a typical classroom.

The Innovation Lab can be easily adapted to meet future needs. For example, if robotics became a standard that students have to learn in 10 years, we can adapt that space to meet that need. There are also Learning Risers that will be used for classes or even entire grade levels to come together for large group instruction. One of the most talked about features, the Success Slide, will be 9 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

visitors. The long lane that leads to the school can accommodate approximately 115 cars, which should keep student drop-off traffic from backing up onto Morgantown Road. Other safety features for the school will not be publicized.

Energy Efficient Walnut Grove will be the first Center Grove school to utilize solar energy, along with a geo-thermal system. An array of solar panels installed on the school grounds will produce enough energy to

offset as much as a third of the electricity being used by the building. Solar power will also be used to heat the building’s water. To reduce energy costs further, the building is designed to utilize natural light through windows and solar tubes in the hallways. Studies have shown that natural light helps reduce eye strain. Students will have the ability to track the building’s energy usage via a display on monitors inside the main entrance of the building.

Eco-Friendly Walnut Grove sits on 57.5 acres of land off of Morgantown Road, approximately one mile south of State Road 144. This is a more rural area of White River Township.

Landscaping around the school reflects a “prairie theme” which utilizes grasses and plants native to the area. This theme reduces maintenance costs while preserving the habitats of wildlife in the area.

Walnut Grove is designed to have a reduced paper footprint. Hand dryers are

installed with the restroom sinks. Each classroom has one bulletin board, designed to encourage a reduction of paper on the walls. The school’s media center (or library) is a mix of digital and paper materials. iPads preloaded with books specific to each grade level will be available for students to check out.

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We invite the community to an Open House on Saturday, August 3 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. A dedication ceremony is planned for 1:30 p.m. It’s located at 4079 S. Morgantown Rd. For more information, visit centergrove.k12.in.us/WGES or centergrove.k12.in.us/SchoolLocator.

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10 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

Is your child Prepared. For Life.® ?

Scouting offers invaluable experiences that teach life lessons which transform today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.

From building their own Pinewood Derby car to learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow with their best friends at a family campout, your child will LOVE being a member of the Boy Scouts of America.

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With fun and discovery at every turn, Boy Scouts of America programs make the most of right now. But what’s more, they build positive character and provide young people a foundation they can stand on to embrace opportunity, make new discoveries, and overcome obstacles.

The more time kids spend in Scouting, the better the outcomes in character development Scouts are more likely to embrace positive social values than non-Scouts When asked what was most important to them, Scouts were significantly more likely than non-Scouts to choose “helping others” or “doing the right thing” versus “being smart,” “being the best,” or “playing sports” INFORMATION PART OF A 3-YEAR STUDY CONDUCTED BY TUFTS UNIVERSITY.

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

To get connected with a Boy Scouts of America program in your community, visit

www.JoinScoutsIN.org

Your Central Indiana Headquarters for Boy Scouts of America 11 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

Owner Pat Hagan

New Duckpin Bowling Alley Celebrates Grand Opening In Johnson County Writer / Megan Stephens Photographer / JW.creative.indy

12 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

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Hagan was originally going to rent out the building to become a restaurant or microbrewery, but when he and his family took a trip to the Fountain Square’s Duckpin Bowling scene, he started to consider the business for the Franklin property. Hagan couldn’t resist adding an entertainment spot to the courthouse square.

“I called three or four companies who did mini-bowling and duckpin bowling,” Hagan says. “I thought, ‘let’s get some numbers and give it a shot.’”

The atmosphere of the alley is retro restoration. With the original brick walls exposed, industrial hanging lights and three large TVs above the six bowling lanes catch your eye when you walk in. While renovating the space, Hagan and his crew became salvage savvy — almost everything

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The idea was to foster an activity in downtown Franklin. The city has a lot of great restaurants and shops but not a wider range of recreation. Being located on the one and only courthouse square in Johnson County is fantastic and the support from the community has been great.

ANBI-7501

“The building came first, the idea for duckpin bowling came second,” Hagan says. “We gutted the place. We took all the plaster off the walls to reveal the brick.

All the flooring was uncovered. We got it down to the bare bones.”

“This building was built in the 1800s, the tree [of which the floor joists were made] was probably here a hundred years before that,” Hagan says. “It’s pretty amazing if you think about it.”

A piece of porcelain that will be used as the food serving counter was found when the crew was reconstructing a retaining wall in the basement. The all-wood bathrooms are decked with reclaimed roof decking and wainscoting. There is also a hand-drawn elevator turned showpiece near the back of the building. All natural light floods the area — with overhead doors flanking the front and back of the building, opening up to

Client/Filename:

In January 2018, Pat Hagan, a Dish Network Operator, purchased the former Smallwood Appliance building at 27 W. Monroe Street on the Southside of the Franklin courthouse. Spending a year and a half on renovations, he turned it into a place that has fun to spare — 10 Pins.

is reclaimed from the building. The white oak countertops of the bar and registration counter were originally old floor joists.

Job #:

esides the Fountain Square Theater building, home to Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling, duckpin bowling is sparse in Central Indiana.

However, this July the Baltimore born sport was established in Franklin, Indiana.

expand the space during nice weather.

Another cool feature? Pay attention to the chairs you’ll be sitting in. Bought at a flea market in Nashville, Indiana, the theater-style seats will flank the floor in front of the bowling lanes. The chairs were originally located at Bob Jones University’s Rodeheaver Auditorium in 1947, then they were refurbished and moved to Performance Hall around 1980.

beer mentor,” Hagan adds. “Oaken Barrel beers will be on tap, along with Shale Creek, Nailers and others. We’re trying to keep it local.”

With 10 Pins offering a nostalgic, fun entertainment experience, the South Side feels like it just rolled a strike. Now after you’re done seeing “Mamma Mia” at the Artcraft (showing August 9th at 7:30 p.m.)

your night can continue across the square with duckpin bowling.

“We’re providing a safe place and a safe activity, one that anyone can do,” Hagan says. “Come on down, have a slice of pizza and bowl.”

10 Pins is located at 27 W Monroe St in Franklin, Indiana. You can give them a call at 317-739-3578 for more information.

Hagan hired Global Fun Pros, an entertainment and attractions company based in California, to build the lanes. When demonstrating how the lanes work, Hagan picks up a ball, swings it back and then sends it rolling fast down the lane. Landing a strike the first time, the stumpy pins are connected to strings that lift up and place them back up on their feet. With up to six people on a lane, about three games can be played per hour.

“We’ve been bowling a lot to fine-tune the machines,” Hagan adds. “It can be addicting, it’s tough to walk away from.”

At a glance, duckpin bowling and standard bowling are similar. Standard bowling uses 15-inch pins and bowling balls with a diameter of 8.5 inches, while duckpin bowling uses 9.5-inch pins and bowling balls that are five inches in diameter with no holes.

Although the main floor isn’t technically considered duckpin bowling, the lanes are not quite wide or long enough to be dubbed the sport, it is considered mini-bowling. The second phase of construction is currently taking place in the basement and that’s where the real duckpin lanes will be installed.

If you get hungry, there is no shortage of food options. 10 Pins partnered with Jason Tapp from Greek’s Pizzeria, providing personal pizza’s that will be stocked inhouse and kiosks where you can order other options from the Greek’s menu and have it delivered. Gourmet hot dogs and local brews are also served.

“Kwang Casey from Oaken Barrel is my

14 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

BIGGER BETTER FASTER When our new Emergency Department/Outpatient Services building opens in 2020, you will experience shorter wait times, easier access and the quality, compassionate care you already expect from the county’s only full-service hospital.

15 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

Stimulating Young Minds 6th Annual Community Career+Education Forum Coming Up September 19

Writer / Megan Stephens Photography Provided

STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The acronym has been used often through education outlets within the past several years, making an impression on both educators and students, but do we really know what it means in the career field?

Endress+Hauser, a global process automation company whose U.S. headquarters is in Greenwood, has stepped up to help bridge the technical skills gap that exists in the industry. In an effort to raise awareness, educate and inform the community about the skilled trades, technical careers and advanced manufacturing opportunities available to them locally, Endress+Hauser, along with ASPIRE Johnson County and Central Nine Career Center, have pioneered an event geared towards middle schoolers - the Community Career+Education Forum. The 6th annual Community Career+Education Forum (CCEF) on September 19, is aimed to inform, inspire and raise awareness about local career opportunities in the STEM field to middle schoolers in the Johnson County area and surrounding communities, their parents and educators.

“We have organizations from the community who believe in this long term, proactive strategic approach to the talent pipeline,” says Brandyn Ferguson Vice President of Human Resources at Endress+Hauser. “Many things can and will happen if we believe in this generation.”

16 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

The forum will not only show middle schoolers the different career paths they can take with manufacturing and technical jobs, it will also give them an opportunity to interact with hands-on activities and people directly from the field.

What Will Be There?

Robotics, interactive booths, games, and active 3-D printing are just a few activities you can expect. There will be no shortage of things to do and learn in the three-hour event.

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Cummins, Duke Energy and Caterpillar are three of the industry partners that have participated in the past few years.

Every year, CCEF has nearly 30 industry exhibitors in attendance. Industry partners set up interactive booths where students, parents and educators can stop by to speak with a company representative and gather information about their company and what they do. This is a chance to see real equipment from the companies, too.

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“We have booths set up at the event staffed with employees in specific careers,” Ferguson says. “They are able to inform attendees on the path they took to get them to where they are, the education they received, the company they work for, what they do at their job and why they do it.”

“We have many opportunities for the students, educators and parents to engage in fun activities during the event,” says Juliana Cleveland, Event Planner for Endress+Hauser. “We have games like Are you Smarter than An Engineer?

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where kids can answer math and science questions against one of Endress+Hauser’s engineers.”

Robotics teams will show off their robots in demonstrations and will be able to answer questions from those who might be interested in participating in robotics in the future. Both Johnson County and Greenwood libraries also participate in the forum. They highlight the STEM initiatives that are happening in their branches.

Who’s Behind It? The forum is a collaboration between Endress+Hauser, Central Nine Career Center and Aspire Johnson County.

“Central Nine is the connection to the school systems,” Ferguson says. “Aspire Johnson County is the connection to the industries. We’re here as the host, main funder and the thought leaders.”

Content Development Specialist at Endress+Hauser. “Students were able to learn hands-on how to sustainably maintain an ecosystem right in their classroom.”

You Don’t Want To Miss This.

Working to join talent, curiosity and ambition with technology and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Endress+Hauser and CCEF industry partners truly believe the generation that will be entering the workforce can solve the world’s challenges.

“Retaining, inspiring and raising awareness of local opportunities is what the forum is all about,” says Ferguson.

“Networking among the industry partners and the educators is another added benefit of the forum. Educators are always

looking for companies to partner with on multiple levels.”

“This is a unique opportunity,” Ferguson says. “Up until the last six years, this type of community event did not exist where parents or guardians can take their kids and learn about hundreds of different job opportunities available here locally. It’s going to be the best three hours you’ve spent for you and your child since Disney World.”

Interested in Attending?

Visit www.us.endress.com/ccef to register.

If you are a local middle school STEM educator and are interested in applying for STEM grant, please email ccef.us.sc@ endress.com

Their goal is to create a space that allows participants to see the local opportunities that are available in construction, manufacturing, HVAC, electrical, technical or skilled trades.

Not only is the forum a great way for students and parents to learn about future opportunities, there are also opportunities for educators to receive a classroom STEM grant.

Educators often have creative projects and ideas that they would like to implement in their classroom but don’t have the funding to see it through to fruition. Many times, teachers fund their projects with their own earnings. Through CCEF, educators can apply for a classroom STEM grant.

Educators fill out an application form describing their STEM-related classroom project and how much it would cost to execute. The CCEF committee reviews the submissions and roughly $10,000 is awarded in the process.

“Last year there were multiple submissions received, one being from a middle school science teacher who had the idea for an aquaponics project,” says Jackie Renforth, 18 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

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structure bursting with memories. None were more powerful than those from the home’s original owner, the Mills family. Susan Mills England reached out via the Facebook page.

Now living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she heard about the renovation and related article and was eager to share her story.

The Mills House History, Memories & Progress Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger Photographer / JWcreative.indy

This second article in the series about the iconic property at 944 Fry Road in Greenwood, affectionately known as the Mills House, promises to deliver the much-anticipated updates on the project and more. Several months have passed since Todd Anthony and his crew began work on renovating the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home and the inquiries keep pouring in on the Mills House Facebook page. Thanks to the power of digital technology and social media, more stories about the home have come to light.

It didn’t take long to realize this series was evolving into so much more than a story about a house renovation.

Immediately after the Mills House Facebook page went live, people began connecting and sharing their stories.

Dozens commented about how delighted they are to see the majestic home being restored to its former glory. Some commented about how they admired the classic contemporary style house with its cantilevered overhangs and clerestory windows. Many shared memories of passing the home through the years

and admiring it. Within days, hundreds of people were connected through the Facebook page. But most unexpected were messages from the home’s former residents, including Ernie and Edith Mills’ only child, Susan, the original owners.

Meanwhile, work continued on the house.

The initial phase involved stabilizing the property to prevent further damage.

“We removed dead trees that were threatening the home, abated the wildlife living inside and removed dangerous electrical,” Anthony says. “We have successfully replaced the joists that hold up the cantilevered roof and removed the temporary jacks returning the home to its original style. Next up, will be sending all the interior woodwork offsite to be refinished and replacing the HVAC and plumbing. We’ve installed a permanent roof and trim around the upper soffits.”

The electrical updates proved to be a challenge. Much of the electrical work had to be replaced including the pole at the street.

All the attention to detail and care to preserve this house was befitting of a

Mills states when they broke ground on the house in 1954, its original address was RR2 Box 18A, until the post office gave the property its official address as 944 Fry Road. The home soon earned two nicknames — the Glass House on Fry Road and Southwind. The home’s clerestory windows were clearly responsible for that nickname. The Southwind name stuck early on when the Mills family began making trips to the property to clear the empty lot.

“The property had dense, thick woods,” Mills England says. “When we came on the weekends to clear the property, we noticed the winds came up from the south, so we named it Southwind.”

No matter its official address or nickname, the family had difficulty explaining to people how to get to the house.

“We used to tell people to turn at the two big trees,” she says.

There were also sheep on the property which presented some challenges, but it proved helpful as there was less area to mow.

Reading the February 2019 article about her former home’s renovation evoked some beautiful memories for England, starting with her parents.

“They met at church on the west side of town at a breakfast,” she says. “Dad was 18 years old and living in a boarding house. Mom worked in the print department at L.S. Ayres, and Dad worked at Sears in the drapery department.

Ironically, years later, Dad made all the curtains at Southwind.”

Mills then went on to work at Githers Cabinets, which provided the foundation for the cabinet and countertop business he would later own, Monarch’s Manufacturing, off Bluff Road, “Tops in Tops.”

20 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

England describes her father as a renaissance man, capable of turning any idea into a reality.

In his time, he made a bookcase for Susan to use while she was away at college, and he made her children a craft table where they could color and do crafts. Mills capitalized on his ingenuity to help his business thrive. His work was in dozens of local banks at the customer stations and at the waitress stations at TeePee Restaurant.

It’s no surprise that Mills decided to build a home featuring the cabinet and countertop products from his business. He was a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and even traveled to Wisconsin to meet with him to share design philosophies. With a design already in mind, Mills fashioned a model of his dream home out of balsa wood. He took his original model with an L-shaped design to an up and coming local architect, Harry Cooler. Cooler just happened to share the same affinity for Frank Lloyd Wright’s style, and even better, he studied under the famous architect at the University at Illinois.

“Dad had lots of connections with builders, and he’d heard a lot about Cooler,” Mills England says. “So they met, discussed it, Harry made some modifications to it, but he stuck with Dad’s vision.”

The house was complete in 1956, and the memories were just beginning. Of course, there were fond memories of parties and events held at the house, like bridal showers, parties for classmates, sorority sisters and even Susan’s wedding reception.

“We had friends from IPL, and we borrowed the lights for the reception,” she says.

Edith Mills also held parties at the house for 21 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

the clubs in which she was involved. One such club was through Ernie’s love for Duesenbergs.

“Dad loved Duesenbergs and other antique cars,” Mills England says. “He went annually to the antique car event in Auburn, Indiana, and served as a judge in several functions for that group. He met Gary Cooper who had his car restored by one of the Duesenbergs, and he stored that car in our five-car garage.

Mom and Dad invited Fred and Augie Duesenberg’s mother to the house, and mom held several functions for that group at the house.”

More than the memories of happy times, what remained after the Mills family left was the legacy the house left behind. A classic way ahead of its time, the home had features which most homes of that era did not.

“Our house was heated with copper tubing.

We also had air conditioning,” Mills England says. “Dad had a unique vision to bring the outside in, so he installed terrazzo floors.

He also wanted lots of natural stone, so we hauled stone all the way from Brown County in his Chrysler New Yorker. He wanted to create a peaceful setting among nature.”

The Smith family was the second family to live in the home. Ron Smith, a local attorney, loved the classic architectural design, its unique, unusual layout with a fireplace on the main floor.

“Ernie was a unique craftsman. The radiant heat was very modern, especially by 1950s standards,” Smith says.

Smith’s daughter Jennifer spotted the February 2019 Mills House article and told her dad right away. The home was the first place she lived after she was born. With plenty of their own fond memories of living there, she asked her dad to reach out and share the family’s thoughts. Smith shared how the family remodeled the kitchen, converted part of the garage into an office (reserving two bays for Ernie’s vehicles), and kept the sheep for weed control.

“We also tried goats for a while,” he says.

Smith eventually completely converted the entire home into a law office, and clients began to appreciate the home’s splendor.

“Clients always commented on how dramatic the home was for its time. It was really quite a place,” he says.

The memories Smith shared were like icing on the cake.

Part one of this story from earlier this year caught the eye of a resident now on the northside of Indianapolis. When Vince Akers saw the article, he shared that he lived on Fry Road down the street from the Mills House. His father still lives in the home.

Akers was a graduate of Center Grove High School. Akers’ brother, who passed away in a tragic car accident, had a deep affinity for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. He befriended Mills, who took on a mentor role with the teen.

“Mills inspired my brother,” he says. “He decided to take a mechanical drawing class

and that’s where he discovered his passion.

He went on to architecture school at the University of Cincinnati.”

Though his brother never lived to enjoy a successful career in architecture, the passion he shared lives on.

“I never understood what my brother saw in that architecture,” Akers says. “It always seemed kind of nutty. A house without books and knick-knacks seems too spartan to me.”

But Akers’ father saved one of his brother’s watercolor paintings of a Frank Lloyd Wright style home. Through that painting, Akers now has a deeper appreciation for his brother’s passion.

“For the 1950s, it was an unusual house, but it was on the cusp of the mid-century modern craze,” he says. “It had lots of details and was ahead of its time.”

As the journey continues, more connections and memories may be revealed. Although they have a monumental task, Todd Anthony and his crew will continue working hard to preserve all those special touchstones the home evokes.

The renovations are still on track to be completed by the end of September.

Anthony plans to open the home for meetings and conferences at that time.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Mills House Facebook page.

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The Voice of the Colts Southside Native Matt Taylor Talks Excitement & Honor of Taking Over As Colts Radio Announcer

Writer / Kevin Conrad Photography Provided by JWcreative.Indy & the Indianapolis Colts

Many sports fans grow up listening to sports announcers, like Indiana University Football and Basketball Hall of Famer Don Fischer. Others aspire to earn one of those coveted microphones that comes with one of the best seats in the house. Franklin College and Roncalli High School graduate Matt Taylor officially earned his microphone (and seat) on January 4, as “The Radio Voice of the Colts.”

The announcement came the day before the Colts played the Houston Texans in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Taylor had served as interim Colts radio announcer for the 2018 season and wasn’t expecting a final decision on the job until after the playoffs.

“I was overwhelmed with excitement and happiness,” Taylor says.

“A big dream of mine had just come true. I was also more than a little relieved. Months of public speculation was kind of nerveracking. At one point, I had to tell myself to just live in faith and not fear. Be yourself and do the best job you can. That’s all you can do. I was glad it all worked out.”

Taylor recalls yearning to be a sports announcer while listening to Fischer as a boy with his dad.

“I knew at a really early age I wanted a career in radio,” he says. “I loved that someone could talk to you and paint a picture with their words through a speaker. I got a lot more passionate about sports broadcasting and play-by-play when I was in college. At Franklin, unlike at big schools, you could step in right away and call a men’s basketball game or a baseball game as a freshman on the college radio station. I realized since I had played sports that I was pretty decent at describing sports. Plus, I grew up listening to games all the time with my dad in the car so I knew how they were supposed to sound. After the first few games, I was hooked. I started to prepare more. I started to get better. I’m sure only a handful of people were listening, but I didn’t care. I treated those games like they were my Super Bowl. I tried to take each broadcast to a new level, and I poured a lot of energy into it.”

Taylor was a three-sport athlete at Roncalli where he was a member of state football championship teams in 2002 and 2003.

At Franklin College, he lettered four years and started three years as an outside linebacker for Coach Mike Leonard. He also served as team captain his senior season, helping the Grizzlies to their first conference title since the 1980s and the first under Leonard.

“Most of my memories of Matt have nothing to do with his on-thefield performance but rather with him helping create an amazingly fun culture for players and coaches alike,” Leonard says. “In my 16 years as head coach at Franklin College, I have probably coached close to 1,000 players. Each one of them is special to me in their own way, but Matt Taylor is truly one of my all-time favorites.”

After graduating from Franklin College with a degree in broadcast journalism, Taylor made stops in New Castle as a country music announcer and was a play-by-play announcer for IU Women’s Volleyball and Roncalli Football webcasts. In 2008, he began working part-time for Emmis Communications in Indianapolis as a radio producer and an audio board operator. He soon worked his way into a full-time job announcing high school and IHSAA state championship sporting events for Emmis Communications. In 2012, he took a step closer to his goal of being an NFL announcer when he was hired by the Colts to manage weekly and game day radio productions and oversee the Colts Radio Network.

As the voice of the Colts, Taylor has one simple objective.

“My goal is to enhance people’s enjoyment of Colts football,” he says. “That’s the best part of the job. If I can make the game more fun while you’re driving in the car, listening at Lucas Oil or at home with the TV volume down, then mission accomplished.”

Taylor says the Colts are a top-notch organization.

“The Irsays are a tremendous family and they really care about their employees as people,” Taylor says. “The entire family is very involved in the entire operation and their passion for winning and doing things the right way is evident. I’m able to witness how

25 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

much they truly give back to the team and the Central Indiana community. The players and coaches have been great. Working in the same complex as them is very beneficial in terms of building rapport. Coach Reich is especially helpful. He’s such a kind and encouraging man.”

Colts Chief Operating Officer, Pete Ward, speaks very highly of Taylor.

“Matt is the ultimate pro,” Ward says. “He’s a perfectionist who works hard at his craft, which is really a necessity for such a demanding job. The fact that Matt is a passionate Colts fan is a bonus, and he’s been a great ambassador for The Horseshoe.”

Working for his hometown team makes his job even more special to Taylor.

“I’m incredibly proud to be the voice of the Colts,” he says. “It’s something that I don’t think has fully set in yet and it probably won’t for a while. I didn’t get into sports broadcasting for the spotlight. It’s just a really cool way to stay a part of football and radio. This job combines two of the things I’m most passionate about. There’s only 31 other jobs in the country like it. And I don’t take it for granted. This is the NFL. You have to bring your A-game every day.”

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The Driven Life: The Lemondime Writer / Johnette Cruz Photographers / Johnette Cruz, Chalais Randle Photography & Joylily Photography

Kellie Kay and Joel Nowacki have five children together. Their family calls the southside of Indianapolis their home.

Kellie created a business that gives back in a huge way — specifically to women at risk of and survivors of human trafficking.

Although it’s a worthy and notable cause, this business was actually born during a very low point in Kellie’s life. What’s so inspiring is how Kellie took something so dark and used it to radiate light. In a recent Q&A, Kelli talked about The Lemondime and what drives her. Here’s

what she had to say.

Kellie, what is The Lemondime and how did you get into that business?

The Lemondime is a handmade, faithbased and inspirational jewelry and accessory company who seeks to employ at-risk women and survivors of human trafficking here in Indianapolis. However,

28 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

it started completely differently. It was truly born out of a very dark place in my life.

After getting married and having children right away, I found that I had lost my passion for art and creating. I made choices that led me far from my faith and family and became very depressed. It wasn’t until I got out my sewing machine that the spark of creating came back to me.

Years ago, I would host craft weekends for women. I would teach them how to sew, make several other crafts, and it built beautiful friendships. After making some necklaces for the women as gifts, people began to ask me to make more for purchase. Eventually I was asked to put words on them, and that’s how the current inspirational line was born.

After traveling to Cambodia and being introduced to the world of sex trafficking, I made the decision to figure out a way that I could do something to combat this issue right here in my own city. It’s more prevalent than most people realize.

We launched a Kickstarter campaign this past spring to expand our line and current studio space to be able to hire at-risk women and survivors and blew our $25,000 goal away by $7,000!

What is your greatest joy from owning your own business?

The stories of what our jewelry does for people. The words mean a lot to them. It’s seeing something so small make such a

powerful impact.

What makes you stand out?

There are a lot of organizations providing dignified work for survivors of human trafficking, but in other countries. I want to give women right here in Indianapolis a safe place to work, a place they can find grace and love… an environment that builds them up as they heal from their past of sexual trauma. I’ve experienced my own trauma and after many years of therapy, I’m in a place to be able to provide that for others.

What has been challenging?

My biggest challenge has been my own pride, and it’s taken a long time to wrestle with my own control and fear of letting go of control.

What has this challenge taught you?

It has taught me that I am not perfect, and to try an attain perfection is exhausting.

Do you give back to the community on top of this business? If so, how?

YES! We have donated hundreds of pieces to various local events, non-profits, organizations and church groups. We also give back a portion of sales from the “End It Movement” necklaces to Hope Center Indy, a local human trafficking refuge center on the east side of the city. We send monthly support to Center for Global Impact and the Rapha

29 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

House. All of these organizations carry the same mission and vision of the Lemondime, which is to help others heal and provide resources for those who experienced human trafficking.

Where do you get you inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from what I’m currently going through, good and bad. Over the years, I feel that people are looking for someone to connect with that understands their greatest joys and deepest sorrows. I try and design pieces that reflect what I’m working through — that tell a story that someone can relate to.

What would you tell your younger self today?

You have a gift to share with the world… don’t waste time feeling unworthy of success or being scared of what you’re capable of.

What drives you?

When others believe in me when I don’t believe in myself.

To connect with The Lemondime, visit them online at thelemondime.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/thelemondime.

Center Grove Alum Publishes Mystery Thriller however. He had a job offer and a handful of friends, making the transition much less bumpy.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography provided

We all have dreams growing up, but they don’t always come to fruition. For Norm Thoeming, however, multiple dreams have transpired.

A 1993 graduate of Center Grove High School, Thoeming was involved in both marching band (as drum major and playing sax) and theatre, participating in Center Grove’s productions of Charley’s Aunt, The King & I, Oklahoma, and You Can’t Take it with You. He went on to Indiana University, where he majored in telecommunications and theatre. It was on IU’s campus where he discovered his love of improv comedy.

“I was in a group called Full Frontal Comedy, which started in 1995 and is still going to this day,” Thoeming says, who landed an internship at a talent agency in Hollywood the summer before graduating.

He worked in television post-production, which provided him a foot in the door of LA, a city crawling with hungry hopefuls.

Thoeming didn’t uproot and move west on a wing and a prayer,

In 1997, at the age of 22, Thoeming moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared in movies, television, stage productions, web series, and commercial advertising. He also joined a rock band and got plugged into the comedy scene doing mostly improv and sketch comedy. In addition, he tried his hand at writing screenplays. As he finessed his style, Thoeming found himself penning a mystery novel. But there was a learning curve as writing fiction was a whole different ballgame. He also had to acquaint himself with the world of publishing, a process that he says took 6-8 years. To continue learning his craft, he began attending writing conferences.

“I always wrote but never with training or direction,” he says, joking that “somewhere in Johnson County, there’s a spiral notebook with the beginning of a really poorly written crime novel.”

Now that he’s found his tribe, he’s enjoying being around a likeminded community of writers.

“We have that same weird sensation of anxiety wrapped with darkness as we stare at a [computer] screen and finally bring [a story] to light!” he says.

30 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

improv comedy every Friday at Second City in Hollywood with his troupe, whom he trusts implicitly.

“When you work with people long enough, you trust that you can do anything, and they’ll be there to support you,” Thoeming says. “Unlike standup comedy where it’s you and only you, with an improv comedy troupe, you’re working with a group of people who are all on the same side. It’s freeing and fun.”

The rest of the year will be spent editing his next book and promoting the current one. On his tour, he’ll make stops at ThrillerFest in New York, the Southern California Writer’s Conference in Irving in September, and the Magna Cum Murder Crime Writing Festival in Indianapolis in October. He also plans to set up local signings in Greenwood and Bloomington in the fall.

“It’s been a magical thing to see people come to signings whom I haven’t seen in years—teachers and friends from high school,” Thoeming says. “It’s also fun when 100 of your Facebook friends suddenly show up for a signing.”

Thoeming, who married actor and writer Rebecca Stevens in July 2017, is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers, and the Sisters in Crime (even though technically he’s a Mister in Crime).

“It’s fun becoming a part of a new community of writers,” Thoeming says.

“It’s also great having a dream come true.”

In April 2019, Thoeming released his first piece of crime fiction, a novel titled Come and Get Me, published by Crooked Lane Books under the pen name August Norman. Based in Bloomington, it’s a story of a female journalist named Caitlin Bergman, who returns to campus to accept an honorary degree. While there, she’s enlisted to help find a missing student. The story was inspired by the 2011 never-solved Lauren Spierer case, in addition to several other disappearances.

Thoeming has been fascinated by thrillers ever since he was a kid watching PBS mysteries, Murder, She Wrote and Magnum, P.I. with his family.

“It’s not that we were obsessed with murder. We just like problemsolving!” Thoeming says, who enjoys exploring what a character can conquer in the danger that surrounds them. “[Mystery writing] is a frontier that lets people triumph over the worst times of their lives.”

Next spring, Thoeming’s second novel in the Caitlin Bergman series will be published. The plot involves Caitlin’s search for her birth mother, a mass grave, and a cult in coastal Oregon.

Though Norm has stepped back from regular acting gigs, his day job and novel writing keep him plenty busy. He also still performs live

For more information on August Norman or to see his book tour schedule, visit augustnorman.com

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INDIANAPOLIS SOUTHSIDE HARLEY-DAVIDSON OFFERS NEW RIDING ACADEMY LOCATION Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / JWCreative.Indy

Steve McQueen, Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Manager 33 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

I

ndianapolis Southside HarleyDavidson®, 4930 Southport Crossing Place, Indianapolis, has always been well known as a great riding academy, but the parking lot they used for their old riding instruction location was recently rented from the landowner.

Steve McQueen, the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy manager, however, says that didn’t stop the academy. It now has a new great place for riding instruction.

“Our classes were formerly held in a parking lot off I-74 and Post Road,” McQueen says.

“Our new facility is now located at 6735 US 31, North Whiteland, Indiana. This location is on the Greenwood line, with a

Whiteland address.”

The new Indianapolis Southside HarleyDavidson Riding Academy has already been positively received by the public.

“The new range is amazing,” McQueen says.

“The surface is phenomenal, and the fresh markings make it very easy to teach classes there. After 17 years teaching motorcycle safety in Indiana, I can say that this facility is the finest I have ever worked on.”

McQueen adds that the fact that it is owned

by Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson is a huge asset.

“Typically, rider training is conducted at

leased or donated facilities that the owner can decide in an instant if they want to allow someone else to use it,” he says. “This is for money of course, and you never know if you will have a place to teach from month to month or year to year. What the Schulteti family (who have owned the Harley-Davidson dealership for several generations) has done is beyond amazing.

My coaches and I are very grateful for their support and commitment.”

The instructional classes at the dealership also make motorcycle riders feel comfortable.

“Not only is our riding conducted on a very large area, but the dealership set aside

34 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

a very large portion of the upstairs for our classroom sessions,” McQueen says.

so new and exciting products are on the forefront.”

huge part of the success at Southside HarleyDavidson,” McQueen says.

“Visiting coaches from all over the United States were just here for training and all remarked about the size of the classroom. It is top notch and who does not love being in a Harley-Davidson dealership? I also can’t say enough about the new range. Both locations are easily accessible and convenient from about anywhere in Central Indiana.”

New trends are the introduction of electric motorcycles to the Harley-Davidson line, along with the addition of kids’ electric bicycles.

“Among the staff, there are third and fourth generation family members, and the fifth generation will join the business this fall.

It has been through a lot of hard work and changing with the times, that the business has evolved, as the industry has.”

The classes attract all different age groups.

“We have taught as young as 15 years old, and I just finished a class with a gentleman who was 70 years old,” McQueen says. “We get a lot of females who have decided they want off the back (of the motorcycle), and to be in control, and we also see a lot of men who gave up riding earlier in life to raise the family and now want to return.”

McQueen adds that “The U.S. motorcycle industry has been trailing downward some,

“This will open up opportunities for ages three and up,” McQueen says. “There is also an ever-growing number of women riding their own motorcycles these days. Women riders have been on the rise for decades, and there is no end in sight. Another new trend is that the industry has put a huge focus on rider training to get more people on motorcycles.”

McQueen believes Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson’s great inventory and wonderful staff have greatly benefitted the dealership.

“There is no question the longevity of the staff, and the knowledge they bring are a

Returning customers have also helped tremendously.

“The other very important factor is the loyal customer base that we have called family for many years,” McQueen says. “We want each and every customer to feel like they are home among family every time they step in the door.”

Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson is located at 4930 Southport Crossing Place, Indianapolis, Indiana. You can give them a call at 317-885-5180 or visit them online at southsideharley.com.

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A Historical Season

Center Grove Softball Coach, Players Reflect On Record 7th State Championship Writer / Kevin Conrad Photography Provided

W

inning a state championship in Indiana high school sports is certainly something to celebrate.

Many high schools have never had the good fortune of hoisting the trophy and draping those coveted blue ribbons around their athletes’ necks. In June, Center Grove’s softball team did just that and it did it for a state record seventh time.

4A State Championship at Purdue University.

The heartbreak of losses in the semi-state round the past two years made this year’s victory even sweeter. The Trojans were on a mission led by seniors Abby Herbst and Piper Belden and firstyear head coach Alyssa Coleman. The team played its best softball of the season down the stretch, winning 18 straight games and concluding the season with a 1-0 victory versus Leo in the Class

The start of the season was a bit rocky with two losses in the first eight games, including the Trojans’ second game of the season at Pendleton Heights. The players were adjusting to a new coach after Hall of Fame coach Russ Milligan retired from coaching following the 2018 season. Alyssa Coleman took over the program after coaching Speedway to a 2A state championship last year.

“We really focused on becoming a team that plays for each other instead of ourselves,” says senior shortstop Piper Belden. “We came to realize that games, practices and even the small things would flow so much smoother when we focus on our process instead of our outcome.”

“This season definitely started off slow, slower than we all thought it would,” Herbst says. “But I think all of the things we had to overcome truly helped us win it all. The adversity allowed us to come together as a team and work together towards a common goal: winning state.”

“During fall workouts, all of the previous players didn’t really know what to expect,” says junior catcher Lexi Fair. “Even at the beginning of the season, I was still trying to get used to the change in how things were being done. Coach Coleman did an amazing job at making sure things changed gradually. She was also a really great role model. She cared about other things than just softball which allowed us all to connect with her. She’s just an all-around amazing woman and it’s a blessing to have her as a coach.”

Coleman knew taking over the Center Grove softball program would be challenging.

“At times it was harder than even I expected,” Coleman says.

“Change is hard, and in our game, it can be quite a hardship. I was extremely proud of the grace in which the girls handled the change and proud of the final outcome they were able to produce as a team. They demonstrated amazing character, and I am so glad it was this group of girls to lead this culture change.”

Coleman admits her approach to coaching is somewhat unique.

“I want to be remembered for being a coach that empowered her players to own their style of game and encourage them through the highs and lows to be their best self on and off the field,” Coleman says. “In any generation, being uniquely yourself is extremely hard, but I want my players to know they can be just that. So, when that success comes, they can look people in the eye and know it was their hard work that did it. No one can take credit for the work they did. The outcome is important and sadly what outsiders will be first to use in judging our success.

“However, I want my players to own their process and stay mentally positive towards their approach. I remind my players a lot, you are going to fail. I promise you that, but it will be how we fail and respond as a team that will matter most. Before all those

outcomes, it will be the process and energy put forth to earn those special moments. Similar to interactions with people, they will remember you most for how you made them feel. As a player, it won’t always be what you did on the field but how you did it on the field that will be your legacy.”

The Trojans had four seniors, Herbst, Belden, Tess Lawyer-Smith and Addie Homeier. Fair credits the seniors’ great leadership in contributing to the team’s success.

“Abby was the type of person that picked you up with her actions,” Fair says.

“If you made an error, she would just say, ‘I got you,’ and then go strike out the next six batters. Piper was the kind to give you a nice pep talk to get your head in the right place. Addie and Tess were both the type of people that would cheer you on after a mistake and say, ‘get the next one!’”

The Trojans had to overcome adversity to achieve its ultimate goal. Belden believes they persevered because they didn’t allow that adversity to tear them apart.

“This year was truly something spectacular,” Belden says. “We came together as a team, a program, a community, and we became something we can truly be proud of. There were a lot of things that changed this year and we used them to motivate us.

Coleman really helped make this year’s team something incredible and I know this team is grateful for her.”

38 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2019 / atCenterGrove.com

August 23

Warren Central (A)

August 30

New Palestine (H)

September 27 October 4

Lawrence Central (A) Pike (H)

Carmel (A)

October 11

Lawrence North (H)

September 13

Ben Davis (H)

October 18

Cathedral (A)

September 20

North Central (A)

September 6

November 1

State Tournament

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