Center Grove Magazine November 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Superb Support

CGHS Principal

Lady Legend

Carol Tumey Remembered as Extraordinary Public Servant and Humble Pioneer for Girls Athletics

The Best in Boating

CENTER GROVE FRIENDS & BUSINESSMEN

EXPAND THEIR MARINE BUSINESS

Tracy McMahen Takes the Helm as

How a Local 10-Year-Old Saved a 2-Year-Old’s Life 8 SUPERB SUPPORT

Tracy McMahen Takes the Helm as CGHS Principal 13 MUSIC TO HER EARS

SC Music Place Owner Sandra Canizares Talks

Family Background and Career Passion 16 THEY’RE COOKIN’ NOW Experience the World Food Championships at the State Fairgrounds

PUBLISHER

FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051 KEY CONTRIBUTORS

LAUREN CASEY BEMIS

KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK DEVON DEAN

RYAN GABBERT CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING

Center Grove Friends & Businessmen Expand Their Marine Business

TOUCHING TRIBUTE Veterans Memorial Park Is Taking Shape 30 ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVE

Bargersville Resident Helps Military and FirstResponder Families 32 UNIQUE BY DESIGN

Zack Pasley Finds Distinctive Artistic Niche

LYNSEY MARTIN

ALESHA MCCARTY TONY PIRONELLO

Clarity of Central Indiana

LEGEND

Carol Tumey Remembered as Extraordinary Public Servant and Humble Pioneer for Girls Athletics 38

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

Thankful for All the November Community Events! EVENTS

November 4 - December 20

Paws and Claws for a Good Cause

Rosie’s Animal Shelter | 1614 W. Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis

Shelters are always in need of supplies and donations to keep them stocked and able to serve the community. Visit Choice Dental Centre, Storm Chiropractic Clinic and Teresa’s Hallmark with your donations of cat litter, wet and dry food, blankets, towels, toys, and monetary donations. | ssasi.org

November 8 - 23

On Stage Live

Luxe Event Center | 916 E. Main St., Greenwood

“Gypsy”, a blockbuster Broadway musical, is set in the backstage world of American vaudeville theater during the early 1900s, but remains relevant today. | onstagelivecabaret.com

November 15 & 16

Discover Old Town Greenwood Holiday Open House | 10AM to 8PM Fri; 10AM to 5PM Sat Main St. & Madison Ave., Downtown Greenwood

Old Town Greenwood will be kicking off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House. Come shop, sip and create with many small local businesses. Kids day with Santa and the Grinch is Saturday, as well as a lighted parade at 5:30 p.m. Pick up a punch card to collect stamps as you shop for the chance to earn prizes.

November 29

Final Fridays | 5PM - 9PM

Old Town Greenwood

Every final Friday of the month, Old Town Greenwood stores and restaurants will stay open late. Enjoy local artisans, entertainers, musicians, giveaways, family-friendly activities and other fun throughout downtown. restoreoldtowngreenwood.org/finalfridays

Submit your event to our online calendar for free!

HERO IN TRAINING

HOW A LOCAL 10-YEAR-OLD SAVED A 2-YEAR-OLD’S LIFE

Writer / Devon Dean

It sounds like a superhero origin story - a 10-year-old saved a 2-year-old from drowning at a community pool in Bargersville over the summer.

The Saddle Club North community pool was relatively busy that day. Cori Arkins was at the pool with her three children, including her son, Owen, visiting with two other moms and their kids.

“One of the moms we were visiting has four small children and was dealing with a badly sprained ankle,” Arkins said. “Her youngest, Jack, is 2. Owen was in the pool with his two buddies, and Jack had gotten out and taken

his floaty off so he could sit with his mom and have a snack.”

Arkins explained that, without warning, Jack took off running. His mother cried out to try and stop him, but it was too late - Jack jumped out as far as he could into the deep end of the pool, right over Owen and his friends.

Arkins says Owen had been taking swimming lessons earlier in the summer to gain some confidence in the water. “I immediately yelled, ‘Grab him, Owen,’ and I tried to get to the side of the pool as quickly as possible,” she said.

Owen did not hesitate. He swam away from the safety of the pool’s edge and grabbed Jack, getting him above water long enough to take a breath. The swimming lessons had paid off in a big way. “Owen not only swam out to Jack, but grabbed him, got his head above water, and then swam back the couple of feet to the edge where I was standing,” Arkins said. Uninjured, Jack was moved out of the water to safety.

Arkins is proud of her son for keeping calm and not hesitating in a very intense situation, and listening to both her and Jack’s mom as they shouted frantic instructions to save the toddler’s life. “At

“OWEN HAS A HEART OF GOLD”

that age, it’s just not something you see very often,” Arkins said.

Arkins contacted Owen’s swim teacher to share what happened and thank her for profoundly impacting her son. The teacher contacted the Bargersville Fire Department, who recognized Owen’s quick actions with a Town Proclamation and a Bargersville Fire Lifesaving Award.

Heroism runs in the family. His father, Adam Arkins, is a firefighter and member of Indiana Task Force One, a group of first responders who provide on-site aid after natural disasters, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Owen also has three uncles who are current or retired firefighters, and another who is a supervisor for Indy EMS Services.

“Owen has a heart of gold like his dad and uncles, and enjoys being helpful to those around him,” Arkins said. “I know he would thrive in public service, but deep down I think he was always worried about whether he would be brave enough to do it. Seeing what he was capable of doing on pure instinct alone has boosted his self-esteem. At the same time, he has been very humble about it.”

Today the Arkins and Jack’s family remain close, with their children often meeting for play dates. Owen is going to play on a travel baseball team this spring.

Swimming lessons for children and adults are available year-round in central Indiana. Data shows the risk of drowning can be reduced by as much as 88% if a child takes formal swimming lessons between the ages of 1 and 4.

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SUPERB SUPPORT

TRACY MCMAHEN

TAKES THE HELM AS CGHS PRINCIPAL

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

We all have hard days, and sometimes it’s our jobs that make those days especially difficult. For Tracy McMahen, however, it’s her chosen profession that keeps her going so that she can endure the rough days.

“When you work in education, you know you’re making an impact on the future,” she says. “You have the ability to make a difference every single day, as every day offers a new opportunity to form a connection with a student or cause a

positive impact. You can’t say that about every profession.”

McMahen grew up in Walkerton, a small northern Indiana town, with her parents and two sisters. From an early age, McMahen’s parents instilled a strong work ethic in their daughters.

McMahen, a first-generation college student, always loved leading and helping others. Growing up, she had a strong and reoccurring desire to become a teacher.

After graduating from Franklin College with a degree in English education, she landed a job teaching eighth-grade English at Center Grove Middle School Central, and that’s where she stayed for 15 years. She was thrilled to work for the Center Grove school corporation, as she had gotten quite a bit of Center Grove field experience by attending Franklin College.

“Knowing the strong reputation the school had for education and extracurriculars drew me in, because I was always involved in

sports and clubs when I was a student,” she says.

When a job opening for dean opened up at the high school, administrators from the high school reached out and encouraged her to apply for it.

“It was challenging for me to consider making the change because I already loved what I was doing,” McMahen says. “But several of my colleagues told me it would be a good fit so I took a chance on myself.”

In the fall of 2015 she transitioned to the role of assistant principal at Center Grove High School (CGHS) where she remained for eight years. In July 2024, McMahen became CGHS’s principal, making her the first female to step into the role.

“I was really excited and a little nervous as well,” she says. “Any time you take a step forward into a new challenge, that’s a little scary, but I followed the same advice I give to our students, and that’s to pursue what you’re passionate about. It’s important not to be afraid to take risks or make mistakes, as those are the experiences from which you truly learn.”

Because she already knew the systems and

people at the school, she was able to jump in and focus on shoring up best practices, as well as looking at ways to enhance the school.

“I was definitely excited for the challenge,” she says. “I’m also fortunate to have a good team in place with my assistant principals, deans and a great staff.”

Going forward, McMahen wants to ensure that Center Grove remains one of the premier high schools in the state.

“We have a great reputation, but as time goes on and as the requirements for schools change, we want to make sure we’re doing all the things that will keep us there,” McMahen says. “Obviously there are things with technology and educational practices

that we want to stay on the forefront of, but also I want us to focus on creating a school community that’s built on collaborative leadership and shared decision making.”

This starts with maintaining an open-door policy so that both teachers and students know they have a voice in what goes on at school. Doing so contributes to the overall positive culture of the school, which is essential.

“I want us to be doing positive things for our students because they are the people we’re serving,” she says.

One way they do this is by utilizing professional learning communities. The school has an early release time, which allows teachers to collaborate and address

ways in which students are learning.

“Teachers talk about the strategies they’re using or perhaps ways to teach the material in a different way,” says McMahen, who also makes sure she’s visible and accessible. “We have 3,000 students so it’s important for me to be out in the school during the day talking to our students, having passing-period conversations or chatting during lunch. I want to be present and aware of what’s going on because if I’m not, I can’t serve the school in the best way possible.”

She attends sporting events, choir concerts and other extracurricular activities. She loves interacting with students, coaches and families because it helps build relationships and create a foundation of trust.

McMahen and her husband, Travis, have both worked for the Center Grove school corporation for years. Her husband has spent most of the past 24 years teaching seventh or eighth grade at Middle School North, and coaching football and golf.

The couple raised their two children in Center Grove. Rylie, a 2021 CGHS graduate, is currently a senior at Winthrop University where she plays Division I volleyball and is majoring in sports management. Their son, Brody, is a CGHS senior who plans to study elementary education. He’s involved in two choirs at CGHS and is a member of Best Buddies, a program that pairs students with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The family also has a pit bull mix rescue dog

named Ace. In her free time, McMahen likes to read, exercise, watch her kids’ activities and dine at Don Cuervo.

“I’ve been able to experience the whole gamut of benefits from the Center Grove school system, as a teacher, as a parent and as a citizen,” she says.

Since the moment she was hired at Center Grove, McMahen has felt supported in her profession. When she was a teacher, she had positive leaders who encouraged her to do her best, which inspired confidence in her. As she transitioned into a leadership role, strong, enthusiastic administrators had faith in her.

“They coached and guided me, which allowed me to grow,” she says. “I truly feel if I didn’t have the people who were surrounding me in all elements of my leadership journey that I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

McMahen maintains that working in education instills the ultimate sense of optimism.

“Sometimes you don’t know the impact you’ve had on someone until years later, when a student comes back to see you or decides they want to become a teacher,” she says. “When you see those ripples that you made, to me that’s really the gift of education.”

MUSIC TO HER EARS

SC MUSIC PLACE OWNER SANDRA CANIZARES TALKS FAMILY BACKGROUND AND CAREER PASSION

Writer / Ryan Gabbert

Music means something different to everyone. Some enjoy it while in the car or when they’re cooking, but for others it’s a way of life. Even in dark times and dire circumstances, it can provide rays of hope and inspiration.

For Sandra Canizares, Havana was home, but it was bittersweet. In 1959 the Cuban government was overthrown by the communist forces of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. This was at the height of the Cold War and Cuba soon found itself at odds with the United States.

Growing up under the oppressive Castro regime, there were not many opportunities for economic advancement and few indicators that it would get any better. While the vibrant culture and delicious food kept the people going, they still yearned for true freedom.

Music has always been a big part of Canizares’ life. From the time she was young

she played classical piano, and once she got older she became a choir director for many years. Music was actually how she met her husband, Oscar, who is also a musician. The two met while part of an ensemble choir in Havana.

Canizares and her then-fiancé got married, welcomed two sons and began their new life as a family. However, once they saw the uncertain future that was in store for their children, they knew it was time to make a change.

Oscar applied for and was granted admission into a master’s program at Indiana University Bloomington to study music. This allowed the Canizares family to relocate from Havana to Indiana in 2018.

The transition to Indiana was a bit of a shock, as the arrival of the first frost brought with it thrills and chills. Besides the weather, Canizares and her family were quick to

adapt and found much excitement in going on new adventures, such as taking the kids to their first grocery store.

“I am grateful for everything - for the food, for the car, for the house,” says Canizares.

“Some people may take those things for granted, but for us it’s a big deal. This has been such a blessing for me and my family.”

For the first two years, Canizares stayed at home with the children so her husband could attend IU. Upon his graduation they relocated to Greenwood, where Canizares serves as music director at First Baptist Church in Greenwood.

While she made many happy memories during this time, she knew she wanted to share her love of music, and help others uncover and cultivate their own musical talents.

Tapping into her passion and her

unshakeable belief in herself, Canizares’ dream became a reality in 2022 when SC Music Place opened its doors.

SC Music Place offers lessons in voice, piano, percussion, woodwind and guitar, as well as beginner music classes for students aged 3 to 5.

Helping children discover music and grow their self-confidence is something Canizares cares deeply about, and is the driving force behind the business.

In addition to its regular offerings, SC Music Place also has multiple recitals throughout the year, in the spring, fall, and at Christmas. It also hosts an annual summer camp, which is a fun week of games, art and, of course, music. The camp is open to students with or without

musical experience, and those between the ages of 6 and 14.

Reflecting on her success, Canizares says she’s “living the American dream. I came here with my family and I want this for my kids, but I realized it’s not too late for me either.”

Looking toward the future, Canizares says her goal is to turn SC Music Place into a cultural center, where kids and parents can learn more about Latino culture and maybe a few salsa moves. She wants to build a musical community in Greenwood and be able to inspire confidence in any child who is curious about picking up an instrument.

Canizares is grateful. She is grateful for the warm welcome her family has received in Indiana, but also grateful for the opportunity to chase her dream. She knows that hard work, determination and a neverquit attitude can lead you to a place you never thought possible.

“I want to tell people out there that you can do it; if you want to do it, you can do it,” says Canizares.

Leaving your home and settling in a new country is scary for anybody. No matter the circumstances, Canizares never doubted that her family would make the best of the opportunity they had and would support each other always.

“I’m Cuban, but I want to be American too,” she says. “I’m here today; I chose to be here with my family. I really

want to mix it up here. I want to have friends. I want to build my community. I don’t want to be just with Cubans or Latinos. No, I want to be part of this community. I’m proud of being here. I’m proud of having my own business. I think it’s great. This is the dream that everybody wants when you come from a different country. This is what you strive for.”

To that end, Sandra and Oscar became official U.S. citizens this past February.

For Canizares and SC Music Place, the future is bright. Both will only continue to grow and give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed them.

If you would like more information about Canizares or SC Music Place, visit their website at scmusicplace.com, or follow them on social media.

THEY’RE COOKIN’ NOW

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS

Writer / Alesha McCarty

Our city is blooming with culinary genius, and this November will be our time to highlight our talented chefs and bakers, as well as our flourishing city.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds will host the 2024 World Food Championships (WFC) during the second weekend of November, inside the newly renovated Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the World Food Championships to Indianapolis and the Indiana State Fairgrounds,” says LeRoy Lewis, fairgrounds director of community and media engagement. “This event is a celebration of culinary excellence. We are excited to provide a platform for such an extraordinary competition, and look forward to welcoming participants and visitors from around the globe to experience the vibrant food culture and hospitality of Indiana.” Lewis recently became the director of community and media engagement for the fairgrounds and

Cindy Hawkins, Owner of Circle City Sweets Photographer / Michael Durr

has overseen the media aspects resulting in platform growth over the last several years.

The WFC is the largest competition in food sports, where culinary creators, home bakers and top foodies come together for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and cash prizes. This year over 1,500 chefs, home cooks and other professionals from around the globe will be competing for the title of World Food Champion. Spectators can buy a general admission ticket for just $15 daily or a $25 weekend pass via online presale. There are also Taste of WFC and VIP tasting experience tickets available.

In addition to the 1,500 adults competing this year, the WFC also has a junior section of the competition, and children aged 12 to 17 will compete for their spot in the winner’s circle. Junior competitor applications are still being accepted, and interested talent can apply on the WFC website. The junior competition has the theme “Healthy Fresh”, challenging student chefs to create their best Indiana pork dish within a 90-minute timeline. Do you know a future foodie who wants to get a jump-start on their culinary career? This would be the perfect opportunity.

“Indy’s diverse culinary scene makes it a perfect home for our main event,” says Mike McCloud, WFC’s founder. The competition has 12 categories for

competitors: Bacon, Barbecue, Burgers, Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Rice, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soup, and Vegetarian, as well as a Last Chance Qualifier round, when chefs get a second chance. The theme of this year’s event will challenge competitors to dive deep into their past and create a dish that captures an important event from their lives.

Eighteen of Indy’s very own, under the team title Team Indiana, will be competing at WFC this year. The Indiana team will include of some of our best talent from around the city, starting with Chef Mike Gomez of Gomez BBQ and Dean Sample from Bonge’s Tavern in the Bacon category. Indiana has some amazing barbecue, and this year Chef Mark LaFay from Old Major market and Chef Dave White from Great White Smoke BBQ will smoke up a fire creation. Turon Cummings, known for Bull Burgers, Soul Katina and Chicago Pit Stop, will represent the Burger section. Travis Hitch, head chef at Kan-Kan, and Isabelle Jarquin of Bibibop, will be representing in the Chef category. The rice category will be headed by Brady Foster of Foster’s Catering. Cindy Hawkins, who first competed in 2015 and is a founder and president of the Team Indiana nonprofit will be representing in the Dessert category. Hawkins is the owner of Circle City Sweets, and known for delicious buttery croissants and other decadent French pastries that you can find in the AMP at 16 Tech.

CHEFS COMPETING FOR TEAM INDIANA

Craig Baker

Turon Cummings

Marcus Daniel

Brady Foster

Mike Gomez

Cindy Hawkins

Dean Sample

Steve Amore

Erin Gillum

Travis Hitch

Mark Lafay

Jennifer Norem

JJ Boston

Dave White

Isabelle Jarquin

Erica Oakley

Tracy Coulard

Ross Katz

Glenn Brown

Colin Hilton

In the sandwich category, Indiana will be represented by Chef Craig Baker, who is a veteran of Indy’s food scene and pioneered family-friendly, farm-to-table dining. Baker will be the head chef at the new InterContinental Indianapolis hotel opening in downtown Indy in January 2025. Baker is also a previous WFC competitor and helped build the Team Indiana nonprofit with Hawkins; he has the role of vice president of the Team Indiana Corporation. Jennifer Norem, a home cook who placed in the Bacon category in previous years, will also be competing in the Sandwich category,

as well as JJ Boston from JJ’s Backyard. Erin Gillum, an Area 31 teacher, will be presenting in the Seafood category. Chef Marcus Daniel and Chef Steve Amore will be representing in the Vegetarian section. Team Indiana also has three Last Chance Qualifiers: Chef Erica Oakley (North Mass Boulder/Top Out Cafe), Chef Tracey Couillard (317 Pasta), and Chef Ross Katz, known for Rooster’s and now owner of RHB restaurant consultation.

The Team Indiana Corporation goes beyond the WFC. Team Indiana started in 2017 to help cover expenses for chefs traveling to these food competitions. In 2023 they became a corporation, and shortly after, a nonprofit. The foundation offers classes, tutoring and workforce development training. Team Indiana has supported Second Helpings and other programs, helping individuals get job training to obtain a career in the culinary field. They will also host the high school cooking competition at Fishers Test Kitchen. Jobs in this industry are some of

the most widely available in the city, with no limit to growth, and Team Indiana is dedicated to helping individuals find their place there.

Hawkins praises the spirit and camaraderie of the WFC. It is a lot of work, and she says the individuals who participate “are a very supportive community,” while other food competitions may exhibit a cutthroat competition atmosphere. She adds that “especially within our team, there is a collaborative aspect. We run through our dishes in the test kitchen and provide feedback - anything we can do to help each other succeed.”

The World Food Championship will start on Friday, November 8 at 9 a.m. with the Biscuits & Jampionship event. It goes through Tuesday, November 12 at 8 p.m. For more information and event details, visit worldfoodchampionships.com; and for purchasing tickets, visit www.indianastatefair.com/events/2024/ world-food-championships.

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The Best in Boating

CENTER GROVE FRIENDS AND BUSINESSMEN

EXPAND THEIR MARINE BUSINESS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

When former Center Grove classmates J Westley Hurless and Monty Anderson purchased a boat dealership in the spring of 2018, they hoped to improve upon the industry standard when it came to providing excellent customer service. The pair, who serve as Managing Partners of Reeder Trausch Marine, each has their strength. Hurless focuses on sales while Anderson works in service. When they bought the marine, they vowed to make everything about the boat-buying experience enjoyable.

“We bring light to the business by delivering a young, fresh, personable feel when people walk through the door,” says Hurless.

“Buying a boat is a big purchase, but we make it exciting and fun.”

Two years after acquiring Reeder Trausch Marine, COVID hit. Suddenly the public began frantically shopping for campers, bicycles, and—you guessed it—boats! Both new and pre-owned boats were selling like gangbusters. Although the pandemic has since passed, boating has remained immensely popular.

“Sales are still through the roof,” Hurless says. “What’s different now is that the supply can keep up with the demand.”

At Reeder Trausch Marine, they serve as an authorized dealer of Lund, Bennington, Avalon Pontoon Boats, and Four Winns fiberglass boats.

“The COVID craze got everyone out on the water, even those who had never been before,” Anderson says. “Now those people are taking their neighbors and friends out, which is creating a whole new set of folks who want to get out on the water.”

As a result, first-time boat buyers still make up a good portion of their sales. When it comes to sales, pontoons and tritoons still reign supreme. Hurless notes that they’re

seeing more people gravitate towards tritoons than pontoons because they prefer more power.

“You can pull someone on skis, do more water sports, and get across the lake faster with a tritoon,” he says. “As the boats have become more expensive over the years, customers realize that if they’re going to spend X amount of dollars, they might as well spend a bit more and get a tritoon that has some speed behind it.”

The westside location, which has been booming for the past several years, has grown to include 25-30 employees. With some of them ready to move into management positions, Hurless and Anderson elected to purchase a second location—Denny’s Marina, located on US 37/69 on the southside of Indy. They renamed Reeder Trausch Marine Indy (the first location on the west side they refer to as Reeder Trausch Rockville).

“They had a good staff who had been here a long time. Plus, they worked with great

manufacturers like Lund, Bennington, and Crownline,” says Hurless. “That was a driving factor, not to mention the location.”

Centrally located, it’s roughly an hour’s drive to several boating lakes such as Monroe, Geist, Morse, Lemon, and CordrySweetwater.

Their business model is unique in that they provide an on-the-water tutorial with each purchase, which includes demonstrating how to back the boat down the ramp, how to dock and tie up a boat, and how to load it back on the trailer. They even have a fulltime captain who leads these tutorials.

“It takes away people’s nervousness knowing that there’s somebody there to show them what to do,” Anderson says.

At the time of the delivery, their parts & accessories specialist educates customers on accessories, as well as safety and legal issues. In addition, the staff explains end-of-season costs such as storage & winterization.

“It’s important in this business to have the patience and time to run people through their boat because that makes them more comfortable with their purchase,” Hurless says.

A dedicated captain enables the customer to have the captain’s undivided attention as he’s not forced to wear several different hats. This also lets Hurless and Anderson focus on their respective jobs. Again, it’s all about creating an excellent customer experience.

While this is considered “off season” for boating, the staff stay plenty busy all winter long doing everything from winterizing watercraft to fixing furniture. They take care of routine maintenance, service engines, and tend to other repairs.

“We do just about anything you can think of,” Anderson says. “We fix and/or upgrade a lot of stuff people want to take care of in the winter versus in the summer months when they’re on their boat and time is precious.”

J Westley Hurless and family

Monty Anderson and family

Plus, they sell boats all year long.

“Our sales are still really good in November, December, January, and February,” Hurless says.

Hurless and his wife Shelby have a 1.5-year-old daughter named Blakely. Anderson and his wife Alena have a 13-year-old Huskey. Not surprisingly, they all love boating. Anderson also keeps busy working on various projects. For the past three years, he’s been building an airplane in his shop at home.

One passion the friends share is giving back to the community. Each Christmas they partner with the CASA Foundation to “adopt” local families who could use a little extra holiday cheer. They ask for each child’s shoe size, pant size, shirt size, and interests.

“We get each child a winter coat, a couple of outfits, and some sort of gift,” Hurless says. Last year they shopped for 27 kids. This year they plan to shop for 40.

“We go with our employees to Kohls to shop, then share lunch,” Hurless says. “It’s a good bonding time that brings our employees together as we take care of families who maybe wouldn’t otherwise have the greatest Christmas.”

Reeder Trausch Rockville is located at 6950 E.US Highway 36 in Rockville. For more information, call 765-344-1771 or visit www.rtmboats.com. Reeder Trausch Marine Indy is located at 5550 Kopetsky Drive in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-786-9562 or visit www.rtmindy.com.

Reeder Trausch Marine Indy (formerly Denny’s Marina)

CLARITY OF CENTRAL INDIANA

Writer / Ryan Gabbert

Pregnancy is a life-changing event for millions of women, couples and families every year. Though it might not feel like it at the time, no one is in it alone. There are resources out there to help guide expectant mothers and couples through the journey of their pregnancy, whether planned or unexpected.

Clarity of Central Indiana provides holistic care, support, and education to men and women in need. For over 40 years Clarity has helped empower individuals by providing a safe, judgment-free zone for them to receive help.

Founded in 1983, its first Johnson County location started in 1996. They are now in Franklin, along with a new center that opened in Greenwood in 2022. Clarity seeks to be a beacon of hope and healing to the communities it serves. Its services are free of charge thanks to the generosity of its donors.

THEIR SERVICES ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE MAIN CATEGORIES:

• Prevention, which provides sexual risk avoidance education to over 6,500 students yearly in public schools, as well as STI testing and treatment.

• Intervention, including various care centers, free pregnancy testing and verification, ultrasounds, pregnancy options counseling, material assistance, holistic care, as well as mental, emotional and spiritual support.

• Restoration, with programs like Hearts Restored, which helps with recovery for post-abortion, sexual abuse, miscarriage pregnancy loss, and codependency.

Eric Allen, CEO of Clarity, has been a dedicated advocate at the organization for many years. Angie Burton, once a patient at Clarity, now serves as vice president of development. Both are deeply committed to the mission of Clarity and are passionate

about helping as many individuals as possible, but above all they want people facing unplanned pregnancies to know there is hope.

“For me it is that drive to get out and impart life, and to make sure people know, whether it’s male or female that are coming into our centers, that there is hope - there is more than what their fear is or what it is that’s causing them problems at that time in their life,” says Burton.

As of this year, Clarity operates 10 care centers and one mobile center. It serves over 12,000 individuals across multiple communities, which is up over 1,500 in patients alone from the previous year.

“We have a mantra that’s a tag for us,” Allen says. “That is, ‘You Matter.’ I think as an organization, but for me in particular, it is that desire to make sure that we can share with individuals that message that they

Angie Burton, Vice President of Development, and Eric Allen, CEO

matter, that there is value in who they are, and because of that value, they also have a purpose in life that we can help them develop and support - that the crisis that they’re in is not as big as who they are in their value in God’s eyes.”

For 2025, Clarity is planning to open a Clarity Care Hub in Columbus, Indiana. This hub will consolidate many services Clarity offers into a single location, in a new continuity-of-care model, to get at the root of some of the problems facing Hoosiers today.

Looking ahead, Clarity of Central Indiana continues to stand resolute in its mission to provide holistic care to those experiencing unexpected pregnancies and to offer the hope of life - always putting the patient first and helping wherever needed.

NEW YEAR - NEW YOU!

Leah Bennett, RN Center Director, Franklin

Cait Donenfeld Center Director, Greenwood

Touching Tribute

Paul St. Pierre is the president of Wilson St. Pierre Greenwood Chapel. St. Pierre Family Funeral Homes is comprised of 11 funeral homes located throughout the southside of Indianapolis and from Seymour to Zionsville.

St. Pierre joined the Greenwood Rotary Club in 1994, where he became good friends with Paul Totten, who was a POW in World War II. The pair frequently had lunch together, and one day in 2006 Totten told St. Pierre that he was working on a veterans

memorial to be erected in Greenwood. His fellow Rotarians, a tight-knit group, supported Totten and other local veterans in getting the project off the ground. St. Pierre, a Greenwood native, has always liked getting involved in community projects, so he was on board too.

Projects take time and money, and Totten estimated the cost to be three quarters of a million dollars. As a result, he struggled to get it started.

“They did a great job raising funds on bricks and coming up with designs, but that’s as far as it went at the time,” says St. Pierre.

During Totten’s last days, he asked St. Pierre if he would carry forth with the veterans memorial. He didn’t hesitate, as he was committed to honoring his friend.

“Paul is my personal hero, so making sure this gets done is important to me,” St. Pierre says. “Plus, I’m passionate about the city of Greenwood and want to respect veterans.”

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IS TAKING SHAPE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Despite facing multiple hurdles, including the COVID pandemic, they have made strides. It’s advantageous that St. Pierre works in the funeral industry, as he can procure monuments and granite at an affordable price. For example, engraved benches that might retail in the $7,000 range, he can get for much less.

In the last six to eight months, they’ve seen more enthusiasm for the project than they had in the combined four years prior. This newfound momentum means that they are now within six weeks of ordering what they need to get the first phase of the project open. Their first order of granite for the memorial will be in November. Around the same time, they should have sidewalks ready to pour, thanks to a generous donation from both the City of Greenwood, and Bill Blocher of Blocher Construction & Electric.

“Bill’s company does a lot of building, concrete work and pools,” St. Pierre says. “They wanted to be a part of the project and we are so grateful.”

St. Pierre anticipates that once people see how beautiful the first phase of the memorial is, they will want to get involved.

“I liken it to a new neighborhood that’s being built when you put the roads in, and you see a few houses going up,” he says. “It kind of gets things rolling. We’re at the point where it’s imperative to get it off the ground. Doing so will create even further excitement to remember these veterans.”

The Veterans Memorial Park is located in the heart of Greenwood behind the Greenwood library, at the intersection of Surina Way and Old Meridian. All through the planning stages, the project was referred to as the Greenwood Veterans Memorial, but Veterans Memorial Park seems to help the project extend beyond the boundaries of Greenwood.

“If someone wants to come honor their veteran who lives in Whiteland or Perry Township, they won’t feel like it’s an inappropriate place,” St. Pierre says. “This park is to honor all veterans.”

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Leadership Johnson County had a committee that helped on the project for about nine months.

“That group shared some great ideas, and those volunteers are still out there willing to help,” says St. Pierre, noting that they’ve also received donations from the Johnson County Community Foundation, Warrior’s Hope, Inc., and the Greenwood Rotary Club. St. Pierre believes that more organizations will get on board as the project develops. They intend to have flagpoles, branch memorials, bench memorials and some bricks in by next summer. These memorials are all laserengraved black granite. Every branch of service is represented by a 6-foot upright tablet. Bench memorials are lower to the ground and more affordable. Bricks are $150.

“It’s important to provide a place that people can be remembered and where the public can be educated,” St. Pierre says. “It’s

my hope that we can get local Scout troops to the flagpoles that will be erected there as they learn how to raise a flag, or as they learn the importance of the wars that our local veterans have fought in. The park will be quite an education for young people who are moving into downtown Greenwood.”

As a funeral director, St. Pierre has interacted with many families who want to remember their veterans. He’s also talked to veterans who want to leave some kind of legacy in the community by purchasing a bench, a brick or some other kind of memorial.

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot of history over the years from veterans and

their families,” says St. Pierre, who has family members who served in World War II. He recently buried a friend who was an Afghan war veteran in Alexandria National Cemetery. His story can be told at this memorial.

“Every veteran’s story matters,” St. Pierre says. “This park can help share that story.”

St. Pierre estimates needing between $50,000 and $60,000 to complete the project. If your business would like to sponsor a branch memorial, or if you’re interested in donating money or volunteering your time, contact St. Pierre at paul@stpierrefamilyfuneral.com.

ANSWERING the C ALL TO SERVE

BARGERSVILLE RESIDENT HELPS MILITARY AND FIRST-RESPONDER FAMILIES

Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis

On September 11, 2001, Diane Markle, a high school senior at the time, sat in her Ohio classroom with a heaviness in her heart. In her rural, one-stoplight town, many of her friends and neighbors jumped at the chance to enlist and serve their country. Markle dreamed of joining the music program in the Navy and giving back to her beloved country, but due to medical waivers, she was unable to join the service at that time.

Markle changed course, went to college, joined a music program there, and eventually a job in banking brought her to Indiana. But that call to serve her country still weighed heavily on Markle’s heart.

“Banking found me, and I was in bank management for 18 years in downtown Indianapolis,” says Markle. “But I found

myself giving my time, talent and treasure to veteran causes.” She began serving on the board for HVAF and Folds of Honor Indiana when a casual conversation with a retired general lit a fire inside her soul.

“He said, ‘Just because you can’t wear the uniform doesn’t mean you can’t serve our military,’ and to ‘go and get it done,’” she says.

And that’s what she did.

She poured into Folds of Honor Indiana, a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization awarding thousands of educational scholarships, totaling millions of dollars, to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members, and also more recently, first responders. The scholarships can support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K through 12,

tuition for college, technical school or trade school, and post-graduate work.

Markle now serves as a regional impact officer for Indiana from her home in Bargersville.

“I don’t work a day in my life - this is the coolest thing,” says Markle. “If anyone would’ve told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this, and doing golf outings and galas as my work in fundraising for, to me, the most noble and important cause of honoring the sacrifice and educating on the legacy of our service members and first responders, I would’ve said you are nuts. But it is so rewarding.”

Part of what draws Markle to Folds of Honor as an organization is the transparency with donations. She says 91

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cents of every dollar go directly to these educational scholarships for families, and the turnaround time for the organization to get those dollars out is quick.

“You see the impact immediately,” says Markle.

Markle then takes it a step further, ensuring that she knows how much the organization sends out, who the money goes to and where they go to school, while also protecting the privacy of the recipient families. “I can tell you which branch the family member was serving in or whether it was fire, police or EMS,” says Markle. “I can tell you what the student is studying, and what year.”

She adds that 42% of their recipients are from minority populations. “If you feel called to do something, the first step is just to get up and do it - but also being intentional, and finding an organization with a level of transparency and their ratio of dollars given back,” says Markle. “Educate and then dive right in, because there is nothing more gratifying than giving back with something you are passionate about.”

Visit indiana.foldsofhonor.org for more information.

UNIQUE BY DESIGN

ZACK PASLEY FINDS DISTINCTIVE ARTISTIC NICHE

Writer / Lynsey Martin

When Zack Pasley, a local woodworking artist, set out to create life-sized foam boards of Chicago Bears Defensive End Austin Booker, Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Carson Steele, as well as Steele’s beloved pet alligator, Crocky-J, he had no idea his creations would take on a life of their own, gaining the attention of the community and, eventually, NBC. By day, Pasley works in medical sales

at Rehab Medical, helping people improve their mobility and quality of life with power wheelchairs and wheelchairs. At night he dedicates time to his creative passions.

Pasley’s foam board journey began as a fun challenge sparked by his wife’s aversion to blow-up decorations. “My wife wasn’t a fan of blow-up decorations, and I’ve always liked working with my hands,” Pasley

shared. “I saw a TikTok video of people using housing insulation foam to make lifesize figures, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’”

Pasley experimented with the technique and soon found himself creating large, detailed foam sculptures, including Booker, Steele and Crocky-J figures.

CG Football Head Coach, Eric Moore, with Booker, Steele, and Crocky J

Pasley’s connection to the Steele family began after years of being a quiet fan. Zack, his wife, Joanna, and their two children, Eli (9) and Zoey (11), transplanted to Center Grove eight years ago. “I moved to the Center Grove area right when Carson was a freshman,” Pasley said. “I’ve followed every Center Grove game, whether online or in person, since then. There was a picture of Carson stiff-arming a Bears player as he scored a touchdown, and I thought, ‘I can make that.’”

With a combination of foam insulation and artistic talent, Pasley crafted a lifelike cutout of Steele. “I didn’t tell my wife at first,” Pasley said. “One day she asked me, ‘What are you doing?’ I just casually said, ‘I’m making Carson Steele’ and kept working. It was just something I felt like doing. It’s fun!”

But the project didn’t stop with Steele. Steele’s beloved alligator, Crocky-J, caught Pasley’s attention also. “I wanted to make Crocky-J as well and make him look realistic, but I also gave him a little twist - a

gold chain with ‘Crocky-J’ on it,” he said. Soon he added another Trojan-turnedNFL-pro, Austin Booker.

Pasley shared his foam figures with his neighborhood kids one morning, taking photos at the bus stop before posting the images in the local Center Grove Chatter group on Facebook. The response was immediate. “By 10:30 in the morning, the post had several hundred likes and comments,” Pasley recalled. “One of those comments was from Angela Steele, Carson’s

Zack Pasley

mom. I had never met her before, but she messaged me asking if she could stop by and take a picture with Crocky-J. I thought that was awesome.”

That Friday afternoon, Angela Steele arrived at Pasley’s home to see the foam boards in person. “She showed up with a big smile on her face,” Pasley said. “We talked for about 30 minutes and she even took a selfie with Crocky-J, which she made her profile picture. It was so surreal.”

The connection didn’t stop there. Pasley soon received a message from Angela Steele asking if the foam boards could be featured on NBC’s coverage of an upcoming Kansas City Chiefs game, when Carson Steele would be playing. “She asked if it was OK to share the pictures with NBC, and I was like, ‘Of course!’” Pasley said. “A little while later, she clarified it was NBC in New York. I was blown away.”

Sure enough, during the broadcast, a clip featuring Pasley’s foam boards aired on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football”.

“It was wild,” Pasley said. “I never expected something I made in my garage to end up on national television.”

Since then the foam boards have become a local sensation, with people stopping by Pasley’s yard daily to see them in person. “It’s been hilarious,” he said. “I’ve got the boards set up as part of my Halloween decorations, and 10 to 15 people stop by every day to check them out. I’m out there mowing the lawn, and people just stop to chat.” These creations can be found in the neighborhood of Willow Lakes East in Center Grove.

As for what’s next, Pasley is considering expanding this part of his artistic endeavors. “I’ve had people asking for more foam boards, especially for local events and practices,” he said. “I’m not sure where this is going to take me, but I’m having a blast. It’s just so fun to bring this spirit to life.”

For Pasley it’s all about the love of community and creativity. “Center Grove is a big community with big spirit,” he said. “Whether it’s for high school football, the Colts or anything else, I just love seeing people come together like this,” he said. “If my foam boards can add to that excitement, I’m all for it.”

Pasley’s work is a testament to community spirit. His foam boards have become not just a fun decoration, but also a symbol of

Center Grove pride. As he continues to make waves locally, Pasley shows no signs of slowing down.

“It was wild, I never expected something I made in my garage to end up on national television.”

- ZACK PASLEY

You can support Pasley and his work at zawdgifts.my.canva.site/zawdwood and on Facebook @ZAWDWood.

Pasley and Angela Steele

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Center Grove lost a true community pillar with the passing of Carol Tumey in October. Tumey devoted her life to Center Grove as a teacher, administrator and coach for 40 years at Center Grove High School (CGHS), before serving three terms on the Center Grove Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees.

“Carol Tumey was truly a Center Grove icon,” said William Long, Ed.D., Center Grove Community School Corporation superintendent, in a recent statement. “She dedicated her life to serving others through her career in education at the secondary and collegiate levels and as an ambassador for her community and athletics. She will be deeply missed.”

LADY LEGEND

CAROL TUMEY REMEMBERED AS EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC

SERVANT AND HUMBLE PIONEER FOR GIRLS ATHLETICS

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

Tumey forged a path for female athletes, developing the first girls sports program at CGHS. Tumey became the first girls basketball coach and went on to coach girls track-and-field, volleyball and cross-country teams. She also created the first Johnson County girls basketball tournament.

“Carol Tumey loved Center Grove and dedicated her life to our school district,” said Amy Counts, Center Grove Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees president, in a recent statement. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know her. She was a force who left an indelible mark on Center Grove and girls athletics.”

Pat Grimm played basketball at CGHS under Tumey in the mid-1960s, when girls sports were a part of the Girls Athletic Association (GAA). In Grimm’s 1967-1968 senior season, she averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists for the Trojans’ undefeated campaign. Grimm went on to have a great basketball career at Purdue and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

“She never settled for less than the best, and that is exhibited by all of the state titles [on display] around the gym,” said Grimm. “Her strengths were in how she related equally to the athletes and administration. She went to bat for us with everything she felt we

needed, and never stopped asking or trying to give us endless opportunities. So many women from CG owe their college careers and life careers to Carol Tumey. She was a teacher, a mentor and a lifelong friend - a true icon.”

One of the most decorated CGHS female athletes is CGHS volleyball Head Coach Jennifer (Gandolph) Hawk. The 2001 CGHS graduate played three sports in high school: volleyball, basketball and softball. She was a part of two state championship teams, softball in 1998 and volleyball in 2000. Hawk had a successful college career playing volleyball at Michigan.

“Carol pioneered girls’ sports in our community and across the state,” said Hawk. “She always advocated for us and believed we could do it all. She gave us hope and pride. On a personal level, I will always remember her for being an amazing person who opened her heart to all. She is missed dearly. We loved her and [Tumey’s husband] Dale so much.”

Tumey was an enshrined member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame, and the Franklin College Hall of Fame. She received numerous awards throughout her lifetime of service, including the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash from

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, National High School Coach of the Year for track, National High School Coaching Gold Award, and Indiana Athletic Administrator of the Year. CGHS’s track and field venue bears her name on the front straightaway. It was named in her honor in August of 2021.

CG Girls’ Basketball won the 2023 Carol Tumey Holiday Tournament at CGHS

CGHS SPORTS RECAP

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

THREE HUNDRED CAREER WINS FOR COACH MOORE

Center Grove football Head Coach Eric Moore won his 300th career game with a 27-18 homecoming win over Lawrence Central at Ray Skillman Stadium. Moore is in his 30th year coaching high school football and his 26th season at Center Grove.

GIRLS GOLF HAS STRONG FINISH IN STATE FINALS

CGHS girls golf had another impressive showing in the state finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, finishing sixth. Under seventh-year Head Coach Cale Hoover, the Trojans have won six county championships, six sectionals and two regionals. They have placed second, fifth, sixth, and eighth twice, in the state finals. CGHS senior Magnolia Miller tied for 12th place in the state finals.

BOYS SOCCER, RANKED NUMBER-ONE IN THE NATION, WINS SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Center Grove boys’ soccer ended the regular season with a perfect 15-0 record, ranked number-one in the nation by MaxPreps and outscoring its opponents 58-5. CGHS had a top-shelf victory against three-time 3A state defending champs Noblesville 2-1, ending the Millers’ unbeaten streak at 46 games. The Trojans won a state-best 26th sectional title with a 5-1 win over East Central.

BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY ARE COUNTY CHAMPIONS

CGHS boys and girls cross country won the Johnson County meet championships at Franklin. CGHS’s Mason Vrshek won the county title for the boys, and teammate Jayden Salo was a close second. The

CG Boys’ Soccer Head Coach, Jameson McLaughlin, holds the Trojans’ 26th sectional championship trophy

CG Football Head Coach, Eric Moore, addresses the team following his 300th career win. Photo by Tony Pironello

Trojans placed four runners in the top 10. The CGHS girls beat second-place Whiteland by two points. Hallie Mimbela paced the Trojans with a sixth-place finish, and teammate Gretchen Meisberger was seventh.

BOYS TENNIS RETURNS TO STATE FINALS

Fourth-ranked CGHS boys tennis ended the regular season with a 15-3 record, well-prepared to compete in the state tournament. Hosting the opening three rounds of the state tournament, the Trojans won their 37th sectional, 34th regional and 15th semi-state. The Trojans topped 24th-ranked Whiteland 5-0 in the sectional championship, Connersville 5-0 in the regional finals, and 21st-ranked Fishers 4-1 in the semi-state finals. CGHS has advanced to the state finals at North Central in Indianapolis. The December Center Grove Magazine issue will recap how the Trojans do in the state finals.

VOLLEYBALL WINS COUNTY TITLE

Center Grove girls volleyball won the Johnson County Tournament title, defeating Franklin in the first round 3-0, Indian Creek in the semifinals 3-1, and Greenwood Christian 3-0 in the finals. CGHS senior Maddi Higginson reached 1,000 career digs in the victory over Franklin.

GIRLS SOCCER WINS SECTIONAL TITLE

CGHS girls soccer concluded the regular season with a 10-4-3 record, ranked 14th in Class 3A. The Trojans beat Greenwood, Columbus North and Franklin to win the sectional at Columbus East. CGHS outscored its sectional opponents 11-1 to secure its state-best 25th sectional title.