Franciscan Health Center for Hip & Knee Surgery offers the latest robotic technology designed to reduce recovery times and pain, shorten hospital stays and get you back out there.
Tyler McCarroll, MD Hip Preservation, Hip Replacement, Sports Medicine
Ryan Nixon, MD Shoulder and Knee Replacement, Sports Medicine
Joseph Maratt, MD Hip and Knee Replacement
Lucian Warth, MD
Joint Replacement, Revisions
4 BLOSSOMING THROUGH BOOKS Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Thriving in Johnson County 8 READY TO RESPOND Statewide Effort Underway to Boost Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention
PUBLISHER
FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
LAUREN CASEY BEMIS ASHLEE BORUFF
COVER PHOTOGRAPHED AT KELSAY FARMS BY KAYLEIGH STRAKIS, CRAZY WORKING MAMA PHOTOGRAPHY 4
KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK TONY PIRONELLO ASHLEY WATTERS
CREATIVE
Plentitude Art
Provides a Much-Needed Outlet for Local Artwork
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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
BlossomingTHROUGH BOOKS
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY THRIVING IN JOHNSON COUNTY
Writer / Ashley Watters
When Susan Crisafulli decided to engage her English students at Franklin College in a conversation about literacy, she wanted to provide them with firsthand experience in a classroom setting. So, she took them into elementary schools in an effort to provide extra literacy support.
It quickly became apparent that there was room for improvement.
“We were learning about low literacy and literacy techniques,” says Crisafulli, board president of the Johnson County Imagination Library. “It was very clear that
the kids who were struggling the most didn’t have books at home.”
A former resident of Tennessee, Crisafulli was already familiar with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A program that launched in Sevier County, Tennessee,
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is her passion project, focused on developing a love of reading in children ages 0 to 5. Crisafulli‘s own children had participated in the initiative and she saw the potential for improving literacy rates by adopting the program in Johnson County. First, she needed to show just how pervasive the problem was.
“I didn’t want to propose a solution until I could prove my hunch,” she says. “I contacted all the surrounding school districts. We found that 41% of students were entering kindergarten without any literacy skills to help them be successful. It was a surprisingly high number for this area. That’s all I needed to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Johnson County.”
Studies have shown that reading helps to foster creativity, empathy, academic success and critical-thinking skills. But not everyone has the same access to books. Luckily for us, Dolly Parton was willing to take on that challenge and made it her purpose to put free books into the hands of preschool children.
“There is so much research that [indicates] having that early exposure to books helps set them up for success,” says Crisafulli.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program seeks to provide age-appropriate reading material to help develop literacy in children before they enter school. Books are chosen by childhood literacy experts from the Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee. The selections aim to develop early language and math development skills.
Every child in Johnson County is eligible to receive free books, mailed directly to their homes with their own mailing label.
“Many people only sign up one kid per household, but every child is eligible,” says Crisafulli. “Kids get high-quality books chosen specifically for their age. I strongly encourage families to sign up every child. We want as many kids signed up for this program that can be.”
Since its inception in 2017, more than 3,000 children have graduated from the program, and more than 4,500 are currently enrolled.
“We currently have about 50% of kids enrolled in Johnson County and we absolutely want that to be 100%,” says Crisafulli. “It’s so easy and takes two minutes to sign up.”
Parents can register their children online at imaginationlibraryjoco.org/register.
READY TO RESPOND
STATEWIDE EFFORT UNDERWAY
TO BOOST VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis
When Hoosiers call 911 in an emergency, they expect a first responder to show up at their door. But what many people do not realize is that in the state of Indiana, 80% of our fire departments are staffed by volunteers. These are community helpers who are unpaid, and show up to help their neighbors when they need it most. In
today’s busy world full of demands from jobs, family, caregiving and extracurriculars, the volunteer pool in many rural communities is shrinking, which poses a great concern to public safety in all corners of the state.
“We have technology right at our fingertips, so we’re constantly on the go,” says Megan Thiele, FEMA SAFER grant coordinator for the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA). “That changes our lives and the structure of our daily lives, and may take away from the opportunity to volunteer in our community.”
The IFCA joined with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to tackle this issue head-on through a new FEMA SAFER grant for the state of Indiana.
This fall, the IFCA and IAFC launched a new GIS toolkit to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts in the Hoosier state. The toolkit collects information from current firefighters and stores it in an accessible database so that chiefs and personnel can utilize the data in their communities to create successful recruitment strategies.
“It’s important to have this toolkit so that we can see in real time who is volunteering, what we can do to volunteer, what strategies have worked or maybe not worked, and learn some lessons along the way,” says Thiele.
There are more than 800 volunteer and rescue departments across Indiana, and while many volunteer firefighters are trained to fight fires, other volunteers can include people interested in driving or repairing trucks, people who could provide child care for other volunteer firefighters, grant writers, marketing professionals, fundraisers and community liaisons. Each member of the volunteer department can play a critical role in community safety no matter how they are able to serve.
“I think our community doesn’t realize what our volunteer fire departments do until they call 911 and they expect somebody to show up,” says Thiele. “And are they going to show up? Do we have enough people to show up and help you? That’s truly what this initiative is about.”
The launch of the GIS toolkit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen the volunteer firefighting community in the state. Earlier this year Governor Eric Holcomb announced the state would invest $10 million to purchase protective equipment for certain volunteer departments around the state, marking the first time the Indiana General Assembly allocated funds specifically for firefighter training and equipment.
If you or someone you know is interested in lending a hand to your local community, you can find more information at volunteerfirein.org.
Creative Hub
PLENTITUDE ART MARKET PROVIDES A MUCH-NEEDED OUTLET FOR LOCAL ARTWORK
Heather Diers, owner of Pro Art Framing & Gallery, has been raised in the art world supporting the local art community for over 40 years through her family business. Rickie Long opened Crafts & Creations next door to her two years ago, and an instant friendship was formed.
These two talented creatives realized a
bigger need for local artists and knew they could make their website market a reality. Plentitude Art Market is a single site for local artists to build a profile and sell their art online.
“Strengthening the local art community is the goal, we want people to shop Plentitude first,” Long says.
Cutting out a giant third party like Etsy or Amazon, Plentitude is created by local artists for local artists. Creatives can connect with the larger community, offering their wares and even custom commissions. From photographs to portraits, Plentitude has a large variety of art for any enthusiast looking to add to their collection or simply decorate their home with local pieces.
Writer / Ashlee Boruff
Heather Diers and Rickie Long
“Another great feature of the website is no shipping hassles,” Long says. “All art will be available at Pro Art Gallery or Crafts & Creations. BOPUS [buy online, pick up in store] is the best answer for local art sales.”
Having one place where many artists can showcase and sell their art is a major need for locals in Johnson County specifically. Art shows do happen and there are markets in the summer, but they are not a constant, nor are they easy settings for artists to sell. Plentitude Art Market is a single, trusted website that is constantly updated by local artists themselves, showcasing new work and offering custom commission pieces.
“When people know how and where to find original artwork to decorate their homes with quality art, artisan decor, and accessory items that will hold their value and truly reflect individual tastes and styles, our local art community will thrive and enrich every aspect of our area cities, towns and communities,” Diers says.
Plentitude Art Market offers a wide range of art includes paintings, portraits, photographs, jewelry and 3D art. Options
are limitless as the artists themselves are listing their work directly on the site. The site will be constantly updated by the artists to offer new items and custom options. More options are in the works as well, including print-on-demand art in the future.
The website is in the beginning stages and will include more artists each month. Artists go through an approval process when they apply to list their items on the site, and pay a small fee. Once approved, they can list all their work in one place and be accessible to endless customers. The interactive website allows shoppers to reach out to artists with custom requests or questions. Buyers know exactly who they are buying art from, and
that they are supporting local. The personal connection of Plentitude is another connector for the beautiful art community in Johnson County.
“We want to make it possible for appreciative buyers to find individuals creating worthy pieces of art in our local communities,” Diers says.
Summer markets and personal websites are not always great options for artists. Many do not have marketing skills or time to show in local markets. Plentitude Art Market takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work for artists so they can focus on their craft. Artists decide what they want to sell, the price, and when they will post it to the site.
Long and Diers plan to give back financially to the local art community through Plentitude as well.
“We plan to give a portion of each paid professional artist’s profile account to the artist’s designated NFP guild or council when there are five or more members participating with us,” Long says. “The initial amount we’re discussing is $2 per
Our dedicated team provides a variety of essential legal services focused on Elder Law matters such as Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, and Trust and Estate Administrations. With an understanding of the complexities of aging, we offer comprehensive solutions aimed at securing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Our personalized approach is tailored to safeguard your assets and well-being.
member artist, but that might increase as we assess our ongoing operating budget postdevelopment costs.”
Partnering with other local art endeavors like the Greater Greenwood Arts Council by giving back is important to both Diers and Long, as the main goal for Plentitude is to support the local community. Artists and art lovers joining together to keep the Johnson County art scene flourishing is key. Without the artists and buyers, these businesswomen would be living very different lives.
“We strive to serve the community, hobbyist, therapy art, small groupseveryone is welcome; building community through art at all levels is the goal,” Long says of her shop Crafts & Creations. As next-door business neighbors, a natural bond was formed between these two artists that continues to grow. Working together has become the new normal for these two talented women.
If you are looking for new original art or need to get some holiday gifts, check out plentitudeartmarket.com.
Shoppers can browse by style, color or artist name. To stay up to date on happenings with Plentitude, follow on Facebook @plentitudeartmarket, and @plentitude.art.market on Instagram.
Crafts & Creations is located at 3100 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite Y in Greenwood. Pro Art Framing & Gallery is next door in Suite X. Visit them online at shopcraftsandcreations.com, and on Facebook @proartgallery, and @craftsandcreationsgreenwood.
Remember that buying local supports local, and that is exactly what Diers and Long plan to keep doing.
Leading the way in Patient Safety
Dr. Nicholas St. Germain specializes in minimally-invasive hip replacements and robotic-assisted knee replacements
Nicholas St. Germain, MD, is a fellowship-trained physician who specializes in orthopedic surgery, adult reconstruction and total joint replacement. He is one of the few area surgeons who performs the anterior hip replacement procedure, which allows patients to experience less pain and faster recovery.
Dr. St. Germain uses OrthoGrid AI technology, an application that provides valuable, real-time image analysis during hip replacement surgery. He also uses the state-of-the-art ROSA robotic system when performing knee replacement surgery. Both of these technologies provide greater alignment accuracy, resulting in more natural-feeling joints.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
SALTY WOODS
Who doesn’t love empowering minds and enhancing lives?! Salty woods greenwood is your place!
We are a halo therapy generated salt room with so many benefits to offer. Our space offers a large room as well as a smaller room, each having its own unique theme. Our rooms are a great place to relax and enjoy being present!
200 Byrd Way, Suite 115 Greenwood, IN 46143
317-494-0222
www.saltywoodsgreenwood.com
IMPULSE DANCE ACADEMY
Give your little one the gift of dance lessons with a New Dancer Gift Package. This gift covers everything they’ll need to begin class at the new year including registration, first month’s tuition, their first IDA t-shirt and a tutu for class. Contact Kerri Sullivan to redeem this offer at info@impulsedanceacademy.org or fill out a contact form on our website at www.impulsedanceacademy.org
Ages 2 and up Price: $80 ($140 Value)
3130 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite M Greenwood, IN 46142
317-893-4859
www.impulsedanceacademy.org
BYTAVI BOUTIQUE
Offering stylish clothing and handbags made by a team of talented seamstresses in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, all products are fairly and ethically made ~ from their hands to yours! (BYTAVI is a project of the nonprofit Center for Global Impact)
51 West Monroe St Franklin, IN 46131
317-494-6226
www.bytavi.com
www.centerforglobalimpact.org
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
We worship not just the baby in a manger, but the sacrificial Savior, and the resurrected Lord. Join us Christmas Eve as we celebrate the timeless truth of Jesus’s birth! We will have two Christmas Eve Services on December 24 at 2:30 and 4pm.
2045 Averitt Rd. Greenwood, IN, 46143 317-881-9336 christmasatgreenwood.com
COOL INTERIORS LISTING
Decorate • Declutter • Downsize • Unpack • Organize • Stage • Restyle • Furnish • Senior Living • Airbnb/STR. We pack/unpack, place furniture and décor, hang art, and organize. Cool Interiors takes an overwhelming, chaotic environment and makes it peaceful, sound, and tranquil. 317-223-3042 | coolinteriorsllc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/coolinteriorsllc
Do you have a loved one who could benefit from some TLC from my little guy and me?
Seniors often come alive in the presence of children. I would be honored to walk with your family through a difficult season.
Emily Pendleton, Activity Director 317-489-7017 seniorcompanionahip2@gmail.com
Check out Upcoming December EVENTS
Submit your event to our online calendar for free!
Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms
Nov. 29 - Dec. 15 | Fri - Sun, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Dec. 18 - Dec. 23 | Wed - Mon, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | 6848 N. 250 E., Whiteland
Stroll through Kelsay Farms for a magical holiday experience. Enjoy the Whoville Hunt, throw some snowballs and visit with Santa. Relax amongst the lights and trees while sipping hot cocoa by the warm campfire. kelsayfarms.com/holiday
Santa Train and Christmas Market
Dec. 6 | 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | 24 N. Main St., Bargersville
Meet Santa as he arrives on the Santa Train. Indulge in the Holiday Market where local craft vendors will showcase their talents and offer unique gifts and goodies. bargersville.in.gov
Enjoy a drive-through light exhibit, see your favorite holiday characters, meet Santa and sip hot chocolate. There is no cost, but they will be accepting nonperishable food items to donate to Johnson County Senior Services.
Whiteland Winter Holiday Market
Dec. 8 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | 740 E. Main St., Whiteland
Join us for a fun, festive holiday event. Check out hand-picked vendors, local businesses and enjoy delicious food from Chompz Food Truck and refreshing drinks from Amy’s Ice Paradise. Over 20 local vendors will be present to meet all your holiday shopping needs.
Take a walk through the Amphitheater park and enjoy all 42,840 lights on trees, bridges, arches and poles. greenwood.in.gov
Kris Kringle Mingle
Dec. 14 | 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.
Barn at Bay Horse Inn, 1468 W. Stones Crossing Rd.
Hosted by the Center Grove dance team, this event features breakfast and photos with Santa, and fun crafts. Choose from two seating times. cgdancepo.ludus.com/index.php
Final Fridays
Dec. 27 | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Old Town Greenwood, 300 S. Madison Ave.
Every final Friday of the month, Old Town Greenwood stores and restaurants will stay open late and will feature local artisans, entertainers, musicians and more throughout the downtown. restoreoldtowngreenwood.org/finalfridays
Holiday Stroll at Kelsay Farms
Christmas at The Farm Drive-Thru Lights
Kris Kringle Mingle
CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network
GIRLS SOCCER EARNS STATE RUNNER-UP HONORS
Center Grove High School (CGHS) girls soccer concluded a remarkable season with an impressive performance in the state tournament. The Trojans returned to the state championship game for only the second time in history, the first being in 1997. A state-best 25th sectional championship and a state-record 19th regional title marked their journey. This team showed their resilience by overcoming
earlier losses to Castle and East Central, triumphing over the Knights 1-0 and the Trojans 2-1 respectively on their way to a third semi-state title. Despite a tough contest against twotime defending state champion Noblesville, the Trojans fell 3-1 and ended the season with a 165-3 record.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls, not only for the great accomplishments of playing in the state championship, but also of the way they did it,” said Head Coach Myron Vaughn. “The team always maintained our identity, and committed to it from day one and all the way to the state championship. I’m excited for the returning players who were able to see and experience what they are capable of, and definitely proud and excited for our great seniors. Their leadership both on and off the field is the foundation for our successes. All eight of them had a different role to play in so many ways and gave the team the ability to excel.”
Senior Lauren Hopper was named the Class 3A Mental Attitude Award recipient. Senior Addie Crowe earned first-team all-
state. Senior Brooklyn Brown was named honorable-mention all-state. Brown, Crowe, Hopper, Zoey Doan, Beatriz Gubert, Jessie Jasek, Ava Margiotti, Maggie Marlin, Brooke O’Brien, Hayley Smith and Katelyn Stone all earned academic all-state honors.
BOYS TENNIS TAKES SECOND IN STATE TOURNAMENT
This year’s Center Grove boys tennis team was known for its unity. That bond helped propel the team to within one point of its third state title. The Trojans displayed their strength by defeating Whiteland 5-0 in the sectional final, Connersville 5-0 in the regional final, and Fishers 4-1 in the semi-state. Their journey to the state finals was marked by a 5-0 victory over Penn in the quarterfinals and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Jasper in the semifinals. The Trojans lost to the number-one state-ranked Brebeuf in the finals, 2-3.
“After losing the semifinal match in 2022 to North Central, we achieved our first goal of playing in the finals since the state championship run in 2008,” said CGHS Head Coach David Beasley. “Against
CG senior soccer player Lauren Hopper was named the 3A IHSAA Mental Attitude Award recipient
Brebeuf in the final, our seniors led the charge, with Tyler Lane winning at one singles and Carson Bush and Daksh Patel winning at two doubles. Ultimately, falling short by one point, our players showed tremendous class and fight during the match, which was decided by a grueling third set. Our seniors were outstanding role models for the underclassmen, and we look forward to building on our momentum.”
Individually, the boys tennis team also shone brightly. Tyler Lane emerged as the state runner-up at number-one singles in the individual state tournament. Lane and the number-one doubles team, Patel and Bush, were named first-team all-state and selected for the Senior All-Star Southwest team. Yuvraj Dasari, a sophomore and the number-two singles player, was recognized as honorable-mention all-state. The team’s academic prowess was also acknowledged, with Dimitri Kandris, Russell Dean and Quinn Smith earning academic all-state honors.
VOLLEYBALL ADVANCES TO FINAL FOUR
CGHS volleyball may have started their season with a slow burn, but they ended with a strong finish in the state tournament. The Trojans wrapped up the regular season with a 22-8 record, ranking ninth in Class 4A. The Trojans won their 36th sectional title and triumphed over 4A number-four
Brownsburg to secure their 10th regional title. Although they fell to Yorktown in the final four, their journey was a testament to their resilience.
CG senior volleyball player Ellen Zapp sets the school record with 1,289 career kills
CG senior tennis player Quinn Smith earned Academic All-State honors
“We had a great run this season,” said CGHS Head Coach Jennifer Hawk. “It started rocky, but the team, from top to bottom, stayed true to our goals of winning a state title. The way they came together as a team in the last month and a half was the biggest difference for us from the start of the season to the end. We fell short of our ultimate goal this season, but set a new standard of what this program can and will be in the future.”
CG senior Ellen Zapp set the school record for most career kills with 1,289, and senior Reese Dunkle had more than 1,000 career kills. Zapp and Dunkle were named First Team All-State, and Zapp, Dunkle, and Anabelle Schembra made the All-District Team. Zapp, Dunkle, Maddi Higginson, and Savannah Cook earned Academic All-State honors.
FOOTBALL WINS 14TH STRAIGHT SECTIONAL TITLE
CGHS football claimed its 14th consecutive sectional championship, beating Jeffersonville 72-7 in the semifinals and upending Franklin Central in the finals 52-14. This is the longest current winning streak for sectional titles in the state. The Trojans have won 20 Sectionals, 19 under
Head Coach Eric Moore. CGHS has won 30 straight sectional games since 2011.
BOYS AND GIRLS CROSSCOUNTRY PERFORM STRONG IN SECTIONAL
CGHS boys cross-country won its 11th sectional meet and sixth straight. The Trojans won the Shelbyville sectional, and Curtis Williams led the way, finishing fifth. CGHS girls cross-country placed third in the Shelbyville sectional, with Hallie Mimbela taking 11th. At the Shelbyville regional, the boys finished
CG junior cross country runner Cameron Cox placed 142nd in the State meet
CG senior linebacker T.J. Williams blocks Franklin Central’s field goal attempt in the Trojans’ 52-14 Sectional championship win
seventh and the girls placed 11th. Junior Cameron Cox advanced to the boys state finals as an individual and finished 142nd. Mason Vrshek earned boys academic allstate first-team honors. Julia Lucas, Leah Murray and Andra Veleta were named to the girls academic all-state first team.
BOYS SOCCER WINS SECTIONAL TITLE
CGHS boys soccer fought to an undefeated regular season at 15-0, and ranked number one in the state and nation. The Trojans won a state-record 26th sectional with a 5-1 win against East Central in the finals. CGHS was eliminated from the state tournament with a 2-0 road loss to 3A number-seven state-ranked Bloomington South in the regional final. The Trojans ended the season with an impressive 18-1 record. Keaton Barnhizer was named first-team all-state, Austin Lowden earned second-team allstate honors, and Neikos Whitney was honorable-mention all-state. Barnhizer, Lowden, Whitney, Lucas Brunson, Landon Gilstorf, Saul Greenwood, Roman Heller, Evan Hewitt and Owen Kalmas earned academic all-state honors.
CG girls cross country placed third in the Shelbyville Sectional
CG senior soccer player Owen Dorrell in the Regional final versus Bloomington South
