Center Grove Magazine March 2024

TO DYE FOR DYE’S WALK COUNTRY CLUB FEATURES GREAT GOLF AND A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY

MARCH 2024

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TO DYE FOR

Dye’s Walk Country Club Features Great Golf and a Close-Knit Community

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome, March!

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WHISKERS ON WHEELS

Humane Society’s Mobile Unit Brings Adoptable Animals on the Road

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JUST EATING IT UP

The Traveling Foodie Guyde Builds Substantial Instagram Following Through Culinary Adventures

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HELPFUL HAVEN

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THE BEST UNDER THE SUN

Inaugural Soar and Sound Music Festival to Provide a Lively Backdrop for Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

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SPRING IS COMING CRISS-CROSS WORD PUZZLE

RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS FOR WOMEN

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CGHS TROJANS TAKING THEIR GAME TO NEW HEIGHTS

MARCH 2024

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

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CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Center Grove Alumni and Friends Establishes Hall of Fame

4 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

KEY CONTRIBUTORS NATHAN CHAPPELLE KEVIN CONRAD LISA COX PHOTOGRAPHY KEEGAN GRAY JILL GRIFFITH CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING CECILEY HYDE MICHELLE KAUFMANN FREDDA KOVACS BETH KREJSA RENEE LARR JENNIFER RAKOW

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Bargersville Community Fire Department Station 201 Installs Safe Haven Baby Box

/CENTERGROVEMAG

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

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM

/CENTERGROVEMAGAZINE

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

FROM THE PUBLISHER

WELCOME, MARCH! That phrase always brings a smile. Indeed, spring is officially just a few weeks away and that means a new season of increasingly warmer temperatures, longer daylight and lots more sunshine.

March ushers in a season of hope and growth, and so much to look forward to.

In keeping with that theme, you’ll find a lot to look forward to in this month’s issue of Center Grove Magazine. You will cross paths with old friends and meet some new friends. You’ll learn about the Soar and Sound Music Festival - a new annual event kicking off its inaugural year by celebrating the total solar eclipse. You’ll read about the months-long, passionate group effort to secure a Safe Haven Baby Box at Bargersville Fire Department Station 201. You’ll find some very insightful financial planning tips, and be inspired to grab your family (and your clubs!) and visit Dye’s Walk Country Club, where there is truly something for everyone.

These local stories and many more are right inside this issue… and online…and on our social media platforms…and in email newsletters. Every month, a fresh new issue of Center Grove Magazine is mailed to over 13,000 addresses in our community, and found in many retailers, restaurants, bakeries, salons and barbers, and medical offices. We communicate all month long to our 5,000-plus digital friends and followers. It’s our greatest pleasure and highest honor to deliver local stories of interest about your community right to you - your mailbox, your inbox, your desktop, tablet and phone.

As publisher, I always welcome your involvement. Whether it’s a story suggestion, comment, compliment or criticism, I appreciate your thoughts and encourage you to continue to share them with me.

And, as always, I sincerely thank each and every advertiser. Your support of Center Grove Magazine also serves to support our community. We ALL thank you!

Wishing you a month filled with magically delicious luck and basketball madness.

And Happy Easter on March 31!

FREDDA KOVACS, PUBLISHER Fredda@townepost.com

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 5

WHISKERS ON WHEELS HUMANE SOCIETY’S MOBILE UNIT BRINGS ADOPTABLE ANIMALS ON THE ROAD

Writer / Michelle Kaufmann Photography Provided

When a green bus pulls up to locations across Johnson County, excited humans aren’t on board anticipating a field trip.

Instead, Frank and Aggie, two Great Pyrenees dogs, welcome people to the Whiskers on Wheels unit.

The program allows the Humane Society of Johnson County (HSJC) to travel with adoptable animals to events or places like nursing homes, to help people 6 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

decompress and smile. Frank and Aggie are the program’s ambassadors and live at the Humane Society permanently.

“They can go from a newborn to a 90-yearold and their temperament is incredible,” said HSJC Executive Director Anne Sutton.

“Everyone looks forward to seeing them.

When we go to schools I hear kids say, ‘Oh my gosh, the polar bears are here!’ They’ve kind of created a little celebrity following.

They can hear the bus starting from their suite. I can open the garage door and they run straight to the bus to get on.”

Sutton got the idea for Whiskers on Wheels after receiving multiple inquiries about

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“I thought we needed something that could eliminate some of these barriers,” she said.

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The Whiskers on Wheels bus, which has room for dogs and cats, has traveled to corporations, Clark-Pleasant schools, Franklin College’s counseling department and other locations.

During one trip, Sutton and Whiskers on Wheels went to an adult day facility.

“I caught the eyes of one of the nonverbal adults who was sitting on the bus with Frank and Aggie,” she said. “[I saw] the joy that was on his face, and when we locked eyes he smiled so big. Aggie laid her head on his lap and in that moment, I just knew that what we were doing was the right thing. It brought me to tears. I just knew we need to continue to reach whoever and wherever we can.”

Several animals have been adopted through the program, which also builds awareness about the Humane Society.

“Oftentimes people don’t even realize that there’s a Humane Society in Johnson County, and you don’t know there is one until maybe you need one,” Sutton said. “We have a wealth of resources for people and their animals. Our goal is to help people keep animals in their home instead of having to surrender them.”

The HSJC offers free vaccination clinics throughout the year and a monthly pet food pantry.

The Humane Society is working to keep Whiskers on Wheels a free program.

For more information or to book a visit, call 317-535-6626 or visit hsjc.org/ services/whiskers-on-wheels.

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p tU

Just Eatin

I g

THE TRAVELING FOODIE GUYDE BUILDS SUBSTANTIAL INSTAGRAM FOLLOWING THROUGH CULINARY ADVENTURES Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Transforming your passion into a profitable career is the ultimate aspiration for many individuals. One such inspiring example is Markiss Stone, aka the Traveling Foodie Guyde. Stone ingeniously combined his love for travel and food to create a lucrative business venture.

10 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

“I was traveling quite a bit all around the world for fun, and I noticed when I was going out to eat on these nice vacations, I was still ordering the types of food I would here in the United States,” Stone says. “I thought to myself, ‘I have to stop doing this.

I must get out of my comfort zone and start trying new things.’ ”

Stone returned home with a mission - to indulge in the country’s finest delicacies and document his gastronomic journey. He knew he was sure to amass a large following with his captivating personality.

“I was hoping to offset some of the cost of my travels by partnering with different

restaurants,” Stone says. “I got home and immediately booked a trip to New York because I had never been there. After that, I did the same for Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky.”

However, unforeseen circumstances forced Stone to put his adventures on hold when a colleague fell ill, and he had to assume additional responsibilities at his day job. Determined to continue producing content, Stone decided to explore his own backyard for culinary gems. Despite never considering Indiana to have a vibrant food scene, he discovered numerous unique restaurants and delectable dishes within the state.

Bistro, The Up Cellar and Coffeehouse 5, as well as Revery in Greenwood and Main & Madison in Franklin.

Drawing on his education in radio and television communications, Stone utilized his self-taught photography skills to capture the essence of each local haunt he visited.

While he initially relied on a DSLR camera, he recognized the increasing capabilities of smartphones to create stunning visuals.

“Now we’ve evolved that our phones have such great cameras,” Stone says. “If you know what you’re doing with lighting, framing and composition, you can create some great photos and videos.”

“I never really thought about Indiana as having an interesting food scene,” Stone says. “I started exploring more places throughout the state and finding out we have many unique restaurants and food right here.”

To maximize his online presence, Stone delved into the intricacies of Instagram’s algorithm, posting content frequently and engaging with his followers regularly.

Balancing his full-time job, Stone dedicated his days off to exploring four to six restaurants every week.

Deservedly so, Bargersville was on his radar.

Stone has profiled Our Table American

Stone’s infectious enthusiasm for food, evident in his larger-than-life facial

expressions, shines through in his content.

Whether flawlessly executing a cheese pull or savoring a juicy burger, he seeks out exceptional pizza pies, tempting libations at breweries and wineries, and unique experiences at trendy attractions. Within a few short years, the Traveling Foodie Guyde has accumulated an impressive 84,000-plus followers.

“I kept making goals for myself and exceeding them rather quickly,” Stone says. “It’s sort of a shoot for the moon and land among the stars. I love establishing a great relationship with my audience. I love talking to people in the comment sections or seeing them in Target when I’m out.

The relationship I’ve established in the community is more important than the amount of followers.”

Nonetheless, Stone admits it would be a dream come true if his content creation could fully fund his future travels. Follow him on Instagram @travelingfoodieguyde.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 11

HELPFUL HAVEN

BARGERSVILLE COMMUNITY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 201 INSTALLS SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX Writer / Fredda Kovacs Photography Provided

Bargersville Community Fire Department Station 201 is the newest location of a Safe Haven Baby Box. This is the 114th safe surrender box in Indiana and the third in Johnson County.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes provides new parents in crisis an option to safely and legally surrender their infant while remaining anonymous.

Located on the

12 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

north side of Station 201, parents can open the secure door and place the baby in a safe, temperature-controlled incubator. Sixty seconds after the door is closed, an alarm sounds, alerting authorities that a baby has been surrendered. The baby is then immediately taken for medical assessment and treatment.

This initiative was of particular importance to Deputy Fire Chief Michael Pruitt. In 2014,

while working for the Wayne Township Fire Department, a call was received about

an abandoned baby found in a trash can at a place of work. What made this situation even more tragic was that the fire station was located right across the street. The infant could have been safely surrendered there.

“A lot of discussion ensued,” says Pruitt.

“In the end it all came down to a lack of education and awareness about options.

Since then it has always been in my mind, ‘What can we do to change that?’”

Plans for this baby box have been in motion for months. Overwhelming approval and support was given by Fire Chief Eric Funkhouser and Johnson County commissioners. Assistance for funding was provided by the Johnson County Health Department’s public health preparedness funds, per Director Betsy Swearingen.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. was founded

by Monica Kelsey, after learning she was abandoned as an infant, and inspired by a

baby box she saw in operation at a church in Cape Town, South Africa. Their mission is to prevent illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness, offering a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis and offering the baby box as an option for women who want to maintain complete anonymity.

To date, across multiple states, 42 babies have been safely surrendered in the Safe Haven Baby Boxes and over 140 parents have surrendered their infant in person, hand to hand.

“We are very thankful to everyone involved that this is in place today,” says Pruitt. “It is not just for people in Bargersville. It’s available to anyone who needs to surrender their baby in a safe and loving way.”

Bargersville Fire Department Station 201 is located at 3991 North State Road 135. Text or call the Safe Haven Baby Boxes crisis line at 1-866-99BABY1, and visit shbb.org.

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CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTORS

CENTER GROVE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS ESTABLISHES HALL OF FAME Writer / Jennifer Rakow Photography Provided

Helen B Barnes, MD

Throughout their history, Center Grove schools have produced people who have left an impact on the community, the state and the world. Now, officials want to recognize those extraordinary Trojans in the newly formed Hall of Fame.

Center Grove Alumni and Friends has created a Hall of Fame to honor graduates and community members for their professional achievements and personal contributions to the lives of others and society. By publicly putting a spotlight on these people, their example will hopefully serve to inspire future graduates to perform and serve in the same spirit, said Jennifer Rakow, executive director of the Center Grove Education Foundation.

“We have alumni who are doing amazing, amazing things, and we’re excited to be able to showcase that,” said Rakow. “We have alumni and community members who have done a lot to give back to the community and the school corporation.”

The inaugural class of 2024 includes three 14 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

Jeff Beck accepting the Hall of Fame award presented by Jennifer Rakow, Executive Director, Center Grove Education Foundation.

outstanding representatives.

The first inductee is the late Dr. Helen B. Barnes. She was one of five founding doctors of Johnson Memorial Hospital in 1946. Dr. Barnes was also one of five members elected to Center Grove’s first school board. She was committed to attracting top-notch teachers and coaches to enhance the reputation of Center Grove schools in a growing community.

The next inductee is Jeff Beck. He is a 1967 graduate of Center Grove High School and is retired from Eli Lilly. Beck is passionate about preserving the history of Center Grove and Johnson County.

In 2004 he wrote a book titled “Center Grove: Unveiling the Past,” which provides a historical look at our school corporation and the community.

The final inductee is retired Major General R. Martin Umbarger. He is the past adjutant general of Indiana - having led the Indiana Army and Air National Guard. He is also president and chief executive officer of Roy

Major General R. Martin Umbarger

Umbarger and Sons, Inc., an agricultural wholesale and retail business located in Bargersville. General Umbarger has received numerous military awards and has been active in his community with numerous organizations.

All three inductees will be honored at the Center Grove Education Foundation’s Gala for the Grove on Saturday, April 13. You can purchase tickets for that event at centergrovefoundation.org.

Do you know someone who should be considered for the Hall of Fame? Visit the Hall of Fame page on the foundation website to view the eligibility criteria and learn more about the selection process.

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KYLE BAUMANN, PGA Director of Golf/General Manager

16 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography / Keegan Gray; Nathan Chappelle, Chappelle Collective

The world is made up of introverts and extroverts, social butterflies and wallflowers, performers and spectators, but the one thing we all have in common is the pull toward human connection. This is why we like to gather with others at concert venues, sporting events, church sanctuaries and coffee shops. We not only crave, but thrive on community connection.

Dye’s Walk Country Club, a Johnson County staple for more than six decades, provides that connection not only for golfers, but also for their families. In 1960, Pete and Alice Dye, who came to be known as the power couple of the golf course architecture world, traveled from their home in Carmel to Greenwood, to walk the farmland on the southwest corner of Olive Branch Road and State Road 135. Real estate developers Henry and Bill Nordsieck had plans to transform the land into a nice neighborhood and beautiful golf course. This was the Dyes’ first golf course design, and the club opened in TownePost.com | March 2024 | 17

1961 as the El Dorado. They built the back nine, which at the time was the only nine.

“The rumor is that Pete and Alice drove sod down in their station wagon and planted it on the greens,” says Kyle Baumann, Director of Golf/General Manager at Dye’s Walk.

Through the years the name of the club has changed from the El Dorado to Royal Oak to Dye’s Walk. Prior to any name change, however, a second nine was added in the early 1970s by Indianapolis golf course architect Gary Kern. In 2007 Pete Dye, who was living in Florida at the time, came back to walk the grounds, for a potential redesign.

That’s how the name Dye’s Walk was coined.

Part of the strategic planning process that started in 2014 was to provide continuity in the member experience. This initiated a $2 million capital improvement plan, which started with purchasing the corner property at the entrance. They built the Clubhouse Annex, which is essentially an adjacent clubhouse. The 5,000-square-foot building houses their golf shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms, three golf simulators, and a bar. This enables the club to provide full food and beverage dining, golf instruction, and golf leagues over the wintertime. To enhance the course experience, the club leaders also had all of the tees leveled and reconstructed the bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker system.

They provide club fittings, playing lessons, and full swing analyzation software, in addition to several types of leagues. They have a setup of weekly courses that one plays with a partner. During January and February, they follow the PGA tour.

“We spent a lot of time and effort making sure that experience is great for all members 18 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

and guests,” Baumann says.

Jeff Goben, a member of the club for more than 60 years, has enjoyed countless memories at Dye’s Walk including weddings, wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, class reunions, New Year’s Eve gatherings, retirement shindigs, and celebrations of life.

Many golfers sign up for tournaments for the social aspect more than anything. All types of players enjoy the course, from the amateur to the seasoned and retirees that love nothing more than to spend their days socializing and playing golf with their buddies.

“Every tournament is shaped in such a way that you don’t have to be the best golfer, but you feel important for every round of golf you play,” says Brian Brames, a five-year Resident Family member. “This means that there’s an opportunity for all levels to participate, and to contribute and compete based on your handicap.”

“My wonderful memories of this country club are numerous and I cherish every one of them,” says Goben, who earned the nickname of the Mayor by his buddies, due to his enduring membership. “The thing I love most about Dye’s Walk is the members and staff. This is where friendships are made, No matter where you are in life, there’s a and great fun and fellowship is had by all.” place for you at Dye’s Walk. They have one of the largest and most robust PGA junior Dye’s Walk is the only member-owned leagues in the area. It offers kids aged 8 to 13 golf course in Johnson County, and it’s a the chance to participate in five instructional family-oriented club that’s devoted to the clinics before moving into league-formatted community. For instance, they started a play, enabling kids to play nine holes every group called Eagles & Birdies. It’s made Monday night for five weeks. The kids up of wives and kids from the club who compete with one another in-house, and they participate in various activities that give also participate in an all-star tournament at back to the community. In December they the end of the year. Two years ago they won solicited donations, then stuffed hundreds the regional championship. of gift bags with games, candy, lip balm, tissues, coffee mugs, water bottles and Members also love all the social offerings gift cards, and dropped them off at Riley at Dye’s Walk. Nearly every month, they Hospital for Children. have a ladies, men’s or couple’s social event.

In addition, members can enjoy Breakfast In addition, for the last several years, Dye’s With Santa, Breakfast With the Easter Walk has been the site for many charitable Bunny and a Halloween Bingo party. events, conducted by both members and nonmembers, which has enabled Their restaurant offers a full menu of them to have an impact on families and entrées, sandwiches, soups and salads. The organizations that extend throughout swimming pool, open from Memorial Day Johnson County and surrounding areas. to Labor Day, features an outdoor pergola and casual dining atmosphere, which is Dye’s Walk offers a full tournament great if dad wants to play golf and mom schedule, with 20-plus tournaments throughout the season for men, women and wants to take the kids to the pool, or vice juniors, including parent-child tournaments. versa. The family can then have lunch or get

changed in the locker rooms and attend a social event in the evening.

Dye’s Walk Country Club offers memberships for Resident Single, Resident Family, and Junior Executive (40 years or younger). If a spouse joins as a Resident Single, their family still has access to the restaurant. Also, if a spouse doesn’t golf, he or she can still participate in the social events. The Resident Family membership (the most popular) includes everything - bar, restaurant, pool, and as much golf as you want.

Shannon Johnson and her husband, Scott,

Although in the past decade technology has who joined Dye’s Walk 15 years ago, treasure the special moments they’ve shared become king and people are often glued to their devices, we still long to commune with within this golf community. nature, breathe fresh air, indulge in a round of golf, and socialize with friends.

“We’ve improved our golf games, enjoyed great experiences and met really wonderful Come check out Dye’s Walk - where the people,” says Johnson. “The people we’ve legend began. met through this membership are some of our dearest friends that we will cherish for a Dye’s Walk Country Club is located at lifetime.”

2080 South State Road 135 in Greenwood.

For more info and membership details, Just as Pete Dye walked the grounds years contact Kyle Baumann at 317-535-8635 ago, many have followed after him, with more to come. Dye’s Walk continues to help or kbaumann@dyeswalkcc.com. Also visit dyeswalkcc.com. develop these valued human connections.

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THE BEST UNDER THE SUN INAUGURAL SOAR AND SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL TO PROVIDE A LIVELY BACKDROP FOR UPCOMING TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

Writer / Fredda Kovacs

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 21

I

n a celestial spectacle unlike any other, the 2024 total solar eclipse is set to grace the skies and carve a path of totality right over our backyards. What better way to celebrate this cosmic event than with the inaugural Soar and Sound Music Festival?

That’s just what JACS Production, LLC Co-owners Suzanne Fortenberry and Joe Burger have planned for all to enjoy.

The inaugural Soar and Sound Music Festival is set for Sunday, April 7, and Monday, April 8 at German Park. This event promises a fusion of music, gastronomy, entertainment, education and astronomical wonder, all against the backdrop of the eclipse.

“We’re excited to present this to the south side of Indy,” says Fortenberry. “While there are events taking place all over Indianapolis, this offers not only an unforgettable experience for your family and friends, but also convenience. People might not realize it now, but the ease of travel and parking and access to the venue is a huge benefit to the overall experience.”

Across the entire path of totality, from Mexico to Canada, Johnson County and south Indianapolis will experience one of the longest

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durations of totality - over four minutes.

“German Park offers unparalleled viewing,” says Fortenberry. “Approved specialty viewing glasses are provided with each admission. We want everyone to be safely prepared to witness this historic event in all its splendor.”

At the heart of the festival lies its organizers’ commitment to entertainment and enrichment. With live music performances featuring a diverse lineup of talented artists, attendees can groove to the rhythm of various genres while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the array of culinary delights served up by food trucks, offering everything from gourmet treats to comfort classics. Beer and wine will also be available.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival also aims to educate and inspire. An educational presentation about the eclipse will deepen attendees’ understanding of this rare celestial event, offering insights into its scientific significance.

As the inaugural Soar and Sound Music Festival unfolds against the backdrop of the 2024 total solar eclipse, it marks the beginning of a new annual tradition - a celebration of music, enrichment and community.

A portion of profits will be put right back into benefiting the community by way of donations to various nonprofit organizations.

“Being able to bring this festival to the south side each year is a dream come true for Joe and me - for JACS Production,” says Fortenberry. “While there won’t be a total solar eclipse each year, there will be great entertainment, immersive experiences and a warm sense of community.”

For those seeking a unique perspective, the festival offers the opportunity to take to the skies in tethered hot air balloons, providing a breathtaking vantage point. Games and activities will engage attendees of all ages.

The evening begins with a Drum Down the Sound ceremony followed by a balloon Glow Visit soarandsound.com for more details.

Up. The balloons will illuminate the darkened Find them on Facebook and Instagram sky, creating an awesome visual spectacle and @soarandsound. adding a magical touch to the evening.

Music Lineup SOAR AND SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Allie Jean & The Banisters Anneliese & Ali Clayton Lewis Dale Bitner

Jason Wells Band Levi Riggs Pushing Daisy’s Band Rebekah Meldrum Band Ricki Comeaux

Gala for the Grove Benefitting Center Grove students and teachers

Saturday, April 13, 2024 Indiana Roof Ballroom Reserve your seats centergrovefoundation.org 317.881.9326 ext. 1530

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Spring Is Coming ACROSS

DOWN

4. ____ Plumbing, quality plumbing at an affordable price

1. CG ____ Network, your source for Trojan sports

5. ____ Dentistry, a dental office designed around you

2. ____ makes corn, corn makes whiskey

8. Warning about a poorly hit ball heading someone’s way

3. Popular phrase for college basketball tournament

10. Typically known as the 19th Hole

6. A diminutive supernatural being in Irish folklore

14. Resurrection Sunday

7. First day of spring, March 19, 2024

15. March vacation enjoyed by students (and teachers!)

9. Dye’s ____ Country Club

16. In like a lion, out like a_

12. Soar & Sound Music

17. Traditional Easter flower symbolizing joy 18. Due on April 15th 19. My ____ Detailing, premium detailing service for cars, trucks, and motorcycles 20. Whiskers On

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11. Erin go ____ 13. Bargersville Deputy Fire Chief, ____ Pruitt Use the clues to fill in the words above.

Words can go across or down.

Letters are shared when the words intersect.

RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS FOR WOMEN Writer / Jill Griffith, AAMS™, CDFA® Photographer / Lisa Cox Photography

Women face unique challenges when planning for retirement. They may spend less time in the workforce and earn less money than men due to caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, women tend to live longer than men, which means potentially stretching limited savings and benefits over many years. To help manage these challenges, consider the following tips.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE SO, BEGIN SAVING NOW Start with a realistic assessment of how much you’ll need to save. An online retirement savings goal-setting calculator can help. If the figure is substantial, don’t be discouraged - the most important thing is to begin saving now. The chart below shows how just $2,000 invested annually at a 6% rate of return might grow over time: AGE YOU BEGIN SAVING FOR RETIREMENT

AMOUNT YOU COULD SAVE BY AGE 65

20

$451,016

30

$236,242

40

$116,313

50

$49,345

60

$11,951

Note: This hypothetical example of mathematical principles is used for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the performance of any specific investment. Results assume reinvestment of all earnings. Fees, expenses and taxes are not considered and would reduce the performance shown if they were included. Actual results will vary.

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SAVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN If you have a retirement savings plan available through your employer, like a 401(k) or 403(b), consider enrolling and contributing as much as possible. Your contributions are deducted from your pay and some employers will match a portion of your contribution.

SAVE FOR RETIREMENT - NO MATTER WHAT If you’re a caregiver, you can still save for retirement. If you’re married, file your income taxes jointly, and otherwise qualify, you may open and contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA, as long as your spouse has enough earned income to cover the contributions.

Both types of IRAs allow you to make contributions of up to $7,000 in 2024, or, if less, 100% of taxable compensation. If you’re age 50 or older, you’re allowed to contribute even more - up to $8,000 in 2024.** PLAN FOR INCOME IN RETIREMENT It’s realistic to worry about outliving your retirement income.

Women should plan for a retirement that will last at least 20 to 30 years. They should also consider the possibility of spending some of those years alone. To ensure you have enough income to last throughout retirement, estimate how much you’ll need and find out how much you can expect from Social Security and pension plans.

Set a savings goal, save regularly, and consider how you can protect yourself from long-term care expenses.

3. DON’T PRIORITIZE YOUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION OVER YOUR RETIREMENT Many well-intentioned parents put their own retirement savings on hold while they save for their children’s college education. But if you do so, you’re potentially sacrificing your own financial wellbeing. Your children have many options when it comes to financing college - loans, grants and scholarships, for example - but there’s no such thing as a retirement loan.

4. DON’T NEGLECT TO LEARN THE BASICS OF INVESTING If you’re unfamiliar with common investment terms such as diversification, asset allocation, and compounding, you can broaden your knowledge in as little as a few minutes each day.

A simple web search can reveal hundreds of educational articles and videos. And remember, you don’t have to do it by yourself - a financial professional will be happy to work with you to set retirement goals and help you choose appropriate investments.

UNDERSTAND THESE IMPORTANT “DON’TS” 1. DON’T AVOID THE PLANNING PROCESS Retirement planning may not be your top priority but neglecting it now can impact your future. Staying focused on your goal of saving for a comfortable retirement is difficult, but if you put yourself first, it could pay off in the end.

2. DON’T RELY ON YOUR SPOUSE Married or not, it’s critical for women to take an active role in planning for retirement. Consider that you may be forced to make important financial decisions quickly during a period of crisis.

Preparing for retirement - or any financial goal - with your spouse could help ensure that you’re both well-informed when the time comes to make the critical choices.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC *There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results. **Roth IRAs impose income limits on the ability to make contributions. There are no such limitations on Traditional IRA contributions, which may or may not be tax deductible, depending on your income.

JILL GRIFFITH, AAMS™, CDFA® Financial Advisor Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Raymond James & Associates 1530 American Way, Suite 230 Greenwood, IN 317-885-0114

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 27

CGHS TROJANS TAKING THEIR GAME TO NEW HEIGHTS Writer / Kevin Conrad Photography Provided by Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Rams, Beth Krejsa, and Ceciley Hyde

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Center Grove junior guard Lilly Bischoff set the girls basketball school record for most assists in a season.

GIRLS BASKETBALL TAKES DOWN DEFENDING STATE CHAMP IN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Center Grove High School (CGHS) girls basketball won its sixth regional title by defeating Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) 48-27 on the home court of the defending state champs. The Trojans outscored BNL 33-18 in the second half to secure the victory. Junior Lilly Bischoff led the CGHS team with 18 points, senior Rachel Wirts scored 12, and junior Ava Grant added 10. The Trojans advanced to the regional after winning the sectional championship at Mooresville, where they won their 23rd sectional title by defeating Bloomington South, Greenwood and Mooresville.

BISCHOFF SETS SCHOOL RECORD Center Grove junior guard Lilly Bischoff broke the school record for the most assists in a season, surpassing the previous record of 137 set during the 2000-2001 season.

She achieved this feat by providing a season-high 11 assists in a 77-32 home win over Heritage Christian. After the Trojans’ victory versus BNL, Bischoff ’s season tally of assists stood at 158.

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YESTERYEAR’S BOYS BASKETBALL STARS CELEBRATED

Center Grove boys basketball hosted the All Decades Game in the historic West Gym, honoring CG boys basketball alumni.

GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING FINISH SEVENTH IN STATE FINALS

CGHS honored its former boys basketball players, coaches, staff, cheerleaders and student managers during halftime of the All Decades Game against Floyd Central in the historic West Gym. These individuals represented the past nine decades of CGHS boys basketball, dating back to the 1940s.

CGHS defeated Floyd Central 79-45, and was led by senior players Joey Schmitz with 23 points, Will Spellman with 17, Ben Chestnut with 11, and Dylan Meador with 10.

Center Grove Girls Swimming & Diving placed seventh in the state finals.

CGHS girls swimming and diving had another great season, winning the sectional and county titles and placing seventh in the state finals. It was the Trojans’ 29th sectional and third in a row. Here are CGHS’s top performers in the state finals who also earned all-state honors: 50 freestyle - Lara Phipps, fifth place 100 freestyle - Lara Phipps, second place 200 freestyle relay - Lexi Stuart, Addyson Matern, Tenley Wilkins, Lara Phipps, Isabella Ferguson, Clara Brandon, Karlie Dodd, Kayla Fischer, second place 100 breaststroke - Karlie Dodd, sixth place 400 freestyle relay - Lexi Stuart, Clara Brandon, Addyson Matern, Lara Phipps, Kayla Fischer, Isabella Ferguson, Cira Mazdai, seventh place

No. 3 State-Ranked Center Grove Wrestling’s State qualifiers.

WRESTLERS TAKE SECTIONAL BY STORM Number-three state-ranked CGHS wrestling won the sectional title at Mooresville and set the sectional record for the most team points, with 324.5. CGHS has won 19 sectional championships and four under Head Coach Maurice Swain. All 14 of CGHS’s wrestlers advanced to the regional and 12 of them were individual sectional champs. In the regional and semi-state, the Trojans placed second behind number-two state-ranked Brownsburg, and had five regional champs, four semi-state champs and 10 state qualifiers.

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Former Center Grove basketball standout Trayce Jackson-Davis is thriving in his NBA rookie season with the Golden State Warriors.

season finale, Yeast led the Rams in tackles with seven in a 21-20 win at San Francisco. He was awarded the game ball from his head coach for his excellent defensive play. Yeast has played in 32 games and has amassed 81 tackles, 53 solo tackles and 28 assisted tackles.

Former Center Grove football great Russ Yeast playing safety for the Los Angeles Rams in a game in Indianapolis against the Colts on October 1. Yeast had five tackles to help the Rams to a 29-23 OT win.

TRAYCE JACKSON-DAVIS AND RUSS YEAST RISING YOUNG STARS IN THE NBA AND NFL CGHS alums Trayce Jackson-Davis (TJD) of the Golden State Warriors and Russ Yeast of the Los Angeles Rams are budding talents in the NBA and NFL. TJD became the first CGHS alum to be drafted into the NBA, taken in the second round with the 57th pick of the 2023 draft. Yeast was the first CGHS graduate to be drafted into the NFL, selected 253rd in the seventh round of the 2022 draft.

TJD, CGHS’s only Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American, is in his rookie season with the Warriors, and is averaging more than six points per game and four rebounds a game. He returned to the Hoosier state for the first time for a game against the Indiana Pacers on February 8. TJD was welcomed by the hometown fans with a standing ovation and chants of “T-J-D” throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

He had six points, two rebounds and a blocked shot in four minutes of action, in a 131-109 win against the Pacers.

Yeast, Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year his senior year at CGHS, just completed his second year with the Rams. He played in the NFC Wild Card game this season, becoming the first Trojan to play in an NFL postseason game. He had five tackles from his safety position in a 24-23 playoff road loss to the Detroit Lions. In the regular

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