THE ALLEN FAMILY BUSINESS LEGACY
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PUBLISHER
FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
JOANNA BLOSS
LAUREN CASEY BEMIS
KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING MASON LEE
AARON MILBOURN
MILESTONE MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY PANTAGES PHOTOGRAPHY
Adalynn Jessen’s Legacy to the World
Center Grove Indoor Percussion Provides a New Stage for a Broadway
Johnson
RICHARD SITLER
CHELSEA SCHNEIDER WGI SPORT OF THE ARTS
JULIE YATES GUY ZIMMER
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
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER
Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
The greatest spectacle in racing. Warmer weather. Open-air farmer’s markets. A holiday around a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Farmer’s Markets
Fresh fruit, produce, pastries, flowers, and handmade crafts, as well as other items will be available all summer at local Farmer’s Markets.
BARGERSVILLE FARMER’S MARKET
Wednesdays, 5 PM – 7 PM | 24 N. Main St.
FRANKLIN FARMER’S MARKET
Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | 237 W. Monroe St.
GREENWOOD FARMER’S MARKET
Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | 525 N. Madison Ave.
WHITELAND FARMER’S MARKET
Fridays, 5:30 PM – 8 PM | 549 E. Main St.
May the Fourth Be With You
Every May 4th, the world pauses to celebrate a landmark series of movies that take place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Do or do not. There is no try.
Cinco de Mayo
Raise your margarita glass to Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Check out Tacos & Brews and Don Cuervo Fresh Made Mexican, now with two locations, amazing margs, guac, and salsa.
Mother’s Day
Shower Mom with all the love on Sunday, May 11.
Dining Al Fresco
Whether its on your deck at home or at one of our favorite local establishments, dining outdoors enhances all the springtime feels.
Explore Nature
Earth is bursting with life right now. Flowers are blooming. Bees are buzzing. Baby birds are hatching. Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, and classes are just some of the activities to enjoy at Indiana State Parks. Make this the year you visit them all.
The Indy 500 Presented by Gainbridge
It wouldn’t be May in Indy without the worldrenowned Indy 500, aka the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Sunday, May 25th, marks the 109th running of the largest single-day sporting event on the planet. All Hoosiers, at least once in their lifetime, should witness it live at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Memorial Day
For 157 years, America remembers, mourns, and pays tribute to U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. While this weekend traditionally marks the kickoff of summer, let’s honor them with our deepest thanks and appreciation.
NEED A NEW HIP?
JMH offers new, less invasive hip replacement surgery
Say goodbye to hip pain with Anterior Hip Replacement surgery at Johnson Memorial Health
Are you struggling with hip pain that’s preventing you from living your best life? Johnson Memorial Health is proud to offer anterior hip replacement surgery, a cutting-edge procedure designed to get you back on your feet faster and with less post-operative pain.
Here’s why patients choose JMH for anterior hip replacement surgery:
• Minimally Invasive Approach: smaller incision, less muscle disruption, quicker recovery.
• Greater Precision: Dr. St. Germain, fellowship-trained in total join replacement surgery, utilizes OrthoGrid AI-assisted technology.
• Personalized Care: our compassionate team is focused on your unique needs, from consultation to recovery.
• Close to Home: world-class care, conveniently located here in Franklin.
Nicholas St. Germain, MD
A HOMETOWN HERO
ADALYNN JESSEN’S LEGACY TO THE WORLD
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography / Milestone Moments Photography
Addie Mae Jessen was 2 years old when she and her parents moved from downtown Greenwood to a farm east of Franklin. The tiny, blonde farm girl spent her days playing with chickens and goats, riding the tractor, and pedaling around the farm on her bicycle or her little pink tractor.
In July 2020 her mother, Kate, noticed that Addie’s head was tilting to the side. Initially the doctor thought it was a neck sprain that would improve with ice and rest. A mother’s intuition told her that there was something more.
“We were watching the movie Frozen and Addie said, ‘Mommy, I see two Elsas,’” says Kate Jessen, who has a background in neuro-ophthalmology. “Her double vision triggered my neuro brain.”
Over the next few days, Kate and her husband, Zach, noticed Addie’s depth perception was off as she maneuvered the playground equipment. After a second opinion, a CT scan revealed a mass in Addie’s brain, before an MRI confirmed catastrophic news. Addie had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). It was a terminal cancer due to the location of the tumor on her brain stem, making it inoperable.
“We were told she had six months to live and that we should go home and make memories,” Jessen says. “We had other plans. We were going to do everything we could while praying for a miracle.”
Research led them to The Cure Starts Now, which funds pediatric cancer research and clinical trials. It also provides support for
families enduring childhood brain cancer. The family went to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to take part in a clinical trial completely funded by The Cure Starts Now. Although Addie’s condition was incurable, they knew her participation in the study could potentially help other children. The trial required Addie to swallow close to 90 pills a week. She also underwent 30 rounds of sedated radiation and was constantly getting stuck, poked and swabbed.
“She was a warrior through it all,” Jessen says.
Ultimately her tumor shrank, which gave her more quality time.
One of the hardest parts of Addie’s treatment was how radiation affected her appearance. Chemo caused her hair to fall
out, and steroids prompted weight gain.
“She didn’t want to look in the mirror because she didn’t like her reflection, which broke my heart,” Jessen says. To cheer her up, the Jessens were able to buy Addie a rescued retired barrel horse from Texas with funds raised by Michael Clark, co-founder of BAM Weather and family, after finding out that Addie couldn’t travel to Disney World.
“Addie called Chester her white unicorn,” says Jessen, who notes that animals helped Addie’s emotional health during her journey. “We took her out to see the animals all the time, and Chester would lay his head on her shoulder.”
She got a small camper through the MakeA-Wish Foundation, and Addie would sit in it and watch the horses.
By December 2020 she had finished the bulk of radiation, and she had to have emergency shunt surgery on her brain because spinal fluid had built up, causing extreme pain and nausea. The following month she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer called leptomeningeal disease, which is cancer in the cerebrospinal fluid and leptomeninges - membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
“To get diagnosed with a second terminal cancer was a gut punch for us,” Jessen says.
Although doctors suggested she would likely only survive a few more weeks, Addie had other plans. She lived another five months with good quality, because of another clinical trial she was able to participate in at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
When Addie was nearing the end of her life on Earth, Jessen recalls a difficult conversation she shared with her precious daughter. Addie was lying in her hospice bed in the living room, and Kate cradled her hand and softly told her that she didn’t have to stick around any longer if she was ready to go.
“I said, ‘I know you’re in a broken body
right now. It’s OK to go run and be free and ride your bike,’” says Jessen. “I felt a squeeze on my hand. It was time.”
Addie passed away on May 13, 2021. Because her case was so unique, doctors asked the Jessens if they would consider donating their daughter’s full brain to research. They agreed.
To this day, doctors are still learning from Addie’s brain. They are also sending pieces of her tissue to different places that are researching this type of tumor.
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and we feel it’s what she would have wanted to do because she always liked helping others,” Jessen says.
“Her brain was her last donation - her gift of life to hopefully save another child in the future or give them a better outcome.”
After Addie passed, the Jessens wanted to continue her legacy by helping other children, so they started The Adalynn STRONG Chapter with The Cure Starts Now. Since 2021 they have
raised more than $220,000 for
“They focus on the home-run cure,” Jessen says. “Their thought is that if they can cure the biggest cancer bully - DIPG - then they can use those technologies to cure all of cancer.”
pediatric brain cancer research in Addie Mae’s honor.
SCAN TO REGISTER
In June 2024 the Jessens put on their first annual Storm Cancer event, presented by BAM Weather, to raise money for The Cure Starts Now. Even though it was a soggy, rainy day, the event attracted 400-plus participants and brought in more than $44,000 for pediatric cancer research and clinical trials.
When Amanda Kilgore and Michael Clark, two of the owners of BAM WX, first heard about Addie’s battle with brain cancer, they wanted to get involved.
“As parents of young children ourselves, their situation deeply affected us,” says Kilgore. They believed that the work of Adalynn STRONG and The Cure Starts Now was incredibly important.
“They not only fund critical research, but also provide essential support and a sense of community to families facing this devastating disease,” Kilgore says. “We are honored to be able to team up with them and help in any way we can.”
This year’s 5K will take place on May 17, which is National DIPG Awareness Day.
The Jessens now have twin children, Wrenlee and Waylon, who turn 3 this month. The twins, born on the same week that Addie passed, resurrected joy in Kate and Zach’s lives.
“It was so quiet after Addie died,” Jessen says. “Now the cartoons are on in the background. It’s chaotic and noisy again, and that’s nice.”
Jessen says the biggest life lesson Addie taught them is to always choose joy.
“Everyone deals with different levels of stress every day, and Addie would always say, ‘It’s going to be OK,’” Jessen says. “If she can choose joy, so can we. Addie never let cancer steal her joy. We find solace in knowing that this life is not our destination, and we will see Addie Mae again one day.”
To learn more about Addie and The Cure Starts Now, visit thecurestartsnow.org/getinvolved/chapters/indiana-adalynn-strong.
WORLDCLASS ARTS
CENTER GROVE INDOOR PERCUSSION PROVIDES A NEW STAGE FOR A BROADWAY STAR
Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis
For Center Grove Middle School Central student Henry Kirk, the performing arts are his passion. Henry first walked into dance class at the age of 3, when his younger sister, Emma, was hesitant to go into class, and he hasn’t stopped dancing and performing since that day.
“I got into musical theater through dance and I decided, ‘Why not do acting?’” says Henry. “My mom signed me up for a theater camp and I fell in love with it. I went to New York
and I was like, ‘I wanna do this.’”
Chelsea Schneider, Henry’s mom, says Henry is just a normal 13-year-old kid who is an old soul, and loves portraying different characters and performing. Henry started working with New York City-based Broadway Kids Auditions, got a vocal coach and a theatrical agent, and auditioned for the role of Gavroche in the North American tour of Les Miserables, which took him to stages across the country.
“His experience in competitive dance definitely provided an early opportunity
to gain confidence in his performance and character-development skills,” says Schneider.
In attendance at one of his Broadway Across America shows sat Josh Torres, director of percussion at Center Grove High School. He was blown away by Henry’s performance and didn’t know at the time that their paths would soon cross back home in Center Grove.
After finishing the tour, Henry was homeschooled for a while and then expressed interest in transferring to Center Grove Middle School Central (CGMSC) this past winter.
“Apparently his dad and I weren’t a cool
Photography / Lauren Casey Bemis; Chelsea Schneider; Guy Zimmer; WGI Sport of the Arts
enough lunch table, and he wanted to get back to a regular school,” says Schneider. “We were nervous and excited for Henry to attend in-person middle school for the first time.”
Schneider says she and her husband, Joey, were surprised how simple the transfer process was for Henry, and through a dance connection, he was asked to be part of the Indoor Percussion program’s performance at the high school along with longtime friend, Hayden Vondielingen, an eighth-grader at Center Grove Middle School North.
The youngest members of the program will help in the storytelling of this year’s Center Grove Indoor Percussion (CGIP) show, which includes nearly 60 student participants.
“This year’s show is called Faded Heroes,” says Torres. “What we wanted to do with Faded Heroes was kind of set the story around a little boy who is basically going through life as a normal little boy, kind of getting bullied, made to feel a little bit inferior.”
In Faded Heroes, Henry holds a comic book at the beginning, reading about superheroes. Throughout the performance he opens his shirt to reveal he has a superhero inside of him.
“This year’s show is really trying to teach the students about empowerment and that they are kind of the change they want to see in the world,” says Torres. “ We’ve really crafted a place that students can come to and just feel at home and feel excited about.”
“It definitely turned a larger school into a close-knit community,” says Schneider, who adds that Henry has also become involved in his middle school choir program and school musical. “CGMSC is the biggest school he’s ever attended, but we’ve discovered it’s the perfect place for him. We look forward to his involvement in arts programs in middle school and high school.”
CGIP traveled to the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, this April. For Henry, performing in front of a packed audience is nothing new, but the opportunity to represent his hometown and school is something special.
“I feel very honored to be able to represent Center Grove,” says Henry. “It’s a great team of people - a lot of great people. I made a lot of friends. It’s been really great.”
Torres says the CGIP team sees itself as a family.
“The more you invest in the group, the more you practice, the harder you work, the more you are deeply passionate about it,” says Torres. “You just watch them perform and you can see that passion. For me it’s really awesome because I’ve taught some of these students since they were in sixth grade, so I’ve got to watch them grow
as humans and as performers into these 18-year-old superstars.”
Center Grove is known for championship athletics, impressive facilities, high academic standards and world-class arts programming. It’s where students have an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.
“It is just really neat to watch them find their self-confidence and find their voice in this,” says Torres. “And it’s why we always tell students, ‘You don’t have to do marching band, you don’t have to do indoor percussion, but do something. Find something.’ Center Grove is this amazing place that has all kinds of things that you can be a part of, but being part of something is what really helps connect you to the community.”
SALTY WOODS
REVITALIZE WITH HALOTHERAPY EXPERIENCE
Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Pantages Photography
Salty Woods, located in The Nest building at 200 Byrd Way, Suite 115 in Greenwood, is a halotherapy wellness spa that helps clients feel their best. The relaxing and restorative space uses salt therapy to improve respiratory functions, renew skin health and boost immunity.
Shannon Seniour, who also owns The Station Hair Parlor, opened Salty Woods last June after experiencing the benefits of a salt-room spa.
“Just before COVID, a friend and I went to a similar salt spa on the northeast side of Indianapolis,” she says. “She was sick with a respiratory illness, and immediately began to feel better after one session in the salt spa. Halotherapy is like a toothbrush for your lungs. A Halo generator grinds up salt and blows it in the air. The particles are inhaled into the mucus membranes.”
Historically, miners who worked in mines or Eastern European salt caves were known
to be unusually healthy and seemed to avoid the coughs and colds that plagued others. Halotherapy is known for relieving the symptoms asthma, allergies, sinus infections and COPD, but offers several other benefits besides respiratory health. It can have an anti-aging effect and repair skin cells. It can also promote improved mood and lessen seasonal depression.
“Being in the halotherapy room for 30 minutes is the peaceful equivalent to sitting on a beach for three days,” says Seniour. “Once space became available in The Nest, I grabbed it. It’s right across the hall from The Station Hair Parlor.”
Salty Woods offers visitors three experiences. The private Mush Room has room for two people and includes heated foot boxes for improved circulation. For the ultimate in relaxation and hair revitalization, the Luxury Head Spa gives a customized deep scalp massage. Salty, the big salt room with space for up to six
guests, features a pink Himalayan salt floor along with a beautiful salt-brick fireplace.
Pricing and booking notes are explained on the spa’s website. The cost of the Mush Room runs from $30 to $55 based on length of time. Likewise, the Luxury Head Spa costs between $75 to $120, and halotherapy can be added for an additional fee. A 45-minute session in Salty is $35.00.
“The fireplace was built by my dad,” says Seniour. “It was inspired by a fireplace in a shelter in Brown County State Park and is made from bricks of pink Himalayan salt. I drew up the plans and specified the measurements. He crafted it even better than I could imagine.”
The spa also sells an array of what Senior calls salt goodies. Brown County-based Wood Fairy Apothecary products such as seasonal skin foods and mood mists are available. Salt lamps can also be purchased.
Salty Woods hosts wellness events. Sound Bowl Healing takes place on Thursday or Friday nights. It is a therapeutic practice that employs singing bowls, which produce resonant tones and vibrations to foster relaxation and healing. Restorative yoga is held on Saturday mornings. The classes incorporate halotherapy and Pranic healing to calm the mind and reduce stress. About once a month, Sip and Salt Yoga takes place. After class, participants enjoy margaritas from La Rosa Mexican Restaurant, which is located next door.
“After someone visits Salty Woods, they will leave breathing easier,” says Seniour. “Their mood will be better. That alone is worth the experience.”
Visit saltywoodsgreenwood.com for more info, and view them on Facebook and Instagram. Booking ahead is recommended.
BUSINESS LEGACY
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Aaron Milbourn & Richard Sitler
“So, are you a financial advisor, a home builder or a developer?” It’s a question Greg W. Allen (G2) fields regularly, often followed by puzzled expressions when he answers “yes” to all three.
On the south side of Indianapolis, a multigenerational entrepreneurial spirit has been shaping the local landscape for nearly half a century. While many see real estate development, custom home building and wealth management as separate worlds, the Allen family recognizes the common threads that unite them, allowing for continuity across these diverse industries.
“Finance, opportunity recognition, calculated risk taking and, above all, communication -
these are the foundational skills that translate across all our businesses,” explains G2. “With exceptional teams in place, deep industry knowledge and the right operating partners, we’re able to execute at a high level across different sectors.”
G2 lives by a simple principle: “Only do what only you can do.” This philosophy guides how he leads his businesses, focusing his personal energy on vision, strategy and relationship building while empowering specialized teams to excel in their areas of expertise.
The Allen family has built not just homes and commercial developments, but also a legacy of service to the Greenwood community through three interconnected
businesses: J. Greg Allen Homes, Allen Commercial Group and Wealth Haus. Each operates independently yet benefits from shared vision, values, and the ability to see opportunities others might miss.
SOUTHSIDE ROOTS RUN DEEP
It all began with J. Greg Allen (G1), a Greenwood High School graduate whose passion for home building ignited at age 11 when his father took him to a Home-A-Rama showcase. That spark grew into J. Greg Allen Builder, established in 1976, which quickly earned a reputation for exceptional quality, attention to detail and reasonable pricing.
“I’m a dyed-in-the-wool south sider,” says G1. “Greenwood is home to us and we
feel blessed to continue making an impact locally.”
As the custom home building business flourished, G1 followed the natural entrepreneurial path of expansion, venturing into residential development in the 1990s. His vision transformed Johnson County with some of its most iconic neighborhood entrances and distinctive communities.
BUILDING A COMMERCIAL LEGACY
The evolution continued with the formation of Allen Commercial Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate development firm. This expansion allowed the Allen family to develop retail shopping centers, medical office buildings for Franciscan, Community Health Network and Indiana Internal Medicine Corp, and spaces for major retailers like Walgreens, Walmart,
Target, Ashley Furniture and Stein Mart to name a few.
The numbers tell an impressive story. G1 has built 2,200 homes and 35 residential subdivisions, and developed thousands of acres in Johnson and surrounding counties for residential, retail, medical and office space. The company’s history reflects more than $500,000,000 in completed projects and boasts another $500,000,000 in its current development pipeline. A study once revealed that G1 has made a more significant impact on the property tax rolls for the City of Greenwood than any other individual in history. This remarkable achievement, among others, earned him the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the state of Indiana in 1999.
THE NEXT GENERATION
G2 joined the family business in the early 2000s, learning the commercial side of operations and helping to manage the marketing and leasing division.
“I’ve always felt a strong desire to add value to my family’s businesses, but dad casts a pretty big shadow, so figuring out how and
where value was needed was a tall order,” he says. “While we’ve always had tremendous mutual respect for one another, I realized I needed to establish my own expertise in a complementary field before I could make my biggest contribution to the family business.”
The Great Recession and following years were pivotal for the Allen businesses and G2’s career path. As market conditions shifted the family’s business model, G2 pursued another long-term interest: financial planning and investment management.
“The recession created challenges, but also opportunities,” G2 says. “It was the perfect time to develop expertise that could eventually complement our real estate operations.”
Over the next decade, G2 honed his financial planning skills at Morgan Stanley and later Edward Jones, working with clients from all walks of life and at every stage of their financial journey - from young professionals just starting out, to families planning for college and retirement as well as established business owners.
“I made my mark on our family business as a financial advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking full and timely advantage of the then-current estate and gift tax exemption thresholds, and temporary discounts to value of our commercial real estate holdings,” says G2. “We made some pretty sweet lemonade out of the lemons we were dealt and did it within the time frame necessary to avoid significant amounts of future estate tax liability. And that’s when the business model we’re running on today was birthed.”
It was the perfect moment to marry his two worlds, commercial and residential real estate, with sophisticated financial planning.
“My background in both industries allows me to see opportunities and solutions that might not be obvious to others,” says G2.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
Central to this success has been G1’s loyal team.
“Taking care of my people is one of the most rewarding aspects of my business today,” G1 often says. This philosophy has cultivated extraordinary loyalty, with several key team
associate. He worked in corporate America for the last 15 years while his kids grew up. Once they were all out of the house, he was eager to do something more entrepreneurial.
“Working with family is a perfect match for all,” says Poynter.
members - including John Cunningham, Mike Gordon, Robin Hawhee, Kristi Case, Kristy Speedy and Bob Wildman - each contributing more than 20 years to the business.
To achieve his vision for Wealth Haus, G2 partnered with Clint Heisler, a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with 14 years of experience at Northwestern Mutual. Their complementary strengths - Heisler’s detailed analytical approach and G2’s relationship-building and entrepreneurial skills - created a powerful synergy.
“Our personalities complement each other perfectly,” says Heisler. “I enjoy the singular focus on financial planning and wealth management techniques we bring to our clients, while Greg excels playing in several lanes of traffic at once, and connecting with people and seeing the big picture.”
To achieve the vision for J. Greg Allen Homes, Brandon Poynter, G1’s son-in-law, joined the company as an operating partner specializing in field operations and managing all construction activity. He worked for the company from 1999 to 2010 as a sales
FAMILY BUSINESS IN THE TRUEST SENSE
The Allen enterprises are family businesses in every sense of the term. Alicia Cummings, G1’s oldest daughter, serves as chief administrative officer for Wealth Haus and J. Greg Allen Homes. Poynter works as chief construction officer and partner in J. Greg Allen Homes. Even the next generation is already involved, with Avrey Cummings, Alicia’s daughter, working as executive administrator for Heisler at Wealth Haus while studying for her Series 7 and 66 exams.
The extended family and team are equally important to the businesses’ success.
Jeanene Christy, G2’s sister-in-law, serves as the interior designer for J. Greg Allen Homes, while Rachel Patterson has been instrumental with branding and marketing for both J. Greg Allen Homes and Wealth Haus. Cam Saylor, the newest addition to the team, brings a unique skill set with dual degrees in finance and informatics from IU, providing valuable input across all three companies.
“These are family businesses but we’re also
just a business family,” says G2. “I love what we do and I love the people we do it with. That family feeling extends to everyone on our team.”
THREE BUSINESSES, ONE INTEGRATED APPROACH
Today, J. Greg Allen Homes, Allen Commercial Group and Wealth Haus operate as independent businesses sharing the same building at 997 East County Line Road in Greenwood. While they function as separate entities, they share common ownership through G2’s involvement in all three, and a unified philosophy centered around long-term success. Each company is supported by dedicated operating partners invested at an ownership level, ensuring operational excellence and stability.
“At Wealth Haus we meet clients exactly where they are in their financial journey,” explains G2.
Their approach is built on providing foundational, fundamental financial advice to people of all ages and at all wealth levels. While G2’s background in real estate certainly informs his perspective, their services span the full spectrum of financial planning, from helping young families build their first budget to guiding retirees through complex estate planning.
“At J. Greg Allen Homes we deliver a one-of-a-kind, custom home building experience that allows our clients the freedom to dream,” says G2.
Through the years they have heard countless stories about the overwhelming nature of building a custom home - the headache of having to be your own architect, your own interior designer and ending up with a product that is only 75% of what was originally desired. It can be disappointing when you end up with a million-dollar white box that looks like every other house in that price range.
“We’re here to change that,” says G2, noting that every custom home should be unique and beautiful in its own right, built
perfectly to accompany a family through their current season of life or for a lifetime.
“It’s that belief that drives us to walk alongside our clients and provide all of the resources for them, to sit with them and genuinely hear their wishes and desires,” G2 says.
G2 sees powerful parallels between building a custom home and creating a successful financial strategy. Both processes start with a plan.
“No one has ever hired our home building team and told us to just build whatever we think they need,” G2 says. “We engage in a sophisticated planning process with an architect first, then carry out that plan. The same is true at Wealth Haus. We plan first, then execute.”
The Allen family businesses have each established their own unique identity while maintaining deep roots in the community they’ve served for nearly 50 years.
“Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, exploring commercial real estate investment opportunities, or seeking personalized financial guidance for your future, the Allen family businesses are ready to welcome you into our extended family of clients,” says
G2. “Our multigenerational approach combines decades of expertise with the personal touch that only a family business can provide. We believe that the best relationships are built on trust, communication and shared vision - values that have guided our work for nearly 50 years.”
“Take the first step toward making your dreams a reality by contacting any of our teams today,” G2 adds. “From your first consultation to the completion of your project or financial plan, you’ll experience the difference that comes from working with a business that treats every client like family. Join the Allen family legacy and let’s build something extraordinary together.”
CONNECT
jgregallenhomes.com
PLANNING FOR YOUR FIRST THERAPY SESSION
Writer / Joanna Bloss, LMHC, Generations Counseling Services, LLC
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but taking the time to prepare can help you feel more confident and make the experience more effective. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan for your initial session.
FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST
• Look for a licensed professional who specializes in your concerns (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationships).
• Ask friends for referrals, browse online profiles and use directories like Psychology Today to narrow down your search.
• Consider logistics like location, availability and insurance compatibility.
THE INITIAL PHONE CALL
• Be prepared to provide your insurance information (if applicable) and your availability.
• Be honest (but brief) about your reasons for seeking therapy.
• Ask yourself if you feel heard, respected and comfortable during the conversation.
PREPARING FOR THE FIRST APPOINTMENT
• Write down key things you w ant to discuss: major life events, symptoms and current problems.
• Reflect on what you hope to gain from therapy - clarity, coping skills or support. It’s always a good idea to have a specific goal or two in mind.
• Be gentle with yourself. Especially at the beginning, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable
or to have trouble saying what you want to say.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF FUTURE APPOINTMENTS
• Be honest, even if it’s hard. The more open you are, the more helpful therapy can be.
• Track your thoughts or patterns between sessions in a journal or notes app.
• Don’t hesitate to give your therapist feedback. If something isn’t working, speak up.
• Therapy is a process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small wins along the way.
Therapy is a personal journey. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be setting yourself up for a productive, empowering and hopefully life-changing experience.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
psychosis or suicidal ideation.
“The unfortunate thing is that too often in the past, a lot of these people - for instance, those with schizophrenia - have ended up incarcerated, and that’s not the best place for them,” Dunkle says. “They need mental health stabilization.”
Mental health is a huge problem in this country, and one that got exacerbated during COVID. Due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues, however, often people ignore their problems rather than seeking treatment. While we tend to focus on our physical health, behavioral health is marginalized.
“A lot of mental health care is very fractured - not broken, but not connected on a continuum,” says Heidi Monroe, behavioral health management doctor and program director of JMH’s new psychiatric wing. “Having this unit helps bridge those chasms between types of mental health care in the world.”
The plan is for this unit to be the stopgap, to help those who are unwell learn to engage with community experiences so they can get back into the world and function as best as possible.
“If we have to send a patient 30, 50 or 60 miles away for treatment, that doesn’t help
with the patient’s support system through the stabilization process,” says Monroe, who was immediately impressed with the level of thought that went into the planning of the psychiatric wing.
“Mental health in America is often an afterthought where folks say, ‘Let’s refurbish this old facility,’” says Monroe, who has worked in and around mental health for 25 years in various capacities. “While that’s usable and doable, designing with intention is a far superior strategy. The intentionality here was incredible.”
She points to the architectural design with large, wide-open spaces and plenty of natural sunlight to pour in. They also built very tall ceilings and shelving units rather than closets for better security. The facility’s open floor plan has all patient rooms exit into a large day room, enabling staff to have eyes on patients to keep them safe.
They were also intentional about selecting calming paint colors and artwork, weighted furniture that’s inviting but difficult to move, and rocking chairs to soothe anxious patients.
Patients in the behavioral health unit will all follow a daily schedule, because people with mental health challenges tend to do better when on a regimented timetable. After rising at a certain time for hygiene and breakfast, they will then go into eight hours of programming that will include group therapy.
“We will focus on helping to stabilize ‘big feelings’ so we can get people to process in real time once they leave our facility,” says Monroe, who enjoys helping patients learn how to self-regulate their emotions. “I like training people on how to be calmer in the daily chaos that surrounds us.”
Programs are tailored to the patient’s needs as staff build an individualized treatment plan. Their length of stay will vary based on their diagnosis and the types of therapies being utilized such as dialectical behavior therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
“If a patient is having suicidal ideation - if they are lacking in hope, not seeing a vision for their future, feeling worthless - we will work with them until we feel we can return them to safety and community,” Monroe says.
According to Monroe, in America, the average stay in a psychiatric unit is seven to eight days. She estimates that given the available opportunities in Johnson County, they will see an average of a three- to five-day stay at the JMH unit.
“It’s an active stay that’s focused on helping that person recalibrate and return to the community,” she says.
Johnson County residents are thrilled to welcome this new unit, which has been in the works for two years.
“Ever since we announced it, we’ve been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from community members,” says Dunkle. “Almost everyone knows someone who has had a mental health crisis. The need for more services touches everybody.”
Dunkle reiterates how proud he is about the coordination of efforts across groups.
“We’re already hearing that people are looking at us for setting a statewide example for how this kind of partnership could work,” Dunkle says. “When your goal is to make the lives better for the people you serve, good things fall into place.”
Johnson Memorial Health’s main campus is located at 1125 West Jefferson Street in Franklin. They also have locations in Whiteland, Greenwood and the Center Grove area.
THE NEW FRONTIER
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS DRIVE GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL GROWTH
Writer / Melissa Gibson
lag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It will be added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. More than 50 colleges are expected to have girls flag football teams by 2028 in response to overwhelming interest.
That’s why the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family committed $1 million to growing the girls high school flag football program in Indiana. In order to make flag football a sanctioned sport with the Indiana High School Athletic Association, 100 high schools must participate in the program.
They’re calling the new campaign “Road to 100” and they’re nearly halfway there.
In 2023 the Colts formed a high school football league with eight teams, and in 2024 the league expanded to 27 teams. It’s a statewide network to grow the game in Indiana and help connect young athletes to NFL FLAG-sanctioned programs.
There are 43 Indiana high schools, including Beech Grove, Warren Central, Pike and beyond, that have committed to offering a girl’s flag football program, with more signing up every day.
When a new team is launched, the Colts help offset costs with funds for equipment, uniforms, training and coaching.
“We want to drive participation to the game and continue to support and amplify the game,” said Andy Matis, senior manager of football development at the Indianapolis Colts. “As we grow, we’re able to incorporate more audience, which is a key focus.”
Unlike tackle football, play consists of two 24-minute halves. It’s a five-on-five format and players rotate positions throughout the game. The field is smaller than a standard tackle football field, 40 yards in width and 100 yards in length. Of course, instead of tackling the opponent, the goal is to pull a flag from their
waistband. Point scoring is similar, with six points for a touchdown.
It’s safe to say that in the past, young women have not had the same elite-level options in football as young men have had, but when the Colts opened up the opportunity for a women’s league, they were met with plenty of interest.
In fact, 50% of the girls coming out for flag football tryouts have signed up for their first high school sports program ever.
“Even in youth leagues they’ve consistently offered coed options, but there’s two girls in the midst of all the boys coming out for these,” Matis said. “They might not feel inclined even though they’re interested. Now, having your own space in sports, you don’t have to ask if you love the game enough to try tackle. You have your space in the sport.”
Young women from the original eight teams
have enjoyed the nature of the game and the relationships formed through the process, just like many other tight-knit sports teams. It’s a memory they’ll never forget.
Players from the Colts team have been supportive as well, happy to see the sport continue to grow in unique and inclusive ways.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has recently been named Global Flag Ambassador for the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football across the nation. Franklin has been working with the league over the past few years, and wants to help drive support and make the program fun.
“This is just a great opportunity,” Franklin said. “Everyone loves the game and football has taught me so much about life. This program gives young women the opportunity to learn those lessons and build those bonds.” He’ll be hosting a clinic for flag football teams in the state soon and hopes to invite a few individuals from the U.S. team to get involved.
“Last year I had the chance to help coach girls flag football players at Lucas Oil Stadium and
I was so impressed by the skill, tenacity and passion of these young ladies,” Franklin said. “I look forward to helping grow flag football in Indiana and around the world, and providing more opportunities for girls and boys alike to learn, play and connect through this awesome sport.”
Like most team sports, flag football offers physical and mental health benefits, hones teamwork skills, and teaches discipline and resilience.
Just in the past few years, reports from high school athletic directors across the state
have been positive. Young women who were having a tough time in school are now getting better grades. Attendance is up and the empowerment they feel is evident.
“We’re building the next generation of strong adults,” Matis said. “The appetite is there. The interest is there. To see these girls come out and bring their competitive fire to this sport has been really inspiring.”
School representatives interested in participating can find more information at colts.com/footballdevelopment/flag/highschool-girls-flag.
SHINING BRIGHT MEET
GREENWOOD’S TWO INDY 500 FESTIVAL PRINCESSES
Writer / Renée Larr
The 500 Festival Princess Program is a prestigious initiative that selects outstanding young women from the local community to represent the spirit of the Indianapolis 500. This year Greenwood is wellrepresented with the selection of Adelle Burkhardt, a 21-year-old junior at Notre Dame, and Madison Ramsey, a senior at Grace College.
Ramsey is no stranger to hard work. With graduation and a wedding both on the horizon, she has a packed schedule, yet she embraces each opportunity with enthusiasm and gratitude. “I feel so blessed more than anything,” she says. “I don’t see this as a to-do list. I see every event as a new opportunity to make connections, meet people and have an impact.”
She first learned about the 500 Festival Princess Program through a high school friend. Initially assuming it was a pageant, she soon realized it was more about community engagement, leadership and service - values that resonated deeply with her. She says her friend’s passion for the race and the festival program inspired her to apply.
Burkhardt’s journey to becoming a 500 Festival Princess began long before her selection. Growing up in Greenwood, she attended several Indy 500 events and was captivated by the princesses who participated in the festivities. “I remember when they came to my grade school and I
was so inspired by what they represented,” she says. “Seeing how they engaged with the community made me realize I wanted to be part of that experience.”
As part of her duties, Burkhardt is enthusiastic about engaging in community outreach, a key program requirement. “I’ll be visiting local schools in Greenwood and South Bend, talking to students about the Indy 500,” she says. Burkhardt hopes to inspire young minds by integrating her background in engineering into the discussions, particularly the STEM fields. “I really want to get kids excited about not just the race, but also about exploring career paths in STEM,” she says.
Ramsey has enthusiastically taken on the role of 500 Festival Princess. She has already spoken to the gymnastics team at New Palestine High School, promoting the festival program, higher education and the importance of leadership. She’s also planned outreach programs with local schools, including a homeschool group and an elementary school in Greenwood.
Both Burkhardt and Ramsey had the privilege of meeting their fellow princesses during the program’s orientation. “Meeting the other young
women was an amazing experience,” Burkhardt says. “They inspire me with their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to serving our community.” Each participant brings unique perspectives and aspirations, reflecting the diversity of our community. Ramsey is excited about the learning opportunities this diversity presents as they embark on this journey together.
With aspirations of making a mark in aerospace engineering, Burkhardt’s dream job involves working on space telescope systems. Images from the Hubble and James Webb telescopes have fascinated her since childhood. “We have so many unknowns about our universe and I want to be part of discovering them,” she says.
With her graduation from Grace College approaching, Ramsey is preparing for the next chapter of her life. She’s studying childhood and family counseling, with plans to earn her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Eventually she hopes to pursue a doctorate and become a clinical neuropsychologist.
For more information, visit 500festival. com/programs/princess-program/class.
CENTER GROVE SPORTS ROUNDUP
Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network
BASEBALL RALLIES IN SEMIFINALS TO CLAIM COUNTY TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Center Grove High School (CGHS) baseball once again asserted its dominance over local rivals by clinching its fifth consecutive Johnson County championship. The talented Trojans, the state’s top-ranked team, overwhelmed Edinburgh in the tournament’s opening round 22-0, and delivered an impressive performance in the finals, decisively beating Greenwood Christian Academy by the same score.
The semifinal game against Franklin presented a different challenge for the Trojans. They found themselves trailing 4-1 after three and a half innings. However, CGHS rallied in the sixth inning to tie the game at five. The Grizzly Cubs managed to push ahead with a run in the top of the seventh, taking a 6-5 lead, and were just
Photographer / Mason Lee
three outs away from an upset win. Yet the resilient Trojans had other plans, saving their best for last.
In the final stanza, junior Gannon Grant started with a walk. Senior Carson Bush sacrifice-bunted Grant to second base. Senior Cal Schembra hit a single to right field with one out, scoring Grant and tying the game at six. The left fielder misplayed the hit, allowing Schembra to advance to third base. Senior Cayden Jones, known for his clutch performances, including a gamewinning three-pointer for the CGHS boys basketball team this past season, stepped up to the plate. The left-handed designated hitter launched a high fastball over the right field fence, giving the Trojans their first lead and securing an 8-6 victory.
CGHS demonstrated great resolve in achieving this impressive come-frombehind victory.
“It means a lot for us seniors to win county,
and it felt good to do it in our final season,” said Jones. “That game against Franklin shows how resilient our team is, being down the whole game and rallying together to come back and win. It feels good knowing you have a group of guys who all bought into one goal and work hard for it every day. The home run was fun. I was given the opportunity to hit at that point in the game and wanted to do whatever I could to help our team get the win.”
“Our lineup is full of guys who can step up and deliver for us,” said Bush. “Baseball is a tough game, but we believe we can compete in any situation, and each of us is ready to do their part to help this team win. Winning the county tournament is always a goal, and now we are on to chasing the other goals we have for this season.”
The Trojans will continue to work hard to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Class 4A state title in late June at Victory Field.
Walk-in Orthopedic Care for Sudden Injuries
BOYS VOLLEYBALL ACHIEVES
HISTORIC
MILESTONE FOR THE SCHOOL
The CGHS boys volleyball team played its first-ever match as an IHSAA-sanctioned sport on April 1 at home, winning against Southport by a score of 3-1. Previously, boys volleyball had been a club sport. The Trojans began their historic season with six wins and one tie before experiencing their first defeat, losing to Franklin in the inaugural Johnson County Tournament.
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“We are all so excited that boys volleyball is now an IHSAA-sanctioned sport,” said CGHS Boys Volleyball Head Coach Andrea Pawlik. “This is something that countless people have worked on for a very long time, and it is an honor to be able to coach for Center Grove High School in this sport’s first year as a sanctioned sport. The administration and athletic department have been absolutely wonderful in making this season run smoothly. The team this year looks quite different than last year, when we finished in the top eight in the state. But with the newer staff improving every day and some returning veterans, plus passionate coaches who give their all, we have a very special program of hard-working kids that have big goals this season. Our eyes are on postseason and doing the things it takes to be successful along the way for sectionals and beyond.”
In mid-May, CGHS will be one of 16 schools hosting a sectional in the opening round of the first IHSAA boys volleyball state tournament. Additionally, CGHS will be one of four schools hosting a regional on May 24.
