Center Grove Magazine January 2020 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JANUARY 2020

MAGAZINE

Safe & Secure J O H N S O N CO U N T Y S H E R I F F D UA N E B U R G E S S R E F L E C T S O N F I R ST Y E A R I N O F F I C E

INSPIRED BY YOUR RETURN TO BATTLE. AND CONQUERING ORTHO PAIN. Franciscan Health orthopedic specialists are here to help you hit the reset button on nerve, muscle and joint pain. Need a hand getting back to doing what you love? Visit FranciscanHealth.org/OrthoCare.

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CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE

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JANUARY WRITERS

Jennifer Brugh / Jon Shoulders Julie Yates / Kevin Conrad Seth Johnson

JANUARY PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Counts / Amy Garro Lindy Scott

SAFE & SECURE: JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF DUANE BURGESS REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE

Duane Burgess can still recall his early aspirations of becoming Johnson County Sheriff when he was 18 years old. Burgess, now 50, had started working for the fire department at the time, and the only reason he hadn’t started pursuing law enforcement - his ideal career path - was the simple fact that he wasn’t 21 yet.

6 The Energy Spot: New Healthy

19 Business Spotlight: Cinemark

Smoothie Shop Opens In Greenwood

Greenwood Corner

21 Fourth & Inches: CGHS Football

8 Victory Strength & Fitness: Local

Team Finishes Resilient Season Falling Just Short In State Tournament

Fitness Center Offers Unique Amazing 12 Program

11 Safe & Secure: Johnson County

Sheriff Duane Burgess Reflects On First Year In Office

15 A Lasting Impact: Senior Liam Price Is Leaving a Legacy of Compassion, Kindness & Sportsmanship at CGHS

25 Tap & Axe: Hoosier Brewing

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Center Grove Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

The Center Grove Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Center Grove residents. Submit story ideas to PR@atCenterGrove.com.

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Company Opens With Unique Taproom & Ax-Throwing Concept

28 Brick By Brick: Greenwood

Resident Builds Replica LEGO Soldiers & Sailors Monument

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Owners Brett and Melanie Caruso and The Energy Spot team.

NEW HEALTHY SMOOTHIE SHOP OPENS IN GREENWOOD Writer / Jennifer Brugh Photographer / Amy Garro

Friendly faces are all that you’ll see when you visit the hottest new health club on the southside. In early October, Brett and Melanie Caruso teamed up with Avon residents, Chris and Kristen Wright, to bring The Energy Spot to Greenwood with the hopes of bringing the community together through healthy and nutritious smoothies and meal replacement options.

“We knew the Indianapolis market is where we wanted to be,” Brett says. “There just isn’t anything like this in this market yet, so we wanted to bring this to the Indianapolis area.” With the help of the Wright’s, who also own several locations of their own, Brett and Melanie were able to sell their home in Mishawaka, find a store location and move into a new home in less than 14 days. The ambitious couple left their fate to video chatting and the expert guidance from

realtor, Jodi Milto, who eventually steered them towards a location in Greenwood. “My wife and I were still back in Mishawaka, so Chris and Kristen drove down to Greenwood with Jodi and video chatted us,” Brett says. “And we thought, ‘Cool! That location looks great. Let’s do that.’ So, we picked our location without even stepping foot in the city yet.” In just two short months, The Energy Spot

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has received outstanding online reviews from customers for being a friendly place to get drinks that “taste like dessert in a healthy way.” “This community is great,” Brett says. “The people are awesome and we’re doing better than any of us could have anticipated starting off.” With a menu packed full of delicious smoothies, teas and energy bombs, The Energy Spot offers customers more than 75 different protein smoothie flavors. They can also add in their favorite energy boosts and chase it down with a shot of soothing aloe. “We are very knowledgeable about everything that’s in our products to help out people who are not allowed to have certain things,” Melanie explains. For people watching their sugar intake, The Energy Spot keeps the sugar content of their smoothies at just nine grams, even in some of their most popular smoothies such as peanut butter cookie dough and carrot cake. The Caruso’s and Wright’s pride themselves on providing customers with a positive experience and that they leave happy, every time. This is exactly why Melanie encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone and try something different. “We just like to have that option that if you don’t like it, or you’re not 100% sure what to get but you want to try it, and you don’t like it, we will throw it away and make you something different,” Melanie says. As a brand-new business, Brett says he and his wife are hopeful that their name will continue to reach more of the community. By staying engaged, receiving rave customer reviews and providing quality customer service, there’s no doubt that Indianapolis will eventually see more of The Energy Spot. The Energy Spot is located at 3100 Meridian Parke Dr in Greenwood. For more information, visit them online at theenergy-spot.com or give them a call at 317886-7963. atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 7

Trainer Chelsea and Owner Bruce Salazar

VICTORY STRENGTH & FITNESS LOCAL FITNESS CENTER OFFERS UNIQUE AMAZING 12 PROGRAM Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Amy Garro

Bruce Salazar has a passion for how fitness can improve the quality of people’s lives. He originally planned to enter full-time ministry, but he also felt called to minister to people by improving their health and fitness. Through the programs offered at his facility, Victory Strength and Fitness, located at 3115 Meridian Parke Drive, individuals achieve amazing results. Through his own experience, Salazar knows the importance of a quality fitness program. “I had a skateboarding accident and blew my knee out,” Salazar says. “Since I was inactive because of the injury, I gained

weight. I needed to find out how to lose the weight and rehabilitate my knee. I consulted a friend who was a physical therapist and, from then on, I became a student of health and fitness. Over the years I’ve been blessed to meet and learn from world-renown fitness coaches.” Salazar lived in Louisville, Kentucky while he earned a bachelor’s degree in theological studies from Boyce College in 2009. After realizing he wanted to pursue a career in fitness, he became a certified personal trainer with an emphasis in nutrition and movement from the American College of Sports Medicine. He worked as Director of Personal Training at the Louisville Athletic Club before moving to Greenwood in 2012.

Bruce moved his wife and son to Greenwood after his parents migrated from Florida to Greenwood, and this is when Victory Strength and Fitness began. “I first started Victory Strength and Fitness as a personal trainer and independent contractor at the Gathering Place at Community Church of Greenwood. From there I worked at other facilities while continuing to grow my business. Today, there are two other coaches besides me. They are world-class with advanced degrees and we are in a space big enough to accommodate us.” Victory Strength and Fitness offers two specialized programs that include nutrition

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training. Private coaching is also available. Amazing 12, a world-renown international program, is a five day a week course and is not available anywhere else in Indiana. Victory Transformation meets three times a week. A free initial consultation determines the best pathway for each individual. “Anyone can start with either one,” Salazar says. “The astonishing results are mindblowing. It’s due to the proven science behind the program. The heart of it is strength training. Having more strength is beneficial for anyone, from teens to people in their 70s. “Our coaches make it safe and effective for every level of fitness. Whether the person is a beginner or an elite athlete, they will come out better than they were. We meet people where they are at. We can make adjustments and never ask an individual to do something that we are not 100% confident that they can do.” The clientele at Victory Strength and Fitness is varied. Some individuals are connected to the military or are in the medical field. However, many people are ordinary moms, dads, wives and husbands who want to improve their level of fitness to ensure that they will be around in the future for their loved ones. “When you show people you care about their health and fitness, you can help them on a deeper level as well,” says Salazar as he speaks about his fitness “ministry.” “People have all kinds of challenges that are connected to health,” he says. “That leads to other obstacles such as mental and emotional problems. Besides lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, getting fit and feeling better on the inside makes people happier and confident. People are less anxious and discover inner strength.” Call 317-721-2821 to set up a free consultation. Victory Strength and Fitness is located at 3115 Meridian Parke Drive, Suite O in Greenwood. You can visit them online at victorystrengthandfitness.com for more information. atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 9

BIGGER BETTER FASTER When our new Emergency Department/Outpatient Services building opens in 2020, you will experience shorter wait times, easier access and the quality, compassionate care you already expect from the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only full-service hospital.

Safe & Secure J O H N S O N CO U N T Y S H E R I F F D UA N E B U R G E S S R E F L E C T S O N F I R ST Y E A R I N O F F I C E Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Amy Counts

River Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and first responder after graduating from Center Grove High School, to acquire some experience in public service for the southside community in which he’d grown up.

During his time with the fire department, Burgess also became a dispatcher for the Johnson County Sheriff ’s Department - a job that would serve as the starting point for a 30-year career in law enforcement “I always wanted to join the police that has included positions as a corrections department, even back in middle school and officer, a security officer for the Johnson even elementary school. My friends from County courthouse, chief of police for back then still tell me now that it was all I Southport and, since January of 2019, talked about,” Burgess says with a laugh. Johnson County Sheriff. Since law enforcement had to wait until he was 21, Burgess decided to join the White

“When I got on at the Sheriff ’s Department as a young man, I set a goal for myself that

I would someday become sheriff,” says Burgess, a 1992 grad of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. “I’ve had a lot of leaders before me that I’ve learned from and still converse with some of those and our retirees. I want to make a good mark here and really make a difference during my tenure.” Since being sworn in as Johnson County Sheriff, Burgess says one of his top priorities has been improving the quality and effectiveness of officer training, as well as ongoing equipment upgrades. “We’ve broadened the training at the Sheriff ’s Office to be more conducive to what officers do every day, and what they’re handling,” he says. “We see crimes here where I have to use my SWAT guys

atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 11

and high-profile warrants where people can get hurt, and we have to be ready for those kinds of things. The future’s changing, and we’ve upgraded with new tasers and body cameras, which assist us in our everyday roles.” The Sheriff ’s Department has taken several steps to prepare for the upcoming county jail expansion including camera and audio system upgrades and new firearms. “We’re trying to do whatever we can to save the taxpayer some money, and I’ve found money somewhere within my budget during the 2019 season to make a lot of purchases so I wouldn’t have to go to the ( Johnson County) council to ask for additional funds,” Burgess says. “Right now my big focus is the jail. We’ve been crowded there for many years, which makes it difficult to do programs because we don’t have room.” The Johnson County Board of Commissioners green-lighted a county jail expansion in October of 2019, with an estimated cost of $20 to $25M that will come from local income tax. The expansion will include approximately 74 new cells on two floors, as well as medical rooms. Burgess says the project is expected to begin in February and take 18 to 24 months. Safety and security throughout county schools has been and continues to be another key issue for the Sheriff ’s Department. “As we go into 2020, I’ll continue to be involved closely with the superintendents of the schools in the county to make sure our kids are safe at schools,” he says. Other developments during Burgess’s first year as sheriff include the integration of unmarked cars into his fleet of vehicles, training of local SWAT members by representatives of the Los Angeles Police Department and an increase in the enforcement of DUI (driving under the influence) laws, among others. “Johnson County has such a great community and it’s unique in that everybody here is so proactive instead

of reactive,” adds Burgess, who graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy in 2016. “That makes our job in the Sheriff ’s Department easier, because if there’s something going on, people will call and let us know and help us solve problems.” Burgess sees his current position as the satisfying culmination of a career in law enforcement spanning more than three decades. “It’s been a lot of fun, and it’s been a learning experience,” he says. “The Sheriff ’s Department’s been my life almost since I graduated, and I’ve enjoyed waking up every day and coming to work for the past 30 years. I really grew up here and I love my job.” For more information on the Johnson County Sheriff ’s Office, including recent programs and a citizen resources page, explore johnsoncountysheriff.com.

The Sheriff’s Department’s been my life almost since I graduated, and I’ve enjoyed waking up every day and coming to work for the past 30 years

atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 13

Writer / Kevin Conrad . Photographer / Amy Counts

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I know I have a disability, but I have learned to not let my disability define my limitations or who I am.” Wise words from Center Grove High School Senior Liam Price, who has not only overcome challenges in life but has dedicated himself to inspiring others with similar struggles. Liam has autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and high levels of anxiety. “When my anxiety is triggered, certain things automatically happen to me that I can’t control,” Price says. “When I lose my focus, my mind can become paralyzed by a non-stop loop of obsessive, compulsive behaviors and tics that take over. There are times when I need a forced shut-down from everything and everyone in hopes that I can reset and re-boot my brain again.” In fifth grade, Liam had to be homeschooled as he struggled to stay engaged in social settings. “Being home-schooled did help me focus better on learning, but now I had no network of friends, a lot of time alone and lousy eating and exercise habits,” he says. “It was a choice of lifestyle that eventually left me very overweight and very lonely.” Liam’s parents, Jon and Cindy, began taking him to Special Olympics competitions. His activities included swimming, basketball, flag football and ballroom dancing. Price felt it was time to try public school again. He enrolled at Center Grove High School for his freshman year. “At first, I felt like a little fish in a massive pond,” Liam says. “One day, unexpectedly, everything changed. A teacher saw me running in PE class and he invited me to join the new Unified Track and Field team. At first, I was stunned. I thought to myself, ‘how was I going to contribute anything in a team sport?’ I was not a high school athlete. However, here was an opportunity to not only compete but also represent my school and wear my school colors. Unified Track and Field is a real IHSAA sport. There are regular-season meets, a Sectional, Regional and a trophy for winning State. atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 15

“Coach said I would also have teammates training with me. This gave me confidence in my athletic abilities and social skills. Our team made it to the State finals at Indiana University that year. I finished sixth in shot put, and third in the 100 Meter. The opportunity to compete on my high school’s Unified Track and Field team has changed my life.” This school year, Liam was voted football homecoming king, serves as the boys basketball team manager, is an officer in his Best Buddies chapter and plans to run track in the spring. Center Grove boys basketball coach Zach Hahn has witnessed Liam’s transformation from a shy freshman to one of the most outgoing and recognized students at CGHS. “Liam has grown so much through his experiences at CG in being a manager for the basketball team and a participant in unified sports,” Hahn says. “Liam is involved in so many activities and works to help so many great causes. He demonstrates selfless leadership, thankfulness for his opportunities and unmatched passion in daily living. He has touched many lives and brings out the best in others. The basketball program is grateful we have had a small part in his purpose-driven life and cannot wait to see all that he accomplishes in the future.” This summer, Liam was 1 of 14 students chosen to represent the U.S. as a Youth Ambassador for Special Olympics. He travels the state giving speeches to thousands of students and school administrators, promoting Unified Champion Schools and the Inclusion Revolution. “Liam is passionate about sharing his personal story with others and expanding their understanding of how unified sports have impacted him,” says CGHS Principal Dr. Jeff Henderson. “He wants to ensure that other students around the state have the same opportunities he has had. Participation in unified sports has helped Liam grow, mature and gain confidence in himself. His involvement as an ambassador for unified sports programs has allowed him to gain confidence in speaking to large 16 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020 / atCenterGrove.com

groups of students and adults about the benefits of being involved. We are lucky to have students like Liam, and we are thrilled that he has been given the opportunity to be involved with the IHSAA’s Champions Together program. We look forward to supporting him as he spreads the message of inclusion and involvement throughout the state.” Linda Boothe, Coordinator of Johnson County Special Olympics, says Liam puts his full energy into doing the best he can at everything he tries and often goes above and beyond. “We have an Athlete Leadership Program within Special Olympics,” Boothe says. “Each of the athletes must set goals and complete homework. This entails community service. He volunteered at several of our Special Olympics Johnson County events, but he also helped squeeze lemons for lemonade at the Johnson County Fair for Gateway Services and volunteered at a golf outing at the Special Olympics Indiana at the state level. Liam encourages other athletes to do their best and in doing so has become a mentor and a leader with the other athletes.” On the first day back to school following Center Grove High School football’s state championship game, Liam hand-delivered a congratulatory letter and picture to CGHS football coach Eric Moore. “He congratulated us on a great year

and what a great team we were,” Moore says. “He is so proud and happy for us. Liam thinks about everybody else before himself. The letter made me feel good. It’s an honor to think he could be thinking so highly of our program. His heart is so big. It is a heart of gold.”

Liam has shown great courage to share his story with so many people.

“Through it all, I’ve grown by putting myself out there, and working to achieve my goals,” Liam says. “Whether I win or lose, I know that my effort counts, which makes me a stronger, happier CGHS Assistant Athletic Director, Scott and a better person. Unified Champion Knapp says Liam embodies what Unified Schools are creating inclusive school Sports are all about. environments, inclusive sports teams and leadership opportunities, which has “Liam not only represents himself when he played a significant role in motivating participates in Unified Sports, he represents me to create a new outlook for my future all of Center Grove — of which we should and helped me to focus more on what all be proud,” he says. “In this day and age is possible in my life. I would encourage where students are so tied to their electronic all schools to consider being a part of a devices and shy away from face-to-face Unified Champion School for the possible conversations with adults, Liam is the life-altering path it can provide through first to greet both staff and students with friendships and servant leadership.” a high five or a fist bump, ask about your day, or talk about sports. Liam’s energy Liam encourages all schools in Indiana and enthusiasm is contagious. He leaves a and the nation to provide unified sports positive impact on our student body.” and work towards becoming a Unified Champion School Banner Winner. “My unified partners and my friends have shown me through their expressions in acceptance, inclusion, friendship and sportsmanship, the idea that I can make myself a valued asset to any team,” Liam adds. “My friends have shown me, I have the ability to make impactful contributions to any team.” Liam has been awarded the U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar Scholarship and will attend the University of Indianapolis, majoring in math and criminal justice. He will also be a part of U Indy’s NCCAA II swim and dive team as a walk-on-athlete.

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Looking for a pediatrician in Greenwood? Start with Johnson Memorial Health. Johnson Memorial Health is pleased to welcome Megan E. Ciaccio, MD, to our pediatrics practice. Dr. Ciaccio graduated from Franklin College and earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, where she also completed her residency. Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Ciaccio has been treating children of all ages for nearly a decade. She will be seeing patients in the Greenwood Primary Care Center on US 31 just south of Smith Valley Road. To schedule an appointment, call

317.736.5515

Greenwood Primary Care Center 1000 US 31 South Greenwood, IN 46143

JohnsonMemorial.org

Great care starts here.

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CINEMARK GREENWOOD CORNER 1848 E Stop 13 Road Indianapolis, IN cinemark.com/theatres/in-indianapolis/ cinemark-greenwood-corner--now-open 317-882-2685 Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

An old friend has gotten a refresh in the Greenwood Corners area. Cinemark Movies 8, located at 1848 East Stop 13 Road, was recently renovated and reopened in mid-December as the allnew Cinemark Greenwood Corner. The longtime Indianapolis theater listened to its customers and now have amenities that moviegoers expect today. “The movie-going public has been educated in how seeing a film can be a luxury experience,” says Bryan Jeffries, Vice President of Marketing and Promotions. “If we wanted to compete, we had to meet the modern expectations of our customers. We have done some cosmetic improvements to the theater over the years, but it was time to give it a really nice overhaul.” The building which boasts eight auditoriums and seats roughly 600 patrons, now offers a first-run moviegoing experience with extras for everyone. Regular seating has been replaced with luxury loungers that include heated seats and electric recliners. Beer, wine and

frozen drinks are available for purchase as are items from Pizza Hut and traditional concession items.

deal is Discount Tuesday where every movie, all day is $5.75. One adjustment to prices is a $3 up-charge for all 3D movies.

“The theater has a long history in Indianapolis and long history in the company,” Jeffries says. “It was one of the first Cinemark theaters to be built. When it opened in 1990, it introduced the concept of a discount theater with older movies.

Cinemark also offers a two-tiered movie rewards program. By signing up for the free Movie Fan loyalty program, participants earn one point for each $1 they spend on anything in the theater. They have access to member exclusives such as advance screenings and can redeem points accrued for tickets, concessions and swag. For $8.99 per month, customers can upgrade to a Movie Club membership which includes one free ticket per month, 20% off concessions and waived fees when tickets are purchased online.

“As the years went on, the Cinemark company looked at that business model and realized the strategy of a discount theater was no longer current. People today are no longer willing to wait to see a first-run movie to save a couple of dollars. They are now much more spontaneous.” Although tickets are no longer the rock bottom price they were in the past, there are still plenty of special offers and days that customers can take advantage of. The regular adult price is $10 per ticket and increases to $10.50 on Friday and Saturday evenings. Children, seniors, students and those in the military pay only $8. All matinees are $8 and the first show of every movie each day is $6. On Senior Monday, seniors receive tickets for $6 but the best

“Our prices for films are very competitive with other venues,” Jeffries says. “Cinemark customers no longer have to wait to see a first-run movie and they can view it in our newly renovated, comfortable theater.” To purchase tickets online and for more information, visit cinemark.com/Indiana/ Cinemark-Movies-8. Cinemark Greenwood Corner is located at 1848 E Stop 13 Road in Indianapolis. You can give them a call at 317-882-2685.

atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 19

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CGHS FOOTBALL TEAM FINISHES RESILIENT SEASON FALLING JUST SHORT IN STATE TOURNAMENT Writer / Kevin Conrad . Photography Provided by Lindy Scott

nexperience and injuries plagued Center Grove High School’s 2019 football season. Yet it will be remembered as one of Coach Eric Moore’s most resilient teams. The season began with losses to Warren Central, New Palestine and Carmel. Many prognosticators (and naysayers) soon wrote off the season as a “Rebuilding Year” for the Trojans. “We were against all odds,” says CGHS football head coach Eric Moore. “You’re 0-3, 1-4 with the schedule and teams we play against. It’s pretty bleak looking to have a successful season or a winning season, let alone a championship.” Despite the slow start, the Trojans remained relentless in their pursuit of a championship. CG won four of its final six games of the regular season, concluding the regular season with a 4-5 record. It was just the third sub-500 regular season under Moore in 21 years as head coach at CG. The Trojans hit their stride in the IHSAA 6A State Tournament. CG won its ninth straight Sectional, the longest current streak in the state. CG avenged its week one loss at Warren Central by beating the Warriors on their home field in the Regional. The Trojans returned home to take down Ben Davis in the Final Four. Following the win, Moore gave a very emotional congratulatory hug to CGHS principal, Dr. Jeff Henderson, on the field during the postgame celebration. “He (Henderson) loves athletics,” Moore says. “He loves competition. He’s very supportive, just a great principal, one of the best I’ve had and I’ve been in this business for 35 years. I was really proud for him in that he was going to be a principal in the state championship game. I was proud to be the first football coach to get this for him.” CG’s return to the state championship game was the fifth under Moore. It also included a familiar foe in the Carmel Greyhounds. The meeting was the third time the Trojans and Greyhounds have met in the state finals. After trailing 20-3 at the end of three quarters, the Trojans mounted a valiant comeback. CG scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, just running out of time, falling to Carmel, 20-17.

“I saw a great Trojan football team that came back,” Moore says. “A team that played for a third week in a row, one of the best teams in the state and Midwest. No one else, for a third week in a row, had to play Warren Central, Ben Davis and Carmel. I was disappointed for the kids, but never disappointed in their effort. I was never disappointed in the fact that they fought all year long to get back and even fought back in that (championship) game. I loved the fact that we were there, loved the fact we competed. It was just a great high school football game.”

I HOPE THIS SEASON IS ONE THAT THE SENIORS WILL REMEMBER FOREVER.

Center Grove’s schedule was the third most difficult schedule in the state. Even so, Moore says his seniors stayed the course.

- COACH ERIC MOORE -

“I hope this season is one that the seniors will remember forever,” Moore says. “Hopefully, down the road, like everything we coach for, they see this as a life lesson and they take this into their lives. When things get tough on them, they will know they can come back from anything.”

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Senior safety Max Baker appreciated the CG community and fans for supporting the team through the tough times. “Most everyone counted us out at the beginning, going 0-3, but you (CG community), as a whole, stayed strong and I am thankful for that,” Baker says. “We love and appreciate the support.” Senior running back Jalen Goines says wearing the Trojan uniform was special. “The brotherhood that surrounds CG football is absolutely absurd,” Goines says. “A lot of people in other communities think of football as just another extracurricular activity, but in CG it’s so much more. The friendships that I’ve made through football are worth more to me than anything. You can’t put a price tag on that type of stuff. The memories, the people, it’s priceless. The bond that CG football leaves with each individual athlete, manager and coach is truly remarkable. CG football obviously touches all of the athletes and

coaches, but it goes so much further into the community to where people who I’ve never met before will come up to me and congratulate me and tell me that they’re pulling for the Trojans. Something about Center Grove and football just really brings the community together.” Senior linebacker and three-year starter Gabe Boyd says he has the utmost respect for his coach and senior teammates. “Coach Moore has meant a lot to me,” Boyd says. “He’s taught me so much about life and how to overcome pain and not give up on anything. My brothers (senior teammates) mean the world to me and our bond is so strong that we would all help each other through anything. Thank you

CG for an awesome four years.” Senior linebacker Cody Robinson believes CG football is one of a kind because of the amazing community, fans, coaches and teammates. “At CG, we are literally family,” Robinson says. “We hang out together, eat together, practice together and create bonds together. This year, one of CG football’s loved ones, Keith Adams, passed away. To remind us of all that he had done for this program, we put stickers on our helmets that say “KA”. My fellow senior teammates mean a lot to me. Our freshman year, we went 0-9. So, to come back, each year, and perform better and better, and eventually making it to a state championship means a lot.”

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Founder Brian Nentrup and Partners Mike Hollcraft, Mike Crowder & Matt Crawford

TAP & AXE HOOSIER BREWING COMPANY OPENS WITH UNIQUE TAPROOM & AX-THROWING CONCEPT “The interior was a priority,” Nentrup says. “We’re producing beer and it’s going out. So, we needed a space that was immediate for us to keep the production and get it kickstarted, again. So, we focused on the interior and the exterior is coming.”

Writer / Jennifer Brugh Photographer / Amy Counts

What do you get when you combine a distillery, a taproom and an ax-throwing arena? You get Greenwood’s newest attraction: Hoosier Brewing Company featuring Tap & Axe — a taproom and axthrowing area. Headed by the founder of Hoosier Brewing Company, Brian Nentrup, and partners Matt Crawford, Mike Crowder and Mike Hollcraft, this new brewery sits at 147 S. Madison Ave. The space has been under major renovations for almost two years and the job isn’t done quite yet.

and beverage orders. On the south end you’ll find eight ax-throwing targets lanes surrounded by metal cages and more barhigh tabletops.

Designated for the 21-and-older crowd, Hoosier Brewing Company will have 30 With more than 6,000-square feet of space, taps flowing with Hoosier beer products, the new brewery features a production and some will even feature in-house space on the north end with glass windows batches of kombucha. Plans for producing for onlookers to view the brewing action. in-house bourbons are also in the works. The dining section of the space features But for now, hungry patrons can chow vaulted ceilings, exposed metal and down on pizza-by-the-slice and wings or wooden beams original to the building that grab their favorite brew from the bar before can be dated as far back as 1912, bar top heading over to an ax-throwing lane. seating as well as traditional dining tables and a deli-style line operation for food While reservations for ax-throwing are

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strongly encouraged, Hollcraft says walkins will be welcomed. Each lane will be hosted by a guide with a 15-minute training session on how to properly throw the ax and hit the target. As a safety precaution, ax-throwers will be limited to two drinks during playtime and consumption will be tracked by hole punches on a wristband. “It’s about having fun and letting your hair down,” Crawford says. “It’s just about getting away from the busy and the hustle and bustle and just coming in here and throwing an ax.” Crawford even jokes that he’s never missed the target, not even once. By combining a distillery, brewery and with entertainment such as ax-throwing, Nentrup and Crawford say their goal is to bring more attention to Old Town Greenwood and become an attraction for beer-drinkers around the area. They even hope their brewery will inspire others to move in next door. “We want to see other people sprouting up and producing the same type of entertainment and opportunity for folks from Indianapolis, Columbus and surrounding areas to pay patronage,” Nentrup says. Crawford, Crowder and Hollcraft are all three real estate investors, while Nentrup is the only one with brewing experience. According to Hollcraft, it was a mutual associate between him and Nentrup, and his own personal connection to Crowder, that brought the four together to take on this new business venture. “Brian and I kind of hit it off,” Hollcraft says. “Mike [Crowder] and I graduated from Southport together in the same class, and we’ve been talking for 30-some years about going into business together. So, I contacted Mike, and Mike and Matt [Crawford] are business partners, and so that’s how it kind of all came together.” Motivated for not only Hoosier Brewing

“IT’S ABOUT HAVING FUN AND LETTING YOUR HAIR DOWN.IT’S JUST ABOUT GETTING AWAY FROM THE BUSY AND THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE AND JUST COMING IN HERE AND THROWING AN AX.” Company and Tap & Axe to succeed, but for other businesses in the surrounding blocks to as well, Hollcraft says these partners want to “play their part in Greenwood being a destination.” The other three partners echo the same feeling. “We’re trying to change the culture,” Crowder says. “People are going from this area and they’re going to Fountain Square, they’re going to Irvington or Broad Ripple. We need something down here.” Eventually, Hoosier Brewing Company hopes its branches spread to nearby communities. Open to affiliate partnerships, this group would like to see their flag flown in places such as Anderson, Bloomington, Muncie and other surrounding cities. “We will be supplying these locations that we’re a partner with featuring our beer and spirits,” Nentrup says. “It’s just the opportunity for us to collaborate with others to provide this same atmosphere in other communities.” Hollcraft says they even envision hosting an ax-throwing league and hope to give people another activity to enjoy in Old Town Greenwood. But for now, these partners are just focused on providing the best possible experience they can in the heart of Greenwood. Hoosier Brewing Company is located at 147 S. Madison Ave. in Greenwood. Parking is free with the closet lot on the north side of the building off Madison. For more information, visit them online at hoosier.beer or give them a call at 317835-9705. atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 27

Jeffrey Smythe

GREENWOOD RESIDENT BUILDS REPLICA LEGO SOLDIERS & SAILORS MONUMENT Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Amy Garro

In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands at 284 feet and 6 inches, towering over the city’s historic Monument Circle. Less than one mile north, however, a slightly smaller LEGO version Monument can be found on display at the Indianapolis Central Library, measuring in at an impressive seven feet in height. Constructed by Greenwood resident and longtime architecture enthusiast Jeffrey Smythe, the LEGO Soldiers and Sailors Monument is made up of more than 65,000 bricks in total. Originally displayed at the 2018 Brickworld expo in Indianapolis, Smythe’s LEGO Soldiers and Sailors

Monument returns to the Indianapolis Central Library, where it can be seen on the second floor through Jan. 17. A graduate of IUPUI, Smythe admits that architecture and design have always been passions of his. It wasn’t until he retired early, however, that Smythe decided to pick LEGOs back up again. “I saw my nephew’s LEGO tubs in my brother’s garage, so I asked my brother what he was doing with them,” Smythe says. “My brother didn’t really know because my nephew was at the age where he had discovered girls. So I brought them back to my place and started trying to put sets back together from the tubs.” After completing some small projects,

Smythe decided it was time to step it up a notch. Taking his interest in architecture into consideration, he thought a well-known monument might be fun to recreate. “A lot of the national monuments had been built, and I wanted to do something no one had done before,” Smythe says. “I started looking locally, and no one had done the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. So I thought, ‘Okay, that’s what I’ll do.’” With no proper instruction manual for the project, Smythe had to do his fair share of research in order to ensure his LEGO creation did the monument justice. “I found some old landscape blueprints from when Ayres used to do the decorations downtown every year, and I was able to find

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some dimensions,” he says. “Every time I found a dimension or a height listed in a book, I would jot it down and then convert it to mini-figure scale, kind of like [you would with] train scale.” Through a process of trial and error, he eventually was able to construct an initial LEGO version of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. In reflecting on the structure’s various elements, Smythe says some parts were certainly more difficult to recreate than others. “In the terrace, the monument has a lot of curves, and LEGO does not make curved bricks like that,” Smythe says. “So I kind of had to be creative. I’d build something and have it fall apart, and then build it and have it fall apart again.” Another element of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument that caused him some trouble was the water on both sides of the structure. “I thought the water would be easy, and it ended up taking six weeks,” Smythe says, chuckling. “I tend to be a perfectionist, and I redo things until I’m happy with them.” After finalizing his LEGO ode to Indy, Smythe was granted the opportunity to display his miniature Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the city’s 2018 Brickworld expo. Here, he was given constructive criticism from fellow LEGO enthusiasts. “When it was at Brickworld, the minifigures were just random figures that I wanted to add to it, and everyone was like, ‘Well, why aren’t they wearing winter clothes?’ So I went and found mini-figures this year that had winter clothes,” Smythe says. “The kids are real truthful with critiquing it.” When transporting his LEGO Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Smythe splits the structure into several sections, which ultimately equate to two separate carloads. “When it comes apart, there are nine sections at the base that just slide apart,” he says. “And then, the tower and the Monument itself are in four or five sections.” atCenterGrove.com / JANUARY 2020 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 29

While installing his LEGO Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the Central Library this November, Smythe says the Red for Ed Action Day was also going on in downtown Indianapolis, which granted him with an excellent opportunity to meet many Indy educators and their students. “Two years ago, basically no one was in the library when I set it up,” Smythe says. “This year, with Red for Ed, it was busy all day long downtown and in the library, so I got a chance to talk with teachers and the kids they brought along, which was really cool.” Smythe’s LEGO Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be on display at the Indianapolis Central Library through Jan. 17 and can be found on the second floor in the library’s Young Readers section. The Central Library is located at 40 E. St. Clair Street and can be reached via phone at 317275-4100. For more information on the library and its operating hours, visitors can also go to IndyPL.org. there were a 6th star, he’d get it. Mike is an absolute professional and was “Ifalways thinking two steps ahead of us. His attention to detail and responsiveness

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