Center Grove Magazine July 2018

MAGAZINE

JULY 2018

Get Creative

Popular DIY Studio, Board & Brush, Celebrates Grand Opening In Greenwood

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GET CREATIVE: POPULAR DIY STUDIO, BOARD & BRUSH, CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN GREENWOOD If you have ever dreamed of becoming a DIY master, then Board & Brush Creative Art Studio in Greenwood is the place for you. Board & Brush is a make-and-take woodworking studio that is perfect for bridal parties, date night, birthday bashes or a unique experience with family and friends.

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JULY WRITERS Julie Young / Lynda Hedberg Thies Nicole Sipe / Seth Johnson Stephanie Weber / Suzanne Huntzinger

JULY PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Amy Payne / Collin Weber Erin Feldmeyer

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Malina’s Adventures: Local Author Writes Book Series with Valuable Life Lessons for All

Greenwood’s Newest Premier Event Venue

Center Grove Awards 2017-2018 26 Future Farmers: New Indiana Teachers of the Year: Gary Robinson Agriculture & Technology School Is Named Overall District Winner

Training Next Generation of Farmers

12 Trendy in Indy: 7 Best Ice Cream Shops in Indy

16 Get Creative: Popular DIY Studio,

20 The Nest Event Center:

Board & Brush, Celebrates Grand Opening in Greenwood

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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Author Keith Fechtman (left) and illustrator Eric Erickson.

LOCAL AUTHOR WRITES BOOK SERIES WITH VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS FOR ALL Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Provided Photography

Oftentimes in life, the result of our greatest struggle can often prove to be our greatest source of joy or even provide us with our life’s purpose. If we are being completely honest, not one of us wants to struggle, and we will go to great lengths to avoid it. But the truth is that we all struggle with something and the only

way out is having the courage to face it head on in spite of our critics or our own critical thoughts.

For Keith Fechtman, his greatest struggle came in the form of dyslexia. Dyslexia is the most common reading disorder with up to three million cases per year.

It is a genetic disorder characterized by difficulty in spelling, reading,

memorizing and identifying words despite normal intelligence and above.

For students lucky enough to have a diagnosis, there is no specific treatment but there is help with tutoring through educational approaches and techniques.

But Fechtman’s issue was misdiagnosed and at every turn, there were kids that laughed at him because he was different

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atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2018 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 5

and teachers that told him “you’re not smart enough” and limited his exposure to programs and clubs that may have helped him. And even though this pattern continued throughout his educational career, it did not stop him — it made him all the more determined.

“I was determined to prove them wrong and I was lucky enough to have a tremendous support system at home,”

P

r i v a t e

B

Fechtman says.

The words of those teachers were disheartening and that is what allowed him to persevere. Never allowing limits to be placed on him, he decided to write a children’s book to help other children understand that even if you are different that no matter what challenges you face, you can overcome them. The book is

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It was only recently that he learned that there was a name for his struggle.

When he finally understood what he was dealing with, he realized he needed to get more people talking about it. His wife encouraged him to get the book out of storage and use it to make a difference with dyslexia. He contacted Eric Erickson, his brother in law, also from the Center Grove area, to provide the illustrations.

The collaboration resulted in Malina’s Zoo Adventure that was published in 2017 as a way to help kids with dyslexia as well as their parents. The book also helps those who don’t have dyslexia better understand what it’s like for those that live with dyslexia. The second book, Malina’s Farm Adventure is scheduled for release in July of 2018.

Fechtman has a desire to use his books “to show parents and children that no matter what challenges life throws at us, we can learn and grow with the help and support of others.” This is a case of life imitating art and is a message we can all learn and apply in our lives. Ironically, the main character, Malina was used because that is how dyslexics see the word animal.

In a further bit of irony, the book’s release coincides with the recent passing of Bill 216. This is a mandate that states that all schools in Indiana must have a resource teacher on staff who is specifically trained to help students with dyslexia by the year 2020.

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about a little girl named Malina. After writing the book, he packed it away for seven years.

Malina’s Zoo Adventures and the newest book in the series, Malina’s Farm Adventures are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. A portion of the proceeds from the book helps to change the lives of dyslexic students by paying for them to go to camp.

For more information, visit malinasadventures.com.

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Center Grove Awards 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year Gary Robinson Named Overall District Winner

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Photos provided by Center Grove Community School Corporation

Center Grove Middle School Central 7th Grade Social Studies teacher Gary Robinson was recently named the 201718 Center Grove Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year. The top honor was announced at Center Grove’s 2018 Teacher Celebration held in the Center Grove High School auditorium on May 1.

“I am truly blessed to have received this honor from a great school corporation,” Robinson says.

Robinson has been a teacher for 40 years. The overall district Teacher of the Year is chosen by a Franklin College committee from the Teachers of the Year selected by each building. As Teacher of the Year, Robinson received a $1,000 check, courtesy of Wallman Financial, LLC to spend in his classroom. He will represent Center Grove in the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition.

Along with the district’s Teacher of the Year award, each school’s Teacher of the Year winner and Legacy Award winners were also recognized. Each teacher is recognized for making an extraordinary impact among students and colleagues in his/her building.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

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• Center Grove High School — Jackie Fowler, Art • Center Grove Middle School Central — Gary Robinson, 7th Grade Social Studies • Center Grove Middle School North — Jacob Burskey, 8th Grade Science • Center Grove Elementary School — Kimberly Andrews, 2nd Grade

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• North Grove Elementary School — Caitlyn Nowak, 1st Grade

• Pleasant Grove Elementary School — Amber Hassett, 5th Grade • Sugar Grove Elementary School — Heidi Hite, 3rd Grade

The teachers in each building select their Teacher of the Year. The overall district Teacher of the Year was chosen by an outside university committee. Additional information about the award winners and photos from the evening are available at centergrove.k12.in.us/teacherawards.

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7 B E S T I C E C R E A M S H O P S I N I N DY

Writer / Stephanie Weber Photographer / Collin Weber

The heat in July is sweltering in Indy. We are all looking for the quickest way to cool off so days spent in the pool or in the air conditioning have become a necessity.

One of my favorite ways to beat the heat is to enjoy something deliciously chilled. Our city has some of the best ice cream shops

that are ready to cool you off. Read on for my seven favorites in Indy.

1. BRICS IN BROAD RIPPLE

If you’re headed to Broad Ripple and want to walk the Monon Trail, you can stop at BRICS along the way. I personally enjoy the Carmel x3, but you also can’t go wrong with Butler Pecan.

2. GRAETER’S

This ice cream shop has three locations in and around Indianapolis. The one I frequent is located in Carmel near the City Center. I love their Dutch Milk Chocolate, but all of the flavors here are deliciously rich and creamy.

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3. MRS CURL

This one is hands down the best soft serve on the southside of Indianapolis. They place a teddy graham in your selection and you can order my favorite, a swirl cone.

They also have hot dogs and other food options so you can make a whole meal out of it. With affordable prices, you can gather the whole family and all your friends for a picnic. You might also see their truck at a few summer events around the city.

4. RITTER'S

When I was little, Ritter’s was a common stop for our family. They have different flavors of the day including my favorite, Chocolate Covered Banana. They are also known for their blizzards, served upsidedown to prove their thickness. The Cookie Dough blizzard is always a solid option.

5. NICEY TREAT

For the lactose-free, this one should be on your list. It’s located in Broad Ripple and Fountain Square. They handmake all their popsicles with natural ingredients to create a variety of flavors. Personally, I prefer Strawberry Mint and Pineapple Basil.

Although these are technically popsicles, Nicey offers a cool treat on a stick with the creamy factor of regular ice cream.

6. HANDEL’S

With a line that’s always long on summer nights, this is a local favorite in Fishers and Carmel. My first trip to the location on 116th street was actually in May. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a couple of dairy-free options. I enjoyed a cup of the Chocolate Almond Milk with bananas on top while my husband devoured a sugar cone full of the Chocoholic Chunk.

7. SUB ZERO

Yes, the name was also intriguing to me too which is why I walked in with a few atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2018 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 13

friends to the Mass Ave location a few months ago. Essentially liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the ice cream and it’s pretty entertaining to watch. You pick your flavor and any toppings and then watch it freeze in front of your eyes. Because the portions are large and we had just come from lunch, we shared a cup of the Cake Batter with sprinkles. There are also locations at Castleton Mall and in Carmel.

These seven cold treat stops are just a handful of what’s available here in Indy.

I’ve been to each of these and enjoy the atmosphere combined with the menu.

Grab the kids, call your friends and embrace the heat with a trip to one of these ice cream shops. Aside from going to a waterpark or running through sprinklers, cold treats are the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in Indy. Which one will you visit next?

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Popular DIY Studio, Board & Brush, Celebrates Grand Opening In Greenwood Writer / Julie Young Photographer / Erin Feldmeyer

If you have ever dreamed of becoming a DIY master, then Board & Brush Creative Art Studio in Greenwood is the place for you.

Board & Brush is a make-and-take woodworking studio that is perfect for bridal parties, date night, birthday bashes or a unique experience with family and friends. Over the course of a three-hour session, customers work with provided materials and learn all of the techniques it takes to transform a raw piece of wood into a decorative item for their home. “Our workshops are educational-based and priced at a flat fee that 16 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2018 / atCenterGrove.com

L to R: Manager Katy Smith and owners Gavin Taylor and Debbie House.

includes everything you need to leave with a classic wooden piece to adorn your walls,� says franchise owner Debbie House.

House is a longtime friend of Board & Brush founders Curt and Julie Selby who agreed to open a corporate studio in Brownsburg during the summer of 2015. The business model took off and a year later, House opened a second location in Westfield that has also been well received. During a company retreat in Milwaukee, WI, House met Gavin Taylor who was looking for a business to invest in and together they purchased both studios from the Selbys and made plans for future endeavors.

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“Both of these locations draw customers from all over the Southside of Indianapolis, so Greenwood was the logical choice for our next studio,” House says. “We really love the Old Town Greenwood area and the renovations that are being made. It is the perfect fit for us.”

It also proved to be the perfect fit for Katy Smith, who serves as the studio manager for the Greenwood location.

Although she spent 16 years in medical and pharmaceutical sales, Smith says she always had a passion for DIY projects of any kind. After seeing some of the items that came out of Board & Brush studio in Roanoke, IN, she fell in love with the concept and longed to be part of it.

“I hadn’t even attended a workshop myself yet,” Smith says. “I just kept thinking how happy I would be if I were able to work in an environment like that every day.”

Smith says when people hear the term “Board & Brush,” they often ask if she is involved in a horse grooming facility, but she is quick to explain the studio’s concept and tell them how they can choose from more than 200 wood designs to create during a workshop.

“Although Board & Brush is known for signs, we also have trays, centerpieces, planter boxes, trivets, shelves,

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chalkboards, stocking holders, calendars — the design options are endless,” Smith says. “We can accommodate small or large parties, and with the calendar feature on our website, customers can find a workshop that works with their schedule, book their spot and specify their personalization.”

In-home Organization

Since their grand opening on June 15, the local response has been positive and Smith is confident that buzz will only grow as demand increases.

She says Board & Brush will flourish in Greenwood because it offers a fun, unique evening with friends or family where customers receive great instruction, learn new skills and leave with a customized handmade piece that is worthy of the walls in your home.

“I think Board & Brush will be a positive contribution to the revitalization of Old Town Greenwood and bring people to the area,” she says. “I think the character of our community really aligns with everything Board and Brush is about. Every studio has a sign that says, ‘Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work,’ and I see our community emulate that every day.”

Board & Brush is located at 200 W. Main Street in Greenwood. You can visit them online at boardandbrush.com or give them a call at 317-750-5748.

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Greenwood’s Newest Premier Event Venue

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Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger Photographer / Amy Payne

Everyone loves an excuse to throw a great party, and now there’s a new reason. Just off I-65 at the Greenwood exit, welcoming visitors into town, The Nest Event Center, just opened November 2017.

In just six short months, they’ve already held several big events, including their grand opening to showcase their vendors and the newly renovated space. They’ve hosted events for groups as small as eight and as large as 550. They’ve hosted a corporate holiday party, a large trade show, numerous workshops and seminars, luncheons, concerts, business meetings, and their first wedding was held May 19.

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The Nest is in the home formerly occupied by Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria and was completely remodeled to accommodate hosting a variety of events.

Lindel and Kristee Anderson bought the space and turned it into a phenomenal spot for weddings, birthday parties,

“We both enjoy serving other people and look forward to many years of service to the Greenwood and surrounding communities.

We hope to capture the client’s vision and work together to design life’s celebrations.”

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The Nest owner Kristee Anderson (left) and building owner, Julie Faulkner.

corporate meetings or celebrations, conferences and other special events.

Making the whole event planning process easier, the Nest has a group of vendor partners who they can recommend to make your event a success. The list includes several caterers (including Jonathan Byrd’s catering), bakeries, photographers, florists, and graphic designers for invitations.

“We offer several options to meet all tastes and budgets,” Kristee says.

The Anderson’s and their staff of talented event planning professionals make The Nest an easy choice for a party, and so does the facility itself. One of the great features of The Nest that sets the venue apart from others is its versatility.

“Our main ballroom can divide into smaller spaces for multiple events. Our foyer can also be used to host events as well,” Kristee says.

“Our wall-sized environmental projectors have become a really popular feature with our clients. We have used them for presentations, live twitter feeds, home photos & videos or for anything our clients ask.”

As simple as The Nest makes event planning, becoming the event center’s proprietors wasn’t in the original plan for the Andersons. The couple moved to Indiana from Houston in 1995 to work at Indiana Bible College, an outreach of Calvary Tabernacle. Lindel has served for 22 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2018 / atCenterGrove.com

23 years as Dean of Worship Studies and Minister of Music. Kristee has been involved with hospitality and event planning since she arrived in Indianapolis.

“I’ve had lots of unique opportunities to serve as an event coordinator,” she says.

“My role at Calvary Tabernacle has been directing weddings and receptions as well as more than 100 bridal showers, baby showers and anniversary parties. I’ve also had to coordinate the college’s annual music conference and dozens of banquets and private parties.”

The Anderson’s hands were full with their work at the Indiana Bible College, but they didn’t realize how full their hands were about to get. When developer and longtime family friend, Randy Faulkner, reached out to the Andersons to gauge their interest in being a part of his latest building renovation, they couldn’t pass it up.

“The renovation of Jonathan Byrd’s

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Cafeteria and transformation to The Nest came at the perfect time for my family,” Kristee says.

“I have always been a part of a family business. My parents started a business in Houston which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. My brother became acting president of the business when my father passed away in 2010. In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit of my family, it was an easy decision to take on a business of my own and go full throttle into this endeavor.”

Like Kristee, Lindel has found his niche at The Nest.

“Anyone that knows my husband knows his love for people and fellowship, and what we are doing here at the Nest is right up his alley,” Kristee says.

“We both enjoy serving other people and look forward to many years of service to the Greenwood and surrounding communities. We hope to capture the client’s vision and work together to design life’s celebrations.”

Taking on The Nest has been a seamless transition for the Andersons, but they’re still adjusting to the new, busy schedule.

“We’re managing it together as a family,” Kristee says. “My niece, Macy Shrum, has been here helping me since we opened in November, and she’s been a wonderful asset to The Nest. When we have late-night events followed by early morning events, we just all jump in together and get it done.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family.”

Follow The Nest on Instagram & Facebook for photos, updates and more information on upcoming events, like the series of gospel concerts once a month, a popular Jonathan Byrd’s tradition.

To plan your next event at The Nest, contact Kristee Anderson at 844401-NEST, or email her at kristee@ thenestevents.com. The Nest is located at 400 Byrd Way in Greenwood.

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FUTURE FARMERS New Indiana Agriculture & Technology School Is Training Next Generation of Farmers

Writer / Nicole Sipe Provided Photography

Morgantown, south of Indianapolis. The idea behind the school is that students in grades 7 through 12 will have the opportunity to prepare for a career in agriculture before they graduate. Students will study biosciences, agribusiness, conservation, environmental science, forestry, drones and other farm-related subjects.

Agriculture is a big business in Indiana, contributing about $31.2 billion to the state’s economy and providing jobs for more than 107,000 Hoosiers. The problem is, the average farmer is 64 years old, and new farming techniques are becoming more high-tech. How to deal with this problem? A new school might have the answer.

“Students will typically take six credit hours a semester, and they determine what The Indiana Agriculture & Technology their day looks like academically,” says School (IATS) is a new tuition-free charter Keith Marsh, executive director and chief school that pairs online learning with labs academic officer for IATS. “The student’s and project-based activities on a farm in academic day is monitored daily by their

course instructor, their academic tutor if they need one, their success coach who helps them organize and prioritize their academic studies and their student learning advocate who monitors the entire team and works daily with the student. The ratio is four educators to one student. That is very unique in a virtual educational setting.”

IATS has offices in Carmel, but students do all their academic learning online, so there are no physical school classes to attend. This setup is unique and is the first of its kind in the area.

“We know that there are agriculture schools,

26 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2018 / atCenterGrove.com

such as the one up in Chicago, that is a magnet for the Chicago Public Schools,” Marsh says. “But from what we know, they are set up like a traditional school with a building. We do not know of anyone who has a 600-plus acre farm campus as well as being a virtual school.”

IATS is working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to create their project-based curriculum.

“Some of the activities that we want to offer are forest management, orienteering and mapping, water and soil management and wildlife management, just to name a few,” Marsh says. “We will also offer a drone certification program that starts in their junior year of high school. Junior year consists of online learning, and at the end of the junior year students will take a test with the Future Farmers of America and become certified commercial drone pilots.

“Senior year consists of visual stick flying, where students will be flying all sizes of drones to become proficient in flying,” Marsh says. “They can put this certification in their back pocket and utilize it in a lot of careers, especially in the agriculture business.”

Students who graduate from IATS will earn either their Indiana Core 40, Core 40 Honors or Core 40 Technical Honors diploma.

“Then, they can pursue the workforce right out of high school or attend a two or fouryear college of their choice,” Marsh says.

And what about the students who change their mind about an agriculture career?

“Students do not have to pursue an agriculture career to be enrolled in our school,” Marsh says. “We will prepare them for a career pathway of their choice out of high school or to enter a college or university.”

For more information about Indiana Agriculture & Technology School, visit Indiana.ag. Classes start July 30.

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317-743-0015

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GREENWOOD MAGAZINE RELAUNCHING IN SEPTEMBER!

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28 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2018 / atCenterGrove.com

Owner Jack Meeks

GREENWOOD HOT DOGS & SAUSAGES FOOD TRUCK DELIVERS BIG FLAVOR Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Erin Feldmeyer

For Jack Meeks, hot dogs have just always been a part of life.

“I’m originally from Virginia, and one of my uncles had a hot dog restaurant there in Lynchburg,” says the man behind Happy Jack’s Hot Dogs & Sausages in Greenwood. “Down south, hot dogs are

really big. I mean, there was a hot dog restaurant on every corner. So I’ve been involved with hot dogs all my life.”

From their signature Hill City Hot Dog to more conventional hot dog and sausage choices, Happy Jack’s Hot Dogs & Sausages has a little bit of something to offer everyone. Typically located in Old Town Greenwood at the Public Parking Lot on Main Street, the roving lunch cart

has become a favorite of many in the area, much to the delight of Meeks.

A Greenwood resident, Meeks decided to start Happy Jack’s Hot Dogs & Sausages about four years ago upon retiring.

“After I retired from business a few years ago, I said, ‘I’ve always wanted to do this,’” Meeks recalls. “So I thought, ‘I’ll give this a try.’ It’s not to make money only, it’s just

atCenterGrove.com / JULY 2018 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 29

to have something to do.”

With ties to the area, he decided Greenwood was where he would predominantly do business.

“When we started looking around, Greenwood was one of the locations that we could find to set up because they hadn’t had any food trucks at that point,” Meeks says. “So we went in and talked with them and worked out an agreement with the city to use that parking lot. It just became home for us, so people know that we’re there.”

Since its start, Happy Jack’s Hot Dogs & Sausages has stuck to a pretty simple yet unique menu. According to Meeks, the most popular item is their Hill City Hot Dog, which is an Indiana hot dog topped with Virginia-style yellow relish, spicy southern-style chili sauce and chopped sweet onions. This hot dog recipe originated in Lynchburg, Virginia, where Meeks’ uncle had his hot dog restaurant back in the early 1940s.

“What I brought with me from Virginia was the old recipes for Hill City Hot,” Meeks says. “That’s where I came from was Lynchburg [called the Hill City].”

Other highlights on the Happy Jack’s menu include the Kraut Dog and the Zesty Garden Dog, which also has its own special recipe.

“The Zesty Garden Dog was one that we came up with,” Meeks says. “When we first started, people would say, ‘Do you have a Chicago dog?’ I’m from the south, so I didn’t know what a Chicago dog was.

So we did a little research on it, and my wife came up with the recipe for the Zesty Garden Dog. She has a special sauce that she puts on top of it. That’s a big seller.”

Happy Jack’s also offers a more conventional Chili Dog option, which is always a hit with the youngsters.

“The young kids, when we do a party, all they want are chili dogs,” Meeks says.

“They’ll just eat tons and tons of them.”

The cart also offers an assortment of cans of pop and bags of chips to make the meal experience complete.

In addition to their normal parking lot appearances in Greenwood, Happy Jack’s also does private events.

“People book us for weddings and birthdays,” Meeks says. “Graduations are big. It’s an inexpensive way to feed a lot of people.”

No matter where the cart is located, though, Meeks says he’s ultimately in it for the people.

“[I enjoy] meeting with the people, talking with the people, seeing how everybody’s doing,” he says. “If you think you’re gonna get rich selling hot dogs out of a cart, no, you’re not. You gotta really love what you’re doing.”

For updates on what days you can find Happy Jack’s Hot Dogs & Sausages out in Old Town Greenwood at the Public Parking Lot on Main Street, be sure to visit the Happy Jack’s on Twitter at @ HappyJackHotDog, Facebook facebook. com/happyjackhotdogs or call them at 317-851-7972.

30 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / JULY 2018 / atCenterGrove.com

CENTER GROVE Events VIEW FULL EVENT CALENDAR AT EVENTS.TOWNEPOST.COM

10

CLOCK Workshop!

Come create a beautiful customized 24” round family clock! It comes complete with the mechanism and hands so you’ll go home with a fully functioning piece of art. Your name and established date will be on this very special piece and you can choose between Roman numerals or regular numbers. We customize the materials for you and take you step by step to create a gorgeous piece for your home or for a gift. *Please note that this workshop requires pre-registration and customization. Ages 16 and up.

Cost is $90.

Board & Brush Greenwood 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

12

Family Fun Night

Enjoy a great night with the family at Freedom Springs! Stop by and make your summer memories!

Freedom Springs 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

14

20

The Idol Kings: A tribute to Journey, John Mellencamp & Tom Petty will be live at the Lawn at Mallow Run Winery on July 14. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 day of show. Children 12 & under are free. Picnics welcome, although food trucks will be available. Blankets and lawn chairs strongly encouraged. No pets or tents allowed during concerts. Concert is rain or shine.

Join us for our 2nd Adult Night of the season at Freedom Springs lets you tap into your inner child and relax as the sun goes down! Come take in the evening enjoying your favorite Oaken Barrel and Mallow Run beverages while listening to the live performance of Chicken Bone (Tastes Like Chicken Acoustic Set).

Idol Kings on the Lawn

Adult Night At Freedom Springs

Mallow Run Winery 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Freedom Springs 8:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE! EVENTS.TOWNEPOST.COM

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