Center Grove Magazine November 2023 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

TRUE VISION

VISIONQUEST EYECARE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A FULL SCOPE OF SERVICES WITH NEW LOCATION

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2023

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PUBLISHER FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com 317.402.3051

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 TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

Chilly Water Brewing Company Moves Forward With New Location

Wolf Welding and Millwright

HEADING FOR OPEN WATERS

Local Band Dream Slice Releasing New Original Music

Easy Street Insurance Takes the Stress Out of the Medicare Process

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Danna Green With HealthMarkets Knows the Ins and Outs of Insurance Plans

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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University of Indianapolis

CARING BEYOND COMMUNITY WALLS

Trojan Tailgater Brings CGHS Football Support to a New Level

CarDon & Associates Supports Those Both Within and Beyond Local Borders

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KEY CONTRIBUTORS

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / MATT KEATING SAVANNAH SEALE / MICHELLE KAUFMAN / RENEE LARR

A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2023

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHER FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com 317.402.3051

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

Training Is Just the Beginning at Top Tier K9

CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN

VisionQuest Eyecare Continues to Provide a Full Scope of Services With New Location

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

PAWS-ING TO HELP

TRANSCENDING TRENDS

Erin DeJong Brings Her Distinctive Business and Marketing Talents to Bear

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SUGAR GROVE ELEMENTARY NAMED A 2023 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Pristine Auto Spa

SMITH VALLEY SHUTTLE SHOWDOWN

Local Contest Benefits White River Township Fire Department

CRISIS CARE

Angelcare Opens New Facility as a Local Haven and Resource TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

TRUE VISION

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

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DAVE BARNETT / MICHELLE KAUFMAN / JULIE YATES KELLY KLEMMENSEN / ETHAN SIEGEL / CYBIL AND BRANDON STUDIOS

PAWS-ING TO HELP TRAINING IS JUST THE BEGINNING AT TOP TIER K9 Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

Ken Weadick, owner of Dogtopia, a dog day care with boarding services in Greenwood, and a dog trainer at Greenwood’s Top Tier K9 franchise, was taking a master course on service-dog training in Florida when the call came in. After months of desperately applying to various service agencies and being turned down, Trevor Wachsman reached out to Top Tier K9. His dog companion of 17 years had recently passed away, yet Wachsman’s situation didn’t meet the usual qualifications for acquiring a service animal. Currently in his early 40s, Wachsman was

diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was just 2 years old. His treatment plan included radiation, but at a rate that is seven to 10 times higher than what is considered safe today. As a result, he eventually lost his right eye and developed a host of other problems that left him unable to work. Wachsman’s main support had been his German shepherd, and without the dog, he was floundering. After being turned down by nonprofits that provided service dogs to veterans, blind individuals and those with autism, he felt like he had hit a brick wall. Another problem was that if he did qualify

with an agency, there would be a three- to five-year wait period, and doctors predicted Wachsman would only live for five to seven more years. He was considering exploring the idea of assisted end-of-life options when he contacted Top Tier K9. In Greenwood, Top Tier K9 is best known for its basic obedience programs. It offers dog owners a board-and-train program that lasts three to four weeks. During the science-based training period, owners come to the facility once per week to see the progress their dog is making. Owners are coached on implementing new-to-them dog

6 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

handling skills, which are based on timing, motivation and consistency. Another facet of Top Tier K9 is that they are a source for working dogs. Through their Foundation Dog program, they train puppies in scent discrimination, tracking, protection and advanced obedience. After successfully completing three phases of this Foundation Dog training, they can be finished as working dogs in various specialties such as service, emotional support, protection and special security. Weadick’s love of dogs brought him to Top Tier K9 after 25 years working in the field of behavior analysis, where he supported adults with developmental disabilities and children diagnosed with autism. He is a board-certified behavior analyst and holds graduate degrees in education and psychology. So it wasn’t a stretch for him to complete training, and then pass qualifying exams and practical evaluations to become certified as a pet trainer, Foundation Dog trainer, as well as service-dog and protection-dog trainer. Breeding dogs for the specific qualities needed for this work is crucial to increase the likelihood of success in the Foundation Dog program. Weadick has worked with breeds such as Belgian Malinois and Dutch shepherds. At the present time, Top Tier K9 is working on developing a line of German shepherds. “When Trevor called, we looked in our inventory of dogs and we had one that fit his specific needs,” Weadick says. “His story was compelling and we saw the need to donate the dog. Less than eight weeks later, Trevor had a dog. An Angel Flight, which is free air transportation donated to people in need, was arranged to bring Trevor to us. Even before we trained Trevor and his dog together, there was preparation going on. Trevor got online and went through Top Tier K9’s virtual-reality training program. Wearing goggles, he worked on timing, correction and reinforcement.” Since getting his dog, life has turned around for Wachsman. Showing his sense of humor, he named his new service animal TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 7

Gamma, after the radiation rays that were the source of his disabilities. Since receiving Gamma, he has been able to sleep through the night. In public, Gamma offers a cushion of security. At medical appointments, Gamma offers support. Wachsman has gained more confidence, knowing he is being protected. Most importantly, his health has dramatically improved.

1/2 PAGE (ISLAND)

“I love working with service dogs,” Weadick says. “We have successful placements with individuals with autism, with physical impairments, as a source of protection and security for women coming out of abusive situations. Dogs can develop the ability to predict precursors to anxiety and behaviors related to PTSD, and provide support. It’s a positive on both sides. The dogs are given jobs they want to do, and people benefit.” Dogtopia Greenwood is located at 1709 South State Road 135. For more info, visit dogtopia.com, call 317-8863100, or email weadick@dogtopia. com. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram. The Dogtopia Foundation donates to service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. Top Tier K9 Greenwood is located at 1709 South State Road 135. For additional details, visit toptierk9.com, email ken.weadick@toptierk9.com, or call/text 317-447-0853. Also learn more by visiting them on Facebook and Instagram.

8 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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Transcending Trends ERIN DEJONG BRINGS HER DISTINCTIVE BUSINESS AND MARKETING TALENTS TO BEAR Writer / Fredda Kovacs Photographer / Kelly Klemmensen

In a world of fast fashion and everchanging trends, a touch of elegance and timelessness can be hard to find. Erin DeJong’s story is not just about entrepreneurship, but also about preserving style, family values, and community engagement - sharing a vision that transcends generations. The era of the pandemic forced many businesses to make tough decisions, and for DeJong, this period prompted her to reconsider her own corporate career path. “Throughout my career I had often thought about different businesses I wanted to pursue and felt it was the time to evaluate all ideas,” says DeJong. With an executive background that equipped her with the skills and experience necessary to make a bold move, DeJong decided to pivot. In November of 2021 she started a fractional services firm that specializes in strategic marketing and revenue operations, called Grivot Strategies. “My husband, Kurt, is my biggest cheerleader,” says DeJong. “With his full support, it felt like the opportune time to help small and local 10 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

businesses bridge the gap of staffing and skill-set deficiencies created by a world turned upside down.” After developing a business model and securing a few clients, Grivot Strategies gained notable momentum. In December of 2021, a social media announcement appeared in DeJong’s Facebook feed that would plot an interesting twist. The story of Caroline’s Boutique begins with Jennifer and Julie, two sisters and high school friends of DeJong, who had successfully started and operated the boutique for many years. Despite the boutique’s thriving business, the sisters faced a momentous decision in the pursuit of new family journeys as their children and parents grew older. They made the choice to close their beloved establishment, leaving behind a legacy of style and grace in Brownsburg. Seeing this as an opportunity to bring her boutique dreams to life, DeJong took a leap of faith and approached them with an offer to purchase the online and mobile portions of their business. She envisioned a hybrid model, combining an online presence with a mobile component, allowing customers to shop from the comfort of their homes and at various pop-up locations throughout

the community and across the state. The sisters accepted and helped DeJong with key operational elements of the transition. The journey since then has been deliberate, marked by careful planning around her core business and clients, the need to build a dedicated team, and defining a clear vision for the boutique. In establishing the legal entity name for the boutique purchase, Viola Lou Jean was chosen, as it holds a special place in DeJong’s heart, paying homage to her and her husband’s grandmothers. “My grandmothers had such unique styles that I admired as a child,” she says. “My ‘Mississippi’ grandma [Nadis Viola] Harrison is a true southern belle. She was always impeccably dressed with manicured nails, wearing her pearl earrings and ‘lips on’ with such a talent for hosting. And my grandma [Zoe Lou] Brown was a spitfire with a love for stylish shoes and fabulous costume jewelry. I couldn’t wait to wear all of her necklaces and fit into her size-five shoes as a child!” DeJong’s husband, Kurt, fondly recalls the styles and personalities of both his grandmothers as well - grandma Mary Lou Switzer, with bright, witty humor, always rewarding strong academics, and grandma Alma Jean DeJong, the stylish

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 11

matriarch of the DeJong family. DeJong’s meticulous approach to relaunching the boutique is evident in every detail. She is joined by a close friend, Tricia, who shares the same vision for the boutique, and helps source fashion and curate transitional styles. Additionally, two of DeJong’s colleagues from Grivot Strategies, Kristin and Hannah, have accepted the challenge of, as she says, “wearing all the hats. I couldn’t do this without them.” For the DeJong family, collaboration is a family affair. Erin and Kurt’s parents are heavily involved with all aspects of their lives, helping anywhere they can. Their daughter, Emma, will assist with the ongoing need for styling and fulfillment before heading off to college next year. Their sons, Austin, Chase and Eli, are always lending a helping hand, “with all the heavy lifting and modifications to our office for inventory,” says DeJong. DeJong’s mission with Caroline’s Boutique is to cater to women of all ages, shapes and seasons. “When a woman is dressed confidently, she carries herself differently,” she says, adding that fashion and personal style are important and empowering. “I want our clientele to experience real women with busy lives modeling our clothes, wearing transitional pieces, but also fun, bold styles and patterns, taking the chance on themselves and embracing how they show up in the world.” On Sunday, November 12, DeJong and her team will host a Sip & Shop event at the Barn at Bay Horse Inn from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event serves multiple purposes. It will provide an opportunity to discount their current inventory, showcase their new ideas and styles, and, most importantly, engage with the community. They will launch a contest inviting people to contribute ideas for the boutique’s rebrand in 2024. 12 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“We’re asking all the ladies to get creative and submit naming ideas,” says DeJong. “If we pick a name that is submitted, the winner will receive a $500 gift card to the boutique.” More details will be provided on their website and social media handles, and of course at the Sip & Shop event. The story of what is currently named Caroline’s Boutique is not just about launching a business. It represents the pursuit of dreams while adapting to every new stage of life. DeJong’s journey, like her boutique, is a testament to the bond of family, the support of friends, and sharing your dreams with a great community. Visit Caroline’s Boutique at shopcarolinesboutique.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @ shopcarolinesboutique, or via email at shopcarolinesboutique@gmail.com.

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P RI STI NE AUTO S PA Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photography / Ethan Siegel, Focus Fusion Media

A Greenwood business is putting its energy and focus into two things - their clients and cars. Pristine Auto Spa is the ultimate source for vehicle protection, detailing and customization, through services such as paint protection film, ceramic coatings, window tinting and vehicle wraps. They specialize in paint protection film, which is designed to protect a vehicle’s clear coat and paintwork from road debris.

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“We started out doing detailing for the interior and exterior of vehicles and added protection services to compliment the business. Typically, a vehicle is the second largest purchase and protecting this investment just makes sense,” CEO Tanner Blais said. “The install is the most crucial factor to that service … we’re taking something that is protecting a vehicle, and we don’t want people to know it’s there. We’re bringing that expertise and that high level of professionalism to the industry.”

eliminate the inconvenience of having to wash the vehicle as frequently. Pristine Auto Spa was started by Blais as a mobile detailing business in 2015. In 2019 the company shifted its focus to paint protection when it opened a facility on 65th Street in Indianapolis. In March of this year, a second location was opened, a 9,000 square foot facility in Greenwood. The decision to open on the southside was driven by customer need and a request from XPEL, the leading paint protection film distributor, which makes many of the products Pristine uses. Pristine Auto Spa was recently named Xpel Dealer of the Year for Indiana, and is certified in every service it performs. “Detailing is very rewarding because you’re taking something that’s dirty and making it clean in a very short amount of time,” Blais says.

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14 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“When I was in a sales position, I had people walk into our shop and when I would ask them if they looked at their car, they would say, ‘I didn’t see it,’ ” says Business Manager Lloyd Stephen. “They walked right past their own car because it looked that different when we were done with it. It looked like a brand-new car and it was maybe five or ten years old.” Pristine Auto Spa focuses not only on their clients, but also their employees. Every employee has gone through multifaceted training at Pristine’s Indianapolis or Rockville, Maryland, facility. Training includes education, hands-on work and repetition. The company utilizes an application, developed specifically for them, that features training videos, guides, and the ability to communicate with employees at other locations, to give them immediate access to answers and provide assistance to other employees. “What we’ve found the most success in is finding people who are really passionate about the services and products that we provide,” Stephen says. “They have no experience but they have the right character. They want to take care of people the way that we want to take care of people, and then we train them to do everything else. There’s a point in everyone’s training where it just clicks and they say, ‘I get it now.’ ” Stephen and Blais say what drives them is client experience and building long-term relationships, which is achieved through effective communication, attention to detail and taking care of people. Pristine’s new location offers an accommodating waiting area with Wi-Fi, snacks and other amenities. Additionally, a convenient pickup and drop-off and loaner vehicle service is available to those clients with busy schedules and need to have available transportation. Community involvement is also an important pillar of Pristine Auto Spa’s company philosophy. Their Driving for Causes program partners them with charities to raise money through driving cars in a social atmosphere. Driving for Causes supports various initiatives benefiting animals, women’s services, children’s services and veterans. Their achievements have not gone unnoticed. Blais has been included in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 20 in their Twenties, and Stephen is a graduate of Leadership Johnson County. Customers can receive 10% off all services through March 2024 when they mention Towne Post. TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 15

CRISIS CARE ANGELCARE OPENS NEW FACILITY AS A LOCAL HAVEN AND RESOURCE ahead of them.

Writer / Julie Yates Photography / Cybil and Brandon Studios

After several years of careful planning and gathering of necessary funds, the faithbased, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Angelcare is opening its doors to provide a safe haven to pregnant/homeless teen girls who have lost the support of their family and friends. The mission of the home is to provide education and support to young women aged 13 to 19 who are facing a crisis pregnancy. Physical, emotional and spiritual needs are addressed, to prepare both mother and baby for the future

The newly built, 9,000-square-foot structure, located at 289 Pleasant Street in Trafalgar, was the vision of Founder Rita Norwood. Shortly after the foundation and walls of the basement were poured, she lost her battle with cancer. Now, more than six years later, her dream has come to fruition. A grand opening ceremony complete with a ribbon cutting was held on October 15. According to Yadi Garcia, president of Angelcare, the home has the capacity to offer space for 12 residents, and they are initially starting with three individuals.

Procedures are being put in place and constantly evaluated for adjustments that need to be made. However, the house is just one facet of the organization. Off-site services will continue to be offered with the help of doulas, other health professionals and volunteers. Qualifying individuals are mentored through participation in counseling sessions, and classes in life skills and

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parenting. In addition, prenatal classes, postpartum counseling, child safety classes and social-services resources are available. “We serve the most vulnerable age group of pregnant girls in our community,” Garcia says. “Girls facing a crisis pregnancy often fall victim to abuse, drugs, malnutrition and homelessness. Someone aged 20 and over can usually fend for themselves. But these homeless teens have not only lost their support, but they have also lost hope. We want these young women to know that an unplanned pregnancy doesn’t have to mean her young life is over. We want her to know that she is valued and loved - that Jesus loves her and has a plan for her life, and that he offers her a hope and a future for her and her baby. At Angelcare we choose life for the baby and the mother.” “To prepare them for a bright future, we help these young moms with their education, finding a job when feasible, coaching them on interview skills, and creating a resume,” Garcia continues. “Additionally, we will teach them life skills like banking and budgeting, cooking and cleaning, gardening, etcetera. Often some of these girls come from situations where they are without any role models. The simplest things we take for granted, such as how to make a bed, may need to be taught to them.” Garcia shares that some of the girls don’t even have a bed. Angelcare was made aware of a young mother-to-be that was eight months pregnant and was sleeping on the floor. She was using buckets as a dresser. The organization was able to facilitate the delivery of a bed for the teen’s use. “Sometimes, in our very own backyard we see the living conditions of a third-world country,” Garcia says. “We get calls from hospitals, the police, fire departments and schools. They inform us of girls that have no other support other than couch surfing, or living in a homeless shelter or even a car.” TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 17

Angelcare serves Johnson County and the surrounding areas. The only other home like theirs in central Indiana is the O’Connor House in Carmel. “Right now our greatest need is monthly support,” Garcia says. “We exist through the donations of churches, businesses and Friends of Angelcare. Keeping our program going is the hard part. It costs $100 per day for each girl.” Angelcare holds two fundraisers per year. A motorcycle rally held in honor of their founder, Rita’s Ride, has been held annually each fall since 2012. Throughout the years, the event, which includes lunch and giveaways, has acquired several community sponsors and in-kind donations from area businesses. A second event will be held in the spring, featuring a banquet as well as a live and silent auction. A tentative date has been set for April 18, 2024.

Our Team is Ready to Serve in Every Season 317-696-5844 www.wintersplumbers.com

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Friends of Angelcare is a huge support to the organization. Interested individuals can become a member of this group by going to the website and clicking on the “Donate” button. The option is given for various dollar amounts, and individuals can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation to be given in a timeline of their choice, such as weekly, monthly, biannually or yearly. The organization’s presence on social media raises awareness that it exists and has services to offer to teens facing a crisis pregnancy. Posts on Facebook and Instagram offer inspirational quotes plus practical information. The official Angelcare website offers information about the organization and a list of services offered. “Angelcare is the first line of defense in the battle of teen pregnancy,” Garcia says. “Our mission is to save two lives. Christ came to give us hope, life and a future. A young mother can do more than just choose life for her baby. She can choose life for herself as well. We want both to have more than just hope. We want them to have an abundant life and a bright future.”

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For more information on services provided, volunteer opportunities, and to donate, visit angelcareinc. org. Also visit them on Facebook and Instagram. Angelcare’s mailing address is: P.O. Box 1454, Greenwood, Indiana 46142. They can be reached at 800-604-LIFE (5433), or at info@ angelcareinc.org.

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TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / 19

TRUE VISION

VISIONQUEST EYECARE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A FULL SCOPE OF SERVICES WITH NEW LOCATION Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photography Provided

isionQuest Eyecare is celebrating 26 years of service to the central Indiana community with a new location near the heart of Center Grove. VisionQuest features four primary-care optometrists and two additional specialty offices under one roof, near the intersection of State Road 135 and Stones Crossing Road.

Of the four primary-care optometrists, two of them were Dr. Christopher Browning’s patients as kids. All have ties to the south side and went to Greenwood, Center Grove and Roncalli high schools.

examination at VisionQuest Eyecare, a child’s eyes are measured from front to back with a diagnostic laser, because with myopia, the eyeball is too long and gets too big too fast.

The new VisionQuest building is the only eye doctor office in Indiana, and one of only 70 in the country, that partners with Treehouse Eyes to manage myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. During an

“The mission of TreeHouse Eyes is to give kids better vision for life, which makes them a great partner for our practice,” Browning says. “Historically, nearsightedness has been treated with just glasses and contact

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lenses. As the nearsightedness gets worse, the child was given progressively stronger glasses every year. What’s unique about our practice is we treat the underlying condition. We have different ways to slow that down. We use special contact lenses and pharmaceuticals to slow or eliminate growth. Therefore, kids don’t become more nearsighted. What we’re trying to do is set these kids up for a lifetime of better eye health by keeping their eyeballs from stretching out.” Browning says people whose eyeballs are too long are much more susceptible to eye disease such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and retinal holes/tears/ detachments. Treehouse Eyes is going from one exam room in the old Greenwood location to an entire space with its own identity inside the building. “It’s like, ‘Hey, we’re just coming up in the treehouse. We’re just going to hang out,’” Browning says. “It’s nothing to be scared about because kids are apprehensive when they think about going to the doctor. It puts kids at ease. We don’t put in a lot of drops or

SCAN HERE

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air puffs in the eye. We try to minimize or eliminate historically negative experiences associated with going to the eye doctor. We want them to be comfortable here.” After establishing the first vision therapy program on the south side over 10 years ago, the three vision therapists on staff will be launching Focus Vision Therapy as they move into the new building. Vision therapists are similar to occupational or physical therapists, and work with patients to improve visual function based on the diagnosis of the doctor. Kids with trouble tracking or focusing, or with eye muscle imbalance, can all benefit from this type of therapy. It can make a major difference for the rest of their lives. The new building will offer more than four times the space for the therapists to work with kids. The separate entrance will allow for an expanded schedule to accommodate school and homework schedules for busy families. Each part of the new office, including Treehouse Eyes, Focus Vision Therapy and VisionQuest Eyecare, will have its own space and entrance. “Many other doctors in our area refer their patients with problems to us for the special things we do,” Browning says. “After we care for them, we always send them back to the referring doctor. The new building and separate entrances are more convenient for the patients for whom we are providing specialty care. Again, our focus with the new building is to make it more convenient for busy families.” “Our typical patient is very busy,” he adds. “We respect that. Our patients expect to get in and out of the office in an efficient manner, and expect things to be taken care of well and the first time. That’s what we really, really, really focus on. “We had a patient in our Geist office say that it’s like the eye doctor met the Apple Store, and I thought that was a really good analogy.” Browning says the staff aim to provide convenience and comfort to anyone who walks through the door. Their focus is

on personalized solutions, supported by education and technology. VisionQuest was one of the first optometry practices in the state to use a therapeutic laser for certain types of glaucoma. Browning and his team also specialize in several innovative dry-eye therapies such as intense pulsed light, to decrease inflammation and enable patients to make more of their own tears. The team works to find the newest and latest technologies and treatments to make a patient’s life better. The practice offers scleral shells, which are highly customized contact lenses for patients who can’t use other types of contact lenses or who have corneal issues. “These contact lenses provide significantly better vision than conventional contacts, glasses or even surgical techniques for some patients because it creates a new shell - a brand-new surface on the front of the damaged eye,” Browning says. “This is another service we provide to the other eye doctors in our area that don’t have the technology or expertise to help their patients with no other options.” VisionQuest has relied on a patient advisory board, which has helped the management team make many decisions

about what patients expect from the practice, including location of the new building, changes in office hours, electronic communication preferences, frame lines and even staff uniforms. Browning is excited for the new location, which will allow expansion of the unique services of their practice. Because each doctor has their own speciality, VisionQuest can care for every member of the family, from infants to greatgrandparents. The new building should help their mission and allow them to help the expanding Center Grove community. Fostering connections, supporting local initiatives, and making a positive impact in the lives of their neighbors is a core belief for VisionQuest Eyecare. “We are deeply committed to being an integral part of this vibrant community and giving back. As part of our grand opening, we are proud to partner with the Center Grove Education Foundation to offer a scholarship, reinforcing our dedication to community involvement,” says Browning. VisionQuest’s new southside location is at 2887 South State Road 135 in Greenwood. For additional info, call 317-653-4158 or go to visionquesteyecare.com.

22 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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SUGAR GROVE ELEMENTARY NAMED A 2023 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL Story & Photography Provided by Center Grove Community School Corporation

Sugar Grove Elementary School in Greenwood is among 353 schools in the nation and 11 in Indiana named 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Education on September 19. This prestigious award is designed to affirm the hard work of students, educators, families and communities who have created safe and welcoming schools where students thrive. Sugar Grove Principal Kristin Rodman surprised her staff with the news at a staff meeting. “I am so proud of our Sugar Grove

Bulldogs, and the work that our staff and students put in every day,” said Rodman. “Over the last three years I have watched our staff overcome a lot of obstacles, try new strategies and implement best practices for all of our students. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a recognition for our staff, students and community that we are doing good things in this building. This is such an honor that will push us to keep moving forward for all of our current and future Bulldogs.” “We are incredibly proud of the great work we see every day by Principal Kristin Rodman, Assistant Principal Mindy VanderVeen, and their dedicated teachers

and staff,” said Rich Arkanoff, Ed.D., superintendent for the Center Grove Community School Corporation. “Sugar Grove has experienced a lot of growth and changes in the families they serve over the last few years. They have met those challenges with care, compassion and devotion to helping their students succeed.” Sugar Grove is being recognized by the Department of Education, based on its overall academic performance, as an Exemplary High Performing school. Exemplary High Performing schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

24 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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SMITH VALLEY SHUTTLE SHOWDOWN

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The Smith Valley Shuttle Showdown has wrapped up, the ballots counted, and a winner declared. Earlier this summer, two neighboring Center Grove businesses, My Baby Detailing and Domino’s, launched a contest to let the community decide who had the better shuttle vehicle. In the end, the Domino’s delivery car received the most votes, but both shops decided to provide their winning pledges to the White River Township Fire Department. Employees from both businesses worked hand in hand to help each other serve the department. My Baby Detailing provided a deep cleaning of Chief Jeremy Pell’s Dodge Durango with the assistance of some of the crew from Domino’s, while the My Baby Detailing crew helped deliver the pizza provided by Domino’s for all three fire stations. The friendly rivalry was great fun, and a unique way to bless our local firefighters.

26 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

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More expertise per patient. That’s worth celebrating.

At Johnson Memorial Health, we believe every patient deserves the best care possible. That’s why we’re proud to be celebrating one year as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. It’s a collaboration that allows us to amplify our own expertise with the knowledge, experience and resources of Mayo Clinic. Which means you get exceptional care, close to home, at no additional cost. And we think giving our patients that peace of mind is definitely worth celebrating.

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30 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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32 / CENTER GROVE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com