Center Grove Magazine December 2022

ONE YOU. ONE HEART.

HEART CARE That’s Personal

There’s only one you. And your spouse, sisters, brothers, coworkers, friends, children and neighbors… they all know it. That one heart you’ve got is loved by a lot of people.

That’s why we’re here to help. Don’t let heart disease get in the way of you being you. Discover our personalized approach to diagnose, treat and manage various heart conditions with a nationally renowned team of cardiovascular experts across Indiana.

FranciscanHealth.org/HeartCare

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

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

BIG STEPS

CGHS JUNIOR JENNA KRYDER DISCUSSES DANCE AND “YULETIDE CELEBRATION” SHOW

Jenna Kryder has been dancing since she was 3.

The 17-year-old junior at Center Grove High School is watching her dreams become a reality as more and more opportunities come her way, following years of hard work.

For the third year in a row, Jenna is one of the few teens accepted as dancers for the annual Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra AES Indiana “Yuletide Celebration” this winter.

The family tradition has been ongoing for 36 years and features a variety of talent. This year Frankie Moreno will return as host, and the show promises traditional as well as new performances, such as the Kenyan singing group Moipei.

Jenna’s position on the “Yuletide” stage has been a long time coming, and is welldeserved.

“I moved to the Expressenz Dance Center in Carmel when I was 7 and they are very

versatile in training,” Jenna says. “I’ve done jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, ballet, ballroom and contemporary. Training at Expressenz has given me many opportunities.”

She isn’t new to performing on stage. She’s had the opportunity to perform for “America’s Got Talent,” “World of Dance,” Dance Kaleidoscope and numerous competitions.

“There’s nothing exactly like ‘Yuletide,’” Jenna says. “I think it’s very similar to a Broadway stage. It’s a live audience, a different audience every night, and my first professional job.”

Mary, Jenna’s mother, loves to see her daughter on a stage.

“It’s thrilling,” she says. “We’re so very proud of her and I can’t take my eyes

off of her. She’s blessed to be able to do it and I love seeing how happy she is onstage. She’s quite a performer and it’s really fun to watch.”

Rehearsals began in early November, and a total of 28 performances throughout December will showcase Jenna’s skill, in the Holly Jolly Dollies scene and Santa’s tap-dancing number among others.

“I think the people are just incredible,” Jenna says. “You get to watch adults in the entertainment industry, and work with the director and choreographer. It’s really unique. I don’t know of another symphony that puts on a show like this and everyone is so kind. I’m learning so much.”

Mary loves the experience her daughter is gaining throughout the process.

“She really thrives on getting to know

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided by Nick Shotwell & Jeremy Kyle

Jenna Kryder Photo credit Jeremy Kyle

the whole cast and there’s such a nice camaraderie between all the people in the show,” Mary says. “I was able to come with her the first year for the costume fitting, and just watching everyone work, they were so professional. It was a big wake-up moment to see what a truly professional show she was joining.”

The audience participation is an influence as well.

According to Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra officials, more than 400 families in the Indianapolis area have attended a performance for 10 years in a row.

Parents bring their children for the first time, couples make it a date night, and still others attend for the very first time.

“We can see the audience, see their faces and their reactions,” Jenna says. “It really feeds the atmosphere in the room. It’s such a unique experience.”

In order to audition and receive a part in something as prestigious as “Yuletide,” the work behind it may surprise some.

Jenna calls dance a “spart” - a mix between sport and art. It requires flexibility, strength, stamina and creativity.

“There’s a very demanding schedule,” she says. “I attend school full time and also dance 25 to 30 hours per week. It is super hard. You don’t get much sleep and it’s a repetitive schedule. It pays off in moments onstage. I think dancing is so cool and I love that you can improvise. You can create anything - no limits. That helps me with burnout and when things get intense.”

Though Jenna’s training schedule doesn’t allow for much else, she joined the Center Grove Surround Sound show choir this year and hopes to get involved in musical theater in the future.

Ultimately, the dream is Broadway. “I’d love to be on Broadway or in the dance industry in some way,” Jenna says. “There are other dance opportunities out there like cruise ships and commercial. It’s a long

Jenna and Expressenz Dance Center dancers at America’s Got Talent

Jenna performing in Yuletide. Photo credit Nick Shotwell.

auditioning and taking classes, but I’m definitely looking into the musical theater route and definitely plan on going to college first.”

Through Expressenz, Jenna has also had the opportunity to learn more about choreography - a skill she’s gained an appreciation for and enjoys.

“It’s really a difficult thing - a process,” she says. “I’ve been attending an intensive class and I’ve gained some confidence in that area.”

Despite the challenges and intense work schedule, Jenna knows she doesn’t want to do anything else.

“I love performing and being on stage,” she says. “I love to make people happy through dance. It’s just unmatched.”

The “Yuletide Celebration” shows will run from December 2 through 23. Tickets are on sale now at indianapolissymphony.org.

DECEMBER EVENTS

CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

Thursday & Friday, 1st & 2nd | 7 p.m.

Saturday, 3rd | 2 p.m.

Center Grove High School Auditorium

This Christmas program will feature all Center Grove High School choral ensembles and is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. These performances sell out quickly –plan to purchase tickets early. $10 Tickets on sale beginning Dec. 17th at 10a.m. at www.centergrovechoirs.org.

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND SANTA TRAIN

Friday, 2nd | 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

24 N. Main St., Bargersville

Visit with Santa at this beloved annual event. Enjoy free pictures with Santa, live reindeer, hot chocolate & cookies, and craft vendors at the Christmas Market. Free admission.

KID CITY CHRISTMAS

Friday, 2nd | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Greenwood Community Center – 100 Surina Way

Enjoy a train ride through the Amphitheater Lighted Trail and get a selfie with Santa. Enjoy hot cocoa, popcorn and a holiday craft.

FRANKLIN HOLIDAY LIGHTING AND WINTER MARKET

Saturday, 3rd | 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Downtown Franklin

Enjoy festive activities all day including a winter market featuring handmade and hand grown products, a lighted parade along Jefferson Street at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting at the courthouse at 7 p.m.

GREATER GREENWOOD COMMUNITY BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Saturday, 3rd | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Greenwood Community High School – 615 W. Smith Valley Rd.

Enjoy the most festive concert of the year with Christmas favorites under the spotlights. The auditorium stage will be decorated for this free concert, although donations to support the band are appreciated.

THE LIGHTED TRAIL

Saturday, 3rd – End of December | Dusk to Dawn Amphitheater Park - Greenwood

Take a stroll through the Amphitheater Park and take in the 42,840 holiday lights! Enjoy the ambiance and entertainment from the stage as you stroll along the trail featuring 85 trees of lights, 12-arch candy cane tunnel, 3600 lights on the bridge, and more.

KRIS KRINGLE MINGLE AT BARN AT BAY HORSE INN

Saturday, 10th | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Barn at Bay Horse Inn – 1468 W. Stones Crossing Rd.

This merry event features pictures with Santa, breakfast, crafts, appearances by Frozen characters and other entertainment. $35 per seat. $25 for 16 and under. Children 2 and under who sit on a lap do not need a ticket. High chairs not provided.

CHRISTMAS CABARET AT THE SYCAMORE

Friday, 16th | Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. The Sycamore at Mallow Run – 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville

Enjoy a festive evening of food, wine and entertainment by Circle City Sound. Registration is required.

HOOSIER HANDMADE CRAFT FAIR AND WINTER MARKET

Saturday, 17th | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Johnson County Fairgrounds - Franklin Sixty local artisans featuring leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings and personalized charcuterie and cutting boards, hand poured soy candles, goat milk products, farm decor and more. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Local food trucks. Free admission and free parking.

CHRISTMAS

Sunday, 25th

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Saturday, 31st

LEGENDS BARBER SHOP

SELECTIVE SECONDS

PORCH POTS

REVIVE RX

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR SENIORS

own holiday-themed family photo shoot for grandma, grandpa and the whole family to enjoy!

Storyworth: This is a great gift for engaging a parent or grandparent’s memory. With a Storyworth subscription, they are emailed a question each week, and at the end of a year, Storyworth will bind their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. “I love the book because it brings back good memories and allows my loved ones to share them with future generations.” Go to storyworth.com to start a book for your loved one.

— Jen Barnhart, Director of Product Integration & Business Development

Holiday shopping can be tricky. Do you lean more towards practical or personal presents? Older loved ones can be especially hard to shop for, as they seem to have it all — lifetimes of knick-knacks and keepsakes. How can you shower them with gifts that are new and different but also avoid cluttering their homes?

To keep up with its mission of being “local, helpful and personal,” CarDon & Associates — an Indiana-based senior living management company — compiled these staff picks of presents for seniors this holiday season! From space-saving gifts with universal appeal to Hoosier-specific ideas, you’ll surely find something for your loved ones on this list.

Skylight Frame: “Imagine a digital picture frame with rotating photos added in real time, and you have the Skylight Frame! To capture and share life’s many happy moments as soon as they happen, family members can simply email photos to the frame, where they will show up in a matter of seconds. This is an especially great gift for keeping loved ones connected to festivities if they won’t be able to visit during the holidays.” With a premium subscription plan, you can also include photo captions, create photo albums and send videos. Perhaps best of all, a digital frame is a great space saver for collecting memories. You can order this product directly from Skylight as well as Amazon or Walmart. — Kendra Fauth-Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer

The Simple Music Player: Reminiscent of an old-fashioned home radio, this music player instantly takes listeners down memory lane. Research shows that listening to familiar music improves mood and awareness in older adults facing memory loss. This music player works right out of the box with pre-loaded American classics, but gift-givers can also upload songs themselves, gathering all of their loved one’s favorites. “We loaded a mixture of my mom’s favorite songs, and she absolutely loves it! It keeps her company and brightens her spirits. We can also enjoy it together by reminiscing about when we first heard and fell in love with these songs.” Manufactured by SiMPL Technology, the Simple Music Player is available on Amazon, and it also ships for free from the MindCare Store and the Alzheimer’s Store. — Susan Bonner, Director of Marketing

Photo Shoot: The Internet has made it easier than ever to book photographers. Try Honeybook or PhotoSesh, and plan your

Personalized Picture

Blanket: Go online or head to Bed Bath & Beyond or Walmart to wrap your loved one in a warm blanket of memories over the holidays. What better way for them to curl up on the couch than with a cozy collage of pictures? This is an ideal gift, as it’s practical and personal, and it doesn’t take up as much room as photo albums.

The Gift of Experience: Make new memories over the holidays with experiencebased gifts for your loved ones. These are great alternatives to material gifts if you’re having trouble filling their stockings. “Visit the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees with them or take them to the Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration. Getting tickets to fun, festive events like these will surely help make the season bright!” — Beth Cattoi, Regional Director of Marketing Book Club for Two: A book is a more traditional, physical gift, but you can make it special by sharing the reading experience with your loved one. Buy a copy for yourself, set mutual reading goals and schedule a time to meet with them — either virtually or in person — to discuss the book. What a beautiful way to bond!

Splurging on Something They Wouldn’t: “I love to find dependable splurge items for my parents — stuff they’d never spend the money on. Ugg is my go-to brand for slippers and cozy blankets. My parents fussed at me for ‘spending so much on slippers,’ but now it’s something they can’t live without. The slippers are nonslip, durable and super warm and fuzzy! The following year, I found the Ugg sherpa blanket for my dad, and it was another winner.”

— Laurie Lasbury, Director of Community Engagement

For more information about CarDon & Associates, visit www.cardon.us

Feliz Navidad!

Not pictured, our scholars: Elijah (Center Grove High School), Yesenia (IUPUI), Martin and Diego (Greenwood High School), Jaime (Perry Meridian High School)

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Since 2013, Compass Realty has been a small, independent real estate agency with a solid belief in taking care of their staff, brokers and their community.

On November 11, the official name of Compass Realty became Coldwell Banker Stiles, and their branding has changed. So

what does that mean for clients?

“The signage is different,” REALTOR Jake Stiles says. “It’ll be a big benefit to us to be a part of Coldwell Banker, but both companies care about their agents and giving back. It’s an important piece of what we do.”

Many other brokerages had approached

Compass Realty with the intent of purchasing the agency, but only Coldwell Banker seemed to fit the cultural and business mission that Compass Realty has become known for in their community.

“Coldwell Banker recently went through a rebranding,” Stiles says. “They are a 116-year-old company and when we saw the new technology and marketing

Volunteering at the White River Fire Dept

opportunities they had to offer, along with their small presence here in Indy, it made sense to us.”

One large benefit is Coldwell Banker’s established global luxury business. In addition, since they don’t currently have a large presence in the area, Stiles and his team at the former Compass Realty office will be able to take part in growing the brand. The larger company brings the most up-to-date technology and marketing to the table, and their professional standards seem to match what Compass Realty has always been about.

Coldwell Banker has won an industry Women’s Choice Award for five years in a row, naming them the best broker for women to work for.

“We believe in being different,” Stiles says. “We don’t just put a lockbox on the door and a sign in the yard. With Coldwell Banker, we’ll be able to continue those standards for high-quality agents and customer service to our clients and broker partners.”

They’ll also continue their company’s nonprofit.

“A portion of every closing goes to our non-profit,” Stiles says. “It’s predominately for Johnson County residents and the surrounding areas. If someone is in hardship either physically or financially, they can apply for assistance.”

In the past, the team at Compass Realty has trimmed bushes and cleaned gutters. They’ve bought supplies and hired skilled workers in order to build wheelchair ramps and install furnaces and water heaters.

To date, the REALTORs have donated more than $30,000 to the Center Grove Community for drug awareness programs, school programs, the Center Grove Team of the Week, sponsored tailgates with the Trojan Tailgater and other sponsorships

Jake at Client Appreciation Party

Audri and Rueben volunteering at Midwest Food Bank

Volunteering at Midwest Food Bank

for school-based activities.

“We want to help people in our community,” Stiles says. “Not only do we work in this community, but most of us have graduated from these schools and live here with our families. Now our children are going to Center Grove. We know a lot of people in the area and you want to support those who are supporting you. We want to benefit the community to make it better and safer for all of us.”

The people at Coldwell Banker couldn’t agree more.

Stiles says at a recent annual training session in Arizona, the staff at Coldwell challenged the crowd to raise $10,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Over the next hour as they presented, they raised over $110,000,” Stiles says. “Here’s the kind of people we’re working with. They aren’t willing to overlook an opportunity to give back and help others, and we thought that was really neat.”

In November, Team Stiles had their annual client appreciation party on Veterans Day which raised over $1,600 that was donated to a Johnson County veterans association.

The current real estate market has many questioning where to go from here, but the staff at Coldwell Banker Stiles can answer those questions.

“There is a misconception,” Stiles says. “From a cost perspective, it was out of control over the past couple of years. People were bidding tens of thousands over the asking price, but today Indy is extremely marketable. You’re paying market value and not above. We feel the market is similar to other comparable metros across the country.”

Another advantage of having friends like Mr Stiles and the new Coldwell Banker Stiles team in the community is their knowledge of families that are considering a move but are not yet in the market, giving someone looking to buy an extra edge in the purchasing process.

Regardless of when and where the real estate world throws residents a curve ball, Coldwell Banker Stiles is ready to handle the needs of clients, and the community will continue to benefit from their good will.

“We also want local agents to know - come find out a little more about us,” Stiles says.

In the meantime, the staff will be busy serving

a meal at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on Thanksgiving morning, at the local women’s shelter, or taking on extra shifts at the Midwest Food Bank throughout the remainder of the holiday season.

For more information about the new Coldwell Banker Stiles location, visit findindyareahomes.com.

Working together.

We think that’s the key to better health care for you and your family. And that’s why the providers and specialists at JMH and Mayo Clinic are joining forces. We will work together to resolve your hard-to-solve medical problems and help find better answers. Giving you access to the finest medical knowledge, right here at home. For you, that means peace of mind.

Johnson Memorial Health and Mayo Clinic. Working together. Working for you.

Great care starts here.

JohnsonMemorial.org

WINNING APPROACHES

CGHS ATHLETES SEE SUCCESSFUL FALL SEASON

Writer / Kevin Conrad Photographer / LIFETOUCH/PRESTIGE

Center Grove High School (CGHS) has not only enjoyed successes on the football field this fall, but also on the golf course, race course, soccer field and tennis court. The Trojans competed at the highest level, winning numerous championship trophies.

Under veteran Head Coach Cale Hoover, the girls golf team had its best finish in the state finals, placing second. The Trojans led after the first round of the state finals, but couldn’t hold the lead on the second and final day of the tournament. Senior Sage Parsetich finished 10th and earned first-team all-state honors.

“We knew going into the season that we had the potential to compete for the state championship,” Hoover says. “Goal number one was to get on the podium, closely followed by bringing home one of the two trophies.”

Hoover says the Trojans struggled to begin the season, but the team remained resilient, winning the county, sectional and regional titles.

“We could not have played worse in the opening State Preview, but I was very proud of how we persevered,” Hoover says. “We had a defining moment in early September that led to massive improvements in our mental approach during our rounds. From that moment forward, the team turned the corner and

gained momentum. I thought the last month was possibly the best of any team I have coached.”

The future looks bright for the Trojans.

“We return four starters and have several players waiting in the wings for their opportunity, so expectations will be high for 2023,” Hoover says. “We will want to take another step and bring home the big state championship trophy.”

The CGHS boys cross-country team also posted its best finish ever in the state meet, finishing third. Trojan senior Ty Garrett took fourth, earning all-state honors.

“It was quite the season,” says Head Coach

CG Girls Soccer State Final 4. Photo credit Lifetouch/Prestige

Howard Harrell. “With any journey to the top, we had our ups and downs. Through it all we stuck together, and continued to work forward and upward. It was truly a full team effort. At semi-state the team placed third overall and ran the fastest top-five average time of 15:50. That is offthe-charts good. At state we ran to win, but we still made the podium with a thirdplace finish. We might not have made it to the tip-top, but there is still quite a view of finishing third.”

AD:

Harrell was extremely proud of how his team kept competing throughout the season to get better, winning the county and sectional meets.

“One word that best describes this team this season is perseverance,” Harrell says. “The road to the top is seldom smooth. There will be hills and valleys. There will be wins and losses. The key is to keep moving forward and upward even when you run not so well. Learning from your less-than-perfect races and striving for excellence in the face of adversity takes perseverance. We as a team started with high expectations. We as a team started the season less than stellar. But we as a team kept working together and finished the season so strong.”

Myron Vaughn took over the Center Grove girls soccer program in his first season as head coach. The girls soccer team was one game away from the state finals. CGHS won the sectional and regional championships, and lost 1-0 in the semi-state.

“I couldn’t have been more proud and impressed with the girls this season,” Vaughn says. “Getting to the final four is

CG Boys Tennis State Final 4

an obvious mark of their success, but for me, being able to see their work ethic and commitment to excellence was some of the best parts of my first season.”

Vaughn is excited about the 2023 season. “Returning nine starters and 13 total varsity players to a state final-four team is a huge source of excitement for the staff,” Vaughn says. “We are already looking forward to getting back to work in the summer with high expectations.”

The CGHS boys tennis team also had a first-year coach, David Beasley. Beasley took over the Trojan tennis program after three seasons as the assistant coach under Hall of Fame Head Coach Ivan Smith. Smith remained on staff as the top assistant coach. The Trojans won championships in the sectional, regional and semi-state rounds, advancing to the state final four. The Trojans lost 2-3 in the state semifinals, one point away from the state championship match.

“Super proud of this young team battling through adversity and injuries this year,” Beasley says. “We knew we had a deep bench, but this year was a showcase. We had 12 athletes play in the seven varsity spots, which boasted an overwhelming win percentage when a substitute was required. Out of our starting seven, five players were battling serious injuries. By sectionals, we had the healthiest team we had seen since last year. We were fortunate enough to make it to the semifinal round of the state finals, ultimately falling to the state champs, North Central, by one point. That battle and experience are vital for our team going into next season, as we aim to make

CG Girls Golf State Runner-Up. Photo credit Lifetouch/Prestige.

it to the championship round next year.”

CGHS Athletic Director Joe Bronkella enjoyed the Trojans’ successes this fall, in his first year in the position.

“One thing that I’ve learned since I’ve been here is that everyone works together to strive for perfection,” Bronkella says.

“Everyone tries to lift each other up and celebrate everyone. Center Grove is a unique place compared to where I’ve been. I’ve learned that this school and athletics are what tie this community together. Seeing unity across all sports is something truly special. Our support for each other is evident in our successes.

What a successful fall we’ve had so far - seven sectional championships, four regional championships, one semi-state championship and three state finalist teams, with one team finishing third and one team finishing runner-up. Let’s not forget individual finishers in boys cross country and girls golf. What a remarkable fall.”

CG Boys Cross Country. 3rd in the State meet.