Center Grove Magazine July 2023

UGLY WINDOW CONTEST

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“We have been continuing to hear from southside customers and business owners months later that they saw us featured in the Center Grove Magazine. We have been extremely busy from the exposure and are grateful we were given the opportunity to work with Fredda and the Center Grove Magazine!”

- Nate Akers, Owner, Paintco Painters

“Advertising in Center Grove Magazine has brought many customers to our new automotive detailing shop. As a local small business, introducing ourselves to our neighbors is key to generating business. Center Grove Magazine’s distribution perfectly matches our community footprint, making it the ideal advertising choice for us. Readers of this publication now know where to find a local professional cleaning service for their car, truck, or motorcycle.”

- Dave Barnett, Owner, My Baby Detailing

MAGAZINES AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP AT:

Team Stiles Compass Realty

Today’s Home Furnishings

My Baby Detailing

Christian Brothers Automotive

Jockamo’s Pizza

Le Croissant French Bakery

Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson

Nomad Barbershop

Misfit Barbershop

Jones Barbershop

Legends Barbershop

The Belmont Barbershop

JULY EVENTS

GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 8A-12P 525 N. MADISON AVE.

BARGERSVILLE FARMERS MARKET

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 5P-8P 24 N. MAIN ST.

FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPT. | 8A-12P

FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER – 237 W. MONROE ST.

WHITELAND FARMERS MARKET

FRIDAYS | 5:30P-8PM

WHITELAND TOWN HALL – 549 MAIN ST.

PICNIC CONCERT SERIES AT MALLOW RUN WINERY

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 29 | HOURS VARY

6964 W. WHITELAND RD.

LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, WINE, FUN. MALLOWRUN.COM/PICNIC-CONCERT-SERIES-3/

FRANKLIN FIRECRACKER FESTIVAL

MONDAY, JULY 3 | 4P-11P

FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER – 237 W. MONROE ST.

FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, FIREWORKS AND MORE. FRANKLIN.IN.GOV/

FRANKLIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JULY 3, 28 | 5:30P-10P

FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER – 237 W. MONROE ST.

FOOD TRUCKS, BEER & WINE GARDEN, AND LIVE MUSIC. FRANKLIN.IN.GOV/

FAMILY FUN NIGHT DIVE-IN MOVIE

THURSDAY, JULY 6 | 8:15P-10:15P

FREEDOM SPRINGS AQUATIC CENTER

OPEN SWIM FROM 8:15P-9:15P WITH MOVIE STARTING AT 9:30P. CONCESSIONS WILL BE OPEN THROUGH THE END OF THE MOVIE. COME OUT SPLASH INTO THE SUNSET AND RELAX ON THE DECK OR IN THE LAZY RIVER DURING THE MOVIE. GREENWOOD.IN.GOV/

GREENWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 15, 22, 29 | 7P-9P

100 SURINA WAY

GATHER WITH LAWN CHAIRS, BLANKETS, SNACK-FILLED COOLERS TO ENJOY LIVE PERFORMANCES SPANNING A VARIETY OF MUSICAL GENRES. GREENWOOD.IN.GOV/

CAR CRUISE-IN

FRIDAY, JULY 14 | 5P-10P

THE HISTORIC ARTCRAFT THEATRE – 57 N. MAIN ST., FRANKLIN

ENJOY A CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN IN FRONT OF THE HISTORIC ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

SOUTHSIDE ART LEAGUE (SALI) GUEST ARTIST TOM TULEY

FRIDAY, JULY 14 | 6P-8P

299 E. BROADWAY ST., GREENWOOD

MEET ARTIST TOM TULEY AT THE SALI OPEN HOUSE, FEATURING A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, MOSTLY IN WATERCOLOR — RURAL AND URBAN LANDSCAPES, FLOWERS, ANIMALS, WATER, AND HIS FAVORITE – OLD BARNS. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. FREE. SOUTHSIDEARTLEAGUE.ORG/

BURN THE CORK

FRIDAY, JULY 14 | 6P-10P

MALLOW RUN WINERY

THE BARGERSVILLE IAFF LOCAL 4252 INVITES YOU TO THE BURN THE CORK EVENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR HOOSIER BURN CAMP (WHICH HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE BURNS) AND IAFF LOCAL 4252. ENJOY WINE, MUSIC AND FUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE.

BELLA ROSE BIRTHDAY BASH WITH JEEP

SHOW N SHINE

SATURDAY, JULY 15 | 11A–4P

1001 N. SR135, STE. B3

BELLA ROSE BIRTHDAY BASH WITH JEEP SHOW N SHINE. COME CELEBRATE BELLA ROSE DESIGN’S 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH GAMES, CRAFTS, PRIZES, SHOPPING AND A JEEP CAR SHOW. OVER 40 VENDORS. BELLAROSEDESIGN.COM/EVENTS-1

BARGERSVILLE MAIN STREET SUMMER CONCERT

SATURDAY, JULY 15 | 5P-9P

24 N. MAIN ST.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, FOOD AND DRINKS AT THIS SUMMER COMMUNITY CONCERT.

JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR

JULY 16-22 | 8A-11P

JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - 250 FAIRGROUND ST.

RIDES, GAMES, FOOD, MUSIC AND GREAT EVENTS LIKE THE DEMOLITION DERBY. CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES AND EVENTS. JOCOFAIRIN.COM/FAIR-SCHEDULE

FOLKTALE GREENWOOD LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY, JULY 21 & 28 | 7P-9P

FOLKTALE GREENWOOD – 243 S. MADISON AVE.

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, FOOD FROM DASHBOARD FOOD TRUCK AND DRINKS FROM FOLKTALE. THEY HAVE SEATING, BUT YOU MAY ALSO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS OR BLANKETS. FACEBOOK.COM/FOLKTALEGREENWOOD/ EVENTS/

EVERY KID EATS JOHNSON COUNTY FUNDRAISER BACK TO SCHOOL MINI PHOTO SHOOTS

MONDAY-SATURDAY, AUG. 7-12

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE $100 MINI PHOTO SHOOTS WILL BE DONATED TO EVERY KID EATS JOHNSON COUNTY FOR A FAMILY OF 4 FOR THE SUMMER 2024 SEASON. EACH MINI PHOTO SHOOT PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A SWAG BAG THAT INCLUDES GOODIES FROM TAXMAN BREWING, BARGERSVILLE WELLNESS, BONEFISH GRILL AND MORE.

CONTACT SUSAN OKEY AT SUSAN OKEY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MORE INFORMATION. SUSAN@SUSANOKEYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS, VISIT FESTIVALCOUNTRYINDIANA.COM

ALL FOR THE PAWS

LOCAL CHILDREN DONATE THEIR TIME, MONEY AND LOVE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF JOHNSON COUNTY

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

As Briella Vanus’ eighth birthday was approaching, her mom, Emily, kept asking her how she wanted to celebrate her big day. Emily suggested zip lining, renting a bounce house, or getting their nails done at the salon, but the second-grader had only one request. She wanted to go to the Humane Society of Johnson County (HSJC) to give food to the animals, and spend some quality time with the doggies and kitties.

“I want to have my friends bring gifts - not for me, but for the dogs and cats,” Briella told her mom. “And I want to go to the shelter and help make the old dogs’ hearts happy.”

Her birthday wish was granted as family and friends donated $250 cash, which Briella and her mom used to buy dog and cat food, toys and treats. After hauling in

the donations, Briella was given a private tour of the facility where she learned that the HSJC has two barns, one that’s filled with cat food, treats, toys and litter, and another that’s filled with dog food, treats, toys, collars and leashes. Once a month, community members who can’t afford to buy these items can pick up donations so that they do not have to surrender their pets.

After the tour, Briella was invited to stay and play with some of the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

“It was great,” she says. “I didn’t want to leave.”

“Honestly, she would have stayed for another four hours if given the chance,” Emily says.

While there, they learned of a three-day summer camp that will take place at the

HSJC called Purrs & Barks. It runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., from June 7 through 9. Campers get to do crafts, make a T-shirt, socialize with the canines and felines, and learn about animal enrichment.

The Vanus family has two dogs of their own, Stella, a Weimaraner mix, and Remi, a boxer/golden retriever mix.

In addition to adoring animals, Briella also loves participating in gymnastics.

“Gymnastics and puppies are her life,”

Emily says.

There are other good-hearted young souls in Johnson County who want to make a difference in the lives of furry, four-legged friends. Four years ago, a group of thirdgraders were sitting around a table in their school’s cafeteria when the conversation turned to their collective love of dogs.

“We thought it would be cool to start a group to help local animals,” says Madelyn Osborne. Ultimately, they came up with the name Animal Life Savers (ALS). Today the group members include Wren Davis, 12, Roxie Davis, 9, Madelyn Osborne, 12, Caroline Osborne, 9, Adriana Sichting, 12, Juliann Ott, 12, and Addison Bergman, 12.

Several times a year the girls make items, which they sell at different markets around town. They then donate the proceeds to the HSJC. In the past they have made dog and cat treats, cat scratchers, pet bandanas, dog ropes and Christmas ornaments.

“We like to sell things before the holidays so people can buy Christmas presents,” says Wren Davis. Last year they sold at the Winter Market in downtown Franklin, setting up shop in front of Middle Davids Artisan Candles. To date, they have donated $1,300 to the HSJC.

“We love giving to the Humane Society because there are a lot of dogs in shelters and we felt bad for them,” says Addison Bergman. “We wanted to raise money to help give them homes.”

Madelyn says a positive byproduct of loving animals is the strong bond the friends have formed by working with ALS.

“We’ve become a closer friend group,” she says.

Around the time the ALS had their first sale, they came across a puppy who had no fur. Wren and her sister, Roxie, talked their mom, Erin, into adopting the boxer mix, whom they named Popper.

“Our other dog, Bruno, we adopted because the previous owner worked so many hours that she was hardly at home,” Roxie says.

Not surprisingly, all of the group members have pets of their own, and most have been adopted from the HSJC.

During the group’s first sale, the girls recall a memorable transaction when they received a $100 tip from a patron.

“I remember looking at Addison’s face and she was smiling so wide,” says Adriana Sichting. “It was a moment that helped me know that I wanted to do more of this in the future.”

The Humane Society of Johnson County is located at 3827 North Graham Road in Franklin. For more information, call 317535-6626, email hsjc@hsjc.org, or visit hsjc.org.

Most repairs backed by our Nice Difference Warranty that covers all parts and labor for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes last -- thatʼs Unlimited Time or Unlimited Mileage, whichever is best for you!

STANDING OUT FROM THE PACK

CGHS GRAD GABRIEL GILBERT EARNS SPRINT CAR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD BY HOOSIER AUTO RACING FANS

abriel Gilbert, a Center Grove High School graduate, recently received the Billy Marvel Jr. Sprint Car Rookie of the Year award for Indiana by Hoosier Auto Racing Fans. In 13 years of karting, Gabriel has raced in 7 different classes and attained 69 feature wins and 4 championships.

Gilbert first started racing when he was just 5 years old.

“I got my start by racing go-karts when I was very little,” Gilbert says. “I remember a lot of great racing moments with my dad, Joe Gilbert, and my mom, Jennifer Gilbert. What I loved the most was continually improving and seeing better racing results. I also enjoyed the family time. Dad gave me the choice of racing the quarter midgets, which went up to

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided & B. Raines Photography

25 miles per hour, or the go-karts, which went up to 40 miles per hour in the entry level classes. I chose the go-karts. I loved driving fast.”

Gilbert also thoroughly loved the competition.

“I remember when I first started winning at 5 years old and going out to the racing track all the time to practice,” Gilbert says.

“I really learned how to get better with every race. I remember being hesitant at the start, and my parents used to offer me a dollar for every kart I passed. After that, I started winning. I also learned a lot about facing adversity on the track, as well as teamwork and problem solving. I learned a lot of great life lessons. Practice and hard work can take you very far.”

Gilbert, 20, is now racing sprint cars and loving every minute of it.

“I’m racing sprint cars mainly in Bloomington, Paragon, and Lincoln Park Speedway, but I’m also racing all around Indiana,” Gilbert says. “I’m still new and I’m still learning every time I get on the track, as we continue to improve and push for our first win. We jump from track

to track and continually adapt to that new environment. I also love having an incredible racing team to work with. They make everything better.”

Through hard work, Gilbert earned Rookie of the Year in Bloomington and Lincoln Park Speedway.

“It really gave me a vote of confidence, and it’s nice to see that others recognized our improvement throughout the year,” Gilbert says.

Gilbert was also surprised by the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans award.

“I was called early in the morning about the Rookie of the Year award for Indiana by Hoosier Auto Racing Fans, and it was such a surprise and so exciting,” Gilbert says. “It was such an honor to receive an award that so many big names have been able to receive. It’s also an honor to have my name put in the National Sprint

Car Hall of Fame with those big names, as well as receiving it from the Marvel racing family, who presented it to me at the awards banquet.” The award is named after driver Billy Marvel Jr. who died in a sprint car accident his rookie season.

Billy was also a Greenwood resident.

Gilbert’s first race this year was March 11 at Paragon.

“My first race this season was a challenge,” he says. “We were up against some extremely talented national competition. We won the B main race but didn’t have the results we were looking for in the main event. It happens and it’s part of racing, and we will learn from it and continue to improve. You can always find new ways to improve and learn more.”

Gilbert will be racing all the way until October.

“At that point it’s very cold, but we always want to race as long as we possibly can,” he says. “After that, we’re off for some months. Everyone gets busy with something else at that point.”

When Gilbert isn’t driving on the racetrack, he works as a realtor for Sheila Alvarez Brunette Realty.

“I’m a realtor in the Center Grove/ Greenwood area, and do well to negotiate my time to be able to race twice a weekend from late March until October,” Gilbert says. “I made my first sale recently. Sheila Brunette is great to work for. My work takes a lot of time on and off the track, and I can’t thank my parents enough for all the sacrifices they make for me. We’re always looking for sponsors, so if any local businesses are looking to put their name behind an up-and-coming race car driver I’d love to talk.”

For further information, contact Gilbert at 317-964-1063, or email him at gabrielgilbert10g@gmail.com. Check out his website at gabrielgilbertracing.com.

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Great care starts here.

JULY CROSSWORD

35. Fido’s greeting? 36. Variety

Scottish ponds

2004 Jude Law role

DOWN

1. Engine part

2. Billboard messages

3. Confusing

4. Cry over spilled milk

5. Looks out for, maybe

6. Paleontologist’s pursuit

7. Get firm

8. Deadly poisons

9. Fertilizer ingredient

help

LET’S GET COOKING

CGHS CULINARY PATHWAY PROGRAM HAS A NICE FLAVOR

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

When Chef Susanne Grier walks the hallways of Center Grove High School (CGHS), she greets all the students, whether they are in her class or not. This is why she’s there - to be present for students when they need someone to talk to. She’s also there to turn them into cooking and baking superstars.

Grier, who began teaching at CGHS three years ago, heads up the school’s Culinary Pathway program.

Grier has been passionate about food and inquisitive about creating recipes ever since she was 8 years old and got her first cookbook. When she was 17 working at a catering company, she was always querying those around her in the biz, eager to soak up more knowledge.

“I would ask questions you wouldn’t expect a junior in high

school to be asking,” she says. After high school she received a degree in fine art and education from a small liberal arts college, then studied in New York City, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Paris, France, all while continuing to bartend, wait tables and cook.

“I felt at home in the hospitality industry,” says Grier, who not only went back to school to earn a degree in culinary arts as well as a degree in baking and pastry arts, but also went on to pursue a number of careers prior to landing at Center Grove. She worked as a pastry chef, executive chef, professional caterer, and adjunct professor at Ivy Tech. Plus she became a wife to her husband, Matt, and a mother to her daughter, Ellis.

Grier, who has lived in Center Grove since 2011, started teaching at CGHS in 2020. Grier was pleased with all that the Center Grove school system had done for her daughter and was happy to join that school system as a teacher herself. She felt confident that CGHS would benefit from a teacher like herself

who sees the potential in each and every student.

“I don’t care what your GPA is,” Grier says. “I just want you to be the best version of yourself.”

During the first semester of the Culinary Pathway program, students learn basic skills regarding equipment, safety and other fundamentals. The second semester focuses on sanitation. In addition, the lab in Culinary I tackles allergens.

“They get a pancake recipe and then have to exchange ingredients based on the allergens,” Grier says. “It’s practical labs that correlate with what I’m teaching in the classroom.”

The first semester in the second year is all about learning how to make nutrient-dense foods - how to make soups lean, and how to make dishes that are low in calories and high in proteins.

“This is great especially for my student-athletes whose bodies are their vessel,” Grier says. “They have to take care of it if they want it to perform well.”

The second semester of year two involves food theory.

“Right now we’re making chicken stock so I’ve got pots everywhere with chicken carcasses that are boiling with all this stuff in it,” Grier says. “We’ll break down chickens in the next couple of weeks so they can learn meat fabrication.”

In the first semester of year three, they learn about baking science - the different protein content in flours, the purpose of using different sizes of eggs, and more. She also teaches about sustainability and cross-utilization of products so there is no waste. Plus, she does a unit on manners including how to set a formal table, and how to show up to an interview on time and dressed appropriately.

“It’s amazing how many soft skills I teach,” Grier says. “They are getting a full-service education.”

Due to the pandemic, competitions had to be paused for a bit, but they started up again last year and three of her students placed in the top 10 at a SkillsUSA state competition. Like many cooking competition shows on TV, students have an allotted amount of time to prepare dishes and clean up after themselves.

“These competitions challenge them and give them an opportunity to be successful at things they never thought themselves to be successful in,” Grier says.

Two of her students became state officers, representing the state on a national level. One of those officers received a $160,000 full academic scholarship to Johnson & Wales University. This is a prestigious scholarship as only four are given out - one to each region.

“That’s like a football player earning a full athletic scholarship to a Big Ten school,” Grier says. “I’m so proud. My little educator heart is still vibing.”

Grier herself has received numerous accolades including the Presidential Medallion from the American Culinary Foundation, which is the highest honor a chef can receive.

The demand for the Culinary Pathway program has been high at CGHS. Currently, 350 students are enrolled. Some students enroll because they want to pursue a career in the culinary field, while others want to take it for fun.

“Some kids initially think it’s going to be an easy class, and others think it’s going to be an eating class. Nope,” says Grier, who teaches at the college level so that those who want to make it a profession are set up and good to go. She does this because when she was at Ivy Tech, she found that students who came from career centers or comprehensive high schools were 10 times more prepared for the rigors of culinary school than those who didn’t.

Grier has noticed that the cooking industry tends to attract the neurodivergent learner, who often thrives in such an atmosphere.

“You’re celebrated if you have ADHD in my business because in this job you have to make fast decisions on the go,” says Grier, who has a neurodivergent brain herself.

These learners may experience success for the first time in Grier’s classroom.

“They tend to not do well sitting still, but their brain works well in this environment,” Grier says. “Parents call and ask me why their kid struggles in math but is successful in my class. That’s easy. Their student is a different learner, and that’s OK.”

INSTALL ALL-STARS

Let’s get real for a second. The primary reason we tend to put off tackling home improvement projects is because we worry about how big of a hassle the experience may turn out to be. Unless you have previously worked with a company, you have no way of knowing if you’ll be pleased with the professionalism of the crew, the craftsmanship they provide or the value of the product. Furthermore, if you’ve had a disappointing experience in the past, you are likely leery about how things will go next time.

Such was the case for Joe Batic, who knew that he needed to replace all of the windows in his home, which was built in 1959. His expectations were low as he began the search for a window company he could trust. Then he found Hometown Window and Door Company, a locally owned and operated, full-service Andersen window dealership, and was pleasantly surprised.

“How refreshing to find a company that keeps their promises and follows through,” says Batic, who was pleased every step of the way, from getting the initial quote to the stellar quality of the installation team. “I met with Dan Reto for a quote, and he was very detailed and knowledgeable about the entire process. I once even called with a question when he was out of the United States on vacation and

he answered. The entire team goes way beyond the call of duty.”

Just to be clear, Hometown Window and Door Company is different than Renewal by Andersen. For consumers looking to order an Andersen product, there’s simply no better option than going through Hometown Window and Door. They carry all of the Andersen product lines that are manufactured by the organization, including all Fibrex windows, 400-series windows, A-series windows and E-series windows. The E-series comes in 50 different exterior colors as well as multiple interior wood species, which the Hometown team will stain for customers.

“That’s another big difference,” says Scott Dorrell, sales manager for Hometown Window and Door Company. “When you buy a product from us, you have the option to use our in-house staining department, whereas other companies will install an unfinished good.”

They also carry big multi-glide and accordion doors, as well as Andersen entry systems. Renewal by Andersen, in contrast, has one product line for windows that they carry.

“We are a hometown company,” Dorrell says. “We were created around the idea of giving people the ability to purchase a

high-quality, nationally recognized brand by Andersen, which is the United States’ oldest window and door company.”

Hometown Window and Door wanted to be able to give their customers that smallbusiness, hometown feel.

“We’ll create an opening in your room,” Dorrell says. “We’ll do header work. We’ll go the extra mile. We’ll walk your dog. We’re doing work with our neighbors. You’re not just customers to us.”

With just one location under this ownership package, Hometown Window and Door Company does roughly 400 jobs annually, whereas Renewal by Andersen, with locations all over including Nashville, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, and New York City, takes on thousands of jobs per month.

“That’s not what we want to be,” Dorrell says. “We aren’t the company putting fliers in your mailbox every week. We keep our costs as low as possible so we can pass those savings along to the people who choose to work with us.”

Dorrell notes that they end up doing business with more than 50% of the people that they talk to, and that’s because people value a trusted, professional, knowledgeable and fair team.

Carolyn Stutesman was pleased when Dorrell came out to give a quote for replacing her windows.

“He listened to what we were looking for and gave us options,” Stutesman says. “Scott also took an idea, improved on it and made it a reality.”

This is why Hometown’s Star ratings are superior, averaging 4.9 out of 5. In addition, Hometown is owned and operated by seasoned people who have worked in the industry for decades. They have hand-picked the best design consultants and installation crews to round out their team.

“Everything is top-notch, which enables

us to deliver our products at a price point that’s extremely reasonable for consumers,” Dorrell says. “Our focus is quality, quality, quality, not quantity, quantity, quantity.”

They also like to have fun. Currently they are sponsoring an ugly window contest that runs through the end of August. Homeowners can submit a picture of the ugliest window or door in their home, using a QR code. At the end of August, the winner will get $10,000 worth of windows and doors installed by Hometown Window and Door Company.

If you are looking to buy Andersen windows for your home, whether it’s a replacement project or new construction, contact Hometown Window and Door Company. Their main showroom is at 240 West Carmel Drive in Carmel. For more information, call 317-688-8100 or visit hometownwindowteam.com.

IT’S OFFICIAL

ELI GILLARD FINDS HIS PASSION IN SPORTS OFFICIATING

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network Photography Provided

In a time when the number of available high school athletic officials continues to go down by the season, a 2023 Center Grove High School graduate is stepping up. The lack of high school officials has been a growing concern. In the last three years the National Federation of State High School Associations says the number of registered high school officials has dropped 20%, from approximately 250,000 to 200,000.

Eli Gillard says there are several motivating factors as to why he became an official.

“Growing up my entire life around sports, it was kind of something I just gravitated to,” he says. “Now, officiating is more than a job for me. I love every aspect of it, meeting new people and helping kids, and I cannot wait to see where I can go with it over the next few years.”

Eli began officiating youth basketball and softball in 2021, and started officiating youth football this past fall. “I got started in officiating because my dad was involved and got me interested in it as a job, and something to keep me busy during the winter months,” says Eli.

Eli’s father, David Gillard, has been officiating basketball and softball games for more than 10 years. David knew right away that his son had a lot of potential to be a very good official.

“Eli began working with me refereeing basketball at our church,” says David. “Eli would ask lots of questions during timeouts, and we would talk on the way home about what happened in our games. When watching high school basketball or games on

Eli Gillard with Dad David Gillard

TV, Eli would watch the officials more than he would the actual game.”

Being an official can be very challenging.

“The most difficult thing is managing the different personalities of the coaches,” says Eli. “I think I have a pretty good, laid-back personality to deal with coaches and fans. I think it all depends on your delivery and communication skills in how the other person will react. Most fired-up coaches just want to discuss what you saw or why there wasn’t a foul, or maybe they just want to see how you react. I think that the main reason there is such a shortage is the verbal abuse and constant yelling that takes place that is aimed at the referee or umpire. After a while I’m sure it gets tiresome. I just do my best to block it out and focus on the game.”

An Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) survey of its member schools revealed during the 2022 season that at least 448 interscholastic baseball and softball games had been canceled due to no umpires, and at least 875 games had to be officiated by one umpire instead of two. Center Grove High School Athletic Director Joe Bronkella is not surprised by those statistics. He says this season alone, six junior varsity baseball games were either canceled, rescheduled or played as scrimmages due to the lack of umpires.

“We’re grateful for those men and women who renew their licenses year after year with us to officiate different sports for our state’s young people,” says IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “But it’s very important that we continue to appeal to and attract younger people to fill those ranks as our older officials retire. Our staff has worked very hard in recent years to implement different strategies and programs to increase the number of new officials and retain them.”

“I love being a part of the game whether it be basketball or softball, and knowing that when you show up, the kids will be able to play,” says Eli. “I would encourage anyone that has a remote interest to get out and do it. It is not necessarily hard to do, but it takes effort and a

willingness to put in a lot of time to learn the rules. It can be a lot of travel and long hours on the weekend. It can also be rewarding, as I have met so many great people, learned how to resolve conflicts, become more confident, and developed good communication skills. I enjoy every minute of being on the court, the diamond or the field. I enjoy being out there with the kids, and encouraging them or explaining a certain call. I like talking to the coaches when they have questions or challenges about a call that I have made.”

Eli works tirelessly to improve his officiating skills. He does Zoom meetings with IHSAA basketball officials who review his games to constructively review his mechanics and calls. This winter Eli attended Collegiate Softball Umpire Camp in Cleveland, Ohio, and Central Michigan on his own. He was able to network with other officials, which helped him get assigned to his first collegiate softball games this spring.

“It was cool being asked to officiate that level of play,” says Eli. “Seeing all of the people in the stands, the announcer and the atmosphere was great.”

“Eli and I have been blessed to be able to travel around as partners in basketball and softball,” says David. “We have taken a few trips together, staying in hotels and working softball tournaments. Last year we worked tournaments in Evansville and Chattanooga. Early on I spent a lot of time working with Eli, and mentoring on the mechanics of being an official and helping him with the rules. I purposely stopped working with Eli for a while so he could have other mentors in basketball and softball.”

“My mentors are, first and foremost, my dad,” says Eli. “He’s the one who encouraged me to get started. Gary Wells is a great mentor and friend that I met umpiring softball. He works NCAA softball games in the Big Ten Conference and has taken me under his

wing. We’ve gone to college umpire camps together and I appreciate all of his feedback and knowledge.”

“I love working with my dad because it’s time we get to spend together,” he adds. “I know I get better each time we get to work together because we talk about the game on the way home, and he will give me feedback and discuss things I could have done differently. My dad always coached my brothers and me growing up. This is a way I can continue to learn from him and spend time with him.”

“My future goal in refereeing is to make it to the NCAA or even NBA level,” says Eli. “I would also love the opportunity to pursue NCAA Division I softball. Until then, I will continue to travel the Midwest to gain as much experience as I can and network. I have plans to attend two college softball camps later this summer and several tournaments in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. I also have aspirations of working in law enforcement and attending the police academy in two years.”

Eli and David were recognized at a nationwide softball clinic for their hard work and dedication to youth softball.

“This past February I was awarded the Most Improved Umpire by the Indiana director of USSSA,” says Eli. “My dad was named the USSSA Coaches and Players Umpire of the Year. That was pretty cool to be honored in that way.”

“I am super proud of Eli for all he has done for himself,” says David. “He has accomplished working his first college softball game as well as earning invites to work national tournaments. By using his outgoing personality, Eli has succeeded in building a network of contacts for basketball, football and softball. He is still working hard to improve his skills, mechanics and knowledge so he can pursue officiating at the highest level.”

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