FOC
US
ON
EDU
AUGUST 2014
Teachers Find Success in the Alternative atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 1
C AT
ION
EDI
TIO
N
Why choose G.h. herrmann?
12
Not only the oldest, but the only family owned funeral home and cemetery on the Southside.
G.h. hERRMANN errmann G.H. H Funeral Homes N C C EE SS II N
11 99 22 66
WHY PREPLAN? PREPLAN? WHY
Locksinin today's prices ••Locks today's prices andnever neverpay pay more and more Ensures you what ••Ensures you getget what you want you want Relieve your family ••Relieve your family from the financial burden burden Protected from ••Protected from Medicaid Medicaid Lowestpricing pricing ••Lowest guaranteed guaranteed
The Finest Service, The Finest Quality, Fairest Price
G ING INN PR NNN LALA EPEP PR EC SP L L IAIA EC SP
Download ourapp apptoto view Download our view obituaries, tributes and more! obituaries, tributes and more!
Traditional funeral package including a steel Batesville casket.
$$4 ,99955 4,9 CESACES RILAL SPASP BU RIA BU TIN ATG AT STAR RTING STA
$$9 99955
“WENEVER NEVERPLAN PLAN “WE TOFAIL, FAIL,BUT BUTWE WE TO OFTENFAIL FAILTO TOPLAN.” PLAN.” OFTEN
Memorial Memorialspecialist specialist
Rikki Rikki Atwood Atwood
JeffHerrmann Herrmann Jeff
Follow therapy dogs dogs on Facebook Followthe theG.H. G.H.Herrmann Herrmann therapy on Facebook
LADY
GRACIE GRACIE
JAX JAX
G.H. h Herrmann ERRMANN G.h. Funeral Homes S I N C E
1605 S. S.R. 135, Greenwood
1 9 2 66
BIRCH BIRCH
www.ghherrmann.com www.ghherrmann.com thegardens@ghherrmann.com thegardens@ghherrmann.com Ask Ask for for any any Cemetery Cemetery Counselor Counselor for for information information
317.787.7211 317.787.7211
PUBLISHER’S WELCOME Center Grove has one of the best school systems in the state. This month we look at some of the features that make it a challenging and productive environment. We also examine the contributions citizens will need to make if we are to retain that standard of excellence. Our cover story highlights teachers who love their job. They feel blessed to be able to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in life. The Center Grove Alternative Academy allows students to focus on their strengths, and gain the education they need, while working around a variety of life challenges. One of the reasons for the success of our schools is that parents take an active interest in their children’s education. Most students entering kindergarten are well prepared. Reflecting on their own experience in kindergarten, parents are concerned that it may not challenge their child. Sugar Grove Elementary Principal Davin
Harpe relates how the school system properly challenges each student—and he has the data to back it up! Maintaining high standards is not something simply handed off to the administration and teachers. If they expect the education system to reflect community values and needs, then the community needs to be involved. They have this opportunity in the Strategic Planning 2.0 effort. The “CG 100,” comprising 100 members of the community, will play a vital role in this effort. The remainder of this issue covers our usual broad spectrum of topics, the need for volunteers for the Bicentennial Train’s visit to Bargersville, the importance of United Way, and much more. Dann Veldkamp Publisher
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 3
E
XPECT EXCELLENCE.
West Smith Valley Road and SR 135
882-8200
Š2014 The National Bank of Indianapolis
www.nbofi.com
Member FDIC
PUBLISHER
Dann Veldkamp
August 2014 / Vol. 3 / No. 8
dann@atCenterGrove.com / 317-345-9510
VP OF SALES
Jody Veldkamp
jody@atCenterGrove.com / 317-507-4334
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Pat Enochs / 317-528-9380
TOWNEPOST PUBLISHER Tom Britt
tom@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101
BUSINESS MANAGER
COVER STORY
Jeanne Britt
jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
21 TEACHERS FIND SUCCESS IN THE ALTERNATIVE
Toni Folzenlogel
Cover Photo / Forrest Mellott
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alyssa Sander
Writer / Kris Parker
Overwhelmingly, the staff of Center Grove Alternative Academy feels that a connection with a student is the largest key to a student’s success. “We could all drip with degrees, but without a relationship with the students, we have nothing,” says Beth Bryant, the CGAA Director. “We know what’s happening in these kids’ lives. We try to be their ‘safe place.’”
FEATURED COLUMNS 12 Opportunity in Education 26 Johnson County United Way 45 Will Kindergarten Challenge My Child
8 Indiana Bicentennial Train Visits Bargersville
10 Slam Dunk 14 God, Home & Country 16 U-FIT 18 Hans & Dr. Joe Crash the
6 50 53 54
Gardening Nana
Event Calendar
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance
EDITORS
Heidi Newman / Katelyn Bausman
AUG. WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Amanda Ennis / Amy Lamb / Davin Harpe / Frieda Dowler / Hans Maldonado / Dr. Joe Lauer / Kate Rhoten / Katie Burrell / Kris Parker / Jennifer Uhl / Johnette Cruz / Leigh Lawson / Nancy Craig
Word Search
SHOP LOCAL!
Making Cents
30 A New Chapter in JC Library Services
32 Meeting Needs & Making
Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Center Grove Community Newsletter offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.
Connections
Indiana Microbrewers Festival in Broad Ripple atCenterGrove.com
34 Hit the Read 36 WAMMfest 2014 49 Openings: Earth Fare & Pout in Pink
Business Spotlights are sponsored content
STORY SUBMISSIONS
Post your stories to TownePost.com or email to PR@atCenterGrove.com.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone: 317-288-7101 / Fax: 317-536-3030 The Center Grove Community Newsletter is published by Chilly Panda Media, Center Grove, under license from TownePost Media Network, and is written for and by local Center Grove residents.
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 5
GARDENING NANA
COME TO YOUR SENSES GARDEN modifying it to make it a sensory garden. This will make it easier for the Children of Hope Preschool to use the garden when “Come to Your Senses Garden” is they learn about the five senses. The kids a chapter in The love to touch the plant Stachys byzantina, Gardening Book and know it by its common name, Lamb’s by Jane Bull. This Ear, with its soft fuzzy feel. We will make book has great fun fact sheets for the teachers to tell the garden ideas and children more about the flowers like how projects that show the Lamb’s Ear was used for bandages or that the butterfly tastes with all six of it children how to use all five senses feet along with its proboscis or tongue. Butterflies love the Zinnias along the to enjoy a flower walkway and the butterfly bush in the garden. One of the projects is to make a plant pot wind chime so the kids can “listen” garden. to the wind. Another is to make painted plant labels out of ping pong balls and sticks Each season in the garden the plants and flowers have different smells, textures, to mark which plants you will want to see shapes and colors. In the spring, some (eye), touch (hand), smell (nose), hear favorites are the fragrant peonies, hyacinths, (ear) or taste (mouth). bright yellow daffodils and blue irises. In the summer and fall are the coneflowers, Several years ago at New Hope Church, Echinacea, which have prickly seed heads to we planted a butterfly garden; now we are touch, or the kids can rattle the seedpods of the false indigo flower, Baptisia australis.
Writer / Nancy Craig
Eventually we will include bubbling rock fountain to add the sound of running water to the garden, along with the sounds of the birds and bees. The cool feel of moss and the rustle of grasses plus the tastes and smells of different kinds of herbs will make the garden a delight for all the senses.
You can find Sensory Garden ideas at naturalearning.org/sensory-gardens. To download plant labels, visit cocoonnursery. com/downloads/children/ HowToPaintPots.pdf. The Gardening Nana, Nancy Craig
6 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
Nancy loves flower gardening almost as much as she does her great nephews and nieces. Her interest in gardening intensified while living in Holland and was perfected with Master Gardener courses.
“I had a great experience on my very first visit to Economy Plumbing Supply. I was very impressed by the quality of and many options I could choose from. . . Here’s to looking forward to working with you in the future!” - Jowanna P.
With more than 80 years in business and four generations of family ownership, we stake our reputation on your satisfaction every day. Stop in and let us exceed your expectations.
showroom locations & hours 9755 Hague Rd. Indianapolis 46256 M-W & F 9-5; Th 9-7; Sat 9-1 counter: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 9-1
625 N. Capitol Ave. Indianapolis 46204 M-F 9-5; Sat 9-1
counter: M-F 7:30-5; Sat. 9-1
Shelley Plymale kitchen & bath designer atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 7
317-264-2240 epshome.com We are closed on Sunday.
INDIANA BICENTENNIAL TRAIN VISITS BARGERSVILLE LOCAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH SCHOOL GROUPS & MAXIMIZE GUEST EXPERIENCE
third prompts thought about the state as it is today and might be in the future. Visitors are encouraged to look at where Hoosiers have been, how they got there and where they are going through the lenses of transportation, land use, talent and community. Writer / Amy Lamb
The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) will bring the Indiana Bicentennial Train to Bargersville Oct. 9-11 as part of its 2014 run. A unique collaboration with The Indiana Rail Road Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation, the Bicentennial Train will also visit Columbus (Sept. 1820), Jasper (Sept. 25-27), Terre Haute (Oct. 2-4) this fall.
In addition to the exhibition, temporary “depots” are set up at each venue to provide an enjoyable, comprehensive experience. Visitors can participate in hands-on and educational activities, catch a 1916 interpreter presentation, connect with the mission and offerings of the Indiana Historical Society, and purchase items from a pop-up History Market.
stop, with three time slots available each day. There will be a meeting for Bargersville volunteers Tuesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. in the Bargersville Municipal Building. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for either individual time slots or full days. IHS will host a volunteer recruitment and training meeting in late August/early September at the Bargersville Municipal Building. Volunteers can also sign up at IndianaHistory.org/Train. For more information, contact Amanda Aird at 317-234-7640 or aaird@indianahistory.org.
The 2014 Indiana Bicentennial Train is presented by the Indiana Historical Society and sponsored by The Indiana Rail The Bicentennial Train and its Road Company and Norfolk Southern accompanying activities are all free and Corporation, in partnership with the open to the public, operating 9 a.m. to 6 Originally known as the Indiana History Indiana Bicentennial Commission. The p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to Train, the Indiana Bicentennial Train has Bicentennial Train will run each fall for two 4 p.m. on Saturday. Every visitor will receive welcomed more than 71,000 visitors in its more years, culminating with the state’s a complimentary pass to visit IHS’s Indiana six years of travel. It consists of three 65-foot bicentennial in 2016. Experience at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick renovated Amtrak freight cars and features a Indiana History Center. free traveling exhibition, The Next Indiana. Group reservations (including schools) are available at no charge on a first-come, firstLocal volunteers are a vital part of the daily Relying heavily on IHS’s extensive visual served basis by calling 317-232-1882 (space operations of the Bicentennial Train, as they and archival collections, The Next Indiana is limited). For more information on the help with crowd control, school groups, occupies all three freight cars. The first car Indiana Bicentennial Train and other IHS parking and more. More than 150 volunteer explores Indiana’s early history through 1900, programs, visit IndianaHistory.org. shifts are available during the Bargersville the second covers the 20th century and the
8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
6 th annual
Sample wines & microbrews from across Indiana, shop 70+ booths at our juried art fair, enjoy live music and tasty local cuisine.
August 16, 2014 11:00 A.m. – 8:00 p.m. CrAig pArk, greenwood, in
For details and ticket info, visit
wammfest.com
Open Sun.–Thurs. 11am to 9pm
Free WiFi!
Fri. & Sat. 11am to 10pm
Original Italian Ice Cream
1/2 Price Frappés A blend of coffee & ice cream
Mon - Fri in August!
3 to 5 p.m.
Cafe Indy • Cafe Captiva • Raspberry Kiss • ICE CREAM • SORBETS • SHERBETS • FROZEN COFFEE DRINKS
• GELATO • FROZEN YOGURT • SHAKES & MALTS • SMOOTHIES • GELATO PANINI
The Pinocchio’s Difference...
Ice Cream & Gelato Made Fresh in Our Store! 1011 North State Road 135 • 317-865-8844
*
25 Year
AI
T
Y
ST
NS
Offer valid from August 8 through September 21
CLUSI EX
O
ON LEES CARPET!
NO
SAVE UP TO 50% N N W ARRA
*
18 MONTHS FREE FINANCING & ZERO MONEY DOWN!* atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 9
lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…
The Summer Celebration YOU DON’T WaNT TO MISS!
It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…
It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s simply the best…I cannot tell a lie…It’s sim
For football and basketball fans, nothing beats watching the game in person. Sitting among a crowd decked out in your team’s colors, cheering as the players charge onto the field or the floor, and convincing yourself that a bag of popcorn is a perfectly acceptable dinner are what sporting events are all about. But thanks to Kevin Conrad, Center Grove fans have the next-best option for nights when being in the stands just isn’t possible: Since 2008, Conrad and a team of four sports-minded friends have broadcast the Trojans’ football and boys’ basketball games live online, via the Center Grove Sports Network (centergrovesportsnetwork.com).
SLAM DUNK WEBCASTS ARE A HIT ON CENTER GROVE SPORTS NETWORK Writer / Jennifer Uhl
A quick glance at the website’s collection of archived football game videos, audio from the basketball games, highlights, schedules and photos displays the time and effort it takes to follow two teams’ every move. So what made Conrad, a married father of three boys, and with a full-time job, start spending each Friday night in autumn and half the winter behind a camera or audio board? “I looked at CGHS and the conference they play in—it’s an elite conference—and most of the schools had some sort of coverage, and Center Grove didn’t,” Conrad recalls. “So I approached the athletic director, Jon Zwitt, and said I had the know-how to do a live webcast of the games, and asked if it would be OK. He said, ‘Sounds great; go for it.’” Conrad launched the website in February of 2008 with boys’ basketball audio webcasts; the Gridiron Club then generated sponsorship dollars and hired him to add video webcasts of the football games that fall. (He hasn’t missed a single football game in six years.) He soon enlisted Rick Sauter, whom he met while the two were coaching the Center Grove Boys’ Basketball League, as the main color commentator for the basketball games. “It’s been fun to see the kids come up through the program,” says Sauter, a former CGHS basketball player. Locals Rick Embrey and Beau Barrett were also ideal additions to the network team as heads of Center Grove’s recreational boys’ basketball league and bantam football team, respectively. Both fill in occasionally during basketball season, and Embrey is Conrad’s spotter, statistician and postgame show analyst at football games. Ted Kitchel of IU’s famed national championship team rounds out the network’s oncamera personalities. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer brings his experience as a former Channel 4 IU basketball analyst to the Trojan’s football games, acting as a color commentator since 2009. Conrad also had plenty of practice analyzing games and calling plays, thanks to his previous experience in broadcasting. The Franklin Central High School alum got his start broadcasting football and basketball games on the school’s 91.5 FM radio station, then continued his on-air path at the University of Indianapolis on WICR. “I did radio professionally out of college for a few years,” Conrad says, “but when it came to covering the Center Grove games, I didn’t have the means. No radio station, no TV station.” That’s where another Center Grove local, Matt Murray, stepped in. The owner of New Five Creative, a Greenwood-based creative and development company, the CGHS alum is a pro at website design and video production. Murray takes care of the audio-video streaming and on-screen
graphics for the football webcasts and produces the coach’s show Conrad records once a month during basketball season. At first, Conrad also tried to cover baseball and softball games, but time constraints forced him to cut back. “I don’t have time to do across-the-board webcasts,” he explains, “but I do include the scores and schedules and some highlights from the varsity events. Many of the photos are contributed from moms and dads in the community, so the website has a community feel from that standpoint. There are always the team parents who take many pictures, so I’ll connect with them and get their photos. That way I can cover more sports.” Two exceptions were in 2011 and 2012, when Conrad hosted the Center Grove Sports Show and featured the boys’ track and field state championship team, followed by the wrestling team with state champion Sean Mappes. Although the time put into covering the high school’s sporting events through the website, webcasts, and social media (the Twitter handle @CGSportsNetwork has more than 800 followers) can be overwhelming, Conrad says there have been some glorious highlights as compensation. For one, the “neat honor” of webcasting the 2008 Center Grove football state championship win over Carmel from Lucas Oil Stadium. He was also there for the 2009 softball state championship, as well as the 2011 boys’
basketball regional game, played at Hinkle Fieldhouse. If Conrad ever had doubts that his website was actually reaching sports fans, the 2012 regional football game against Evansville’s Castle High School put those questions to rest. “I was told that on that night, we were generating anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 clicks,” he says. The network has even trickled down to the up-and-comers. Conrad has been hired to do webcasts for the bantam football team and the basketball league, and in June Conrad broadcast two little league games for the first time. However, most importantly, those who can’t be at the games in person are now able to get a front row seat, no matter where they are. Conrad has heard accounts of the webcasts being picked up by military dads stationed overseas, as well as plenty of alumni and players’ family members who log on Friday nights to watch or listen to the Trojans play. “It’s truly a labor of love for me,” Conrad says. “I love sports, and we have a great community here in Center Grove.” Jennifer Uhl is a former associate editor of Indianapolis Monthly Home. Now a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom, Uhl’s work has also appeared in Indianapolis Monthly and the city’s suburbbased publications. She lives in Center Grove with her husband and two children.
FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY
Center Grove
Your Community Leader for Life
Center Grove's Premier 24 Hour Fitness Facility
FUMC IS AN ESTABLISHED CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY SERVING ALL OF JOHNSON COUNTY. ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE: • • • • •
Short Term Rehabilitation Suites Independent Living Homes Independent/Assisted Living Apartments Long Term Care Accommodations Specialized Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care Units
Back to school special! zero enrollment August 1st August 31st
Accepting Prime & Silver Sneaker Members Anytimefitness.com ◆ 317. 893. 2226 CenterGroveIN@anytimefitness.com owners: Craig & Steffanie Brown, Center grove residents
/AnytimeFitnessCenterGrove Shelly Long, R.N., Director of Admissions 1070 W Jefferson St. • Franklin, IN 46131 • 317-736-7185 FranklinUnitedMethodist.org
1642 Olive Branch Parke Lane, Corner of Olive Branch Rd & State Road 135
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 11
is comprised of 40 to 50 people, school staff, administrators and parents. Together, the hope is to create a community-centered vision for Center Grove Schools. Members of the public, whether they have children in school or not, are encouraged to come to two meetings, September 9 and January 13 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Center Grove High School Auditorium. This will provide an opportunity for the non-initiative members to be heard and their opinions to be considered and reviewed later. Dr. Rich Arkanoff, Center Grove’s Superintendent and Dr. Jack Parker, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Special Services, are the driving force behind this initiative. Dr. Arkanoff states, “When I was hired a few years ago, one of my first priorities was to reactivate the strategic planning process. Through my going into the community to get input from various stakeholders to attend meetings, we made this process agenda-free—really wanting to get a good grasp on the concerns of our residents and how we can come together as one unit to make decisions.” These two men share the same vision, with Dr. Arkanoff explaining, “Both of us really care about what the general public has to say and this is a way for us to give them that platform. We want to brainstorm together, along with educating parents on what our individual roles are and what areas of capacity we work within. When the community is educated about what happens behind the scenes, we feel like at that point they can give us the quality feedback we are striving for.” Dr. Parker agrees. He focuses within a larger responsibility of current staff, saying, “We want to develop goals to move CG Schools forward and our staff will also play a major role in guiding this process.”
OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION CHALLENGING THE COMMUNITY Writer / Johnette Cruz . Photographer / Forrest Mellott
For the past three years, the Center Grove Community School Corporation has worked on developing an initiative for furthering the development of the school system. Members have dubbed the effort “Strategic Planning 2.0.” It engages the planning committee with a broader outreach to the community, labeled as “The CG100.” The hope is that a minimum of 100 parents, business people, community members and current school staff will serve in this initiative. The major goal of the effort is to collect input regarding how the Center Grove School Corporation will move forward in the planning of all areas of education, for the next five to 15 years. Working alongside the CG100, the Strategic Planning Committee
It seems as though Dr. Parker and Dr. Arkanoff both emphasize the idea of engaging the current staff alongside the residents of Center Grove, as Dr. Arkanoff shares, “We want to shape a community forum so that a partnership is born within Center Grove. We want the public to be well informed of the ideas, planning processes and decisions being made internally.” Dr. Parker explained how the meetings will work, “The first CG100 meeting will involve mini presentations, and will include topics such as facilities, teacher performance, special education, school funding, curriculum, and technology. The presentations will last about 45 minutes. At that point, we will ask the CG100 to provide input, and then can continue to ask questions as we go through the proper channels. We want to see where the community stands. When we have the second meeting in January, that’s where we will share draft goals with the CG100 and will then redefine the goals.” The Planning Committee and board have had a lengthy journey trying to build a process, Parker says. “We didn’t really have any major obstacles, just lack of participation from community members. We understand that parents and our constituents are busy, but we were also trying to be as convenient and accommodating as possible. We believe education is the most important thing, and we want the people of Center Grove to look at
12 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
our education process as a very important part of the bigger picture.” Their final focus is on the participation of the community members. Dr. Arkanoff tells us that, “Essentially we want anyone who lives in Center Grove to be involved in the CG100 and 2.0 planning efforts. We don’t want just parents to come, we want community members to be there—parents-to-be, mothers of young children, grandparents, taxpayers, property and business owners—because all the decisions being made now will affect everyone in the future in some capacity.” Furthermore, Arkanoff states, “We want people to come into this with a drive for the community itself so they can take a stand in other areas such as legislatures and long-range planning. What happens within the structure of our education system in the Center Grove community is crucial… and we want people to be informed correctly on processes and planning so they are confident in knowing that no decision is made with illfounded information.” So what does success within the Strategic Planning 2.0 effort look like in the eyes of both of these educational professionals? “To have 1,000 people at these meetings!” Arkanoff exclaims. “That would just thrill me and it would be fantastic to have a massive turnout! I challenge the community to do that—to come here and get involved.” Dr. Parker also adds, “Success would be for us to develop powerful principles and values to make our school corporation even better, one that people would be proud to take ownership in. The school system impacts the community, the value of homes and the workforce.” Overall, both Parker and Arkanoff want the community fully engaged with this new cycle of planning. They want the Strategic Planning Committee to use input from the CG100 to identify and develop specific measurable goals and strategies that will help make Center Grove Schools more appealing to families and to equip the corporation to meet future challenges. As it stands, the current Strategic Plan is 99 percent on target with its timeline of goals. For more details on how you can get involved, go to centergrove.k12.in.us/cg100.
Johnette is a Multi-Media Professional with experience in TV, radio, ministry and non-profit organizations. She is currently the Communications Director at Mount Pleasant Christian Church and is the Midday On-air Radio Personality at Shine.FM.
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 13
GOD, HOME & COUNTRY The Women of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Writer / Leigh Lawson
Nearly 125 years ago in our nation’s capital, a group of four patriotic women sought to preserve our history and patriotic spirit. In October 1890 the Daughters of the American Revolution formed. It is a nonprofit and a non-political society that promotes “God, Home and Country.” The Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR honors American history and heritage while also serving the communities in which some 3,000 chapters reside. DAR has more than 177,000 members worldwide. All members can trace their genealogy to a relative who served in the American Revolution. Being able to trace prospective members’ genealogy to a patriot of the American Revolution is required for membership. For the rich history of this American institution please go to the DAR website dar.org. THE LOCAL CHAPTER The Mary Bryan chapter of DAR serves the south side of Indianapolis, according to Catharine Pollachek, the chapter’s regent officer, pictured above. The Mary Bryan chapter meets monthly at the Bethel Community Church of Southport. The chapter was established in 1979 and was named in honor of Mary Hunt Bryan. Bryan was the daughter of Isabel Hampton Hunt and Jonathon Hunt, who served during the Revolutionary War. Bryan later settled in the Perry Township area in 1830 with her husband Samuel Bryan, who also was a veteran of the American Revolution. She was one of the first pioneer women to cross the Cumberland Gap to settle the area. It is in her memory that this chapter proudly serves. One of the focuses of DAR is volunteering, supporting the local
community. DAR members volunteer many hours; for example they participate in patriotic celebrations that have made them a vital institution in our country. The DAR was given the goal by the National Chair of serving one million hours for all of the chapters combined. Pollachek proudly tells how nationally they exceeded their goal for the year and served 7,400,000 hours. Next year’s goal has raised the bar even higher to 10,000,000 hours. Pollachek explains that like all chapters, the Mary Bryan chapter is assigned the area schools of Center Grove, Whiteland and Greenwood to support with teaching patriotism and offering scholarships. There are essay contests offered that will place regional winners in the national finals. They award scholarships to graduating students. The Mary Bryan chapter of DAR also helps to organize Veterans Day events within the schools, and they work with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in teaching many important patriotic traditions and historical facts. There is a commitment to keep patriotism alive by showing and teaching the next generations. DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD DAR works in the community to recognize citizens who contribute to preserving the American Spirit. They awarded the DAR Distinguished Citizen Award to Greenwood resident Paul Totten. Totten, who is a former prisoner of war, worked to get support and funding for the new Freedom Park in Greenwood, which broke ground June 3 of this year. The plan is to open to the public Memorial Day weekend in 2015. The DAR also recognized Ken Winslow of Southport with the Citizenship Award for providing flags for Flag Day ceremonies.
14 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
As a part of the commitment to preserve our patriotic heritage, Edinburgh, IN. The coffee and accompaniments they enjoy are Pollechek recently participated in an Independence Day celebration courtesy of Mary Bryan DAR. at Southport Park by doing a reading of the American Creed while highlighting period attire. A longtime member who has been involved on many levels is JoAnn Nichols. Her love of DAR is evident as she speaks of her The organization also preserves many things that pertain to 33 years of service. Though she has somewhat stepped down from our veterans. They will frequently go into retirement homes to the many high-ranking positions she has held, she is still involved interview our veterans and to record their accounts of the wars in assisting prospective members in tracing their ancestry. She in which they served. Along with other local chapters, they often proudly tells of the national headquarters with its museum and maintain memorials and veteran sections of cemeteries. Veterans library. The DAR library is the world’s largest heraldry or ancestry are sometimes sent to visit the memorials of the wars in which they organization. Within the library there are volumes of Bibles with fought. These are called Honor Flights that are organized by Honor recorded ancestries. Much of the genealogy information can only Flight Network, which began in 2005. It was after the completion of be found within their archives. For Nichols, it is a matter of keeping the World War II memorial that this need became evident, to bring the ancestry alive. those veterans to the memorial that honors them. There was a sense of urgency to bring these veterans to visit their memorial of the war A NATIONAL EFFORT that had ended some 60 years ago. The ladies of DAR will go to the Nichols also explains that all of the volunteering and service the airport to celebrate their return. They give a hero’s welcome to the chapters provide are combining to make a real difference in our well-deserving veterans. nation. When you look at all that the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution does, you realize how YOUR PICTURES OF VETS NEEDED impactful these patriotic and caring ladies are. The passion that At the national headquarters there is a wall called the Wall of Faces, Nichols and Pollachek convey for their beloved society is infectious. which honors the fallen of the Vietnam War. DAR is attempting to obtain photos of all of the veterans as a tribute to them and The Mary Bryan chapter, like all chapters, is looking to increase their sacrifices. Honoring the Vietnam veterans is the 2014 focus membership. Currently there are 66 members with possibly 15 for DAR. Pollachek is trying to locate photos of seven veterans new members who are in the process of researching and verifying from Johnson County. Please see below for those names. Any their genealogies. There are genealogy services available to assist photograph of these soldiers that may be donated would be greatly those who are interested in joining. For inquiries into joining this appreciated. See contact information at the end of the article if you patriotic and community-focused organization, you may contact can assist in their efforts. Catharine Pollachek at 317-781-0807. Veterans are not the only military members who receive the care and attention of DAR. Our active troops also benefit from the commitment of the ladies of DAR. Care packages are sent to overseas troops to encourage and uplift those deployed. Mary Bryan DAR cares for our troops stationed at Camp Atterbury in
Leigh and her husband, Mike, have called Center Grove their home for 14 years. They chose Center Grove as the ideal place to raise their two children, Eric and Julia. She is an active member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church where she writes an online Bible study.
HELP FIND PICTURES OF LOCAL VIETNAM VETERANS Name Richard Patrick Blanton William John Bryant Randy Cois Moore Robert Stephen Raines Larry James Rigney Robert Wayne Vehling
Home Record County Greenwood Johnson Nineveh Johnson Trafalgar Johnson Greenwood Johnson Greenwood Johnson Greenwood Johnson
Birth Date 5/13/1948 6/23/1946 11/4/1947 12/26/1944 1/1/1950 11/15/1947
Casualty Date 4/30/1969 8/18/1967 2/23/1968 12/2/1969 5/19/1970 1/11/1972
Casualty Place Quang Nam PR & MR Unknown Thua Thien Phuoc Long Am Xugen
The DAR is looking for pictures of these men for the Vietnam Veterans memorial. Once a picture is found, it will be placed on the “Wall of Faces.” Their names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial “The Wall.” The pictures will go on the “Wall of Faces,” set up by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. There are a total of 648 names in Indiana that do not have pictures. The local DAR chapter received these names of men from Johnson County. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is based in Washington, DC. If you have photos to add to the the “Wall of Faces,” contact Catharine Pollachek at cpollachek@aol.com or 317-781-0807. atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 15
300 Commerce Pkwy W. Drive Greenwood, IN 46143 317-886-8133 UFITINDY.COM /UFITLLC Writer / Amanda Ennis
Tired of feeling defeated about your weight? Would you like to improve your current fitness level? Do you want to make a longterm lifestyle change, but you’re unsure how to get started? If so, U-FIT may be your perfect option. Located at 300 Commerce Parkway West Drive in Greenwood, U-FIT has differentiated itself from other fitness facilities by partnering with individuals on a personal basis.
them—their schedule, how they eat, how much they sleep. We help them balance it all. We give them nutritional guidelines to follow and provide a workout plan for the days they aren’t in our facility. This sets us apart from other fitness facilities because all of this is provided at no extra charge.”
U-FIT clients can purchase 1-on-1 sessions with a U-FIT personal trainer at a cost starting at $25 per half-hour session. Group sessions are available at a lower cost. U-FIT also offers kickboxing (Muay Thai) and boot camp. Workout sessions are focused on functional movement, so get ready to do lots of squats, lunges, planks and pullups, to name a few. “We don’t do single movement machines here. Everything we “We present a customized plan to do is functional. This is best because you prospective clients including weight training, burn more calories, lose more body fat, and cardio workouts, and dietary changes,” typically gain more muscle. We incorporate says Co-owner Michael Budensiek. “We’re as many joints as possible to help you interested in coaching a lifestyle change. function better in your everyday life,” shares We’re not just focused on what our clients Budensiek. do while they’re here, but we get to know U-FIT specializes in personal training. Anyone interested in working with U-FIT Indy meets with a U-FIT personal trainer and undergoes a fitness evaluation. Prospective clients share their weight and fitness goals. An assessment evaluates the strength of the heart, muscles, core, balance, coordination, weight, and body fat.
RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE FOUNDATION
What distinguishes U-FIT from most other workout facilities is the relationship built between trainers and clients. Because all sessions are appointment-based, clients always meet with the same trainer. This is true whether they’re working out, or doing a weekly weigh-in or a monthly reassessment. “This helps build trust. Clients respond better to their trainer’s coaching when there is a trusted relationship,” says Budensiek. The average client works out in the facility at least twice a week and meets their fitness goals in 8-12 months. “We show what your
minimum and maximum results can be based on how often you come in. Then, we help build it into your schedule and budget,” says Budensiek. U-FIT opened at their current location, east of I-65, six months ago, primarily to meet the needs of Greenwood and Franklin Township. “Our clients range from five to seventy-five years old. We coach clients of all ages, weight and fitness levels,” adds Coowner Paul Elmore. “We know many people make drastic dietary changes that aren’t feasible to keep in the long run. We help clients make a realistic, healthy lifestyle change that can easily be maintained long-term once their goals are reached,” shares Budensiek. U-FIT encourages you to give them a try. U-FIT offers a one-week (two sessions) free trial. Interested individuals should call 317-886-8133 to set an appointment. U-FIT also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. After working with them, if you’ve followed their training and tips but still aren’t completely satisfied with the results, they’ll issue a 100% refund. We are happy to welcome a local business committed to partnering alongside Greenwood residents who desire a healthier life.
• Personalized Training for Any Level • Muay Thai • Boot Camp • Injury Recovery
16 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
© 2014 All Rights Reserved Certa ProPainters, Ltd. Each CertaPro Painters business is independently owned and operated.
At CertaPro Painters® we work very hard not only to give you the best value for the money, but to make sure it’s your most rewarding, enjoyable home improvement project of the year. • Knowledgeable, Accommodating, and Trustworthy Workers • Show Up On Time & Work Extremely Quickly • Clean Up Every Day (Move furniture & putting things back; Cover in plastic)
PAINT NOW. PAY LATER.
6 MONTHS • NO INTEREST • NO PAYMENTS
317.643.4782
Call CertaPro Painters® today to schedule your FREE in-house estimate! Or schedule online at www.Certaindy.com
FREE COLOR CONSULTATION
when you schedule your next paint job. *Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd., Ste. 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit for a limited time. Fixed APR 16.90% subject to change. Repayment terms vary from 18 to 126 months. Interest waived if repaid within 180 days. EnerBank USA has helped tens of thousands of homeowners get the payment options they need to fulfill their home improvement and remodeling dreams. EnerBank USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of CMS Energy Corp., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CMS. Effective 2/1/2014.
Expires Sept. 30th
TownePost.com / AUGUST 2014 / TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK
CommonForm_08-14.indd 1
7/29/14 10:25 AM
Hans Maldonado and Dr. Joe
HANS & DR. JOE CRASH THE INDIANA MICROBREWERS FESTIVAL may seem boring to some, but good representations of the style are not exactly abundant in Indiana.
Writer / Hans Maldonado with assistance from Dr. Joe Lauer Photographer / Eric Meyer
Once a year, Optimus Park in Broad Ripple plays host to a spectacular gathering of both craft beers and craft beer lovers in the form of the Indiana Microbrewers Festival. Located a few blocks north of Broad Ripple Ave. near the Indianapolis Art Center, this event becomes better organized every year. Lines for food, beer, and lavatories were as minimal as can be expected at a beer festival with approximately 5,000 people in attendance. Both Dr. Lauer and myself were in attendance, as usual. While Dr. Lauer found some new and interesting local/regional breweries, I must admit that it was difficult to ignore the tried and true breweries I know and love. It is also nice to know someone who can walk onto the back line and get beer more quickly.
ZWANZIGZ BREWERY (Columbus, IN) served a golden blueberry ale that was full of blueberry flavor and aroma and yet was incredibly dry and refreshing. HANS: I had that blueberry ale, and it was indeed delicious. For those who think fruit beer means sweet and cloying, read: It does not have to!
JOE: For those who make it beyond Indianapolis, there are some interesting new breweries worthy of attention. 18TH STREET BREWERY (Gary, IN) got their brewer from PIPEWORKS BREWING (Chicago, IL), which was named the best new brewery of 2013 according to ratebeer.com. Grapefruit Dead Imperial IPA and Hunter’s Double Milk Stout were both quite good. BARE HANDS BREWING (Granger, IN) was serving a Thai p.a.(sic) with hints of lime, ginger, and tea. It was quite interesting, and their other IPAs and Pale Ales were good, as well. EVIL CZECH BREWERY (Mishawaka, IN) poured a Bohemian (that means Czechstyle as opposed to German) Pilsner that took me right back to Prague. Pilsner
JOE: From DANNY BOY (soon to be open in The Village of West Clay in Carmel, IN), there was a solid black IPA. NEW DAY MEADERY (Fountain Square) does not make beer, but their mead ranges from sweet and fruity through bone dry. They even make a mead with hops! Imperial Raspberry Breakfast Magpie was an outstanding mead. SCARLET LANE BREWERY (McCordsville, IN) won a Brewer’s Cup award for their Vivian Red IPA, which showed as well as advertised over the weekend. Their coffee coconut stout was dry and balanced. HANS: My friend Leah from TAXMAN (Bargersville, IN) was pouring a Belgian Dubbel that was bone dry and incredibly attenuated (this means that there was no leftover sugar after yeast finishes its meal), as I have come to expect from this brewery. When people think that Belgian style beer is either too sweet or too syrupy, it is usually because of left over sugar, or underattenuation. The Dubbel had the typical
raisiney character of a Dubbel, but it was truly multidimensional in its flavor. UNION BREWING (Carmel, IN) focuses on cask-conditioned beer (meaning that the beer is carbonated in the keg) served from traditional hand-drawn beer engines (handpull). I’ve never visited England (home of cask-conditioning), but tasting the Monon Mild, with its grassy hops and soft mouth-feel, from Union is probably the next best thing. BARLEY ISLAND (Noblesville,IN) was serving a Saison (Belgian) that was crisp, dry, and refreshing, and yet was packing around 8% abv. Owner/Brewmaster Jeff Eaton is a more-than-competent brewer and a highly regarded judge. BRUGGE BRASSERIE (Indianapolis, IN) rarely fails to bring a little sourness, and their Diamond Kings of Heaven 2014 did not disappoint. While the exact recipe varies from year to year, Owner/Brewmaster Ted Miller had been using the same wine barrel for some time, and it is populated with the appropriate microfauna to produce the lactic acidity for which Diamond Kings is known. After witnessing inexperienced festivalgoers spitting out Diamond Kings at a previous festival, there is always a password required to sample Diamond Kings. When it comes to sour beer—If you know, then you know. On the American side of beer styles, Ted Miller also produces beer under the Outliers label. From Outliers, there was a strong Blonde Ale brewed with botanicals, Chinese rice
TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK / AUGUST 2014 / TownePost.com
CommonForm_08-14.indd 2
7/29/14 10:25 AM
wine yeast, and then aged in a brandy barrel for about a month. This beer had stunning complexity and a very refreshing quality. JOE: That was also one of my favorite beers this year! HANS: TRITON BREWING (Indianapolis, IN) produced two incredibly unique and outstanding beers for the festival. French Toast Stout and French Toast Stout with Strawberries could not have been more aptly named and either one would be a showstopper on most occasions.
TIN MAN BREWING COMPANY (Evansville, IN) was serving a stout that had been aged in a Maker’s Mark barrel, and it was outstanding. This festival has gotten better with each passing year. The available space has more than doubled since 2007, while the attendance is still pretty much the same. It rarely feels crowded, and there are plenty of
food and washing facilities. Thankfully, we dodged the 90+ degree heat that is usually a factor at the Microbrewers Festival. Joe and I agree that it would not be possible to taste even half of what is typically available at this event, so please understand that this article is inherently incomplete. Just know that this is the premier beer event in Indianapolis each and every year.
I have said before that BIER BREWERY (Indianapolis, IN) makes the best and only pumpkin ale that anyone should drink. For the festival, they came with a barrel-aged Pumpkin Porter worthy of a best-in-show award. UPLAND BREWING (Indianapolis, IN) came with a bunch of their Lambics, of which I was only able to taste the 2014 Peach Lambic, poured by the brewer himself, Caleb Staton. His Lambics have gotten better and better over the years. BLACK ACRE BREWING (Indianapolis, IN) was pouring Bitter Life Coffee IPA. It was a blend of American IPA and locally roasted coffee, the result of which was slightly citrusy from the hops and roasty and slightly bitter from the coffee. TOW YARD BREWING (Indianapolis, IN) came in strong with their Horsepower Double Pale Ale, which is mildly citrusy but restrained enough in its bitterness that it could be a crossover beer for those hop-haters out there. It hides its 8+abv very well. Owner Mike Deweese also brought some gems from his cellar, which are certainly not available anywhere other than in his company, and rest assured, the right beer improves over time just like the finest of wines. I tasted 12-year-old World Wide Stout from Dogfish Head and 10-year-old Double Bastard from Stone. And remember that 2004 Beast from Avery that you thought would never mellow? Well, it did, and it was pretty good. Thank you, Mr. Deweese! TownePost.com / AUGUST 2014 / TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK
CommonForm_08-14.indd 3
7/29/14 10:25 AM
Ride the Fair Train to the State Fair!
S
Arrive relaxed and ready for a day of fun! Beat the traffic and the parking. There’s a train for you every 90 minutes. Board in Fishers at 116th Street. Parking is free. Arrive at Gate 6, Main Street of the Fair. OR, Take a break and ride from Indy to Fishers and back for the fun of it! FairTrainTM -- a family-friendly Fair-going tradition for 30 years from the Indiana Transportation Museum.
Learn more today at ITM.org!
Sc
86 pe
Vis
IND
LAF
MU
Offe McC Pella Othe Win merc in fu new the m ©20 1
08/31/14
TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK / AUGUST 2014 / TownePost.com
CommonForm_08-14.indd 4
7/29/14 10:25 AM
CGAA english teacher Mike Leavitt
Teachers Find Success in the Alternative Writer / Kris Parker . Photographer / Forrest Mellott
“When you are a young teacher, you have the vision of helping students
reach their goals and dream endless possibilities. Sometimes that vision can become clouded by the realities of education. Center Grove Alternative Academy (CGAA) has renewed that energy in me in being able to help students achieve success. There is nothing more rewarding in education than seeing one of your students reach a goal, no matter how big or small.� - Angie Marsh, CGAA math teacher
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 21
CGAA math teacher Angie Marsh with student
IN for the two local high schools. So my career has really come full circle. I began in alternative education and am happy to have returned. Alternative education is what I have always embraced and enjoyed,” he said. “By far, the most rewarding aspect of working at the Alternative Academy is seeing students graduate who never thought they could or would. So many of our students come in broken with a negative attitude toward school and learning. To see them reach their goals and prove to themselves that they really can do it is so rewarding.”
Life Skills
A
my best friends....we were that close. I cried when I told them. However, on the flipside, the people here are just amazing. It’s fun. It’s not work. How blessed am I?”
At that same time, the Center Grove Administration had approved a math teacher position at the Alternative Academy. “I met with Beth [Bryant, the CGAA Director], and I prayed about it and took a leap of faith and here I am! And I love it!” said Angie. “I loved the seventh grade, too; it was hard to leave the safety and comfort of it. I worked with
The opportunity to be at CGAA was the first chance Angie had to be involved with alternative education. However, for Mike Leavitt, the CGAA English teacher, it was more like coming home. “My wife already taught in the district at Maple Grove Elementary and I wanted to teach in the community in which we lived. I heard about the position at the Alternative Academy and was immediately interested. My first job out of college was a nonteaching position coordinating an out-ofschool suspension program in Columbus,
ngie had been teaching seventh grade math for 16 years. While she enjoyed her job, she sensed there was something more for her to do. “I felt like I was at a point in my career that I was running out of tricks in my bag. I’d had a good run with seventh grade math, but I didn’t think I had another 16 years of it in me,” she said.
A little-known division of Center Grove High School, the CGAA is tucked into the former Maple Grove Elementary School. Housed within the Professional Resource Center, the Academy shares space with both the CARE Pantry (which the students and staff from CGAA operate) and the Center Grove Police Department. The five-person staff at CGAA works with students to not only teach them the traditional classroom subjects, but also to teach them life skills. Some of it “is about empowering them to be adults and preparing them for once they move on from here,” said Angie. Some of the topics include, but are in no way limited to, job interviews, resume writing, dressing professionally and serving their community. When students enter CGAA, they have the opportunity to choose between volunteering at the on-site CARE Pantry, the Midwest Food Bank, or in one of the Center Grove Elementary schools within an assigned classroom.
22 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
This is one of the qualities about the Academy that takes aspects of students’ lives and utilizes them to their full advantage. “This is a holistic school. It’s more than just school: it’s real-life application. We want to turn these kids on to education and help them to become lifelong learners. We want to empower them, help them walk in confidence and give them a voice. They experience a lot of growth in a short period of time,” said Beth. “I take a group of students to Midwest Food Bank every Friday. This has become one of my favorite things about CGAA because it allows me to see and work side by side with students outside of the classroom. Perhaps more importantly, students get to see me outside of the classroom and we get to know each other on a different level,” said Mike.
Relationships Overwhelmingly, the staff of CGAA feels that a connection with a student is the largest key to a student’s success. “We could all drip with degrees, but without a relationship with the students, we have nothing,” said Beth. “We know what’s happening in these kids’ lives. We try to be their ‘safe place.’”
percent. “We don’t look at who is a four-year student versus who is a five-year student. If they graduate, they graduate. That is how we look at it,” said Beth. “Fairness is not about everyone getting the same thing; it’s about everyone getting what they need.”
Removing Barriers Just like Center Grove High School, CGAA is on the Block schedule. Some of the differences between the two schools, however, include a 1-15 teacher-to-student ratio as well as an online mastery curriculum that allows each student to work at his or her own pace.
Customized investment portfolios that perform.
“The most challenging part is hearing the stories of students and what they are dealing with on a daily basis outside of school. They face so many obstacles and are presented with so many non-school–related challenges before they even arrive at the Academy that at times it’s tough to motivate them and engage them in their schoolwork. But that moment when I connect and reach a student makes it so worthwhile,” said Mike.
Finding Success The Academy’s student body represents approximately one-tenth of Center Grove High School’s senior class population; in 2014, they graduated 47 students, boasting an average graduation rate of about 98
317-261-1900 Not FDIC Insured
No Bank Guarantee
www.dmdcap.com May Lose Value
2607 CustomizedPortfolios_4.72x7.37.indd 1 atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 23
© 2014 Diamond Capital Management
1/29/14 8:03 AM
However, curriculum and the teacher-tostudent ratios are not the only distinctions between CGHS and CGAA. Students come to CGAA on a continuing basis. Each month, Beth meets with the CGHS counselors to determine if there are any students who might find benefit by transitioning to the Academy. It is limited to mostly seniors, but some juniors find their way into the school, as well. Many of the students who profit from CGAA do not find their best learning niche in a mainstream, traditional classroom. In addition to setting their own pace for their schoolwork, CGAA allows students the flexibility to attend school in either the morning or the afternoon, and attend C9 or work-study in the opposite block of time. “We help remove the barriers that keep them from learning,” said Beth.
“We’ve had students who are major breadwinners for their families. These students need to work, which is why their attendance was so spotty before [at CGHS]. On the other hand, they might be living on their own…17 years old and living on their own. They have to work,” said Angie. “That’s not all; there are many reasons students come here.”
A Team Effort “CGAA is an amazing place because of the five wonderful, caring people who make up the entire staff. We have an incredible leader in Beth who is our navigator in alternative education. I am just a small part of a group of people who all want what is best for our students. It is a blessing for me to be a part of CGAA,” said Angie. In addition, the staff gives kudos for the success of CGAA to the outside support
@jbbqshack
they have received. “One thing that has been helpful is the community support and the administration support. They have an understanding of alternative education and that information can be presented in many different ways. If we didn’t have that support, where would we be? I’m very thankful,” said Beth. For additional information regarding the Center Grove Alternative Academy or the CARE Pantry, please visit the Center Grove High School website at centergrove.k12. in.us, and click on the “Academics” tab.
A lifetime resident of the Center Grove area, Kristen Parker graduated from IU Bloomington with a degree in Journalism. She is the blessed mother of two active, home-schooled boys and is passionate about her faith, family and making her budget stretch.
/JohnsonsBBQshack
Roasts Company Events Recep ions Hog tions y Reun Famil
4084 BayBerry Court/$259,900
Honored by your Referrals Custom 2 BR Brick/Stone Ranch with Finished Lower Level. Open layout, large kitchen with breakfast bar. Lower level features recreation/family room, bonus / flex space. Located in Gated Sycamore Ridge community that features walking trails, lake w/ fountain, gazebo area.
Pulled Pork & Chicken
Make Your Summer Events Special with Our Catering
Brisket Ham Chops
Wings Hot Links Ribs
Tanya SmyTHe
317.412.0968 / SmytheRealEstate.com Serving JoHnSon CounTy, morgan CounTy and Surrounding areaS
24 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
ASPEN TRACE IS NOW OPEN You’ll find all this and more at our beautiful new community: • Private suites for rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care • Spacious one and two-bedroom apartment homes for assisted living • Unique neighborhoods with many amenities and conveniences
Family is See what our family can do for yours. Aspen Trace is now open. Friendly faces, inviting spaces, and a great deal of love - this is what family’s about. Call us at (317) 535-3344 to schedule a visit or explore our senior living and healthcare options for someone you love at www.aspentrace.us. 3154 South SR 135, Greenwood, Indiana 46143
Our Healthcare Center Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, and Most Insurances atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 25
JOHNSON COUNTY UNITED WAY
VITAL TO THE COMMUNITY
Writer / Katie Burrell . Photographer / Forrest Mellott
W
hile many Johnson County residents have settled into 2014, the United Way of Johnson County (UWJC) is ramping up its efforts. Kicking off its Annual Campaign fundraiser and sending local students off to school with much-needed school supplies is just the beginning of its new year and new goals. With 19 agencies and six programs serving the Johnson County area, the UWJC will announce its Annual Campaign goal for 2014 on August 21 during its kickoff breakfast. Last year’s goal was $1,488,000. In addition, serving a demographic from infant to elderly individuals, Executive Director Nancy Plake said there isn’t anyone who can’t benefit from the services United Way Partners offer. “We have agencies serving young people, offering after school and affordable child care, serving Boy and Girl Scouts, families, offering utility assistance, shelter for families under economic hardship and senior services,” Plake said. Its priorities also include finding employment opportunities for Johnson County residents, protecting children and adults from domestic violence, and connecting community members with an agency that meets their specific needs.
BUILDING A FAMILY TRADITION
Johnson County resident April Nixon and her family are an example of the United Way’s reach. When Nixon’s mother gave birth, she was still a child herself. April said she and her own mother grew up together. When April was 7 years old, her mother signed her up for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, an organization that carefully matches youth with young adults who serve as role models and “siblings” to participants. Nixon said her Big Sister Jane not only inspired her to attend college, but also remains an important part of her life today. “Jane was there through hard times,” Nixon said of her youth. "If I wasn’t acting right, my mom would call Jane and she would talk to me.”
April Nixon, right, with her Big Sister Jane
Now, as a mother of three, Nixon is proud to pass on the joy of being a “Little” brother or sister to her children. Even growing up in a home with an involved mother and father, the Nixon children were more than welcomed into the program. “I thought the program was for single parents, but it’s really not,” Nixon said. “I think it’s something every child should have. I work a lot and my husband works a lot, so with multiple children, it’s very rare to get one child by myself." Nixon believes the individual attention her children get from their “Bigs” made all the difference. Her youngest son, Avery, struggled in school, but his Big Brother Josh was able to help Avery gain confidence and go from failing grades to reading above his grade level.
Left to right: Jenny Kinnaman, Helpline Director . Lori Adams, Campaign Associate and Fast Track Coordinator . Arlene Gieseking, Administrative Coordinator . Melody McVicar, Campaign Assistant . Nancy Lohr Plake, Executive Director
She is also grateful that her 12- and 14-year-old daughters have wiser young women to confide in. In addition to doing makeovers, they spend time talking about tough decisions that the girls may not feel comfortable bringing up to their mother. Nixon prides herself in having healthy relationships with her children, but recognizes that some things are just easier to share with Bigs. The Bigs are part of the Nixon family and not only share outings and regular visits, but attend birthdays and family get-togethers. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is one of 19 partner agencies of the UWJC. Others include Access Johnson County, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Boy Scouts Crossroads of America Council, The Social of Greenwood, Arthur R. Baxter YMCA, Gateway Services and the American Red Cross Johnson County Service Center. Each organization goes through a detailed allocation process to become a partner and receive funds from the UWJC Annual Campaign. Eighty percent of the money raised is distributed to the agencies and its six other UWJC programs. Twenty percent goes back into fundraising efforts and administrative costs.
DIVIDING UP THE MONEY
UWJC will also host its 18th Day of Caring. Local businesses allow employees to volunteer a workday at a local agency. Duties include painting, landscaping, cleaning and completing other needs for the non-profit organizations. In 2013, more than 300 volunteers served at 30 locations.
BEYOND THE PROGRAMS
Additionally, the organization offers a helpline to Johnson County residents in need of referrals for health and human services. As winter weather approaches, it will collect coats, hats and mittens for Operation Bundle Up, as well as toys and clothing for Christmas Angels. Families who are suffering with financial issues due to job loss or economic hardship can also turn to the Economic Assistance program, which is designed to help them manage what finances they have available and assist them in finding employment opportunities. With only five employees at the UWJC, the organization relies heavily on volunteers. It has more than 200 volunteers who serve at events, help at the organization’s headquarters, offer marketing services, answer helpline calls, present fundraising opportunities to local businesses, and more.
A board of volunteers reviews requests from agencies and then makes suggestions regarding how much a partner should receive. Decisions are based on how the agency goes beyond simply serving clients to addressing the needs of the community.
Most importantly, the organization relies on donations. Ninetyseven percent of its funding is through donor pledges and contributions. A number of companies in Johnson County participate in the Company Campaign, which allows employees to deduct any amount from their paychecks before tax and donate to The organizations serve the community 365 days a year, whether the United Way of Johnson County. Donations may be designated it is the Baxter YMCA providing day camp for children while their for a specific agency or to help the overall mission of the United parents are at work or Access Johnson County providing rides to Way. It is currently working toward a grant offered by the Indiana seniors so they can attend doctors’ appointments. Association of United Ways, funded by the Lilly Endowment. The Work2gether Grant will match up to $137,000 in donations from “Donors have entrusted us with [their money],” Plake said. “We feel designated donor areas. very fortunate. And we need to be accountable and use it in the best way possible.” For more information about the United Way of Johnson County, volunteer opportunities or to donate to the Annual Campaign, visit In addition to the work with its agencies, the United Way hosts uwjc.org. community events to reach those in need. With a new school year quickly approaching, the UWJC will send more than 2,000 students Katie Burrell has been a south-sider most of her life. She enjoys being part of a small community in a big city full of life and culture. to five area schools with new school supplies through its Fast Track She is a runner, writer and nature-lover. There is nothing she program. The organization began collecting supplies in July, and loves more than a nice, quiet afternoon at home with her husband rallied volunteers to pack and pass out backpacks before the start of and two beautiful, energetic sons. the fall semester. In conjunction with the Annual Campaign kickoff, 28 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
This is Hearrh Living.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN WASTE COLLECTION Are you satisfied with your curbside recycling options? When is the last time you compared pricing? Is your neighbor paying less than you?
CALL BEST WAY DISPOSAL FOR A QUOTE
1-800-354-1830 WASTE COLLECTION & RECYCLING EXPERTS Learn more about our home & business services at
Bestway-Disposal.com
(317) 435-0779 MONDAY-FRIDAY // 8 A.M.-5 P.M. BROWNREMODELING.COM
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 29
A NEW CHAPTER IN JC LIBRARY SERVICES Writer / Amanda Ennis
Readers rejoice! All Johnson County Libraries are helping you expand your reading horizons in a more convenient and enhanced way. Johnson County Public Library [JCPL], Greenwood Public Library [GPL] and Edinburgh Wright-Hageman Public Library [EPL] have come together in a partnership that will positively affect all Johnson County residents. In the recent past, borrowing in each of the county’s libraries has been limited to individuals who live in the respective library’s taxing district. Effective August 1, however, a reciprocal agreement takes effect and allows JCPL cardholders to use basic services at no charge at GPL and EPL. Likewise, GPL and EPL cardholders will now be able to utilize basic services at any of the four JCPL branches: White River, Franklin, Clark Pleasant and Trafalgar. All three libraries differ slightly regarding services offered as part of the agreement and how the agreement is implemented. Still, this agreement reflects their collective desire to work cooperatively and afford each Johnson County resident the opportunity to enjoy each library’s benefits.
• Online databases may be used in the library. • Services that involve contracts with other entities will be limited to residents of the Greenwood taxing district. This includes requesting books from the Evergreen Consortium [allows cardholders to request books from other member Evergreen libraries]. e-books and e-audio books are also contracted through the e-Indiana Overdrive Consortium and are therefore not included in the reciprocal agreement. Johnson County Public Library Branches • Any on-shelf item can be checked out. • Borrowers can participate in any JCPL program. • Online databases may be used in JCPL branches at the Research Computers. • e-books and digital audio books are not available to reciprocal patrons due to licensing restrictions. • Borrowers may not place items on hold or request transfers from other JCPL branches. Edinburgh Public Library • Reciprocal borrowers can use all materials and services provided by the library.
ELIGIBILITY & IMPLEMENTATION
On or after August 1, interested individuals can bring their current, local library card and photo ID with current address to the neighboring library they’d like to use. Borrowers can bring a paystub or utility bill if their ID does not show their current address. After filling out a paper application, the library will check with the individual’s home library to ensure his/her account is in good standing with no unpaid fines. If it is, he or she will be granted reciprocal borrowing services. At GPL, a new reciprocal borrowing card will be issued. JCPL will not issue separate library cards to its reciprocal borrowers. At JCPL branches, borrowers will present their library card from their home library. JCPL’s system will then read and accept the barcodes from the patron’s home library to check out materials. EPL will enter all reciprocal borrowers into a database that will be used to check out materials. Home library cards will not be needed. Exactly what services reciprocal patrons can access will vary by library. Here’s an overview of some of the privileges and limitations at each library: Greenwood Public Library • Any on-shelf item can be checked out. • Borrowers can participate in any GPL program. • Borrowers may place items on hold.
HAIL DAMAGE? CALL US!
From the smallest repair to the largest remodel Free No Obligation Estimates!
We specialize in: • Insurance Work • Decks & Pergolas • Interior Remodeling : Kitchen, Bath, Basements, Roofing, Siding & Gutters, Windows • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Laminate
See our reviews on
References available
• Insurance Restoration: Storm Damage, Water, Hail, Fire
Call us for smaller projects, too:
317-883-4VIP (4847)
d Proud Supporters Family Owned an ve Community. Gro ter Cen of the
VIP-HomeSolutions.com
Financing Available - Credit Cards Accepted 540 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 30 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
• Borrowers may place items on hold.
A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO WORK COOPERATIVELY
At all libraries, loan periods and fines/fees will be the same for reciprocal and resident borrowers.
PREPARING FOR GROWTH
With certain growth in patronage, all libraries are preparing for how this reciprocal agreement will affect their library and resources. GPL feels it can anticipate what to expect with this agreement. Not long ago, GPL regularly issued library cards to non-Greenwood residents, though there was not a reciprocal agreement in place at the time. This practice ended in 2012. “Because of this history, we feel we have a fairly good idea of what to expect with this agreement. We don’t expect to have to make immediate changes due to any large influx, but we will certainly be tracking our attendance, resource usage and door count to see if any adjustments will be needed,” shares Cheryl Dobbs, GPL Director. Similarly, JCPL has a history with reciprocal borrowing. Since 1993, it has been a part of the statewide reciprocal borrowing program known as the PLAC [Public Library Access Card] Program. GPL has participated in the PLAC program since its inception, also.
Presently, each library shares a strategic plan that includes increased collaboration with other local libraries. JCPL Director Beverly Martin shares: “Our 2014-2018 Strategic Plan sought to explore all avenues for cooperation and partnership with other county libraries and governmental entities. In conjunction with the County Wide Community Read program that will be launched in all Johnson County libraries starting August 16, this reciprocal borrowing program was a means for providing additional cooperative services to all county residents. JCPL staff and board members are excited about this new opportunity to work cooperatively with GPL and EPL. It will afford the residents of Johnson County an enhanced access to the wealth of resources, programs and services provided by our exemplary public libraries.” Dobbs adds, “This new agreement seemed to us [GPL] to be a natural next step in our strategic plan and reflects the great relationship we enjoy between libraries. We hope everyone will use the amazing resources available to them in our county. Each of our libraries is unique to the community it serves, and our county is among the most fortunate in the state to enjoy topnotch library services with no non-served areas. We hope this new agreement will highlight the importance of library services and draw in new users throughout the county.”
Meet Dr. Chegar and staff
LadiesNight Out
Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn Greenwood First 50 guests will receive a discount card for $3/unit Dysport™ plus $25 rebate on purchase! Register to win a facial rejuvenation package valued at $750! Burke E. Chegar, M.D. 12065 Old Meridian St. #175, Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 818-LIFT (5438) | chegarfps.com Mini Facelift Dysport and Botox® ™
| |
Eyelid Surgery | Rhinoplasty | Sculptra® Aesthetic Restylane® | Juvederm® | Belotero® | Aesthetic Skin Care
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 31
MEETING NEEDS & MAKING CONNECTIONS Writer / Amanda Ennis Photographer / James Eichelman
“Open to anyone, no charge, no strings attached.” These are the words Greenwood Christian Church uses to describe their weekly community meal. This free meal, offered in the café area of the church every Monday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., is for any person in need of a meal, regardless of age or socio-economic status. Located at 2045 Averitt Road in Greenwood, this weekly meal served 40 meals when it began in June 2013. It has grown significantly and currently serves approximately 160 meals on an average Monday evening. Meals are also available to go. GCC’s community meal is part of a larger community-wide effort that aims to provide a warm meal to Johnson County residents every day of the week. Multiple local churches have teamed together to meet this need. The churches share menus to assure they serve a different meal each day. Participating churches have created a master community meal calendar that gives menu and location information for where a free meal can be found in Johnson County on any given weekday.
WE CAN DO MORE TOGETHER! Kent Patterson, Minister of Outreach for Greenwood Christian Church, describes the genesis of this program: “We (GCC) were looking for opportunities to connect with the community, and we knew there was a need for meals in this area. We just didn’t know the best way to do it. We try to do a lot of cooperative work with other
ministries and agencies because we know we can do more together than we can on our own. We visited a few places, talked with people doing this type of outreach, and learned it was definitely possible for us to help serve our community in this way, too.” Patterson shares that, in the beginning, the church wondered if they would consistently have the steady stream of volunteers necessary to make the meal happen each week. In reality, since the meal’s beginning, there has never been a volunteer shortage. “This is something people like to be a part of. Generally, 10-15 people come and help on Mondays, and we’re usually booked a couple months ahead in terms of volunteers,” says Patterson. Volunteer tasks include helping to prepare and serve the meal, washing dishes, or meal clean-up. While the meal’s volunteer pool includes many Greenwood Christian Church members, many non-GCC individuals serve, too. This includes individuals from the community and other local churches. Local Boy and Girl Scouts have volunteered their time, as well. Any person or group, young or old, interested in helping is welcome. Patterson says this approach fits into the church’s larger purpose for providing the meal: “This isn’t just ours (GCC) to do. It’s a way we can help others spread Jesus’ love. We don’t desire to make it something that is just ours.” Those interested in volunteering can call the church office at 317-881-9336, extension 361.
“I GET TO DO THIS!”
You can find GCC member and chief
chef Vicki Stafford in the kitchen at GCC each Monday afternoon by 3 p.m., hours before they serve the first meal. Sometimes without the help of another, but always with a joyful heart, Stafford begins the process of preparing a meal that will feed, on average, 160 people. Long before Monday, however, she plans behind the scenes, deciding on menus and buying meal ingredients. While most would consider this task overwhelming, Stafford sees it differently. “It’s kind of hard because most people work during the day. I am lucky that I am retired and I get to do this!” shares Vicki, who also says that when it comes to serving in this way each week, she’s been “led on this path by God.” Stafford has volunteered her time since that very first Monday night a year ago when the program began. Currently, there is no meal scheduled on the Johnson County Community Meal Calendar for Wednesdays. Any church interested in hosting a meal on Wednesdays can contact Greenwood Christian Church at 317-881-9336 for more information. Patterson shares this final thought: “There isn’t any way we could feed people every night of the week. We just don’t have the budget to make that happen. But, if we all do a little bit, then we can help a lot more people.” Amanda Ennis and her husband, Dave, have lived in the Center Grove area since 2001. She is a mom to three elementary-age kids, Chase, Jill and Kara. For the past seven years, Amanda has participated in and served in Bible Study Fellowship. She recently began working at Crabapple Creek Country Day School.
32 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY MEAL SCHEDULE
P
r i v a t e
B
a n k i n g
exPerience You can Bank on.
MONDAY Greenwood Christian Church 5 – 7 p.m. 2045 Averitt Rd. 317-881-9336 TUESDAY Greenwood United Methodist Church 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 525 N. Madison Ave. 317-881-1653
At the Indianapolis area’s largest locally owned national bank, our private bankers have an average of 15 years banking experience. Experience that results in
Turning Point Church 5 – 7 p.m. 3600 N. Morton St., Franklin 317-535-5200
unprecedented service, the rare authority to make prompt decisions and unique, innovative solutions to enhance your ultimate financial goals.
WEDNESDAY No Meal Currently Scheduled
So call Tricia Rake today at 261-9755. Because
THURSDAY Under the Sun Café 5 – 7 p.m. 250 N. US 31, Whiteland 317-535-0502
she doesn’t apply formulas to determine your financial success. She applies experience.
FRIDAY Franklin Grace United Methodist Church 5 – 7 p.m. 1300 E. Adams Dr., Franklin 317-736-7962 Third SATURDAY of each month Greenwood First Baptist 8 – 10 a.m. 99 W. Main St. 317-881-3064
Tricia Rake Vice President, Private Banker NMLS #473860
The monthly menu is located on the “Under the Sun Café” Facebook page.
©2014 The National Bank of Indianapolis www.nbofi.com Member FDIC
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 33 2246 Rake PB_4.72x7.37.indd 1 Client/Filename:
NBI
Job #:
ANBI-2246-09
2246 Rake PB_4.72x7.37
12/20/13 7:08 AM
HIT THE READ Rev up your reading engines, and hit the road! Join the Johnson County Public Library [ JCPL], Greenwood Public Library [GPL] and Edinburgh Public Library [EPL] in cooperation with ABATE [American Bikers Aimed Towards Education] and Southside Harley-Davidson as we present Hit the Road, READ! CountyWide Read program for citizens of all ages. The program, which has also received funding from the Friends of Johnson County Public Library, the Friends of GPL and through a $3,000 grant awarded by the Johnson County Community Foundation, will kick-start on August 16. Hit the Road, READ! will continue through September 13, with opportunities for Johnson County residents of all ages to attend motorcycle-themed programs and events. In addition, each library branch will display a vintage Harley-Davidson, courtesy of Southside Harley-Davidson. The event, which is centered around three books, is designed to promote literacy, motorcycle and bicycle safety, and the thrill of adventure. The chosen titles are, for adults, The Ride So Far: Tales from a Motorcycling Life by Lance Oliver; for teens, Paper Towns by John Green; and for children, The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.
KICK-START EVENT, LANCE OLIVER
worked as a newspaper reporter and editor in New York, Florida and Puerto Rico, as a volunteer English teacher in rural Costa Rica, and as a magazine and website editor at the American Motorcyclist Association. Oliver will be signing and selling his books after the program, which is free and open to all ages.
CONTEST: DESIGN YOUR OWN HELMET
If you could design your very own helmet, what would it look like? Download or pick up our “Design your own helmet” contest flyer and do just that. Creativity counts! Once you’re finished, scan and upload your design or drop it off at any library, for a chance to win a great prize. We will also post all of the entries on CountyWideRead.com. The contest is open to children, teens and adults.
ABATE PRESENTS, “MAKE YOUR OWN ROOT BEER”
Making root beer at home is easy and can be a great family project. Our “Brewmaster,” Jay Jackson, executive director at Indiana ABATE, will show that you don’t need to be an expert to have some fun and craft a tasty beverage.
DIY LEATHERWORKING: MAKE YOUR OWN BRACELET OR KEYCHAIN
Express your creative side. Join us as we make awesome tassel keychains and studded bracelets. All supplies will be provided— we’ll even have faux leather.
Join Lance Oliver, author of The Ride So Far: Tales from a Motorcycling Life will speak about his love of motorcycles and how you can write about your passion. Oliver took his first motorcycle ride on a humble Honda 50 and has since ridden anything he could get his hands on, from a Ducati 999s to a 1968 Motobi 125. Over the years, he has
BOOK DISCUSSION FOR KIDS: THE MOUSE & THE MOTORCYCLE BY BEVERLY CLEARY Read all about Ralph’s adventures on a motorcycle in the book, then join us for a fun discussion about this popular children’s story.
SAT., AUG. 16
FRI., AUG.12
FRI., SEPT. 5
SAT., SEPT. 13
SAT., SEPT. 13
3:30 p.m. Meet Lance Oliver, author of The Ride So Far: Tales from a Motorcycling Life at the White River Branch.
(time TBA) Meet Jean Davidson, author and granddaughter of the founder of Harley-Davidson at Southside HarleyDavidson
7:30 p.m. Movie on the Lawn featuring Wild Hogs at the Franklin Branch
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Observational Ride Motorcycle Ride begins at the Trafalgar Branch
2 – 5 p.m. Festival of Fun at Old City Park in Greenwood
All events are free and open to the public!
34 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
TEEN BOOK TALK: JOHN GREEN’S PAPER TOWNS
Hit the Road, READ! County-Wide Read program would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of the following: Did you love reading or seeing the movie, Johnson County Community Foundation The Fault in Our Stars? Join us for pizza as for awarding us a $3,000 grant, the Library we discuss another amazing book by our Boards of Edinburgh Public Library, GPL, favorite Indianapolis bestselling author, and JCPL, ABATE, Friends of Greenwood John Green. One lucky teen will win a Public Library, Friends of Johnson County Public Library and signed copy of Paper Towns. Check out your Southside Harley-Davidson. We wish to thank each of you for copy today and DFTBA! (Don’t Forget to supporting our first-ever County-Wide Read event. be Awesome!)
PROJECT FOODIE: DINERS, DRIVE-INS & DIVES
Project Foodie is hitting the road! To tie in with our County-Wide Read books, we will be focusing on some of our favorite roadtrip diner foods. Nothing healthy here, folks!
BICYCLE SAFETY
Join us at one of our three bicycle safety programs, presented by Kiwanis Club of Greenwood, White River Fire Department and Franklin Police Department. Learn to ride the road safely.
MOVIE ON THE LAWN: WILD HOGS
Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers (no alcohol permitted) to enjoy the movie, Wild Hogs (PG-13, 100 minutes, comedy) under the stars. There will also be crafts and games for the kids and free popcorn, courtesy of Not Just Popcorn in Edinburgh.
Lyman A. Snyder & Loren A. Snyder
TATTOOING: AN ARTIST TALK WITH LENNY RICKARD
Have you ever been curious about tattoos, the needles or the culture? Or, perhaps you have one or two yourself? Join us as Lenny Rickard, True Grit tattoo artist and Herron School of Art graduate, talks about tattooing, her career and her artwork. Rickard will also do a tattoo sketch demonstration, taking requests from the audience.
AUTHOR VISIT, JEAN DAVIDSON
Southside Harley-Davidson will proudly present author and storyteller Jean Davidson, granddaughter of Walter Davidson, one of the founders and first president of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Davidson will talk about her many books and what it was like growing up in the Harley-Davidson family. After a career as a schoolteacher, she now speaks around the world about her early experiences. Davidson was the owner of the largest Harley-Davidson dealership in Wisconsin and rubbed shoulders with all the Harley and Davidson family members, famous racers, Hell’s Angels and even Evel Knievel. You won’t want to miss this rare chance to meet Jean Davidson! Visit CountyWideRead.com to learn more about this event and our public libraries. Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook/ countywideread.
NEW LOCATION
FAIRVIEW RD & STATE ROAD 135
Free Family Breadsticks With the purchase of a 16” Pizza (Not valid with any other offer) Only Valid at Greenwood Pizza King (Expires 10/15/2014)
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 35
317-882-0340
wine
art
music
microbrew
wamm Thousands attendedd thee aannual n ual W WAMMfest est iinn G Greenwood reenwoodd SSaturday, aturdayy August mall sampling p i g ooff tthose hose w h attended ded the thee ffestival estival aand 17. Here is just a small who Artss, Music, si , and and M icrobre enjoyed the Wine, Arts, Microbrews!
2014
42 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
Dancin’ in the Streets Writer / Frieda Dowler
Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets. The biggest block party of the summer is right around the corner on the calendar. August 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Greenwood Sertoma Club will host WAMMfest in Craig Park for the sixth year in a row. All day long, local wineries, artists, musicians, microbreweries, and food vendors will provide everything you need for enjoying a day outside with friends and neighbors. Everything, that is, except a lawn chair. So be sure to bring one if you plan to stay all day. All we need is music, sweet music, There’ll be music everywhere....They’ll be swingin’ and swayin’ and [music] playin’ and dancin’ in the streets. The continuous music sets the pace for the day, beginning at 12 noon with bands playing back to back on stages set opposite one another. Veteran attendees need to know the festival layout has changed with the stages rearranged to accommodate a larger crowd. Look for signs and maps at the entrances for this year’s layout. The variety of music appeals to all tastes. Several favorite local bands will entertain and everyone will find a song they can sing along with. Motown released an iconic song in 1964 by Martha and The Vandellas that describes the mood that the music sets for the day. It will tempt even the most reluctant to join in the fun…swingin’, swayin’, and dancin’ in the streets. • • • • •
12 p.m. – Blue River Band – country 1:30 p.m. Woomblies – rock and roll 3 p.m. Toy Factory – R&B dance band 4:30 p.m. Tight Rope – classic rock 6 p.m. Living Proof – “a healthy dose of Earth, Wind, & Fire with a side of Black-eyed Peas!”
This is an invitation across Greenwoodnation…A chance for folks to meet. The Sertoma Club of Greenwood extends an invitation to all. Chairperson Joyce Nies of Van Valer Law Firm says, “This fundraiser event has filled a long-awaited experience for our community. It has surpassed what we even imagined.” Sertoma is an acronym for Service to Mankind and exists as a fundraising organization. They intend to distribute the net proceeds from WAMMfest back to the community, to youth, individuals and community organizations. It makes the day even more satisfying to know it’s for a good cause. Co-chair John Reames would like to acknowledge all the people of the city of Greenwood, from top to bottom, for their cooperation in making this event happen. “The enthusiasm from the mayor, police, fire department, and parks department makes this truly a community event.” Last year an estimated 6,500 attended this “festival for a cause.” This year the crowd may increase to 8,000, but the 27 acres of Craig Park can easily accommodate that many people. This well-planned event, with over 75 volunteers, has a handle on how to make it happen smoothly. In 2009, the first year of the festival, there was unseasonably cool weather. The second year, it was rainy. So the sponsors decided, come rain or shine, the event will go on as scheduled. There is even a storm evacuation plan in place if necessary. There will also be law enforcement personnel keeping an eye on things. Oh, it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there…So come on, every guy grab a girl, everywhere around the world.
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 43
You may see the guy from the bank who wears a suit, wearing Bermuda shorts with a tropical shirt and Tommy Bahama hat. Or the grocery clerk who normally wears the red shirt and khaki slacks may be in a fashionable maxi dress with a straw fedora. Whatever your vibe, it’s the place to see and be seen.
This event truly brings our community together for a relaxed day in the park. You’re sure to see someone you haven’t seen in years or someone you only see occasionally. Take a minute and catch up. It may be next year at WAMMfest before you see them again.
More than music… This year there will be more than 80 artists represented with art unique to the area. Under covered booths, they will display photography, pottery, jewelry, and much more. If you’re looking for something original, for your home or your fashion statement, this will be the place to find it. And, you just might be helping support a starving artist! Seven Indiana wineries will offer delicious wine varieties by the glass or bottle. Six microbreweries from across Indiana will serve award-winning beers and ales and 16 food vendors will accommodate your appetite with nibbles, snacks, a light lunch or a full meal. Get Your Party On! One of the best things about living in Indiana is summertime block parties. Winter may keep us ice-o-lated, but when the weather turns warm, outside activities bring us together. What better way than with *W*ine, *A*rt, *M*usic, and *M*icrobrews at WAMMfest.
TICKETS
$10 Advance; $15 Day of the Event (Children 6 & under are free) Advance Tickets available - WAMMfest.com (Until August 15th at 11:59 p.m.) - Heartland/Horizon Community Banks - All Ray Skillman locations - Greenwood Public Library - Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Share your experiences on social media with the official Hashtag: #WAMMfest14 / WAMMfestIN @WAMMfestIN Visit the Greenwood Community Newsletter at Gate #2 and have your photo taken at our photo booth! Frieda Dowler is a local author, currently working on her third book, Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World. She and her husband co-own Color Cafe’ Salon on Olive Branch Parke Lane in Greenwood. 44 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 39
Our Mission is to Create
THE ULTIMATE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
by Providing World Class Customer Service, Clean Facilities, Hiring Only the Best Employees and Using Quality Parts at a Fair Price.
www.AutoTireCarCare.com
FREE VALET SERVICE FREE Vehicle Pick Up FREE to the Door Delivery
All Service Work Includes A 2-Year/24,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty
HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-2:30pm
Locally & Owned for d e t a r Ope 30 Over Years!!
2 Locations to Serve You! GREENWOOD (Behind McDonalds)
SOUTHPORT (Across from St. Francis)
Ask for Brent or Justin
Ask for Mark or Kevin
317-888-1880
317-881-1101
36 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
Our NEW
5 Month/5,000 Mile
Oil Change
Only $29.99
Includes Tire Rotation!
We use synthetic blend oil that allows for 5,000 miles between changes instead of 3,000 miles. • Drain Oil • Lube Chassis (if needed) • New Oil filter • Multi-Point Inspection • Add up to 5 Quarts of 5W30 Synthetic Blend Oil Plus environmental fee. Most vehicles. Expires 8/31/14
SEE MORE OF LIFE.
Schedule your free in-home consultation:
866-254-3897 pellareplacement.com/epost
40% OFF
QUALIFYING INSTALLATIONS
1
Visit your local Pella Showroom: INDIANAPOLIS: 5425 WEST 74TH STREET, SUITE 200
OR
LAFAYETTE: 3416 STATE ROAD 38 EAST MUNCIE: 3309 NORTH EVERBROOK LANE
0% APR
WITH 36 MONTHS TO PAY
2
Offer excludes storm doors. Discount applies to retail list price. Valid for installation on replacement projects only and must be installed by the local Pella professional, McComb Window & Door Co, Inc. McComb Window & Door Co., Inc. is an independently owned and operated business who has been authorized to install and service Pella速 products in Central Indiana, since 1930. Only valid on select Pella速 products and installation methods. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Repairs to existing products including parts such as sash and panel replacements excluded. Prior sales excluded. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details. To be eligible for advertised offers, in-home consultation must be scheduled by 10/02/2014 and purchase must be made by 10/16/2014. 2The Pella Windows and Doors Visa速 credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The minimum monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR for Purchases is 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 08/01/2014. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 10/02/2014. TownePost.com / AUGUST 2014 / TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK 息2014 Pella Corporation 1
CommonForm_08-14.indd 5
7/29/14 10:25 AM
Expires 8-31-14
Expires 8-31-14
Avon
7114 Galen Drive W. Ste. 200
(800) 997-1742
Carmel
2000 E. 116th St., Ste. 103
(888) 811-8718
Greenwood
8936 Southpointe Dr., Ste. C
(888) 883-5459
Geist
11635 Fox Road
(317) 723-3707
Expires 8-31-14
Zionsville
4545 Northwestern Dr., Ste. A
(317) 876-0206
before
Did the summer sun leave your skin sad? Fix it! You, only better.... minilift and chemical peel. A natural, refreshed look is the result, pain is minimal, and the procedure is performed under sedation.
Catherine P. Winslow, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
MARK YOUR CALENDAR and RSVP online:
Back to School Open House
Wed Aug 20th 4-8
after
Voted Indy Monthly Top Doc!! Dr. Catherine Winslow is one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in the country. Come see what she can do for you! Former Chief Facial Plastic Surg, Walter Reed Army Med Ctr
www.IndyFace.com 317.814.1104 TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK / AUGUST 2014 / TownePost.com
CommonForm_08-14.indd 6
7/29/14 10:25 AM
n o i t a x R ela
. n o i s s e s n i is now Back-to-schoo
l means new schedules – and more stre ss. Get in the routi ne of relaxing with massages and facials.
$
99
49
ur y 1-ho * r o t c u Introd e session g massa
A+
59 99
$
SAVI NGS
Introductory 1hour Murad ® Healthy Skin facial session*
Schedule today and save with our introductory offers. MassageEnvy.com · Franchises Available · Open 7 Days · Open Late, Nights and Weekends · Hours Vary by Location
12 INDIANAPOLIS LOCATIONS HAMILTON TOWN CENTER
NORTH CARMEL WESTFIELD
(317) 776-2550
(317) 816-0600
KEySTONE AT THE CROSSING
GREENWOOD
BROAD RIPPLE
(317) 846-8300
(317) 300-2300
(317) 253-5000
WEST CARMEL ZIONSVILLE
FISHERS
NOBLESVILLE
(317) 873-3909
(317) 577-4400
(317) 770-4910
Exclusively featuring
*One-hour session consists of a 50-minute massage or facial and time for consultation and dressing. **Indicates additional charge to massage therapy session. Price shown based on member and first-time guest rates. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by location and session. Not all Massage Envy Spa locations offer facial and other services. For a specific list of services available, check with the specific location or see MassageEnvy.com. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Each location is independently owned and operated. © 2013 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.
TownePost.com / AUGUST 2014 / TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK
CommonForm_08-14.indd 7
7/29/14 10:26 AM
“
I’ve had back pain off and on most of my life, not debilitating…that is, until about the age of 40. The pain eventually became unbearable. With a very demanding job and little time to focus on my health, I sought the help of a few doctors. This is when I discovered most doctors want to pat you on the hand and tell you to “learn to live with it!” Reality is…you have “lived with it” and if you weren’t at the breaking point you wouldn’t be in their office! I began to wonder if I could bear to live the rest of my life in this much pain…was it possible or even worth it? Dr. Hall is unaware, but he probably saved my life…I was very close to giving up. After the first appointment at Midwest Pain & Spine, I knew I was somewhere special. Suddenly there was hope and an actual plan! Dr. Hall went straight to work to find the source of the pain, which actually turned out to be a birth deformity. He discovered the source of pain that no other doctor ever took the time to. Then Dr. Hall worked with me to find the most effective treatment for my particular spine issues. Now my pain is managed. I still work too hard, but now I’m not miserable…plus I live a more active lifestyle, which is a much unexpected blessing. Thanks, Dr. Hall and wonderful staff, for giving me my life back! —Pamela Z., Fishers
Dr. William Hall OUR LOCATIONS Carmel 12289 Hancock St. Carmel, IN 46032 317-815-8950 Fax: 317-815-8951 Avon 1115 Ronald Reagan Pkwy., Suite 235 Avon, IN 46123 317-272-3880 Fax: 317-272-9068 Kokomo 2302 S. Dixon Rd., Suite 150 Kokomo, IN 46902 765-453-0506 Fax: 765-453-0793
ATTENTION, ACUTE OR CHRONIC BACK OR SPINE PAIN SUFFERERS! There is a local medical facility, Midwest Pain & Spine, which specializes in effective alternative treatments using minimally invasive procedures to diagnose, treat and manage your condition. In addition to offering minimally invasive surgical techniques, Midwest Pain & Spine also specializes in providing non-surgical alternatives to back and spine pain suffers, with Dr. William L. Hall. Dr. Hall is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management. Dr. Hall joined Midwest Pain & Spine after completing his residency at the University of Cincinnati in 2002. Dr. Hall served as chief resident in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with duties both academic and administrative in nature. While being trained in a multi-faceted field, Dr. Hall has a great interest in interventional spine care, musculoskeletal medicine and electrodiagnosis of nerve and muscle diseases. He has focused his skills and talents on the diagnosis and treatment of back and spinal pain.
Dr. Hall received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University in 1994 and earned his medical degree from St. Louis University in 1998 prior to proceeding with residency at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Hall is a member of several professional societies, including the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiatric Association for Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, and the International Spinal Injection Society. Dr. Hall stated, “As a physician board certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as pain medicine, my goal is to reduce your pain so you are more functional, allowing you to do the things you want and need to do.” If you suffer from acute or chronic back pain, contact Midwest Pain & Spine to discover the minimally invasive treatments available to treat your painful condition and get you back to enjoying life fully.
TOWNEPOST MEDIA NETWORK / AUGUST 2014 / TownePost.com
CommonForm_08-14.indd 8
7/29/14 10:26 AM
W ILL KI ND ERGA RT EN CHALLE NG E M Y CH ILD?
Writer / Davin Harpe
Many Center Grove parents find themselves in a similar scenario. Your child became an avid reader before ever taking that first step into his or her kindergarten class. After all, you read with him every night, paid tuition for a great preschool, and provided enriched background knowledge through family vacations and trips to the zoo, children’s museum, religious study, and just about anything else you could let him experience. How in the world will the public school (as you remember it) ever challenge your child? Will he ‘go backwards’ as he sits at his desk, staring and waiting for his classmates to learn the letters and their sounds? Chances are, other parents are meeting with their child’s future principal and posing these same questions. And the principal might be thinking about loosening his tie and responding with, “This just ain’t the kindergarten you remember.” Educating children and helping their parents support them is just too important for that kind of answer. That is why you are likely to hear something like, “Our teachers are wonderful at differentiating instruction, and I am confident they will meet your child’s needs.” What exactly does that mean? Educators tend to speak with a lexicon of learning and sometimes do not catch themselves withholding the translation of the research (i.e., educational jargon) they spend so much time learning on Early Release Wednesdays and other professional development. Do not hesitate to ask them to pause and clarify things like “differentiated instruction.” This is your child, and not an ounce of humility is necessary. Just ask.
ASCD (formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) has a website devoted to the lexicon of learning (located at ascd.org and search for “lexicon” in the search field). When teachers or principals tell you they “differentiate instruction,” they are telling you they: a) use an intentional method to find out the academic levels of each of their kids; b) spend time observing and interacting with each child to find out his/her interests and preferred ways of learning and expressing himself/ herself; c) adjust their lesson planning and content to meet those “needs” in a way that maximizes each child’s academic progress; Adeline Vaughn, and d) evaluate how that worked for each child by again measuring from Sugar Grove those academic levels. While this article focuses on kindergarten, Elementary, has her teachers differentiate instruction by following these steps at all own vision of how bionic eyes might work grade levels.
WHY DO TEACHERS EAT LUNCH WITH THE CHILDREN? Owen Vrshek, who attends Pleasant Grove Elementary, displays his bionic eyes
The assessment of needs likely began weeks or even months before instruction began. The “kindergarten screener” your child took shortly after registration gave the school initial information regarding academic skills such as who knew their letters, who did not know their letters, who was reading, and who was reading chapter books. That information was used to strategically place students in classrooms.
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 45
Teachers in all grade levels conduct a continuous cycle of measuring and understanding student needs throughout the whole school year. They use interest inventories and spend time eating lunch with their students to find more about how they can relate their learning to what motivates them. Teachers also give pre-tests to determine entry levels of specific topics, subject matter, skills or tasks. In the early grades, reading is a primary focus and is constantly being assessed and tailored to the student.
they deliver the necessary individualized instruction without even batting an eye. Following the cycle in Figure 1, teachers create leveled reading station groups and mini lessons. Their classrooms have bins of books that are sorted by GRLs. Each student completes reading stations with text at his or her individual GRL. During these stations, the teacher provides mini lessons to small groups at the teacher table. Some of these groups are reading texts beyond the year-end Kindergarten goal (GRL “D”), and they have new goals such as the end of the year first grade goal (GRL “J”). Students at all levels practice literacy that is individualized for them, and their teacher has structured the classroom in such a way that enables him or her to teach differentiated mini lessons while also increasing the time students have practicing with a curriculum that is rigorous for them. Teachers also send home leveled book baggies each week and ask parents to sign reading journals and share their opinions on whether or not the reading is too easy or too hard at home.
Center Grove elementary schools use Guided Reading Levels (GRLs) to assess student-reading readiness and continue to promote student progress in literacy. These GRLs are measured using the alphabet, with “A” being the beginning learner and “Z” being the highest level in elementary education. To progress through the levels, students have to demonstrate that they can read the passage for that level with accuracy and retell the main ideas of what they just read. Kindergarten students are expected to reach a GRL of “D” or beyond by the end of the year. Some students actually enter kindergarten at “D” or higher. At the same time, some students who enter kindergarten do not recognize letters or their Meeting various readiness levels in math is very similar. Students are sounds. given common math assessments, and differentiated math stations and mini lessons are provided. Students are also assessed on their Varied reading levels have become the norm in nearly all schools. math facts and moved through addition, subtraction, multiplication Teachers at all grade levels expect this; they are prepared for it and and division at their own pace. In addition, each student in grades
WE ARECE N INSURA LY!* D FRIEN
WHITENING
704 S. State Road 135 (Next to Walgreen’s at Smith Valley & 135)
SauerDentistry.com
317-865-1234
Get Your Smile Ready for School! Receive $100 off a ZOOM whitening session when you ask for the Summer Special. Call for details.
* Call us today for a complimentary benefits check.
46 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
K-2 has his or her own iPad, and they are provided with apps that assess and provide rigorous activities at individualized levels.
FIGURE 1 - The Continuous Cycle of Differentiated Reading Instruction Access childʻs Guided Reading Level (GRL) & interests
Provide child with book bin full of books at his/her GRL
Send home GRL book baggies & ask parent input
Provide mini lessons for small group at their GRL
Provide literacy station instruction that each child completes at his/her GRL
HOW DO YOU DEFINE CHALLENGE?
When discussing how your child is challenged at school, it is important that you and the teacher and/or principal are speaking about the same thing. How do you define “challenge?” Is it acceleration of the curriculum, meaning teaching your child the next topic or standard? Is it having your child learn or perform at a deeper level of knowledge, such as being able to teach the concept to his or her peers or create something based on the application of that knowledge? Is it both? Center Grove Community School Corporation identifies “challenging” students as both enhancing the depth of knowledge and the breadth of knowledge. The aforementioned reading and math examples exhibit a glimpse of how teachers extend the breadth of knowledge. Teachers also ensure individualized growth and success through authentic learning experiences such as flexible assignments that encourage creativity, student choice assignments and rigorous lessons that involve participation at a greater depth of knowledge. For example, classes do not just take a field trip to the zoo because it is the fun thing to do. They build upon such trips in ways such as having students pick two animals and create a presentation on their similarities and differences. They might also learn about recycling and then be challenged with inventing something new with recycled materials.
Make mealtime
Memorable
It’s your home. When you re-imagine your space, it’s your life that gets a redesign. Transform yours with all the details that make home a happy place. Our showroom product experts share your passion for getting it right, helping you select the perfect products for your building or remodeling project.
Greenwood 2801 Fairview PL, Suite A (317) 859-7574 FERGUSON.COM ©2014 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 47
Another example includes having students read something at their reading level and then critique what the author said and/or add what they would have written instead. Teachers also offer authentic learning experiences through technology, such as iPads (in grades K-2) and Chromebooks (in grades 3-5).
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK
Challenging the depth and breadth of knowledge of children is a very complex topic. It is something that is not taken lightly, and schools intentionally plan for it. Figure 2 shows data from one Center Grove school, Sugar Grove Elementary, which exhibits that teachers not only plan for challenging the knowledge of students, but they are also successful at it. While this data and article has focused on primary students, you should know that schools also intentionally challenge the older students, as well, and that data supports their efforts.
Figure 2 - Average Increases in Guided Reading Levels for 2013-2014 School Year at Sugar Grove Elementary
Whole Grade 5.1 GRLs
Highest 10% of GRLs 7.6 GRLs
Kindergarten
Whole Grade 6 GRLs
Highest 10% of GRLs 5.7 GRLs
1st Grade
During the 2013-2014 school year, students scoring in the top 10 percent of Guided Reading Levels averaged an increase of 7.6 Guided Reading Levels in kindergarten and an increase in 5.7 Guided Reading Levels in first grade. This shows that students scoring in the top 10 percent of literacy readiness at both grade levels increased as much as or even more than the rest of their grade level and were successfully challenged to continue making progress. Students who scored at or near the top in the beginning of the school year remained there through the end of school. Parents can support the efforts to provide rigorous educational experiences for their children by asking the right questions. You might want to ask such questions as, “How do you measure my child’s reading/math progress?” “How do you know my child has made progress?” “How can I help at home?” and “How does this information relate to what is noted on my child’s report card?”
A WORD ON HIGH ABILITY
The State of Indiana Academic Code requires schools to identify
Tyler Johnson of Maple Grove Elementary, learned about the sense of taste by recreating a tongue from recycled items.
“High Ability Students” and provide programs for them. Center Grove Community School Corporation goes beyond differentiating in the regular classroom to meet this state requirement by offering Extended Learning classes to the top 7 to 10 percent of students district-wide at grades 4 and 5. Enrich Classrooms are also offered at grades 1-5 to students who are among the highest achieving academically. Some parents have opted out of these opportunities when their children have qualified for them and have been pleased with the differentiated instruction in the other classrooms, while other parents have been disappointed when their child has not qualified. (You can learn more about Extended and Enrich Learning by contacting the school or online at centergrove.k12.in.us/ highability.) However, it is important to realize that there is a difference between high ability and being highly prepared. In the primary grades, it is difficult to tell the difference between students who truly have a higher academic ability and those who are achieving at higher levels because they have been so well prepared for their educational experiences. Third grade is typically the year when those who were not as ready for school but truly have a high ability for academics tend to catch up with their peers who were more prepared. The ‘playing field’ tends to ‘level off ’ that year, and students’ true cognitive abilities are more accurately measured.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Please read with your children every night, understand their instructional level and how you can support their progress, and continue to provide enriched background knowledge through family outings and just about anything else you can let them experience. You know the right questions to ask and can be proud knowing your child is working hard at school on a rigorous curriculum that has been designed specifically for him or her. Davin Harpe is the principal at Sugar Grove Elementary. He has been an educator for 16 years, 10 of which he has served as a principal. He is also a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Purdue University with an anticipated graduation date of December 2014.
48 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
OPENINGS EARTH FARE & POUT IN PINK
EARTH FARE
Those who make their home on the Southside of Indianapolis now have another place to find organic and natural foods. The North Carolina–based grocer Earth Fare opened a new store on July 16 in Greenwood. The company prides itself on having “one of the strictest Food Philosophies in the industry.” Instead of advertising what they do offer, they focus on a different type of mission. They draw attention to the things their products do not contain: high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors and sweeteners, and synthetic growth hormones in fresh meat and dairy. The grand opening was a community celebration, complete with drawings, prizes, demonstrations and free samples. Many were impressed by the multiple varieties of food, as well as the friendly staff. The turnout was a great success, and Southsiders embraced the new store with open arms. Earth Fare Greenwood is located at 2110 E. County Line Road, Indianapolis. They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit their website for more info: earthfare.com/ourstores/greenwood(685).
POUT IN PINK
Center Grove moms and their daughters have a new place to buy dresses and accessories, and to throw a party. Pout In Pink Boutique & Party Center opened in late July in the Kroger shopping center at Fairview and State Road 135. Area resident Kelly Angel owns the boutique. Angel says the boutique features unique and one-of-a-kind clothes from a variety of suppliers including Mud Pie, RuffleButts and Chasing Butterflies. You will also find Mommy and me matching dresses and a line of handmade dresses. They will be adding “Maddie Miss” one-of-a-kind clothing named for her daughter Maddie. The store also features a party area that includes hair, makeup and nail demonstrations as part of the package. The girls are made up, dressed up and can be a “Pop Star” on the room’s stage or be the “Princess for the Day” that includes a crowning ceremony. You can find Pout In Pink at 3100 Meridian Park Drive, online at PoutInPink.com/Indiana or give them a call at 317-883-9577. You can also find them on Facebook by searching for “Pout In Pink Greenwood.” atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 49
AUGUST LOCAL EVENTS 5 / JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF DRUG FORUM
This forum will address the issue of 25i-NBOMe or N-Bomb, a new and illegal drug making an appearance in our community. Speaking will be area law enforcement, DEA and the Motsay/Ochoa family. Please plan to attend! 6 p.m. Greenwood Christian Church 2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood 317-736-5155
6:30 p.m. Free White River Branch, Johnson County Library 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood 317-885-1330 pageafterpage.org
16 / PIZZA & WINE NIGHT FEATURING MUSIC BY JESSIE BROWN A Mallow Run tradition! Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and spread out on the lawn for an evening of pizza by the slice, great wine and live music. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free Mallow Run 6964 W Whiteland Road, Bargersville 317-422-1556 mallowrun.com/category/events/august/
12 / PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT
5 / SHREK THE MUSICAL, THE YOUNG AUDIENCE VERSION AUDITIONS
CGC’s Shrek The Musical TYA auditions are open to all students, ages 8-18 (can turn 8 during rehearsal dates). Please sign up for the available time slots for Friday, September 5, 2014. Come at least 15 minutes early and be prepared with your 1-minute audition song (bring accompaniment CD or iPod) or monologue. Allow at least an hour for the audition process, which will include your 1-minute song and a potential dance portion. 12 p.m. Free Center Grove Church 2340 S SR 135, Greenwood markl@centergrovechurch.org bit.ly/Shrek_Auditions
Perspectives is a 15-week course designed around four vantage points or “perspectives”—Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God’s global purpose. $250 Greenwood Christian Church 2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood 626-398-2198 info@perspectives.org perspectives.org
22 / BEER & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Sample craft beers from Flat12 Bierwerks, Fountain Square Brewery, Oaken Barrel, Upland Brewery and more while enjoying live music on the courthouse square. Tasting admission includes 15 two-ounce samples of beer. 6-10 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door Courthouse Square 70 E Monroe St., Franklin bit.ly/Franklin_BeerAndBluegrass
27 / WHITE RIVER BOOK DISCUSSIONS 12 / LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE USING YOUTUBE Participants will learn some sign language basics and be shown helpful resources available on YouTube.
If you love talking with others about a book you’ve read, you’ll want to attend these events! This month we are discussing The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. 1 p.m. Free. No registration required. White River Branch, Johnson County Library 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood 317-885-1330
50 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
SPONSORED BY MALCOLM T. RAMSEY AGENCY Submit your events online: atCenterGrove.com & click “Events”
SEPT. 1 / GREENWOOD 5K TRAIL TREK PREREGISTRATION DEADLINE
This unique road race is run through historic downtown Greenwood along part of the city’s trails system. The event features a combined 5-kilometer run and a noncompetitive 5-kilometer run/walk. Proceeds go toward future expansion of the city’s trails system. Each participant gets a goody bag filled with items from local sponsors, plus a T-shirt is guaranteed if pre-registered. Registration accepted at the gate on the date of the 5K, September 13. 8 a.m. Greenwood Community Center 100 Surina Way, Greenwood http://bit.ly/GW_TrailTrek5K
2 / FALL BOOT CAMP
Come get fit at the Community Life Center. Fall Boot Camp registration is now through September 2. Camps will be on Mon/Wed/Fri at 5:15 a.m. from 9/2 to 10/10. $60, $50 before August 18 Community Life Center 407 N Bluff Road, Greenwood 317-881-6778 facebook.com/CommunityLifeCenter
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 51
Tired of Waking Up Tired? Sleep Evaluation
A comprehensive sleep evaluation includes not only the attended sleep study at the Indiana Sleep Center, but also a clinical evaluation by your personal physician. Often your doctor will request that one of our staff sleep specialists be involved on a consultative basis for your evaluation and treatment plan.
Insurance Most insurance plans cover sleep studies just as they would cover any outpatient diagnostic procedure, as long as, they are medically necessary and ordered by a physician.
Don’t let sleep disorders affect your life.
Every insurance policy differs from the next; therefore, we encourage patients to review their individual policies and determine if their plan provides coverage for outpatient sleep study procedures.
The Indiana Sleep Center offers a comprehensive sleep evaluation conducted by one of Indiana’s most experienced staff of physicians and technologists.
Improving Sleep Quality… Improving Lives 701 East County Line Road • Suite 207 Greenwood, IN 46143 Next to the Greenwood Airport
317.887.6400
IndianaSleepCenter.com 52 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
State Flowers
WORD SEARCH
Presenter / Gettum Associates, Inc. . Creator / Lucy Stravers
This is a particularly challenging puzzle. Hidden in the puzzle are the names of the state flowers. The names flowers and their associated states are listed below. Each word in capital letters appears in the puzzle only once. Names consisting of two or more words may or may not appear contiguously in the puzzle. There are 37 names in the puzzle. A
D
O
R
N
E
D
L
O
G
R
E
V
O
L
C
D
E
R
C
J
P
L
G
D
E
N
O
I
T
A
N
R
A
C
H
A
F
T
A
G
A
1.
CAMELLIA (AL)
2.
FORGET-ME NOT (AK)
3.
SAGUARO USAN (AZ)
S
Y
P
P
O
P
R
S
I
G
O
Y
H
L
T
F
S
M
J
M
S
4.
APPLE BLOSSOM (AR)
5.
POPPY ARBUTUS (CA)
O
L
I
R
H
M
P
L
G
R
L
T
U
O
B
U
E
C
A
A
M
6.
COLUMBINE (CO)
R
C
A
R
N
P
O
I
A
I
S
P
N
S
T
L
E
J
N
P
I
7.
MOUNTAIN (CT)
A
S
T
E
L
N
Y
U
L
U
H
E
A
U
L
S
N
T
O
P
N
8.
PEACH BLOSSOM (DE)
N
V
I
H
G
N
G
O
N
S
M
O
B
I
O
O
D
E
R
L
E
9.
ORANGE BLOSSOM (FL)
10. (CHEROKEE) ROSE (GA) 11. HIBISCUS (HI)
G
O
L
A
O
A
G
F
U
T
Y
R
A
R
L
G
O
L
D
E
M
E
S
M
E
S
E
L
R
E
H
A
D
E
E
S
T
R
O
N
B
O
12. SYRINGA (ID)
B
E
P
C
S
O
B
G
A
G
L
I
A
A
E
I
I
I
E
L
S
13. (NATIVE) VIOLET (IL)
L
N
D
E
W
E
R
W
N
A
R
D
N
L
C
C
R
V
D
O
S
14. PEONY (IN) 15. (CAROLINA) ROSE (IA) 16. SUNFLOWER (KA) 17. GOLDENROD (KY)
O
I
R
E
G
O
T
I
G
E
O
F
T
L
A
C
H
I
O
S
O
S
B
R
A
F
H
L
N
A
O
B
S
I
L
A
M
U
C
D
S
L
S
M
S
C
O
I
I
L
W
H
I
B
I
S
C
U
S
Y
O
O
B
O
U
D
R
A
R
P
G
J
M
A
L
R
E
P
A
R
G
H
M
H
20. BLACK-EYED SUSAN (MD)
M
L
N
R
Y
D
O
P
A
S
Q
U
E
F
L
O
W
E
R
K
C
21. TRAILING LAUREL (MA)
A
O
T
S
L
D
N
A
S
U
S
D
E
Y
E
K
C
A
L
B
A
N
C
B
I
T
T
E
R
R
O
O
T
X
P
I
N
E
C
O
N
E
18. MAGNOLIA (LA) 19. PINE CONE (ME)
22. APPLE BLOSSOM (MI) 23. LADY SLIPPER (MN) 24. MAGNOLIA FLOWER (MS) 25. HAWTHORN (MO) 26. BITTERROOT (MT) 27. GOLDENROD (NE) 28. SAGEBRUSH (NV) 29. (PURPLE) LILAC (NH) 30. (BOGBICE) VIOLET (NJ) 31. YUCCA (NM)
O
B
W
C
H
S
U
R
B
T
N
I
A
P
N
A
I
D
N
I
P
S
M
A
L
K
C
A
S
T
E
N
N
O
B
E
U
L
B
L
U
Y
CARNATION (OH)
32. ROSE (NY) 33. DOGWOOD (NC)
36. MISTLETOE (OK)
34. (WILD PRAIRIE)
37. GRAPE (OR)
ROSE (ND) 35. (SCARLET)
40. JASMINE (SC)
44. SEGO LILY (UT)
41. PASQUE- LAUREL
45. RED CLOVER (VT)
(SD)
38. MOUNTAIN (PA)
42. IRIS (TN)
39. VIOLET (RI)
43. BLUEBONNET (TX)
48. RHODODENDRON (WV)
46. DOGWOOD (VA)
49. (WOOD)VIOLET (WI)
47. RHODODENDRON
50. INDIAN
(WA)
Lucy Stravers lives in Pella, Iowa, and is the mother-in-law of Dann Veldkamp.
New Sunroom Addition atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 53
PAINTBRUSH (WY)
$ MAKING CENTS
UNIQUE WAYS TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY Writer / Kate Rhoten
Do you have teens? Did they work this summer? My oldest is heading into his sophomore year of high school and mowed a couple of lawns this summer. That’s an opportunity for a teen to start earning cash even before obtaining a true summer job. We’ve always talked to our sons about working to earn as well as to save and give. However, are there are ways to teach finances even if your child is not able to work yet?
COMMISSIONS, NOT ALLOWANCE
I set expectations for children as a member of our household, chores that are to be done without complaining or earning pay. For example, everyone cleans his own dishes, one child has to put away dishes, and the other sweeps or cleans the table. My boys are responsible for keeping their own rooms and bathroom clean. I don’t vacuum, dust, or clean those rooms; they do. Beyond that, anything that we ask them to do or they offer up on their own is commissionable. Examples are weeding, spreading mulch, mowing, or clearing out closets and storage spaces. We pay generously for this work because it’s time consuming and usually more physically involved. Teaching children the correlation between work and pay can’t start too early. Try to figure out what is reasonable based on age, and create a chart. Share this with your child and let him or her know you may give periodic reminders, but that, too, may lessen over time.
Talk to your child about the amount you are going to put in the account. Discuss choices your student may make and what may happen if your child spends too much and doesn’t have enough left to finish the month. On the other end of the spectrum, let them know if they don’t spend the maximum per day, they may have more money when their favorite lunch is available to get an extra serving. This is a good foundation for earning and managing money, before the more complicated aspects of money impact children. What have you done to teach your kids about money? Share your ideas with me at my site. I’d love to hear from you.
Kate is a financial expert of what to do and not do with money as well as owner of 4 Walls Financial, A Coaching Focused Company. She has attended and completed Dave Ramsey’s Counselor Training. Follow Kate on Twitter @katerhoten, reach out to her via email at kate.4walls@gmail.com or visit 4wallsmoneycoach.com.
COME SEE THE STYLISH SOLUTIONS WE CAN OFFER YOU. A verse for starting out the new school year,
DINING-OUT BUDGET
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Take the time to carve out a set dollar amount for eating out. Put that cash in an envelope. Add a page from a check register to keep track of the amount spent.
Proverbs 1:5
Any time the kids want to go out to eat, pull out the envelope, and let them see how much money is left to spend. Let the kids help determine where the family should eat based on the amount of money and days left in the month. Kids should also learn about tipping. When the envelope is empty, there is no more dining out until the next budget is set.
SCHOOL LUNCH ACCOUNT
If you have children in middle or high school who like school lunch, use their lunch account to teach them how to make decisions with money. First, determine how much is reasonable to add to the account periodically. Use the daily lunch rate plus the extras that may be offered.
317.883.0071 • WarnerEyecare.com 1642 Olive Branch Parke Lane Suite1000
Treating our patients as we would like to be treated.
54 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / AUGUST 2014 / atCenterGrove.com
$10 off $10 off Optomap Retinal Exam when you mention this ad. expires 8/31/14
atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2014 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 55
P.O. Box 36097 Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097
ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE
PAID
Pontiac, IL Permit No. 353
0% Financing FOR 12 MONTHS ON ALL WINDOWS & DOORS
*Subject to credit approval
112 West Jefferson Street Franklin, IN 46131 317-739-0093 FranklinWindowAndDoor.com
Transform your Home inside & out
with Floors, Doors and Windows
FREE Shaw Hardsurface mop kit with a hardsurface installation of 250 sq. ft. or more.
565 Banta Street Franklin, IN 46131 317-738-0001 BurtonsFlooringCenter.com