Center Grove Community Magazine August 2017

AUGUST 2017

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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DROP THE MIC: CENTER GROVE TEEN COMPETES ON ABC BOY BAND SHOW

When most teenagers begin working their very first job, they probably don’t anticipate eventually owning the establishment at which they are employed and forging a long, successful career at that very establishment. Matt Kraus is no exception, but that’s exactly what happened for the 46-year-old Center Grove native.

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AUGUST WRITERS

Andi Robinson / Carrie Petty Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jon Shoulders Michelle Kaufman / Matt Roberts

AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Brosmer

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17 Free to Breathe: Daughter Runs

Dancing For Dennis: Daughter’s fundraiser in memory of her father has raised more than $25,000 for

cancer research.

Welcome To El Beso: Former Las Chalupas undergoes renovations, name change

Free to Breathe 5K in Support of

Her Father and Lung Cancer Research

20 August’s Luckiest Hoosier Alive:

13 Eyeing a Big Ten Championship:

New IU Head Football Coach Tom Allen Talks Goals for 2017 Season

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Erika Mulroney

22 Martha Stewart Left Her Mark on My Garden

10 Boilermakers Look to Bounce Back: 25 Drop The Mic: Center Grove teen New Purdue Head Football Coach Jeff Brohm Talks Upcoming Season

The Center Grove Community Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Center Grove residents.

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competes on ABC Boy Band show

29 Chocolate To Bragg About: Chocolate Gallery is Center Grove’s newest candy store.

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DANCING FOR DENNIS

Daughter’s fundraiser in memory of her father has raised more than $25,000 for cancer research.

Writer / Matt Roberts

Dennis Trackwell passed away on August 1, 2013 of complications from Multiple Myeloma, a cancer that forms in plasma cells. His family first suspected something was wrong in 2006.

His youngest daughter, Center Grove resident Devon Scott, remembers that he was in familiar surroundings — sharing jokes and stories with friends and family around a pool.

“He was laughing and said, ‘don’t make me laugh, my side is hurting’,” Scott says. “And we found out he had a broken rib. Broken bones are a side effect of the disease, so they started testing him for myeloma. None of us had ever heard of it.”

A month after his death, Scott made a simple request of family and friends.

“He loved to dance and have a good time,” she says. “He always had a positive attitude and was just a happy-go-lucky person.

Anytime you mentioned his name, people would say, ‘Oh, I love Dennis.’ So, I just told people on Facebook that whatever you’re doing today, play your favorite song and dance like you don’t have a care in the world.

And if anybody asks, just say you’re dancing for Dennis.

“People started sending me all these pictures and videos, and it made me feel so good,” Scott adds. “I knew when he was dying that I wanted to do something. We originally thought of a 5K run, because he loved to walk. But, that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

But everybody likes to go out and have a good time.”

As a result, the Dancing for Dennis fundraiser 4 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2017 / atCenterGrove.com

was born and has grown to include hundreds of people while raising more than $25,000 for research into the disease.

This year’s version is scheduled for August 12 at Primo’s Banquet Hall located at 2615 National Avenue in Indianapolis.

Last year, the crowd numbered more than 400, and Scott expects more than 450 guests this year.

“Last year we had two of the rooms at Primo’s, and this year we’ll have all four,” Scott says. “We have a kids area, and it’s a family-friendly event.”

In a world of change, our focus is steadfast.

Admission includes dinner, a silent auction and - of course - dancing. The auction features a variety of items, such as furniture and autographed sports memorabilia.

Scott started the event with her family, but the increasing attendance has resulted in the formation of a 10-person committee that works year-round.

Dancing for Dennis and other fundraisers are helping scientists work toward a cure.

“The doctors have told us that they’re very close,” Scott says.

“They’ve just started a new immunotherapy treatment plan that they’re very positive about.”

Tickets to Dancing for Dennis are available at dancingfordennis. weebly.com or at Primo on the big night. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the fundraiser can find out more at facebook.com/dancingfordennis.

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WELCOME TO EL BESO Former Las Chalupas undergoes renovations, name change Writer & Photographer / Andi Robinson

If you live in the Center Grove area and love Mexican food, then you have probably heard of Las Chalupas. If you are one of the many people who frequently visit this location you probably also know co-owner Joanna Santillan. Many people who enjoy the food at Las Chalupas also know the employees and other wait staff by name, and the staff know many people’s order by heart.

Quesadillas, Chimichangas and Pollo Fundido.

The restaurant has been undergoing a lot of changes recently, including a name change. The new name, El Beso, has a significant meaning for Joanna and her husband Fernando. What does El Beso in English? The Kiss. It might seem like an odd name for a restaurant, but there is a story behind it.

It is this sense of family and community that drives Santillan, who recently took 100 percent ownership of the location. To her, this is more than just a restaurant. She wants everyone who comes through the doors to feel like part of the family. Her own children, in fact, have practically grown up there.

Fernando is from Guanajuato, Mexico where there is a legend about an area called El CallejĂłn del Beso (The Alley of the Kiss) where a Romeo and Julietstyle love story happened. This was the first place that Fernando took Joanna when they traveled to his hometown for the first time.

Las Chalupas actually came to the area 15 years ago and has been in several locations in Bargersville and Center Grove. Five years ago, Santillan became co-owner and manager of the restaurant at its current location on the corner of SR 135 and Whiteland Road.

Over the past five years, Las Chalupas has grown a loyal following of families, friends and even co-workers who come for lunch and dinner, to celebrate special occasions, to hold meetings and more.

Other changes include new stone walls on the interior and turning their party room into a beautiful bar area. Joanna says the changes are more authentic to what you would typically find in cities in Mexico, very rustic and natural.

Luckily, they have been able to make all of these changes during the off hours so they have not needed to close the restaurant during the renovations.

Some of the restaurants popular dishes include Fajitas, Arroz con Pollo, Super

El Beso co-owner Joanna Santillan.

planning special events such as a karaoke night and live bands.

What has not changed? Joanna and her team are still there to serve all of their loyal and new customers. In fact, they have had the same head chef for the past five years. And yes, the food that you have come to love will be the same.

There will be several other changes over the coming months, including an updated and seasonal menu and signature drinks. El Beso You can learn more about El Beso by will be adding signature dishes that they visiting their Facebook page. have not had in the past, too. They are also

8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2017 / atCenterGrove.com

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BOILERMAKERS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK NEW PURDUE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JEFF BROHM TALKS UPCOMING SEASON Writer / Matt Roberts Photography provided by Purdue University Athletics

Over the last 10 seasons, Purdue football has won 35 games and made two bowl appearances (both losses). In the last four years, the team has scraped together an average of two victories. Maybe most disturbing, Purdue hasn’t beaten arch-rival Indiana since 2012.

Several pre-season polls anticipate more of the same, projecting only a couple of wins for the Boilermakers in 2017.

New Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm isn’t promising any miracles, but optimism is again stirring in West Lafayette.

Brohm played college football at Louisville, where he was a three-year starter at quarterback. After graduation, he spent seven seasons in the NFL with stints at Cleveland, “We want to field a team that’s competitive Denver, Tampa, San Francisco, Washington and fights to win every game,” Brohm says. and San Diego. When his playing days “Purdue is a place with great academics, ended, Brohm served as an assistant coach and West Lafayette is a great college town. at Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Illinois, UAB People are starving for success, and they and Western Kentucky before his selection as want to see the football program step up and head coach at Western. do well.

Brohm’s teams won 30 games over three seasons at WKU, including a pair of bowl “We need to deliver.” victories. His 2016 team led the nation in INDY METRO / AUGUST 2017 / TownePost.com

scoring at over 45 points per game while Purdue was averaging under 25. The “Cradle of Quarterbacks” may see a return to lofty scoring levels at some point, but for now the coach sees his defense as being a bit ahead of the offense.

“Our running backs and tight ends are probably going to be our strengths on offense,” he says. “We have to continue to get better on the offensive line and build some depth. At quarterback, we must be more consistent.

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“I’m probably a little more optimistic on defense. But once we get past the first team, we’re not where I’d like to be depth-wise.”

Brohm has been busily recruiting freshmen, but he’s also added immediate help with some graduate transfers. Josh Okonye is a versatile defensive back from Wake Forest, and wide receiver Corey Holmes will have two seasons of eligibility after graduating from Notre Dame. Despite the recent seasons of futility, Brohm believes Purdue can attract high-level student-athletes.

“We have a lot to offer at Purdue,” he says.

“The academic reputation, the Big Ten conference and the opportunity to play against the best teams in the country. And, to be honest, playing time. We don’t have the depth we’d like, so a guy can come in and be a difference-maker.

“I think we’re making strides,” he adds.

“It’s just going to be a matter of getting out there and competing, keeping guys healthy, getting a little momentum and maybe winning a game we’re not supposed to.”

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The Indiana native not only had to coach his team through a bowl game, but try to hold on to the recruits who had already committed to IU and assemble a staff of assistant coaches.

“Right after that, recruiting became the focus, and during the same time, we were putting together a staff,” Allen says. “It really did (turn out well). I think it helped that I was here before. We only lost one player who had committed. You never know how that’s going to work out.”

The IU defense made huge strides in 2016, reducing the number of points yielded per game by over 27 percent.

Allen believes his defense still has room to improve.

“We really did have dramatic improvement (last year), but I want to be a top 25 defense this year,” he says. “We just have to build on that momentum. Red zone defense is an area we have to focus on. We forced field goals, but we didn’t block many, and last year we didn’t finish (games) as well as I’d like to.”

The coach was heavily involved in recruiting last year, but one newcomer is especially familiar. Freshman linebacker Thomas Allen from Tampa Plant High School signed with his father’s team last summer. The younger Allen reportedly received offers from Rutgers, South Florida and other Division I schools, and was listed in the top 100 linebackers nationally. Coach Allen admits that it’s sometimes a struggle not to blur the lines between coach and father.

“It can be hard to separate,” he says.

“I mean, he’s still your son, and you find your eyes going to him. So, that’s something you just have to focus on.”

Both Allens will be trying to raise the bar for Indiana University football in 2017. The program has frequently slipped into the shadow cast by men’s basketball, but Coach Allen means to change that.

“Our objective is to contend for a Big Ten championship,” he says.

“We don’t have a strong history. We haven’t won a bowl game since before our players were born. We have to start winning them.”

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Free to Breathe

DAUGHTER RUNS FREE TO BREATHE 5K IN SUPPORT OF HER FATHER AND LUNG CANCER RESEARCH

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Tom Bowers had always been an active, healthy guy, so he was frustrated last fall when he developed a cough he couldn’t shake. Suspecting pneumonia, he went to the doctor, only to learn that there was a spot on one of his lungs. He was prescribed an antibiotic and sent on his way. A month later, a CT scan revealed the spot was still there.

Tom’s daughter, Kathy Oneacre of Lawrence, was visiting her parents near Cincinnati, Ohio, over the Thanksgiving

holiday. While at a Christmas tree farm searching for just the right Fraser Fir, Kathy’s mom dropped a bomb on her.

“Your dad’s getting a PET scan tomorrow because a CT scan showed something that could be cancer,” she said.

Being a principal medical writer with iVentiv Health Clinical, Kathy knew how to read the CT report. The results made her stomach churn.

“It was clear that the PET scan was for confirmation,” Kathy says. “Dad had cancer.

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2017 / INDY METRO

Still, I was optimistic, thinking that since it was only in one lobe, he could have the lower lobe removed and carry on with his life.”

But then doctors found another spot on the opposite rib, which they biopsied, and just before Christmas Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was shocking because though he had once been a smoker, he had quit 35 years ago.

Starting in January, Tom had three rounds of chemo, a CT scan, another round of chemo and a PET scan. Both showed that

the tumor had shrunk. After a three-week break, he endured another series of chemo treatments, and a CT scan detected that the tumor was even smaller. He’s now on a three-month break and will resume chemotherapy in September, which happens to be the same month as the 5th Annual Indianapolis Free to Breathe Run/ Walk 5K. Following her dad’s diagnosis, Kathy, a lifetime runner, did a search to see if there were any races near her that supported lung cancer research. She found one in Fort Harrison State Park on September 24 and sent an email to the event coordinator letting her know that she was interested in volunteering.

“I thought maybe I could help out at the water station or something,” says Kathy, who promptly received a response to her email, asking if she would be willing to chair the entire event.

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Although she felt a little overwhelmed and underprepared, she agreed because she was passionate about doing something to honor her father and others who suffer from lung cancer. She immediately began brainstorming ways to increase registration. One way she thought she might draw more runners is by adding timing of the 5K for those who want it. She also plans to invite an oncologist to speak to the crowd and hold a one-mile “kids dash” for aspiring younger athletes.

took pulmonary tests to determine if his lungs were strong enough to endure the treatments. He passed with flying colors.

Not that this remotely surprised Kathy.

“When he had a port put in his shoulder last spring, his first question was, ‘Can I still play golf?’” she recalls. “He goes about his day the way he always did. He’s still got the

Because this marks the event’s 5-year anniversary, Kathy hopes to see registration at or above 500. She knows the camaraderie that exists in the running community because she’s been a part of that community for so long. Years ago, she and her dad ran together in road races in Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee (where her parents once lived).

“We used to do a lot of Turkey Trots and Jingle Bell Runs — things like that,” Kathy says. “We’re a sports family.”

Kathy and her husband, Todd, their daughters Savannah (21) and Katie (18), and son Colm (12) are all super active, taking part in soccer and gymnastics mostly, though she says her youngest is the real runner in the family. Last year Colm ran Indy’s Mini Marathon in an impressive 1:43.

On September 24, Tom plans to walk the Free to Breathe 5K and Savannah will travel home from college to walk beside her grandfather, who, at 77, has yet to slow down. Three mornings a week he rises at the crack of dawn and heads to the gym. He also mows the lawn, works in his backyard and even volunteers to help with construction projects for Habitat for Humanity.

Prior to starting chemotherapy, Tom TownePost.com / AUGUST 2017 / INDY METRO

mind of a high school football player.”

Pushing forward. Loving life. Breathing freely.

To register for September 24’s Free to Breathe Run/Walk, visit participatefreetobreathe.org. For more information, contact Kathy Oneacre at oneacre@sbcglobal.net.

AUGUST'S LUCKIEST ALIVE Erika Mulroney

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DOWN BUT NOT OUT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Erika Mulroney had just finished facilitating a class at her church on the evening of June 2, 2016, when she turned down a back hallway of the church, blacked out, and collapsed, face-first, on the floor. Because of the layout of the building, her body was out of the line of sight for most anyone who happened by.

Thankfully, a security guard (a person there to lock up) used the restroom near that hallway. When he saw Erika, he immediately rushed to her side, checked for a pulse and panicked. Unable to detect a heartbeat, he ran to find help.

“Come quick!” he gasped. “I think Erika may be gone!”

“What do you mean gone?” someone asked.

“I found her passed out and she’s not breathing!” he said. “I’m not sure if she’s alive.”

As it turned out, several of the members who had just taken the evening class had not yet left the building. Two of them were nurses and one was a firefighter. They, along with Erika’s husband, Kirk, raced to perform CPR and administered the AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

“They shocked me with the AED equipment once prior to the fire department arriving and again right after they got there,” says Erika, 36. “I was told that several times I flatlined and they lost me — once in the church and again in the ambulance. But both times they got me back.”

Ultimately, Erika was transferred to St. Francis Hospital for care where physicians cooled her body to 93 degrees in an effort to preserve her organs and brain for a period of time before bringing her back to normal temperature. Thankfully, Erika handled that

procedure well and didn’t sustain any seizures. She was in ICU and on a respirator for 10 days. On day 17, she had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator put in, and on day 19, she was released to go home.

“The astounding thing is that I have minimal, if any, residual damage to my mind,” Erika says. “I have a few memory issues and that frustrates me because I used to be great with people’s names and phone numbers. But I can’t complain. For all intents and purposes, I’m whole and healed.”

Her family learned, through results from a blood draw, that Erika had suffered sudden cardiac arrest caused by a small microvascular clot. Beyond that, they really have no answers as to why this incident occurred. All she knows for certain is how grateful she is to be alive, to still be a wife to Kirk and a mother to their 5-year-old son, Brooks.

Though he is too young to really understand what happened to his mom a year ago, whenever they drive by St. Francis, he points to the building and says, “That’s Mama’s hospital!”

With no heart disease in the family, it really does seem a fluke that Erika would suffer cardiac arrest.

Though she, herself, has no way of knowing how long she was unconscious, church surveillance tapes reveal that Mulroney was passed out for 5-7 minutes before anyone noticed her. Her friends, husband and emergency workers then proceeded to work on her for 20 minutes before being loaded in the ambulance. So, the fact that she didn’t suffer brain damage is nothing short of a miracle.

“We definitely feel like my survival was a miracle,” Erika says.

“God saved my life, and I’m really glad to be here. To say that I am lucky to have survived is an understatement. The fact that I suffered very few mental and physical disabilities after the event is astonishing. I definitely think I am the luckiest Hoosier alive!”

M A R T H A S T E WA R T LEFT HER MARK ON MY GARDEN Writer / Carrie Petty

Dimes, Healthy Baby Campaign.

I stoop impatiently by the book-signing table. Waiting my turn. Loaded-down with ever possible book of ‘hers’ I owned. It felt surreal. I had devoured every magazine Martha Stewart had ever published, and now I was going to meet her! This was so very long ago, but it feels like yesterday, that a woman from Connecticut would instill a deep love in me for everything gardening and entertaining.

She said, “Yes!” We raised well over a $125,000 that year for babies in Indiana. I was the Managing Editor for Indianapolis Woman Magazine, we were the title sponsors, and this was my introduction into philanthropy. I was eight months pregnant with Reily, our first, a working Mom and Chris and I were building our first home.

Life was busy, and I didn't even have a garden yet.

After that day in Louisville, Kentucky at her lecture and book signing, I contacted her people in New York to ask if Martha would come to Indianapolis and do a fundraiser luncheon for the March of

My first garden had not even been designed, but our new home in the Geist area would soon be my green thumb’s haven. Martha Stewart can be blamed for my poorly manicured hands and muddy boots. But INDY METRO / AUGUST 2017 / TownePost.com

through her love of growing things grew my love of sharing ideas with you all, and helping people, ‘Grow a Beautiful Life!’

August is a great gardening month in Indiana. Our farmer’s markets are full, our days are long and we still have summer nights for entertaining outdoors. Martha Stewart’s book, Entertaining with Martha, is a great reference book for setting a beautiful table outdoors and using what you have growing in the garden for a tremendous dinner party! Hosting a well-put together dinner party is something everyone should do once.

Not only did Martha’s books teach me the art of growing fine herbs, making

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homemade potpourri and harvesting honey from local bees, she reaffirmed my deep love and the importance of homemaking and family traditions.

Sometimes these things feel like a lost art, but with the reemergence of ‘farm to table’ trends, we Americans are gathering together like never before.

“I hope to show that there are many ways of entertaining and that each ultimately depends not on pomp or show or elaborate teachings, but on thought, effort, and caring-much like friendship itself.” Martha Stewart

• H arvest flowers for drying to use in fall arrangements • Cut back deteriorating perennials • Remove faded foliage from Daylilies • F eed annuals in containers and deadhead • Scrub grill clean • C lean garden bench and restock with fall supplies

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I, like Martha, believe growing food and sharing it around the family table is a part good living. Sharing our homes with friends, a good meal, freshly baked homemade bread…yes, it is an effort. But oh so worth it!

In August my Basil is rampant, a pasta dish with homemade Pesto may be a good call. Or grilling organically raised chicken breast on the grill and topping with homemade herb butter is a perfect accompaniment to a farm fresh salad with Indiana tomatoes.

There are tons of Parsley to harvest for topping any dish, and the thyme is flowering now and looks lovely in a fresh fish dish.

This is not only the month for our Indiana State Fair participants to show off their homespun magic, but it is a good month for us to gather together and give some serious thanks for this great State of ours. Indiana is abundantly producing some of the best produce in the Nation, get out there and enjoy it!

JOIN US FOR A REMODELING SEMINAR

...and discover the latest trends in kitchen and bath and outdoor living design, as well as useful tips for planning your home remodel or addition.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23 6:30PM-8:30PM

MERIDIAN KESSLER NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN STUDIO 5912 N. COLLEGE AVE. INDIANAPOLIS, IN

THURSDAY, AUG. 24 6:30PM-8:30PM

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AND AS AN ADDED TREAT we are thrilled to be joined by The Jazz Kitchen who will be providing savory refreshments.

Call or visit our website to register.

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317.846.2600

M-F: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT ADDITIONS | OUTDOOR SPACES | INTERIORS | KITCHENS | BATHS

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2017 / INDY METRO

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Labor charges may apply. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Basic system requires landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Pulse equipment. All ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the ADT Pulse features you desire. ADT PULSE VIDEO: ADT Pulse Video installation starts at $399. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Pulse Video: $58.99 per month, ($2,123.64), including Quality Service Plan (QSP). GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services. For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-17-1104, AZ-ROC217517, AR-2008-0014, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, FL-EC13003427, DC-602513000006, GA-LVA205395, ID-ELE-SC-39312, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, 225-960-6301, ME-LM50017382, MD-107-1626, MA-1355C, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MS-15007958, MT-247, NV-68518, NJ-Burglar Alarm Business Lic. #34BF00021800, NM-353366, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Dept. of State UID#12000317691, #12000286451, NC-1622-CSA, OH-53891446, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA022999, RI-3582, TN-1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VT-ES-2382, VA-115120, WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WV-042433. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 ©2017 DEFENDERS, Inc. dba Protect Your Home DF-TPN-HP-D2799-0817-V1

INDY METRO / AUGUST 2017 / TownePost.com

DROP THE MIC CENTER GROVE TEEN COMPETES ON ABC BOY BAND SHOW Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photographer / Brian Brosmer

A 17-year-old Center Grove resident, Andrew Butcher, hasn’t even graduated high school yet, but he is already making a name and career for himself on the local and national level.

Butcher is currently a contestant on ABC’s show Boy Band, where singers compete to become part of a new five-member boy band and get a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Butcher has been singing since he was 9, after his dad dared him to sing in an elementary

school talent show.

“I wasn’t going to back down from a good opportunity, so I went and I sang just for fun, and I guess somebody really liked my voice, so they picked me up in a band,” Butcher says.

After being in a couple bands, Butcher eventually ended up in a duo, South Six 5, who performed in Nashville, TN, college Dance Marathon events and America’s Got Talent.

“I really like whenever you’re on the stage performing for a big group of people, just

Andrew Butcher, a 17-year-old Center Grove resident, is a contestant on ABC’s new show - Boy Band. atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2017 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 25

seeing their faces,” he says. “Many times, people don’t really expect a good voice to come out of a 17-year old kid, you know?

Seeing their reactions, how you can interact with them is always really, really fun.”

Butcher eventually became a solo act and started getting more involved in sports.

While deciding what he wanted to do about his music career, he received an email from ABC about the show.

After a Skype interview, Butcher was flown to LA and auditioned with the song Story of My Life by One Direction — a song he has been singing since he was 15.

26 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2017 / atCenterGrove.com

“I always loved that song, and I really think it fits me vocally,” Butcher says.

In addition to singing, Butcher also plays guitar and piano. Butcher has been influenced by the old rock genre as well as chord progressions played by John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.

“I love Boston, Journey, Van Halen, Def Leppard, all those people,” he say. “They’re so, so good. Just the music and how it all blends together, I always was like I need to create that, I need to do that.”

While Butcher loves all the camera and audio equipment on the show, seeing himself on TV is something that is still weird to him.

“That’s me on TV when I’m sitting on the couch, and it’s crazy to see myself on something that I watch so much,” Butcher says. “I just think I look so weird on TV. I look so different.”

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Butcher hopes to make the Top 5 on Boy Band and continue his music career. If he doesn’t, he will continue to pursue music and grow his fan base. His Snapchat, andybutcher_22, has more than 500 followers, and his Instagram, itsandrewbutcher, has almost 12,000 followers.

Throughout his time on the show, Butcher has talked to and gotten to know Nick Carter, a former member of the Backstreet Boys. Boy Band is hosted by singer Rita Ora and airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. The finale airs August 24.

Tricia Rake Vice President, Private Banker NMLS #473860 ©2017 The National Bank of Indianapolis www.nbofi.com Member FDIC

atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2017 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 27

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28 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2017 / atCenterGrove.com

CHOCOLATE GALLERY IS CENTER GROVE’S NEWEST CANDY STORE. Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photographer / Brian Brosmer

A bought-out candy store, an empty space in a strip mall and encouragement from their son was all it took for John and Tracey Bragg to open Chocolate Gallery in Center Grove.

The Braggs were in the process of buying out Chocolate Gallery in Speedway when their son came to their house and talked about opening the store in Center Grove. The building had no paint on the walls and nothing on the floor, but they decided to open there instead of in Nashville, Indiana, where John II has two other businesses.

“We decided we’d [open] and [ John II.] said good, because he’d already signed the contract,” John says. “We moved it from Speedway to here, and we thought it’d be good down here in Greenwood.”

After only 15 days, the store opened.

Dipped pretzels, marshmallows and Tracey Bragg, co-owner of the Chocolate Gallery candy shop in Center Grove. atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2017 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 29

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO RETIRE? WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO TELL YOU. WITH OUR RETIREMENT INCOME EXPERTISE, WE CAN HELP BRING YOUR FUTURE INTO FOCUS. Visit us at www.raymondjames.com/ulrichkoenig to learn more ULRICH KOENIG Vice President, Investments O: 317.885.0114 | Toll Free: 800.382.9487 | ulrich.koenig@raymondjames.com 701 E. County Line Rd., Suite 302 | Greenwood, IN 46143 30 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2017 / atCenterGrove.com

brownie bites fill the counter next to a wide variety of chocolates. Fudge and chocolates are handmade in-store, and ice cream and popcorn from Edinburgh are also available.

The Braggs frequently get suggestions from customers and will try something at least once if a customer requests it. Their most popular item, chocolate-covered bacon, was created by accident. John II accidentally bought bacon strips instead of bacon bits, and Chocolate Gallery now sells eight to 10 pounds of chocolatecovered bacon per week.

“Anything you want made chocolate, we can make it,” John II says. “Anything, if we have the mold for it, and I think we have a mold for just about anything.”

The community has embraced Chocolate

Gallery. Neighbors have shared the Bragg’s business on Facebook, and they have several regular customers. The support has also allowed the Braggs to be able to hire four more employees.

They have also noticed a change in their clientele from the people they used to interact with in Florida, where they lived before moving to Indiana.

Interacting with the community is the Bragg’s favorite part about owning their store.

“[People] invite people to come in here,” John says. “They’re really unique people, they said they actually needed something like this in this area that they didn’t have.”

Chocolate Gallery hopes to soon start having birthday parties where kids can dip their own marshmallows and ladies nights where they can bring their own wine, and Chocolate Gallery will provide.

“The people here are so nice,” Tracey says.

“They actually talk to you. Florida, you don’t really get that. It’s the people that makes you want to continue doing what you’re doing.”

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“We got one guy that comes back every week, on Thursday, and if he doesn’t come and bring chocolate home to his wife, he gets in trouble,” John II says. “It’s fun when you are able to actually have that connection with the community.”

“We’re trying to do a lot of sponsoring schools and trying to get in the community,” John says. “We’re here to help people because they’ve helped us. We want to give back what they gave to us.”

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atCenterGrove.com / AUGUST 2017 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 31

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GIFT CARD: $100 Visa Gift Card fulfilled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Mpell, upon installation of a security system. Shipping and Handling Fee applies. SENSORS: Up to 15 sensors free for pre-wired homes or up to 7 wireless sensors free. No substitutions allowed. Labor charges may apply. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Basic system requires landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Pulse equipment. All ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the ADT Pulse features you desire. ADT PULSE VIDEO: ADT Pulse Video installation starts at $399. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Pulse Video: $58.99 per month, ($2,123.64), including Quality Service Plan (QSP). GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services. For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification.

Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market. Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-17-1104, AZ-ROC217517, AR-2008-0014, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, FL-EC13003427, DC-602513000006, GA-LVA205395, ID-ELE-SC-39312, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, 225-960-6301, ME-LM50017382, MD-107-1626, MA-1355C, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MS-15007958, MT-247, NV-68518, NJ-Burglar Alarm Business Lic. #34BF00021800, NM-353366, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Dept. of State UID#12000317691, #12000286451, NC-1622-CSA, OH-53891446, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA022999, RI-3582, TN-1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VT-ES-2382, VA-115120, WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WV-042433. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 ©2017 DEFENDERS, Inc. dba Protect Your Home DF-TPN-FP-D2799-0817-V1