Center Grove February 2015 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FEBRUARY 2015

Love Ages for the

BRAD & FLORA VALENTINE OF CENTER GROVE

Welcome to happily ever after.

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PUBLISHER’S WELCOME Songs have a special way of sparking memories. While I don’t know for certain, I suspect that “Baby I Love You” by Andy Kim brings back special memories for Flora and Brad Valentine. It was the No. 1 pop song the week they were married. There can be little doubt that the lyrics: “Baby I love you/I can’t live without you/I love everything about you… I’m so glad I found you,” resonated with the young couple. For our second couple, Woody and Nancy Church, “Come See About Me” by the Supremes topped the charts, with the very romantic Robert Goulet crooning “My Love, Forgive Me” coming in at No. 4. However, when you read their story, it will become clear that the line “My Love, Forgive me/I didn’t mean to have it end like this, I didn’t mean to have you fall in love …” did not apply to them at all. Woody remembers the first time he saw Nancy in detail. However, it was six years before the couple were wed. I’m just guessing here, but I think he did mean to have her fall in love.

I hope those who are closer in age to the Valentines and Churches to remember those early days. If you are a young couple, I hope their stories inspire you to dream of a long-lasting love. Of course, this issue is not all cupids and roses, in addition to our regular columnists, we share with you “The Way to Gratitude and Jubilation,” a story of a pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago, Spain. A destination that in the medieval period was as important as Jerusalem and Rome. We also show you a creative hobby that is growing in popularity: card crafting. In addition, you won’t want to miss our look into the values and challenges of homeowners associations. Enjoy learning more about your neighbors.

Dann Veldkamp Publisher

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February 2015 / Vol. 4 / No. 2

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COVER STORY 25

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Above: Brad & Flora Valentine on their wedding day . Cover Photo / Jim Eichelman

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DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Folzenlogel

LOVE FOR THE AGES Writer / Joyce Long

This year for Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love that endures “for better or for worse.” We take an intimate look at two couples and how their love has thrived for decades. While their individual stories are unique, many others have gone down a similar road. At the same time, they stand out as examples of what it takes for love to persevere. They stand out as examples of what Valentine’s Day can really mean.

FEATURED COLUMNS 8 36

Reaching to the Future Together

Cards from the Heart

El Camino: The Way to Gratitude & Jubilation

6 49 58 61 62

Gardening Nana

CGHS Front Row Event Calendar

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance

EDITORS

Allie Nash / Katelyn Bausman

FEB. WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Alaina Sullivan / Amanda Ennis / Bethann Buddenbaum / Joyce Long / Kara Reibel / Kate Rhoten / Leigh Lawson / Lynda Hedberg Thies / Nancy Craig / Tia Nielsen / Tonja Talley

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Benefit Indiana Women in Need

Family Heirloom Coverlets in Smithsonian Museum

Alyssa Sander

Word Search

10 The Value of Homeowners Associations

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Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

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GARDENING NANA

FEED THE BIRDS Writer / Nancy Craig

When our great nieces and nephews visit, they always help their Great Uncle Ken feed the birds in our backyard. Since February is National Wild Bird Feeding month, we are planning some special treats for the birds while the cold weather makes it harder for them to get food and water. You do not need elaborate feeders; it can be as simple as tossing out stale bread crumbs like my Great Grandmother would do every day. We have several kinds of bird feeders in our backyard and lots of mature trees, shrubs and perennial flowers that attract all kinds of birds. The different types of feeders and seeds attract certain birds. One of our favorite feeders is a special mesh bag with Nyjer seed that attract the colorful Goldfinches. Ken has found that squirrels do not like safflower seed so he puts that seed in the hopper bird feeders and a platform bird feeder which attract cardinals and doves. In the winter we put out suet, which is a favorite of several birds like woodpeckers and wrens. It is so much fun to watch Red Bellied Woodpeckers scurry up and down tree trunks; they have black & white zebra- like backs and a red head. We have a couple of simple projects for the twins, Lindsey and Lauren, to make for the birds. One is putting peanut butter on a toilet paper tube, rolling it in bird seed, and slipping it over a branch. Another fun treat is stringing Cheerios on a pipe cleaner and hanging it in a tree. Last month I wrote about a book, “Gardening Lab for Kids,” by Renata Fossen Brow that provides garden projects for the year. This month my great nephews, Max and Eli, will make a bird feeder, Lab #29, and a bird bath, Lab #38. Even more important than feeding the birds in the winter is providing water and I plan to get a heater for our birdbath.

We have fun watching the birds through all the seasons, but some don’t come to our backyard so we are planning to visit the JasperPulaski Fish and Wildlife Area this spring or fall to see the amazing Sandhill Cranes. These are birds you do not feed and they only pass through Indiana on their way from Florida to northern areas. As we watch the birds in our backyards, we especially wait for robins to return to tell us spring is coming! 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.

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REACHING TO THE FUTURE TOGETHER Writer / Alaina Sullivan . Photos / Provided

The theme, “To the Future Together,” plays on “Back to the Future II,” which is set in 2015. At the event, CGEF will look back to the past and forward to the future.

The education and future of Center Grove youth is important to the community, but for the members and staff at the Center Grove Education Foundation (CGEF), it is even more so. CGEF strives to Looking back, Center Grove High School classes of 1965, 1990 and ensure that all Center Grove students receive opportunities to grow, 2005, celebrating their 50th, 25th and 10th anniversaries, will be learn and pursue their dreams through the various programs the recognized as well at the event, said Johnson. foundation funds. They look to the future by presenting ideas that have come from CG It is the financial support of the community that allows CGEF to 100 meetings, community meetings to brainstorm what members fund programs like Camp REACH, a one-week day camp aimed at would like to see through their schools. All recommendations are helping children of all ages embrace learning and build confidence sent to the strategic planning committee. The proposal chosen by to succeed. CGEF receives this financial support through donations the committee is then announced at the Gala. and fundraising events. For the past two years, Camp REACH has been the recipient One of these events is CGEF’s annual Gala. On February 28, the of those funds. After last year’s Gala, CGEF presented a check foundation will hold its Gala at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. It is the to the school board for $60,000, which was the single largest foundation’s main fundraiser for the entire year and gives CGEF the disbursement they have made in the history of the organization, opportunity to fulfill its mission of partnering with the community said Johnson. This check allowed the school district to fund its pilot to enrich the lives of all Center Grove Community School program in 2014. Corporation students by funding “extraordinary and innovative learning experiences.” This kindergarten through fifth grade day camp is held during one 8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

week of the Center Grove fall intercession. Brian Proctor, principal for North Grove Elementary, coordinates the camp with the curriculum designed by Dr. Wendy Kruger.

When the children first arrive Monday, Johnson said, many are feeling down, sad that they are at school while their other classmates are not. This feeling soon goes away, however, as soon as the first day starts. There is a theme for each day. Last year’s themes included a Lego Day, Mystery Day, Earth Day, Silly Safari and Fall The program is full day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the school providing lunch. Each grade has a classroom which can range in size Festival. from seven students to 18. The camp also has two extra classrooms: “We just tried to provide a low stress but high expectation one a fourth/fifth grade enrichment class and a fourth/fifth grade extension class. The students have art each day for 35 minutes, and environment that kept kids thinking about school, reading and kept them challenged through the rest of the week,” said Proctor. Proctor said a larger activity would be scheduled to include the entire group as a way to incorporate the day’s theme. The pilot Camp included 70 children in total. In Proctor’s opinion, this camp can and should expand to include more children in the CAMP REACH district. “There’s no reason why this program couldn’t have 400 plus Last year’s Camp included eight classroom teachers and one art teacher. “The teachers did the phenomenal work in terms of lesson elementary kids,” said Proctor. planning and keeping the children engaged every day,” said Proctor. Proctor said they had to turn people away who wanted to sign up post-deadline. Arguably, the interest and the capacity are there; he The Camp features both remediation and enrichment for students hopes future funding will allow the program to expand and serve who are not recommended for remediation. Enrichment can even more Center Grove students. be anything from art to foreign language to technology. The remediation allows students to dig into learning on their own schedule and in a unique setting. Reading fluency is a large focus among other subjects. Proctor said the approach he took was “hands-on” with activities that could get the children interested and Alaina Sullivan is an attorney in Greenwood, focusing her work on family law and estate planning matters. She is passionate about involved in what they were learning. “The REACH program really has a perfect design in that it helps students of all ages and abilities,” said Johnson.

serving those who are not able to afford normal legal fees and devotes part of her practice to modest means cases. You can reach her by visiting alainasullivanlawoffice.com or email at alaina.sullivan.law@gmail.com.

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 9

THE VALUE OF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS Many times, when homeowners attempt to self-manage their own association, the board members find that they do not have the time, resources or technology to efficiently and effectively manage their neighborhood, said Scully. Most, if not all, board members are volunteers and not compensated in any way.

Writer / Alaina Sullivan Photographer / Jim Eichelman

developer as well as more established homeowner controlled communities.

Homeowners Associations, otherwise known as HOAs, are a staple in suburban America. They are the reason your neighborhood’s landscaping does not look like a field of weeds and the reason your neighbor does not have a tennis court in his backyard. Some neighborhoods choose to utilize the services of a private management company while other are self-managed. No two are the same.

“These Associations can be single-family, townhomes or condominiums, in urban and suburban settings,” said Jane Scully, the vice president of operations and sales for Community Association Services of Indiana (CASI). CASI represents numerous neighborhood HOAs in the greater As a professional management company, Indianapolis area in different capacities for CASI offers administrative, financial and each. maintenance services. According to Scully, they also offer value-added programs such “A management company should be able to as Associa Advantage, Associa Green, tailor its services to meets the unique needs Associa Supports Kids, Associa Websites and Newsletters and Association Insurance. of each type of neighborhood,” said Scully.

PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED HOAS Many neighborhoods choose to have a private management company run their HOA for them completely or at the very least run the day-to-day activities of the neighborhood. Professional management companies are used by developing communities still controlled by the

Private management companies can be used to handle covenant violations, fully run the HOA or pretty much anything that the specific neighborhood requires.

“Management companies are chosen for their professional expertise, knowledge, and resources that are put to work every day for the Association,” said Scully.

10 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

SELF-MANAGED HOAS Brandywine is one of the more established neighborhoods in Greenwood with a HOA that has been run successfully by residents for almost two decades. Greenwood Attorney David Lekse is the president of the Brandywine Homeowners Association and has been involved with the neighborhood HOA from the very beginning starting in 1996. He has also served in the position of treasurer for the

HOA. Lekse also represents HOAs in other neighborhoods. Brandywine is a neighborhood that does not use a management company. Any of the daily concerns regarding neighbors violating covenants are directed to the City of Greenwood. The members of the HOA are volunteers, so with time being limited, Lekse said it is best to filter the dayto-day complaints and concerns through Greenwood government officials.

Because they do not use a management company and the City of Greenwood is responsible for clearing the streets for snow removal, Lekse said their HOA is proud to have kept the annual dues to $50 since 1996. This amount is hard to come by in many of the newer developments. “It all depends on whether the city plows your streets. Greenwood plows ours so that is a big expense we don’t have to pay,” said Lekse.

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With plowing not being an expense, the HOA only had to pay for lake maintenance, lawn mowing and other costs, such as insurance costs or repairing the entrance to the neighborhood. The original developers of the subdivision

established the official association, but it was not until a group of homeowners, Lekse included, convened to further the HOA that it started to take shape. The neighborhood did experience a bit of a “revolution” – according to Lekse – when a group of homeowners came in for one

year with hopes of changing how things were done, doing more than what the HOA traditionally had done. The new roster lasted about a year before realizing the amount of work needed to fully implement the ideas they had, as well as the money needed to fund these changes was beyond their grasp. After one year, Lekse said the original board was elected back on to the HOA and has been since that time. Aside from maintenance of the entryway, landscaping and lake, the Brandywine HOA also sends a newsletter out twice a year for formal purposes, said Lekse, to inform homeowners of the board election, the date of the annual meeting and who to call for code enforcement and more.

WHAT MAKES AN HOA SUCCESSFUL? Whether your neighborhood utilizes the services of a professional management company or prefers to handle matters itself, certain aspects of an HOA and the neighborhood in general lead to its success. Lekse says one of the biggest challenges HOAs face is the struggle between property owners and their property rights versus the agreement they entered into with the association when they bought into the neighborhood. So many people sign on the dotted line without realizing they are agreeing to comply with the regulations of the association. Even if the terms or covenants cannot be negotiated, it is still important to know to what you are agreeing. “I think most people these days do not understand HOAs, how they work and the authority they have,” said Lekse. Successful HOAs are ones where the community members and board have a good understanding of what the covenants allow and what the neighborhood needs. Lekse says the HOA is vital to the community in terms of enforcing covenants, keeping up the appearance 12 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

of the neighborhood and maintaining property values. He said you can tell whether an older neighborhood has an HOA just by driving through the area. The appearance of the common area, landscaping, and lake condition appear poorly kept. All this does, he said, is lower property values in those neighborhoods.

to be on Facebook, a site like Nextdoor.com offers this outlet.

can start your own and invite others to join.

Area neighborhoods, such as Carefree, Forest Hills, Somerset and other subdivisions all have their own private pages. If your neighborhood does not, you

Regardless of how the HOA is run, the backing of the neighborhood is vital. Support can make one neighborhood stand out amongst the rest.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

How do you find that perfect balance, though, between an HOA being over involved or not involved at all? The trick, Lekse said, is not over-policing but at the same time not neglecting the neighborhood. That balance can be hard to find, but once you have it, it is important to maintain it. HOA Boards tend to be comprised of volunteers, each with their own unique perspective and opinion. However, a successful HOA requires problem-solving, development, open communication and the desire to work together. “It’s important to realize that the people are the key to having a successful board,” said Scully. “If a board has members who don’t really want to do work and just wanted to be a member for their own purposes, things aren’t going to get done.”

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DIGITAL CONNECTIONS However, not all neighborhoods have active HOAs or one at all. Many new developments like Tuscany Village and surrounding neighborhoods are still waiting for their chance to have an HOA. For these neighborhoods, as well as the more established ones, using a private social networking site like Nextdoor.com is a way for them to share and receive news about the neighborhood, crime information, yard sales, classifieds and other news. It is also a chance for residents to discuss any issues going on in the neighborhood within themselves and not the community at large. Other social media outlets like Facebook do offer “pages” for such purposes, but with the changing privacy settings and the fact that not everyone desires

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FAMILY HEIRLOOM COVERLETS IN SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM

Ken holding the 1855 coverlet and standing in front of another coverlet dated 1861. 14 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Writer / Nancy Craig . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

n heirloom is defined as “a valued possession passed down in a family through succeeding generations.” In my family, we had a blue and white coverlet passed down from my great-great grandmother marked in the corner with W Craig VW Greensburg IA 1855. My husband is Ken Craig, and his family is from Greensburg, so we researched this heirloom and determined that the coverlet was woven by Ken’s great-great-great-grandfather, William Craig, Sr. of Greensburg, Decatur County, Indiana. William Craig, Sr. immigrated in 1820 to America from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. In the mid-1800s, William and his two sons, William Jr. and James, were very successful professional weavers in Indiana. William Craig, Sr. made both coverlets and in the corner inscription, the “VW” means master weaver and the “IA” means Indiana. Pauline Montgomery features the Decatur County Craig’s in the book, “Indiana Coverlet Weavers and Their Coverlets.”

Sarah Craig Richey had this book micro filmed and given to the Indiana State Library. Serena’s granddaughter, Rena Mae Gilchrist Powell, did some genealogy work in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and found James Craig, the father of William Sr., was a carpet weaver. In 1981, Ken and I went to Kilmarnock, Scotland, and met Rena Mae’s contact there who knew the history of the area and showed us a monument that lists William Craig Sr.’s older brother, Archibald Craig. That is a family story for another time, but Archibald was the first to come to America and among the first pioneer settlers in Indiana. In 1995, we visited Kilmarnock again to show our daughter, Ann, her Craig family history.

The Craig coverlets are in several museums across America, including the Smithsonian in the National Museum of American History. Locally, Conner Prairie has a collection of handwoven coverlets made by Indiana weavers including the Craigs. Conner Prairie says, “Many of the emigrant weavers brought supplementary appliances for their looms known as Jacquard mechanism, named after its French inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard. The Jacquard Last fall we went to The Craig Family Creative Legacy exhibit in device was an intricate system of resolving pattern-punched cards Greensburg, Indiana, which featured art photography by Fred Craig that guided warp threads into complex designs. The result was a and a collection of Heirloom Craig Coverlets organized by Diana repeated motif which could be endlessly varied and recombined, Elder Springmier. The Craig coverlets were from private collections, but most often consisted of a field of floral medallions with a three and Rex Hauser from Michigan brought a beautiful American eagle or four-sided border.” (bit.ly/cp_coverlets) patterned coverlet. Ken, Fred and Rex are descendants of William Craig Jr. and Diana is descendent of James Craig. The Craig coverlets are double woven and therefore reversible, making them very sturdy and warm. Every family wanted a coverlet In researching the coverlet, we met several of Ken’s cousins over the for their daughter’s dowry or hope chest. The Craig’s were paid $5 years. The weaver, William Craig Jr., had three children: William, for a coverlet, which they could make in one day. The jacquard loom James and Serena. Ken’s great-grandfather was James Craig. Serena punch card system made it faster to weave a coverlet and provided a Craig Gilchrist kept a black book with the Craig family history. great variety of designs. atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 15

The weavers were known by their designs, and the Craig’s often used the courthouse with a copula. Note the punch card system was the forerunner of the present day computer technology. These coverlets are indigo dyed blue wool and white undyed cotton. The coverlets were also woven in several other color combinations. The jacquard coverlets were woven in two pieces and then hand sewn together. After the Civil War, the coverlets fell out of fashion, and the hand weavers could not compete with the power looms of the Industrial Revolution. Now the coverlets are valued as a pioneer art and design of Americana. Maybe my great-great grandmother’s 1855 Craig coverlet was part of her “hope chest”; I do not know for sure since its story was not passed down. However, my mother remembered the coverlet used as a hanging curtain in a doorway (it was separated at its seam) at her grandmother’s house. She said she and her cousins used to swing on it! Our 160-year-old coverlet is a true work of art and a Craig family legacy.

Nancy Craig is a Purdue graduate, a lifelong Hoosier and a flower gardener. She and her husband, Ken, have lived in Center Grove for 30 years. While living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands they enjoyed traveling the UK and Europe.

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College Mentors for Kids Sixth Annual Inspire Awards Lifetime Achievement Award winner opens up about his business experience and who have been his mentors. “They can’t eat you.” This valuable piece of advice from David Becker’s grandfather is possibly one of the most unforgettable phrases of truth in business. Shared when Becker started his first company, “Remember, whatever happens, they can’t eat you. You as a person will always survive, and you can start over.” These words of wisdom set the stage of an already independent thinker, solidifying the fearlessness to step forward. Growing up in Speedway, Becker had the unique experience of living near the track when crews rented out the surrounding garages of homes during the month of May. “As kids, we were allowed to stay out until the drinking was well under way and the language turned south,” recalls Becker.

like a working MBA,” states Becker. He quickly hit the ceiling, stagnating where he could have coasted for years, but that didn’t fit his style. Confirming this feeling, Becker met CEO Jack Welch during a company seminar in Chicago. Welch concluded his speech by asking if there were any questions. In a sea of suits, only one arm raised, Becker’s. No one ever questioned Jack. As Becker’s boss, seated next to him, was covertly yet frantically trying to get him to lower his arm, Welch called on him. After answering Becker’s proposed question, Welch called him up to the stage. “No one ever raises their hand to ask a question. I commend you for being brave enough to ask. And it was a GOOD question,” said Welch to Becker off to the side of the stage.

After seventh grade, Becker’s family moved to Monrovia, where Becker graduated from high school. “I thought we had moved to Green Acres,” shares Becker. It was here in Monrovia where Becker developed an appreciation of land and space, influencing his current home built on 150 acres. Becker opted not to accept a highly-coveted spot with the United States Coast Guard Academy and instead attended DePauw University. He listened to his gut again four years later, deciding not to go to law school, just three weeks before graduation. “It may have been impulsive, but I just knew where I was supposed to go, or more so where I was not intended to go,” said Becker. His first job was with General Electric Credit Corporation. “This experience was TOWNEPOST NETWORK / FEBRUARY 2015 / TownePost.com

This event confirmed what Becker already knew. He was not meant to be a sheep. He was a shepherd. Having absorbed as much as he could at GE, he sought his next experience. It was through the challenge of finding an adequate computer system for credit unions in Indiana that Becker found himself launching out on his own. After working with the Indiana Credit Union Trade Association during the deregulation phase of the early ‘80s, Becker wrote a business plan on how to solve their problem. The solution was simple and outlined in his business proposal. Upon presenting the business plan to the credit union, it was clear that the union had no idea what to do with a business plan. Evident that this was going nowhere, Becker promptly quit his job and formed a company on his own. He would solve the computer problem and the credit unions would become his clients.

Becker found a guy in Michigan to sell him what he needed at wholesale. Without first solidifying capital, Becker immediately got into his car and drove straight up to Michigan to forge the deal, arriving at 9 p.m. The meeting wrapped up at 1 a.m, and with his brain in overdrive with what he was taking on, he drove home. “I think the most influential mentors in my life were my parents and my grandfather,” said Becker. “My grandfather [with a seventh grade education] was one of the most successful businessmen I have ever met in all kinds of different industries, and my parents instilled me in from a very early age that my only limitation in life was me and my belief in myself. They gave me a lot of independence as a child and taught me the responsibilities that went along with that independence. I have always felt that if I put my mind to something and worked hard enough, I could accomplish almost anything.” This conviction held true, for several tech companies later, First Internet Bank was started. It’s ironic that he runs a tech-based, banking business. During his DePauw days, Becker would pay a frat brother to punch in his codes for a computer class. “I hated computers, I swore I would never do anything with computers,” said Becker. Not only that, he used to make fun of bankers. “They love widgets and something tangible,” said Beckers. “First Internet Bank is intellectual property. Acquiring capital was next to impossible without a brick and mortar location.” Becker’s oldest son, Jason, said, “Dad, the last thing I ever thought you’d be is a banker.” “My style of management is a massive change for the conservative banking industry,” said Becker. “The mantra at First Internet Bank is, ‘The only constant is change.’” The traditional banking model focuses on maintaining status quo. “A local bank did a year-end shareholder press release talking about the great success they had growing

their assets close to 5 percent over the past year. We grow more than that on a quarterly basis,” states Becker, “We are changing the way consumers handle their financial needs, practically on a daily basis.” Becker has kept his NASDAQ-traded First Internet Bank headquartered here, in Indiana, recently occupying a long-vacant Fishers building near I-69 and 116th Street. When asked in New York City why he would have his headquarters in Indiana, Becker’s response was, “Why not?! I can be anywhere in a couple of hours, the Midwest work ethic is good, it’s a great place to live, and the cost of living is hard to beat.” Throughout Becker’s career, he has always given back. Whether this involves his countless charitable work, assisting the entrepreneurial sector or commissioning artwork, Becker gives his time and efforts to bettering the community. “I like bouncing both ideas and problems off others to get different perspectives,” he said. “I think I get more out of the conversations than they do.” Becker’s positive influence in the community cannot be understated. When former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith started the High Tech Task Force, Becker was immediately on board as a member. It was on this task force that Becker first met Kyle Salyers, the TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

senior vice president of Health Catalyst, a healthcare data and analytics company. “David is tremendously busy, yet he always makes himself available. Always,” said Salyers. “He listens, asks questions and leads you down an intentional, thoughtprovoking path. Becker exhibits great humility. He somehow makes you feel like he is the one learning and growing from the relationship. This builds great confidence and gratitude in the people around him. But ultimately, he simply takes a genuine interest in people, and for that I am grateful.” According to College Mentors for Kids, “The Inspire Awards are an opportunity to connect with other business and community leaders who value mentoring in the workplace and community.” People like Becker and a few others on that High Tech Task Force had the foresight to attract high tech companies to Indianapolis. Since that time, it is easy to track the influence and impact those individuals have made for the area. “David Becker takes the time to grow the people around him,” said Salyers. “In turn, you feel an obligation to do the same and pass along support and knowledge to others without ever asking for anything is exchange.

This is how entrepreneurial communities grow, and our community has benefited greatly from David’s example in this regard.” At the 1999 launch of First Internet Bank, which received huge international media coverage, a reporter from the BBC asked, “What do traditional banks have that you don’t have?” Becker replied, “Long lines in the lobby.” “I think I have always been an out-of-the-box thinker because I never knew there was a box,” says Becker. Each year, College Mentors for Kids hosts the Inspire Awards to recognize and celebrate workplace and community mentoring. It’s at this luncheon where David Becker will receive his award for his 30+ years inspiring and motivating others in our business community to achieve greater things. Please visit collegementors.org for additional information.

Please join us as we honor mentors who give selflessly to people in their workplace and community.

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

What others said couldn’t be done, we’re doing.

St.Vincent Heart Center is continuously pushing the limits of what’s possible in heart care. To do that takes an amazing amount of skill, study, experience and dedication. But it also takes passion. A passion to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from heart disease. And a desire to look beyond the boundaries to find better ways. Close to home. Second to none. stvincent.org/BestHeartCare

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

Marian University for St.Vincent Health 9002 Purdue Rd, #301 Indianapolis, IN 46268 866-890-9765 mariannursing.com/stvincent

ACCELERATE INTO NURSING WITH MARIAN UNIVERSITY INNOVATIVE PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS LEVERAGE EXISTING BACHELOR DEGREES

Writer / Kara Reibel

Marian University’s Online Accelerated Nursing Program has created an alternative path into nursing for college-educated students seeking more rewarding options. This 16-month program allows students to leverage a four-year degree into a bachelor’s in nursing with top quality training through a partnership with St. Vincent Health. For one local family, this “second degree” option helped extend a family legacy of nursing and faith-inspired healthcare. Rachael Brown, a recent graduate of the Online Accelerated BSN Program, was attracted to Marian University for a number of reasons. “The Franciscan values of Marian University and those of St. Vincent Hospital are complementary, and I was drawn to their thoughtfulness in caring for a patient’s body, mind, and spirit. These are the values that I grew up with, and applying these on a daily basis in a work environment where I am truly helping people is what I knew I wanted to do.”

Mother-daughter duo (left to right) Rachael and Loraine Brown both graduated from the Marian University School of Nursing. TOWNEPOST NETWORK / FEBRUARY 2015 / TownePost.com

Rachael attended Southern Illinois University (SIU) on a volleyball scholarship for her undergraduate degree. “At 18 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I just knew that I wanted to play volleyball,” says Rachael. But motivated by a desire to help others, Rachael had a role model in nursing close by.

Rachael’s mother, Loraine Brown, began her own career as a nurse at St. Vincent 29 years ago. Having also attended Marian University (then Marian College), she was drawn to St. Vincent for the same reasons as her daughter and now serves as Executive Director of Mission Integration for St. Vincent Hospital. “Being a nurse is so special. To serve the patient and their family is so rewarding. I don’t think of this as a job,” shares Loraine. “During a visit to Evansville, I witnessed the Sisters [The Daughters of the Poor] and nurses caring for patients, and I could see myself doing that,” shares Rachael. While having lunch with her mom in the St. Vincent Hospital cafeteria during her junior year of college, Rachael saw a Marian University table. “I picked up a brochure on the online accelerated program and started asking questions,” adds Rachael.

The Marian University Online Accelerated BSN Program is an intense, yet flexible, 16-month commitment. Lectures are online, with hands-on classroom exercises and clinical training at St. Vincent Hospital. “I graduated from SIU in May and started with Marian in August,” says Rachael. “The real-world clinicals at St. Vincent were great. The nurses and staff were very welcoming. It is a teaching hospital, and we were able to work closely with the wonderful nurses there. We gained confidence every day,” shares Rachael. Students of the accelerated nursing program come from a wide array of backgrounds, ages, and experience, but they share the desire to pursue meaningful work in a highly sought-after field. “In my class, there were students like me who just graduated from a four-year college,

a lawyer who practiced for 15 years, an Army Ranger, former teachers, an engineer and a marketing executive. All were making a career change,” shares Rachael. Marian University’s Online Accelerated BSN program exposes their students to a multitude of options for careers in nursing without having to start over in a traditional program. With Marian University’s close relationship with St. Vincent, students are trained with state-of-the-art technology alongside some of the best healthcare practitioners in the country. Nursing remains among the nation’s fastest-growing careers; through Marian’s innovative approach, students earn a second degree for a second chance at success. For more information or to apply to Marian University’s Online Accelerated BSN program, visit mariannursing.com/ stvincent or call 866-890-9765.

“THE GRATITUDE IS INDESCRIBABLE. NURSES WORK SO HARD, AND THEN YOU GET THANKED BY A PATIENT AND IT MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT.” - RACHAEL BROWN

Go online to TownePost.com to watch a video of Rachael and Loraine Brown telling their story. TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

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Love Ages for the

Valentine’s Day. A day to celebrate romantic love with cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts. A day of expressing “young love.” Finding just the right gift, to send just the right message. Hoping that the focus of your affection will remember you or accept your token of love. But what happens when it all goes as planned and the one you love, loves you? What happens after the courtship, if I may use such an antiquated word, after your life together begins? After the plans change and the hot coals of romance, become the glowing embers that keep you warm? This year for Valentine’s Day, we celebrate not the coals, but the embers. The love that endures “for better or for worse.” We take an intimate look at two couples and how their love has thrived for decades. While their individual stories are unique, many others have gone down a similar road. At the same time, they stand out as examples of what it takes for love to persevere. They stand out as examples of what Valentine’s Day can really mean.

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Writer / Joyce Long . Photographer / Jim Eichelman

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Brad and Flora with a protrait for their daughter Rachel

n 1968 after meeting in a UMass-Boston graduate class, neither Brad nor Flora Valentine would have guessed three years later they would move to Indiana. Even though both were pursuing master’s degrees in school counseling, their odds of meeting were slim. Flora grew up in suburban Boston while Brad spent his childhood in Trotwood, Ohio.

leave in nearby Jennings County. We made wonderful friends there,” said Flora. Always being near extended Jewish family in Massachusetts, Flora’s move to Indiana required cultural adaptation. “One of the townsfolk invited us to their farm for a hog butchering. Then we made sausage. Here I was, the Jewish lady stuffing sausage,” chuckled Flora. She soon “lost” her East Coast accent.

Brad joined the Navy after high school, serving on a submarine stationed out of Pearl Harbor and later in New London, Connecticut. He graduated from Tufts University, majoring in political science and When Flora was pregnant with their oldest daughter Staci, Brad economics. After teaching junior high social studies and English for a accepted the principal’s position at Veedersburg High School. Flora year, Brad became a school guidance counselor. decided to stay home with their daughter, while Brad worked to finish his Doctorate of Education in School Administration through When they first met, Flora worked for the state of Massachusetts Indiana University in 1975. as an employment counselor. “I thought he was interested in my girlfriend at the time. Then he asked me out, and we were engaged At IU, Brad met Lee Webb, the Superintendent of Center and married within a year [August 17, 1969],” said Flora. They Grove Schools. In 1977, Lee offered Brad a job as Assistant enjoyed working in Boston’s Catholic schools but soon realized Superintendent. After moving to El Dorado Estates where they they would need to move to further Brad’s career. currently live, their second daughter Rachel was born in March 1978. Four years later Michael completed their family.

MAKING THE MIDWEST HOME

When school officials called from Crothersville, Indiana, Brad and Flora drove 950 miles for the interview during which he was offered the guidance counselor position. “I think we had the interview and went house hunting the same day. They helped me get a maternity

While Flora is Jewish, Brad was raised in the Brethren Church. Her rabbi advised them to “concentrate on the sameness of their values.” After they became parents, Brad converted to Judaism so they would be a unified family.

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Don’t try to change the other person … Don’t lose yourself “Bein apatient. marriage. You won’t be happy later on. Be supportive, too. ”

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MAKING IT THROUGH TRAGEDY

MAKING A STRONG MARRIAGE

Fast-forward 15 years to January 31, 1993. It is Super Bowl Sunday. After Brad and Flora attended a local party, they came home to devastating news. “Your heart will beat more quickly when you see a sheriff ’s car in your driveway,” said Brad. Rachel had died in an automobile accident on Mullinix Road. “It was a very dark time. I stayed in a lot. I couldn’t go to a wedding or birthday party,” said Flora.

Both believe in serving the community, expressed in Hebrew as Tikkun Olam, “to fix the world.”

The Valentines suffered together and separately. “Men and women grieve differently. Brad was ready to move on much more quickly than I was. He kept saying, ‘I want people to know we’re all right.’ I wanted people to know we weren’t.” Brad often visits Rachel’s gravesite located in the Jewish Cemetery in Indianapolis. “There’s not a day goes by I don’t think about Rachel. Life and relationships now have a different perspective. A bad day is when you lose a daughter,” said Brad. Rabbi Stein, who counseled Flora, reminded her that it takes at least three years to move forward. After Michael entered high school, Flora became involved in his activities. “Michael was my rock at this time. He asked me to help Mrs. Kersey with the musical Fiddler on the Roof.” She also found fulfillment in working as an academic adviser for University of Indianapolis nursing students.

“We feel you should leave a community better than you found it,” said Flora. Brad has served on various Center Grove sports boards and as a Girl Scout leader for both daughters’ troops. Flora has been president of the Center Grove Scholarship Foundation for over 15 years. Now they enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren and following the University of Northern Illinois sports teams where Michael works as equipment manager. Regarding marriage, Brad said, “Be patient. Don’t try to change the other person.” Flora added, “Don’t lose yourself in a marriage. You won’t be happy later on. Be supportive, too.” For the Valentines, marriage means commitment.

Joyce Long has called Center Grove home since 1987. She has taught language arts at Greenwood Middle School and coordinated marketing for Mount Pleasant Christian Church and communications for Center for Global Impact. Currently Joyce enjoys freelance writing and co-leading Heartland Christian Writers.

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Writer / Amanda Ennis . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

“

Fifty years ago, we said I do, and we still do. We still laugh, we still kiss and we still dream.

”

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Unfortunately, it took six years to get a date.” year of college. “I asked Papa [Nancy’s dad]; To that, Nancy smilingly adds, “Because I was he said yes with my promise to let Nancy in the seventh grade and not dating.” finish college once we married,” shares Woody. With his blessing, the two married It wasn’t until Woody graduated that he just two months later. After marrying, they and Nancy would share their official first moved to Lexington, Kentucky, and Woody date. “We saw the movie ‘Rome Adventure,’ kept his promise to Nancy’s dad, working set in Rome obviously, with cascading full time to pay for her education. Woody fountains and this young couple in love. would not go back to college full time The Churches love story began over 55 It was superimposed in my mind that we himself until Nancy earned her degree in years ago — Nancy a seventh-grader and were watching a love story unfold on screen education from the University of Kentucky. Woody a ninth-grader. and in real life,” remembers Woody. Nancy adds she was drawn to Woody well before A GOD-INCIDENT Forever etched in Woody’s mind: a clear this first date. “I knew he was a Christian; During their early marriage years, Woody remembrance of young Nancy on a school that drew me to him – his character and earned his degree in biochemistry and playground in Ashland, Kentucky. He recalls Christian witness.” served as Medical Service Corps Officer in her appearance with fastidious detail. “I Vietnam. Their first child was born while remember her olive-brown skin, white blouse, The couple, both with parents married over Woody was away (he met his daughter tartan plaids and burgundy oxfords. I thought 50 years, dated for two and a half years. Marianne for the first time when she was to myself, this young lady is stunning! Woody proposed during Nancy’s freshman three months old). eartfelt words from Center Grove resident Nancy Church as she reflects on her recent 50th anniversary to her husband, Woody. The couple celebrated their milestone anniversary December 26, surrounded by their two grown daughters and their families.

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Woody came back early from the war with a noncombat injury. During this time, he felt God calling him to full-time ministry. “In the war, I prayed with people who were dying. When I look back at Vietnam and the army hospital at Ft. Knox, so many people came to know the Lord because I just sat and talked with them. I couldn’t comprehend that you wouldn’t share your faith with someone, and so I did. This was not a coincidence but a God-incident.” Woody enrolled at Asbury Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1974. During his senior year, the couple had their second daughter, Luann. For 20 years, Woody served as pastor of multiple churches in Kentucky. Their family moved to the Center Grove area in 1990 when Woody had the opportunity to work in pastoral care and begin as a biblical counseling program at Community Church of Greenwood. Around this time, Nancy began teaching in Center Grove schools, retiring in 2009. For over 25 years, Woody has worked in Center Grove as biblical counselor with not only CCG but also at Rod and Staff ministries, a counseling center he founded. Currently, he works part time in pastoral care and counseling for Stones Crossing Church.

“He’s always full of surprises,” said Nancy. “I never dreamed he’d go into ministry, although I knew he was a dedicated Christian. Moving to Indiana was a big surprise, and I still haven’t completely gotten over that one! Starting Rod and Staff was a big surprise too. I remember asking him, ‘Why are you

starting this at your age?’ People in their upper 50’s don’t do things like this!” “Was I really in my upper 50’s?” asks Woody. “See, this brings out our differences. She has exactness, and I am more of a ballpark person!”

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A PROMISE MADE For Woody, “fulfilling” best describes the couple’s marriage. “God fulfills your life when you know Him,” Woody said. “A marriage with the right person you know God has scripted for your life is fulfilling. It’s fulfilling to know we have been faithful, not because we’re perfect, but because we are fulfilling what He’s asked us to do. Like a promise made to a father-in-law, we are fulfilling our promise to God.” For Nancy, “adventure” depicts their story. “We never knew what was right around the corner.” To that, Woody playfully adds, “Hey that movie we saw on our first date was called ‘Rome Adventure,’ remember?”

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with the right person you know God has scripted for your life is fulfilling. It ’s fulfilling “toAknowmarriage we have been faithful, not because we’re perfect, but because we are fulfilling what He’s asked us to do. Like a promise made to a father-in-law, we are fulfilling our promise to God. ” DIFFERENT, BUT BONDED BY THE To this, Woody adds, “Part of what’s kept us on track is choosing a life verse from IMPORTANT Speaking of differences, both freely share that, in many ways, they’re opposites with different personalities and interests. “We’ve accepted our differences and gone with it. Although we see some things differently and have different interests, we are bonded together by what’s important — our desire to serve God and love for our family.”

the bible. For the first 25 years of our marriage, it was Matthew 6:33: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” After 25 years, we changed it to 2 Corinthians 5:9: And so we make it our goal to please Him. So, you can see, even though we’re different, we are on the same page with God’s word directing us in our hearts

and in our minds. Even with our differences, it has kept us on the same road.” Both agree the biggest struggle in their marriage has been Woody’s health issues. For 41 years, Woody has been a brittle diabetic. “When he was diagnosed, the doctors warned us that his body was very fragile. We never imagined we’d make it 25 years in marriage, much less 50,” shares Nancy.

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REDEEM THE TIME Woody’s health issues have caused both to live with a unique perspective on time. “My idiosyncrasy is you can’t go into any room in our house without finding a clock,” said Woody. “They remind me to redeem my time. Coming back from Vietnam diagnosed with diabetes made me to realize that I can’t waste time. I have to redeem it. For us there’s a spiritual application as well; we want to use our time for eternal purposes.” Woody adds a wise friend once reminded him, “Today is called the present. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, but today is here and it’s called the present … every day is a gift.”

Regarding his bride, Woody has a final thought. “Nancy passionately loves the Lord and she passionately loves me. We passionately love each other. I was taken the first time I saw her, and I’m sure I’ll be taken with the last breath I take.”

Amanda Ennis and her husband Dave have lived in the Center Grove area since 2001. She is a mom to three elementary children. For the past eight years, Amanda has participated in and served in Bible Study Fellowship. She works part time as a preschool teacher for Indian Creek Schools.

Nancy joyfully adds that living day to day has blessed their family. “We probably appreciate each day more than most. For every great family time we share, we know this could be the last with Woody’s health issues that have included diabetes, major heart surgery, stents, kidney failure and muscle deterioration. We celebrate everything at our house … we make up things to celebrate!” Daughter and Center Grove resident Luann Luck feels gratitude for her parents’ legacy. “I’m so thankful to celebrate 50 years of marriage with my parents,” she said. “They’ve faced many challenges together, but knowing Christ has made all the difference for my parents. I’m very grateful for the example they’ve been to me and many others.”

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What pearls of wisdom would Woody and Nancy share with other married couples? Pray together. “We pray together every night. It’s part of the cement that has held us together although we’re so different.” Nancy shares this sentiment, “If you are praying together, it’s not his or her way, but God’s way.” Nancy adds that she’d encourage married individuals to put the other’s person’s needs above your own. Our natural tendency is to put self first. It’s a blessing when we put God first, others second and ourselves third.”

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Yellow arrows direct pilg

rims onward

Lush green landscape bordered by Spanish Lavender

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Back home, Paige displaying her compostella, certificate of completion, penned in Latin

EL CAMINO Writer / Tonja Talley . Photos / Provided

“The shell represented a reminder of the promise I made to myself,” Paige Vandoski said. “A promise to return to Spain one day and walk the Camino.” Nestled near the Atlantic Ocean in the northwest corner of Spain lies a city named El Camino de Santiago, meaning the Way of St. James. In her junior year at Ball State University, Paige visited the city while studying abroad. She found the city to be rooted in rich heritage and legend. For more than 1,000 years, pilgrims walked to Santiago in search of the city’s Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Legend says the body of Catholic saint, James, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, lies in this Cathedral. Here, pilgrims believed their walk could result in a plenary indulgence,

THE WAY TO GRATITUDE & JUBILATION

which freed a person from the penance due for sins. Throughout the medieval period, Santiago joined Jerusalem and Rome as the three most important pilgrimages.

pilgrims experience the Camino each year. Their reasons for the walk spanned from sport interests to religion to historical conquests.

During the old Camino journeys, pilgrims used scalloped shells, abundant in this Galatian region, as a cup to quench their thirst. Today, the shell stands as one of the symbols of the pilgrim’s Camino walk and displayed on backpacks or necklaces. During the visit to Santiago, Paige obtained a scalloped shell.

While the journey of pilgrims in the past began on their home’s doorstep, only a few walk the roundtrip to and from their homes. The modern day pilgrim can elect to start his or her pilgrimage in any arbitrary location. Backpacking with a document called a credential, Spain offers the pilgrims access to free or cheap accommodations and food. As proof the pilgrim completed the route to the end, nightly locales stamp the credential.

RESEARCHING

After graduation, Paige returned to Spain as an assistant teacher in English and continued to plan for a future Camino for herself. In her research, she found there to be no statistic on the number of travelers in ancient days, but more than 216,000

Paige also discovered one particular legend remains. The pilgrims of old carried a rock to represent the burden of their sins and left it at the foot of the Cruce de Ferro, the iron cross.

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Some suggest the Cruce de Ferro completes the Meseta portion of the Camino, the section known for one’s introspection and reflection. By the end of the Meseta, a pilgrim desires to culminate their recent walk with an act of leaving a stone there. The act prepares the pilgrim for the final phase of the walk—the joyful approach to Santiago.

r i v a t e

THE JOURNEY

Carrying a backpack no heavier than 20 percent of her body weight, Paige added her footsteps to the pulse of a thousand other footfalls on El Camino de Santiago in early June 2014. Starting just west of the Pyrenees Mountains in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located near the borders of Spain

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The slow march of stone villages strolling by at a pilgrim’s pace, reawakened Paige’s senses on the trail, creating attention to some of the smallest of details. “It may sound silly, but I came upon a golden field, dotted with red poppies, and the scene created thankfulness in my heart. I loved the smell of the poppies boarding the fields.”

So call Tricia Rake today at 261-9755. Because she doesn’t apply formulas to determine your financial success. She applies experience.

Along the way, Paige observed her environment and the people traveling around her. She commented, “You meet people in your Camino, and you feel a connection with them. They are not strangers. You learn from them and care about them. I met a man from India who I walked with for a while. He had made tons of little fabric hearts before coming to the Camino. He gave these tokens out to everyone saying something sweet like, ‘I give you my heart.’”

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As she held her shell and a rock in hand, Paige realized each pilgrim did indeed struggle with a burden on the Camino. She recalled a young couple with a small child, for example, who sold everything they had to come walk on the Camino and find their purpose in life. At the end of the journey, Paige saw the couple in a deep conversation with a man from India. She hopes the young family found their purpose. Paige, herself, struggled with her Camino in a different way. After years of gymnastics, Paige found her knees and joints screamed to stop her grueling goal of 15 to 18 miles a day, but Paige persevered. According to Paige, the pilgrims set their own daily timetable and destination, enhancing each traveler’s knowledge and appreciation of their surroundings. For her, the way seemed easier and more relaxing when rising with the sun and completing her daily Camino before the heat of the afternoon sun.

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and France, “I didn’t know that my Camino, my adventure, would turn into a journey with a deeper meaning,” Paige humbly said.

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38 3345 / CENTER GROVE .37 COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com Rake PB_4.72x7

Paige surrounded by the golden field

Locals regularly walk after the evening

The Cruz de Ferro (iron cross). Leave behind your burden (the stone).

The Cathedral of Burgos

(L-R): Paige, Phil from Ireland, Kurt from California and Liz from Portugal

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 39

meal

As each day faded with the sunset, Paige pondered where to stop and rest for the night. In the next village? In a hotel or small albergue (hostel) enjoying a dinner of local food and nice company? Or, perhaps sleeping under the stars? Using her Camino credential, Paige most often opted to stay in an albergue, a dormitory-like structure lined with bunk beds built just for the pilgrims. “I learned careful consideration should always be taken in choosing a bunk,” Paige said, giggling. “You learn very quickly to stay as far away from the snorers as possible.”

(L-R): Paige, Lannie from Texas and Alice from England

Feeling in tune with the earth’s breath, Paige recalled coming around a bend of trees and gasping at the overwhelming power of the scene in front of her. One-by-one pilgrims stood still, maybe praying, and then gently tossing their rock, their burden, toward the foot of the Cruz de Ferro.

THE FINAL DESTINATION

“The cities grew to be a problem for me and the other pilgrims. We walked for weeks with just the sound of nature and easy talk, observing the world at a slower, relaxed pace with minimal, if any, access to the Internet or iPhones,” Paige remembered. “The pilgrims become time warped, which is not a bad thing. Just stressful to be thrown back into the speed in which our world lives.” Reaching Santiago, Paige applied for the compostela, a certificate of completion. She found out when she returned home, any compostela penned in Latin meant the pilgrims walked the Camino for spiritual or religious reasons, while the Spanish document meant other reasons captured the interest of the pilgrim. For the weary pilgrims reaching the final destination in their journey, gratitude and jubilation abounded. “As you step inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, immediately in front of you is the Door of Glory and within reach rises the statue of St. James. We read the statue’s worn look came from the many pilgrims who reached out, gratefully touching and kissing it at their journey’s end.”

The Ca thedral

of Burgos

Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Note the huge incense burner called a borafumeiro. Swung to the eaves, it takes eight men to maneuver the incense burner.

Paige with her stamped credential, which proves her completion of El Camino de Santiago

Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993. An 11-year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi and her church. 40 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

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SCOTT

USES LOCALSTAKE TO FIND LOCAL INVESTORS

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Writer / Bethann Buddenbaum

Being an active community participant is nothing new to Scoty’s Brewhouse. So it makes sense that the local restaurant chain chose to involve the community when it decided to update its 96th Street location. Scoty’s Brewhouse is currently running a social crowdfunding campaign with the hopes of raising $750,000 from Hoosier donors. Tis investment will allow Scoty’s to remodel its Northside restaurant, pay back a current debt at a lower rate and involve the community in the company’s growth.

to provide loans for “brick and mortar” remodels. What is a successful business to do when it is too big for SBA loans and too small for private equity? In Scoty’s case, they decided to turn to the very people who made the restaurant chain successful to begin with: Its loyal customers.

Scot Wise – the president and CEO of a Pots & Pans Production, which is the parent management company for Scoty’s Brewhouse and Tr3e Wise Men Brewing Company – saw Localstake as an opportunity to explore non-traditional ways of funding his business.

Partnering with Indianapolis-based crowdfunding platform Localstake, Scoty’s is asking individual investors to fund this remodel and other working capital expenditures. In return for their dollars, Localstake investors do not just receive an incentive or a product; they also receive a fnancial return on their investment. Scoty’s is ofering a revenue share opportunity. Te company will pay investors 5 percent of monthly revenues over a period of fve years until they have been paid 1.5 times their original investment.

“It’s not a traditional ‘going to a bank’ world anymore,” said Wise. “Afer coming out of the last recession, I had to think of new ways to grow. We used personal investors for previous store growth. For instance, in Fort Wayne, six doctors got behind bringing a Scoty’s restaurant there. Tey own a percentage of that restaurant. Now there’s a group in Evansville looking to do the same thing. In this new world, Localstake makes a lot of sense.”

Since Scoty’s Brewhouse on 96th Street was opened in 2006, the company feels that it’s now time for a “major remodel.” Te renovated space is slated to contain a pizza oven and a whole new look for customers, which includes doors that open up the patio. Te remodel is also expected to increase Te idea for the campaign came via one of efciencies to improve the speed of service. Scoty’s vendors, Moody’s Butcher Shop. Moody’s completed its own Localstake Despite having one of its most successful campaign in May 2014. Te funding years in its 18-year business history, Scoty’s gave Moody’s the chance to expand its faces challenges in funding its planned operations by opening a third retail store renovation because banks are not inclined located in Center Grove.

Securing funding via the Localstake platform is similar to other crowdfunding marketplaces like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. However, Localstake focuses solely on raising funds and investing in private businesses. Te investments are regulated, and they are ofen locally-focused. In the case of the Scoty’s Brewhouse Localstake opportunity, only Indiana residents can invest.

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

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Te Scoty’s brand is well known in Indiana, from the college towns where the restaurants were frst established, to the cities where its young customers move to fnd jobs and start families. Wise and his staf are also active on social media, and the company frequently creates promotions that give back to the community, such as ofering free lunches to kids when Indianapolis area school districts closed

due to weather. Te restaurant experience coupled with these positive social connections have created a dedicated customer base for Scoty’s. “Te reason that I like how Localstake does this is that investors are not just geting 1.5 times their money back,” said Wise. “Localstake incentivizes people to give more. Te perks that I get to give at a restaurant level are larger. Using this

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platform, we are connecting locally and creating raving fans. If you’re invested in Scoty’s Brewhouse, then you are one of 50 or more people who believe so much in us that you are going to go out and support our business. Tese fans may dine one or two extra times a month with us because they have a sense of ownership.” Scoty’s currently has secured over $190,250 in funding commitments and over $1.6 million in interest on Localstake from 700 investors. Persons who are interested in learning more about the details of this investment opportunity can visit Localstake.com, create an account, select Scoty’s Brewhouse and then express an interest by entering an investment amount. Investment opportunities for qualifed investors begin at $500, and monies are held in escrow until the minimum funding amount of $250,000 is met. At that time, funds are transferred to Scoty’s, and the term of the investment agreement begins. Te campaign is currently scheduled to run through the end of February, with investment incentives decreasing on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28. Tere are currently a number of other area businesses also seeking funding via the Localstake platform. According to Kevin Hitchen, one of the company’s founders, an estimated 50 percent of the companies using the service are established and 50 percent are start-ups.

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“Te challenges of the current economy make banks less willing to loan money to small and medium size businesses,” said Hitchen. “Simultaneously, there’s also a growing interest in supporting all things local, whether it’s food or business. Localstake helps bring together people who are interested in investing in their community with local businesses who need funding. We are kind of like a Match.com for connecting businesses and investors.”

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If all goes well with the current Localstake fundraising campaign, Scoty’s fans can expect to see more of this type of creative fundraising eforts as the company works to upgrade other locations.

TOWNEPOST NETWORK / FEBRUARY 2015 / TownePost.com

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11TH ANNUAL PINK PAJAMA PARTY TO BENEFIT INDIANA WOMEN IN NEED

Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies

As the primary caregivers, women diagnosed with breast cancer ofen fnd For the 11th year, the Indiana Women In themselves unable to take care of their Need (I.W.I.N) Foundation will host the families, and most women will ofen not annual Pink Pajama Party Feb. 20-21 to ask for help. Treatments can be very timebeneft women in Indiana that have been consuming because of having to travel away diagnosed with or are being treated for from home for treatment. Ofentimes, the breast cancer. Tis two day event – held at cancer prevents women from going to their the Indianapolis North Marriot at Keystone jobs, which can lead to a loss of income or at the Crossing – will allow women to relax, even the ability to support their families. be pampered and enjoy a fun evening of More women are being diagnosed with dancing and music well into the morning in breast cancer every year. In Indiana alone, pink pajamas. that number is around 4,000, and so the need for I.W.I.N. Foundation’s mission is For the 2015 party, the foundation invites more important than ever. women who have been former recipients, friends and family of breast cancer patients “In our frst year, we helped three women, and any woman that likes to party with a and now we have helped 493 women purpose, especially in her pink pajamas. ranging in ages from 18 to 90 years old, Women can enjoy great food, pink cocktails, which is truly gratifying,” said Sue Wynne, shop at an extensive silent auction and enjoy the I.W.I.N. operations director. “One of our complimentary spa services. Ten guests current recipients had this to say about her will dance to the music of Living Proof experience with the I.W.I.N. Foundation: ‘I and aferward move to the lounge to enjoy would like to thank I.W.I.N. for the grant I music by singer and songwriter Chad Mills. received. I live in La Porte County and have

been traveling to Indianapolis almost every week since April 2014 for treatments of breast cancer. I’m on a fxed income so the gas cards have been a tremendous help so I could receive the care I need.’” According to Wynne, the majority of applications are seeking help with transportation in the form of gas cards as well as gif cards for meals. She added, “Most importantly, so far we have never had to turn anyone away.” Women diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment that would like to receive assistance can go to the foundation’s website and apply for a grant. Te grant process is on a four to six week waiting list. For a complete list of services ofered, more information, to apply for a grant and register for the event, visit iwinfoundation.org. Most defnitely time for a Pink Pajama Party!

TOWNEPOST NETWORK / FEBRUARY 2015 / TownePost.com

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FOUR LOCAL WOMEN WHO WEAR RED FOR HEART HEALTH MONTH

The American Heart Association selected ten women to serve as ambassadors for its annual “Real Women. Real Change.” program. The group is trying to get the word out that a healthy change in lifestyle can have a healthy effect on your heart. Four of these local women have amazing stories to tell. To read their individual stories, visit TownePost.com.

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CGHS FRONT ROW

JUST ADD WATER Writer / Leigh Lawson . Photographer / Tammy Ward

There is no doubt that Coach Jim Todd has a successful swimming and diving program at Center Grove High School. There is a long history of dominance at the sectional meets with an example like the girls being the reigning champions for 25 consecutive years. Many graduates have continued to excel at the collegiate level and Olympic trials. The winning factor is Todd and his staff ’s knowledge and the tremendous training efforts of the athletes. Parental support behind the program is also a large part of the season. It has developed out of the love for the team and the acknowledgment of the physical demands of training. Over the years, the parents have developed traditions and a support system to meet the needs of the team. The parents provide many meals, organize the fun traditions and assist in running home meets by timing. Parents begin to hear of the intensity of the high school level while their child is still at the younger levels. They enter their first high school parent meeting with trepidation. They are welcomed into the family with open arms and many offers from seasoned parents to “show them the ropes.” The most important aspect of parental support is the team breakfasts, served daily before school. Everyone knows that the athletes burn a large quantity of calories. The breakfasts help carry them through the school day. That first time serving breakfast can be intimidating. By the end of the season, it is evident how greatly appreciated those hot breakfasts are when the seniors give their farewell speeches at the awards banquet. Often it is said that the promise of Mrs. Godfrey’s pancakes would carry them through a tough morning practice. The traditions bring fun as the team prepare for the season. Hearty pasta dinners before important meets and team parties are a few traditions. The more notorious traditions involve coloring and shaving of the team’s hair. The girls gather to add a splash of color

Senior parent Dan Bettner times an event at a home meet.

to their tresses before their sectional and the boys offer their support to them by dying their hair a shocking blonde. The parents are there to apply the color treatment. As the boys’ sectional approaches, the boys and their parents gather to shave creative designs into the boys’ hair for them to sport before completely going bald for quicker times. At the meets, the parents gather in the stands and cheer both for a victory and for every individual athlete. There is an awareness of the athletes’ personal goals from school records to personal best records. They celebrate all successes. Dan Bettner, father of senior Chase Bettner, sums up just how important the parents’ involvement is to the success of the season. “The CGHS Swim Parents Club is the backbone of the swim program. These kids get a great breakfast in the morning, and we stress nutrition and rest. I’m a firm believer that is a big reason why swimmers do above average in the classroom year in and year out. We support all of our kids. Swimming is an individual sport, but their points help the team. We have a great crew of younger kids and some solid upperclassmen for good leadership. Capturing the county meet was exciting as both girls and boys won. We look forward to great meets at the Sectionals and will represent at the State meets at the end of season.” There is little argument that the CGHS swimming and diving team is one of the hardest working groups on campus. Some could even argue that their parents are also one of the hardest working parental groups. The great effort for a great season doesn’t matter for athlete or parent. From driving their athlete to 5:45 a.m. practice to providing meals for the team, it is a labor of love. 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.

Seniors Gabby Castor, Abby Belton, Caroline Sheehan, Abby Sheehan Senior Gabby Castor swimming the butterfly. & Abby Braida celebrate winning the Johnson County Championship.

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 49

Cards from the Heart Writer / Nancy Craig . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

Back in 1998, Marlene went to a Stampin’ Up! Party with a friend, Susan Smith, who later became a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up! Susan shares techniques with her friends and Marlene likes to go to Susan’s camps to learn the latest techniques and share ideas with other card crafters.

Perhaps the only time you made your own cards was in grade school for Valentine’s Day. Meet Marlene Clark, card crafter extraordinaire, and be inspired to create a really special Valentine. Marlene started her card crafting hobby in 1998. Over the years, she has accumulated products and equipment unique to the card making process. She Card making has become a big business, just check out any craft keeps it in her extremely well-organized craft room. store and you will be overwhelmed by the huge variety of card making products and equipment. That is when you need someone Marlene loves to share her craft with friends and especially her like Susan to show you what you need and then how to use it. granddaughters. She likes the way her granddaughters just jump in Susan maintains a website with creative ideas and a list of her and create cards their own way. Marlene is more precise and likes events such as the camps for card making. You can find her at two to have a plan, getting her ideas from card magazines and Pinterest. addresses, susanmsmith.stampinup.net and She also gets ideas from Stampin’ Up!, an online craft company. stampcreatively.blogspot.com. 50 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP: STAMPING CONVENTIONS

Another way Marlene connects with fellow card crafters is attending a stamp convention in Cincinnati. Just reading the description of the convention leads one to sense the enthusiasm: “Stampaway USA is not just another rubber stamping convention … it’s a five-day learning and shopping rubber stamping extravaganza featuring classes, a Friday preview party, fundraisers, an all-day Saturday rubber stamp convention, and more!” Marlene enjoys going with friends to the Saturday rubber stamping part of the convention. You can find out the details of the convention at stampawayusa.com. Over the years, Marlene has learned that you must be a “stamper,” not a “stamp collector.” In getting started with card making, Marlene has found it is important to first determine your style. Marlene calls her style “clean and simple” and does not make elaborate decorative cards. Once you establish your creative style, you will know what products to buy, be more likely to use them and more importantly to enjoy your hobby. Stamps, inks, glue, markers and punches are just some of the basic supplies and tools used in card making. There are several kinds of paper trimmers with grids used to make different card sizes. Marlene now uses punches more than stamps. She also likes the Cuttlebug die cutting machine, which makes shapes and embosses papers. She also uses a Cricut, another popular die cutting machine. For making stickers, she uses another handy gadget called a Xyron. There are many ways to make embellishments for truly unique cards. Susan suggests you start with a kit; it will have instructions and all the supplies needed to make several cards.

TIME WITH FRIENDS

Marlene also shares her craft making expertise with friends at New Hope Church. On the second Saturday of each month at New Hope, Jenny Baillie has organized a craft day where moms and their teens can gather and do crafts. Jenny likes to do card making, others will work on scrapbooking, quilting, crocheting, cross-stitching, etc. Marlene takes her portable Cuttlebug, the die cut machine that will cut and emboss paper. Why make your own cards? Both Marlene and Susan said that it is about relationships. It is a way to reach out and strengthen friendships. People appreciate and love to receive homemade cards, knowing they come from the heart. Try your hand at card making; you may not be as organized as Marlene or as creative and knowledgeable as Susan, but it can be a very rewarding hobby. So take out your scissors and markers to make that special Valentine card and share your love with someone special! See Marlene’s instructions for making a great Valentine card on page 52! Granddaughters Abby and Meredith Fain enjoy using Grandma's Cuttlebug die cutting machine to make their own creations. atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 51

Making Valentine cards Marlene uses her Cricut to cut heart shapes in red and black paper. She cuts the black glossy paper into card size and also cuts black and silver squares. To make the decorative flourishes, she uses the Cuttlebug. She layers and glues all of the papers and adds a black jewel embellishment to the heart. To finish the card, she stamps a sentiment inside or adds a personal message.

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WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THESE STORIES? Writer / Tia Nielsen . Photographer / Jim Eichelman

Ernest Hemmingway wrote, “Writing, at best, is a lonely life.” Like popcorn rapidly expanding when heated, a Bible study for writers begun to address that need in 2006 has grown into Heartland Christian Writers. The nonprofit literary community, led by founders Janet Hommel Mangas and Joyce Long, emerged because useful writing feedback, encouragement and camaraderie undergirded in prayer met a need. Mangas said, “In the last nine years, Heartland Christian Writers have published hundreds of magazine articles, newspaper articles and columns, and several books — it helps writers reach their goals.” Long added that the group is committed to wholesome writing that would glorify God. Heartland Christian Writers alternate monthly between morning and evening meetings to accommodate varied work schedules. The format is simple. Writers bring a project in process and gather feedback to strengthen the piece. Beyond immediate critiques, the group also provides publishing guidance. The members mainly hail from Johnson County. Writer Lorraine Richardson says, “The critique portion of our meetings is done in loving, respectful but instructive ways. Genuine love has held the group together. There are no age or gender barriers; it’s a cumulative effort of professional and ‘wanna-be’ writers sharing their gifts, expressing what God has motivated on the inside and relaying it to the outside world. Opportunities to grow in Christ are ever evolving.”

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH ALL THESE STORIES? Over the years, the group produced so many fascinating stories that Mangas and Long wondered, “What should we do with all these stories?”

Group, with Pati Page in the foreground, signing the shared books.

Real life stories such as Judy Coleman’s: Leaving work late at night in L.A., a man hailed her as she crossed the road to her car. There was a serial killer at large. Judy had to sprint past that unknown man to get to her car. They captured the killer at the place of her encounter a few days later.

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 53

Another from Mary Hershberger and her son: They faced a wrenching journey through an often-misunderstood illness. Writers also contribute thoughtful, touching essays such as those from Nicole Jonas, Pati Page, D.A. Greiner and George Allen which brought laughter and tears. Finally, the unique insights in devotionals by Don Cobb and Harold Taylor resonated with readers.

HCW co-founder, Joyce Long.

And let’s not forget poetry! Phyllis Garret hesitantly began writing story-like poems in her retirement years. Three months later, she was blooming and everyone was enjoying her work. Fiction also has a place among the group members. Among others, teenager Hannah Rollett created fascinating short stories. Businessperson Frieda Dowler had the first book of her trilogy published when she joined the group. “When I was ready to quit on my last [third] manuscript, Joyce Long was truly a cheerleader,” said Dowler. “Through her guidance, I was able to break through the discouragement and complete ‘Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World’. It is in production now.”

FIRST ANTHOLOGY PUBLISHED Mangas and Long saw a mutual dream fulfilled in November 2014 for Heartland Christian Writers with the publication of their first anthology of favorites. “Stories From the Heartland” includes 20 authors and can be purchased from Amazon. In December, the group gathered at a member’s home for an in-group book signing party. Books, laughter and pizza were a happy combination.

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The group’s motto could well be Jane Bowman’s personal writing vision, a verse from Habakkuk 2:2: Write the message on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others. (The Living Bible) Those interested in joining may email HeartlndChristianWriters@gmail.com. Tia Nielsen is a freelance writer living in Greenwood who specializes in feature profiles and loves music, history and her grandchildren. You can reach her at Tia@tiaconnects.com.

C088900054

54 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

LIBRARY BLOG REACHES OUT TO BUSY MOMS The Johnson County Public Library has stories to tell moms – specifically those with little children. The Children’s Library Staff knows how hectic life can be for young mothers (and other child caregivers). Using a pilot Inbound Marketing program developed with J Owen Media, the librarians are connecting with moms in a special way. For a 15-week period, the library is producing a weekly “Memo For Mom” blog that helps mothers (and fathers and grandparents) make their children’s lives better and their days easier to navigate. Written by the library staff, the blogs provide helpful hints and great ideas for moms to use when spending time with their children and promotes the library’s children’s programs and services. Some of the topics include: • How to teach your kids to love science. • Free or low cost family activities. • Websites and apps children will find fun and educational. • Tips for story time. • How to prepare your child for a visit with Santa Claus.

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WHY GETTUM? 5 YEAR Workmanship Guarantee & Our Firm Guaranteed Pricing. We stand behind what we build and want you to be a client for life!

Bathroom BEFORE

“We cannot say enough good things about the team we had on our project. Their skill and experience was invaluable. Your crew as exceptionally easy to work with and we felt extremely comfortable having them as “part of our family” during the project.” “People comment that they have never heard of such as positive remodeling project. I am so blessed to have had such a positive experience. Thank you.”

FULL DESIGN BUILD REMODELING SOLUTIONS BY GETTUM ASSOCIATES Located in Center Grove at Morgantown & Smith Valley Roads | 317-888-5681 | Gettum.com

56 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

COMMUNITY ANGELS BLACK & WHITE BALL

Community Angels is a not for profit organization that assists patients and their families during treatment for illness or debilitating diseases. Community Angels strive to be the "Neighbor Next Door” by helping with everyday needs and emotional support. Illness doesn’t just affect the patient; it affects the whole family. Some of the services they provide to families include: • Personal Errands • Childcare • Housekeeping • Home Maintenance • Yard Maintenance • In-Home Pet Care • Massage Therapy • Photography Services • Meals • Transportation Assistance

APRIL 11

BLACK & WHITE BALL

Community Angles is hosting its third annual Black & White Ball Saturday, April 11. Masquerade is the theme. The event will be held at the Grand Kellersaal Ballroom of the Rathskeller, downtown Indianapolis. The sooner you purchase your tickets, the better. Tickets are $70 during the month of February. On March 1, the price goes to $75. If you purchase your tickets between March 22 and April 4, the price is $85. So get your tickets soon.

Highlights from the Black & White Ball 2013

You can buy them online at bit.ly/ca_bw_ball. Alternatively, you can avoid the service fees by purchasing them directly from Beth Harriman at beb0321@yahoo.com.

M OPENINGS

FIORENZA DENTAL GROUP BUSINESS OVERVIEW Garrett Fiorenza, a graduate of Center Grove High School and IU Dental School, owns Fiorenza Dental Group. Dr. Fiorenza and staff provide comprehensive dental care with their extensive experience and training in pediatric techniques, sedation and removable prosthetics. QUOTE “I’m very excited to be practicing in my hometown. I believe my patients are not just a number, but also a friend of the practice and staff. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces and getting the opportunity to meet some new ones.”

OWNER Garrett Fiorenza, DDS OPENED January, 2015 LOCATION 438 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 230, Greenwood CONTACT 317-886-7803, FiorenzaDentalGroup.com

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 57

FEBRUARY LOCAL EVENTS 4-25 / ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION FREE EDUCATION EVENTS

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter is hosting several free education programs in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. Sessions include “Understanding and Responding to Dementia–Related Behaviors,” “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease” and “Living with Alzheimer’s Disease for Caregivers: Middle Stage.” Details can be found on the website. Various times, dates and locations Free 800-272-3900 alz.org/indiana

22 / TASTE OF THE SOUTHSIDE 4 & 18 / JOHNSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Bi-monthly meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Feb. 9, 3 p.m.; Feb. 23, 10 a.m. Free County Courthouse Annex Auditorium 86 West Court St., Franklin bit.ly/jcin_commissioners

Try more than 100 food and beverage samples from 40 different restaurants, caterers, bakeries, breweries and wine distributors — all under one roof — at the Southside’s largest and longest-running annual tasting event, Taste of the Southside. 3:30 – 4 p.m. Private Sponsor Access 4 – 4:30 p.m. Early Access 4:30 – 7 p.m. General Admission $35 (Due to the limited availability, we expect tickets to sell-out before the event and cannot guarantee availabiity at the door) Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center 755 East Main St., Greenwood bit.ly/2015taste

8 / HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS EVENT

Saints Francis & Clare Roman Catholic Church (SSFC) invites the public to its First International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. All are invited to attend a Life Teen mass at 5:30 with a presentation by Jessica Thorne, founder of the local human trafficking awareness organization, Purchased. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Center for Global Impact (CGI), a local nonprofit organization that trains at-risk Cambodian women to sew and cook, will also be featured. 5:30 p.m. Saints Francis & Clare, Roman Catholic Church 5901 Olive Branch Road, Greenwood 317-859-4673 Monica Robinson, mrobinson@ss-fc.org ss-fc.org

9 / JOHNSON COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

Monthly meeting of the Johnson County Council. 6 p.m. County Courthouse Annex Auditorium 86 West Court St., Franklin bit.ly/jcin_council

15 / HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF JOHNSON COUNTY’S 10TH ANNUAL SOUP BOWL

Guests can build a meal from the smorgasbord of soups, breads and desserts donated from popular Johnson County eateries. A silent auction featuring large, handmade pottery pieces, dining gift cards, entertainment packages and a variety of merchandise will round out the evening. A $5 admission option is available for children or adults opting to eat soup from a plastic bowl. 4 – 7 p.m. $20 Johnson County Fairgrounds 250 Fairground St., Franklin 317-736-4454 habitat@franklincollege.edu habitatjohnsoncounty.org

58 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

SPONSORED BY MALCOLM T. RAMSEY AGENCY Submit your events online: atCenterGrove.com & click “Events”

28 / CENTER GROVE EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2015 GALA FOR THE GROVE The 2015 Gala for the Grove: To the Future Together, presented by the Center Grove Education Foundation, will be held on Saturday, February 28 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. The evening will include a VIP reception, dinner, and silent and live auctions, followed by live music provided by Zanadoo and dancing. WRTV-6 News Anchor Rafael Sanchez will serve as the Emcee. 6 p.m. $100 Indiana Roof Ballroom 140 West Washington St., Indianapolis 317-881-9326, ext. 1530 centergrovefoundation.org

NOW THROUGH MARCH 28 / TIME TO LEVEL UP Explore modern history through video games. Tues-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free Johnson County Museum of History 135 N. Main St. Franklin 317-346-4500 co.johnson.in.us/jcmuseum

APRIL 11 / THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ANGELS BLACK AND WHITE BALL Community Angels is a not for profit organization that assists patients and their families during treatment for illness or debilitating diseases. $70 to $85. The earlier you register, the lower the price of admission. Grand Kellersaal Ballroom of the Rathskeller Indianapolis Beth Harriman, beb0321@yahoo.com bit.ly/ca_bw_ball

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 59

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

Don’t let sleep disorders affect your life.

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.

• It is estimated that 26% of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have SLEEP APNEA.

Every insurance policy differs from the next; therefore, we

• Findings from studies emphasize the negative effects of sleep apnea onto review the brain and policies heartand encourage patients their individual determine if their plan provides coverage for outpatient sleep health; however, these health risks can be reduced through effective treatment of study procedures. sleep apnea with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP). The Indiana Sleep Center offers a comprehensive sleep evaluation conducted by one of Contact the Indiana Sleep Center for a comprehensive sleep evaluation conducted by Indiana’s most experienced staff of physicians and technologists. one of Indiana’s most experienced staff of Board Certified physicians and technologists.

Don’t let sleep disorders affect your life.

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 60 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Tournament Talk

WORD SEARCH

Creator / Lucy Stravers

Hidden in the puzzle are words and expressions heard at a basketball game. Words may appear in any direction in a straight line. S

4. BENCH

5. CHAMPIONSHIP

6. CHEERLEADERS

9. CROWD

10. DEFENSE

14. FIELD GOAL

15. FORWARD

18. GATORADE

19. GUARD

20. HALFTIME

1. AIR BALL 2. ASSIST 3. BACKBOARD

7. COACH 8. COURT

11. DRIBBLE 12. DUNK 13. FADEAWAY

16. FOUL 17. FREE THROW

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29. PASS

33. RIM

37. STEAL

34. SCORE

107 North S. R. 135, Suite 203 Greenwood, IN 317-215-2660 • Ext. 664 1-800-748-5628 Lyle.pettigrew@wfafinet.com bischoffmark.wfadv.com

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WELLS FARGO ADVISORS FINANCIAL NETWORK, LLC. MEMBER FINRA/SIPC

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$ MAKING CENTS

DOES YOUR ACCOUNT STILL FIT YOUR NEEDS? Writer / Kate Rhoten

Change, it is inevitable. Either we are the change agent or something else is making us change. There are events or things we need to do that we put on the calendar or tie to other activities. I am sure most of us with school-age children have spring break on our calendars (especially after last winter). How many of you change your batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks for daylight savings time? What about reviewing your bank accounts? I am not referring to whether or not your account balanced; I do hope you are reconciling monthly through a method that works for you. My question is about the type of account and services you are receiving. I bring this up for two reasons. One, you don’t want to be surprised when there is an account fee that you could have prevented. Two, you most certainly don’t want to pay for services you are not using or miss out on services that you could qualify for with a different account.

Some banks will notify by a message in your online message box. Others will call you to request to review your accounts while some may place a notice on your monthly statement. Regardless of how a bank notifies you of changes, it is important to be proactive for your own benefit. Being proactive can save as much $25 in an unexpected service fee. This certainly can add up over time. As you gather your necessary documents for tax season, take a moment to review your bank accounts. Verify there are not any notifications on statements or in your online banking message box. Please take the extra step to review the account types that are being offered by your bank online. Doing so may save you little cash for a little fun or apply it toward something else.

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. Feel free to share ideas or questions for future articles.

COME SEE THE STYLISH SOLUTIONS WE CAN OFFER YOU. A verse on Love : “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Now is as good a time as any to review the type of account and benefits you are receiving while you are preparing for your tax return. These are both financial activities, and it makes sense to review them around the same time.

Romans 12:10

I was prompted after 10 plus years with the same accounts to review what my options were due to a message that was at the top of the monthly statement. The message was to inform customers that the relationship threshold was being raised for this particular account. This change was a significant increase, but loans were included in the mix. This account was no longer a good fit for me. I contacted the bank and spoke with the manager. I was able to change the type of checking account without any difficulty. I didn’t have to go in and did not have to change the account number. It is important to stay on top changes that may affect you. The savings account did not have to be changed, as it would continue to meet the savings balance requirement.

317.883.0071 • WarnerEyecare.com 1642 Olive Branch Parke Lane Suite1000

Treating our patients as we would like to be treated.

62 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / FEBRUARY 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

$10 off $10 off Optomap Retinal Exam when you mention this ad.

For new patients. Expires 2/28/15

$20,000

We put our money where our community is. At HomeBank, making a difference in the lives of our customers is our bottom line. That’s why we’re proud to contribute 10 percent of our quarterly net income to organizations located in the communities we serve, including a $20,000 donation to the Interchurch Food Pantry in Franklin, Indiana. We can make a difference, and we do.

SINCE 1890

Pictured L to R: Peter Jessen, Secretary of the Johnson County Ministerial Association, Mark Matheny, VP of JCMA, Brad Moger, JCMA and board member of IFP, Shelia Morton, co-manager of IFP, Trent McWilliams Johnson County Market President for Home Bank

1472 South State Road 135, Greenwood • 317-889-4663 • HomeBankSB.com

Looking for a Female Doctor

Who Listens? “I’ve only been going to Dr. Davidson for a short time. She is truly caring about your problem. She doesn’t rush you and she can even joke a little with you. This makes me feel at ease with her.” – Patient Review from Vitals.com

107 N State Road 135, Suite 102 Greenwood, IN 46142 CFWhealth.com

Kroger

Fairview Rd.

Lori Davidson, M.D.

Meijer

Steak ’n Shake

135 Main St.

Suite 102 in the Approved Mortgage Building

317-893-3131 Treating women of all ages.

atCenterGrove.com / FEBRUARY 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 63

P.O. Box 36097 Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097

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