Center Grove Community Newsletter June 2015

JUNE 2015

The

Trucks STOP HERE

LET’S DIP AS WE DANCE It seemed like a good idea at the time. But backs and necks are tricky things. When a problem suddenly flares up, you want to see the right doctor, right away. To save you both time and the expense of searching for relief, Franciscan St. Francis Health Spine Center will screen your condition over the phone, then to serve as triage to guide you to a specialist on our team for prompt treatment. Just call 528-BACK. It’s the first step to a more active life.

CALL 528-BACK Inspiring Health

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Spine Care • Neck Care • Physical Therapy • Rehabilitation 2 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

PUBLISHER’S WELCOME It’s summer. Where there is warm weather, there are celebrations, parades and festivals. When people celebrate, they like to eat. The popular trend of food trucks makes eating itself a celebration!

This month, we feature five food trucks that serve our area, many of them based directly in our communities. Maybe you have a hankering for some pulled pork or fried catfish. Perhaps tonight is a pizza night. Food trucks have you covered. Ready for dessert? Who can resist a cupcake or a cone filled with creamy-smooth ice cream?

Again, food trucks are ready for you. You can read all about them in this month’s cover story.

The Center Grove Girls Softball team is legendary. In 31 seasons, they have never had a losing record! Kevin Conrad digs into the reasons for this long history of success and highlights the stars of this season. In the end, there is really no secret; hard work pays off.

groups of the various Center Grove High School clubs. This month, she follows up on Conrad’s article and shares how the parents support the softball team. Team traditions play an important role.

You may not give much thought to your electric utility (or you may not think much of your electric utility), but this month, we take a close look at Johnson County Rural Electric Corporation (REMC). We chose this story because of the advancements they are making in the way they are providing their services and the rebates that they offer their customers. You may not realize that you can save hundreds of dollars on everything from replacing your water heater to upgrading to the latest in LED lighting. Jim Eichelman introduces you to the company and shares how you can start saving money today!

Behind any successful team, there is always a group of dedicated parents. Each month, Leigh Lawson looks as the parent support

Dann Veldkamp, Publisher

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atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 3

E

XPECT EXCELLENCE.

West Smith Valley Road and SR 135

882-8200

©2015 The National Indianapolis www.nbofi.com Member FDIC 4 / CENTERBank GROVE of COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

PUBLISHER

Dann Veldkamp

June 2015 / Vol. 4 / No. 6

dann@atCenterGrove.com / 317-345-9510

VP OF SALES

Jody Veldkamp

jody@atCenterGrove.com / 317-507-4334

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Pat Enochs / 317-528-9380

TOWNEPOST PUBLISHER

COVER STORY

Tom Britt

tom@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

BUSINESS MANAGER Cover Photo / Jody Veldkamp

32

Jeanne Britt

jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

THE TRUCKS STOP HERE

Toni Folzenlogel

Writer / Julie Yates

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The food truck trend has traveled to Johnson County. Now that summer has arrived, you can find these vibrantly colorful vehicles at local events such as Bargersville’s Parks Department Concerts, Franklin’s varied events on the Square and Greenwood’s Freedom Festival in Craig Park.

FEATURED COLUMNS 13 Little Angel Gowns 21 Johnson County Rural Electric Corporation

43

Center Grove Softball

6 48 50 53 54

Gardening Nana CGHS Front Row Event Calendar Word Search Kate in the Middle

Alyssa Sander

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance

EDITOR

Katelyn Bausman

JUNE WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alaina Sullivan / Debbie Robertson / Frieda Dowler / Janelle Morrison / Jim Eichelman / Joyce Long / Julie Yates / Kate Rhoten / Kevin Conrad / Leigh Lawson / Nancy Craig / Tia Nielsen

SHOP LOCAL!

Greater Greenwood Chamber of 8

34 Community Conversation #1:

16 Business Spotlight: Brew-By-U 18 Not Your Parent's SAT...

27 Walmart Opens in Center Grove

35 Community Conversation #2:

Commerce

Area

32 Honored to Fly on the Indy Honor Flight

Preparing for Growth Cradle to Career

36 Business Spotlight: Geek in Pink 41 Whiteland Grad Selected As 500

STORY SUBMISSIONS

Post your stories to TownePost.com or email to PR@atCenterGrove.com.

Festival Queen

49 Freedom Springs Greenwood Aquatics Park Opens

atCenterGrove.com

Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Center Grove Community Newsletter offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone: 317-288-7101 / Fax: 317-536-3030 The Center Grove Community Newsletter is published

by Chilly Panda Media, Center Grove, under license from TownePost Network, and is written for and by local Center Grove residents.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 5

GARDENING NANA

HONEY BEES, OUR MOST EFFICIENT POLLINATORS Writer / Nancy Craig

My great nieces, Lindsey and Lauren, love honey and will put it on just about everything. They loved the little bear honey holders I got from Wildflower Ridge Honey, a company owned by David and Pattie Barrickman of Anderson, Indiana.

The Barrickmans spoke at the Herb Society of Central Indiana’s Spring Symposium, and I learned about the importance of bees in pollinating our foods.

In his presentation, David showed us pictures of what life would look like with bees and without bees. With bees, the produce stand was full of all kinds of fruits and vegetables; without bees, there were only a couple of foods. Without bees, we simply would not have many of the foods we eat every day since honeybees perform 80 percent of the pollination of crops.

Max and Eli, my great nephews, and I are reading this book, “What If There Were No Bees?: A Book About the Grassland Ecosystem,” by Suzanne Slade.

We have planted blue flowers that the bees like; for the spring, we have lilac and borage. For the summer, we have snapdragons and bee balm, and then for the fall, we have asters and sedums. We need the bees to pollinate our blueberries this summer!

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.

We need to help our bees since there is a decline in the bee population. Scientists believe part of the decline of honeybees is due to colony collapse disorder or CCD, and it is a global problem.

Beekeepers ship their honeybee hives across the U.S. to pollinate many different crops like the almond groves in California. These groves are the main source of almonds for the world.

Another factor that affects the decline is the increased use of pesticides like Neonicotinoids. Purdue Extension has free publications on bees and pollination. Visit the Purdue Education Store online at edustore.purdue.edu.

This month, National Pollinator Week is June 15-21. “Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.” See this link for more information on bees in Indiana: bit.ly/indiana_bees.

We can help our bees by educating ourselves about them, planting “bee-friendly” plants and not using pesticides in our gardens. Watch the big stores like Lowe’s that have agreed to stop selling products with Neonicotinoids, which kills bees. Another way is to buy local honey; one source is Hunter’s Honey Farm near Mooresville. Their website is huntershoneyfarm.com.

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Mayor Mark Myers (center) accepted the Pride and Progress Award for Renovation for the Greenwood City Center project.

GREATER GREENWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 8 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

The Force Behind our Business Community, Mike Combs, Greater Greenwood Chamber Chair Writer / Frieda Dowler Photographer / Donna Rice Photography

A

popular movie phrase “May the force be with you" describes the support that the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce offers its business community. That force helps create a viable and stable economy through their members and translates into economic development for the greater Greenwood area.

PROMOTING LOCAL ECONOMY

Public perception is that a chamber of commerce’s role is to help create jobs and promote local economic development. But how does that happen? Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) does this by supporting business members with information, knowledge, opportunities for networking and personal enrichment. They don’t regulate business members in any way; rather, they exist to encourage a strong business environment. A healthy business environment will naturally create jobs and economic development.

GGCC offers new members a look at how this works in the Membership 101 class. The welcome meeting covers member benefits, introduces staff and answers questions about the GGCC and how it operates.

The diagram below explains it well.

JOBS

WORKFORCE

produce

INCOME

that attracts

that generates

EDUCATION which provides

TAXES that fund

HOUSING

that provides the market for

RETAIL

which creates

When community businesses are able to hire suitable employees, those jobs bring income to purchase housing and retail, thereby fueling taxes that provide education for our workforce which attracts jobs. That’s how the cycle of economic development works. Therefore, member representation in the GGCC, from all facets of this cycle, is necessary to make it work effectively.

GGCC’S INFRASTRUCTURE

A volunteer board of directors leads the GGCC, which has been in existence since 1954. Currently, four executive officers and 11 board members offer their time and expertise for a three-year period. One time each month, they meet to discuss matters such as public policy and their official position. They employ a staff of four people, which includes a president/ CEO to manage the administration of staff and programs.

Mike Combs from the National Bank of Indianapolis in Greenwood is the Chairman of the Board of the GGCC as of April 1, 2015. His involvement in Greenwood activities, particularly with Little League, is widely known, and he has served on the GGCC board of directors since 2009. He served through the decline in Chamber membership after the economic downturn in 2008 when membership went from 700 to about 500; he continued to serve during the recent increase to 800 members, giving him great insight into community needs.

Christian Maslowski, president/CEO of GGCC for the past eight years, continues to oversee daily operations. He says some misconceptions exist about what a chamber of commerce is and how it functions. He attributes this to the fact that not all chambers of commerce have the same focus.

Chambers exist in every region of Indiana.

Most are not a government entity but operate as a nonprofit organization with their own business plan and goals.

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

In-coming Board chair Mike Combs accepts the gavel from the previous chair Gayle Sweitzer.

P

r i v a t e

B

Although mission statements vary, each local chamber works toward one or more of the following primary goals: • Business advocacy with local, state and federal governments • Community development • Community promotion • Business retention, attraction and startup • Business networking and referrals

a n k i n g

Combs’ drive as the new board chair is to see area businesses thrive and do well. He plans to execute programs to let the public know who is doing what and to bring greater support to small businesses. He also plans to participate regularly with other Indiana Chambers of Commerce to share ideas and learn what other chambers are doing.

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Maslowski says the GGCC also serves as a resource for the community. Since Greenwood doesn’t have a visitor’s bureau, you may stop by the office on Main Street where you can pick up a copy of publications such as The Chamber Business Book which lists reputable small businesses, Community Guide with map and The Trail and Festival Guide.

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LEGISLATION AFFECTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

financial success. She applies experience.

Business advocacy is a big focus for the GGCC. Legislative advocacy means the chamber engages in issues pertaining to economic development that affect legislation. The purpose is to present a unified voice to appropriate government leaders that affect the health of the local economy. The goal is to work with state and local government to create opportunity for jobs.

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Legislation Matters Luncheons are events designed as a forum to put business members and top policy issues in front of our elected officials. These events are open to the public. Four events in 2015 include representatives from Greenwood (Mayor Myers), State Legislators and

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

the United States Senate. In these events, they discuss key issues and ask questions about any of those issues that may be important to you or your business.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHAMBER

The GGCC hosts 25 events a year to help meet their goals. The three most notable events are Taste of the Southside, Chamber Golf Classic and the Women Leaders Symposium.

volunteer within the chamber organization, participate as a member, attend the events, encourage education, vote on issues pertaining to economic growth or shop local small business, it all matters. Together we decide what our community becomes.

“May the force be YOU.”

Frieda Dowler is co-owner of The Color Café with husband Bruce.

She is a longtime Johnson County resident, freelance writer and author.

Her third book, “Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World” was released earlier this year. Friedadowlerbooks.com.

• Taste of the Southside, an annual event, was February 22 at Valle Vista Conference Center. Over 35 local restaurants participated, allowing over 1,100 people in the community to sample their menus.

This is an exciting way to know area restaurants.

• Chamber Golf Classic, a popular event, will mix business with pleasure July 23 at Dye’s Walk Country Club. The proceeds help fund other chamber programs throughout the year. This is a great way to network with other businesses.

• Women Leaders Symposium encourages women to become effective leaders in our community.

This educational event will be held September 24 at Johnson County Armory. The focus is on issues that impact women business owners and women in business.

Other events include Business After Hours, connecting with other businesses; Business Expo After Hours, promoting your business to over 200 business leaders; Business Matters Luncheons, learning and networking; Chamber Holiday Celebration, thanking members from the chamber; and Membership 101, introducing new members to programs and events, along with sponsorship opportunities.

BECOME THE FORCE

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LAG volunteer seamstresses from First Christian Church of Bargersville. Back Row (L-R): Teresa Mitchell, Della Rickett, Laura & Lindsey Combs; Front Row (L-R): Deanna Stone, Cathy Robinette, Becky Mason, Marilyn Baker, Jean Doty, April Reamsnyder

Little Angel Gowns SEWING WITH COMPASSION

Writer / Joyce Long . Photographer / Ron Stiemert

Tubes, pumps and plastic bassinets fill the room. Monitors serenade tiny ones fighting for life. When new life is lost, staff together with the families of those in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) struggle. Because burial gowns for stillborn and premature infants are commercially unavailable, Marie Murphy, a retired NICU nurse, wanted to help.

After reading about a similar group, Marie and her husband David began Little Angel Gowns (LAG) in April 2014. “My husband and I had always wanted to start a foundation, and we wanted to do this for our community. Its mission is to make burial gowns out of wedding dresses for babies that are called to their heavenly home.”

volunteer seamstresses. In September 2014, they relocated to a business park on Indianapolis’ northwest side.

A group that began with three friends now totals 75 volunteers in eight states. Besides Indiana, chapters are in Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Iowa and Alabama where Marie and David now live.

Volunteers have delivered over 700 burial gowns to individuals and major hospitals located in the metropolitan Indianapolis area.

GENEROSITY IN A MOMENT OF SADNESS

Local volunteer Laura Combs became involved after watching an August 2014 newscast featuring Marie and LAG. “I was immediately touched by the kindness and generosity that LAG provided to families in a very sad moment following the loss of an infant child.” Laura wanted to help. To begin the process, Marie sent her patterns and instructions.

Marie is quick to mention she didn’t start this without help. Along with her cousin Sherry Wilkerson and Ardie Hinds, also a retired NICU nurse, she made the first gowns, completing 20 by June 1, 2014. The following Sunday, Laura explained LAG’s purpose to women in Bargersville’s First Christian Church Sisters in Service group.

As word traveled, Murphy’s spare room was filled with completed Interest was contagious. Their first meeting was Friday, October gowns and 300 donated dresses. “The response has grown beyond my 17, 2014, and to date, they have collected 16 donated dresses and wildest dreams. Our volunteers are great. We wouldn’t be where we are completed over 60 garments. without them. They sew and collect gowns and donations,” said Marie.

“What I thought would be my mom, myself and my daughter Response grew even more when they posted on Craig’s List, working together to turn my wedding dress into LAG became a Facebook and Pinterest, asking for donated wedding dresses and congregation supporting a new ministry.” atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 13

Pictured (L-R): Sherry Wilkerson, Marie Murphy and Ardie Hinds

LITTLE ANGEL GOWNS 6075 Lakeside Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN 46278 317-374-1581 Located in the FlexPac Building, second floor For a donation site list or to volunteer, visit littleangelgowns.org.

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Most began sewing when they were 10 years old, so as a group, they average 52 years of seamstress experience. The youngest group member, Lindsey Combs, is learning from the others and enjoying her new skills.

DONATING DRESSES AND RESOURCES

Over 1,000 wedding dresses have been donated. “Don’t think your dress is not fancy enough. The dresses don’t need to have lots of embellishment because we can use them for boys or as a base,“ said Marie. She explained that 60 baby gowns can be made from one wedding dress, depending upon its style.

As an example, one simple wedding train provided enough material to make 30 Little Angel Gowns. Marie notes LAG accepts all dresses and formals. Ones they cannot use are sent to other charities such as Damar Homes, Lesley West Prom Dress Giveaway and similar projects.

Indiana has five LAG sewing groups including one through St. Francis Hospital, one in Noblesville and one in Bargersville. Marie emphasized that seamstresses don’t need to be affiliated with a group. They can call the office and ask for patterns.

“However, we want them to follow our guidelines. Pastel colors like

soft pinks and yellows should be used for the girls and black and navy blue for the boys,” said Marie. “We will send a packet to them.”

Donating wedding dresses and sewing gowns are not the only ways to help LAG. The foundation needs resources to pay rent and shipping costs. Fundraisers such as the “On the Wings of Angels” Charity Motorcycle Ride Saturday, July 25, and the Angels Gala in September generate financial support. Volunteers to help in the office and with inventory are also needed.

For more information about events and volunteering, visit littleangelgowns.org.

Marie explains requests for older children, those up to 10 years old, are now fulfilled with pediatric gowns or donated christening dresses. “The hardest thing you will ever have to do is to bury a child.

If we don’t have something in stock, we will find something.”

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.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 15

BREW-BY-U 3021 Meridian Meadows Rd. (SR 135 across from McAlister's) Greenwood, IN 46142 317-550-1776 Brew-By-U.com

BREW-BY-U CREATE YOUR OWN MICROBREW

Writer / Alaina Sullivan

With the increased popularity of microbreweries, a broad interest in craft beer has emerged. For die-hard beer aficionados, home brewing has quickly become a hobby. However, home brewing requires an investment in equipment, plenty of space and the effort to acquire the right ingredients. What if you want to try brewing without the costly investment?

Jeremy Hough asked himself that exact question. Hough attended a Wine and Canvas event. Knowing nothing about the craft, he walked out with a semi-decent painting. Hough, a home brewer for over 10 years, said to himself, “Somebody should do this with beer.”

That is just what he did. Brew-By-U opened in December 2014 as a place where people could come to learn how to make quality craft beer with some guidance and the right equipment. The business is the first and only of its kind in Indiana.

Hough said it is best to make a reservation to brew, so that equipment can be prepared for your session. In addition to BrewBy-U recipes, customers are welcome to bring in their own recipe.

Brewers simply pay for ingredients and a la carte rental fees based on the equipment used.

Most patrons brew five to six cases of beer, said Hough, but you can brew anything from a few cases to entire kegs of beer. “We’ve had customers brew kegs of beer for bachelor parties, weddings and even work anniversary parties,” Hough added.

Brew-By-U is actively working toward obtaining their license to serve the beer they brew, which will also allow them to sell beer for take-out on Sundays as other microbreweries may do.

Most customers brew in groups of three or four to share the experience and of course the beer. The fee varies based on the type of beer and the service and ranges between $160 and $200.

However, for Father’s Day, Brew-By-U is offering a special deal.

Purchase a gift certificate, and you can brew any of the 20 beers on their board for only $127.99. It is the perfect opportunity for a little father-son (or father-daughter) bonding.

Two satisfied customers display their handiwork

Jim Eichelman in the brewing process

Nick Eichelman

Jeremy Hough, Owner

Center Grove resident Jim Eichelman received a gift certificate from his son, Nick, for Christmas. He credits the assistance of the “master brewers” in helping them along the way. Hough said these brew coaches are there to help guide patrons. “My son and I were total novices, so they provided guidance and assistance every step of the way," said Eichelman. "We found it very easy, but they don’t do the work for you. They want it to be your beer.”

The first session takes about three hours as you cook and prepare the beer. It is then stored under ideal conditions to allow for fermentation for approximately three weeks. Patrons then return to bottle their finished product.

“It gives you the satisfaction of brewing your own but without the mess and need for investment in equipment,” said Eichelman.

• • • • •

Open Wednesday through Sunday Gift Certificates Make Great Father’s Day Gifts A Batch Produces Five to Six Cases Five to Six Cases Equals About a Keg of Beer Home Brewing Supplies and Recipes Available

16 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

GIF T CA RD

NOT YOUR PARENTS’ SAT…

THE NEW SAT AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHY WAIT ANOTHER Beat theMAKE Fall Rush SUMMER? YOUR & Make your Backyard DREAMS REALITY! DreamsA a Reality

Writer / Janelle Morrison Photographer / JJ Kaplan

The agony of taking the SAT® is a rather distant memory for some. Unfortunately for the Class of 2017, the preparation for the new SAT format may be even more daunting, and how university admissions offices nationwide will value the scores is still rather ambiguous.

The College Board announced in March 2014 that it was redesigning the SAT. It released an initial 211-page overview that is a work in progress. The redesigned SAT will place greater emphasis on reasoning, analyzing data and critical thinking. The test will incorporate a “rights-only” scoring in which a student will earn points for correct answers with no penalty for incorrect answers. The current SAT penalizes the student 1/4 point for each incorrect answer.

The new SAT will have two math sections, one calculator section and one no-calculator section, and will have an emphasis on evidence-based reading and writing as opposed to the current critical reading, writing, math and essay sections, to name just a few of the format changes.

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Kurt Spitler is the owner and executive director of

Kurt Spitler, owner and executive director of the Huntington Center, located in Carmel, is prepping students for the current SAT format for this fall while preparing parents and students for the new SAT that will take effect in March of 2016.

“If you are a senior in high school now, the changes in the SAT won’t affect you,” Spitler explained. “If you are a junior in the 2014-2015 school year, the current SAT is available only through January 2016 of your senior year. However, for sophomores, you have three options. You can either prepare to take the current SAT this fall in October, November, December or January; secondly, prepare for the ACT only; or your third option is to be the ‘guinea pig’ and wait to take the new SAT in March.

“Now if your child wants to get into the IU Kelley School of Business, a nationally renowned business school, you can go on their website, and it will tell you what GPA, SAT or ACT score you currently need to get direct admittance into their school, though there is nothing on their website that tells you what score you will need with the new SAT.

“A perfect SAT score is currently 2400, and it is going down to 1600, the way that it used to be in 2005. I have contacted many universities and asked if they will still superscore the old SAT and for how long.

I have also inquired about what are they planning to do for the new SAT, and the response is yes, they plan to superscore the old SAT, but regarding the new SAT, they ‘don’t know.’”

It is unknown at this point how the universities are going to emphasize or value the new SAT when they are looking at seats available for that coming year. By this July, Spitler and his instructors will have all new curricula to prepare students for the spring SAT and the October PSAT that will both be in administered in the new format.

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the Huntington Learning Center in Carmel, Indiana.

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Currently 95 percent of the schools throughout the U.S. superscore the SAT. They take the best critical reading, math and writing scores from multiple SATs of an individual student and then extract these best scores into one superscore.

“They’re not going to be able to superscore the new SAT with the old one,” Spitler emphasized. “They haven’t alerted us

as to when they’re going to stop. Last year, Michigan and Ohio State stopped superscoring because of what was coming up in 2016. How many other Big Ten schools are going to follow?”

The instructors at Huntington Learning Center are ahead of the curve and are preparing students for the changes while continuing to prepare the students who are

Some investments are

MORE STUNNING than others.

able to take the old SAT before March.

So why is SAT changing? “SAT and ACT are competing organizations,” Spitler said. “The ACT has become more prevalent among students looking at higher education options. Typically what we do when a student comes in to our facility, we will give them a practice SAT test and a practice ACT. The ‘practice’ ACT is a retired real test used and not a Huntington test.

“We will compare those two tests on a national basis and see where they are starting out higher. Some students will be about equal, and some will see a huge delta with one test over the other. Both the SAT and ACT are approved by the universities, and 99 percent of them, including Ivy League schools, accept both.”

The Huntington system has become a proven method of tutoring and preparation because each program is based upon the individual student. Dr. Raymond and Eileen Huntington in New Jersey founded it in 1977. Spitler purchased the Carmel franchise threeand-a-half years ago from its original owner, and their location has been operating for 11 years.

“The Huntington system is amazing, and it’s all in how we do it,” Spitler expressed. “Everything that we do here is individualized, and we focus on each student. We are not a crutch, and we are not here to help a student with their homework. Our purpose is to increase their skill sets. If we increase their skill sets, their confidence is going to go up, and if they are confident, they are going to be more motivated.”

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The Huntington Center provides subject tutoring in multiple subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics, spelling, vocabulary, study skills, phonics, algebra, SAT/ACT test prep, state testing and high school entrance exam preparation.

For more information about the center and the upcoming SAT/ACT schedules, visit carmel.huntingtonhelps.com.

JOHNSON COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC CORPORATION PROVIDING YOU SERVICE, SAVING YOU MONEY Writer & Photographer / Jim Eichelman

If you live in Johnson County or own a business here, it is likely that you receive your electric service from Johnson County REMC ( JCREMC). We all receive bills, write checks and maybe gripe if the power goes out. Nevertheless, the JCREMC goes quietly about the business of providing reliable energy to heat and cool our homes and businesses, cook our meals, light our homes and power our gadgets.

But what do you really know about the

JCREMC and what they can do to help make your life better and maybe a little less expensive? REMC is an acronym for Rural Electric Membership Corporation. Our REMC is a power distribution cooperative whose mission is “to provide reliable, competitively price utility services to its customers and the community.”

A BIT OF AN EXPLANATION

If we look closely at the name, a few things stand out. First, it says Rural. What the heck?

Large portions of Johnson County, especially the areas where our readers live, are no longer rural. The Center Grove and Greenwood areas are decidedly suburban, along with other growing communities such as Bargersville.

However, when incorporated in December 1935, the area served by JCREMC was primarily rural and agricultural. The large urban electric utilities found that providing electric service to such areas did not meet their profitability threshold, so they said “no thanks.” This left large unserved geographic areas in much of Indiana. Roosevelt’s New Deal created Rural Electric Membership Corporations (REMC) to meet that need.

Second, the letter “M” in the REMC acronym stands for “Membership.”

That means you are not a customer but a member. You share ownership in the JCREMC with over 21,000 other members.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 21

22 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

The JCREMC is a not-for-profit corporation whose board of directors is made up of members of the cooperative. Therefore, JCREMC is not focused on satisfying a remote group of stockholders whose only interest is profitability. They answer to members whose interest is the delivery of reasonably priced, reliable electric service.

The JCREMC strives to maintain competitive pricing. Communication Manager Sandy Thompson believes that they are price competitive with the large, urban power utilities, even though they serve considerably fewer members per mile of power line than their larger counterparts.

The JCREMC is a “power distribution cooperative.” They have no power generating capabilities themselves.

However, competitive pricing is not the only way the JCREMC can make life more affordable. They have programs and incentives that can save you money!

JCREMC purchases its power from Hoosier Energy, a Bloomington-headquartered generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale electric power and services to 18 member distribution cooperatives, like JCREMC, in central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois.

Hoosier Energy generates the electricity and sends it to Johnson County. Our JCREMC then is responsible for getting it to consumers.

MONEY SAVING OPPORTUNITIES

Do you know that the JCREMC has an “online store” (jcremc.com/rebates) where you can order energy efficient CFL and LED light bulbs and receive a rebate? They apply the rebate at the time of purchase; none of that mail-in rebate nonsense here.

There are also rebate programs for energy saving improvements you make to your home. The JCREMC provides rebates for

adding insulation to your attic (certain restrictions and limitations apply).

Another program is a duct-sealing rebate.

Air leakage in a home’s duct system can be a significant contributor to increased energy costs, particularly in older homes.

Rebates provided for sealing air ducts in your home can significantly offset the cost of this energy and cost saving improvement.

The JCREMC also offers rebates for installation of energy efficient heating and cooling units. If you are anticipating replacement of your furnace or air conditioner, you should check out the rebates available for these investments.

While the JCREMC provides higher rebates in their programs if you live in an all-electric home, their smaller rebates can be combined with rebates from natural gas providers (such as Vectren) if your home and/or water is heated by fossil fuels.

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REMC SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS SINGLE FAMILY HOME (PER UNIT)

Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two).

Single Dual/Variable New ASHP Unit $150 $500 • New Construction Replace central air conditioner with ASHP • Replace fossil fuel furnace with ASHP • Replace existing ASHP Replacement of an existing electric furnace to ASHP

$800 $1,500

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS MOBILE HOME (PER UNIT)

Efficiency rating must be at least 14 SEER. This rebate is for REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRIC FURNACE ONLY. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two).

Single Dual/Variable Replacement of Electric Furnace $800 $1,500

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*Requires a desuperheater installation for new installation geothermal systems only.

New Geothermal Unit $1,000 • New Construction • Replace fossil fuel furnace with GEO • Replace air source heat pump with GEO • Replace existing geothermal unit Replace an existing electric furnace with GEO $1,200

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER (PER UNIT) Capacity must be 40 gallons or greater.

New Unit $300 • New construction • Replace fossil fuel water heater • Replace standard electric water heater • Replace an existing air source heat pump water heater •

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING (PER UNIT)

Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER for single family home; 14 SEER for mobile home. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two).

Single Dual/Variable New construction electric $150 $500 Replacement of an existing central air conditioning

$150 $500

MINI-SPLIT DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP (PER UNIT)

Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER. Unit(s) installed must be the primary source of heating and cooling for the home. The rebate is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two).

Single Dual/Variable Mini-split $250 $500

HVAC DUCT SEALING

Rebate for duct sealing is available to residential homes over two years old. Both supply and return ducts must be sealed and insulated if in an unconditioned space. Ducts must be sealed with a minimum of 1/16″ mastic. Limit one rebate per home. Watch this short video that explains this energy saving process.

Electric heated homes: 100% of cost up

to maximum of $500 Fossil fuel with central air or heat pump: Maximum of $250

ATTIC INSULATION

Rebate for attic insulation is available to residential homes over two years old. Insulation must be professionally installed and must be able to bring the insulation level to a minimum of R-42 to qualify.

Electric heated homes: 100% of cost up

to maximum of $500 Fossil fuel with central air or heat pump: Maximum of $250

RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERS

Rebate is for residential consumers only, limit two per household.

Receive a $30 rebate when we haul away your old refrigerator or freezer at no cost. For information about the program and to schedule a pickup, visit our webpage.

ONLINE STORE FOR CFL & LED LIGHT BULBS

Receive instant savings when you shop for specialty Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs through our online store. Specialty bulbs include round globes, flood lights, dimmable bulbs and more. (minimum 6 bulb purchase) You may complete the rebate form online or you may download a PDF document of the rebate form to e-mail, fax, mail or bring to the office.

For more information, please e-mail custservice@jcremc.com or visit http://jcremc.com/rebates.

NOTE: Federal (form 5695) or Indiana state (form 18865) tax credits or tax deductions may be available for some of the above equipment.

Check with your tax professional for a list of qualifying equipment.

24 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Combining these rebates makes such improvements more affordable and reduces the amount of time to reach the break-even point on your investment.

John Gates, director of member services, also recommends researching state and federal tax credits to determine if your improvement is eligible.

Finally, JCREMC operations personnel will be able to monitor the power grid in Johnson County in real time, resulting in quicker recognition of outages and almost instantaneous reconnects when needed.

According to John Gates, this conversion is more than 30 percent complete, and

implementation should be complete by early 2016.

If you want to know more about JCREMC programs and services, visit their website at jcremc.com.

IMPROVING TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICE

Some of the activities of the JCREMC that will improve your life may be virtually invisible to you, the member.

For more than 10 years, all electric meters of JCREMC members have utilized radio frequency technology to transmit usage data.

Meter reading is done with a “drive by” method where a JCREMC employee uses a device (that looks a lot like a walkie-talkie) to scan usage data from a distance. There is no longer a need for the reader to approach your house.

This reduces the time required for meter data collection significantly, thus reducing expenses.

Proven expertise for uncertain markets.

In the near future, every JCREMC member will receive a brand new meter on their home or business, which will communicate your usage data directly back to the operations center in Franklin over a wireless network referred to as Wi-Max. This will eliminate the need for any “meter reading” at all.

There are several benefits to this new technology. First, it will eliminate the expensive practice of having JCREMC personnel travel the county to collect usage data. Second, your usage data will be available to you via the SmartHub. The SmartHub can be accessed through the JCREMC website or using a special app available for your smartphone or tablet. You can perform tasks such as paying your bill, setting up recurring payments or reporting outages online. Reviewing usage data will allow you to determine if you can move certain activities to non-peak times and lower your electrical costs.

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WALMART OPENS IN CENTER GROVE AREA

Writer / Dann Veldkamp . Photographer / Jody Veldkamp

About 12 years after it was first proposed, the second Walmart in Johnson County opened June 20. The 163,273 square foot Supercenter is located at 882 S. State Road 135, just south of Smith Valley Road, placing it across from the Target and next to the existing Home Depot. It is open 24 hours a day.

The store and its location has been a concern for residents since the corporation first proposed placing a store in the area. Residents successfully contested the size first proposed; it was too large for the available property. However, the corporation finally managed to broker a deal with the City of Greenwood for the current location.

Because of the anticipated 2,000 additional cars per day, the construction plans included changes to both SR 135 and Smith Valley Road. The changes included widening, adding barriers to prevent particular turns and the marking of turn lanes.

The city does not consider these changes fully adequate for the busiest intersection in Johnson County and has tentative plans to add roundabouts at strategic locations at some point in the future.

When the roundabouts are in place, there will be no left turn from Smith Valley Road to SR 135. This work costs more than $300,000.

Initial reports indicate that the barriers and special lights installed at the rear of the building are not as effective as hoped with some residents experiencing brightly lit rooms in the middle of the night.

Walmart has promised to live up to its commitment to the residents of the Shepherds Grove subdivision. New light shields will be installed as soon as they arrive.

The new story will employ over 300 people; over 200 are on duty at any given time. There are 650 parking spaces. Services offered include a garden center, bakery, vision center, a pharmacy with two drive-thru windows, a Subway sandwich shop, hair salon and grocery store.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 27

JOHNSON'S BAR-B-QUE SHACK

Kelli Ormes, Heather Johnson and Nate Johnson ready for customers

The

Trucks STOP HERE LOCAL TREATS ON THE MOVE Writer and Photographer / Julie Yates

T

the entrepreneurs in them take pride in serving up their own unique culinary specialties. Our hunt for local restaurants on wheels yielded some delicious discoveries that we are pleased to share.

he food truck trend has traveled to Johnson County. Now that summer has arrived, you can find WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, these vibrantly colorful vehicles at THERE’S … JOHNSON’S local events such as Bargersville’s Parks BAR-B-QUE SHACK Department Concerts, Franklin’s varied Low and slow are the keywords here. events on the Square and Greenwood’s Brothers Keith and Nate Johnson’s Freedom Festival in Craig Park. hobby of smoking turkeys for the holidays led to their custom-built Whether they are actual converted smoker on the back of a 24-foot delivery trucks or retrofitted trailers, trailer. Now family and friends help

them serve up heaping mounds of impossibly tender meat to eager customers who line up to sample not only barbeque sandwiches but also smoked turkey legs, Texas hot links and boneless pork chops.

Nate’s wife, Heather, recommended the pulled brisket, saying, “It turned out really good tonight; it just fell right off the bone.” We followed her suggestion; in addition, we ordered the pulled pork. Slathered with their signature sauces, each bite confirmed that the 12 to 15 hours of cooking time is well worth the wait.

28 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO … THE FLYING CUPCAKE

There is no actual baking or cooking going on inside the charming Flying Cupcake truck, but frankly when the wares are this yummy, who cares?

Voted Indy’s Best Food Truck for the last two years and Indy’s Best Cupcakes for the last eight, the cupcakes served from their truck are baked at their Carmel location. Customers with a sweet tooth have their choice of the vast variety from the “Flavor List.”

MRS. G'S

Dwight Harmon assists his mom, Mrs. G., Georgette Harmon

Also available are sides such as baked beans, cornbread and baked potatoes, cooked in the smoker on an iron skillet. Keith explained that they roast everything over flaming hardwood, which gives their food a “much smokier taste” than other barbeque establishments.

According to Jessica Edwards, an employee, the all-time best-seller is Red Velvet Elvis, but a close second goes to Happy Birthday to Me that come in both vanilla and chocolate flavors. Currently The Flying Cupcake has two trucks on the streets named Petunia and Penelope.

munching on her food, she smiled and said, “My food tastes like no one else’s.”

Retired after 25 years with Yum! Brands Inc., Harmon used her savings to purchase Can’t wait for the enchanting truck with a a brand new trailer and all the equipment winged cupcake on top? No worries! You needed to make an actual kitchen on wheels. can find the same jumbo-sized cupcakes at their Greenwood storefront at 789 U.S. 31 She admits that what she is doing now is North.

Currently working on opening a brick “more fun” than being in the traditional and mortar site at 82 S. Baldwin St. in restaurant business, but she never thought NEW YORK, NEW YORK … she would have a food truck. When she Bargersville, the Johnsons are looking BROZINNI PIZZERIA is not in the truck, she maintains a space forward to selling their special smoked A taste of the Big Apple rolls into the goods to customers long after the food truck inside the Citgo Gas Station at 10005 E. Greenwood area when the Brozinni Pizzeria 42nd St. in Indianapolis. season is over. food truck comes to town.

THE REAL DEAL … MRS. G’S TASTE OF HOME

Catfish lovers can celebrate because Georgette Harmon knows her fish fillets. Breaded with her own blend of seasonings and fried right on the spot, the catfish fillets from Mrs. G’s Taste of Home are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.

Harmon explains, “I make sure people get the real catfish they want and not Asian Swai [which is native to Southeast Asia] and might be sold at other places.” Everything is made fresh on the truck, and the sides of her signature multicolored coleslaw and cheesy baked spaghetti were also delicious.

A word to the wise — get the scrumptious peach cobbler or delectable banana pudding before it sells out.

Noticing our obvious enjoyment while

THE FLYING CUPCAKE

Enchanting treats come from their whimsical truck

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 29

On the road & online Johnson’s Bar-B-Que Shack johnsonsbbqshack.com Mrs. G’s Taste of Home tasteofhomeindy.com The Flying Cupcake theflyingcupcakebakery.com Brozinni Pizzeria brozinni.net Mrs. Curl mrscurl.com

BROZINNI PIZZERIA It is hard to miss this large former linen delivery truck with images of the New York skyline on the sides.

Ashley Miller, who drives the truck, said, “It was like it was made for us.” The brightly painted blue and white vehicle plays nostalgic songs from the ’50s and ’70s as it Inside, they make the dough and pizza sauce roams the streets of Greenwood. The truck from scratch and even freshly grate the stays close to Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop cheese as each pizza is made. We sampled a at 259 S. Meridian St. and is also seen at huge slice of multi-topping pizza and agreed community events. it was fabulous. The killer crust and the gooey melted cheese are a result of the pizza Mini Curl has a limited but popular menu actually being baked on the truck instead of of soft serve ice cream, shakes and sundaes. made off-site and then reheated.

Miller related how that at the end of last year’s season, the reverse gear went out on They upgraded to their current truck the truck. because they loved taking their product out on the streets, but to make it genuine, they Not wanting to disappoint anyone, the needed real pizza ovens on board. Molly ice cream truck kept all its appearance Wallace, who handles the truck logistics, commitments but either had to park in pullsaid that until they added air conditioning through spaces or be pushed out in neutral at and tweaked the ventilation, “It got pretty the end of an event. Miller said proudly, “We hot in the kitchen!” still came, and everyone got their ice cream!”

HAVE THE EVENT … AND THEY WILL COME As summer goes on, the list of food trucks that appear at local events is sure to grow.

When they pull up, people can’t help but be attracted to the novel and relatively inexpensive fun food offered.

Food trucks are a diverse group with an intense pride for their unique products.

Each truck maintains a Facebook page and website that announce their next location.

Happy hunting!

Julie Yates is a former teacher and current food blogger, She enjoys sharing quick, easy, and healthy recipes with people who love to cook. Visit her blogs are yatesyummies.com and orangesandalmonds.com.

Their mobile pizzeria has almost eliminated the need to advertise their location on the border between Indianapolis and Greenwood at 8810 S. Emerson Ave. Customers claim it’s the great food truck pizza that sends them there.

BLAST FROM THE PAST …

MRS. CURL

The sweet frozen treats attract the younger set, while memories of the neighborhood ice cream truck draw an older clientele to Mrs. Curl “Mini Curl” truck. It was originally a 1959 Mister Softee truck from New York. Brozinni Pizzeria used it for a time and then sold it to Mrs. Curl.

MRS. CURL

Emily Loman hands out a twisted cone complete with sprinkles

30 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

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HONORED TO FLY ON THE INDY HONOR FLIGHT Writer / Debbie Robertson . Photos / Provided

I first learned of the Indy Honor Flight as I crawled on the floor with toddlers, diligently distracting these kiddos from harm’s way.

In the nursery trenches with me was a friend whose sister had just arrived the night before from participating on the spring flight, and as she described the experience, I was instantly ready to enlist.

The Indy Honor Flight is a part of the National Honor Flight Network whose mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices.

In the year before they called me to serve, I doggedly pursued the opportunity to fly as an Ambassador, the volunteer who couples with a veteran to assist them with their every desire while on the one-day trip. Even though the Indy Honor Flight is always looking for volunteers, it can be a wait before an opening arises, as it’s preferable for veterans if a family member can serve as their Ambassador.

THE CALL TO ACTION

On Sunday, March 15, I received the call to action, and the three weeks leading up to my deployment became a whirlwind of activity.

I had to make contact with and physically meet my veteran, attend training, recruit letter writers, market the homecoming and send in

my payment. (While the veteran’s costs are covered, they request Ambassadors make a donation to cover expenses, a donation I was happy to make!)

Just a week later, I found myself in the living room of one of America’s heroes — a bonafide World War II veteran, Retired Marine Corp Corporal James Speziale!

We detailed the trip logistics. When I asked him about his experience during the war, the hair on my arms stood at attention as he recounted that he had actually witnessed the flag raising on Iwo Jima! Nothing is more iconic than that image. To hear the scene described in detail by an eyewitness brought tears to my eyes.

The Honor Flight weekend was to begin April 3 and would become a “historic” flight for the organization, as the trip was to include two planes, eight buses and 200 veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. The World War II veterans, if physically able to go, are the first priority since they’re dying at a rate of nearly 500 a day. Next up is the Korean veterans followed by Vietnam veterans.

The evening before the flight, I picked up Corporal Speziale for the “meet and greet,” a reception where everyone who will be flying the next morning picks up welcome packets, meets fellow veterans and views for the first time a poster-sized picture of themselves provided by a family member. The posters stay with the flight all day long and are offered to the veteran as a souvenir of the trip.

ROLL CALL 0430 HOURS

Actual Ambassador Deployment began with a 3:15 a.m. wake-up call for the 4:30 roll call at Plainfield High School followed by a 7:30 flight to Washington and a 9:15 arrival at Reagan International Airport. From the moment we exited the tarmac until we boarded the police escorted buses, the crowds were on their feet, applauding, saluting and shaking hands to thank these brave men and women for their service.

Writer Debbie Robertson and her charge for the day, Retired Marine Corp Corporal James Speziale.

To say I was moved to tears is a massive understatement. Pushing his wheelchair through the airport, I bawled like a baby. I can only imagine how the veterans must have felt to receive such an overwhelming ovation, and the reception was the same everywhere we went. My heart swelled and nearly burst with pride!

From the airport, the troops were escorted to the World War II Memorial (which most had never seen), the Korean War and the Lincoln Memorial as well as the Vietnam Memorial. Along the way, an onboard tour guide noted points-of-interest including the U.S. Navy and the Air Force monuments.

Next our orders included a short drive to Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard followed by a trip around the Marine Corps War Memorial (especially moving for my veteran) as well as the Pentagon.

Back at Reagan airport, we again received the same ovation that would never get old with everyone applauding, saluting and shaking hands. In addition, the flight home and homecoming were no less exciting.

I am not a veteran, but I am a patriot, and as such, I was honored, humbled and proud to serve, if only for one day. “For many are called, but few are chosen.� I was one of the honored ones.

The Walker family (L-R) grea t-granddaughter Karenna, grandson Chris Hall, patriarch Paul Walker, grea tgrandson Owen and Chris' wife Kathy.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #1

PREPARING FOR GROWTH Writer / Jim Eichelman . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

On April 23, a group of interested Johnson County residents attended the first of four Community Conversations, sponsored by Aspire Johnson County. This group was organized with the mission “To make Johnson County a destination to live, work and play” and focuses on four key areas: 1) Talent Retention and Attraction, 2) Branding, 3) Infrastructure and 4) Quality of Life. These Community Conversations are an opportunity for area residents to learn, share and engage in dialogue that can help shape Johnson County into the place we want it to be.

A lot of discussion has occurred recently regarding the future path of I-69 as it makes its way from Martinsville to I-465. Therefore, a natural focus for the first conversation was infrastructure.

Sarah Rubin, the INDOT project manager for I-69, Section 6 (the portion impacting Johnson County), summarized first quarter 2015 accomplishments and planned second quarter activities. In addition, she described the public involvement to date and shared milestones for the remainder of the project.

Some information was new to me. For example, a Project Office was established at 7847 Waverly Rd. in Martinsville. The public is invited to visit for detailed information about the project and to share comments and concerns. I also didn’t realize that the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) now underway includes both natural and human impacts. Therefore, it is not just “wetland and air quality concerns,” but also things like land use, traffic patterns, existing development and the impact on delivery of emergency services and schools.

One misconception I have always had was considering farmland as “empty space,” but from the project’s perspective, they consider it as developed property, much like commercial development.

A draft EIS is targeted for Q1 2017 with the final EIS (requiring federal highway approval) set for Q1 2018. After that, the actual construction work can begin.

Larry DeBoer from Purdue University spoke second on “Paying for Infrastructure in Johnson County.” Larry described the various funding mechanisms available to Johnson County for funding infrastructure improvements, including several alternatives to property tax increases.

In addition, he shared data that showed how Johnson County compares with the rest of Indiana in terms of various demographic and financial considerations. One takeaway for me was although I complain about taxes in this county, living here is quite affordable, and we get a lot of “bang for our buck.”

Finally, Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight shared recent economic development and revitalization successes in their city. He demonstrated that with thoughtful planning, innovative thinking and creative economic incentives, a municipality can create an environment of sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life while lowering government spending.

Details about the first Community Conversation is on Aspire’s website, aspirejohnsoncounty.org/conversation-no.-1, including copies of each speaker’s presentation, answers to questions submitted by the audience and links to other helpful information regarding infrastructure in Johnson County.

I encourage you to visit this site to become informed and consider participating in future Community Conversation sessions.

Jim Eichelman is a freelance photographer and writer. A long time Center Grove area resident, he also operates James Eichelman and Associates, LLC, a computer consulting firm.

34 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION #2

CRADLE TO CAREER Writer & Photographer / Jim Eichelman

On May 7, the second of four Community Conversations was held in the Greenwood High School auditorium. Sponsored by Aspire Johnson County, these Community Conversations are an opportunity for area residents to learn, share and engage in dialogue that will help shape the future of Johnson County.

This conversation, entitled “Cradle to Career: Multiple Pathways to Career Success,” brought together Johnson County residents and experts in education to understand what it will take to achieve career success and live a fulfilling life in today’s society.

The evening’s speakers were Dr. David Dresslar, executive director at the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning, and Molly G. Martin, director of organizational learning and alignment at Lumina Foundation. These two experts walked us through what is required to succeed today, how that differs from the past and how both young and old can prepare themselves.

is just the starting point. Ms. Martin indicates, “63 percent of job openings will require some postsecondary training beyond high school by 2018.” However, that training does not necessarily mean a four-year college degree.

Both experts believe the first step to career fulfillment is identifying a field you find interesting (for example, healthcare) and explore the types of jobs available within that field. Continuing the healthcare example, not every job in healthcare is a doctor or nurse. In fact, most jobs are not.

Other patient care, technologist, technician, therapist and administrator jobs abound. Some may not be what school counselors have traditionally encouraged students to seek, but they are good paying, respectable jobs that will allow someone to live a fulfilling middle class life.

Once you identify likely jobs, then research the training required to qualify for those jobs. This may be apprenticeships, certificates, associates degrees or traditional bachelor’s/masters/doctoral degrees. Duration of training can range from a few months to several years.

However, both Dr. Dresslar and Ms. Martin emphasize that employers are not as interested in where you obtain your training as they are what you know and what you can do. Credentials from prestigious schools are not a prerequisite to obtaining a good job today.

According to Dr. Dresslar, when he began teaching in 1969, guidance to students was “get good grades, graduate from high school diploma, get a good job and join the middle class.” By 1996, the guidance was “get good grades, graduate from high school, go to college and get a four-year degree, get a good job and join the middle class.” A high school diploma was no longer enough to succeed. A four-year college degree was now the entry ticket into that middle class.

Final thoughts for the evening focused on what the experts called “21st century skills.” These are skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communications and are highly sought after by employers. When considering options for preparing yourself for a 21st century career, the speakers recommended considering programs that allow development of these skills as well as technical knowledge.

Today, things are different still. Both experts agree that good grades and a high school diploma are a basic requirement for success. That

For more information about the second and upcoming Community Conversations, visit aspirejohnsoncounty.org.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 35

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Writer / Kevin Conrad Photographer / Amanda DeBusk

as we have grown, and this makes me very happy.

It’s been nearly 10 years since Geek in Pink opened its computer and cellphone repair company to the Johnson County community with its unique moniker and its eye-catching logo. Greenwood resident and Geek in Pink (GiP) owner Regina Miller claims she’s not an artist. "I created the logo," Miller admits, "but it's my artistic one hit wonder."

“I have been a customer of GiP since the beginning,” said Scott Emmett. “They have worked on my tech stuff as well as that of other family members. Nobody, but nobody, touches my technology stuff but Geek in Pink,” he chuckles. “I have complete and total trust in Regina and her people, and I recommend them without reservation. Great, great people!”

Miller’s one hit wonder has blossomed into a 10-employee company serving 4,000 customers at two convenient southside locations in Greenwood (Center Grove area) and Franklin.

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TAKING CARE OF CLIENTS

GiP has grown steadily since opening its doors in 2005. Miller credits GiP’s success to dedicated customer service, competitive pricing and the community.

“We have a relationship with our customers,” Miller said with a smile.

“We like to attract employees who have a servant’s heart. Our prices are very competitive to the big box stores. It's nice to get boutique style service yet still not pay a premium.”

Giving back to the community is also an important part of Miller’s business model. “One of my goals when I started the company was to grow enough to earn money that would allow me to reinvest in the community. While we are still small, we continue to be able to increase support of community events and organizations

A JOHNSON COUNTY ORIGINAL

GiP’s motto is simple but true.

“Technology breaks. We fix it.” Residential and small business customers can bring their desktop computer tower, laptop or mobile device into one of GiP’s shops and the GiP team will find the best solution to get their technology working properly again.

GiP also offers on-site services, which allows them to diagnose and troubleshoot problems that may exist with a home or business network.

“GiP ZiP pass”

GiP is launching a new program in June called “GiP ZiP pass.” This new offering gives residential customers an “all you can eat” computer repair and maintenance subscription for a flat monthly fee.

The subscription includes all labor for any maintenance and repair for enrolled computers performed in their shops.

Members also receive a discount for in home visits in Geek in Pink's regular service area.

36 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

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GREENWOOD GREENWOOD FREEDOM FESTIVAL – SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AT CRAIG PARK. Join us for a July 4th parade at noon followed by live bands all day long capped off with a fireworks show at 10:15 pm.

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WHITELAND GRAD SELECTED AS 500 FESTIVAL QUEEN Writer / Dann Veldkamp . Photos / Provided

Alison Mathena of Whiteland was crowned Queen of the 2015 Indianapolis 500 festivities Saturday, May 16. Mathena was selected from a field of 33 college-aged women with an average GPA of 3.89. Abby Lauck of Greenwood and Danielle Burris of Bargersville were also among the 33 princesses.

“For more than 50 years, the 500 Festival Princess Program has recognized Indiana’s brightest college-aged women,” said Leslie Carter-Prall, 500 Festival board member and princess program committee co-chair.

New in 2015, each 500 Festival Princess participated in personal and professional

development programs. In addition, Mathena, daughter of Alan and Lisa Mathena, received two scholarships totaling $2,500.

Her duties include representing the Indianapolis 500 at a variety of functions throughout the month of May. The highlight is race day where she will participate in a parade lap around the famed track and have the honor of handing the next Indianapolis 500 champion the traditional bottle of milk accompanied by a kiss on the cheek.

Mathena returns to Purdue as a senior this fall where she is working toward a degree in public health.

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Victoria Boyer throwing to first base after fielding the ball against Franklin Central. Photo / Rob Baker

CENTER GROVE SOFTBALL A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Writer / Kevin Conrad . Photos / Provided

Year after year, the Center Grove High School softball program ranks among the very best in the state of Indiana. In its 31 seasons, CGHS softball has never had a losing record and has won countless Johnson County and Conference Championships.

CULTURE OF DOMINATION

So why has CGHS softball been so dominant through the years?

Head coach Russ Milligan, now in his 24th season as the Trojan

skipper, credits the kids who’ve grown up around that winning culture at the Center Grove Lassie League Park.

“Hundreds and hundreds of girls go through there every year,” said Milligan. “In 1992, we went all the way to the state championship game. Any kid involved in softball or interested in athletics would go, ‘Man, it would be fun to be on that team.’ Year in and year out, we get great kids. It’s an expectation. They know I’m not out here just for everyone to play and have fun, but to generate a team, generate responsibility, generate putting it all out there.”

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 43

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44 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Celebrating Coach Russ Milligan's 600th career win. Photo / Anna Pratt

MILLIGAN, THE COMPETITOR

The Trojans won their first state title in 1986 under head coach Rita Robbins. She had an impressive 89-29 record in her six years as head coach from 1985-1990. Milligan took over the program in 1992.

Milligan has accumulated more than 650 wins, four state titles and four state runners-up awards. In 2013, Milligan won his 600th career game.

So what keeps Milligan so competitive after all these years? “All coaches have a little bit of their childhood they just don’t want to let go of,” Milligan admits. “What keeps you going is the feeling after a loss and the feeling after a win. You hate that feeling after a loss more than you like the feeling of the win. But that’s what makes competitive people competitive: the hate of losing.”

TEAM BALL

CGHS’s last state championship was in 2009. Emily Gwaltney was the third baseman and pitcher on that 33-3 team. Gwaltney earned first Team All-State honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and was an Indiana All-Star in 2009.

The four-year starter said Milligan instilled in them to be selfless

and put the team first. “It’s more than playing ball together,” said Gwaltney. “It’s really being there for each other, trusting each other and getting each other through tough times that make you a better team. He doesn’t act as if he expects to lose. He knows we’re going to win.”

CGHS athletic director Jon Zwitt believes team chemistry is so important. “Russ does a good job of being a chemistry teacher, of trying to blend all those attitudes and personalities together,” said Zwitt.

Milligan says, “Gwaltney is the best third baseman I’ve ever had.

She just loved the sport, and I think she shared my hatred for losing as much as I did. That’s what made her special. She was going to do what it took to win.”

CGHS PITCHER EARNS “MISS SOFTBALL”

The Trojans appeared in the state championship in 2003 and 2004, winning the title in 2003. Darcy Wood was the dominant pitcher for those CGHS teams. Wood was first Team All-State in 2003 and 2004 and earned the coveted “Miss Softball” in 2004.

atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 45

“CGHS softball has taught me about tradition. Tradition here is winning, being competitive, always working hard and being efficient at everything we do.� - Abbey Pratt

L-R: Mallory Baker after hitting a home run against Franklin Central . Brandi Heath waiting for the pitch during the game against Whiteland . Courtney Moriarty . Center Grove's Abby Pratt into her delivery of a pitch against Terre Haute North at Center Grove High School 46 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

Wood recalls one of her first times experiencing what CGHS softball was all about at its highest level. “I went to the 1998 state championship game. To see the turnout, how excited everybody was and how the team came together, you could just tell it was something special. Going to the state championship game that year with my dad and watching them, I want that, and I want to be a part of that.”

And they do. The Trojans have won five state titles, more than any other school in the state.

Kevin Conrad has been a south side resident since 1980. He currently resides in Center Grove with his wife and three sons. Kevin is a sales account manager for SlyFoxCreative.com in Greenwood.

He is also the voice of the Center Grove Sports Network where he webcasts Center Grove High School football and basketball games.

Milligan said Wood single-handedly took CGHS to the state title game twice. “Even though we played good defense, we had very little offensive support. She was one of those dominant forces that most state championship teams have.”

2015 SENIORS

This year’s team has five seniors: Courtney Moriarty, Brandi Heath, Victoria Boyer, Mallory Baker and Abbey Pratt. Four of the seniors are committed to playing softball in college.

Milligan takes great pride in seeing his players continue their softball careers and education at the next level. “At the very minimum, I haven’t beaten the love of softball out of them,” Milligan said with a smile and chuckle. “Every one of my seniors is having the best year of their lives.”

Senior Abbey Pratt, a three-year varsity letter winner, was the winning pitcher for Milligan’s 600th career win during the 2013 season. As Pratt concludes her final season this spring, she reflected on her four years as being a part of the CGHS softball program.

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Milligan is a stickler for preparing his players for every situation.

From requiring every player to execute two consecutive bunts in practice before going home to running as hard as they can to first base every time they hit the ball in the game, Milligan tells his players their goal every season is to compete for county, conference and state championships.

“We don’t come out, break down and say, ‘Win State,’” Milligan said. “We break down and say ‘hustle.’ We break down and say ‘intensity.’ You have to have those intangibles in order to win state. Our goal is to work on every little thing and have zero weaknesses in our teams, so that there are no surprises. Every defense you can think of. Every offense and way to get the ball in play. We work on all the little things. When they are truly believed and taken wholeheartedly, then typically you go a long way.”

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“CGHS softball has taught me about tradition,” said Pratt.

“Tradition here is winning, being competitive, always working hard and being efficient at everything we do.”

CGHS senior first baseman and four-year starter Mallory Baker has committed to play softball at Purdue University.

“It’s bittersweet as it’s coming to an end,” said Baker. “This is something that’s been really important to me. I’ve grown up idolizing all the seniors. I just hope to carry on the tradition that they [previous seniors] left for us.”

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CGHS FRONT ROW

UNITY THROUGH TRADITION Writer / Leigh Lawson . Photos / Provided

Center Grove High School softball is a story of success and pride. Head Coach Russell Milligan effectively builds a team with strong talent and has built a program with time-tested traditions. He has established high standards and expectations of the women on the team. Stressing strong work ethics and plenty of hustle, Coach Milligan has developed a winning program that combines pride, tradition and unity.

While the women on the team have been playing their sport for many years, most had not played together before donning the CGHS uniform. Their playing days before joining the high school team were with recreational, yet intensely competitive, travel teams. Their familiarity with each other is often from being on opposing teams.

traditions that create memorable seasons.

Anna Pratt, who is the senior parent of pitcher Abbey, shared some of the team traditions. Before the start of the season, the girls come together to tie-dye team shirts that become a symbol of their team unity.

The senior parents also have a tradition of decorating the “Senior Square,” which is located at the CG softball diamond.

Another unifying tradition is the team parents scheduling team dinners each week at different team homes. The dinners’ intent is to give the team some time to unwind, build community and decompress.

Angie Baker knows a substantial amount about CG tradition having followed her parents as a CGHS alumnus, making her daughter Mallory, starting catcher, a third generation Trojan. Baker has a strong sense of the traditions with deep respect for Coach Milligan’s program.

CGHS softball has a unique factor in that they have a set of longstanding groupies. For decades, the stands have held a trio of fans that come to cheer the team rain or shine.

Tom Traut, Jerry Koster and Dave Gough have more than fervor for the team. This trio has an unmatched commitment to support the softball team.

They anxiously await each year for the game schedule. Schedules in hand, each of the trio confidently strides into their workplace and integrates game and work schedules to ensure their attendance for all of the games. Not only do they add to the strong cheering section, they are a cherished part of the tradition and pride of CG softball.

It is abundantly clear that CG softball is more than a team striving for success on the ball diamonds. It is more than a wellHow do you bring former competitors coached team. CG softball is truly about together to become a cohesive winning time-honored traditions that triumphantly team? The answer is in the traditions unite through a sense of heritage and pride.

Baker shares, “I feel like the seniors have a and team pride, which pass to incoming One could surmise that the traditions and strong responsibility to pass the traditions teammates every year and help to unify the down to the younger players. Sometimes, all high standards are the science behind the team. The creation of the winning mentality of the traditions, (forming their circle before success. is also a key. Milligan states, “Upholding the games, joining hands and even spitting high standards and expectations of Center in the dirt!) may not make sense for the Leigh and her husband, Mike, have Grove softball is a nonstop job. We worry freshmen.” She further explains that by the called Center Grove their home for 14 years. They chose Center Grove about the little things – appearance, hustle, time they are seniors, they have bought into as the ideal place to raise their two discipline, pride and work ethic.” the traditions and enthusiastically continue children, Eric and Julia. She is an them. The traditions and pride add to the active member of Mount Pleasant Even the parents are a part of the continuing chemistry and team bonding.

Christian Church where she writes an online Bible study.

Angie Baker and senior Mallory Baker

Softball moms Melissa Keeley, Ronie London and Aimie Burris volunteering at concession stand.

Anna Pratt and senior Abbey Pratt

48 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

FREEDOM SPRINGS GREENWOOD AQUATICS PARK OPENS Writer & Photographer / Tia Nielsen

Let the summer begin! Grab your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen.

Greenwood’s new Freedom Springs Aquatics Park is now open!

This is a family-friendly water playground for all ages. You will not hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored.” There are simply too many ways to enjoy the day.

There is a zero-depth entry pool, 25-meter lap pool, tube slide, two stunning body slides, a lazy river for floating away your cares, 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards and a children’s splash area.

The concessions area stands ready to soothe your hunger pangs.

Shelters and cabanas are available for rental. The complex offers swim lessons for individuals or groups and a Stay Fit program.

HOURS Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays Noon-6 p.m.

Thrilling Thursday Nights 7 p.m.-10 p.m. begin in August.

Freedom Springs season runs May 30-September 7. The park opened for the holiday weekend Saturday, May 23. With school out, it is now open seven days a week.

LOCATION Freedom Springs is located at 850 W. Stop 18 Rd. (the junction of Stop 18 and Averitt Road) in Greenwood.

“I am thrilled we are able to open this great amenity to the City and bring back a place for water fun for Greenwood,” said Mayor Mark Myers. “It is a wonderful place for family fun.”

ADMISSION PRICE • Greenwood Resident (proof based on a utility bill, cell phone bill or bank statement with person’s name and ZIP code) Adult (18+): $8 // Child/Senior (55+): $6 // Season Pass $65

Tia Nielsen has explored human interest, business, parenting, faithbuilding and sports stories for 20 publications. She started out at a bilingual newspaper, despite not knowing more than 50 words in Spanish. Her background includes community event productions and working for the Indiana Department of Education. You may reach her at Tia@tiaconnects.com.

• Nonresident Adult (18+): $10 // Child/Senior (55+): $8 // Season Pass $85 • You may purchase admission tickets on-site or online at FreedomSprings.greenwood.in.gov. Families can receive a 20 percent discount on four or more season passes. They must be purchased in person at Freedom Springs Aquatics Park or the Greenwood Community Center.

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

JUNE LOCAL EVENTS 1 / CENTER STAGE MUSIC THEATRE CAMP AT CENTER GROVE

Register now for camp. Kids ages 6-12 can join us this summer for an exciting camp that brings together all the thrilling aspects of musical theatre! Students will be immersed in a fun and creative learning experience. They will have the opportunity to explore their talents with highly qualified instructors in singing, dancing and acting. $275 Center Grove Middle School North 202 N. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood 317-881-0581 dicej@centergrove.k12.in.us centergrovechoirs.org/center-stage-at-centergrove

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Register by June 5 for the June 13 packing event. Join a team or simply join the targeted 800 volunteers needed to pack 200,000 meals! Details at packawayhunger. org.

Morning or afternoon Celadon Logistics 790 Commerce Parkway W. Dr., Greenwood 317-429-9876 Register: bit.ly/packawayhunger_reg

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Various times and prices Baxter YMCA 7900 S. Shelby St., Indianapolis 317-865-6456 kburrell@indymca.org indymca.org/centers/baxter

15-19 / MT. AUBURN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Vacation Bible School for children ages 4-11.

Children will: - Know what’s so great about God, explore the nature of God and serve God in practical ways - Enjoy snacks and play great games - Celebrate through song 9 a.m. – Noon Free Mount Auburn United Methodist Church 3100 W. Stones Crossing Rd., Greenwood 317-535-8555 ext. 1319 nancyv@mtauburnumc.org mtauburnumc.org/event.php?id=14

8 / ARTS AND SCIENCE CAMPS

Covenant Christian School is offering five camps in the Arts and Science fields. The camps are 3D Printing and Design, Cartooning and Animation, Forensics, Rocket and Theatre.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Prices vary Covenant Christian School 7525 W. 21st St., Indianapolis dannibrayer@ covenantchristian.org covenantchristian.org/camps

Bargersville

10 / 2015 ANNUAL GIVE BACK GALS GOLF OUTING

The Give Back Gals fund was established to give women a way to give back to the community through an all-ladies golf outing. The fundraiser supports Leadership Johnson County, JCCF and Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County.

1 p.m.

Prices vary Hickory Stick Golf Club 4422 Hickory Stick Blvd., Greenwood 317-738-2213 kimm@jccf.org jccf.org

10-13 / REGISTER FOR BAXTER YMCA YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES In YMCA Youth Sports, there are no tryouts, and no one gets cut from the teams.

Everyone who registers is assigned to a team, and all players have the opportunity for equal playing time in games, teaching participants valuable social and teamwork skills and contributing to a healthier community. All players participate throughout

SUMMER

CONCERT Series

MUSIC BY EDDIE VAN ZANT BAND

Saturday, June 27 • 6–10 pm FREE ADMISSION • ON MAIN STREET

ENJOY FOOD AND DRINKS FROM: Johnson’s BBQ & Other Food Trucks, Taxman Brewing, Mallow Run Winery

GREG HICKS

50 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JUNE 2015 / atCenterGrove.com

SPONSORED BY MALCOLM T. RAMSEY AGENCY Post your events online: atCenterGrove.com & click "Events"

19-21 / JOHNSON COUNTY ANTIQUE MACHINERY SHOW The event features Allis Chalmers tractors, Rumley tractors and Simplicity garden tractors. Events include working machinery field, kids games, flea market and blacksmithing demonstrations.

On-site camping available. $3 daily, $5 weekend, children under 12 free Johnson County Park 2949 E. Co. Rd. 950 N., Edinburgh 317-512-0493 whaas@cms-corporation.com jcamach.org

27 / BAY STREET BRASSWORKS CONCERT

Bay Street Brassworks is a vibrant, award-winning and entertaining ensemble that regularly travels the U.S. presenting interactive, educational concerts and master classes at primary and secondary schools and universities. Led by trumpeter Glen Johnson, Bay Street Brassworks performs various genres of music from classical to jazz, rock to pop and more.

7 p.m.

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST

Children $5, high school students $10, adults $15 Greenwood United Methodist Church 525 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood 317-525-8333 boots65@yahoo.com greenwoodumcmusic.org

27 / ANNUAL FISH FRY

Join friends and family for the annual Banta Community Hall Fish Fry. Delicious fried fish with homemade side dishes.

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. $5-$8 Banta Community Hall 7983 W. Co. Rd. 350 N., Bargersville bantach.org

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atCenterGrove.com / JUNE 2015 / CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 51

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All Documents are Reviewed by Our Staff Attorney

Lucy Stravers lives in Pella, Iowa, and is the mother-in-law of Dann Veldkamp.

 KATE IN THE MIDDLE

TIME DOES FLY Writer / Kate Rhoten

The other day, I was catching up with a close friend over the phone.

During our conversation, we were discussing when we would be able to get together for a long weekend. After a few minutes, the conversation took a turn toward other topics.

I have known this friend almost as long as I have known my husband. Actually, I would not know her if it hadn’t been for my husband. I met her when we traveled to New Orleans for her Photo by Janus Syndicate wedding in 1994. At the time, I was dating my husband, and she was his good friend from college that was getting married. minutes of drive time to talk when he wanted to or listen to music.

Now I drive my youngest to school most mornings on my way to That weekend was the first time my husband met her fiancé, and it my full-time job. was the first time I met both of them. It has been a great friendship over the years.

These are opportunities to spend a few uninterrupted minutes with them. They may just be short snippets of time, but they add up. Just It’s funny when you think about the time that has passed since you like attending the long high school track meets and driving my son met someone. We have all had children, became godparents to each home, so we get another significant period to be together. other’s first-born child and vacationed together. When they lived in Switzerland for over three years, we planned a trip to meet them Time is precious, and I really enjoy the time in the car with the boys in Berlin, Germany, for several days and then back to their place to or just hanging out at home with them. It’s only a handful of years finish the trip. before they both will be out of the home finding their own way.

Even though we are not consistent in our check-ins, we seem to pick Take time and enjoy the craziness because before you know it, there up as if it was just a couple of weeks ago that we chatted. We talk won’t be any more craziness in your life. I know I am enjoying it, about what we have been doing and what the kids are up to, and we and I am not ready for it to end. are mindful of the busyness in each other’s lives.

Because of this relationship, it seems so easy. However, this particular day, my friend reminded me of how quickly the kids are growing up. While we were chatting, I mentioned something about each of my boys and said something to the effect of the oldest is finishing his sophomore year.

Her response was genuine. It was one of those reality checks of how old my oldest son really is and what that means. Her verbal response was something along the lines of, “Holy crap, he’s going to be a junior.”

That’s when I really started thinking about how age, whether it is yours or your child’s, can sneak up on you and how time can slip by. It makes me thankful that I have had wonderful opportunities to work part-time in recent years. This afforded me the opportunity to get to know my sons better due to my availability to spend more time with each of them.

While I worked part-time at the high school, I drove the oldest to high school at least three times a week. That gave us 10-15

Kate’s nearing mid-life in the middle of America raising her boys with her hubby building their dream one day at a time while feeling like she’s always in the middle of something.

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