OCTOBER 2018
MAGAZINE
Franklin’s Premier 55 Young’s Creek and Older Community Luxury Apartments Compass Park is excited to announce our new, elegant, 55 and older luxury apartments that will lay along the banks of Young’s Creek, overlooking the beautiful countryside of our campus.
Sizes Available 1 Bedroom 1,110 Sq. Ft. 2 Bedroom 1,285 Sq. Ft. 3 Bedroom 1,679 Sq. Ft. Contact Chelsea Procter cprocter@compasspark.org (317)-346-1409 690 State St, Franklin, IN 46131
OUR AMENITIES • Solid Wood Cabinetry • Stone Countertops • Walk-in Showers • Walk-in Closets • Carpet/Ceramic Flooring • Balconies Overlooking Park-like Setting • Underground Parking with Storage • Club House with Gathering Area and Coffee Bar • Roof Top Garden/Patio • Fully Furnished Stainless Steel Appliances • Basic Cable, Internet and Phone Included • All Utilities Included • One Meal/Day per Person Included • 24 Hour Security • Snow Bird Discount
CAMPUS AMENITIES • Fitness Area with Lap Pool • Three Chefs on Campus • Partnerships with Franklin College • A Bistro serves Breakfast or Lunch • Archway Dining Room serves Lunch or Dinner • A Pub • Two Chapels • Lighted Walking Trails • Salon and Spa Services • Shelter Houses and Gazebos • Computer Lab • Library • Event Center • Stocked Pond for Fishing • Garden Area • Guest Rooms • Continuum of Care
2 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2018 / atGreenwood.com
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
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GREENWOOD MAGAZINE
FRANCHISE PUBLISHER Fredda Kovacs
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FIRST HARVEST: COUPLE OPENS UNIQUE BOUTIQUE WITH PORTION OF PROFITS HELPING WOMEN IN NEED
OCTOBER WRITERS
Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jon Shoulders Julie Young / Megan Jefferson Carrie Petty / Lynda Hedberg Thies
Several years ago, Matt and Kimmie Bridges were both working 9-to-5 jobs, getting through their day to make a little pay. But something was missing.
OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Amy Payne / Erin Feldmeyer
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SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Greenwood Community Magazine 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
4 Business Spotlight: A Perfect Climate Heating & Cooling
6 First Harvest: Couple Opens Unique Boutique With Portion of Profits Helping Women in Need
9 Business Spotlight: The Academy Volleyball Club
10 Business Spotlight: Candlelight
13 Back To School Photo Winners 14 Autumn Months Bring the Harvest! 17 Alive & Kickin’ : South Central
The Greenwood Community Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Greenwood residents. Submit story ideas to PR@atGreenwood.com.
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Soccer Academy Still Thriving More Than 30 Years Later
21 A Full House: Mother Of Nine Gives Into Their Chaotic Love
Theatre
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A PERFECT CLIMATE HEATING & COOLING 432 US 31 S New Whiteland 317-883-2247 indianapolis-hvac.com
Writer / Megan Jefferson Photographer / Erin Feldmeyer
Sean Bryk has been working in the heating and cooling industry since 1997. In 2005, he started his own business — A Perfect Climate Heating & Cooling. They provide residential and commercial services, installations and repairs for all HVAC appliances and products. Their specialties include air conditioning, heating, water heaters, duct cleanings and air purification and ventilation services.
Bryk says he got tired of the big companies trying to sell customers things they didn’t need, he felt like they were taking advantage of people. He wanted to start a company that was built on integrity, one that believes in disclosing all costs and fees upfront as soon as a proper diagnosis is made. A Perfect Climate offers discounts to many people. “We make sure we take care of our
teachers, firefighters, police officers, servicemen and women – they automatically get a 10 percent discount,” Bryk says. “We give churches and property managers major discounts as well.” If a customer pays for a repair and then a month down the road it turns out a new unit is needed, A Perfect Climate offers at least half to all of that previous repair cost to put towards a new unit.
4 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2018 / atGreenwood.com
A Perfect Climate brings awareness to breast cancer issues and offers help to those who are affected by the disease during the month of October. All employees wear pink shirts and pink shoe covers for the entire month. There are many vans and trucks in their fleet, one van is wrapped in pink for breast cancer awareness. As the service men and women work in customers’ homes, they build relationships with their clients and meet many people who have been struggling because of breast cancer. A 10 percent discount is offered to breast cancer survivors and patients. They also deposit $50 from every installation service completed into an account. At the end of October, this amount is then used to help out one of the customers affected by breast cancer. They either take care of their bill or donate the money to them. Breast cancer is just one cause that the Bryk’s support. Their truck is wrapped in purple for Alzheimer’s awareness as well, and the next van they add will also be wrapped in purple. Beyond supporting important causes, Sean and his wife, Ellen, also believe in helping local kids and local sports teams. They have five children of their own. “We believe kids should have some activity to keep them busy, out of trouble and to make friends,” Ellen says. The Bryks hope that one day some of their kids will want to help run the business. Sean is proud of the company he and his wife have created. He enjoys being able to set a precedent for how his employees take care of their customers. He encourages people to give them a call for all heating and cooling needs. A Perfect Climate is located at 432 US 31 S in New Whiteland, Indiana. You can give them a call at 317-883-2247 or visit them online at indianapolis-hvac.com. atGreenwood.com / OCTOBER 2018 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 5
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Erin Feldmeyer
Owner Kimmie Bridges 6 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2018 / atGreenwood.com
S
everal years ago, Matt and Kimmie Bridges were both working 9-to-5 jobs, getti ng through their day to make a little pay. But something was missing.
“I was burnt out from my day job and had always dreamed of opening up a boutique that sold cute women’s clothing,” Kimmie says. Originally from Houston, Texas —“where there’s a boutique on every corner,” — one day she announced to her husband, “I’m doing it!” And she was off and running —starting First Harvest on a wing and a prayer. Technically, their first-ever introduction to the public was at the Center Grove Craft Fair. Following that event, they started selling at other craft fairs, then managed a pop-up store at Clay Terrace for a couple of months before doing an online store launch in September 2016. The name First Harvest was chosen from a bible passage: Proverbs 3:9, which encourages giving the first of your harvest to the Lord. “We decided when we went into this venture that if we were going to start a business, we were going to be sure that it was meaningful and worthwhile from the giving back standpoint,” says Matt, noting that for years they had been faithful stewards to the Mercy Multiplied ministry, which helps women, free of charge, recover spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally from abuse, addictions or sex trafficking. The Bridges faithfully donate 10 percent of their profits to Mercy Multiplied. “It made sense that if we’re going to sell women’s clothing, we wanted to give back to women who need it the most,” Kimmie says. Their tagline is both catchy and appropriate: “Give more. #lookgoodgiving.” Though the couple had no experience in retail, sales or merchandising, they jumped in with both feet and an open heart. “I was honestly scared to death that we might not sell a single item,” Kimmie says. Turns out, she had nothing to fear.
“We had about 60 items, and we sold out of almost everything in the first day,” she says. They opened their first store at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. In August of this year, they opened store number two at the Greenwood Park Mall. The couple is excited about the Greenwood location — not only to bring First Harvest back home for Matt (a 2007 Center Grove graduate) but also because it offers a unique shopping experience for patrons.
“We studied the market and were confident that people would appreciate having something like this on the south side,” Matt says. “It’s a different shopping experience from anything else that’s here.” Last year, Matt and Kimmie were named finalists in Forbes 30 Under 30. “We are proud to represent the Midwest,” Matt says. “Especially considering that 95 percent of the winners are from the east and west coast.”
atGreenwood.com / OCTOBER 2018 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 7
Future plans include launching the brand nationally but that likely won’t be until spring or later. “We want to establish ourselves on the south side of Indy,” says Matt, who admits that he never envisioned getting into the women’s clothing business. Yet, he and his wife seem to have found their sweet spot. “Honestly it’s been a good fit for Kimmie and I. We partner really well together,” says Matt, who helps with interviewing employees, shipping and logistics.
Though the couple has no kids, they do have “It’s cool to see what God has been doing in a 5-year-old Valley Bulldog named Tarzan our lives,” Matt adds. “So many people have who is half boxer and half English bulldog. come behind us to help us out and make Several times a year the couple travels First Harvest what it is right now.” together to Dallas, Las Vegas, Chicago and “He’s spoiled,” Matt says. Los Angeles to hand-pick their items. First Harvest in Greenwood is open 10 The verse that follows Proverbs 3:9 states a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday “We try and select fashion-forward pieces that if you give your harvest, your barns will and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. For more that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Matt, be overflowing, meaning that prosperity information, visit shopfirstharvest.com. noting that their First Harvest designs are follows faithfulness. theirs.
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THE ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL CLUB 6635 E 30th St. Suite B Indianapolis IN, 46219 theacademyvolleyball.com 317-545-3880 Writer / Julie Young
If your child is looking to learn a new sport or is eager to take their skills to the next level, The Academy Volleyball Club is ready to serve you. Founded in 2014 by a group of parents and coaches passionate about volleyball and possessing a desire to share the sport with others, The Academy Volleyball Club is a place where athletes of all ages learn to play, train and love volleyball. Headquartered in a 70,000 square-foot facility on the near eastside of Indianapolis, The Academy has additional locations at Grand Park in Westfield and Legacy Courts in Lafayette. “We offer opportunities to every player regardless of their experience or skill level,” says Executive Director Emily Hawthorne. “We know that every athlete is coming to us with a different story and background with the sport, so we provide several different ways for them to get involved, whether that be through one of our club teams, summer camps, beach program, little spikers or even private lessons." A quality experience is at the heart of every program at The Academy. Players ages 4 through 9 can take part in a Little Spikers clinic to learn the fundamentals of the game, while boys and girls ages 6-18 can take part in a variety of training opportunities offered year-round that will continue to build on their skills. The fall youth league is one of the club’s top youth programs, with more than 500 young athletes training each week in the fall, between the three locations. While building youth players is a focus at The Academy, their success in advancing their top players into the collegiate ranks is also a priority. Club teams allow athletes with several months of focused training, strong competition and ongoing development.
Each year, more than a dozen upperclassmen commit to continue their playing careers at the college level, a dream come true for many of them. This past season, Freshman Raven Colvin committed to Purdue University, marking the first Big Ten commitment for the young club. “We are not a one-size-fits-all organization,” Hawthorne adds. “We pride ourselves on our personalized service, welcoming atmosphere, caring staff and knowledgeable coaches who care about player development both on and off the court." Although they are one of the largest volleyball clubs in the state, they maintain the feel of a smaller, intimate club. The Academy cares about keeping costs affordable for families. while providing an exceptional experience. With its extensive fundraising programs, non-travel teams and extended payment plans, The Academy is one of the most budget-friendly clubs in Indiana and committed to making every dollar go as far as possible. “The Academy has been a home away from home for my daughter and family these past few years,” says Robin Snyder, mother of Jill, a club player. Not only have her skills improved, but her confidence, knowledge and love of the game have increased as well. We can really tell that the coaches care about their athletes and the gyms have such a welcoming atmosphere. Being a part of The Academy family has been such a positive thing for us.” For those wanting to become a part of a club team at The Academy, your opportunity is quickly approaching. Club tryouts for 2nd to 8th graders begin in mid-October at all locations. Tryouts for 9th– 12th graders begin in early November. All locations also provide free pre-tryout open gyms this fall, to encourage athletes and their families to visit the facilities, meet coaches and train with some of their top youth and club coaches. The Academy Volleyball Club is located at 6635 E 30th St. Suite B, Indianapolis. Information on all three locations can be found online at theacademyvolleyball.com or by giving them a call at 317-545-3880.
TownePost.com / OCTOBER 2018 / INDY METRO
CANDLELIGHT THEATRE at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site 1230 N. Delaware Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-631-1888 candlelighttheatre.org
Photo by Susan Fleck
CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE HISTORY AND THE THEATRE When you visit Candlelight Theatre at a stunning Italianate mansion in historic downtown Indianapolis, you experience a piece of history that will likely stick with you forever. As a guest, you get to sit in the same room former U.S. president Benjamin Harrison sat in when he lived in the home.
More than 15 years ago, Creative Director Donna Wing performed at the Harrison’s national historic landmark residence for a Halloween event. She had dreamt of starting her own theatre company, and she had been looking for a distinctive venue. Wing, a former dancer, actor and model in New York and Tulsa, had an epiphany walking through the home. “This would be an awesome place to perform theatre,” she realized.
It is a unique partnership between the theatre company and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Candlelight Theatre is the only program in the country performing staged theatre in a former U.S. President’s home.
Instantly Wing began to visualize an audience immersed in the rooms and what it would look like to perform there. It all came together in her mind. Her dreams were further validated when she later realized that President Harrison’s wife, Caroline, actually
Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies
INDY METRO / OCTOBER 2018 / TownePost.com
hosted theatre performances in the home. “Caroline had a wagon placed in the library and they were performing by candlelight,” says Wing in regards to the inspiration for the theatre’s name. After a 90-minute meeting with the former Presidential Site CEO Phyllis Geeslin, Candlelight Theatre opened its curtains a year later in 2004. Since that time, the partnership has continued to flourish and grow. In 2014, Wing and new CEO Charles Hyde discussed how to further increase Candlelight Theatre’s impact. That conversation resulted in doubling annual productions.
Wing is proud of the partnership and the success that the Candlelight Theatre has experienced in the last 15 years. “As a national landmark, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site attracts people from all over the globe,” she says. “This venue is unlike any other in the world.” For more information about the Candlelight Theatre and where you can purchase tickets, visit CandlelightTheatre.org or call 317-631-1888 and make plans to attend a performance during the 2018-2019 season. All proceeds go right back to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
Wing, joined by Playwright in Residence James Trofatter, along with seasoned actors, now produce four plays a year at the Candlelight Theatre. They offer a combination of distinctive mysteries, comedies and historically-inspired plays brought together with ambient candlelight. It all comes together to create a one of a kind experience that keeps patrons coming back. These high quality productions are unique in style and theme, and almost always sell out. Fall performances have a ghostly, Halloween theme where audiences experience the entire mansion. Winter features favorite holiday traditions and folklore. The spring production includes a full evening of theatre with three short-act mysteries performed intimately, each using a room in salon style. Summer is hosted either at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site or a specially selected satellite location where guests are seated in a traditional theatre setting for a full-length play. With a nationally-significant collection of over 10,000 artifacts, and 75-80% of the furnishings in the home original to the Harrison family, this accredited museum exudes special authenticity as a theatre venue. The original furniture in the home has been maintained and is kept in the rooms for guests to see during the performances. The furnishings serve as a stage unlike any other, and add a deep layer of history to the overall experience. The combination of venue and unique theatre offerings have built a strong local following. Season ticket holder Marian Haerle is one of many who keep coming back. “I enjoy theater as well as history,” Haerle says. “Candlelight Theatre allows me to combine great acting in a historical setting. I am always excited to share the experience with family and friends. I have gone so far as to become a member of the Benjamin Harrison [Presidential Site] and a season ticket holder for the theatre. The theatre is not only entertaining but gives me a chance to learn as well.”
Photo by Ryan Wing
2018-2019 SEASON THE (WHITE) HOUSE OF HORRORS OCTOBER 12, 13, 19, 20, 27, 28, 2018
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… DECEMBER 13, 14, 15, 16, 2018
MURDER AND THE MACABRE APRIL 13, 14, 26, 27, 28 | MAY 3, 4, 2019
NIGHT WATCH JULY 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 2019
While the plays are professionally run, the actors are local volunteers. Because of the wide range of theatre productions, they are constantly looking for seasoned actors. Those interested should email CandleLightTheatreBHPS@gmail.com.
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BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST! CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TOP SUBMISSIONS! Photo From Trung Chenh
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Writer / Carrie Petty
future seasons to come!
With the hot summer days comes a slight tendency to desire her to come to an end. Fall brings such a welcome relief to Indiana gardeners. It is the most glorious season for Hoosiers, what with the fall color and fun autumn weekends with tailgates and bonfires. If autumn were a family member, she would most certainly be your mom. She is beautiful, full of activity, brings a wonderful harvest to the family dinner table and swift to teach us to prepare for the
Autumn rains and chilly nights bring on a quick shift in the amount of time left to complete our many outdoor tasks before the hustle of the holiday season begins. This is the time to pack it up, folks! Putting the garden to ‘bed’ for a long winter’s nap is important to her health and important to the abundance of success for the following spring growing season. Remove any plant foliage that has gone to INDY METRO / OCTOBER 2018 / TownePost.com
seed and died back, if left in the garden it will create disease and fungus. No one likes fungus among us! Mulch over any tender perennials so that the winter’s freezing and thawing won’t make the root balls of the plants heave up close to the surface, which then allows them to freeze and die. One of my favorite tasks is planting an abundance of spring flowering bulbs, do you know why? Because I constantly forget what I have planted and where, then when spring comes it is a wonderful surprise.
Croms, however, I make sure I lift and sort out the old from the new croms, let them dry a bit and store them in a box of sawdust indoors, away from varmints. This allows the flowers, like your gladioli and begonias, to stay healthy for the spring planting season to come. Now, a quick word on chemicals, not all are terrible and some are utterly necessary if you want to grow flowers, like roses. But find organic types if you can. And please note that using last year’s chemicals only creates a stronger infestation, due to the fact that a weakened, older chemical is easier to survive as a beetle and strengthens the insect’s resolve, manifesting in a resistant strain of insect that can beat the system. Water features, ponds and fountains need to be cleaned out of autumn falling leaves, drained and covered. I keep our pond running with a heater for the winter, it is always so beautiful when the ground is covered in snow. I use nice hunter green tarps with elastic cords to cover our fountains for the winter, this way it is not too unsightly. Cuttings from the plants you love are a wonderful way to keep the garden growing indoors during the long winter months. I bring indoors some tender annuals and make cutting of my Coleus, Salvia and Hydrangeas. I place the cutting in a terra cotta pot and place in a sunny window. Keeping everything well watered. You will have new garden family members in no time. Enjoy these glorious months ahead, get outdoors and get busy. Wash windows to let in the abundant sunshine and fill your family harvest table with delicious meals of soups and stews. Keep visiting the farmer’s markets as they come to a close and mostly give thanks. Be proud to be a Hoosier, because we truly live in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Just all a part of helping you all, “Grow a More Beautiful Life!”
FALL GARDEN CHECK LIST • Compost your annuals • Plant a multitude of spring flowering bulbs • Save seeds from flower heads, dry on newspaper and store airtight • Journal the year’s successes, failures and needed changes • Keep up with leaf removal • Fall application of lawn weed and feed • Empty gardening containers, disinfect well and store • Cut dried Hydrangeas and bring indoors for fall arrangements • Service outdoor equipment • Sharpen, oil and store gardening tools • Add good compost to the garden beds & turn under • Wash windows to let as much sunshine in for winter months • Drain hoses and turn off spigots to prevent freeze • Make any outdoor repairs now • Roast some marshmallows
TownePost.com / OCTOBER 2018 / INDY METRO
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SOUTH CENTRAL SOCCER ACADEMY STILL THRIVING MORE THAN 30 YEARS LATER Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Amy Payne
atGreenwood.com / OCTOBER 2018 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 17
he fact that South Central Soccer Academy is the largest privately-owned youth soccer club in the state of Indiana is rather impressive considering the organization’s humble beginnings more than 30 years ago, and the obstacles its leaders faced along the way. Back in the late 1970s, a small group of southside parents formed the Center Grove Soccer Club (CGSC) with a little help from the Center Grove school system. At that time, the kids involved were using the soccer fields at North Grove and West Grove elementary schools, but after a few years, membership had begun to grow so rapidly that the club’s leaders realized they’d soon need bigger facilities for practices and league games. Luckily for the CGSC, a local resident named Linda Campbell had become president, and by 1983 Linda had worked out a deal with Center Grove High School, whereby CGSC players had first rights to the high school’s soccer and softball fields. Membership expanded to around 1,500 annually by the late 1980s, and the club had grown to include a few travel teams.
Steve Campbell, Executive Director & Students
You don’t have to be from Center Grove to be part of our club - you can be from anywhere. We truly are a place for everyone to play soccer. -Linda Campbell
Despite CGSC’s agreement with the high school, Linda would often find herself in heated disagreements with the school’s baseball and football teams over field use. “Soccer was still kind of small-time back then - it was always a fight with those teams to have areas for the kids to play soccer, and even though she had first rights, the baseball and football coaches would take over,” says Steve Campbell, current executive director of the club and Linda’s son. “It wasn’t pleasant at times - she was this five-foot-five lady fighting off these big burly football and baseball coaches so her kids could play soccer.” In 1991 board member David Tucker 18 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2018 / atGreenwood.com
eyed some land along Whiteland Road that currently serves as the main headquarters for the club (now known as South Central Soccer Academy after the 2008 merging of its two travel soccer programs, Center Grove Travel and South Central Select). To Tucker and his fellow board members, the spot’s 44 acres seemed like a no-brainer for the club’s new home, but fresh obstacles had yet to rear their heads. “The board members couldn’t get a bank loan without some sort of personal guarantee, despite the club’s good history and good membership numbers,” says Campbell, who has served as executive director for four years. “My mom and four other board members personally guaranteed their homes to purchase the land. Not many people around here know that. And they were desperately trying to
raise funds to begin with.” By 1993, after years of fundraising, donations and sponsorship campaigns, the club finally had its own facilities, which today include fields, a concession building, restrooms and two shelters. In 2010 a 10,000-square-foot indoor complex was added to the grounds for clinics, games, training and awards ceremonies. “It was really her field of dreams - she was willing to do whatever she could to make it happen,” Campbell says of Linda, who served as president for 15 years and for whom the club’s field was named in the spring of 1993. “Twenty-five years later, that dream lives on thanks to her and those board members like David Tucker who did the hard work to make it happen. I can’t thank those folks, and our
members, enough for what we’ve been able to achieve.” Today South Central Soccer Academy offers multiple outdoor and indoor soccer programs for Hoosier kids, teens and adults. The organization’s TOPSoccer program was formed to offer free, structured soccer in the spring and fall for kids aged four and up with mental or physical disabilities. “You don’t have to be from Center Grove to be part of our club - you can be from anywhere,” Campbell adds. “We truly are a place for everyone to play soccer.” For more information including a registration form, a listing of soccer programs and leagues, a volunteer page and info on scholarships for families in need, visit southcentralsocceracademy.com.
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Mother of Nine Gives Insight Into Their Chaotic Love “It’s a team effort, for sure,” says Megan, who is grateful to Sean for playing a big role in the When local Greenwood mom Megan Delaney day-to-day life of their family. “I couldn’t do first gave birth in 2008 at IU Health West this if it weren’t for him.” Hospital in Avon, she never imagined she’d be back every year since to do the same, but Though Sean works a full-time job in sales and that’s the way her big, beautiful life has played engineering, he is sure to be present for meals, out — to create a big, beautiful family. And sports practices and morning and afternoon she couldn’t be happier, having given birth routines. this past July to her ninth child — a daughter named Sloane. She and her husband Sean’s Megan, who has essentially been pregnant for other children are Coyle (9), Shea (8), Cayce a decade, doesn’t mind the physicality of the (7), Cael (6), Quinn (5), Brynn (3), Colyn pregnancy. Nor does she mind the chaos of a (2) and Cadyn (17 months). growing family — in fact, she thrives on it. Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Though nurses in the maternity ward are taking bets on whether Megan will return next year to make it an even 10, one thing is certain: the Delaneys feel beyond blessed.
“We have two quotes hanging in our home that nicely sums up our household,” Megan says. “One is, ‘Normal around here is just a setting on the dryer.’ The other is, ‘Some call it chaos — we call it family.’”
Though pandemonium reigns, Megan has found the secret to enjoying a slice of morning calm is to get organized the night before by packing lunches and setting out clothes, shoes and hair bows. They also stagger their morning wake-up routines to keep the line for the bathroom to a minimum. “Don’t get me wrong. We’re never early birds to anything,” Megan says. “My husband jokes that loading the car or getting the kids ready for bed is like landing a 747 in that we have to start planning our approach well in advance.” Thankfully, the older offspring are now able to assist with things like rocking, burping and changing the babies — a responsibility they relish. Family and friends also pitch in — especially Sean’s father and Megan’s mother. They often split up the tribe so no one person is responsible for nine children.
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“Not many people can handle all of them at once,” says Megan, noting that although she attempts to plan a monthly date night with her hubby, realistically that happens just once or twice a year. “It usually involves dinner and a trip to Sam’s Club,” says Megan with a chuckle. “But that counts if I get to enjoy adult conversation without being interrupted 50 times.” Both Megan and Sean grew up in large families — four children on both sides, each with two boys and two girls. But that’s nothing compared to their parents. Sean’s dad comes from a family of nine. Megan’s dad was one of 12 and her mom was one of 10. “My granddad sends me a big bouquet of flowers every year when I give birth,” Megan says. “This year Sloane became his 78th great-grandchild!” Though the Delaney’s knew they wanted a big family when they got married, they never had a set amount in their heads. As if nine children doesn’t keep them busy enough, last Christmas the family adopted two Mini Goldendoodle puppies. “It was my husband’s idea,” Megan says. “And he insisted we get two because he was afraid one wouldn’t survive all the attention.” Speaking of attention, the couple sometimes tires of fielding the same questions and comments from passerbys such as, “Wow, are they all yours?” or “Woah, you’re nuts!” They do, however, hear plenty of kind comments as well, often from older generations who encourage the family to appreciate every minute. “They tell us what a blessing the children all are and how lucky we are,” Megan says. “And they’re right.” Nurses at IU Health West have told Megan the same about her nine easy-peasy smooth as silk deliveries. That’s due, in large part, to the tremendous care Megan has always received at the hospital. 22 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2018 / atGreenwood.com
“IU Health West feels like home to me,” she says. “I can’t imagine giving birth anywhere else.” Breastfeeding has been an integral part of her journey as well. Through the years, Jan Record, lactation consultant at IU Health West Hospital, has gotten to know the family well. “It’s been a privilege supporting Megan through her breastfeeding experience with each of the nine babies, and then getting to see the babies grow into healthy kids,” Jan says. “Megan has been an inspiration to many of the moms in our breastfeeding support group.” The couple does their best to make every dollar stretch given the various expenses children bring, including food, doctor visits, school tuition and sports registration fees. Though Megan occasionally ventures out in public with all the troops in their
12-passenger van (“You can’t miss us!” jokes Megan), she readily admits to adoring the curbside grocery pick-up systems that are now offered at several stores. “The kids like to help the employees load the van and look at all the stuff as it comes in,” Megan says. “I like not having to battle the aisles with nine kids in tow.”
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“We sanitize like crazy and keep the sick one isolated from the others,” Megan says. “The hardest part of the sickness challenge is making sure you’re giving equal attention to every one of them.”
But if she does go inside, there’s a good chance she’ll snap a photo of the experience. Because the old joke about parents losing interest in commemorating special moments with each subsequent child does not hold true of Megan. In fact, she’s so intent on capturing each one of her baby’s firsts that multiple times she has run out of storage space on her phone.
And that’s true when everyone is healthy as well. Megan and Sean carve out individualized time with each of their children so none of them feels neglected.
“I’m a picture-a-holic,” she admits. “But I’ve got to get those falling-asleep-in-thehighchair pics!”
“Sometimes one of the kids will ask me if they can have a friend over, and I’ll tell them to go grab a sibling,” Megan says. “They are close in age so everyone has a buddy.”
Then there are the pitifully sick pics. Though
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thus far the family has not experienced any terribly contagious illnesses that have, one by one, wiped out the entire clan.
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“So far, there’s not much jealousy among them,” says Megan, though she admits that in the presence of nine children, there’s always a playmate nearby.
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