Center Grove Magazine December 2025

M erry Christmas

LOVE YOUR extraordinary LIFE

In every routine checkup, every hospital stay and every interaction – we see the extraordinary in you.

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It’s Time to Take Control of YOUR SPINE HEALTH

Trust the Most Comprehensive Spinal Care Team on the Southside

At Indiana Spine Group, our highly trained specialists work together to determine the best treatment options. We take a patient-centered care approach, providing individualized treatment and attention to your specific needs. Our team has received extensive training in the latest and most effective techniques to diagnose and deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

We are determined to improve your pain and get you back to the activities you love.

• Treatment of back pain, neck pain, sciatica, shooting leg or arm pain, numbness in extremities and work-related injuries

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• Experienced, Compassionate, Board Certified, Fellowship-trained

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• No referral necessary, unless your insurance requires it

JEFF KONOPKA, MD SPINE SURGEON (317) 428-5043 BRIAN ADAMS, MD

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GREENWOOD | 747 East County Line Road, Suite L, Greenwood, IN 46143 COLUMBUS | 2326 East 18th Street, Suite 130, Columbus, IN 47201 BLOOMINGTON | 541 S. Landmark Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47403

Center Grove Resident Gets Creative with Her Wrapping Skills

HITTING THE HIGH NOTES Center Grove’s New Band Director Aims to Elevate Storied Program

KOVACS

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Standout Fall for Center Grove Athletics

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AUTO

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

AUTOMOTIVE GREENWOOD (317) 740-1883 cbac.com/greenwood

KOPETSKY AUTO WASH (844) 927-4386 CG (844) 529-2833 GW kwash.com

MY BABY DETAILING (317) 360-9222 mybabydetailing.com

BANKING

JCBANK (317) 884-8817 jcbank.com

COUNSELING

SERENITY COUNSELING COACHING CONSULTING (317) 210-0662 serenitynowllc.com

DENTAL

SAUER DENTISTRY (317) 865-1234 sauerdentistry.com

EVENT CENTERS

CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 668-1515 churchonjefferson.com

FITNESS

VICTORY STRENGTH & FITNESS (317) 721-2821 victorystrengthandfitness.net

FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

ELEVATE HEALTH (317) 708-0798 www.elevatehealthcg.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

JOHNSON MEMORIAL HEALTH (317) 736-3300 johnsonmemorial.org

ORTHOINDY (317) 802-2000 orthoindy.com

FRANCISCAN (317) 528-5000 franciscanhealth.org

HOME BUILDERS

D.R. HORTON HOMES

Lone Pine Farms & Meadows at Belleview drhorton.com/Indiana/indianapolis

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

COOL INTERIORS, LLC DECORATE • DECLUTTER • UNPACK • ORGANIZE (317) 223-3042 facebook.com/coolinteriorsllc

CLOSETS BY DESIGN (317) 766-9001 closetsbydesign.com

FURNITURE FAIR (800) 966-3040 furniturefair.net/pages/greenwood

HOME SERVICES

RAPTOR ROOFING (317) 886-0696 raptorroofing.com

VIP HOME SOLUTIONS & RESTORATION (317) 883-4847 vip-homesolutions.com

WINTERS PLUMBING (317) 696-5844 wintersplumbers.com

INSURANCE

INDIANA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE/ NEER AGENCY (317) 360-7500 x3321 infarmbureau.com/agency/owner/ Bryan-Neer-JohnsonGreenwood-IN

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JCBANK (812) 524-7965 jcbank.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

JCBANK (317) 506-7235 jcbank.com

SPA

BAYBERRY SPA (317) 893-5370 bayberryspa.com

SPORTS

CG SPORTS NETWORK @cgsportsnetwork

TREE SERVICE

BENJAMIN INDY TREE SERVICE (317) 657-7732

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WEDDING SERVICES

JUST THE TWO OF US WEDDING SERVICES LLC (317) 416-7777 justthetwoofus weddingservices.com

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$20 OF HOLIDAY FLAVOR, ON US

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VERDE BRINGS FLAVORS OF MEXICO TO GREENWOOD

Writer & Photographer / Stephanie Duncan

Looking for a new restaurant hitting Greenwood’s food scene? A popular local Mexican restaurant, Verde, recently opened its fifth location in April, and the Verde team has enthusiastically offered up its authentic flavor to Indy’s Southside residents.

Verde Greenwood is located at Greenwood Park Mall at 1251 U.S. Hwy. 31 N, Suite 140.

“We love this spot because it feels like the heart of the community,” says co-owner and operator Paul Aréchiga. “It’s where families, friends and neighbors can come together for great food, shopping, good conversation and a laid-back atmosphere.”

The new space is bright and colorful, with ample room for large groups.

“It’s the kind of place where you can grab tacos after a soccer game or meet friends for happy hour and end up staying longer than planned,” Aréchiga says.

The goal at Verde is simple — serve food that makes

people happy. Owned and operated by the Aréchiga family, they lovingly share their rich culture through their collective restaurants.

“We take the flavors we grew up with and make them fresh, flavorful and easy to love,” he says. “Everything is made from scratch with quality ingredients and lots of heart.”

The cuisine gets its inspiration from Guadalajara, the hometown of Aréchiga and his family. Guadalajara is renowned for its excellent cuisine and is also celebrated as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila.

One of the most popular dishes is the Carne Asada Steak. Marinated and grilled on an open fire, it’s served with panela cheese, rice, beans, onions and cactus. Other must-try dishes are the tamales and the Molcajete.

“If you’re coming with friends or family, the Molcajete Verde is the way to go,” Aréchiga says. “It comes sizzling hot with steak, chicken, shrimp, cactus and cheese. It’s big, flavorful and made to share.”

These dishes sum up what Verde is all about: big flavor and made to share.

Every Verde location has its own personality, and if you’re a cocktail fan, the Greenwood location is worth exploring. The bar has a larger focus on margaritas and cocktails, with an emphasis on tropical flavors. They’ve also introduced new menu items, including Roasted Poblano Enchiladas and Pineapple Habanero Wings.

“From the very first day, the Greenwood community has shown us so much love,” Aréchiga says. “We’ve seen families come in every week, kids who already know their favorite dishes, and lots of familiar faces becoming part of the Verde family. We’re really thankful for the warm welcome.”

With more than half a year under their belts, the Verde Greenwood team is gearing up for the holiday season with festive cocktails and a New Year’s celebration event.

In January, guests get an opportunity to try all the different tequilas and mezcals during their Tequila Tasting Nights. Explore the distinct characteristics of each spirit and discover which pairings complement their signature dishes best.

Verde offers vibrant lunch, dinner and drink menus, along with catering services. You can make a reservation online at verdeflavorsofmexico.com.

5-STAR RATING

FROM CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

When you choose Johnson Memorial Health, you’re choosing care that’s been nationally recognized for both quality and safety, two things that matter most when your health on the line.

Our 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS and “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group means you can feel confident you’re getting exceptional care, right here in Johnson County.

DESTINATION: JOHNSON COUNTY

HOW TOURISM OFFICIALS & CITY LEADERS ARE GEARING UP FOR SPRING 2026

Writer / Devon Dean

By the time the weather warms up next spring, Johnson County residents will have three additional options to venture out to the southern part of the county to dance, drink and dine.

Trafalgar, Edinburgh, and Bargersville are all in the midst of adding new outdoor venues to their respective downtown spaces, with Bargersville being first to open its new plaza and bandshell this past summer.

For Festival Country Indiana Executive Director of Tourism, Ken Kosky, these projects have been a long time in the making. County tourism officials collaborated with a consultant to develop a shared vision that would connect all municipalities in the county, attracting visitors while engaging current residents to explore their own communities.

“You can’t call yourself ‘Festival Country’

if you don’t continue to grow that idea,” Kosky says. “When we started this process, we found that we already have live music in many of our communities, so it seems like everywhere you turn, people are already engaging in live music.”

Kosky says that realization drove the festival board to approve $200,000 in funding to help Edinburgh and Trafalgar create outdoor music venues. At the same time, Bargersville already has an outdoor venue in Umbarger Plaza, and city officials say a second one is in the works.

Creating new spaces is part of the central idea of bringing in more tourism dollars to Johnson County.

“If you have a central gathering point that’s outdoors, even people who are driving by that may not have known what’s going on may stop in,” he says. “These venues encourage residents and visitors alike

to get in the habit of coming down to their outdoor venue of choice during the warmer months of the year and enjoying an outdoor concert, hang out with friends, and go to some food trucks.”

Ultimately, Kosky would like to see these spaces transform into hosting events yearround. But, baby steps.

“We’ve brought ice-skating to our communities for the past three years,” he says. “The first year it was in Franklin at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater. Last year, it was in downtown Edinburgh, and this year it’s at Johnson County Park from December 13-21.”

Kosky says their ultimate goal is to build a permanent ice-skating rink and then host a winter market and ice carving festival similar to Carmel’s successful Christkindlmarket.

Trafalgar’s new outdoor venue is being constructed near the Johnson County Public Library branch and the Connection Pointe Church satellite campus. Edinburgh’s new plaza will be in a former parking lot site downtown.

“Earlier this year, we purchased a property adjacent to downtown,” says Edinburgh Executive Director for Economic Development Sarah Drybread. “It’s one of the key gateway locations right across from the library. It had been a doctor’s office for decades, but when that practice relocated, the half-acre parcel became available. It’s already connected to where we host many of our downtown celebrations, like the Fall Festival, Firecracker Festival, and Holiday Lighting Celebration.”

Drybread says the planning began last year after Edinburgh hosted ice skating in December.

“It became clear that we needed a yearround downtown hub,” she says. “A place for outdoor concerts, festivals, and familyfriendly activities that would support our local businesses and attract new ones.”

Edinburgh also received a grant from the IU Center for Rural Engagement and joined their Rural Placemaking Studio. Over the past year, the city has worked with architectural students from IU’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, who developed a conceptual design for the new plaza.

“We knew we wanted an amphitheaterstyle space, plenty of room for our farmers market vendors, and a way to honor our local history, particularly the Blue River Dam,” Drybread says. “When the dam was removed in October 2024, we salvaged its original stones, which once played a key role in Edinburgh’s economy back in the 1880s. The plan is to repurpose those stones as amphitheater-style seating around the plaza — both a tribute to our heritage and a functional design element.”

Drybread says the addition of a plaza to Edinburgh will capitalize on the inroads the town has already made to attract

visitors and re-engage locals.

“We’ve got Johnson, Shelby, and Bartholomew Counties,” she says. “We’ve got residents across all three counties, but we also have some major attractions in each of those with the Timbergate Golf Course, the Edinburgh outlet mall, and our sports complex in those counties as well.”

Drybread believes these projects are a

catalyst for something bigger for Johnson County as a whole.

“I’d like to see a more regional approach to entertainment,” she says. “I can see our whole county doing a big outdoor concert series where you’ve got a month of rotating bands and something every single weekend in a different part of the county for people to experience.”

The Festival Country website paints an

already active picture — it currently lists more than 2,500 events annually just in Johnson County alone. Kosky says additional concerts will boost those event numbers in the years to come.

“People are actually shocked there are so many options now,” he says. “Basically, events are happening every weekend and even most weeknights.”

Word-of-mouth is also spreading.

“It’s always great when we see more visitors from places like Carmel, Cincinnati, and Columbus,” Kosky says. “They stop by the visitor center in downtown Franklin and say, ‘Wow, we’re blown away by how much there is to do and the great vibe you’ve created here.’ In addition to everything we’ve talked about, anyone who has been to downtown Franklin recently has probably spotted our Instagram-worthy alleys we’ve created with local artists.”

Franklin hosts Artcraft Alley, the Intersection Mural, Kuji Alley, and Veterans Alley, which reopened back in September.

More information about upcoming Johnson County events can be found on festivalcountryindiana.com.

FAMILY STORIES SHARED LOCAL AUTHOR CREATES BOOKS THAT SPARK CONVERSATION

Writer / Melissa Gibson

The Center Grove author of the Danda the Panda series is at it again with two new releases.

“Danda the Panda: Unexpected Friends” by Terri RobertsLeonard brings new characters and a new topic for families to talk about.

“I worked with my kindergartner, Jordan,” she says. “She created a giraffe named Jordy and a mouse named Mason. This book is about Jordy and Danda helping Mason Mouse understand that it’s okay to be friends with others that aren’t like you.”

The children’s author has a passion for educating and sharing information regarding family experiences.

Roberts-Leonard is mother to three adopted children and says that while most understand the concept of adoption, many believe the children come home and everyone lives happily ever after. More often than not, the dynamic is much more complex, and those complex issues can be applied to every family.

For example, in “Danda the Panda: Unexpected Friends,” there’s a reoccurring llama character that bothers Mason about being friends with the elephant.

“Mason stands up to him but it didn’t really change the mean character,” Roberts-Leonard says. “Many children’s books end with everything being perfect in the end. In this book, we learn that sometimes you stand up for yourself and the other person (or llama) may not care. You have to stand up for yourself anyway.”

Roberts-Leonard enjoys taking discussions and subjects that she sees her family going through and turning them into an educational but fun book for other families. She regularly attends vendor fairs and reads her books to grade school children.

She also enjoys creating a legacy for her own family.

“I want this to be our family thing, no pun intended,” she says. “I’m big on education and I think writing sparks creativity. It uses different parts of their brains We’re starting from scratch and learning character development and illustration, and I think doing academic things outside of school can be fun and creative.”

It’s a message she wants all families to hear.

Shifting away from the Danda the Panda series, Roberts-Leonard has also worked with her 10-year-old son, Justin, on a recently released book, “That’s My Thing,” looking at the skills and abilities from person to person.

The illustrations are based on her three children, and the plot is based on a true story.

“Justin was frustrated with basketball last year,” she says. “He didn’t do as well as he wanted, and we learned that sometimes

“You can do this too,” she says. “I have an 11-year-old working on a book aimed at tweens that will be published in 2026, but the greatest thing about children’s books is that they serve as a catalyst for conversation. If you have a hard time discussing a particular subject, find a book about it. Sometimes it’s easier to talk about tough things through the character’s experiences.”

Follow Roberts-Leonard on Instagram @lovemakesafamilystories and on Facebook @dandathepanda.

ADVENTURE UNKNOWN

LOCAL WOMAN TAKES MEMORABLE

NO-ITINERARY TRIP TO EUROPE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

When the waves move slowly, there’s not much sound, but when boats create waves or the wind picks up, the organ makes a louder melodic tone.

“Every night at sunset people would sit for an hour and listen to the sea organ,” Edel says.

During their month-long stay in Croatia, the friends rented a car and embarked on a five-day trip to Split, a big city on the coast. They toured Dubrovnik, where several seasons of “Game of Thrones” were filmed, then returned to Split and rode a ferry to Hvar for three nights.

They also took a mini trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. There they explored 16 small lakes that connect into cascading waterfalls. They started at the top and did a four-hour guided tour down to the bottom.

“It was 22,000 steps,” Edel says. “It was insane but absolutely worth it.”

During the second leg of the trip, the pair flew to Venice, Italy, where they met up with their daughters to visit Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal, where they took a gondola ride. Next came Florence, where Edel and her daughter walked the stunning Boboli Gardens filled with trees, sculptures and both natural and modern art.

In Tuscany, they did a wine and food tour, signed up for a pastamaking class and took a train to Rome, where they saw the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. They also toured the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The Jubilee — a religious event celebrated every 25 years — happened to take place during Edel’s visit. The Holy Doors in St. Peter’s Basilica were open, allowing her to walk through.

“I’m Catholic, and walking through the Holy Doors is supposed to give you a spiritual renewal,” she says.

The foursome also visited the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of southern Italy’s coastline overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. One day they went to Pompeii, the ancient Roman city near Naples buried under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79.

“That was really cool,” Edel says. “Archaeologists are still in the process of uncovering the city.”

After 10 days together, the girls flew home while the moms continued traveling through Greece. They visited Santorini to relax by the pool, lounge on the beach and browse the local shops.

“We could be adults again, so we had a lot of fun,” Edel says, noting that Greece was just what she envisioned — cobblestone streets, white concrete walls and blue roofs and doors.

They took a ferry to Mykonos, an island famous for its nightlife and luxury shopping. Edel happened to be there the same time reality star Kylie Jenner was in Mykonos, and basketball legend Michael Jordan was on a private yacht when she was in Croatia.

During their five days in Mykonos, they visited two of the high-energy beach clubs, including Paradise Beach. Home to Tropicana Beach Club, it’s one of the most iconic beaches in the world.

“Those beaches were bougie,” Edel says. “At 4 p.m. music started cranking, and dancers would come out and dance until 10 p.m.”

After six weeks, Edel’s friend flew home while Edel went on to Naxos, where she once again chatted with the islanders. She dreams of returning to Greece someday to spend six months working in a local business during the busy season.

Edel, who was gone from June 19 through Aug. 10, is thrilled she took this magical trip.

“I thought about waiting, but then I decided I’m not waiting anymore. I wanted to do this for myself,” Edel says. “This is my self-love year — doing what I want, when I want.”

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PACKAGING AS FUN AS THE PACKAGE

LIFETIME CENTER GROVE RESIDENT GETS CREATIVE WITH HER WRAPPING SKILLS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

As a young girl, Cinderella John learned the magic of creativity when her mother taught her how to sew. It’s a skill that has served her throughout her life. When she was asked to be in several of her friends’ weddings years ago, her mom wasn’t happy that she had to pay for bridesmaid dresses that would never be worn again.

“When I got married, my mom said she didn’t care how many friends I had in my bridal party, but she told me that I had to make all of their dresses,” John says. “So, I did! I made their dresses, my dress, and dresses for the girls that served the refreshments.”

John, who went on to work as a hairdresser for 54 years, has continued to sew, making custom sweatshirts, Army jackets, and jeans

for her members of her family. For instance, one of her daughters loves to go to the Indy 500, so every year John creates a unique pattern for her bellbottom jeans.

“Last year, I put all the different colored flags around the bellbottom part,” she says.

Another one of her daughters is a teacher, so John made Dr. Suess bellbottoms for her.

Eight years ago, John began a new creative venture when she started fashioning unique wrapping for each of the Christmas gifts she gave out. Each design utilizes three boxes because ever since their four children were young, John and her husband had a three-gift rule.

“I didn’t want Christmas to get totally out

of hand, so I said everybody was going to receive three gifts because that’s what Jesus got,” John says.

While she admits that sometimes there’s more than one present per box, the threebox rule stands. Therefore, when she came up with the idea to make the presentation of those boxes more decorative and fun, she had to think of designs that incorporated three stacked boxes. The first year she made snowmen for everyone in the family, and that includes children, spouses, grandkids, and great grandkids. This means that every year John makes roughly 32 of these box

designs (perhaps a few more if a grandchild invites a girlfriend or boyfriend for the holidays).

John usually glues the boxes together, stacking one on top of the other. For the snowmen, she had a lot of white paper left over, so she printed an 8x10 picture on paper of each of the 15 grandkids and great grandkids.

“I put their eyes, nose, and mouth on a box but didn’t glue anything together,”

she says. “They had to find their face, which made it extra fun.”

Each year she browses Pinterest to select a new theme. Past projects have included the Grinch and reindeer. This year she hopes to tackle the Nutcracker, although she admits that’s a tough nut to crack. “I’ve only done one so far, and I’m not sure it’ll work out,” she says. “They are tricky!”

Because these creations are so time-

intensive, John must start on them in early October, making a few each week, in order to be done by Christmas. As she works on them, she tries to keep them hidden to amplify anticipation for the big reveal on Christmas Day.

“That can be hard since we live in a garden home that’s not very big, but it’s okay if the family sees them ahead of time. It’s still fun,” she says.

Not surprisingly, these decorations have

become a tradition for the family as they delight in seeing the exterior packaging as much as they do the gift itself.

“I’ve been so blessed with my life,” John says. “I grew up in a great family in the best of times.”

Speaking of family, John has long ties to Center Grove. She, along with her parents, grandparents, and great-great uncle Paschal Earl Dorrell, are all alumni of Center Grove High School. Uncle Paschal was one of four students in Center Grove High School’s first graduating class in 1888.

Given that a creative mind cannot sit still, John is currently thinking up her next project.

“I thoroughly enjoy making things,” she says. “Crafting is so much fun.”

CENTER GROVE’S ANIKA RUPP LEAVES HER MARK ON CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT

Center Grove’s own Anika Rupp has created a piece of local history — at just 11 years old.

In 2023, when she was only 11, Anika entered Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s Glühwein Boot Mug design contest that invited all ages and abilities of the public to design one of the market’s most recognizable symbols. Earlier this year, it was announced that, among the hundreds of entries, her design had been selected as the official 2025 mug.

Anika’s winning creation — a charming Ice Skate mug — captures both winter magic and clever detail. The boot-shaped mug features carefully drawn laces and stitching along the upper portion and gleaming skate blades forming the base. The result is a playful yet elegant design that stands out among the market’s collectibles and is a fitting tribute to one of the market’s premier attractions – the ice-skating rink.

Her mother, Keri Rupp, explains that Anika’s design was inspired by her love of ice skating and her interest in the Market is literally inherited.

“We have family in Germany,” she says. “Anika has been to the German Christkindlmarkts and, of course, Carmel Christkindlmarkt. It’s such a sweet design. This whole experience just fits so well into our family story.”

For Anika, the honor goes beyond recognition. With more than 50,000 mugs produced and now available for purchase, her artwork will be used, displayed and saved by tens of thousands of visitors. Collectors consider each year’s mug a timeless keepsake, and Anika’s design is expected to become one of the most memorable in the series.

“Rupp’s creative design stood out among all the submissions, and we’re delighted to feature it on this year’s mug,” a Carmel Christkindlmarkt Facebook post read. “We hope you love it as

much as we do!”

The mugs debuted at Carmel Christkindlmarkt when it opened November 22. As part of her prize, Anika was awarded $1,000, most of which the wise Center Grove middle schooler put into savings.

“Anika has always been creative,” Keri adds. “She draws, sings and loves being involved in theatre with Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy. She understands that this is a pretty special honor. I’m proud of not only her creativity but also for putting herself out there.”

Now, with her Ice Skate mug becoming a festive favorite, Anika’s talent is on display for the entire region to enjoy. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt continues through December 24.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025

DECEMBER

1 – 21

ATHENAEUM

CHRISTKINDLMARKT

Rathskeller, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis

Twinkling lights, a dazzling bandshell, and a fairy-tale scene in the heart of Mass Avenue’s Arts District. Eat, drink, and be merry as the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt returns to the enchanted Rathskeller Biergarten. Experience an authentic winter market with traditional vendor huts featuring holiday wares and local handicrafts. Enjoy German food, live entertainment, and highlighted holiday celebrations from around the globe, including Krampusnacht, Sankt Nikolaus Fest, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Hanukkah! It’s a feast for your senses.

1 – 23

THE HOLIDAY STROLL AT KELSAY FARMS

6848 N. 250 East, Whiteland 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays Stroll through Kelsay Farms for a magical holiday experience. Bring your cameras for larger-than-life decorations. Relax amongst the lights and the trees while sipping your hot cocoa by a warm campfire. Enjoy the live Nativity.

1 - 24

CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMRKT

10 Carter Green, Carmel

4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wed/Thurs; 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri/Sat; 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sun

Experience the authentic

German tradition of Christkindlmarkt. Enjoy delicious German food and beverages from over 60 huts, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy holiday music performed by artists from around the world. Watch in awe as German artisans and craftsmen demonstrate their creations onsite or lace up your skates and glide to the sights and sounds of Christmas. Bring home this year’s Glühwein Boot Mug designed by Center Grove’s Anika Rupp!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

5

YULETIDE ON BALDWIN

Baldwin St., Downtown Bargersville

4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

This inaugural event will make your season merry and bright featuring pictures with Santa in Santa’s Village, Pathway of Lights, North Pole Street Fair, live reindeer, kids’ activities, sweet treats and warm drinks, and a spectacular holiday lighting.

6

HOLIDAY LIGHTING AND WINTER MARKET

5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin

11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Enjoy the all-day holiday festivities including the Winter Market, live nativity, food vendors, visit with Santa at Santa Shack, holiday cookie contest, live entertainment, a lighted parade along Jefferson Street at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting at the courthouse square at 7 p.m.

13 - 21

ICE SKATING AT JOHNSON COUNTY PARK

Hours & Admission

7105 S. Kern St., Nineveh

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 13 & 21; 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. 14-20

g

Stroll through our farm fo agical Holiday experience your cameras for larger-than memories! Relax amongst ghts and trees while sipping hot co

Hours & Admis

Open weekends Nov. 28 through Dec

ends Nov. 28 through Dec. 23 from 5:30-9pm. ekdays leading up to Christmas from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23 from 5:30-9pm.

Hours & Admission

ssion is $10 and includes all of the holiday experience and pictures with Santa! (excluding concessions and gift shop items)

Experience outdoor ice skating on a synthetic rink at Johnson County Park. Food, coffee and hot chocolate vendors will be on site.

13

Hours & Adm

Open weekdays leading up to Chris through Dec 23 from 5:3

Open weekends Nov. 28 through Dec. 23 from 5:30-9pm. Open weekdays leading up to Christmas from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23 from 5:30-9pm.

Admission is $10 and includes al experience and pictures wi (excluding concessions and gift sh

Open weekends N Open weekdays throug Admission is experie (exclud Hou

Open weekends Nov. 28 through Open weekdays leading up to through Dec. 23 from Admission is $10 and includ experience and pictur (excluding

Hours & Adm

Open weekends Nov. 28 through D

Admission is $10 and includes all of the holiday experience and pictures with Santa! (excluding concessions and gift shop items)

CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM DRIVE-THRU LIGHTS

7591 W. 600 South, Morgantown

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Enjoy a magical drive-thru light exhibit, see your favorite holiday characters, meet Santa and sip hot chocolate. There is no cost, but they will be accepting non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry or Johnson County Senior Services.

Activitie

Open weekdays leading up to Ch through Dec 23 from Admission is $10 and includes all of the holiday experience and pictures with Santa! (excluding concessions and gift shop items)

Activities

6848 N County Rd 250 E Whiteland, IN 46131

ax amongst the while sipping your warm campfire 848 N County Rd 250 E

6848 N County Rd 250 E

Admission includes over 75 photo opportunities, hundreds of decorated trees, outdoor Christmas light display, live Nativity with animals, Grinch Whoville Hunt, Frozen snowball fights, shopping at The Country Store, giant inflatable snow globe, kids crafts, Moo Choo Express rides, Country Carousel rides, Christmas cookie kits, hot cocoa by the campfires, photos with Santa (on select nights), & NEW Gift Tag Game!

Admission includes over 7 opportunities, hundreds of dec outdoor Christmas light display with animals, Grinch Whoville snowball fights, shopping at T Store, giant inflatable snow g crafts, Moo Choo Express ride Carousel rides, Christmas coo cocoa by the campfires, photo (on select nights), & NEW Gift

6848 N County Rd 250 E Whiteland, IN 46131

Hours & Admission

6848 N County Rd 250 E Whiteland, IN 46131

Cozy Calm, Cheeky Cheer is a feel-good holiday coloring book made just for those who want less hustle and more happy. It contains 50 hand drawn pages featuring cozy animal characters, bold patterns, and sassy, uplifting sayings invite you to slow down, sip something warm and color your way to calm all season long.

Christmas Crew Unplugged is a mindful coloring break from the holiday rush. It is a nostalgic coloring book packed with bold, easy-tocolor illustrations of popular nostalgic activities. From roller rinks and jukeboxes to lava lamps and Drive-In movies, this book features 50 hand drawn delightful scenes of your favorite North Pole characters—Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, and the abominable snowman... relaxing through the decades from the 1950s to the 1980s. $8.99 (originally $9.99) Expires 12-31-25

Merry CHRISTMAS

H oliday Plumbing Tips

by Winters Plumbing

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This season, we gather with family and friends to celebrate, reflect and enjoy the magic of the holidays. As a company, we’re grateful for so much — our incredible customers, our hardworking team, and the loved ones who support us every day. With extra cooking, cleaning, and overnight guests, your home is sure to be full of festive cheer — and full of activity! To help keep the celebrations running smoothly, here are some tips to make sure your plumbing doesn’t turn into a holiday hassle.

DON’T SEND EVERYTHING DOWN THE DRAIN!

With all the cleanup that is happening in the kitchen, it may be tempting to send everything through the disposal. The best practice is to scrape all food waste into the trash bin. The disposal is best used for only small scraps, not all food waste.

NEVER put grease down your drains. It will solidify and potentially cause backups and even bigger problems down the road. It is better to let the grease cool down and solidify, then scrape into the trash bin.

BE AWARE OF WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING DISPOSAL AND DISHWASHER

Timing can make or break your Thanksgiving festivities. After everyone has enjoyed their meal, you are ready to get the kitchen cleaned and reset as quickly as possible. It makes sense to want to start that dishwasher running as soon as possible. But make sure you have cleared your disposal and sink lines before you run the dishwasher. These lines may be connected to each other and if there is still some food in the disposal, it may show up in your dishwasher. Run the disposal often to keep that line clear. Wait to run the dishwasher until you are done rinsing and clearing out disposal.

TIME YOUR SHOWERS

If you have family staying with you, it will be beneficial to give your drains a couple minutes to drain before the next person jumps in the shower. This will allow any hair that may have slipped down the drain to clear out before the next person jumps in. It will also allow your water heater a few minutes to heat up some more water in the meantime. Bonus tip: Get a mesh strainer to cover your drain to minimize the amount of hair slipping down the drain causing clogs.

FLUSH ONLY TP

The bathroom is bound to get some increased traffic during this busy holiday. It’s always beneficial to remind yourself and guests that toilet paper should be the only foreign object going down the drain. Never flush feminine products, wipes of any kind (including “flushable” wipes), or paper towels. These items will wreak havoc on your pipes and septic system.

ADDRESS PLUMBING PROBLEMS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

It is always a good idea to get your plumbing checked out before big holidays where you are opening our home to family and friends. If you’re experiencing issues already, give us a call. We are here to help!

HITTING THE HIGH NOTES

CENTER GROVE’S NEW BAND DIRECTOR AIMS TO ELEVATE STORIED PROGRAM

Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis, Pence Media Group

Photography / Lauren Casey Bemis; Center Grove Community School Corporation

Honoring the legacies of the past, while elevating the program to excellence – that’s the goal for Center Grove High School’s new Director of Bands, Reggie Humphrey.

“Historically, this band program has a long line of success in terms of the excellent expectation put upon the members,” Humphrey says. “Like my predecessors, Kevin Schuessler and Thomas Dirks, there is definitely a legacy and I want to be a part of the story to help elevate what they’ve brought into this program.”

Humphrey hails from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. As the son of a musician and band director, he recalls spending his childhood and teenage years becoming immersed in new genres of music. His curiosity and passion eventually led him to study music education in college and to work as a band director in school districts across Georgia and Arkansas.

The husband and father of two young kids was recruited from his home in the south to White River Township, in part by Director of Percussion Josh Torres, who was Humphrey’s wife’s

teacher when she was a student at Center Grove. Humphrey says he and Torres had many conversations, including a dinner at St. Elmo Steakhouse, in an effort to convince him to make the move to the Hoosier State - known as a hub for the marching arts.

Humphrey came into the program knowing he had big shoes to fill, but bringing his own flair. He started by returning a big part of the focus of the band program to concert band – where students can participate, play and grow as musicians.

“We’re trying to perform as much as possible, not just in the outdoor venues, which a lot of people do see,” he says. “In the concert setting, that’s where I think the root of all of our teachings should come from.”

He’s also bringing southern school traditions to Center Grove – stepping up the pep band’s participation during football games to give members more opportunity to play in front of the community’s largest local audience. The students plan to learn new songs to play next season to energize the crowd throughout the game, which allows them to play a bigger role in the school

spirit experience.

“Coming from Georgia, the southern football tradition is that the band is always there playing the whole time. I just didn’t think anything about it,” he says. “The payoff seems like the community loves it, and it’s something that I hopefully can keep elevating.”

In the marching arts, Humphrey’s goal is to get the program into the top five in the state and then qualify for Bands of America Nationals. This season, he was proud of the students for placing seventh in the ISSMA State Marching Band Finals with their performance of “Dream About Lightning Bugs.”

“The excitement on the students’ faces, it seemed like this was

what they were meant to do and they very clearly showed that their work and dedication paid off,” Humphrey says.

Humphrey says strong performing arts opportunities in schools provide important outlets for kids to help them grow and belong, especially in a big school corporation.

“ It allows the students to have a creative outlet, maybe a point where they can relax,” he says. “It challenges them in a different light than just the pure academics. But I think the biggest thing is music gives them a sense of belonging, a place to be within the hallways of Center Grove.”

With almost one semester under his belt, the thing that has impressed Humphrey the most in his short time at Center Grove is the people. The amount of parent participation is unlike anything he has seen in past positions, and he adds that the students are motivated to be the best.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a group of kids that really shine like these do,” Humphrey says. “They are some of the best working kids I’ve ever worked with and they always rise to the expectation and the occasion.”

To learn more about opportunities for your child with Center Grove Bands, visit centergrovebands.com.

WINDING ROADS COUNSELING

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran

For Katie Simpson, life — much like the roads of Brown County she loves to drive — has been full of twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. When her previous group practice shifted its model away from employing staff, Simpson faced a choice: refer her clients elsewhere or start something new.

“I had clients who were making real progress,” she says. “It didn’t feel right to send them away.”

That decision became the beginning of Winding Roads Counseling, a practice built on compassion, connection and the belief that healing is possible at every stage of life. The name itself reflects the journey of selfdiscovery.

“Life can go in many directions,” Simpson says. “I wanted the name to symbolize how life’s path is never straight — and that beauty can be found in every turn, just like the winding roads and trees of Brown County in the fall.”

A GROWING PRACTICE WITH HEART

What began as a small private practice has grown into a thriving community of care. Winding Roads Counseling now includes three locations — serving Franklin, Greenwood, Lafayette and beyond — with more than 35 clinicians dedicated to helping individuals and families.

The team provides a broad range of services, including individual therapy for clients ages four and up, family and couples counseling, group therapy, and nutrition counseling.

This integrative approach allows clients to receive well-rounded care that considers both emotional and physical well-being.

Simpson emphasizes that what makes Winding Roads unique isn’t just its services, but its philosophy.

“We believe every person has the power

to change their situation for the better,” she explains. “Our job as therapists is to collaborate with our clients — to help them develop healthy coping skills, gain insight, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Therapy creates hope that things can get better.”

BREAKING THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH

For Simpson, advocacy and education are just as important as therapy itself.

“It’s crucial that the stigma around getting mental health treatment continues to decline,” she says. “Mental health is just like any other medical issue that needs intervention. People need to know there are resources to help and that it’s okay to reach out.”

This philosophy drives the practice’s outreach and involvement in the community. By encouraging open conversations about mental health, Winding Roads Counseling helps normalize seeking therapy—making it an act of strength rather than shame.

FINDING PURPOSE IN HELPING OTHERS

When asked what she finds most rewarding about her work, Simpson doesn’t hesitate.

“Seeing progress — whether it’s in my own clients or in the clients our agency serves — is what keeps me going,” she says. “When I became a therapist, I just wanted to help people. That’s still my goal, even as an owner. It’s just expanded now to helping as many people as possible.”

It’s that genuine compassion and commitment that sets the tone for the entire practice. Clients describe Winding Roads as a safe, welcoming environment where they feel heard, validated, and supported through every stage of their healing process.

LOOKING AHEAD: A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

As Winding Roads Counseling continues to grow, Simpson has big dreams for the future.

“My hope is that Winding Roads becomes a household name — one the community recognizes as knowledgeable and trusted in treating mental health issues,” she says. “I want to leave a legacy in our state as a place where people feel heard, validated, and cared for. A place where compassion meets expertise.”

Whether it’s helping a child manage anxiety, guiding a couple through a rough patch, or supporting an individual through grief, Winding Roads Counseling is more than a practice — it’s a reminder that no matter how winding the road, healing is always within reach.

TROJAN TRIUMPHS

ANOTHER STANDOUT FALL FOR CENTER GROVE ATHLETICS

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

/ Tony Pironello; Provided

FOOTBALL:

TROJANS REACH REGIONAL FINALS, CAPTURE 21ST SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Center Grove football once again delivered another outstanding season, finishing 10–2 and winning its 21st sectional championship.

The postseason opened with a 48–0 sectional semifinal win over Jeffersonville, followed by a dramatic 30–27 victory at Franklin Central to secure the program’s 15th straight sectional crown and 32nd consecutive sectional game win.

The Trojans’ regular season featured victories over Warren Central, Fort Wayne Carroll, Marion, Ben Davis, Trotwood-Madison of

Ohio, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, and Bloomington South.

Senior defensive lineman Kobe Cherry, a Purdue commit, says the program will always hold a deep personal meaning for him.

“Coach Moore often asked before games, ‘What do I want from you tonight?’ The answer was always ‘Everything I’ve got.’ That sums up what CG football has meant to me — everything,” Cherry says. “This program develops you as a player and person, gives you lifelong lessons, and a family you can forever lean on.”

Cherry emphasizes that the team’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses.

“The length of our season does not define the success behind it,”he says. “We faced adversity and still competed in some of the best football this country has to offer, and we created a 10win season. I’m incredibly proud of this team.”

Cherry adds his gratitude for the support he received.

“I’m forever grateful for this community,” he says. “My coaches, teammates, and family pushed me to be the young man I am today.”

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: 26–10 SEASON, COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP, AND 11TH STRAIGHT SECTIONAL TITLE

Center Grove volleyball delivered another high-level season, finishing 26–10, winning the Johnson County championship, and capturing the program’s 37th sectional title.

Along the way, the Trojans earned landmark victories, including a win over eventual 3A state champion Roncalli and a five-set thriller against Hamilton Southeastern at the North vs. South Showdown.

Head coach Jennifer Hawk calls the season both rewarding and foundational.

“This was such a fun season,” she says. “Losing two all-state players and filling lineup holes can create unknowns, but this team came together and made a statement for the future of the program.”

Though the Trojans fell in a hard-fought five-set battle to Yorktown in the regional final, Hawk says her team established a new expectation level.

“They absolutely set a standard for the future,” Hawk says. “Our seniors, Natalie Vance, Skylyr Merriman, and Gracyn Gilliard, were a great group who loved their teammates. Our juniors are on a mission to leave with a state title, and they’re bringing the underclassmen along. I’m excited to get back in the gym and start our journey toward a championship.”

BOYS SOCCER: BUILDING CHEMISTRY, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The Center Grove boys soccer team

finished 9–7–3 and reached the sectional championship match before falling to Whiteland in double overtime. With a roster heavy on underclassmen, the Trojans developed the chemistry that goalkeeper Carter Dorrell believes will fuel a deeper postseason run next year.

“This year’s seniors meant a lot to me,” Dorrell says. “I’ve played with many of them for years, so we really grew close. Next year, we hope to make a deep tournament run since most of our team returns. The chemistry we started this year should help us roll through competition.”

Offseason preparation is already underway.

“Most of the CG boys train at SCSA (South Central Soccer Academy) indoor and play

pickup soccer. It helps us get better together and prepares us for next fall,” he says.”

GIRLS SOCCER: 19–3 SEASON, SECTIONAL AND REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, SEMI-STATE APPEARANCE

The Center Grove girls soccer team produced another powerhouse season, finishing 19–3, capturing the program’s state-leading 26th sectional title, and securing a second straight regional championship before falling to Carmel in the semi-state.

Junior defender Maddie Guilfoy says the team’s leadership and culture played a significant role in maintaining the program’s success.

“This year’s senior class was very special,” she says. “I’ve been playing with many of them my whole soccer career. They were great leaders and will be missed.”

Despite heavy graduation losses last year, CG returned to the state’s highest level of competition.

“At the beginning of the season, we all felt overlooked,” Guilfoy says. “We used that as fuel to perform at our best. We didn’t get as far as we hoped, but we proved people wrong and grew as a team.”

She expects the Trojans to remain among Indiana’s elite.

“We have a solid group of underclassmen,” she adds. “Next season, we hope to put all the pieces together and perform at the highest level.”

BOYS TENNIS: 19–7 RECORD, SECTIONAL & REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, SEMI-STATE APPEARANCE

Replacing six seniors from a state runnerup team is no small task, yet Center Grove boys tennis responded with a standout 19–7 season that included sectional and regional titles and a near upset of HSE in the semistate.

Head coach David Beasley praises his team’s maturity and resilience.

“This group stepped up in every way,” he says. “Match after match, they showed growth, toughness, and a level of maturity that kept us competitive with the best in the state.”

Center Grove also brought home major individual honors, with Yuvraj Dasari, Maanav Kamath, and Austin Crow earning first-team all-state recognition. Senior Jack Dybwad posted a 17–2 season while playing every varsity position, earning team MVP and Indiana All-Star honors.

Beasley says the program’s culture remains strong.

“Our seniors set the tone for how we want CG tennis to operate,” he says. “Their legacy will absolutely carry forward.”

With large junior and sophomore classes returning, expectations remain high.

“They’re already competing in the offseason,” Beasley adds. “The standard is rising again, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: A YEAR OF WINS AND A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

The Center Grove girls cross country team delivered a season full of podium finishes, including championships at the Johnson County meet, sectional, Friday Night Twilight, and the Bedford North Lawrence Invitational.

Head coach Wes Dodson praises both leadership and progress.

“What a great season,” Dodson says. “I couldn’t be prouder of our seniors. Andra Veleta set high expectations as captain. Adri Rosales improved tremendously and consistently finished among our top runners. Chloe Farmer and Annabelle Kemerling contributed big all year.”

The future is equally promising.

“We return our best runner, Gretchen

Meisberger, along with returning all-sectional athletes Lexi O’Barr, Evie Smith, and Lily Hollars,” Dodson says. “Emma Karns ran varsity all season, and we have exciting eighth graders joining us. We’re super excited for next year.”

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: TOP-10 STATE FINISH CAPS A CONSISTENT SEASON

Center Grove boys cross country stacked wins across the fall, claiming titles at the Franklin Invitational, Terre Haute North State Preview, Nike Twilight Red Race, Johnson County meet, North Central JV Invitational, and the Shelbyville sectional. The Trojans placed second at the regional, earned multiple allsectional and all-regional honors, and finished 10th at the IHSAA state finals.

Head coach Howard Harrell says the team exceeded expectations.

“We were ranked 15th most of the season, so finishing 10th was a blessing,” Harrell says.

Jayden Salo earned All-State honors, leading a roster featuring nine seniors and 13 juniors. Next season’s goals are clear.

“We have 13 juniors coming back with one thing in mind, improving on our 10th-place finish,” Harrell adds. “We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

GIRLS GOLF: GROWTH, DEPTH, AND A BREAKOUT YEAR ON THE HORIZON

The Center Grove girls golf team finished second in both the sectional and Johnson County tournaments, showing steady improvement throughout the season.

Head coach Tyler Strako says the team’s growth was evident.

“I was extremely proud of our group,” he says. “We focused on the short game all year, and everyone got stronger in that area. Being a young, senior-free team required a total group effort, and they succeeded.”

With no seniors graduating, expectations for 2026 are high.

“Next year is set up to be a breakout year,” Strako adds. “We’ll be a senior-led group with a strong young core and a good freshman class coming in. We finished second in a lot of tournaments this season. This group is eager to bring home the trophies that slipped away.”