Center Grove Magazine February 2026

GROWING TOGETHER

M/I HOMES’ HICKORY RUN COMMUNITY EXPANDS OPTIONS FOR SOUTHEAST INDIANAPOLIS HOMEBUYERS

FIGHTING CANCER WITH EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH

It starts with a name, handshake or a tearful conversation. Because it’s not just about treating cancer – we’re caring for the person behind the diagnosis. Every appointment is an opportunity for us to listen, connect and encourage you during the fight. And every milestone is celebrated together.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AUTO

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

AUTOMOTIVE

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

FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE

HEALTH

ELEVATE HEALTH (317) 708-0798 elevatehealthcg.com

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

BARN AT BAY HORSE INN (317) 760-8778 barnatbayhorse.com

CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 527-6417 churchonjefferson.com

FITNESS

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

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

M/I HOMES Hickory Run mihomes.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

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

CLOSETS BY DESIGN (317) 779-3212 closetsbydesign.com

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

HOME SERVICES

A PERFECT CLIMATE HEATING & COOLING (317) 868-7274 indianapolis-hvac.com

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/BryanNeer-JohnsonGreenwood-IN

INVESTMENTS

JCBANK (812) 524-7965 jcbank.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

JCBANK (317) 506-7235 jcbank.com

OFFICE SUITES

CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 884-1100 churchonjefferson.com

PICKLEBALL

PICKLE GROVE PICKLEBALL (317) 922-5353 picklegrovepickleball.life

RESTAURANTS

ARNI’S (317) 881-0500

meetyouatarnis.com

VERDE FLAVORS OF MEXICO (317) 893-4084

verdeflavorsofmexico.com

SPA

BAYBERRY SPA (317) 893-5370

bayberryspa.com

SPORTS

CG SPORTS NETWORK @cgsportsnetwork

WEDDING SERVICES

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

Contact Fredda Kovacs at Fredda@TownePost. com for information on how to be included in the Business & Services Directory.

3 DIRECTORY 6 FORGED IN HOSPITALITY

The Foundry Gastropub Brings Heart, Craft & Community to Downtown Franklin

11 THE SOUND OF AI MUSIC Center Grove Resident Strikes a Musical Beat Using AI 14 GROWING TOGETHER M/I Homes’ Hickory Run Community Expands Options For Southeast Indianapolis Homebuyers

19 MAKING HAPPY HOMES For The Love Of Design Helps Turn Houses Into Homes With Unique Home Interior Options

22 ENERGY EFFICIENT Maple Grove Elementary First School Building in Indiana to Achieve ‘Net Zero’

26 FROM BLOOMINGTON TO THE BIG STAGES Local Hoosier Fans Chase History

31 FEBRUARY EVENTS

PUBLISHER

FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

LAUREN CASEY BEMIS

TYLER CHERRY

CHRISTINA COCHRAN

CENTER GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORP

PENCE MEDIA GROUP

JAMIE HAYS

MICHAEL HEWITT

CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING

TAMI LAKES

RENÉE LARR

KADEN MCCONNELL

NIKKI MCCONNELL

KATIE SCHWARZ ASHLEY WATTERS

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

PRESIDENT

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

EDITOR JOSH BROWN

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

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FORGED IN HOSPITALITY

THE FOUNDRY GASTROPUB BRINGS HEART, CRAFT & COMMUNITY TO DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran

When you step inside The Foundry Gastropub in historic downtown Franklin, you immediately sense that the space was created with intention. Warm woods, iron accents, soft lighting, and a vintage brass bar set the tone, but the feeling goes deeper than design. It feels cared for. Considered. As if every detail was handled by someone who believes hospitality is more than service—it’s connection.

That someone is owner Kevin Goewey, a hospitality veteran whose career has taken him through casinos, hotels, food halls, cocktail lounges, and full-service restaurants across the country. But Franklin, he says, is where everything he’s learned finally came together.

“I’ve spent my entire career in hospitality,” Goewey says. “What’s always driven me is how a great restaurant can make people feel welcomed and looked after. The Foundry Gastropub came from wanting to take all of those experiences and build something meaningful from the ground up.”

A BRAND FORGED WITH PURPOSE

The name The Foundry Gastropub is no coincidence. It reflects both the history of craft and the philosophy behind the restaurant.

“In a foundry, raw materials are shaped into something lasting—something stronger,” Goewey explains. “That’s how we view hospitality. We take foundational elements—great ingredients, honest technique, thoughtful service—and forge them into elevated experiences.”

The hammer and anvil featured in the branding aren’t ornamental. They represent craftsmanship, resilience, and the pursuit of something enduring. Goewey wants guests to feel that intention the moment they walk through the door— hospitality forged, not fabricated.

Gastropub:

Elevated Yet Comforting

Gastropubs are still a relatively new concept for many diners, but Goewey describes it simply: “It’s where elevated food and drink meet the warmth and ease of a place that feels like home.”

At The Foundry, this philosophy translates to a chef-driven, seasonal menu built on scratch cooking and honest flavors. Nothing is rushed, nothing is added for show. The same care extends to the beverage program—cocktails made with technique and attention, a curated but approachable wine list, and local beers that honor the community.

“More than anything, we want the experience to feel good,” Goewey says. “Familiar food done exceptionally well. Drinks that make you pause. Hospitality that feels warm and truly caring.”

DESIGN WITH SOUL AND SUBSTANCE

Though the space exudes sophistication, it’s far from pretentious. Industrial ironwork meets warm wood tones; tufted leather softens exposed brick; elegant marble merges with handcrafted textures.

But what sets the atmosphere apart is the story behind the materials.

Reclaimed doors from Monrovia, Indiana,

bring the past forward. Dining tables crafted from Texas reclaimed wood carry a history that adds warmth and character. A striking wall of Shou Sugi Ban wood—a Japanese technique of flame-treating timber for durability—adds depth and artistry.

At the heart of the space sits the brassaccented bar, a vintage piece that anchors the room with old-world charm.

“Every element had to feel right,” Goewey says. “Nothing was chosen just to fill space. As the pieces came together, the room took on a life of its own.”

The result is a space that mirrors Goewey’s

approach to hospitality: thoughtful, inviting, and rooted in genuine care.

FOOD WITH HEART, DRINKS WITH INTENTION

The Foundry’s menu reflects Goewey’s belief that comfort food deserves respect. Scratch-made dishes lean into bold, welcoming flavors. Seasonal ingredients drive creativity, but technique and fundamentals remain the backbone of the kitchen.

“It matters to us that what we serve feels genuine,” he says. “Comforting, honest, made with heart.”

The same philosophy shapes the bar

program. Whether a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine, every drink is crafted with intention—familiar yet elevated.

A TEAM BUILT ON GENUINE HOSPITALITY

For Goewey, The Foundry Gastropub’s culture begins with trust. While he sets the vision, he credits a close-knit leadership team with bringing it to life every day.

“The Foundry Gastropub is owned and operated by me,” Goewey says, “but it’s truly brought to life by a team I trust deeply.” Executive Chef Josh Fields anchors the kitchen with refined technique and thoughtful creativity

shaped by his experience at Eataly and the Bottleworks Hotel, while Ronda Wright, manager at The Foundry, brings more than a decade of hospitality experience from respected concepts including Livery, Mesh in downtown Indianapolis, Hal’s Fabulous Vegas in Greenwood, and Ford’s Garage in Avon.

Together, they form a leadership team united by care, craft, and a shared commitment to making every guest feel genuinely welcomed—values that ripple through the entire staff. That collective mindset, Goewey says, is what guests feel the moment they walk through the door.

“At The Foundry, culture isn’t a buzzword,” he adds. “It’s the standard we live by.”

Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, The Foundry Gastropub is located at 90 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Franklin. thefoundrygastropub.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.

THE SOUND OF AI MUSIC

CENTER GROVE RESIDENT STRIKES A MUSICAL BEAT USING AI

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

It’s good to have a career plan. It’s also cool if you can combine those plans with passion and purpose. Long-time Center Grove resident Keith Fechtman works as the Director of Events at UIndy where he’s in charge of external rental events. Five years ago, he was also part owner of a Books & Brews establishment.

After making it through the COVID pandemic, which did a number on many restaurants, he decided to pursue a backup plan. Fechtman began working as an adjunct professor teaching business courses at UIndy. In addition, he started working towards his doctorate dissertation on AI in Higher Education.

“Teaching marketing and management, I knew how popular AI has become,” Fechtman says. “I thought perhaps I should start using it myself.”

One day he was listening to a podcast in which the hosts were talking about a music group on Spotify called The Velvet Sundown. Fechtman researched the group

and found they had 160K followers. He listened to some of their music and thought, ‘That’s different. Kind of a laidback 70s genre.’

The hosts then revealed that none of the band members from Velvet Sundown are real. They are a totally made-up group using AI. Fechtman was intrigued as he knew there is currently an ongoing debate regarding the benefits and downfalls of using AI. Some people fear AI will take away jobs. Others claim it will help or create jobs. As far as music is concerned, the question is, “Is AI going to take away an artist’s desire or ability to make music?”

Although the debate over AI use rages on, Fechtman points out that every bit of technology that’s been introduced has miffed people who are resistant to change.

“Someone was once highly upset when the typewriter was invented because they

liked their cursive writing,” he says. “Then when computers took over typewriters, someone was upset about that change. AI is just the next step in the evolution of technology.”

An avid runner, Fechtman decided to create his own running playlist using AI. He downloaded a program in addition to finding a third-party app to stream the music. He learned that DistroKid was the easiest way to get his music on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and 15-plus other platforms. He could release unlimited music, keep 100% of his earnings, and stay independent.

When musicians put their music on a streaming service, they use a third-party system to get it onto that streaming service and then they get paid every time someone listens to that song for 30 seconds or longer. The pay ranges anywhere from $.003 to $.005. While Fechtman estimates that

major artists like Taylor Swift who have a huge following could make $30K in a day by having her followers listen to one of her songs for 30 seconds or longer, he admits that he’s not rolling in the dough quite yet.

“I’ve made five albums so far and have netted $7.32 since last summer,” he says with a chuckle.

Those five albums cover a wide variety of genres, including Country, Christian, EDM, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Jazz/Blues Christmas.

To make these albums, each of which feature 11 songs, Fechtman experimented by using prompts through a third-party app that creates AI music (MusicGPT). He admits that sometimes the result sounds terrible or offbeat, but other times it turns out great.

“I just keep prompting. Maybe I’ll copy and paste the lyrics and say, ‘Do this with a

faster beat,’” Fechtman says. “Or I’ll change the wording. It’s not a perfect science, but it’s amazing how quickly it does it.”

Fechtman made each of his artist creations with the initials A and I (e.g., Ace Idol, Angels Inspire, Allen Ireland, Arrow Ivy, and Audio Ice). He even asked ChatGPT to help him with artist name suggestions. He used Google’s AI assistant Gemini and Meta.AI to create the photos for the album covers.

“I tried to use AI for the whole package, from the names to the song prompts, what’s popular today, and all the different components,” Fechtman says.

On average, it has taken Fechtman about a month, from start to finish, to create a name, an image, and an album (keeping in mind that this is a hobby he’s taking on in his spare time).

When he defends his dissertation in May, he hopes to blow the panel away by sharing examples of how AI is used today by playing some of his musical creations.

“Who knows? Maybe one of my songs will be so good that Michael Bublé will call me up and say, ‘Hey, I really like that song. I know it’s AI, but I’d like to sing it and put it on my next album,’” Fechtman says.

Dare to dream! Big things can happen when passion meets purpose.

YEAR

GROWING TOGETHER

M/I HOMES’ HICKORY RUN COMMUNITY EXPANDS OPTIONS FOR SOUTHEAST INDIANAPOLIS HOMEBUYERS

On Indianapolis’ southeast side, Hickory Run is entering an exciting new chapter as it unveils a new phase and debuts a model home designed to complement the established community and expand options for homebuyers.

Developed by M/I Homes of Indiana, Hickory Run blends modern design with a strong sense of connection to neighbors, nature, and the surrounding Franklin Township area. Located just west of I-74 and south of Edgewood Avenue, the community balances suburban comfort with easy access to the greater Indianapolis area, all while remaining thoughtfully planned as more than just a place to live. Beginning Feb. 9, Hickory Run’s new phase will be available for sale, followed by the grand opening of its newest model home on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 12–5 p.m., where future homebuyers can explore the community and enjoy limited-time grand opening incentives.

As families, professionals, and multigenerational households increasingly seek flexibility and long-term value, Hickory Run continues to stand out, especially as the community enters this exciting new phase. Guided by customer feedback, the introduction of M/I Homes Prestige Series brings larger homesites, expansive floor

plans, and a full design studio experience allowing buyers to personalize every detail of their home. With new homes ranging from 2,000 to 3,400 square feet and set among pristine views within the established community, this phase expands options for growing families and those planning for the future.

A highlight of the new phase is the debut of the Ainsley II model home, a new centerpiece that reflects the flexibility and comfort available within the community. Designed for households that value togetherness while allowing room to grow, the Ainsley II features a finished basement, four bedrooms, an in-law suite, private study, three bathrooms, a light-filled morning room, and a spacious three-car garage. Its open, flowing layout encourages everyday connection while offering adaptable spaces for work, entertaining, and relaxation.

“M/I Homes Ainsley II floor plan gives homeowners several open, welcoming spaces that bring your friends and family together,” says Cassian Bernard, Area President of M/I Homes of Indiana.

“Hickory Run offers many customizable features to choose from that let you create a home that fits your family today and for years to come.”

This new offering complements Hickory Run’s existing Smart Series homes, which range from 1,600 to 3,000 square feet and are priced from the low $300s. Together, the two collections provide a diverse mix of home styles, sizes, and price points that reflect how people live today while remaining flexible for where life may lead tomorrow.

Understanding that no two buyers are on the same timeline, Hickory Run offers two clear paths to homeownership. Buyers who want a fully personalized experience can build from the ground up, selecting finishes and features that match their vision. For those seeking a faster move, Quick MoveIn homes provide a streamlined option without sacrificing quality or design.

Buyers can choose from both one- and two-story floor plans to suit a wide range of lifestyles, from first-time buyers seeking efficient, livable layouts to growing families and multigenerational households in need of extra bedrooms, private studies, or in-law suites. Across all options, Hickory

Run homes feature open-concept designs, energy-efficient construction, and thoughtfully curated design packages that balance style with everyday functionality.

Beyond the community itself, the surrounding area plays a key role in Hickory Run’s appeal, with one of its strongest draws being its location within the Franklin Township Community School Corporation. With a steady influx of new families, Franklin Township has become one of the most desirable pockets of southeast Indianapolis, particularly for those seeking new construction in an established area.

Hickory Run fits naturally into that growth, seamlessly woven into the surrounding community to offer easy access to schools, shopping, dining, and recreation while maintaining a calm, residential atmosphere. What truly sets Hickory Run apart is its intentional sense of place. Residents enjoy thoughtfully integrated green spaces, sparkling ponds, and mature trees that create a calm, inviting atmosphere. Community amenities include a playground, a gathering shelter, and two on-site dog parks—features that encourage neighbors to connect naturally, whether during evening walks, weekend playdates, or casual conversations.

The location further enhances that

lifestyle. Just 10 minutes away is Southeastway Park, a 188-acre natural retreat offering a paved bike path, forested acreage, and park shelters. Combined with nearby schools, local dining, and everyday conveniences, Hickory Run residents enjoy easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.

“Hickory Run offers the best of both worlds, blending inviting green spaces, a playground, community shelter, and two on-site dog parks,” Bernard says. “Residents also benefit from nearby parks, trails, and everyday conveniences just minutes from home.”

Rather than chasing short-term housing trends, Hickory Run is positioned as a community built for longevity. With the addition of a new phase and model home, the neighborhood continues to grow while staying true to its vision. Homes are designed to adapt as households change, whether that means accommodating a home office today, an expanding family tomorrow, or a multigenerational arrangement down the road.

Life at Hickory Run extends well beyond the front door. The neighborhood’s walkable layout, shared spaces, and proximity to nature encourage residents to slow down, step outside, and connect. It’s a setting where children can play, dogs are welcomed,

and neighbors become familiar faces.

“We’re dedicated to building homes that elevate the home-buying journey for a wide range of buyers,” Bernard adds. “In Franklin Township, we’ve curated homes that pair flexible floor plans with outstanding amenities, in a location that connects homeowners to both the city and the surrounding community.”

Beyond the homes themselves, M/I Homes supports buyers throughout the entire process. From the earliest planning stages through move-in day, homeowners are guided by experienced professionals and backed by a comprehensive homebuyer warranty, ensuring peace of mind long after the keys are handed over.

An added layer of connection comes through M/I Homes’ Journey app, a personalized homebuilding tool that keeps buyers engaged from start to finish. Through the app, homeowners can follow construction progress with updates and photos, track milestones, securely access important home documents, and easily connect with M/I employees at each phase. The result is a building experience that feels informed, organized, and personal.

“Our homebuyers love knowing what’s happening with their new home and when it’s happening,” Bernard says.

“With Journey, timely updates and key documents are always at their fingertips and turns their home build into a connected and streamlined experience.”

As Franklin Township continues to grow, Hickory Run stands as a reflection of what modern suburban living can be — intentional, connected and designed for real life. For buyers looking to invest with confidence in a place they can truly call home, Hickory Run offers not just new construction, but a lasting sense of belonging.

For more information, visit mihomes.com

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MAKING HAPPY HOMES

FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN HELPS TURN HOUSES INTO HOMES WITH UNIQUE HOME INTERIOR OPTIONS

Writer / Ashley Watters

Alisha Webb loves adding those special touches to a home that really bring it to life. She has always taken a keen interest in interior design even when her budget didn’t always match her enthusiasm. Her days were mostly spent doing DIY projects and helping friends decorate their spaces. As luck would have it, 2020 brought some good fortune her way when a former neighbor hired her to paint her kitchen cabinets. After sharing on social media,

the projects started pouring in, leading her to eventually open her store, For The Love Of Design.

Located at 4800 W. Smith Valley Rd, Suite F in Greenwood, For The Love Of Design opened its doors in 2024. Her boutique-style store offers a curated mix of home décor, clothing, Center Grove apparel, earrings, skincare, candles and more.

Webb also prefers to stock items that are created by local crafters and Center Grove moms.

“Every item you see is personally hand selected by me, and it truly means the world when someone tells me For The Love Of Design is their favorite store. We need more shops in Greenwood that focus on community and I’m happy to be a part of that,” Webb says.

For The Love Of Design also offers a selection of flooring, tile, stone and semi-custom cabinetry, along with full-service interior design services and professional installation. Webb also hosts monthly workshops led by local crafters to help demonstrate how-tos and home-based trends.

“Each month brings something new, and the response from our community has been incredible,” she says.

Webb does emphasize that she supports projects of all sizes. For The Love Of Design helps with small renovation updates all the way up to full-gut remodels, along with tile and flooring installation. No project is too large or too small and every project is thoughtfully guided from start to finish. Even though her store has experienced significant

growth over the past year, she still loves rolling up her sleeves and doing hands-on work whenever possible.

Webb encourages everyone to stop by, even if you’re a hobbyist or just a local Center Grove supporter. She has something for everyone and she loves meeting customers and creating a sense of community, powered by her love of design.

“We are not just another retail store,” she says. “When you walk through our doors, you’re stepping into my home. I love getting to know each customer personally — many of you have become dear friends. My goal was to create a small-town boutique where people feel welcome, comfortable, and confident while discovering unique pieces for their homes. On any given day, you might even see my mom, daughter, husband, or our shop dog, Ellie, helping out around the store.”

You can check out her projects on Instagram at @fortheloveofdesign.interiors and on Facebook at facebook.com/4theloveofdesign. You can also visit her website at 4ldhome.com.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

MAPLE GROVE ELEMENTARY FIRST SCHOOL BUILDING IN INDIANA TO ACHIEVE ‘NET ZERO’

Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis, Pence Media Group

Photography / Center Grove Community School Corp.; CMTA

With 85 cents of every dollar paying for staff salaries and benefits, Center Grove Community School Corporation made the choice to go green in order to save green in their annual operating budget.

In Q4 of 2025, school leaders had something to celebrate: Maple Grove Elementary School was the first school building of its size in the state to achieve Net Zero Energy status, producing more electricity than it used that quarter.

“When we talk about where we can reduce our spending, without making cuts or reductions in programming, it really has to come outside of staffing,” says Dr. Jason Taylor, Associate Superintendent of CGCSC. “Utilities were the next biggest opportunity for us to make an impact.”

Dr. Taylor says CGCSC spends about 11% on utility bills for the corporation

and becoming energy efficient reduces that percentage, allowing money to be reallocated to satisfy other needs. Leaders took a hard look at the corporation’s six elementary schools, two middle schools, high school and other facilities, with a total of 22 buildings under the corporation’s control. Maple Grove Elementary School was the obvious choice to kick off this energy efficiency project.

“We actually started back in December

of 2023, with installation happening that summer and then finished it up this past summer,” Dr. Taylor says.

According to CMTA, the company contracted for the project, their holistic analysis uncovered substantial savings at Maple Grove by undergoing a complete Geothermal conversion, coupled with the 1.007 MW ground-mounted solar array. Then, CMTA replaced all gas equipment and upgraded the facility’s conventional HVAC systems with state-of-the-art,

energy-efficient water source heat pumps. The company was able to repurpose the hydronic piping for the heat pump loop and retain the existing ductwork.

CMTA estimates Maple Grove’s geothermal system and solar array will save over two million kWh of electricity annually. Center Grove also received nearly one million dollars in tax credits for the solar installations at Maple Grove and other facilities.

In CMTA’s January report to district leaders, the company reported $662,536 in savings for 2025. That’s more than $43,000 higher than their initial estimate of $619,140 in savings for the year.

CMTA’s total guaranteed savings going into 2026, is $834,518. That estimate factors in a new solar project on the roof of Sugar Grove Elementary School. With the completion of SGES, the estimated Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for 2026 will be nearly $3.5M.

CGCSC sells bonds for these types of projects, which operate similarly to a mortgage, allowing the district to invest now and use the energy savings to pay it back over time.

“What we’re able to do here with Maple Grove and other projects is actually remove about half a million dollars in spending from that operations budget and utility spend that we can put toward

RESEARCH STU DY SEEKING

People living with Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter

Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking people living with atrial fibrillation/flutter who are planning to have or recently have had a electric cardioversion or ablation to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter. In order to qualify you must be taking anticoagulation (a blood thinner such as coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto).

If you qualify for the study:

• You will be asked to take a medicine called Zofran (ondansetron) or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for 4 weeks

• You will be asked to wear a Ziopatch on your chest which monitors your heart beats for 4 weeks and keep a log of any symptoms that you have related to the medicine and atrial fibrillation.

• You will complete 5 visits lasting about 30 minutes (1 visit at the start of the study and then a visit each week). The visits can be completed at your home or in the clinical reearch center located on the IU Indianapolis campus

• You will receive up to $350 after completing all study visits.

If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu

staffing,” Dr. Taylor says.

Inside the maintenance room at Maple Grove, geothermal units collect groundwater that heats and cools the building. Currently, Maple Grove produces as much or more electricity than it uses each month.

“The operations fund comes from our local property taxes, and so what this does is it allows us to not continually increase that property tax rate and try to hold it a little more flat even though our costs are going up,” Dr. Taylor says. “We were able to take advantage of some of the rebates provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and that really kicked in for the geothermal energy in a big way, taking off about a third of that cost to install. The solar was a little bit less than that, but still is a great return.”

Maple Grove was selected as the first building for this project due to the cost of its 20-year-old system. The school itself is home to around 750 students.

“In addition to financial benefits for the corporation, it’s renewable energy. It doesn’t produce any kind of pollution. It just simply creates electricity and provides it right to our building,” Dr. Taylor says. “We’re able to sell that back and honestly help the local utility providers not have to purchase as much from the power plants throughout the state.”

CGCSC is also working to educate the student body on its renewable energy initiatives as they apply to lessons. They are installing digital information panels that students can view and teachers can incorporate the real-time data into classroom lessons as a powerful, realworld learning tool.

“We didn’t invent this solution for schools, but we definitely took it to a new level, creating an entire building that we could remove from the grid,” Dr. Taylor says.

FROM BLOOMINGTON TO THE BIG STAGES LOCAL HOOSIER FANS CHASE

HISTORY

Local IU Hoosiers fans packed their bags and went bowling, traveling to the Rose Bowl and the Peach Bowl to cheer on the Indiana University Hoosiers Football team in what has become an unprecedented season for the program.

For longtime fans, these were more than just road trips — they were a chance to witness history in the making as the Hoosiers reached stages few ever imagined. Adding an even deeper connection are recent CG Trojan Football players, Tyler Cherry and Kaden McConnell, representing ‘the Grove’ on the IU Hoosier Football team.

From Pasadena to Atlanta, local supporters proudly wore cream and crimson, eager to be part of a moment that will be remembered as nothing short of historic for Hoosier football.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with a sea of crimson at the 2026 Peach Bowl, I felt history being written in real time. Everywhere I looked were IU fans who had waited a lifetime for this moment – strangers who felt like family, all of us bound by a season no one will ever forget. The roar of Cream and Crimson carried through the stadium, not just for a game, but for everything this team had overcome. In that electric crowd, watching Indiana Football rise on one of college football’s biggest stages, I realized I wasn’t just witnessing a bowl game – I was living a piece of IU history that will stay with me forever.” — Katie Schwarz

“It

— Jamie Hays

— Michael Hewitt

“Attending the Peach Bowl in Atlanta to watch Indiana University take on Oregon was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences my husband and I have ever had. With four of our children, along with a daughter-in-law and son-in-law, all proud IU alumni, having the opportunity to represent our family’s deep IU roots made the moment even more meaningful. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Seeing the stands filled with what felt like 90% IU fans, an ocean of red, created an energy that is hard to put into words. We’ve attended countless tailgates and events over the years in support of IU, but this experience was on an entirely different level. The excitement, the unity, and the pride shared by everyone there made it a once-in-a-lifetime moment that we will cherish forever.”

— Tami Lakes

FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

7 NIGHT OF HOPE

The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, 1468 W. Stones Crossing Rd., Greenwood

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Join Kids in Crisis – Intervention Team (KIC-IT) for a dinner with live music and a live auction to raise money for local homeless youth. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person or $500 per table of eight. www.kic-it.org/upcoming-events

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VALENTINE’S DAY

15 CHARACTER MEET & GREET

New Hope Church, 5307 W. FairviewRd., Greenwood

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Meet and hang out with your favorite characters for fun pics and awesome memories! Bounce house, food, games and all types of unlimited fun! Tickets available for purchase through Eventbrite.

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NOT SO NEWLYWED GAME

The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Rd., Bargersville 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This game show will host an array of local couples vying for the Not-SoNewlywed crown. All proceeds benefit Turning Point Domestic Violence Services. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. www.turningpointdv.org/jcnsnw

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CENTER GROVE MEN’S LACROSSE TRIVIA NIGHT

The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, 1468 W. Stones Crossing Rd., Greenwood

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A fun night of trivia, food, and prizes — all while supporting a great cause. Your participation helps support the Center Grove Lacrosse Club and contributes to the growth, development, and success

of local youth. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Fun trivia categories. 21 and older. www.centergrovelacrosse.square.site katiebaker@centergrovelacrosse.com

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POLAR PLUNGE

Dye’s Walk Country Club, 2080 S. SR135, Greenwood

11:00 a.m – 12 p.m.

Join Special Olympics Indiana’s

largest annual fundraiser where participants dive into icy waters to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Communities gather in costumes, cheering as brave plungers embrace the cold for inclusion, courage and joy. www.soindiana.org/polar-plunge/