Center Grove Magazine May 2026

GRACYN GILLIARD

THE HEART OF A CHAMPIONSHIP, THE FACE OF A LEGACY

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

EVERWISE CREDIT UNION everwisecu.com

JCBANK (317) 884-8817 jcbank.com

COUNSELING

SERENITY COUNSELING

COACHING CONSULTING (317) 210-0662 serenitynowllc.com

DENTAL

SAUER DENTISTRY (317) 865-1234 sauerdentistry.com

DRIVING

ACADEMY

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EVENT CENTERS

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

EXTRACURRICULAR

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FITNESS

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FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE

HEALTH

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK ecommunity.com

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INSURANCE

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

INVESTMENTS

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MORTGAGE LENDING

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OFFICE SUITES

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PLASTIC SURGERY

HAMILTON FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY (317) 210-4339 hamiltonfps.com

POOLS

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RESTAURANTS

ARNI’S (317) 881-0500 meetyouatarnis.com

VERDE FLAVORS OF MEXICO (317) 893-4084 verdeflavorsofmexico.com

SPA

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SPORTS CG SPORTS NETWORK

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WEDDING SERVICES

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2 DIRECTORY 6 SUMMER SOUNDS

Festival Country Brings Fun All Season Long 7 MAY EVENTS

8 A TASTE OF HOME

Melao Cuban Café Brings Cuban Flavor To Greenwood 11 FROM CENTER GROVE TO CENTER STAGE

How the CGHS Dance Team Became a Pro Sports Entertainment Pipeline

GIFTS FOR MOMS, DADS & GRADS 20 GRACYN GILLIARD The Heart of a Championship, The Face of a Legacy 26 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Everwise Credit Union

28 INNOVATION IN ACTION How Center Grove Cultivates Creativity & Critical Thinking For Young Learners 32 BROTHERHOOD RESTORED Cigar Club Of Indiana Builds Community And Tradition 37 LOUNGE & LEARN Eagle Scout Project Leaves Lasting Mark At Independence Park

PUBLISHER

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

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

CHRISTINA COCHRAN ANDREA EMERSON CONNIE ETTER

RYAN GABBERT

MACKENZIE STEAGALL

LAUREN CASEY BEMIS

PENCE MEDIA GROUP

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

PACERS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

KEVIN CONRAD, CG SPORTS NETWORK CG COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORP

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

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER ERIC NEER

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?

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.

SUMMER SOUNDS

FESTIVAL COUNTRY BRINGS FUN ALL SEASON LONG

Writer / Mackenzie Steagall

In less than a month, my favorite way to spend a summer evening begins again: the free summer concerts in each community.

I like to arrive early to find the perfect space in the grass to set up my lawn chair and picnic blanket, which I keep in my trunk, so I’m ready for a good time all summer. Then, I scope out the food trucks. My first choice is usually a bag of warm kettle corn to munch on or a burger and crispy fries with plenty of ketchup on the side.

The last thing to do is sit back and soak up the setting sun and the summer vibes to the tunes of a jamming cover band.

The communities of Johnson County are called Festival Country because the area just south of Indianapolis is home to more than 1,000 festivals, concerts and events each year. It is where you want to be for the best events and festivals. It’s where you’ll find your fun.

MAY

Summer here officially begins with the Festival Country Kickoff on May 16 in downtown Franklin. We’ll celebrate the

fifth anniversary of the DriveHubler. com Amphitheater with birthdaythemed fun and live music from three rocking bands from 4 to 10 p.m.

Enjoy a variety of food trucks and other activities happening around the amphitheater and Youngs Creek Park. This is the perfect time to learn about more events planned across the county this summer and fall from community partners in attendance. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to stay for hours of family fun.

JUNE

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AND HANDMADE MARKET

Summer tastes like strawberry shortcake, and you can enjoy yours during Discover Old Town Greenwood’s Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 6. Spend the afternoon browsing items from 60 handmade vendors and shopping at local businesses on Madison Avenue and Wiley Street. Family activities, including a

concert and story time at the Greenwood Public Library, will occur throughout the day.

ETHOS

Discover Downtown Franklin’s Ethos Celebration of the Arts is a family-friendly art festival everyone enjoys. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27, booths on Main Street will feature a variety of artists and their work in a juried art show. Visitors can purchase original artwork directly from the artists.

Children, adults and businesses can participate in Festival Country’s Chalk the Block contest for a chance to win cash prizes. Create a chalk masterpiece in a 3-by-3-foot square in front of Wild Geese Bookshop on East Madison Street in Franklin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FREEDOM FESTIVAL

One of Greenwood’s signature events, with more than 50,000 attendees each year, is Freedom Festival. It will be from 4 to 11 p.m. on June 27 at Craig Park.

The festivities begin with a patriotic parade.

Throughout the evening, enjoy food trucks and relax to live music from 5:30 to 10 p.m., leading up to the much-anticipated drone show at 10:15 p.m.

JULY

For a week full of activities, be sure to visit

the Johnson County Fair July 19-25 for familiar favorite events, games and food. Find information about more concerts, events and festivals at the visitor center, 66 S. Water St., or at festivalcountryindiana. com/festivals-and-events.

A TASTE OF HOME

MELAO CUBAN CAFÉ BRINGS CUBAN FLAVOR TO GREENWOOD

Writer / Ryan Gabbert

Food is both a personal and impersonal experience. For some, it’s a quick stop in the middle of a busy day, a cup of coffee grabbed on the way to work, a pastry eaten without much thought. But for others, it’s memory, identity and connection. It’s the taste of home, the smell of childhood and the feeling that no matter how far you travel, a part of you never really leaves.

For one Cuban-born musician turned café owner, that feeling never went away.

Oscar Canizares and his wife, Sandra, both classically trained musicians, left Cuba in 2018 and made their way to Indiana University in Bloomington.

After settling in, they explored their new surroundings, searching for the flavors they grew up with: Cuban coffee, pastries and meals that filled their childhood kitchens. But time and time again, the familiar tastes they longed for were nowhere to be found.

“At first, we talked about the possibility of creating a space in the future that could combine our fields of expertise — Latino artistic expressions and Cuban food affections,” Canizares recalls. “But such an ambitious project had to wait until we covered other basic needs for the family.”

After earning his master’s degree in music, the couple moved from Bloomington to Greenwood, became naturalized citizens, and opened SC Music Place, their music studio. It became their focus and foundation, connecting them to the community through what they knew best. But even as they poured their energy into the studio, the idea of a café never left.

Then, in the summer of 2025, a serendipitous opportunity presented itself. Space at 211 W. Main St. in downtown Greenwood became available. The dream of Melao Cuban Café (MCC) began its transformation into reality.

Long before the café existed, its foundation had already been built in a Cuban kitchen. Canizares grew up surrounded by women who expressed love through food — his mother, his aunts and especially his grandmother. She had a gift for creating something memorable out of simple ingredients — traditional Cuban desserts made from tropical fruits, each carrying its own story.

“I have memories of traveling for more than two hours from my home to hers, and she would greet me with a kiss and whisper in my ear: Go check in the fridge! I knew something yummy was waiting for me there,” Canizares says.

Those moments live on in MCC. The bold aroma of Cuban espresso echoes mornings in his mother’s kitchen. Guavafilled pastries reflect the treats he would buy after school. Mango and mamey milkshakes bring back hot afternoons spent with his grandmother, watching

cartoons. Each item on the menu is tied to a memory, a piece of home shared with the Greenwood community.

But for Canizares, food has always been about more than taste.

“Growing up in a context of scarcity, a lot of times we didn’t have all the traditional ingredients that Cuban cuisine requires, but the food coming from our moms’, aunties’ and grandmas’ hands was still delicious,” he explains. “We did it with love. We believe that the starting point to serve delicious food that brings joy to people is the love you invest in the process.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of MCC. Creating an environment where employees feel valued and connected, where they see MCC’s success as their own, is as important as the food. Because when people care about what they’re doing, it shows in the service, the atmosphere and every cup that leaves the counter.

MCC is more than just a café. It’s an invitation to experience Cuban culture through food, music and community.

“We hope that Greenwood embraces it and they start speaking with pride to others about their local Cuban café,” he says.

Looking ahead, the vision continues to grow. In the next five to 10 years, they hope to open a Cuban restaurant and help inspire a more diverse food scene in Greenwood. But at its core, the dream remains the same: to create a space where culture, food and community come together.

Sometimes, the smallest things — like a cup of coffee, a familiar flavor or a warm welcome — can mean everything. And for MCC, that’s exactly the point.

Visit Melao Cuban Café at 211 W. Main St., downtown Greenwood, and follow them on Facebook @melaocubancafe.

FROM CENTER GROVE TO CENTER STAGE

HOW THE CGHS DANCE TEAM BECAME A PRO SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT PIPELINE

Writer / Andrea Emerson

Photography / Indianapolis Colts; Pacers Sports & Entertainment

When Hannah Mueller volunteered to coach a student-led dance team at Center Grove High School, she dreamed of seeing her dancers featured at school sporting events, energizing fans and soaking up the buzz of a crowd. Sixteen years later, her legacy includes 10 dancers in the NFL, NBA and WNBA. Somewhere between poms and pirouettes, Center Grove started producing pros.

SMALL BEGINNINGS, BIG VISION

The CGHS dance program launched in 2007, led by students who wanted it badly enough to build it themselves. Two parent volunteers, Sherry Kennell and Lisa Siderewicz, made it possible. Mueller, who had trained some of these dancers outside of school, stepped in as a volunteer coach in 2010.

That first year, Mueller walked into the athletic director’s office and asked for

more performance slots: football games, basketball games, real crowds. He agreed on a trial basis.

“Game on,” Mueller recalls. “I made sure every performance was jaw-dropping.”

It worked. Dancers became a staple of pregame, sideline and halftime entertainment.

That same year, Mueller entered three freshmen in the Indiana High School Dance Team Association circuit. They came home with a junior solo title and a small ensemble finalist finish.

“That put our program on the map. School administrators and other high school dance teams took notice,” Mueller says.

As the program grew, another shift came when Vanessa Oakes, Mueller’s own daughter, landed a spot as a cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Just weeks

later, Aria Hall was selected as an Indiana Pacers Pacemate. Watching two of their own turn pro reframed what was possible.

“Our dancers realized, ‘I could dance in college, or I could go pro,’” Mueller says. “The program evolved from there.”

PREPARING DANCERS FOR WHAT’S NEXT

When Mueller retired in 2021, Hannah Sanders stepped in as head coach.

“I inherited a rock-solid foundation, and I’ve been intentional about preserving it,” Sanders says. “I’ve focused on growing the program and preparing our dancers for what comes next. We actively seek feedback from college and professional coaches to ensure our training aligns with what dancers will experience after high school.”

Those efforts are paying off: Every senior in the past two graduating classes has

auditioned for a college or pro team.

“My goal is that when a college or professional program sees ‘Center Grove Dance’ on a résumé, it immediately represents a dancer who is not only technically prepared, but also disciplined, hardworking, and ready to contribute at the next level,” Sanders says.

THE CG DANCE EDGE

Though no large-scale study exists, available data suggest that fewer than one in 2,000 U.S. dancers ever competes at the collegiate level, and only about 10% who pursue a professional career reach one.

Beating those odds takes more than technique. Morgan McLain, entering her third year as a cheerleader with the Indianapolis Colts, says reaching the pro level made her appreciate what CGHS has built.

“I didn’t realize at the time how much the program was preparing us. CG Dance gave me experience with pom and gameday styles that align more with collegiate and pro dance and cheer teams,” McLain says.

Mueller agrees.

“Our dancers stand out at collegiate and professional team auditions because they have so much gameday experience and can sell themselves a bit better. They’ve also been exposed to NFL and NBA dance coaches.”

For Brenna Emerson, a rookie with the Indiana Pacers Pacemates, that foundation was critical.

“CG Dance prepared me for much of what I experienced through auditions and my first year as a Pacemate,” Emerson says. “The expectations around coachability, performance quality, representing the organization well — none of it was new.”

AN OPEN DOOR

Not every dancer arrives with years of training behind them.

“The dance team experience in a public school creates opportunities for kids who don’t have the funds for a private studio,” Mueller says. “I’ve had students who’d never taken a dance class performing alongside dancers who’d been training since they were 3.”

Myana Pace, who joins Indianapolis Colts Cheer next season, came late to dance.

“I have to give flowers to my CGHS dance coaches. They saw potential in a 14-year-old who had never trained in dance until high school. They contributed heavily to my success,” Pace says.

“We are grateful to the leaders and administrators who support us, and for every opportunity we’re given,” Sanders says.

FROM LEGACY TO LAUNCHPAD

The alumni pro roster is the headline, but a truer measure of the program may be who keeps coming back.

“Our alumni often return to coach, judge, choreograph, and give back to the program that helped shape them,” Mueller says.

Sanders involves alumni as often as she can because they offer what no coach can: lived experience — what prepared them, what challenged them, what they’d do differently. Three current assistant coaches are program graduates.

For dancers working toward a college or pro team, Myana’s advice is simple: “Keep your community close.”

Her own experience reflects that: five former teammates are on Indianapolis Colts Cheer alongside her, and one former CG Dance coach is now her coach again.

For Brenna, technique is just the entry point.

“At the pro level, you have to stand out and blend in at the same time. CG Dance taught us both — how to own the floor and perform with presence in a way that elevates the whole team.”

It’s the kind of foundation that has launched dozens of dancers onto bigger stages. In the time it took to write this article, two more alumni earned spots on pro teams.

CG Dance is just warming up.

CG Dancers Gone

Pro

CG Dancers Gone Pro

Emily Rich (‘25) Fever Inferno

Chloe Grubb (‘24) Fever Inferno Myana Pace (‘21) Colts Cheer

Brenna Emerson (‘20)

Indiana Pacemates

Kaia Hunter (‘20) Fever Inferno

Morgan McLain (‘20) Colts Cheer

Sophia Strain (‘18) Colts Cheer

Katie James (‘17–’25, Asst. Coach) Colts Cheer Aria (Baird) Hall (‘15)

Indiana Pacemates Vanessa Oakes (‘14) Colts Cheer

GIFTS FOR MOMS, DADS & GRADS

The season of warmer days and longer light is finally here — and with it, a calendar full of celebrations! As we prepare to honor our Mothers, Fathers and Graduates, we’ve curated a ‘basketful’ of gift ideas sourced entirely from our vibrant local community right here in Center Grove.

Turn the page to discover hand-picked recommendations from your favorite neighborhood shops. Brianne’s Boutique, Noble Wine & Spirits, Pilates Addiction, Reeder Trausch Marine, American Auctions, Bliss Nails & Spa and Indy Yard Signs are here to make your gift-giving and celebrating stress-free while keeping your support right here at home.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

To all our Moms and Dads: Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Father’s Day!

And to the readers, cheers to you and thank you for choosing to shop local. Enjoy!

PILATES ADDICTION

Give the gift of health! Opening soon in Shiloh’s Corner. Can’t wait to meet you! www.pilatesaddictiongreenwood.com

YARD

www.indyyardsigns.com

BLISS NAILS & SPA

GRACYN GILLIARD

THE HEART OF A CHAMPIONSHIP, THE FACE OF A LEGACY

Perfection is rare in sports, especially in Indiana high school basketball, where every night presents a new challenge and every opponent brings its best. For Gracyn Gilliard and the 2025-26 Center Grove girls basketball team, perfection became reality. The Trojans finished a flawless 29-0 season, captured the Class 4A state championship, and in the process, Gilliard earned Indiana Miss Basketball, the highest individual honor in the state.

And inside the gyms all winter long, you could feel it building.

There was something different about this team. The confidence, the chemistry, the belief. It wasn’t just that they were winning; it was how they were doing it.

It was a season that will be remembered for decades, not just because of the record or the trophy, but because of how it happened. Center Grove had not won a girls basketball state championship in 30 years. Generations of players had come through the program, only to fall just short. This team finished the job, and at the center of it all was a senior who defined what it meant to lead.

“This was a team that was gonna find a way to get it done,” Gilliard says, reflecting on the season.

That belief didn’t just show up in February. It was there in November, in practice gyms, in close games, in moments where most teams would break.

This group never did.

That belief was not built overnight. It came from months of preparation,

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

Photography / CG Community School Corp.; Connie Etter

years of relationships, and a culture that emphasized togetherness over individual success. Head coach Kevin Stuckmeyer saw it from the very beginning.

“What made this team special was their ‘refuse-to-lose’ competitiveness,” Stuckmeyer says. “Even in practice, they treated every drill like a state final. That grit became our identity, and they embraced the grind of a long season.”

That mindset showed up when it mattered most. And each time, the Trojans responded.

“There were moments where we were trailing, but their resiliency always kicked in because they trusted the system,” Stuckmeyer says.

That trust became their superpower. No panic, no pointing fingers, just belief in each other and the work they had put in.

For Gilliard, those moments were not obstacles; they were opportunities to reinforce what the team had become.

“A lot of people doubted us,” she says. “I’ve gotten a lot of, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t know how you guys did it, you were down by 11

in the third,’ (in the state championship game), and all this stuff. I think it’s just a testament to our entire season. We played every type of basketball game you can imagine.”

The numbers tell part of the story. Gilliard averaged 25.6 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals. She set four individual school records, including 1,898 career points and 692 points in a single season.

She didn’t just put up numbers; she delivered when it mattered most, possession after possession, game after game, with a calm presence that never seemed to waver.

But her impact went far beyond statistics.

“Gracyn is defined by a unique mix

of humility and hunger,” Stuckmeyer says. “Despite the individual honors, her priority was always being a great teammate. She didn’t just play at a high level; she lifted everyone else up to join her.”

That ability to elevate others was evident to anyone who watched Center Grove this season, but it was felt most strongly inside the locker room.

Ask her teammates, and the answers come quickly: the best teammate they’ve ever had. Someone who gave them confidence. Someone who always made them feel valued.

They also described her as the funniest player on the team, a reminder that even in the pressure of an undefeated season, she never lost sight of joy.

“The team meant everything to me,” Gilliard says. “I could go on about each of them individually for probably 10 minutes, but especially the seniors, it’s just such a full-circle moment for all of us.”

That full-circle journey began years earlier, when many of these players were together in elementary school, playing travel basketball and building friendships that would eventually lead to something much bigger.

From youth gyms to state championship celebrations, this group grew up together, and that bond showed every single night.

“That bond will be there forever,” she says.

There was a moment during the season when the Trojans realized what they were capable of. For Gilliard, it came after a key win over Hamilton Southeastern.

“I think HSE really set the tone,” she says. “If we took care of it on the defensive end and let the offense come to us, then we were gonna be pretty solid and pretty hard to beat.”

From that point forward, Center Grove

played with a confidence that never wavered. They trusted each other, the system and their leader.

“Beyond the stats, Gracyn was the heartbeat of our team’s togetherness,” Stuckmeyer says. “Because of the respect she showed everyone, she earned the right to lead.”

Her leadership style was not loud or flashy. It was consistent, demanding and rooted in example.

No speeches needed. Her actions set the tone. Her work ethic spoke for itself.

“She was a quiet leader, yet she never backed down from demanding excellence from herself and the group,” Stuckmeyer says.

That quiet confidence translated into big moments. Time and time again, when Center Grove needed a play, Gilliard delivered.

“She had that ‘it factor’ to go make a play when it mattered most,” Stuckmeyer says.

For Gilliard, the journey back to Center Grove played a significant role in shaping who she became.

“Coming back and being so embraced by the community, by the team and all my friends that I had kept in touch with, was really special,” she says. “That was a big part of why I felt so comfortable so quickly.”

That connection to the community showed up in everything, from the way she carried herself to the way younger players looked up to her.

“What Gracyn has done for Center Grove basketball goes far beyond 290,” Stuckmeyer says. “She is the face of the program because of the tremendous character she displays every single day.”

Her excellence was not limited to the court. In the classroom, she maintained a rigorous academic schedule, balancing the demands of elite athletics with high-level coursework.

“It’s definitely a challenge,” she says. “But taking more rigorous courses is by far worth it, and that’s what keeps me motivated to stay ahead.”

That discipline will carry her to the next level, as she prepares to continue her basketball and academic career at college.

Even as she looks ahead, her focus remains on what this season meant.

“I still get that adrenaline high when I see the state championship trophy,” she says. “When we walk by it during the day, it feels like it was yesterday.”

For Stuckmeyer, the legacy of this team, and of Gilliard, goes far beyond wins and awards.

“When people look back, I hope they remember her character and approach

above all else,” he says. “She did it the right way. She didn’t just chase stats, she inspired everyone else to play for each other.”

That is exactly how Gilliard hopes to be remembered.

“I want to be remembered as a player who played for the team, a good role model,” she says. “That means being a good teammate on and off the court.”

And maybe that’s what makes this story so special.

Yes, it’s about a perfect season. Yes, it’s about a state championship. Yes, it’s about Indiana Miss Basketball.

But at its core, it’s about doing it the right way, with the right people, for something bigger than yourself.

For Center Grove, it was a season 30 years in the making.

For Gilliard, it was the culmination of a journey built on trust, work and relationships.

And for a community that packed the stands, followed every game and believed right along with them, it was something unforgettable.

Perfection, after all, is rare.

But this time, it belonged to Center Grove.

Everwise Credit Union

offers Center Grove families a local solution for major home improvements.

Spring in Center Grove is a good time to start tackling summer home improvement projects.

Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new deck to host cookouts or to finally install that heated pool in the backyard, Everwise Credit Union helps you navigate the costs of major upgrades by putting your home’s equity to work for your family.

Everwise can help homeowners turn their home improvement dreams into reality with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Unlike a traditional loan, HELOCs work like a revolving line of credit based on your home’s value (typically up to 80% minus your mortgage balance).

Why HELOCs are a smart choice:

• Pay for what you use: Homeowners only borrow what they need, when they need it, helping them stay in control of their budget.

• Significant interest savings: Rather than putting large expenses on high-interest credit cards, a HELOC offers a lower interest rate, making it a powerful tool for paying down high-interest debt.

• Flexibility and confidence: HELOCs provide flexibility and confidence by providing a simplified payment structure, making it easier to budget and reduce the chance of missed payments. This is especially beneficial when planning value-adding projects like kitchens, bathrooms, or energy-efficiency upgrades that build long-term home value.

Don’t let financing be the hurdle between you and your dream home. This spring, let your home’s equity do the heavy lifting.

Visit the Everwise branch at 18 Providence Drive in Greenwood, or go to everwisecu.com and start your Home Equity application today to turn your dream home into reality.

Keep your policies current for where you are in life. Talk to Bryan Neer to learn more. Bryan Neer, Agency Owner O: (317) 360-7500 ext. 3321 | C: (317) 902-5106 Bryan.Neer@infarmbureau.com 622 N Madison Ave Ste 5 | Greenwood (317) 360-7500

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

INNOVATION IN ACTION

HOW CENTER GROVE CULTIVATES CREATIVITY & CRITICAL THINKING FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

Writer & Photographer / Lauren Casey Bemis, Pence Media Group

For Center Grove’s District Innovation Coach Erin Brown, the little light bulb moments she witnesses inside the Innovation Center are the highlights of her day.

“I think we as adults are just so structured in our thinking and kids are still so imaginative. I’m amazed by the ideas that they come up with on how to build or how to create something,” Brown says.

Whether it’s designing a rain barrel to collect water after reading a passage about water scarcity in other parts of the world, developing and testing your own bumper car, or running a virtual pizza shop, the opportunities for students to exercise

their minds in new ways are endless when combined with Brown’s passion for hands-on learning.

“One thing that I love about being at the Innovation Center is that kids who sometimes struggle with the rigid part of classroom work come here and kind of just open up,” Brown says. “We take the standards that they’re learning in the classroom, and extend the learning here with hands-on projects.”

Center Grove’s Innovation Center opened on the school corporation’s campus in 2016. The flexible learning space now welcomes all students, from Kindergarten through fifth grade, for unique learning experiences three times a year. Brown takes the

learning on the road to the preschool program, and brings STEMstyle educational projects to both middle schools.

The building also houses a middle school STEM club, space for CG’s award-winning Red Alert Robotics Team, summer camps, community science nights led by high school students and more.

Brown has been in her role for about 2 years now, working to grow opportunities for young students and provide support for teachers across the corporation so they can continue handson learning projects back in their classrooms with materials and curriculum. Another goal for Brown, a parent herself, is to

provide additional opportunities for parent volunteers to get involved.

“This gives parents a different opportunity to get involved and the activity still be learning-centered,” Brown says. “It’s not just a Valentine’s Day party, it’s their child’s education.  It provides an opportunity to see their own child bloom in this kind of environment and that’s really cool.”

She recalls a grandmother of a student who was surprised to hear her young granddaughter discussing engineering design at the beach on a family vacation, saying she learned about it at the Innovation Center.

“For a girl to be enthralled with what she was doing here, and take that knowledge outside the classroom to the beach -- she’s not just playing in the sand. She’s having a conversation about what STEM is and how she could see herself in that field in the future,” Brown says.

Brown is working through experiences at the Innovation Center to engage young minds in STEM education at a young age to connect them to Project Lead the Way (PLTW), which is a class that requires all students to be collaborative, creative, and utilize critical thinking skills. PLTW classes focus on learning about the most vital fields and professions most in demand in

the world today and tomorrow.

“Giving students more access to STEM supports the corporation’s desire to grow in this area,” Brown says. “We have amazing pathways at Center Grove built for PLTW from middle to high school, so we really wanted to start incorporating our elementary school students on that pathway.”

Brown says the CG administration is eager to support these new ways to engage students in critical thinking through hands-on learning. With their support, she is engaging more teachers and Parent Teacher Organizations to open up minds to possibilities

KEVIN KILLINGER

For Bargersville Town Council

of learning in this engaging way.

Now she’s looking for ways to support the Innovation Center and opportunities for all students through sponsorships. As the STEM program continues to grow at the Innovation Center and across all of Center Grove’s school buildings, it takes time and money to develop curriculum and provide the materials needed for hands-on education.

Local businesses can sponsor the Innovation Center in a number of ways, like sponsoring a garage bay inside the building where students work or by funding materials and equipment. Parents will continue to have more opportunities to lend a helping hand inside these walls.

For Brown, the opportunity for kids to brainstorm, collaborate, design, test and redesign is a life lesson in problem solving, skills they can take with them into the future.

“I teach for the “a-ha” moments. I teach for when kids truly light up and shine,” Brown says. “They really explode in what they’re doing, because they get the option. It’s not writing, it’s not having to put something down on paper. They’re brainstorming an idea and then they get to bring it to life right then and there. I learn from them every day.”

Learn more about ways to support all Center Grove students and hands-on STEM education at the Innovation Center by visiting www.centergrove.k12.in.us/district/facilities/projectarchive/innovation-center.

BROTHERHOOD RESTORED

At the corner of Smokey Row and Mullinix roads, a former place of worship has found new life — not by leaving its roots behind, but by building upon them. Today, Cigar Club of Indiana stands as a unique gathering space where fellowship, tradition and friendship are as central as the cigars themselves.

For founder Raymond Modglin, the club was never about business. It was about preserving something far more meaningful.

“The Cigar Club of Indiana was born out of genuine friendship and a shared sense of community,” Modglin says.

What began as a group of 12 men meeting regularly at a local cigar shop evolved into

“We became more than just a group of men who enjoyed cigars; we became a trusted circle of friends who supported one another through life’s challenges and celebrations.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those gatherings, the idea for something permanent took shape.

“What began as lighthearted conversation quickly became a serious and heartfelt idea: creating a place of our own,” Modglin says.

That idea led to the purchase of the former Salem Church in September 2020.

a modern social club came with both logistical and emotional considerations.

“From the beginning, it was important to us to handle that transition with respect and care,” Modglin explains.

The pews were donated to a church in Illinois, and the building’s original pump organ was gifted to a local congregation. Even today, remnants of the church remain.

“The baptismal pool remains intact … as a nod to the building’s history.”

The renovation itself was extensive. Exterior updates included a new roof, siding and windows, while a more recent

interior overhaul brought modern finishes and amenities. Beneath the surface, however, the work was even more demanding.

“Because the church was originally built in the late 1890s, much of the lumber … was still original,” he says. “What may have looked like a renovation project … was really an effort to preserve a historic building while creating a warm, lasting home.”

That sense of home is central to the club’s identity.

“Personally, I have never viewed this as a business or an investment,” Modglin says. “This was never intended to be a profitdriven venture.”

Instead, membership dues simply sustain the building and its operations. “The true return has always been the community we have built.”

Step inside today, and that community is evident. The club features stadium-style seating, five large-screen TVs and a stateof-the-art HVAC system with advanced air purification, creating a comfortable, welcoming environment. Members also enjoy 24/7 access via a secure entry code.

But the real draw isn’t the amenities — it’s the connection.

“Yes, this is truly a community — a brotherhood of men who have become far more than casual friends,” Modglin says. “To say we are just friends would be a significant understatement.”

That brotherhood extends well beyond the club’s walls. Members gather for golf outings, euchre nights, Texas Hold ’em tournaments, holiday dinners and even vacations with their families.

“We know each other’s wives by name, our children know one another,” he says. “These relationships have moved well beyond simple friendship.”

The club also honors the building’s

spiritual roots. Each Wednesday, it hosts a men’s Bible study that has grown into a cornerstone of its culture.

“It is a time for encouragement, accountability and genuine connection,” Modglin says, noting that the group also supports Samaritan’s Purse. For newcomers, the experience is

intentionally immersive.

“I want every new member to truly experience the club, not simply visit it,” Modglin says. “My hope is that every member immediately feels at home, feels welcomed into the brotherhood, and wants to become part of everything the club has to offer.”

That philosophy also challenges common perceptions of cigar culture.

“For us, the cigar is not the identity of the club; it is simply the setting that brings people together,” he explains. “What truly defines us is the brotherhood, the trust and the genuine care that exists among our members.”

From monthly euchre games and an annual golf outing to a New Year’s Eve celebration and regular communityfocused events, the club’s calendar reflects its deeper purpose.

“The events and shared experiences are truly the foundation of this club,” Modglin says. “What membership offers goes far beyond the cigar itself.”

Looking ahead, the club aims to grow from 50 to 100 members, but not at the expense of its close-knit feel.

“Growth is important, but preserving the closeness and trust among our members is one of our greatest priorities,” Modglin says.

Each new member is intentionally welcomed into the fold, ensuring the culture remains intact.

Ultimately, Modglin hopes the club’s impact extends into the broader Center Grove and Greenwood communities.

“Our club is built on brotherhood, service and support,” he says. “We would welcome more opportunities to demonstrate that our values extend far beyond the walls of the club.”

In a space once defined by worship, the mission hasn’t changed as much as one might think. It’s still about bringing people together — only now, the fellowship is paired with cigars, conversation and a brotherhood that continues to grow.

LOUNGE & LEARN

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT LEAVES LASTING MARK AT INDEPENDENCE PARK

Writer / Christina Cochran

At Independence Park, visitors may notice something new along the walking paths — six thoughtfully placed benches inviting them to sit, reflect and learn. For Sam Tinkham, those benches represent far more than a place to rest. They are the culmination of years of dedication, leadership and a lifelong goal: earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

An 18-year-old senior at Center Grove High School, Sam has been involved in scouting since first grade.

“Someone came to speak to his classroom and he came home all excited saying he wanted to be an Eagle Scout someday,” says his mother, Jennifer Tinkham.

That early spark turned into years of

commitment, from Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts, shaping not only his skills but also his character.

Along the way, Sam found joy in the outdoors and in serving others. He embraced campouts, learned to cook for his troop and volunteered within the community. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — when meetings shifted online and many of his peers stepped away — Sam stayed the course.

“He thought about quitting, but he stuck with it,” Jennifer says. “He really flourished when he transitioned into Boy Scouts.”

His journey came full circle as he began

inspiring younger students, just as he had once been inspired. Through visits to local elementary schools, he introduced others to scouting, sharing his passion and encouraging them to get involved.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sam wanted to create something lasting and meaningful.

“With my project I wanted to find a way to benefit my favorite local park, Independence Park, while also integrating my passion for technology,” Sam says.

The result is “Lounge & Learn,” a series of six benches, each dedicated to a different organization making a positive impact. Each bench includes signage with QR codes, allowing visitors to learn more

about the causes they represent.

“Each bench represents an organization that I am fond of, important to our community, and that is working to solve a pressing crisis in our world,” Sam explains.

One bench honors Shine On, an organization founded in memory of his late uncle that supports children of veterans, children affected by suicide and local scouts. Others highlight the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Wounded Warrior Project, Kic-It, Cancer Research Foundation and Kids In Need Foundation.

While the finished project appears seamless, the process behind it was anything but simple.

“Lots of time went into planning and orchestrating the project,” Sam says.

From fundraising and recruiting volunteers to managing work groups, sourcing materials and constructing the benches, the project required months of coordination and perseverance.

In total, the effort spanned around eight months and included multiple phases — from building the benches to installing them in the park and designing custom laser-cut signage at the library. Sam even had to adapt along the way, working through setbacks like design adjustments required by the parks department and delays due to equipment repairs. Leadership played a central role throughout.

“Sam did a great job of recruiting friends and adult members of Troop 245 to help bring his project to completion,” Jennifer says. “He also did a great job of delegating tasks.”

That leadership was especially evident during build days, including one memorable afternoon when volunteers formed an assembly line in the family’s garage.

“They got quicker with each bench being built,” Jennifer says. “The boys all looked so proud after finishing the last bench.”

For Sam, one of the most rewarding moments was seeing his vision come to life.

“Watching all the people who came out to help me build what I’d been dreaming up,” he says, “was incredible.”

Now complete, the benches are already making an impact.

“I’ve seen the benches in use as I visit the park frequently,” Sam says. “Most of all I hope people take the time during their daily walks to sit at a bench and learn about each bench and the bench’s respective organization.”

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout marks both an achievement and a turning point.

“My family was overjoyed and proud of my achievement,” Sam says. “Although for me it puts a bittersweet capstone on the incredible journey of scouting in my life.”

His parents share that pride.

“Scouting has helped him become the awesome young man he is today,” Jennifer and Shawn Tinkham say. “We are so proud of Sam.”

As he looks ahead, Sam plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington, where he will study cybersecurity and global policy. He also hopes to join ROTC and one day serve in the United States Air Force, with a goal of working in cybersecurity for national defense.

For now, his legacy is already visible at Independence Park — a place where community members can pause, reflect and connect. Through “Lounge & Learn,” Sam has created more than benches. He has created an experience rooted in service, education and the enduring values of scouting.