greenwood community newsletter july 2015

JULY 2015

Johnson County’s Largest WaterparkFreedom Springs

Greenwood Director of Parks and Recreation, Rob Taggart

2 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atGreenwood.com

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2 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / JULY 2015 / atGreenwood.com atGreenwood.com / JULY 2015 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 3

Hot fun in the summertime (Sly Stone, 1969)

It’s the middle of summer, and Greenwood is more than ready for some hot fun. Our cover features Greenwood Director of Parks and Recreation Rob Tagert, taking a dousing at the newly opened Freedom Springs. Starting on Page 20, Tia Nielson highlights all the features of the water park, the largest such park on the metro area’s southside.

Greenwood High School is expanding the programs it offers. A new program called “Connections” is designed to do a better job serving students who were not reaching their maximum potential in the traditional school environment. About 30 junior and senior students will take advantage of the program during its first year. Students in the Connections program will also attend classes at C9, a cooperative career/technical school that serves nine area high schools.

You may not give much thought to your electric utility, but this month, we take a closer look at Johnson County Rural Electric Corporation (REMC). We chose this story because of the

advancements they are making in the way they are providing their services and the rebates that they offer their customers. You may not realize that you can save hundreds of dollars on everything from replacing your water heater to upgrading to the latest in LED lighting. Jim Eichelman introduces you to the company and shares how you can start saving money today!

Finally, I am pleased to welcome Alecia Bonson to our staff as an intern for the summer. Alecia is a senior at Taylor University where she is majoring in professional writing. She is actively involved in the production of both the Greenwood and Center Grove Community Newsletters. Her duties include writing articles, copy editing and proofreading. She touched nearly every article in this issue. Alecia is another reason it’s going to be a great summer!

We regret not providing the right photo credit for the cover and table of contents in last month’s issue. James Eichman took both pictures.

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEPat Enochs / 317-528-9380

TOWNEPOST PUBLISHERTom Britt


BUSINESS MANAGER Jeanne Britt


DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Toni Folzenlogel

CREATIVE DIRECTORAlyssa Sander

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Austin Vance

EDITORKatelyn Bausman

JULY WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORSAlicia Wettrick / Hanna Sturm /

Jim Eichelman / Julie Yates / Kara Reibel / Kate Rhoten / Tia Nielsen /

Tonja Talley

SHOP LOCAL!Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Greenwood Community Newsletter offset the costs of

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STORY SUBMISSIONSPost your stories to TownePost.com or email to [email protected].

MAILING ADDRESSP.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236

Phone: 317-288-7101 / Fax: 317-536-3030

The Greenwood Community Newsletter is published by Chilly Panda Media, Greenwood, under license from TownePost Network, and is written for and by local

Greenwood residents.atGreenwood.com Business Spotlights

are sponsored content.

July 2015 / Vol. 2 / No. 2

9 Micky Maurer, Leading By Example 25 Inspire Program Plants a Seed of Purpose

FEATURED13 Johnson County Rural Electric

Corporation

17 The Trucks Stop Here33 Connections: A New Program

for Greenwood Community High School

6 Greenwood Health Kick

7 Community Connection

35 Openings

36 Event Calendar

37 Word Search

38 Kate in the Middle

COLUMNS

20FREEDOM SPRINGS: JOHNSON COUNTY’S LARGEST WATERPARKWriter / Tia Nielsen

Hot weather is steaming into town. What can you do at the new Freedom Springs Greenwood Aquatics Park that cools you down? Sisters Lauren Brown, 12, and Kenzie McAtee, 8, were eager to spend a day at the new water park that opened full-time May 30. The girls along with their grandmother Cindy Tollar take us on their journey.

COVER STORY Cover & TOC Photographer / Chris Williams


GREENWOOD HEALTH KICK

HEALTHY, COOL TREATS FOR THE SUMMERWriter & Photographer / Alicia Wettrick

You are minding your own business. Suddenly in the distance, you hear the sweet melodies of an ice cream truck. Like Pavlov’s dog, you start to salivate. Now you’re frustrated! You want something cool and refreshing, but you don’t want the muffin-top look in your bathing suit.

Anticipating this yearning, I searched for simple, healthy, refreshing treats and tested them on my family and neighbors. These were their favorites:

HOMEMADE POPSICLESAvoid the high-fructose corn syrup and brightly stained mouth with a natural fruit popsicle. You can use any fruit combination with added almond or coconut milk for smoothness. Try the following recipe:

MANGO, ORANGE, GREEN APPLE AND LIME POPSICLECombine 1/2 pound of frozen mango chunks (the no sugar added variety), 1 green apple, 1/2 cup of light coconut milk, freshly squeezed juice from 1 orange and 1 lime and 1 tablespoon of honey, agave or sugar. Purée in a blender until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze for four hours or until firm.

FRUIT AND HERB–INFUSED WATER (SPA WATER)Combating fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps and pain, water has many benefits.

Staying hydrated with water improves digestion, metabolism, thinking and alertness. It also plays a big role in aiding weight loss and maintenance.

Nevertheless, the thought of plain water does not excite most of us. However, making fruit-infused water is a natural and delicious alternative to sugary drinks such as lemonade and soda. Water along with the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from fresh fruit mix up a perfectly refreshing beverage for the summer!

(Spas frequently serve this water to cleanse and refresh their clients, hence the name “spa water.”)

HOW TO MAKE SPA WATERYou can use any combination of fruit (except for bananas) and fresh herbs. Use two-quart mason jars or a pitcher. Wash the fruit well before adding to the jar. For a stronger flavor, gently press or crush the fruit and herbs. Fill the jar with ice cubes. Add water to the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours to let the fruit and herbs steep. Good for up to three days.

INFUSED WATER COMBOS*1. Watermelon and Rosemary (Sweet and aromatic. Biggest hit!) 1-2 cups watermelon cubes and a sprig of fresh rosemary.2. Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, Mint (Light and refreshing) 8-10 halved strawberries, 1/2 of a sliced cucumber, 1 sliced lime and mint leaves.3. Blackberry, Blueberry, Lemon, Sage (Rich, savory berry flavor) 1 handful of

blackberries and blueberries, 1 sliced lemon and sage or mint leaves.4. Orange, Lemon, Lime (Tangy and a little bitter) 1 orange, 1 lemon and 1 lime sliced.

*Fruit and herb–infused waters are not very sweet. You can add 1 teaspoon of honey, agave or sugar to your cup. A little sugar is still much better than the 10 teaspoons of sugar in soda.

FROZEN BANANA POPSInstead of cake-pops, how about banana pops? These were gone in seconds!

Slice a couple of bananas. Melt dark chocolate in the microwave. Dip the banana slices in the melted chocolate and then place them on wax paper. You can top the slices with sprinkles, chopped almonds, walnuts, shredded coconut or chia seeds. Place a toothpick in each banana slice. Refrigerate or freeze for one hour. Enjoy! Keep them in the fridge or freezer for storage.

On a hot summer afternoon, try these easy, refreshing, healthier treats instead of stalking the ice cream man. Have a great summer!

Alicia Wettrick is a Family Nurse Practitioner working in OB/GYN for Community Hospital Network. She believes that Greenwood is a great place to lead a healthy lifestyle and raise a family. She is married to Don

Wettrick and has three kids Ava, Anna and Grant. She has been a southsider since childhood and has lived in the Greenwood area since 1998.


HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF JOHNSON COUNTY

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Writer / Hannah Sturm . Photos / Provided

Karen Magnum, also known as “Suzy Sunshine,” is the well-deserving homeowner for the Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County build of 2015. Magnum always has a smile on her face and is ready to work with an appreciative attitude.

After reading an article about the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, Magnum decided to apply, and she has been waiting patiently since 2013 to start building her new home. When talking about the process leading up to the build, she had not an ounce of expectancy in her voice. Magnum was nothing but grateful for the opportunity to complete 300 “sweat equity” hours, financial training and lessons on being a good neighbor and homeowner.

Her humble heart is moved by the over 240 volunteers who have come out to help her build. Magnum and her family will be able to move in after the dedication ceremony in July. There are others out there just like Magnum seeking a hand up, not a handout. It is up to us as a community to support one another, share our resources and skills and make a difference.

PIFJC IMPACTThe Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County (HHJC) was the wild card winner of the annual golf event, Pay it Forward Johnson County (PIFJC), last September. They have participated in the event since it began in 2011.

In total, PIFJC has raised over $124,000 for various organizations serving Johnson County.

Karen and friends


The funds HHJC received from PIFJC helped build Magnum’s home. This is the second Women’s Build and the first in Trafalgar. Both Women’s Builds have been huge successes.

Lee Ann Wilbur, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County, says, “We think everyone should support Pay it Forward Johnson County because of the wonderful things they do for our community.”

YOU CAN HELPHHJC runs on volunteers and offers diverse ways to get involved. Currently, the organization is working to open a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The store will sell new and gently used building materials, furniture and other home accessories.

The organization is looking for donations to build their inventory. If you are looking to give back to your community by sitting on a not-for-profit board, Habitat has two board positions to fill. They are looking for folks who are passionate about Habitat’s mission who have experience in investments and residential real estate. Interested candidates need to contact Lee Ann at the Habitat office.

Habitat’s mission is to provide everyone with an affordable, safe and healthy place to live, which is why we must come together and partner with them for the betterment of our community. Helping a little can have a big impact.

PRESSING NEEDSAll-in-one printerComputerCash register systemPallet jack

WOW FACTS: WOMEN BUILDSecond home is almost completeThe first build raised $89,000USA Today national coverage for the first build in 2014

Twelve women leaders recruit teams of 20 women volunteers to complete the build

GET CONNECTEDhabitatjohnsoncounty.org317-736-4454habitatjohnsoncountyindiana@gmail.com

Facebook.com/habitatjohnsoncounty

Hannah Sturm, an intern at Spotlight Strategies, lives to love, grow and give back.

Lyman A. Snyder, Loren A. Snyder& Bryan Epperson

“Take the leap, and the net will appear,” said Sylvia McNair, one of 19 women featured in a book by Michael S. Maurer, “19 Stars of Indiana: Exceptional Hoosier Women,” IU Press.

This statement by McNair adequately sums up Mickey Maurer’s approach to life. Maurer has been many things, and the term “entrepreneur” doesn’t seem to do him justice.

He is not someone that knows a little about a lot of things; he knows a lot about a lot of things. Maurer doesn’t take an interest in something lightly; he digs in, immersing himself until expert level is achieved. Then once saturated, he moves on to the next item on his list.

“I am not sure he keeps a ‘to do’ list, aside from writing down his schedule each night before leaving the office,” shares Maurer’s daughter, Jill Burnett. “He is the only person I know who still actively uses a Rolodex, even though I have told him his phone could do that.”

“My first job was leading ponies for small children at an amusement center. I was in elementary school. The pony in front of me dumped

on my tennis shoe. I decided to continue my education and strive for something that smelled a little better,” shares Maurer.

After graduating from North Central High School, Maurer attended the University of Colorado for his undergrad, then earned a degree from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington.

After practicing law for 20 years, Maurer realized he was more of an entrepreneur. “I became an attorney because my father couldn’t due to the constraints of the Great Depression. I wasn’t very good at being a lawyer,” says Maurer.

Turning to other interests, Maurer indicates he’s dabbled in cable television, film production, radio broadcasting, newspaper publishing, real estate and banking. To be clear, Maurer is Chairman of the Board of the IBJ Corporation, which publishes The Indianapolis Business Journal, Court and Commercial Record and The Indiana Lawyer. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of The National Bank of Indianapolis, so saying he “dabbles” is drastically understating the truth.

Writer / Kara Reibel . Photographer / Brian Brosmer

MICKEY MAURER LEADING BY EXAMPLE

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“Mickey has been a tremendous resource in the community,” says Emmis Communications Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan. “He has made a real impact through his tremendous civic stewardship.”As one of original board members of Emmis Communications, Maurer’s friendship with Smulyan dates back over 30 years. Smulyan continues, “Mickey’s had a positive impact on improving the quality of life here in central Indiana.”

The impact of Maurer’s civic and philanthropic endeavors is impossible to quantify. Maurer’s contributions run wide and deep within our community, including his name gracing the Indiana University Law School in Bloomington. This incredibly generous donation on behalf of Maurer and his wife Janie illustrates their commitment to the school. The Maurer School of Law is a national leader in the study of the global legal profession.

As part of his civic duties, Maurer served as the President of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., and the following year, he was named Indiana Secretary of Commerce by Governor Mitch Daniels.

“I was paid $1 per year for that job,” shares Maurer emphasizing, “ONE dollar!”

Maurer replaced Vera Bradley co-founder Pat Miller as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce. During the transition, Maurer referred to Miller as a “classy dame,” which was spun as an offensive comment by The Indianapolis Star.

To the contrary, Maurer was offering Miller, who was not offended in the least, a sincere, heartfelt compliment. This incident inspired Maurer to pen the book, “19 Stars of Indiana: Exceptional Hoosier Women,” highlighting true role models for our society, both locally and globally.

“I marvel at Mickey’s perseverance and passion by which he pursues the things that are important to him,” praises Christel House Founder and CEO Christel DeHaan. “He is making a difference. What a great testimony to living a purposeful life.”

The success of the book influenced Maurer to create one honoring Hoosier men. In the book, he features, among others, Senator Richard Lugar, Eugene B. Glick and Gebisa Ejeta, a Purdue University geneticist and World Food Prize Foundation 2009 Prize Laureate, whom Maurer sincerely credits with the sole responsibility of saving more lives than anyone else on the planet.

“Dr. Ejeta researched drought-tolerant and striga-resistant sorghum seeds which reported yields four times larger than traditional sorghum crops. He’s helped save the lives of millions of Africans through his food research which cannot be understated,” says Maurer. Dr. Ejeta still teaches at the Purdue University Glenn W. Sample School of Agriculture in West Lafayette.

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“My dad has always believed in following and pursuing your interests and passions,” shares Burnett. “He’s always encouraged my brothers and me to do so, as he certainly has followed his.”

One hobby turned into a gorgeous coffee table book, “Water Colors,” a stunning collection of underwater photography of creatures barely noticed by the naked eye. Aside from one photo of his beautiful wife hidden in a school of fish, all other photographs are of objects no bigger than a fingernail. The quality of the photographs look to be from one of National Geographic’s veteran underwater photographers.

“One snowy weekend, I thought I would arrange my underwater photographs into a book,” recalls Maurer. “One year later, the book went to print.”

In his most recent book, “10 Essential Principles of Entrepreneurship,” Maurer features life lessons you never learned in school. He dedicates the book to his father, Julius Maurer, and his Uncle Mickey.

“My dad and uncle owned Maurer Brothers Auto Parts at Ninth and Senate Avenue,” shares Maurer. “Out on the fence was a sign that read, ‘If you can’t stop in, smile as you go by.’” The lessons shared in the book are illustrated with examples of Maurer’s friends, including Martha Hoover, who exemplifies redefining “barriers to entry.” Hoover is not mentioned once but four times throughout the book.

“I am fortunate to be able to call Mickey Maurer a mentor, as well as a friend,” shares Hoover. “So often people refer to him as a ‘serial entrepreneur,’ but really he is a ‘serial mentor.’ Always generous to me personally, to countless others and to the community at large, Mickey gives of his time, talent and treasure.

“I never walk away from even a chance meeting without learning something. Mickey’s worldview is progressive and big picture, yet his impact is local.

Unlike others in his position, he freely and graciously continues to share his knowledge.”

Hoover’s Patachou, Inc. proudly provides sponsorship for Mickey’s Camp, a unique camping experience Maurer created 15 years ago. What if you could combine two and a half days of fun events, relaxation and networking in a different environment than you are used to?

Mickey’s Camp splits the week between the women and the men, enabling a fun networking experience for their campers, and it’s partially tax-deductible.

“It was always a dream of mine to have a camp where you can learn new skills from the best, so billiards is taught by world ranking professionals Jeanette Lee and her husband George Breedlove,” says Maurer, mentioning only a couple of


the 40+ activities on the list of options. “A camper can learn how to play Texas Hold’em from World Series of Poker champion Linda Johnson.”

Since its inception 15 years ago, Mickey’s Camp has raised and donated over $2 million to local charities. Descending on Bradford Woods are 125 women and 125 men to immerse themselves in activities taught by the best in their fields.Burnett joined event manager extraordinaire Kari Strolberg in coordinating all camp activities, meals and logistics. Not only does Burnett get to work with Mickey’s Camp, but this enables her to work closely with her dad, gleaning knowledge from him.

“You can’t get a better teacher than my dad,” says Burnett. “He is patient and encouraging, and while he may steer me a bit, he is always there for me. I love being

with my dad and watching him in action.”

“This is the ninth year for women and the 15th year for men,” shares Strolberg. “We have many repeat campers, but new campers are always welcome.”

And thanks to donors like Patachou, Inc., campers experience incredible meals. “We have amazing partnerships providing our meals such as Patachou, Scholars Inn, Palomino, Kahn’s Catering, Traders Point Creamery, Amore, Sullivan’s and Shapiro’s, to name a few!” says Burnett. “We are so grateful for all of our sponsors!”

“Mickey’s Camp is a rewarding experience with so many stories,” shares Strolberg. “It is a great opportunity to try new things, and it can be whatever you want it to be. There are people who do wine tasting, gourmet cooking and anything that isn’t fitness related. There is something for

everyone, no matter what kind of person you are, athletic or not, and each camper can choose eight options from over 40 activities, which encourages campers to come back and try more things.”

“Similar to Dr. Seuss’ ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ lesson, how do you know you don’t like them unless you try?” adds Burnett. “After all, trying something new might spark an unknown passion or skill.”

Maurer and his wife, Janie, have three children and nine grandchildren.

For more information on Mickey’s Camp, please visit mickeyscamp.com.

Kara Reibel and her family reside in the Fishers/Geist area, where she has lived for more than 30 years. In addition to owning Geist Pilates, Kara loves writing. You can follow her at karareibel.blogspot.com. She can

also be found on Facebook and Twitter: @karareibel.

Harold Smith has attended Mickey’s Camp for 14 years


PROVIDING YOU SERVICE, SAVING YOU MONEYWriter & Photographer / Jim Eichelman

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

But what do you really know about the

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

A BIT OF AN EXPLANATIONIf we look closely at the name, a few things stand out. First, it says Rural. What the heck? Large portions of Johnson County, especially the areas where our readers live, are no longer rural. The Center Grove and Greenwood areas are decidedly suburban, along with other growing communities such as Bargersville.

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

Second, the letter “M” in the REMC acronym stands for “Membership.” That means you are not a customer but a member. You share ownership in the JCREMC with over 21,000 other members.

JOHNSON COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC CORPORATION


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

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

JCREMC purchases its power from Hoosier Energy, a Bloomington-headquartered generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale electric power and services to 18 member distribution cooperatives, like JCREMC, in central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois. Hoosier Energy generates the electricity and sends it to Johnson County. Our JCREMC then is responsible for getting it to consumers.

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

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

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

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

adding insulation to your attic (certain restrictions and limitations apply). Another program is a duct-sealing rebate. Air leakage in a home’s duct system can be a significant contributor to increased energy costs, particularly in older homes. Rebates provided for sealing air ducts in your home can significantly offset the cost of this energy and cost saving improvement.

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

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


REMC SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIESAIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS SINGLE FAMILY HOME (PER UNIT)Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two). Single Dual/VariableNew ASHP Unit $150 $500

• New Construction Replace central air conditioner with ASHP

• Replace fossil fuel furnace with ASHP • Replace existing ASHP

Replacement of an existing electric furnace to ASHP $800 $1,500

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS MOBILE HOME (PER UNIT)Efficiency rating must be at least 14 SEER. This rebate is for REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRIC FURNACE ONLY. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two). Single Dual/VariableReplacement of Electric Furnace $800 $1,500

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS**Requires a desuperheater installation for new installation geothermal systems only.New Geothermal Unit $1,000

• New Construction • Replace fossil fuel furnace with GEO • Replace air source heat pump with GEO • Replace existing geothermal unit

Replace an existing electric furnace with GEO $1,200

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER (PER UNIT)Capacity must be 40 gallons or greater.New Unit $300

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

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING (PER UNIT)Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER for single family home; 14 SEER for mobile home. Rebate amount varies based on compressor speed. It is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two). Single Dual/VariableNew construction electric $150 $500Replacement of an existing central air conditioning $150 $500

MINI-SPLIT DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP (PER UNIT)Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump Efficiency rating must be at least 16 SEER. Unit(s) installed must be the primary source of heating and cooling for the home. The rebate is lower for single speed compressors (column one) and higher for dual/variable speed compressors (column two). Single Dual/VariableMini-split $250 $500

HVAC DUCT SEALINGRebate for duct sealing is available to residential homes over two years old. Both supply and return ducts must be sealed and insulated if in an unconditioned space. Ducts must be sealed with a minimum of 1/16″ mastic. Limit one rebate per home. Watch this short video that explains this energy saving process.Electric heated homes: 100% of cost up to maximum of $500Fossil fuel with central air or heat pump: Maximum of $250

ATTIC INSULATIONRebate for attic insulation is available to residential homes over two years old. Insulation must be professionally installed and must be able to bring the insulation level to a minimum of R-42 to qualify.Electric heated homes: 100% of cost up to maximum of $500Fossil fuel with central air or heat pump: Maximum of $250

RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERSRebate is for residential consumers only, limit two per household. Receive a $30 rebate when we haul away your old refrigerator or freezer at no cost. For information about the program and to schedule a pickup, visit our webpage.

ONLINE STORE FOR CFL & LED LIGHT BULBSReceive instant savings when you shop for specialty Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs through our online store. Specialty bulbs include round globes, flood lights, dimmable bulbs and more. (minimum 6 bulb purchase)

You may complete the rebate form online or you may download a PDF document of the rebate form to e-mail, fax, mail or bring to the office.

For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or visit http://jcremc.com/rebates.

NOTE: Federal (form 5695) or Indiana state (form 18865) tax credits or tax deductions may be available for some of the above equipment. Check with your tax professional for a list of qualifying equipment.


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Combining these rebates makes such improvements more affordable and reduces the amount of time to reach the break-even point on your investment. John Gates, director of member services, also recommends researching state and federal tax credits to determine if your improvement is eligible.

IMPROVING TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICESome of the activities of the JCREMC that will improve your life may be virtually invisible to you, the member. For more than 10 years, all electric meters of JCREMC members have utilized radio frequency technology to transmit usage data.

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

for meter data collection significantly, thus reducing expenses.

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

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

allow you to determine if you can move certain activities to non-peak times and lower your electrical costs.

Finally, JCREMC operations personnel will be able to monitor the power grid in Johnson County in real time, resulting in quicker recognition of outages and almost instantaneous reconnects when needed. According to John Gates, this conversion is more than 30 percent complete, and implementation should be complete by early 2016.

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

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


TheTrucksSTOP HERE

TheTrucksSTOP HERE

LOCAL TREATS ON THE MOVE

Writer and Photographer / Julie Yates

The food truck trend has traveled to Johnson County. Now that summer has arrived, you can find

these vibrantly colorful vehicles at local events such as Bargersville’s Parks Department Concerts, Franklin’s varied events on the Square and Greenwood’s Freedom Festival in Craig Park.

Whether they are actual converted delivery trucks or retrofitted trailers,

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

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S … JOHNSON’S BAR-B-QUE SHACKLow and slow are the keywords here. Brothers Keith and Nate Johnson’s hobby of smoking turkeys for the holidays led to their custom-built smoker on the back of a 24-foot trailer. Now family and friends help

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

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

JOHNSON'S BAR-B-QUE SHACK Kelli Ormes, Heather Johnson and Nate Johnson ready for customers


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

Currently working on opening a brick and mortar site at 82 S. Baldwin St. in Bargersville, the Johnsons are looking forward to selling their special smoked goods to customers long after the food truck season is over.

THE REAL DEAL … MRS. G’S TASTE OF HOMECatfish lovers can celebrate because Georgette Harmon knows her fish fillets. Breaded with her own blend of seasonings and fried right on the spot, the catfish fillets from Mrs. G’s Taste of Home are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.

Harmon explains, “I make sure people get the real catfish they want and not Asian Swai [which is native to Southeast Asia] and might be sold at other places.” Everything is made fresh on the truck, and the sides of her signature multicolored coleslaw and cheesy baked spaghetti were also delicious. A word to the wise — get the scrumptious peach cobbler or delectable banana pudding before it sells out.

Noticing our obvious enjoyment while

munching on her food, she smiled and said, “My food tastes like no one else’s.” Retired after 25 years with Yum! Brands Inc., Harmon used her savings to purchase a brand new trailer and all the equipment needed to make an actual kitchen on wheels.

She admits that what she is doing now is “more fun” than being in the traditional restaurant business, but she never thought she would have a food truck. When she is not in the truck, she maintains a space inside the Citgo Gas Station at 10005 E. 42nd St. in Indianapolis.

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO … THE FLYING CUPCAKEThere is no actual baking or cooking going on inside the charming Flying Cupcake truck, but frankly when the wares are this yummy, who cares?

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

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

Can’t wait for the enchanting truck with a winged cupcake on top? No worries! You can find the same jumbo-sized cupcakes at their Greenwood storefront at 789 U.S. 31 North.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK … BROZINNI PIZZERIAA taste of the Big Apple rolls into the Greenwood area when the Brozinni Pizzeria food truck comes to town.

MRS. G'S Dwight Harmon assists his mom, Mrs. G., Georgette Harmon

THE FLYING CUPCAKE Enchanting treats come from their whimsical truck


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

Inside, they make the dough and pizza sauce from scratch and even freshly grate the cheese as each pizza is made. We sampled a huge slice of multi-topping pizza and agreed it was fabulous. The killer crust and the gooey melted cheese are a result of the pizza actually being baked on the truck instead of made off-site and then reheated.

They upgraded to their current truck because they loved taking their product out on the streets, but to make it genuine, they needed real pizza ovens on board. Molly Wallace, who handles the truck logistics, said that until they added air conditioning and tweaked the ventilation, “It got pretty hot in the kitchen!”

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

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

Ashley Miller, who drives the truck, said, “It was like it was made for us.” The brightly painted blue and white vehicle plays nostalgic songs from the ’50s and ’70s as it roams the streets of Greenwood. The truck stays close to Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop at 259 S. Meridian St. and is also seen at community events.

Mini Curl has a limited but popular menu of soft serve ice cream, shakes and sundaes. Miller related how that at the end of last year’s season, the reverse gear went out on the truck.

Not wanting to disappoint anyone, the ice cream truck kept all its appearance commitments but either had to park in pull-through spaces or be pushed out in neutral at the end of an event. Miller said proudly, “We still came, and everyone got their ice cream!”

HAVE THE EVENT … AND THEY WILL COMEAs summer goes on, the list of food trucks that appear at local events is sure to grow. When they pull up, people can’t help but be attracted to the novel and relatively inexpensive fun food offered.

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

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

Johnson’s Bar-B-Que Shack johnsonsbbqshack.com

Mrs. G’s Taste of Hometasteofhomeindy.com

The Flying Cupcaketheflyingcupcakebakery.com

Brozinni Pizzeriabrozinni.net

Mrs. Curlmrscurl.com

BROZINNI PIZZERIA

MRS. CURL Emily Loman hands out a twisted cone complete with sprinkles

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

On the road & online


Tia Nielsen

Chris Williams

Tia Nielsen

Tia Nielsen

atGreenwood.com / JULY 2015 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 21

Johnson County’s Largest WaterparkWriter / Tia Nielsen . Photographers / Chris Williams & Tia Nielsen

Hot weather is steaming into town. What can you do at the new Freedom Springs Greenwood Aquatics Park that cools you down? Sisters Lauren Brown, 12, and Kenzie McAtee, 8, were eager to spend a day at the new water park that opened full-time May 30. The girls along with their grandmother Cindy Tollar take us on their journey.

A nice way to begin is with free parking. Thanks, Greenwood! While there are long lines for a single day’s admission, season pass holders sail through a gate that reads their pass digitally. Sweet.

Lockers are available to stash your valuables for a quarter outside the bathroom/changing rooms. The only minor problem was the key did not have a pin to attach it to a swimming suit. Instead, leave your key in a towel on one of the hundreds of lawn chaises.

LAZY RIVER: A COOL JOURNEYThe zero-entry depth makes it easy to walk into the river and slide into an inner tube. “Start off by grabbing the perfect float and pick where you are going to sit. Some floats have seats, so the little kids

can enjoy floating around too,” says Lauren. “Getting in this way was new. It was my first time at the park,” Kenzie adds. “Of course, instructions come from sister.” “I’m happy!” bubbles, Kenzie. “This really lazy, lazy river is relaxing.”

Lauren takes on the adventurer mindset. “Once you have your float, explore the lazy river.” Kenzie guided the double tube as Lauren enjoyed the fruits of her sister’s labors.

CABANA TIME!Sit out of the sun and enjoy some cooling off time in the cabanas, suggests Lauren. Cabanas with very comfortable seating can be rented for a half day for $30 or a full day for $50. Perhaps you’ll agree with Kenzie, “I feel like I’m on the beach!”

ACTION GALORE AT TUBES SLIDES AND BODY SLIDELines fill all three levels of stairs ascending to the top platform where swimmers can plunge down either of the tube slides or launch down the body slide on an inner tube. Emily Kolis, 14, takes on the blue tube slide. No one has given a definitive word yet as to which slide is faster, the blue or the red. See what you think when you go.

Freedom Springs


LAP POOL AND TWO DIVING BOARDSKenzie decided she was not ready to dive in the deep end of the 25-meter lap pool. Lauren, however, thought as only a tween-to-teen would, “It may look big, but the diving board is one of the best spots at the pool where you can show off your awesome moves.” PRESCHOOLERS HAVENA glance at the play area for young children shows a few of the cooling activities available. Jonathan Black, 2, loves the water table.

This is one place he can splash water to his heart’s content.

THE LILY PAD CROSSINGKenzie did tackle the Lily Pad Crossing successfully. “Lily Pad was really complicated and fun. I never thought I would step on a turtle!”

Mitch Renner, 5, also put his best effort into making the crossing. As health-minded Lauren notes, climbing across while hanging on to the rope really strengthens those bicep muscles.

Tia Nielsen

Chris Williams

Chris Williams

Chris Williams

Tia Nielsen

Tia Nielsen

atGreenwood.com / JULY 2015 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 23

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SAFETY WALKING“The park seemed well manned,” notes grandma Cindy. “It was easy to see everywhere.” The lifeguards patrol back and forth in specific zones of the entire aquatic park. They constantly monitor activities to keep guests safe. Every 15 minutes, they rotate to a new location in order to stay alert and focused.

The first day the pool was open, they had four water “assists” (rescues) in the first 90 minutes, said Isaac Hart, general manager for the facility.

All 50 lifeguards are certified through Ellis & Associates, an organization internationally known for its aquatics training. Lifeguards routinely face random testing by that company for any aspect of water safety or to demonstrate CPR on the spot.

One of the free picnic areas in the background offers shade for the sun-weary.

I’M HUNGRY!After all the sun and fun, it was hunger time. ”It was nice to snack in the shade and see the water," says Kenzie. “I was hungry from the Lily Pad challenge!” Joined by new friend Grace Dawson, 9, the girls zeroed in on a bite bought at the concessions window.

Parks policy states no outside food can be brought in. The one exception is for birthday cakes.

RELAXING PLACE“As a grandma, I was really relaxed,” says Cindy. “The lounge chairs were comfortable and very relaxing. Having the umbrella to sit under was a pleasant surprise. The girls liked seeing me as they went around the bend in the Lazy River.” Lauren, Kenzie and Cindy all agreed that it was a special day of water fun. And a great way to get cool!

SWIM LESSONS & STAY FIT SESSIONSGuests filter out to the parking lot after a full day of water fun. Evening swim lessons begin 15 minutes after the general public hours end.

Fee-based swimming and diving lessons are available both before and after the normal aquatics park hours. Preregistration is required.

Stay Fit classes are before public hours weekdays. Stay Fit classes are free to season pass holders. Otherwise, there is a small daily fee for residents and nonresidents. See details at greenwood.in.gov/FreedomSprings.

HOURSMonday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.Sunday: 12-6 p.m.Thrilling Thursdays*: 7-10 p.m.Hours are based on year-round school calendar.*Thrilling Thursdays begin in August.

LOCATIONFreedom Springs is located at 850 W. Stop 18 Rd. in Greenwood. It is at the junction of Stop 18 and Averitt Road and is part of Freedom Park. Sidewalks are being built from the neighborhoods leading into the park.317-884-2078 or 317-884-2079greenwood.in.gov/FreedomSprings

ADMISSION PRICES• Resident (proof of utility or cell phone bill or bank

statement matching your name and address):Adult (18+): $8Child $6Senior (55+) $6Season Pass $65

• Nonresident:Adult (18+) $10Child $8Senior (55+) $8Season Pass $85

Purchase online for single season passes. Four or more passes can qualify for a 20 percent discount if bought in person at the aquatics park or the Greenwood Community Center.

OFFERINGS• 2 Body Slides• 1 Tube Slide• Lazy River• 25m Lap Pool• 1m and 3m Diving

Boards• Lily Pad Crossing• Splash Area• Sand Play Area• Concessions

• Picnic Shelters and Cabanas

• Swim and Diving Lessons

• Stay Fit Water Aerobics, Aqua Zumba and Aqua Walking

• Party Rentals• Sponsorship

Opportunities

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

reach her at [email protected].


Writer / Tonja Talley . Photos / Provided

A purpose flows through the veins of everyone in this world. A seed will grow if passionately nurtured. One or a community gathers to breathe life into the creation. Timing and thinking outside of the box enhances the goal.

Special Services, Johnson County and Surrounding Schools (SSJCSS) planted a seed in 2013, and the result blossomed into a program — a goal with purpose.

INSPIRE. The acronym stands for Individual Needs in Special Places to Increase Relevant work Experience.

WHAT IS INSPIRE?The program applies a new mindset in the transition of 18- to 22-year-old intellectually disabled students from the end of their

senior year of high school into adult life. The INSPIRE program supports the students who want to continue academic, career and independent living instruction to prepare for gainful employment.

According to Michele Neumann, SSJCSS assistant director, the INSPIRE students participate in a college or a career school and obtain hands-on work experience before they apply for jobs within the community.

One INSPIRE program works amid a partnership with SSJCSS and Franklin College. Heading into its second full year of operation, students and nonstudents alike praise the program.

Former Center Grove student and INSPIRE graduate Richie Olopade said what he liked about INSPIRE. “I enjoyed working in the kitchen with Danny. Learning to work in the

Commons helped me get a job.” Olopade now works for Sodexo.

“INSPIRE allows students to have the independence that they want in a structured environment,” said Neumann. “Being around age-appropriate peers in a college environment through this program allows for students to explore opportunities that they might not otherwise have been able to achieve.”

When asked what his favorite part of INSPIRE was last year, Greenwood High School student Christian Parks said, “Exploring freely around the campus and Franklin. It means a lot to me.”

“The INSPIRE students get on campus, and the students, parents and teachers are blown away with what they are accomplishing,” said Jennifer Casselman, Center Grove’s teacher of record.

INSPIRE PROGRAM PLANTS A SEED OF PURPOSE


APPLICATION PROCESSAccording to Mike Nevins, SSJCSS transition coordinator, a committee filled by employees of both Franklin College and SSJCSS selects students from a number of high school senior applicants who attend the county’s school districts. Before selection, each applicant and

the board meet to get to know one another. Anyone interested in the program may contact the teacher of record from the student’s high school and obtain an application.

HOW INSPIRE WORKS“For the students and parents who have

heard ‘I can’t,’ we can,” said Alisha Webb, INSPIRE job coach.

The 1- to 2-year program utilizes Franklin College as a base. The students work, attend class or college events and socialize. The program’s job coaches assist the

students in all aspects of becoming an independent adult during INSPIRE.

In the beginning, the job coaches walk with their students to all campus activities or into the town of Franklin. Once confidence builds, student independence develops cautiously. “Our students are pretty good getting around on their own. It doesn’t take them long to roll their eyes and say, ‘Alisha, I can do this on my own. Please go away,’” said Webb, giggling.

CLASSESEach semester for 50 minutes a week, students attend INSPIRE-100, a class designed just for the INSPIRE students. The class utilizes a simple syllabus with different sections. One section considers campus conduct and rules while later in the curriculum, the “Getting a Job” segment of the course teaches students how to write a résumé, fill out an application and present themselves in an interview.

Class Fun Day adventures find the group and its coaches traveling. One never knows where they might go. No matter where the adventure, the students reaffirm skills learned in INSPIRE-100. “When arriving at the bus stop to get to our destination, students recall learning the bus schedule in class or they remember how to tip when we stop at a restaurant for lunch,” said Webb. “Skills like these allow students their independence.”

JOBSKeeping in mind a student’s interest, Franklin College offers a variety of jobs to undertake. If the student enjoys the outdoors, their work assignments may consist of painting curbs, working in flowerbeds or


mowing the lawn. If the work involves being indoors, the jobs might entail cleaning, taking inventory or moving furniture for banquets.

Participants learn from the campus employees how to complete a task. At each job site, job coaches assist the student with questions or concerns. There’s much to be learned accomplishing a job task properly. Job coaches encourage questions pertaining to task completion, work breaks and appropriate times to start new assignments.

Job coaches respond to these types of questions. However, once a student starts feeling comfortable with their assigned employee and task, job coaches slowly step out of the picture. The reason is this forces

the student to rely on what he or she knows the employer requests of them instead of using the job coach as a crutch.

GUEST AND MENTOR CLASSES“Franklin College welcomes the INSPIRE students to attend one class a semester as guests,” Nevins said. When asked to give some examples, he said, “For instance, one student last year visited a biology lab and dissected a crawfish. Another student interested in law took a political science class where he participated in a mock trial.”

The mentor classes place an INSPIRE student with a college student for a class project. Last spring for a class assignment, media students were to film the INSPIRE students working their various campus jobs.

The collaboration brought the INSPIRE students stardom and the college students credit. Coming fall semester, these films hit the red carpet at Franklin College just in time for the new INSPIRE students to experience.

In speaking about the guest and mentor classes, Neumann commented, “Our partnership with the Franklin College community has been incredible for not just the INSPIRE students, but the faculty, staff and students who have participated together.”

NEW ADDITIONSComing this semester, the SSJCSS welcomes Central Nine (C-9), an area career and technical school, as its second INSPIRE partner.

Left to right: Tina dissecting a crawfish . Mike receives a baseball on Fun Day from Franklin College player #22 . Ali and Daniel with teacher of record Jennifer Casselman . Brandon sweeping the stairwell.


The 2015-16 year welcomes three new students to the programs, two of which attended Center Grove. Ali Callahan advances to Franklin College INSPIRE, and Daniel Peed furthers his education at C-9 INSPIRE.

In a recent interview with Callahan, she expressed her desire to take in as much of campus life as possible. “I want to go every day, so I can talk with old friends and make new ones. I someday want to work in an office. I like to work on the computer entering data. I hope Franklin College has some of that.”

Peed likes to work on anything with four or more wheels. “I dream of having my own auto body shop someday. C-9 [INSPIRE] has auto classes. I think the program will help me.”

“For many families, INSPIRE is a dream come true,” Webb said. “We are planting a seed by giving students a chance to participate in post-secondary activities and obtain hands-on work experience using real-life scenarios. What an opportunity!”

For more information about Special Services, Johnson County and Surrounding Schools or the INSPIRE program, check out their website at ssjcs.k12.in.us.

If your business would like to find out what an INPIRE partnership could look like, please call Michele Neumann at 317-736-8495 or email her at [email protected].

Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993. An 11-year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement

Organization. She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi and her church.

Photos (left to right): Jennifer working out with a Franklin College student . Mason sprucing up the Franklin College lawn . Christian painting the walls

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Not content to rest on accomplishments, Greenwood Community High School will launch a new program, Connections, for the upcoming 2015-16 school year. The school has had the distinction of being named a Four Star School by the Indiana Department of Education for four consecutive years.

To receive this honor, it met the criteria of being in the top 25th percentile of schools in two ISTEP-based categories as well as earning an A rating under the state’s A-F Accountability Program.

When asked why a new program is being initiated since the school is already successful, Director of Guidance Bill Ronk stated that the idea developed from the collaboration of administrators and chairs from the English and Mathematics departments.

“Administration, under the leadership of Principal Todd Garrison, felt that we needed to do a better job of serving students who were not reaching their maximum potential in the traditional school environment,” he explained.

SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOLThe process of converting several underused classrooms into a large open area that will house the program began in June. Connections will

utilize the open concept model with spacious areas for small group instruction as well as a comfortable lounge for independent study.

Superintendent Dr. Kent DeKoninck has committed funds to purchase 30 brand new computers for the program. Participating students will be assigned a specific computer for their use within the Connections setting. Depending on grants approved, the space might also include a small café.

The school has applied for a Simon Youth Foundation Partnership and is hoping to receive its support for the upcoming year. The Simon Youth Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Indianapolis. Its goal is to provide funds to schools in order to help at-risk students who may consider the possibility of dropping out.

THE FOCUS IS COLLEGE READINESSConnections will serve up to 30 junior and senior year students with very different interests and academic aptitudes. Ronk elaborated, “There are no quotas in regards to race, gender or even the type of diploma a student is pursuing, but all must be enrolled in a Central Nine Career Center (C9) program and want a more personal environment in which to focus on college readiness.”

A cooperative career/technical school which serves nine area high schools, C9 is located at 1999 U.S. 31 South in Greenwood.

CONNECTIONSA NEW PROGRAM FOR GREENWOOD COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL


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It offers 26 programs that prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation from high school or readies them for further education at a post-secondary institution.

The courses offered are diverse and include health services such as pharmacy and nursing as well as criminal justice, computer programming and advanced manufacturing. Most C9 fields of study offer dual credit in which the student simultaneously earns college credit and high school credit and/or certification.

Students accepted into the Connections program would be at the Greenwood Community High School campus in the morning and then attend C9 classes in the afternoon.

TAILORED FOR EACH STUDENTStudents in the program will fulfill core course requirements in math, English, science and social studies by taking classes online. In addition, certified teachers will come into the center for direct instruction and individual tutoring. A faculty member responsible for providing technical and logistic support while the students are online will also staff Connections.

They will be using a program that the school is piloting, Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations


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(PLATO), which is a computer-assisted learning system. The courses in PLATO are aligned to state standards and allow students to individually advance at their own pace while teachers view their progress and assist them in meeting assignment deadlines.

Connections students will also be provided with support for their senior project — a requirement for all students graduating from Greenwood Community High School. Considered a “stretch” beyond what they would normally learn, participants in the Connections program can coordinate their senior project to what they are doing in a C9 field of study.

AN ENVIRONMENT TO INCREASE ACHIEVEMENTStudents in Connections will still be able to interact with their friends since they will have access to all the common student areas. “Connections is not a discipline alternative school,” stressed Ronk, “but a way to tailor programs for specific students who would benefit from a more personal environment.”

It is hoped that this innovative program of combining online learning with direct instruction by both Greenwood Community High School teachers and C9 instructors proves to yield increased achievement in participating students.

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2-31/ SALI FEATURED ARTISTBruce Moore resides in Fishers, IN. The professional artist shows his work regularly in regional and national juried exhibitions. His painting style has evolved over the years from representational work to imaginative contemporary painting, most often on “Yupo,” a synthetic paper made of polypropylene.Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet the artist July 10 from 6-8 p.m.FreeSouthside Art League, Inc. (SALI) Off Broadway Gallery299 E. Broadway St., Greenwood317-882-5562southsideartleague.org

11 (RAIN DATE JULY 18) / JOHNSON COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL OPEN HOUSEJohnson County Animal Control invites the public to an Open House with Dave “The King” Wilson and other celebrities. Visit vendor booths, see demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Department K-9 officer, watch obedience trainers work with dogs and learn grooming tips and tricks. Other activities include:Photos of you and your dog: $5*Microchipping $10. (Pets must be altered and up-to-date on rabies shots in order to be microchipped or photographed.)

Pet ID tags made while you wait: $3Fixed and vaccinated “barn cats” available for free!“Name Your Price” adoptions.Free pizza and popcorn.Drawings throughout the day for door prizes.Rabies certificate required for all dogs over six months of age brought to the event.10 a.m. – 4 p.m.FreeJohnson County Animal Control2160 N. Graham Rd., Franklin317-736-3924adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/77631.html

13 / PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS AND IDENTIFY THEFTJoin us for a free consumer protection presentation from the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. Learn more about:. Why you still get calls even though you’re signed up for the Do Not Call List. The latest scams done through the mail, over the phone and on the Internet. Techniques used by fraudsters. The importance of protecting your personal information. How to check your credit report for free. How to freeze your credit to prevent ID theftDon’t miss out on this free opportunity to protect your

name and finances.6:30 p.m.FreeGreenwood Public Library310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood317-885-5036greenwoodlibrary.us

17 / BARGERSVILLE ANNUAL CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEETDash plaques, judged show, People’s Choice awards, best interior, best paint, games, competitions, raffles and Remnants Band 6-9 p.m.5-10 p.m.Free to attend, $20 to show vehicleMain Street in [email protected]/bargersville_annual_carshow

18 / BBQ AND BLUES FESTPeople’s Choice BBQ contest, food vendors, craft vendors, Michigan Street Band 6-10 p.m.11 a.m.-10 p.m.Main Street in [email protected]/bargersville_bbq_blues

JULY LOCAL EVENTS

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

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Animal Sounds

FIND THE ANIMAL THAT ...

1. BRAYS __________________

2. ROARS __________________

3. HOOTS __________________

4. BAYS __________________

5. NEIGHS __________________

6. BUGLES __________________

7. CROWS __________________

8. OINKS __________________

9. CACKLES __________________

10. MOOS __________________

11. HOWLS __________________

12. BAAS __________________

13. BARKS __________________

14. MEOWS __________________

15. COOS __________________

16. GOBBLES __________________

17. SQUAWKS __________________

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23. CAWS __________________

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25. WHISTLES __________________

26. CROAKS __________________

27 CHIRPS __________________

28. PECKS __________________

29. TRUMPETS __________________

30. BLEATS __________________

31. CRIES __________________

32. BUZZES __________________

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WORD SEARCH

S H C T E F G O R F R W O J L

H B A N D L A E S P H M L H N

E C W O W E T S K A D I E G T

E H G O C S L C L D O N K E Y

P B C L O D U E K N V L K E M

E A R O N D R L P D E C U S V

T I R K P K P I C H I B R R G

O M E R C Q G E B R A Y T O E

Y D K I O U J E C F E N O H W

O B H F C T K G L K O S T I B

C C L D A A B L R L E E M U S

E O L O N M O U S E E R L O M

W R G S B O T I H B D L U N E


Writer / Kate Rhoten

Summer is here. Vacation plans have been made. I want to share an alternative to hotels if you are traveling or looking at options for future trips.

Many of us have stayed in hotels or rented a condo at the beach through a rental management company. Perhaps you have heard of VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) or HomeAway (part of VRBO). We used VRBO once in the past for a summer hiking vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado. VRBO was founded in 1995; HomeAway was in 2006. HomeAway is the parent company of VRBO. They each state that they have over one million listings.

Another company in the overnight accommodations sector has taken off since it began in 2008. This would be Airbnb. It started during the last recession and became “the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space” as described on their website’s About page. It now has over 1.2 million listings available in over 190 countries. Airbnb is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

The uniqueness of Airbnb is that they offer places to stay from a room in someone’s home to an entire castle. Don’t believe me; check out their site at Airbnb.com. Out of all the companies that offer accommodations for families, Airbnb is my favorite one.

The website itself is beautifully designed. The user interface on the Internet, as well as an app on your tablet or phone, is easy to navigate. That just makes hunting for a place to stay that much more enjoyable. Plus our inquiries to the owners were responded to in a very timely fashion.

Last year, we tried Airbnb for the first time when we went to California. We were attending ComicCon (yes, I went with my family and enjoyed the bucket list experience). We had reserved a hotel, but when you start factoring in miscellaneous fees and dining out, we decided to look into Airbnb. That’s when we found the perfect place and canceled the hotel.

We stayed in a beach cottage at Solana Beach. This was a perfect location as it got us away from the busy areas of downtown San Diego and Mission Valley. It was just a two-minute walk to the beach without a single road to cross. We were very pleased with

our selection, and our youngest loves the beach, so he was thrilled. The place was clean, comfortable and recently remodeled.

We used Airbnb for a second time this past March for spring break. This time, we stayed in a condo in Sunny Isles, Florida — just north of Miami. This condo was on the west side of Florida’s A1A Highway, which runs alongside the beachfront buildings — another short walk that was all of four to five minutes. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The boys each had a queen size bed and a television in their room, so they were happy not to be on top of each other. Our room was perfect for us, and it had a television as well. We had great beach access, and it was not busy at all. That was very relaxing for us.

Next month, this column will cover what you should know going into a rental through Airbnb and our top reasons for continuing our vacation rental searches through them. I will also outline our costs on the places in Solana Beach and Sunny Isles compared to the hotels we would have stayed in.

Until then, enjoy the long days of summer and vacation if you have one coming up.

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

CHECK OUT OF HOTELS, CHECK IN TO AIRBNB

KATE IN THE MIDDLE

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Franciscan St. Francis Health’s Indianapolis

emergency department was named a recipient

of the Lantern Award by the Emergency Nurses

Association. This award recognizes a select group

of emergency departments demonstrating

exceptional practice and innovative performance

in the core areas of leadership, practice,

education, advocacy and research.

We’re proud to be lighting the way with

one of the most streamlined processes in

the country. Known as NowER, it signifi cantly

reduces wait time to be seen by a medical

provider in the emergency room.

AWARD-WINNINGEMERGENCY CARELighting the way


Franciscan St. Francis Health’s Indianapolis

emergency department was named a recipient

of the Lantern Award by the Emergency Nurses

Association. This award recognizes a select group

of emergency departments demonstrating

exceptional practice and innovative performance

in the core areas of leadership, practice,

education, advocacy and research.

We’re proud to be lighting the way with

one of the most streamlined processes in

the country. Known as NowER, it signifi cantly

reduces wait time to be seen by a medical

provider in the emergency room.

AWARD-WINNINGEMERGENCY CARELighting the way

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMERPRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAIDLebanon Junction, KY

Permit No. 942P.O. Box 36097Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097

greenwood community newsletter july 2015

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