SAVVY
ON THE SPOT EMERGENCY CARE LIKE
Being seen faster makes all the di erence in an emergency. That’s why Witham is right in your neighborhood with a state-of-the-art ER. Our Emergency Room at Anson provides you the same level of care as our hospital-based emergency department. You’re seen by board certified ER doctors armed with the latest technology dedicated to delivering the highest level of personalized care. From the most serious traumas to everyday mishaps, Witham is here for you like no other.
COPPER TRACE MAKES ROOM
FOR NEW RESIDENTS
Copper Trace — CarDon & Associates’ senior living community in Westfield — has now opened its doors to new residents and families.
CarDon recently unveiled the community’s $8.6 million expansion, which more than doubled the number of assisted living apartments, with the 40 new apartment homes consisting of 27 one-bedroom, 6 large one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom residences.
Other benefits of the expansion include such new amenities as a renovated dining room, fireside lounge, piano lounge, activity area, and new fitness room. This adds 37,500 square feet full of fresh décor, fun activities and friendly faces to the main campus building.
“This expansion comfortably accommodates the growing needs of seniors in Westfield and surrounding communities,” said CarDon President and CEO Kent Rodgers. “It offers opportunities for seniors who want to remain self-sufficient with the assurance of assistance when needed, as well as individuals coming out of short-term rehabilitation who might benefit from assisted living care.” (Rehab stays are available for all ages — Copper Trace recently provided care for a 34-year-old military dietitian.)
With assisted living, rehabilitation, long-term care and memory support, Copper Trace provides a comprehensive continuum of care.
“It’s the best around,” resident Jan Rushing said. “The nurses really care, and it’s beautiful here. People here have been very comforting to me and my family.”
Other residents describe the community as a home that not only suits their needs and brings them comfort but pleases their loved ones as well.
“It’s so easy to get to know people here and make friends,” resident Betty Belshaw said. “Everyone is so friendly and feels like family. I feel very at home, and I love the new expansion. It’s very warm and cozy.”
AMENITIES INCLUDE
• The Bistro — an expanded, fully renovated dining venue.
• The Colonnade private dining room.
• The Fireside Lounge — a double-sided fireplace lounge where residents can chat with friends and family over coffee from the Fireside Café.
• The Harmony Lounge, where everyone can enjoy live piano music.
• Copper Terrace, an outdoor living space perfect for reading, bird-watching, you name it.
• A beauty shop, movie theater, activity area and more!
Consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in Indiana and the country, Copper Trace’s home base of Westfield is close to such family-friendly attractions as Conner Prairie, the Clay Terrace Mall, Birdies Miniature Golf and the Grand Park Sports Campus — home of the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp and Pacers Athletic Center.
Copper Trace’s new assisted living apartments are now available for reservation. Contact the community today at www.cardon.us or call Copper Trace at (317) 844-5050 for more information.
BRANDON BALTZ brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522
Savvy Sliders Brings Its Mouth-Watering Menu to
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FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
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FIRED UP
STEAK N BAKE ROLLS INTO BOONE COUNTY
Nationwide, food trucks have increased in popularity and are considered a vibrant part of many culinary scenes. The unique fare and atmosphere offered with food trucks attract a loyal and growing base of patrons. Those within the local community who appreciate this mobile dining experience will enjoy the latest addition: Steak N Bake.
Steak N Bake was recently launched by Whitestown residents Lucas and Elizabeth Copeland. Their business operates out of a mobile food unit that features a 6-foot Santa Maria grill. Steak N Bake uses a livefire cooking technique to prepare the food offerings, which include rib eye steaks, brats and tri-tips.
Lucas says that he runs his business the “hard way.” The manner in which he purchases his ingredients and prepares
his food requires intentionality and forethought. The result is what he calls a “unique culinary experience that produces the best steaks in the Midwest.”
“Steak N Bake is unlike any other mobile eats business out there,” adds Elizabeth.
“We bring a forgotten cooking technique, using live fire, that allows us to provide our community with an unforgettable taste and experience. You can watch us as we cook our food right there.”
Along with their unique cooking methods, the Copelands say their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients contributes to their ability to serve highquality entrées. The pair aims to purchase everything local with the hopes of supporting other community businesses. Currently, Steak N Bake uses Saint Adrian
Meats & Sausage in Lebanon to provide their local, fresh products.
Along with meat dishes, guests can order sides that include sautéed mushrooms, onions and fire-roasted potatoes.
Steak N Bake offers catering services too and hopes to bolster that portion of their business in the coming months. Guests can also place orders online and bring dishes home for dinner.
The Copelands are fairly new to Boone County, but their family already feels like a part of the community.
“We fell in love with the area,” says Lucas. “We feel like we fit in here, and we can envision ourselves being here for a long time.”
Writer / Rebecca Wood Photographer / Brian Brosmer
Lucas is a native Hoosier and a retired Army veteran. He served as a combat engineer in the Army and completed a 12-month tour in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Elizabeth is a clinical nurse and educator. The couple has three children who range in age from 8 to less than a year old.
“Being a family business is one of the most important things about Steak N Bake,” says Elizabeth. “We are trying to teach our children that with hard work, lots of dedication and a positive attitude, that they can accomplish anything. It’s important that they see mom and dad working together to build their dream.”
To schedule a visit to Steak N Bake, check their website at steaknbake.shop for their location and event schedule. During the months of November and December, a portion of their proceeds are helping local toy drives and holiday meals.
L
A D I E S ’ N I G H T
P a r t i c i p a t i n g l o c a t i o n s :
R A D I A N T S K I N
c o h a t c h / n o r t h h i g h
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C O R E A P P A R E L D E C E M B E R 1 2 5 - 9 P M
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M I C H E L E ’ S O N M A I N
O u t o f t h e b l u e
p r e s e n t e d b y r a d i a n t s k i n
Kristen Gilkison has worked in the health care industry as a physician’s assistant, and has always been passionate about preventive medicine.
bar none
KRISTEN GILKISON BALANCES NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS WITH PROTEIN BAR COMPANY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
After a diagnosis of celiac disease and several food allergies nearly a decade ago, she started thinking about an untapped market - protein bars that taste good.
“I’ve always loved being in the kitchen and I found there weren’t a lot of good options out there,” she said. “I needed gluten free and that typically meant it didn’t taste very good. So I started baking gluten-free items in my kitchen.”
She needed something simple and easy while working at the hospital, and a quick look at the ingredients on packages of protein bars at the store told her many of them were packed with sweeteners and sugar.
Gilkison created timbar, a small business offering healthy snacks including a protein bar.
“I started making my own protein bars with all real ingredients,” she said. “They are plant based and gluten free. They are delicious and they quickly became one of my bestsellers.”
As life got busier for Gilkison - she had children and was still working full time and attending local farmers markets with her product - it became clear she wouldn’t be able to keep up.
In 2023 she took a leap of faith and hired a gluten-free manufacturer to mass produce timbar.
With her entrepreneurial spirit, she’s enjoyed the shift from baking for hours in the kitchen to learning about the massproduction process, marketing and so much more.
“The last year has been so interesting,” she said. “I worked with a food scientist to make sure all of the recipes were shelf stable, and we launched the first flavor, peanut butter chocolate chip.”
Today she’s still attending farmers markets in Westfield and Whitestown, but customers can buy protein bars on her website at thetimbar.com, through Market Wagon, and via Amazon.
A few things have changed since Gilkison started her business several years ago, but one thing remains the same. The avid healthy living advocate and baker wants to ensure anyone can grab a timbar, feel full throughout the day and not cave to unhealthy choices out of habit.
“My kids love the protein bars and that’s a pretty good litmus test,” she said. “It’s
exciting because I really want to create something the whole family can enjoy. When I was first diagnosed I thought, ‘This is not how I am going to eat, and we don’t have to.’ I think so many of us are worried about the numbers and the fad diets, and we really just need to pay attention to what we’re putting in our bodies.”
Up next, the chocolate brownie timbar will be released any day now, and in January we can look forward to the cinnamon roll flavor. All the flavors are her favorites from
baking in her home kitchen.
Gilkison anticipates continued growth over the next few years and is currently in talks with local retailers, but mainly her goal is to share the product and ask people to give it a try.
Loyal customers haven’t been disappointed yet.
She’s even partnering with the Butler girls basketball team this year. It’s a part of their
Name, Image, Likeness program, allowing student-athletes to represent and promote brands, so we may see the team unwrapping timbars on the court soon.
“I feel blessed to have the health care background,” Gilkison said. “The average person hears a lot of mixed messages about healthy eating and nutrition. I hope timbar can set the record straight. God is stirring something and we’ll see where it goes.”
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION TODAY
Contact Sean Reaves 765-482-1320 sean@boonechamber.org
RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY
Contact Brandon Baltz 317-514-9522 brandon@townepost com
RE SE RV E YOU R S PAC E TO DAY FO R TH E FI RS T ANN UA L
2025 BOON E COUNT Y CH AM BE R BUS INES S D IREC TO RY.
Copies w ill be printed and mailed to all chamber members as well as to all businesses in Boone County. Additional copies w ill be available for new businesses, new chamber members, and distributed at multiple locations in Boone County.
• All chamber members w ill receive a basic listing.
• A sk how you can join the chamber today and receive a special
ENHANCED LISTING FOR $150
Add your business logo or a photo to your listing along w ith BOLD print.
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TASTE SAVVY
SAVVY SLIDERS BRINGS ITS MOUTH-WATERING MENU TO LEBANON
Life can be incredibly hectic. Between work, home, family and friends, it’s hard to find time for much else. One thing that should never be taken for granted, though, is a great meal. Thankfully, there is a restaurant that understands how important this is and seeks to bring delicious food to all.
Savvy Sliders is a fast-growing restaurant chain specializing in gourmet sliders, crispy chicken and farm-fresh custard. With over 50 locations nationwide, Savvy Sliders is redefining fast food by showing that quality
and convenience can go hand in hand.
Founded in Michigan in 2018, Savvy Sliders has quickly expanded, and as of August 2024 it proudly operates a location in Lebanon, Indiana. This new addition is thanks to Mike Bauer, who brought the franchise to the Hoosier state.
Bauer is no stranger to this industry. Growing up in Lafayette, his parents owned and operated multiple Subway locations. They hit the ground running and were even
Exposure to the culinary world from a young age allowed Bauer to see the potential that a career as a restaurant owner could bring.
“I worked in the stores as a kid and ultimately realized that the career path I wanted to have was in the restaurant business,” he says.
Bauer took over his family’s business and expanded the operations to include over 20 Subway restaurants. Though he wasn’t initially seeking to franchise another brand, the opportunity with Savvy Sliders was one he couldn’t pass up.
What struck Bauer was the culture embodied at Savvy Sliders. “We take care of our employees and we take care of our customers,” he says. “I call it a family. It’s a very loving environment. People want to stay, they want to be a part of the family that we’re making here, and they want to see what we can build and grow within the community. To me, that’s a very touching thing.”
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
Photographer / Brian Brosmer
What really sets Savvy Sliders apart from its competitors is the food itself. Offering different varieties of sliders, crispy chicken tenders, delicious side dishes and creamy custard, there is something for every customer to love. The best part is that it’s all made to order and guaranteed fresh.
“The chicken, honestly, is the best chicken I’ve ever had,” Bauer says. “Quality food wins every time. Quality wins every argument.”
In addition to this, Savvy Sliders also offers catering options, making it the perfect choice for game day, holiday parties and
everything in between.
While the menu might get the customers in the door, the true impact Savvy Sliders has on the community goes beyond its food.
Every Christmas, Bauer’s Savvy Sliders will work with the Boys & Girls Club to help bring holiday cheer and gifts to those children most in need. This tradition, carried on from his parents, is one that Bauer takes immense pride in. His vision is for Savvy to be an active, positive force in the community, not just another restaurant.
Looking towards the future, Savvy Sliders
will continue to grow throughout the state. A second location is being built in Lafayette with plans to open in the summer of 2025.
While fast-food restaurants may often be viewed as lacking in quality or too corporate to care, Savvy Sliders certainly does not fall into that category. Bauer and the team are committed to being a part of the communities they serve, and bringing good food to good people.
If you would like more information about Savvy Sliders, visit savvysliders.com or follow them on social media.
VISIT OUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This holiday season, skip the big-box stores and explore the unique charm of Boone County, Indiana, where shopping local is more than just a trend—it’s a tradition. Boone County’s picturesque towns like Lebanon, Whitestown, Thorntown, Jamestown, Advance, and Zionsville offer a destination experience that combines quality products, community spirit, and a little holiday magic. Here’s why travelling to Boone County should be on your holiday list.
Lebanon offers unique shopping, dining, and events that bring a small-town feel to holiday festivities. As you wander down the streets decorated for the season, you’ll find an array of specialty shops and cozy cafes perfect for taking a break with a warm cup of cocoa. Local stores offer everything from handmade crafts to personalized gifts, so you’re sure to find something special.
In Whitestown, the local businesses and restaurants bring a modern flair to the county’s holiday shopping scene. Known for its family-friendly events and rapidly growing community, Whitestown hosts a variety of seasonal events that make shopping a memorable experience. Small, locally-owned shops here often carry unique and artisanal items, making it easy to find something extraordinary for everyone on your list.
For those who appreciate the charm of historic small towns, Thorntown offers a delightful step back in time. Holiday shopping here means supporting family-owned stores with rich histories, where you can find artwork, locally-made products, and handcrafted items that tell a story. Each purchase feels more personal, giving a sense of connection to the local community.
In Jamestown and Advance, the holiday spirit shines through community events and charming local businesses. These small towns capture the essence of small-town hospitality, with friendly shopkeepers who know their customers by name. Shopping here supports the local economy, and your dollars go directly toward sustaining these close-knit communities.
Finally, Zionsville is a destination in itself with its historic brick streets and curated shops. Known for its upscale boutiques, galleries, and artisan goods, Zionsville’s downtown area is a hub of festive cheer during the holiday season. Wander through shops offering fine clothing, home decor, and specialty foods—perfect for thoughtful gifts.
This year, explore Boone County for a holiday shopping experience that combines local treasures, warm welcomes, and community pride. By shopping locally you not only find one-of-a-kind gifts but also help sustain these beloved Indiana towns for future holiday seasons. Make Boone County your holiday shopping destination and support the heart of these unique communities.
For more information about Discover Boone County, visit discoverboonecounty.com or follow us on facebook.com/DiscoverBooneCounty
We know how important it is for you to feel good about your home, especially during the holidays. For 50 years, Godby Home Furnishings has been providing Central Indiana with quality furniture at affordable prices. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without your support. THANK YOU!
Please join us this week for an exclusive sales event featuring EXTRA DISCOUNTS off our lowest prices. Enjoy V.I.P. pricing on BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE for every room in your home plus FREE DELIVERY * on your entire order with select mattress purchases.
Sincerely,
Jim& Jeff Godby
CAN’T MAKE IT THIS WEEK? USE THE COUPON BELOW TO EXTEND YOUR SAVINGS OR SHARE WITH A FRIEND!
SHELDON HACKETT
Writer / Renee Larr
Sheldon Hackett grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where his parents were support missionaries. They traveled to Thailand and moved their entire family to Chiang Mai, Thailand. The couple taught math for seven years at an international school before returning to the United States and settling in Indiana. Hackett is now a senior at Traders Point Christian Schools (TPCS).
“When I started at TPCS in fourth grade, I decided I wanted to try to play football,” Hackett said. “It was an American sport I wasn’t exposed to in Thailand. I wanted to try it because it was new to me, and I kept playing because it was fun and I was pretty good at it.”
Pretty good, indeed. Hackett played various positions for most of high school, including middle linebacker. Recently he switched to playing outside linebacker and strong safety. He’s served as varsity football team captain for the last two years.
Hackett’s commitment to serving his community is unwavering. He is an active member of the student council and National Honor Society, showcasing his academic excellence. His volunteer work at College Park Church is a clear demonstration of his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
“I’ve been involved in student council all four years of high school,” Hackett says. “I like the idea of being involved in the creativity of the brainstorming process. I love being able to support the school and a desire to give the students everything they want.”
TPCS has a partnership with the Nicaragua Resource Network, through which Hackett has traveled to Nicaragua twice. Hackett says they partner with a sister school and develop relationships with
“MY FAITH IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND WHO I AM, BECAUSE IT IS FOUNDATIONAL TO HOW I INTERACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD AROUND ME. IT BRINGS AN APPRECIATION FOR THE LIFE I WAS GIVEN AND A DESIRE TO LOVE OTHERS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.”
— SHELDON HACKETT
students and families there.
“We brought a lot of groceries and supplies for them,” Hackett says. “Many families don’t have cars, and because of that, they’ve never been sometimes even an hour outside of the city. So we would get on a bus with them and go to the beach to give them an opportunity they wouldn’t have had, along with providing their families with the groceries and supplies they need.”
In the future, Hackett envisions a path that is as ambitious as it is inspiring. He plans to study theology, possibly pursuing a Ph.D. to teach theology at the university level. His ambition doesn’t stop there. While in school, he plans to pursue more volunteer opportunities and possibly even move. He says that because of living in Thailand, he has a restlessness to get out into the world like his parents did when he was a child - a sentiment that can inspire hope for a brighter future.
“My faith is important to me and who I am, because it is foundational to how I interact with the community and the world around me,” Hackett says. “It brings an appreciation for the life I was given and a desire to love others in the best way possible.”
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
THE BUSY BEE PLAY CAFE
Buzz on over to our play cafe, where your busy bees can let their imaginations soar while you sip on locally roasted coffee. It’s the perfect hive of fun for kids and a honey-sweet retreat for adults. Give the gift of buzzing fun this holiday season!
5635 W 96th St Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278 (317) 456-7898 / www.thebusybeeplaycafe.com
GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE BOARDS & BOXES
9520 Uptown Drive, Suite H Indianapolis
317-516-5351
grazecraze.com
Let us help you celebrate everything from holiday parties, catering and corporate gifting to date nights and gatherings with family and friends! Pickup or delivery available. Gift cards start at $50.
PRICE VISION GROUP
Price Vision Group is an internationally renowned center for the diagnosis, treatment, and care in the fields of corneal and LASIK surgery. Additionally, we are an innovative and respected leader in cataract surgery. Come experience for yourself why we are trusted to treat patients from around the globe.
9002 North Meridian Street, Suite100 / Indianapolis, IN 46260 / (317) 844-5530
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024
DECEMBER
November 30
SANTA HOUSE SELFIES
11AM-3PM, Saturdays and Sundays
Visit Santa in his house on Main Street for selfies. Make your family memories all month long. discoverboonecounty.com
SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND
Spend Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in Zionsville. Receive a Chamber Tote Bag while supplies last. discoverboonecounty.com
December 1
A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd. 5:30-9:30PM
Not a twinkle out of place! Join us for central Indiana’s most beloved holiday festival and make the season magical at A Merry Prairie Holiday. connerprairie.org
December 4
SUGAR CREEK GOURD PATCH
Thorntown Public Library, 124 N. Market St. 2-4PM thorntown.librarycalendar.com
December 6
COBBLESTONE GRILL LIVE
MUSIC: JON SHOULDERS
160 S. Main St. 7-10PM
All ages, smoke free. cobblestonez.com
SHERIDAN FIRST FRIDAY
Downtown Sheridan, Main Street 5-9PM
Businesses will be open late for shopping. sheridanfirstfriday.com
December 7
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM 2024 Traders Point Creamery, 9101 Moore Rd. 9AM-5PM eventbrite.com
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE boonecvb.com
COBBLESTONE GRILL LIVE MUSIC: JON ENGLAND
160 S. Main St. 7-10PM
All ages, smoke Free. cobblestonez.com
MAKERS MARKET WITH ZIONSVILLE PARKS DEPARTMENT 9AM boonecvb.com
MERRY AT MAIN
4286 S. Main St. 11AM-3PM whitestown.in.gov
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Main Street Park, 4286 S. Main St. 12-2PM
Please join us at Santa’s Workshop at Main Street Park each Saturday after Thanksgiving leading up to the Christmas holiday. whitestown.in.gov
December 12
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - LADIES NIGHT
Zionsville Main Street 5-9PM
Our annual Ladies Night is part of Zionsville’s Christmas in the Village. Get your friends together and head to Zionsville for an evening of shopping and dining. business. zionsvillechamber.org
December 13
COBBLESTONE GRILL LIVE
MUSIC: SCOTT & ANDRA
160 S. Main St. 7-10PM
All ages, smoke free. cobblestonez.com
December 14
WINTER MARKET
Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr. 9AM-12PM
Our brand-new Winter Market will be held at the Whitestown Community Recreation Center located at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. whitestown.in.gov
December 19
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE - CHRISTMAS CRAWL
Main Street 5-9PM
The annual Christmas Crawl is part of Zionsville’s Christmas in the Village. Gather your jolliest friends and come to Zionsville for the Christmas Crawl! business.zionsvillechamber.org
December 21
COBBLESTONE GRILL LIVE
MUSIC: BRETT WISCONS
160 S. Main St. 7-10PM
All ages, smoke free. cobblestonez.com
December 27
COBBLESTONE GRILL LIVE
MUSIC: MATT RECORD
160 S. Main St. 7-10PM
All ages, smoke free. cobblestonez.com
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