MARCH 2020
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MARCH WRITERS
Braden Ochs / Christy Heitger-Ewing Julie Yates / Matt Keating
MARCH PHOTOGRAPHERS
A DRAWN-OUT CAREER: LOCAL ARTIST FINDS HIS NICHE DRAWING CARICATURES
Straight out of high school, Cicero resident Nick Nix went to work for his parents as a parts runner for an electrical firm. Through the years, he worked his way up to become an electrician. In his free time, he did what he had done since he was a young boy - he drew comics. Though he has always adored art, he never considered it to be a feasible full-time job.
5 Community First Bank of Indiana Opens New Noblesville Location
9 Food Focus: Local Mom Takes Her Gluten-Free Snack Food Nationwide
12 Good Eats: Bronko’s of Cicero Attracts Devotees of All Ages
16 Business Spotlight:
Hiatt Magical Vacations
17 A Drawn-Out Career: Local
21 Transformations Center for
Healing: Facility Offers Help For Women Suffering From Substance Use Disorder
24 The Thin Line Spotlight:
Noblesville Police Chief John Mann
27 Student Spotlight: Austin Garland 30 Business Spotlight: Noblesville
Amy Garro / Eli Beaverson Ellie Sophia Photography / Ron Wise
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Artist Finds His Niche Drawing Caricatures
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COMMUNITY FIRST BANK OF INDIANA OPENS NEW NOBLESVILLE LOCATION
Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Amy Garro
On March 25, Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of a new branch designed to serve the community. The new spot is CFB’s first full-service site in the city, and offers 24-hour ATM access and a night drop. The new location will enable CFB to extend the special brand of customer service the bank is known for. “We are a true community bank with
friendly faces,” says Lainey Schroer, assistant vice president of marketing and communications at CFB. “We don’t want to follow the current trend of customer service. Instead, we care about the individuals who walk in the door.” A grand opening celebration on March 25 will be open to the public. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen will be on hand with other city officials for a ribbon cutting, and light snacks will be served. A portion of the ceremony will highlight CFB’s commitment to making a difference
in the community. Natalie Morrow, CFB assistant manager and Noblesville resident, will present a giant check of $2,500 to representatives from the Noblesville Girls Softball Association, Inc. (NGSA). Morrow sits on the NGSA board as public relations coordinator. The funds donated to the organization will allow it to continue providing girls softball programs that help to develop teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and athletic skills. CFB has built a presence in Indiana for the past 16 years. In 2003 bank leaders opened a Kokomo branch, eventually adding two
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more locations in Kokomo. The bank expanded into Hamilton County in 2015 by opening its first Noblesville site. Two Westfield locations joined the bank family in 2019. “The spot for the new Noblesville branch on Village Center Drive was chosen because it is accessible and easy for people to get to,” Schroer says. “It is near where residents live and work, and they can stop in and see us without difficulty.” CFB is a full-service bank that fills both the personal and business banking needs of its customers. The bank offers mortgage, investment and commercial services. Ball State University graduate
Scott Hammersley leads the commercial lending team. Along with other CFB team members, Hammersley is committed to enriching the community through volunteerism. He is a member of the Ball State University Cardinal Varsity Club, and the school’s Alumni Association. He is part of the Marion County Commission on Youth and the annual Pelotonia bike ride event benefiting cancer research, and is also a former ambassador for the Fishers Chamber of Commerce. In his 27-plus years of professional experience, Hammersley has worked in both retail and commercial banking. When
meeting with clients, he initially listens to get a sense of how they are striving to build their businesses, and then determines the best ways to add financial value to those businesses. “I have a tremendous passion for what I do that comes through in the relationships I have with my clients, both business and personal,” Hammersley says. “I want to have meaningful, in-depth conversations about your business or industry, your competitors, your long-term goals, your decision-making strategy, and whatever else might be top-of-mind. When this is accomplished, I can then assemble your bank team and match financial solutions to your needs.”
Joshua Faudree will lead the staff at the new Noblesville location as branch manager. Faudree was born and raised in Hamilton County, went to college at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana, and has worked in the banking industry since 2012. He is involved with the Keep Noblesville Beautiful nonprofit initiative and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. “Josh loves being a part of the family here,” Schroer says. “Every single day he looks forward to working with our team and our community. He is excited about building out the existing team and growing into this new large branch.” Robb Blume, CEO and president of CFB, says the care with which staff members treat clients sets the bank apart from its competitors. “If you want to deal with a bank that truly cares about each customer and creates an individualized experience for those customers, we are your bank,” he says. “On the commercial side, if you want access to the decision makers in the bank, we are the bank for you. On the retail side and commercial side, if you want to walk into a branch and have an outstanding experience, be greeted enthusiastically, and really walk out of the bank with a smile, this bank is for you.” Community First Bank of Indiana is located at 17661 Village Center Drive in Noblesville. For more info, go to cfbindiana.com.
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atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 7
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Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Ellie Sophia Photography
In 2003, Jennifer Wiese and her husband Michael attended an autism conference in Vancouver in an effort to educate themselves on ways they could help their autistic son Auggy, who was seven years old at the time. They learned about glutenfree eating, which, back then, wasn’t yet well known or understood. Yet the Wieses were intrigued. “We felt that food was something we could get our hands around,” Jennifer says. “It didn’t require a pharmacist, special equipment, or popping 40 supplements a day. Food seemed manageable and in our comfort zone.” When the couple returned to Indianapolis, they stopped at a Whole Foods store on the way home from the airport and bought everything in the tiny gluten-free section. Sadly, the majority of it went straight into the trash.
“It either tasted like cardboard or it had tons of chemicals and preservatives in it that I wasn’t interested in feeding my family,” says Jennifer, who enlisted the help of her mom to recreate some gluten-free family recipes.
a day when the house was full and the kids had friends over,” says Jennifer, who would simply set the food out on the counter without saying a word, and observe which items would disappear.
Through trial and error, and some taste testing, the pair landed on some tasty options.
Fast forward to 2008, when gluten-free diets started to become fashionable. Hollywood celebrities were touting gluten-free eating as a weight-loss plan, and professional athletes were claiming it enhanced their athletic performance.
“We have four sons so in the early days, if I wanted to test out a recipe I always did it on
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“It was a whole evolution of looking at food as medicine,” says Jennifer, adding that she and Michael see gluten-free foods as a life enhancement rather than a cure or treatment for autism. “It’s been really effective for our son - a huge enhancement in his life.” Gluten-free eating has enabled Auggy to feel included in social celebrations, which often revolve around food. In 2008 and 2009, Jennifer began selling homemade gluten-free muffins, cookies and pizza dough at a local farmers market. “We sold out every week, which was confirmation that we had something people wanted,” she says. Back then, when Jennifer was preparing snacks to sell at farmers markets, she rented a tiny kitchen in downtown Noblesville. “That was my production area, and it was just me most days,” says Jennifer, a stayat-home mom who would feed her boys dinner, help them with their homework, tuck them into bed, and then leave her husband in charge while she went to her rented kitchen to bake until as late as 3 a.m. “I did that for as long as I could physically do it. Once the demand grew, I had to make the decision of whether I was going to take this thing big.” In 2010 Jennifer launched Bee Free, a company dedicated to offering snacks free of undesirable ingredients. In 2013 Jennifer was introduced to paleo dieting when her fitness friends, who had grown tired of eating hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky and almonds, asked if she could create a convenient snack that they could simply toss in their gym bags. That’s how Bee Free’s Warrior Mix, a paleo-friendly granola snack now available in five flavors and two sizes, was born. “Our products are made with plant-based ingredients that are grown from the earth, not made in a lab,” Jennifer says. “They are all-natural, real food ingredients that our bodies can convert into energy.”
In 2014 Michael left his job with a new car dealership to join Jennifer at Bee Free. Since then, the pair has been working together to make Bee Free a recognizable national brand that sells clean, delicious food. Today more than 4,000 stores across all 50 U.S. states, including Target, Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods, carry Warrior Mix. Locally, Noble Coffee & Tea Company, All Local, and Capstone Cafe inside Northview Church in Carmel, also sell it. “It’s been our mission to have Bee Free products in the marketplace everywhere that people shop,” Jennifer says.
That’s not the couple’s only goal. They are passionate about offering meaningful employment to the autism community. “We want to make a difference in the world,” Jennifer says. “One way we can do that is by employing workers who are on the autism spectrum. We want to give them a fair chance for meaningful employment that they can feel proud of and get a fair wage for. We want to spread the message, loud and proud, that we can do it and any employer can do it.” For more information about Bee Free products, call 800-677-4840 or visit beefreegf.com.
CEO Jennifer Wiese with her husband and President Michael Wiese.
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Owner Brad Gorgas
BRONKO’S OF CICERO ATTRACTS DEVOTEES OF ALL AGES Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Eli Beaverson
Gorgas, who worked in the private and public safety industry for the last 20 years, says Bronko’s is unique, and customers have responded positively to the food menu.
Brad Gorgas, owner of Bronko’s restaurant in Cicero, says strong networking helped him get his pizza and sandwich shop started. “Bronko's has been a northwest Indiana staple since 1964,” Gorgas says. “Our taste “While living in Cicero, I was able sets us apart from everyone else. That to network and become friends with taste is a series of secret recipes melded some really great people,” Gorgas says. together by Bronko Tarailo and Constantin “Everything fell into place at the right Apostilapoulis. Everything we do is oldtime, and I was able to secure a great school and made from scratch. With the location that has a lot of history. Our site highest attention to detail in our recipes, we was the old Corner Tavern, which, before ensure every order is made to Bronko's exact we came along, was vacant for almost standards, as it was in the very beginning.” ten years. During the renovation of the building, people would come in to take a Gorgas says Bronko’s opened in Gary, peek and share their wonderful stories of Indiana, on Election Day in 1964, when years gone by.” Lyndon Johnson was elected president
of the United States. At 4 p.m. that day, Bronko Tarailo opened the doors of his first restaurant, a Chicken Delite franchise. The menu included fried chicken, seafood, ribs and beef sandwiches, offered for takeout or delivery according to Gorgas. Pizza was introduced later, but was not initially well received. In 1966, Constantin (Gus) Apostilapoulis joined the restaurant and improved the pizza. His pizzas were a big hit, and are still wildly successful today. Gorgas says Cicero has been a great location. “The Cicero community, and surrounding communities, have welcomed us with open arms,” he says. “It has been a very positive response from everyone.”
12 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
Gorgas says three of his pizzas have become customer favorites.
he says. “My favorite pizza is a split between Da Region, with sausage, mushroom and green pepper, and a simple black olive pizza. “I would have to say it’s a three-way tie Growing up, it seemed everyone always between the Combo, Meatza, and Da ordered a sausage, mushroom and green Region pizzas,” he says. “Our other favorites pepper pizza. I remember eating these with would include our top-selling appetizer, my dad and his parents at their kitchen table Bronko's stuffed mushrooms, and our made- when I was very young.” from-scratch, braided breadsticks.” Along with variations of Italian beef, Gorgas has his own personal favorites. Bronko's fried chicken is in a category all its own. “I grew up eating this food, and I consider myself to be the brand’s biggest cheerleader,” “Some say it’s better than the pizza,” Gorgas says. “During the 1980s and 1990s, Bronko's sold more fried chicken than all the Kentucky Fried Chickens in northwest Indiana. Everyone would get it for open houses, weddings, get-togethers, you name it. We will be adding this to our menu very shortly.” Gorgas has high praise for Cicero. “I like to refer to Cicero as a diamond in the rough,” Gorgas says. “It is the upand-coming dining destination. With Hamilton County quickly growing to the north, Cicero will be the next big boom. I love seeing Jackson Street lined with cars every night, with people coming to sample what Cicero has to offer. There is also a
wonderful sense of community in Cicero that is hard to find in other places. Not only is this a wonderful place to dine, but also to call home.” Gorgas notes that his kitchen staff at Bronko’s has been invaluable to him. “Marina and Lidija Nakovska are sisters who have a combined 66 years experience with Bronko's restaurants,” he says. “Along with their parents, they migrated from Macedonia in 1979, when they were ages 11 and 5, so they could have a better life in the United States.” They started working at the Gary location, and every Bronko's location throughout the years. “Both of them made the very tough decision to move their lives down to central Indiana to embark on this journey with me, which I am very grateful for,” Gorgas says. “I've never seen harder workers than these two.
atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 13
They treat the business like it’s their own and it shows, not only in the kitchen but also in the quality of the food that is made daily.” The Nakovska sisters have been through good and bad times with Bronko's. “When the kitchen caught fire in our Crown Point restaurant, they were the only two employees that stuck with the organization while everyone else bailed,” Gorgas says. “Uninterrupted devotion and dedication every single day is extremely hard to find in an employee these days. I try and lead my life from the example they set every day. They make me want to work harder. They are part of Bronko's royalty.” Bronko's is located at 90 West Jackson Street in Cicero. For more info, call 317-376-8011 and visit bronkosofcicero.com.
14 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
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HIATT MAGICAL VACATIONS 317-418-8642 HiattMagicalVacations.com
Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
Jill Hiatt knows there is nothing like seeing the joy on a child’s face while hugging their favorite Disney character at Walt Disney World, Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian Resort & Spa, Disneyland or exploring the world with Adventures by Disney. Likewise, the moment when a parent realizes their teenager is enthralled with the magic of a live show on a luxury cruise ship is unforgettable. Whether a family includes toddlers or spans several generations, Hiatt’s company, Hiatt Magical Vacations, will plan a vacation that will be memorable for all. Hiatt Magical Vacations is a local, fullservice travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. Rather than being housed in a brick-and-mortar facility, the company operates as an online travel agency, and Hiatt communicates often with all of her clients via phone or email. With her training through the Walt Disney Travel company and years of travel to Disney destinations with her own family, she personally crafts each experience for every individual family’s wants and needs. “We started traveling to Disney when my oldest daughter was four,” Hiatt says.
“After going that first time, we fell in love with it. I also fell in love with planning all of our repeat trips. I was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t know that it could be a job. My company opened in March of 2017 and exploded from there including 35 independent contracted travel agents across the U.S.”
Hiatt Magical Vacations has travel advisors located throughout the U.S. who work will their clients to craft the perfect Disney Destinations vacation. Planning assistance and recommendations are tailored to each client so that they can enjoy a memoryfilled magical vacation. And, there are no fees for this service!
Due to the success of the business and many positive reviews from clients who appreciate Hiatt’s personal touch, Hiatt Magical Vacations has been designated as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This means the company gained entrance into a program reserved for agencies that achieve a high level of sales and keep up with an intense amount of destination training. As such, Hiatt has knowledge of special offerings and packages she can pass on to customers.
“Next year, Disney World will celebrate its 50th anniversary with many new attractions,” Hiatt says. “My advice is to book early. Character dining experiences can be booked six months out and a Disney Cruise can be booked 18 months ahead of time. Disney wants families to have a magical time and this can be done visiting WDW, Disneyland, DCL, Aulani, or Adventures by Disney.”
“I listen to each client and get to know what type of trip they like,” Hiatt says. “Each family is unique. Some want luxury, and others are more comfortable sticking to a pared-down budget. If people don’t want a theme park there are other options. A Disney Cruise Line vacation offers something for everyone in the family and is a relaxing way to experience phenomenal Disney Service, exceptional food and entertainment.”
For more info, email Jill Hiatt at Jill@ HiattMagicalVacations.com.
Our travel agency’s knowledge of Disney products has earned us the distinction of being named an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We were given this special designation by Disney as a result of our agency’s ongoing focus and commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line® and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide. 16 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
Artist Nick Nix
A DRAWN-OUT CAREER LOCAL ARTIST FINDS HIS NICHE DRAWING CARICATURES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Eli Beaverson
Straight out of high school, Cicero resident Nick Nix went to work for his parents as a parts runner for an electrical firm. Through the years, he worked his way up to become an electrician. In his free time, he did what he had done since he was a young boy - he drew comics. Though he has always adored art, he never considered it to be a feasible full-time job.
“In those days, if you weren’t a painter or a sculptor, the idea of doing artwork for a living wasn’t a process,” Nix says.
illustrations. Patty acts as business owner and event coordinator, while Nick works as a cartoonist, illustrator and caricature artist.
When Nix’s parents’ company went out of business in 1989, he started working for a screen print company. He also began working on a cartoon strip and drawing caricatures. In the late 1990s, he and his wife Patty launched Cartoon Ups, a visual entertainment company specializing in live caricature and satirical cartoon
“In those days, I had this idea of moving under the moniker of being like a car mechanic except I was a cartoon mechanic, so if people wanted to be drawn, I’d give them a cartoon-up and draw them as a caricature or cartoon,” Nix says. Though things were starting to fall into
atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 17
place where Nix’s love of art was concerned, his health began to decline when he was diagnosed with diabetes. In 2002 he lost the lower part of his left leg because of the disease, and four years later lost the lower part of his right leg as well. “It snuck up on me,” Nix says. “Unfortunately, with diabetes you don’t know you’ve got it until something happens. It was just a terrible set of circumstances.” According to Nix, everything in his life changed at about the same time. He went from being an electrician to being an artist overnight, and along with that he started a faith walk that continues to this day. “My faith is the one foundational cornerstone of my life that holds everything else up,” Nix says. “It’s the thing that wakes me up in the morning and gets me through the day.” Despite his limited mobility, Nix is grateful that his gift can be utilized. Through Cartoon Ups, Nix draws at many types of events ranging from children’s birthday parties to corporate picnics. Nix is grateful that his wife handles all of the odds and ends of the business, enabling him to focus on his craft. “It’s hard to be an artist and a business person,” Nix says. “I’m lucky because literally my job is to show up, draw pictures for a couple of hours, and go home.” Patty makes sure that Nix doesn’t tax his health or burn out creatively by working too many hours. “In the old days, 18-hour days weren’t unusual,” Nix says. “No more.” Typically, Nix appears at two to three events per week. Around the holidays, however, he may draw at more than one event per day. Over the past three decades, Nix has drawn for the Indianapolis Colts, drawn caricatures of local celebrities such as radio deejays, and became the exclusive caricature artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Artist Nick Nix and his wife Patty
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of those organizations that takes care of their fans,” Nix says. “They have a Kids Zone, and they pay us to sit out there and draw for kids for free.” When the movie “Crazy, Stupid, Love” was released in 2011, Nix attended a wrap party in Louisville where he drew Hollywood stars such as Maria Bello, Jeremy Irons, Karan Soni and Analeigh Tipton. He also drew a caricature of Steve Carell in a Willy Wonka outfit, which the cast of the NBC television show “The Office” signed and presented to Carell when he exited the series.
biggest critics,” he says. “I’ll draw a caricature of them and their mom will ask them, ‘Does that look like you?’ They’ll say, ‘No!’”
“My wife has said that when my granddaughter came along, she saved my life because my health was really deteriorating and she turned my life around,” Nix says. “It’s so much fun to be a grandpa. If I’d Nix loves when his sketching causes a large Nix feels strongly about donating his time to crowd of children to gather around his table. known how great it would be, I would have skipped the dad part and gone straight to organizations that are near and dear to him, including the American Cancer Society and “They almost hang on me when they watch being a grandfather.” me draw, but I like it,” Nix says. “When little Riley Hospital for Children. For more information about Cartoon ones show an interest, I’ll never discourage Ups, or to schedule Nick Nix to draw at them from getting a closer look.” Nix’s favorite aspect of his job is the ability your event, call 317-319-8912 or visit to make children laugh. cartoonups.com. Nix has four grown children and four “The funny thing is that kids are probably the grandchildren, whom he describes as his joy.
550 WESTFIELD ROAD 317.773.6066 MICHAELANGELOSBISTRO.COM
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A luxury enclave built in celebration of and nostalgia for Indiana lake life, Osborne Trails offers a fresh perspective for the 55 and better generation and caters to those seeking to combine a social and active lifestyle with one-ofa-kind home designs for relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family. Embracing the natural beauty of our central Indiana landscape, Osborne Trails features 180 acres, six lakes and three miles of winding trails that can be appreciated and enjoyed throughout the winter, spring, summer and picturesque Indiana autumn.
Lennar’s “Next Gen” suites are unrivaled in Indiana and represent one-of-a-kind, flexible living space. With a separate entrance, private bedroom and bath, and kitchenette option, “Next Gen” suites are the perfect solution to accommodate generations of family members or visiting guests.
With six lakes peppered throughout the community, residents of Osborne Trails enjoy breathtaking water views, fishing, and scenic walking paths. Osborne also features many inspired amenities such as hiking and biking trails and a relaxing resort-style outdoor pool. The sleek Retreat amenity center boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, a stunning gathering room with two-story fireplace, crafting and art activities space, many cozy nooks for socializing and a lounge for entertaining, watching the big game, playing cards or shooting pool. Multiple outdoor gathering spots create a fun and intimate oasis for visiting with friends and family and feature built-in kitchens and grills for dining al fresco.
All homes are fully equipped with the latest features in luxury, technology and efficiency. Featuring Lennar’s “EI” Everything’s Included® concept, homes include quartz counters, upgraded hard surface flooring, designer stainless steel kitchen appliances (including the refrigerator!) and much more. Wi-Fi Certified™ technology, lawn maintenance and snow removal are also included. Residents will enjoy the peace and privacy of Osborne Trails as many of the homesites feature stunning water views, overlooking lush tree-lines and walking and jogging paths.
in honor of lakes found throughout the Hoosier state. Osborne Trails sports enthusiasts will appreciate the community’s proximity to Grand Park Sports Village, a premiere recreation facility and nationwide destination for youth sports. Take in an afternoon baseball game, watch the grandkids’ sporting events, or relax in the upper deck bar area to soak it all in. Looking for a close, convenient way to give back to the local community? The City of Westfield, in conjunction with Grand Park, offers Osborne residents a multitude of opportunities to volunteer and get actively involved in events. Avid golfers can easily take the opportunity to improve their handicap at renowned golf clubs nearby such as Pebblebrook, Fox Prairie and Woodwind, among others.
Become a Trailblazer Osborne Trails offers an exciting opportunity for the first 15 buyers to be honored and recognized as members of the “Trailblazers Founders Club.” The Founders Club is an exclusive membership whose mission is to pioneer the future of Osborne Trails and maintain the spirit and vision of this extraordinary Westfield Community.
The brand-new home design collections of Osborne Trails capture the essence of Indiana lake living and were named
20 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
TRANSFORMATIONS CENTER FOR HEALING FACILITY OFFERS HELP FOR WOMEN SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER Writer / Braden Ochs Photographer / Ron Wise
Surgeons work to heal the body. Psychiatrists work to heal the mind. But how can someone’s life be healed from substance abuse? At Transformations Center for Healing, the staff ’s mission is to heal the lives of women who are suffering from substance use disorder. Transformations is a holistic, residential recovery center focused on healing the lives of women suffering from substance use.
and healing starts with Jesus Christ. “Drug and alcohol usage is a symptom of our brokenness and pain,” Giboney says. “It takes at least a year to get to the roots of any trauma or false beliefs, but it is a selfdiscovery journey that goes to the depths of your being and the essence of who you are.”
for her future. She knew she wanted to start a recovery center in Hamilton County.
After her recovery, Giboney received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. In January of 2016 she searched online for information on how to start a nonprofit organization. She knew what her business model would be, but had to educate herself on all the various aspects Fourteen years ago, Giboney started her of operating a recovery center. Her family own recovery from heroin addiction. Her drug use escalated to heroin after graduating members were able to help her as much as they could, but Giboney had to continue to Noblesville High School, and ended when ask others for business and financial help. she spent time in Rockville Correctional Transformations was founded by Laci Facility. During her time in Rockville, she Giboney, who is passionate about changing gave her life to Jesus, and says she started to “I would ask anyone and everyone that lives affected by substance use. Giboney feel that God still had plans for her life. would listen to me,” Giboney says. “I got a works to impact women in Hamilton County lot of noes and I hit a lot of brick walls, but by getting to the root of why people use drugs After her experience in Rockville pretty quickly I met the people at White and alcohol. She believes any transformation Correctional Facility, Giboney had big hopes River Christian Church and they wanted in.” atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 21
The leaders at White River Christian Church became more than happy to assist Giboney with what she wanted to do. On November 7, 2016, the church raised over $110,000 to make the Transformations Center for Healing a reality. Life Church Noblesville donated a parsonage house to Transformations for the staff to use. Giboney used the money raised by White River Christian Church to complete $60,000 worth of renovations to the house. After the renovations were completed, Transformations officially opened its doors in May of 2017. Since then, the 12-month Residential Program has expanded to include a transition house and a program in the Hamilton County Jail. The Transformations Therapeutic Recovery Pod for women opened in the Hamilton County Jail in January 2018. Inmates are housed separately from the rest of the population and receive individual and group counseling. This program has reduced participant recidivism rates by 80%. Transformations goal is to expand the program to the men’s jail and pilot the program in other county jails. Transformations also operates a transitional home, which is a place where women go after completing 10 months of the Residential Program. The transition house is called Trevor’s House of Hope, named after Trevor Vautaw, who lost his life several years ago due to heroin addiction. Vautaw’s family is a supporter of Transformations through the Annual Trevor Vautaw Memorial Golf Outing, coming up August 1 this year. Women in Central Indiana who wish to be part of the Transformations program can contact the staff and undergo a five-day interview process. After this process, women visit the main facility for a final interview, at which point they must be ready to move in. Once women have lived in the main house for 10 months, they move to Trevor’s House of Hope, where they can stay for two years. Giboney has big goals for 2020. Since the women at the facility receive full scholarships, Transformations has no regular tuition money coming in, and the 22 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
staff is continually searching for various means of income to support the program. This has included launching a private coffee label, opening an outpatient office to help those who may not be ready for the main house, and expanding jail pods outside of Hamilton County. “I’m always looking for how we can bridge the gap to meet service needs,” Giboney says. Giboney has continued to assess how women are affected by Transformations. She is constantly encouraged and inspired by each woman’s story. One women who participated in the Transformations program reconnected with her estranged daughter - who now refers to her mother as her best friend - after a slow process of healing and gradual communication. For more information on Transformations Center for Healing and to register for the upcoming golf outing, call 317-219-6673 or visit transformationscfh.org.
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KAHLO IS HONORING OUR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS BUY PERSONAL VEHICLES AT GOVERNMENT PRICING SPONSORED BY:
NOBLESVILLE POLICE CHIEF JOHN MANN Writer / Braden Ochs Photography Provided
patrol and administration. Mann had the privilege of gaining experience in many different facets of law enforcement.
“To be a true fabric of a community, the business owners and residents have to get to know their chief,” Mann says. “I want (the NPD) to be a part of community, not just work for the community. I also want to get to know the people of Noblesville more than any chief in the past.”
(317) 399-9069 | HELLOKAHLO.COM After nearly 30 years working with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and with a local nonprofit organization, John Mann is excited for a new chapter in his career as police chief for the Noblesville Police Department (NPD).
“Law enforcement is one of the few professions where we can make a difference in people’s lives,” says Mann, who became director of security for Downtown Indy, Inc., a private, nonprofit business, after his time with the IMPD.
00 PLEASANT STREET | NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060 Mann worked for the IMPD for more than 27 years. He moved through the ranks like many officers, from sergeant to lieutenant and eventually captain. During his years at the IMPD he worked in investigations,
Since beginning his service to Noblesville as police chief on January 1, 2020, Mann has sworn not only to uphold the law and protect the community of Noblesville, but also to become a part of the community.
Mann has looked forward to his new position eagerly for many reasons. Law enforcement is his longtime passion, and he looks forward to coming to work every day. He is also on board with Mayor Chris Jensen’s ideas for improving the city. He even compares his new job to being a part of a winning team at the Super Bowl.
24 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
Mann has major goals for his new position as chief. He has many operational goals that align with Mayor Jensen’s forwardthinking initiatives. He plans to be heavily involved with mental health. Mann also plans to be proactive about transparency among NPD officers, and increased police engagement with the general public and local businesses. This helps the police know what Noblesville residents need and
want. Mann firmly believes that if officers are heavily engaged with the community, they can fix more problems. The needs of any community constantly change, and Mann recognizes that officers need to adapt to such changes. Ultimately, Mann looks forward to his future in Noblesville, and hopes the city and all the people in it will experience
change for the better. He hopes the NPD will move steadily with them, offering protection and encouraging friendship throughout the community. “I want people to move to Noblesville not only because of all the opportunities it offers, but because they love our police department,” Mann says.
KAHLO IS HONORING OUR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS BUY PERSONAL VEHICLES AT GOVERNMENT PRICING
(317) 399-9069 | HELLOKAHLO.COM |
9900 PLEASANT STREET | NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060 atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 25
WORK IS UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE STATE ROAD 37 Be Informed. Stay Connected. Support Our Local Businesses. Starting this month the west approach of 126th St. at SR 37 is closed through July 4. Detour routes are posted at 37thrives.com. Real-time routes are always available on your mobile map apps:
AUSTIN GARLAND SPONSORED BY:
Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided
Austin Garland, a recent graduate of the Noblesville-Gaylor Electric Crossing School of Business & Entrepreneurship, has set his sights on a career in the electrical trade. Garland says his favorite subjects at school have truly inspired him. “Some of my favorite subjects in school have been science, English and history,” he says. “The reason I enjoyed history is because I enjoy learning about historical events that occurred worldwide and throughout history.”
Garland adds that his other favorite subject, science, has fascinated him for a long time.
The Crossing School’s job training program is an important part of preparing students to join the workforce upon graduating. The “Science came easy to me because I enjoyed program provides soft skills training and a studying the anatomy of specimens, ranging range of actual work experiences. It gives from animals to human beings,” Garland says. local businesses the opportunity to partner “English was a hard subject for me, because with the school and to seek out possible it was difficult for me to understand certain employees. aspects of it, but I enjoy a good challenge.” Garland is already hard at work in new Garland says the Crossing School has classes, and says he is learning a lot. helped prepare him for future endeavors. He says the school has been special to him, and “I am currently attending classes at the he has a made many valuable friends there. Associated Builders and Contractors Incorporated school in Lawrence to study Students at the school have their own the electrical trade,” Garland says. “They are campus, which is equipped with a partnered with St. Vincent University.” classroom of computers to help students with their academic pursuits. For the part When he is not busy with school, Garland of each school day devoted to job training, enjoys spending time with friends. students like Garland work with Gaylor “I play amateur paintball for a team called Electric staff members, which provides Minimal Effort - pun intended,” he says. a hands-on approach to learning how to “The reason I enjoy paintball is because you operate a business. get an amazing workout while maintaining atNoblesville.com / MARCH 2020 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / 27
team communication.” Garland is inspired by his team on a regular basis. “I don't have any legitimate coaches on the team, because they are more like teammates,” he says. Garland would like to help other individuals with electrical trade ambitions. “I do have the opportunity of training young students and adults to become possible future electricians at Gaylor Electric,” Garland says. Wherever his future takes him, Garland will always be thankful for his time in Noblesville. “Noblesville is my hometown, so it's easy to say why I like Noblesville,” Garland says. “I grew up here and attended school, and worked multiple jobs in this town.”
28 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
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TASTE OF BUSINESS EVENT CELEBRATES TWENTIETH YEAR FROM RESTAURANTS TO MANUFACTURERS, EVENT WILL CELEBRATE ALL THINGS NOBLESVILLE
The Taste of Business/Made in Noblesville is entering its twentieth year as Noblesville’s largest showcase of quality products and services. The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce will host this year’s Taste of Business/Made in Noblesville event on Wednesday, March 11 from 4:00– 7:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center. This will be the third year the event will take place at the Embassy Suites. Taste of Business/Made in Noblesville, made possible in partnership with the City of Noblesville Department of Economic Development, anticipates a crowd of over 1,000 people. Noblesville Chamber President & CEO Bob DuBois is looking forward to this event’s special anniversary. “For twenty years the Noblesville business community has come together on one evening to showcase the best it has to offer,” remarked DuBois. “The Chamber is honored to host Noblesville largest gathering of businesses in partnership with the City of Noblesville Economic Development Department.” Attendees to the Taste of Business/Made in Noblesville come for different reasons. Some want to taste chefs’ samples from one of twenty different restaurants. Others simply want to learn more about new businesses in the area. Nearly all guests find their curiosity satisfied with surprising
exhibits of products manufactured right here in Noblesville. Over the years, attendees have found new jobs, friends, and favorite restaurants simply by attending this event. “The City of Noblesville has a strong population of manufacturing and innovation companies and this event showcases the products and ideas of these types of businesses alongside our amazing restaurants, chefs and artists alike,” said Community and Economic Development Director Sarah Reed. “Noblesville looks forward to this event each year and we are excited to be a partner and work with the chamber to promote local businesses and our community.” “Taste of Business/Made in Noblesville is our community’s chance to celebrate itself,” DuBois noted. “We invite residents to join in the celebration and sample the best of Noblesville. Where else can you taste specialties of the house from 20 local chefs, peek behind the scenes of local manufacturers, and visit with some of Noblesville’s newest businesses?” Tickets for the twentieth annual Taste of Business/ Made in Noblesville are $5 in advance at noblesvillechamber.com, at STAR Financial Bank, The Farmers Bank, Ginger’s Café, First Merchants Bank, or with a coupon at the door. Regular-priced tickets are $7 at the door.
noblesvillechamber.com 30 / NOBLESVILLE MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 / atNoblesville.com
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