Noblesville Magazine January 2023

PUBLISHER

BRANDON BALTZ Brandon@townepost.com 317.514.9522

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

FOUNDER/CEO

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery fans will get their first look at a new creative campaign “It’s Baked Into Everything We Do.” The campaign, developed by Buntin, Perkins agency of record, is centered around the wholesomeness that the brand, known for its ‘Kindness Served Daily’ philosophy, offers.

The new spots have begun appearing on linear and OTT television on and will also be featured across social, other digital

Story Provided by Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Photographer / Walker Photography

media, outdoor and print platforms.

“For nearly 65 years, Perkins has served up craveable experiences that keep our guests coming back to our table,” says Joe Artime, Chief Marketing Officer for Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. “Our commitment to quality service and food is so deeply ingrained in our company culture, it truly is baked into who we are and everything we do.”

The campaign features engaging scenes of family, friends and co-workers enjoying time together in Perkins restaurants and

uses the modular campaign line that can flex to speak to different topics. The first iteration, which promotes Perkins new Baconfest lineup and annual Holiday Bake Shop, states “Care. It’s Baked Into Everything We Do.” Other editions will feature alternate variations of the tagline that highlight the spirit of the brand. The spots will also highlight the iconic Pies and bakery treats Perkins is famous for, which are now available to order for holiday celebrations at perkinstogo.com.

“Our creative partners at Buntin are fiercely

committed to brand growth through genuine connections. Our new campaign highlights that in today’s fast-paced world, Perkins is a place where people can slow down and enjoy themselves in the company of loved ones over a great-tasting meal or dessert,” Artime says. “The campaign features real people, from guests to team members, making the interpersonal connections that many are craving now.”

For more information about Perkins, visit PerkinsRestaurants.com.

THE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY TOUR CHECKLIST

It’s a new year, meaning it’s time to consider making some changes. For seniors, finding a new home can be one of the most positively life-changing steps they take.

As people grow older, medical concerns crop up and feelings of isolation emerge. A senior living community can be beneficial in many ways, offering not only the comfort of medical assistance around each corner but the warm, friendly vibe of a neighborhood that offers support without ridding residents of their independence.

With so many senior living options out there, taking the first step can be overwhelming. That’s why CarDon & Associates uses the Roobrik online assessment (cardon.us/roobrik) tool to help you find the right fit for your loved one. In just a few minutes, it will give you an idea of the level of care they need and where you should start looking for their new place.

Once you’re ready to start touring communities, here’s a handy checklist of important things to consider during your visits:

Ask

Is it close to your loved one’s primary care doctor and/or hospital?

What types of care does the community provide?

Rehabilitation Long Term Care

Can the resident move to another area if the need arises?

to accommodate a special diet, if needed?

More

questions? Check out the CarDon Senior Resource Hub, where you will find indepth video roundtable discussions featuring industry experts speaking on a variety of topics, including senior living options, financial aid, memory care and more. Scan here to visit the Resource Hub.

Find out about security deposits and refund policies. Is financial aid a possibility through such means as Medicaid, long term care insurance or Veterans Affairs?

THE A B C’S… AND D OF MEDICARE

Written by Julie Corcoran

Ask a senior what’s important to them, and somewhere at the top of their list is having reliable and affordable health coverage. They may be facing worsening health issues, visits to specialists and increased medications. This can add up to considerable expenses, and usually at a time when they are on a fixed income or wondering if their retirement savings will last. Most seniors understand that turning 65 equates to eligibility for Medicare, and as their 65th birthday approaches, they experience a constant barrage of Medicare mail, commercials and phone calls that leave them with a sense of urgency, but also with a great deal of confusion on how to make sense of it all.

At its core, Medicare was designed to help seniors access medical care while also helping to control their costs. It covers individuals aged 65 and over, individuals under 65 with certain disabilities, and individuals of all ages with end-stage renal disease. If you are confused about how Medicare works, you are not alone. Figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and which parts to enroll in can be intimidating for even the savviest retirees - but there is help.

First you need to understand the ABCs - and Ds - of Medicare. Think of these as building blocks of Medicare. At the foundation is original Medicare, which consists of Parts A and B.

PART A

HELPS PAY FOR HOSPITAL STAYS AND INPATIENT CARE.

PART B

HELPS PAY FOR DOCTOR VISITS AND OUTPATIENT CARE.

SUPPLEMENT (MEDIGAP): Helps fill in the costs not covered by Parts A and B.

Neither Part A or Part B cover prescription drugs. That’s where Part D comes in.

PART D HELPS COVER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Another option is Part C, commonly known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are offered by private insurers and cover all the services of Medicare Parts A and B, but many also include prescription drugs and some limited dental, vision and hearing services.

PART C

HELPS COVER SERVICES OF MEDICARE PARTS A AND B (YOU MUST STILL BE ENROLLED IN PART A AND PAY FOR PART B). FOR MANY, A PART C OR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN RESEMBLES GROUP COVERAGE SIMILAR TO WHAT THEY MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THEIR WORKING YEARS.

It’s certainly not an easy program to understand, but even in its complexity, Medicare successfully serves the needs of more than 60 million people, and that number is growing. The trick is understanding how to customize the program so that it fits your needs. At the heart of the Medicare challenge is understanding that Medicare is tailored to an individual. What may be the right coverage for your friend or family member may not be the right coverage for you. To help you make that determination, there are a few things to keep in mind.

ASSESS YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS. Think about your medical needs, the number of doctors you see and the medications you take. Are you relatively healthy, or do you have a chronic illness that has you visiting several specialists each year and undergoing multiple tests and procedures on a regular basis? Do you spend several weeks or months in another state? Your answers can help evaluate which Medicare options will service your needs.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE CALENDAR.

Timing of Medicare enrollment is crucial. The enrollment window generally opens three months before the month of your 65th birthday and closes seven months later. There are exceptions to enrolling when you are 65, especially if you plan to keep working and have credible group coverage, but if you don’t understand this exception, missing the enrollment window can be costly. There is also an Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, when Medicare recipients can make changes to their Medicare coverage that are effective for the coming January. In addition, you may switch Medicare coverage at any time due to special circumstances (such as moving to a different service area, receiving Medicaid assistance or loss of retiree health coverage).

UNDERSTAND THE COSTS. Medicare is not free, and recipients should expect to pay a monthly premium, deductibles and copays depending on the parts of Medicare selected. As mentioned above, even though Part A is free to most, the cost for Part B premiums is tied to taxable income. The higher your modified adjusted gross income, the higher your Part B premium. The same goes for your Part D premium.

BE WARY OF UNSOLICITED PHONE CALLS.

Unsolicited calls may result in your enrollment into a Medicare plan that you did not intend. Be careful when talking with a caller. If you did not ask them to contact you, you should end the call. Just as you would not give out your Social Security number, do not give out your Medicare number.

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED MEDICARE

AGENT. Working with a trusted and knowledgeable agent can save you time and money. A good agent listens to what is important to you, educates you on your options, and helps you select a plan that fits your needs. They can also help customize your options as your medical needs and financial resources change in the years ahead.

One such local agency is Easy Street Insurance. Specializing in Medicare for more than 25 years, their agents help you customize a Medicare plan that suits your needs. Meeting with their agents comes at no cost or pressure to you. In the process, you will gain an advocate that can partner with you in the years ahead, and help you navigate the ever-changing Medicare system.

For more on Easy Street Insurance, cal 317-882-9602 or visit easystreetins.com.

FOUR NEW JOINTS, ONE NEW PERSPECTIVE

Norman Mindrebo, MD

I’ve always been an active individual –always trying to set a good example for my patients. I’ve lifted weights for years, and I enjoy horseback riding and cycling with my wife, Peggy.

But in 2020, I started to slow down and noticed I couldn’t walk more than a quarter of a mile on our daily walks.

Through the years, I’ve often heard my orthopedic patients call what they are experiencing “discomfort” rather than “pain.” We learn to live with it, and even ignore it. And that was what happened in my situation.

One day my daughter watched as I walked our property and put items away in our barn. I couldn’t even carry a piece of lawn furniture without holding onto something.

She looked at me and said, “Dad, when did you get old?”

I knew I had to do something. The following Monday, I scheduled an X-ray to see what was going on with my joints.

The X-ray showed I had bone-on-bone arthritis in my knees and hips. How could I have let this go on for so long? As an orthopedic surgeon, shouldn’t I have known better?

It’s amazing how even doctors can overlook our health deterioration while simultaneously treating others for the same problems.

Soon I was scheduled for a double hip replacement. A few months later, I underwent total knee replacement surgery on both of my knees.

After my surgeries, I wanted to push myself to be the best I could be. If the doctors,

nurses and therapists were going to invest in me, it was my job to set a good example for myself and my own patients.

I worked hard in therapy and recovered quickly. And it was worth it—the difference between my life before and after my replacements is like night and day.

Before my surgery, I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to walk down a hill or stairs pain-free. Riding in a car for more than a couple hours left me in intense pain, and getting on a horse was a huge challenge.

Now I can walk down the stairs like everyone else. I can ride in the car for hours without any discomfort. And to make things even better, I feel like John Wayne getting on a horse again!

I’m so grateful for this experience and how it has changed me as a surgeon. It has instilled a deeper level of empathy for my patients and what they are going through. It has also made me appreciate how, even though our joints may be hurting, exercise is so important to help slow the damage and aid in the healing process.

If you’re on the fence about getting a joint replacement and you’re in pain, the best advice I have is to do it. It may seem scary, but it will change your life infinitely for the better.

For more information, visit riverview.org.

Writer / Norman Mindrebo, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Riverview Health Physicians Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

THE GREAT DINE OUT

Back by popular demand, Hamilton County Tourism, in partnership with locally-owned restaurants, will launch The Great Dine Out restaurant promotion Jan. 2 – 31, 2023. Take a break from meal prep and treat yourself, while supporting local restaurants during the tough winter season when business is typically slower.

Starting Jan. 2, more than 50 participating Hamilton County restaurants are offering deals and discounts for both dine-in and carryout meals. Specials range from complimentary dessert to free appetizer to $5 off your meal.

This is a mobile-exclusive program. Customers must have a smartphone in order to redeem the offers at participating restaurants. Visit DineOutHamiltonCounty.com and enter your name and email address and a link to the mobile passport will be texted to you. Save it to your smartphone home screen or bookmark the link for easy access. When visiting a participating business, simply present your phone to a staff member to redeem the available discount.

After five check-ins, participants will be automatically eligible to receive a $25 gift card to a local restaurant, while supplies last.

Customers are also encouraged to take a photo of their meal or takeout place setting and share it on social media, tagging @VisitHamiltonCo or using #VisitHC.

For more information, visit DineOutHamiltonCounty.com.

Medicare Insurance 1. You Contact one of our licensed agents at: 317.343.3215 or scan here.

You are uncertain what plans will suit your health and prescription needs.

or your spouse are nearing 65. OR you or your spouse are over 65 and will soon be retiring. You are concerned with timing for enrollment to avoid a penalty or gap in coverage.

are concerned about the price of your prescription drugs.

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

Did you know that over 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year? Cervical cancer is a gynecologic cancer of the female reproductive tract, specifically the cervix. Here are some tips on how to prevent it and information on screenings.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Typically, cervical cancer occurs most often in women over age 30. Long lasting infections of human papillomavirus (HPV) will cause cervical cancer. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few of them will get cervical cancer.

CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER?

The first thing you can do to protect yourself from cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine. You can get the vaccine starting as early as age nine, but it is recommended for preteens ages 11 and 12. The HPV vaccine is also recommended for adults through age 26 if they are not vaccinated. It is also not recommended for everyone older than 26. Some other tips to prevent getting cervical cancer is to use a condom during sex so you do not contract HPV and limit your number of sexual partners.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER?

There are two different types of screening for cervical cancer. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes

on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. Both of these tests can be done in a doctor’s office or a clinic. You should begin getting tested for cervical cancer at age 21. If your pap test is normal your doctor will tell you to come back in three years. You can continue testing that often until you are 29, but from ages 30 to 65, you can do a Pap test only, an HPV test only, or you can do both Pap and HPV tests. If you do only a Pap test, you can wait another three years until your next screening. If you do an HPV test, you can wait another five years until your next screening. If you do both Pap and HPV, you can wait another 5 years until your next screening. Getting test results can take as long as three weeks.

If you have any questions or if you or a loved one might have cervical cancer, please talk to a doctor immediately. Learn more at iuhealth.org/cancer.

Writer / Jayde Wall, gynecologic oncology nurse practitioner at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

Jayde Wall

FACTS ABOUT THE BABY BOOM GENERATION (BORN

1946-1964)

the Davy Crockett show drove sales through the roof.

beginnings as a game of tic-tac-toe to be played with your feet.

1

Dairy Queen was one of the first food chains to start franchising in 1955 and had everyone screaming for ice cream with their Dilly Bars and Mr. Misty. 2

Eating in front of the TV got a lot better when TV dinners were introduced. There were only originally four main courses sold by Swanson: meatloaf, fried chicken, turkey and Salisbury steak. 3

Impressionable Boomers started ‘smoking’ bubble gum cigarettes that would puff out powdered sugar as smoke. 4

One of the most popular side dishes in the 60s was Rice-a-Roni, known as “The San Francisco Treat.” Its commercials all started with the distinct cable car bell ringing. 5

Hopalong Cassidy, a TV Western hero, was the first image ever put onto a lunch box. It was a runaway hit, selling more than 600,000 at $2.39 each in its first year.

At the height of its 1950s fad, more than 5000 Davy Crockett coonskin hats sold each day, showing the power of television on commerce—the popularity of

7

Think it was just the famous Beatles on the front of the Abbey Road cover? Astute Boomers also noticed that a VW Beetle was in the photo on this record that featured the lead single “Something/”Come Together”. 8

“Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake Shake, Shake Shake Your Booty” holds the record for being the only number-one song title with a word repeated more than three times in it. 9

Ricky Nelson was second only to Elvis as the most popular rock ‘n’ roll artist from 1957 to 1962. 10

Elizabeth may have been 25 when she became a queen in 1953, but Freddie Mercury was a young 24 when he started fronting the British rock group Queen in 1970. 11

“Sweet Georgia Brown” was whistled as the theme song at the Harlem Globetrotters games. 12

The game Twister, which once got Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor in tangles on The Tonight Show, got its

13

The reason yo-yos became so iconic? The launch of the Butterfly yoyo by Duncan in the ‘50s made it easier for Boomers to do tricks and stunts with their yo-yos, which helped fuel the craze.

14

“Barbie was the ultimate doll— but Baby Boomers experienced everything from Betsy Wetsy who had problems “holding it” to Growing Up Skipper who got taller if you turned the knob.

15

One of the most iconic toys from the Baby Boomer era? Stretch Armstrong—a musclebound action figure that had the physical ability to be stretched almost five feet.

16

It’s all so EGG-citing! Two products from the Boom Era came packaged in plastic eggs–Silly Putty and L’eggs Pantyhose.

17

The price of the average movie ticket in 1975 was $2.

The first show to ever be broadcast in color on ABC-TV was The Jetsons, which debuted in 1962 and had

18

Provided by Parade.com

Boomers dreaming of walking their dog on a treadmill in space just like George walked Astro.

19

Bob Keeshan was a Boomer favorite in three different decades as Captain Kangaroo. He was also the original Clarabell the clown on The Howdy Doody Show in the 1950s.

when she was 21 and Elizabeth Taylor marrying Nicky Hilton when she was only 18 years old. 23

Every day, baby boomers recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of their school day. 24 During Vietnam over five million Americans wore bracelets with a

POW’s name, rank and loss date in support of our troops.

A number of iconic Baby Boomer celebrities wound up going into politics including Love Boat’s Fred Grandy (Congress) Sonny Bono (Palm Springs Mayor and Congressman,) and Clint Eastwood (Mayor of Carmel, CA).

20

Definitely not suitable for today’s roads but in 1969’s Easy Rider, Peter Fonda sported a “Captain America” red, white, and blue helmet, while Jack Nicholson donned a gold American football helmet. Another baby boomer fact: This cult classic was one of the first to use pre-recorded music for a soundtrack. 21

Alfred Hitchcock Presents is well known for its opening credits with a camera fade in on a linedrawing caricature of Hitchcock’s profile, the theme music of “Funeral March of a Marionette” and Hitchcock’s walk to the center of the screen and his trademark “Good evening.” 22 Young love bloomed with the movie star set in the 50s and 60s, with Mia Farrow marrying Frank Sinatra

DINE OUT!

The Great Dine Out in Hamilton County January 2–31, 2023

It’s great to dine out—enjoy the company of others, participate in local culture, and support local restaurants all while earning special deals on food. Simply check in at participating Hamilton County restaurants with the Great Dine Out digital passport. If you check in five times, you’ll get a $25 local restaurant gift card—while supplies last.

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Linda Oldiges

If you’re familiar with NBC’s hit television show “American Ninja Warrior,” you might have an idea of the type of training and exercise it takes to compete in the show’s extreme challenges.

Contestants Michael Silenzi and Jesse Labreck have appeared on the show for nine and seven seasons respectively. They love what they do and are determined to expose others to the passion and positivity that comes with the process.

“I started on the show 10 years ago and that was before there were gyms where you could practice this kind of stuff,” Silenzi says. “I immediately thought it was amazing and I wanted to see this become a new sport. I instantly had the idea that we needed a gym so people could try it out.”

Jeff Piejak had a similar idea and partnered with Silenzi to open the first Ultimate Ninjas gym in Chicago. As they continued to grow, Labreck came on board, and today the three own and manage five gym locations, including their newest at the Hamilton County Sports Complex in Noblesville.

The Noblesville gym looks like what Silenzi calls a “jungle gym on steroids with lots of safety pads,” and it’s attracting all ages to the unique combination of exercise, challenge and fun.

“We have adult fitness classes in the morning, a Little Ninja program for ages 3 to 5, and classes after school for ages 6 to 18,” Silenzi says. “I think initially I wanted to open a gym for selfish reasons. I wanted to train for the show. What I didn’t realize at the time is how many kids would watch the show and become obsessed. The kids want to be ninja warriors and we’re training the next generation for competition.”

Labreck loves watching the students grow and challenge themselves.

“It’s honestly pretty incredible,” Labreck says. “The confidence these kids are building, particularly the ones that might not connect with traditional sports - they really feel empowered. There’s always another goal or obstacle to achieve.”

Silenzi loves the training aspect.

“It’s such a challenge to overcome something you didn’t know you could do,” he says. “There’s a lot of adrenaline, and we’re using our body the way it’s meant to be used by running, jumping, swinging and other physical outlets. It’s like a great workout without it feeling like work.”

In addition, the unique workout complements other sports kids are involved in, from baseball to football, and many students continue participating on the ninja team through high school.

“There’s nothing like it in the area,” Silenzi says. “We watch the kids have fun, get stronger and learn new techniques every single day.”

For those interested in taking their ninja skills to the next level, ninjas as young as 6 to 8 can join a league and compete across the country.

“If you aren’t old enough to get picked for the show, there are several leagues out there to compete against,” Labreck says. “We’ll host our own World League competition in Noblesville this January, giving people the option to compete right now.”

Labreck will appear in an upcoming Valentine’s Day episode of “American Ninja Warrior.” Catch Labreck and Silenzi on previous seasons of the show.

Ultimate Ninjas is located at 9625 East 150th Street in Noblesville. For more information, call 317-4737480 or visit ultimateninjas.com.

Mackenna Johnson, a junior at Noblesville High School, is participating in a first of its kind arrangement at her school.

Johnson is earning a certification towards a college teaching degree/certification while she attends NHS. The certification also involves an apprenticeship.

The certification and apprenticeship program is based on a coordinated effort among different partners including an intermediary partner (Indiana Region 5 Workforce Development Board), a school partner (NHS), an education partner (Ball State University) and an employer partner (Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville).

Johnson said there are a few goals of the program.

One of the goals is to combine the

MACKENNA JOHNSON STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

LOCAL STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN UNIQUE PROGRAM GEARED TOWARD TEACHING DEGREE

experiences of high school, college and the workplace to give students exposure to their field of study and the opportunity to engage in their future career during their junior and senior year of high school. This is when students like Johnson are making college and career decisions.

Another goal of the program is to provide students with the preparation and credentials they need to jumpstart their careers. Building partnerships between the schools and businesses in local communities is another goal.

The program also creates a network of industry partners that can meet the workforce demands with well-rounded students that have the professional education, credentials, skills and experience to fill open positions.

In Johnson’s case, the apprenticeship program involves taking high school classes in the morning on the NHS campus and taking college courses in the afternoon virtually. She then later works at the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club for hands-on teaching experience, where she puts into practice what she’s been learning.

CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE

Johnson is involved in two different types of hands-on classroom experiences. Through her early childhood education class at NHS, she works with three- to five-year-old kids in the mornings in a pre-kindergarten classroom at Hazel Dell Elementary.

In the elementary school pre-kindergarten classroom, she assists the teacher in journaling with the students, working on recognizing letters and numbers with them and leading them in various workstations as they ‘explore the world.’

Johnson says many of her kiddos cannot say her name very well, so they just call her Miss Kenna, which she enjoys.

Through her Registered EducatorFocused Apprenticeship, she works with kindergarten through fifth-grade students in the afternoons at the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club.

The program will give Johnson exposure to not only college courses, but also to college professors as a high school student. The program gives her a jumpstart on the credentials needed for her career.

Johnson is also networking with

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

professionals in the local school districts, higher education and business community. The courses she takes with college professors help her develop relationships with the college faculty and prepare her for the collegiate experience.

Johnson is also graduating from college a year early with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. The first two years of the apprenticeship during her junior and senior year of high school count as her freshman year of college.

The program also gives Johnson incentives and a priority placement for teaching positions in her home school district. The cost offsets for the program come through State of Indiana grants, the Pursuit Institute, Noblesville Schools district, scholarships through AmeriCorps and paid positions with employer partners like the Noblesville Boys & Girls Club.

The paid hours Johnson works at the Boys

& Girls Club are banked as community service hours for scholarship money and gives Johnson and others the opportunity to help build the apprenticeship program and give feedback on what works and what needs improvement.

FUTURE PLANS

Johnson hasn’t decided yet on where she wants to go to college but says it will most likely be Ball State University. She would like to be an elementary school teacher and teach first through third grade.

“I like children and enjoy connecting with them,” she says. “I also enjoy building relationships with students and helping them grow to reach their full potential. It’s also fun running into the kids I teach when I’m out in the community, saying hi to them, following up on their studies and interests and enjoying their excitement at seeing a teacher outside the classroom.”

During her time at NHS, Johnson has been involved with Cru, Best Buddies, band and her apprenticeship as an early childhood classroom teacher aid.

“At the moment, I have a full schedule outside of school by working at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, working as a hostess at The Nesst of Noblesville restaurant and I’ll be volunteering with the Northview Kids children’s ministry at Northview Church,” Johnson says.

NOBLESVILLE FAN

Johnson says she loves living in Noblesville.

“Noblesville is a growing and caring community where I’ve experienced amazing support as a student, as a volunteer and working downtown,” she says. “Living here has opened opportunities for me that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. I also really enjoy the amenities our city offers, especially our parks and trails.”

GIVING IT A SHOT

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Walker Photography

Scott McClelland, co-owner of PickUp USA Fitness, has always enjoyed looking for new business opportunities and finding special ways to spend time with his family. These days, he has been busy with both activities.

“I am an attorney with the north-central Indiana firm of Butcher, Ball, Lowry, McMahan & McClelland LLP,” McClelland says. “I have practiced law for nearly 20 years and served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Howard County for 16 years. I am married to my wife, Stephanie, who co-owns PickUp USA Fitness, and we have three children, Samantha, 15, Mitchell, 14, and Alex, 12. I have assisted small businesses in my role as an attorney, and have always kept an open mind for interesting business models.”

McClelland says PickUp USA Fitness is a great business franchise.

“Stephanie and I have spent the past 10 years traveling around central Indiana watching our children involved in sporting activities, so we are familiar with the current

popularity of youth sports,” McClelland says. “PickUp USA Fitness in Noblesville will allow our children an opportunity for hands-on learning of running a family business.”

McClelland notes that PickUp USA Fitness is an 18,000-square-foot facility with a 40’ ceiling.

“We have two full-court, NBA-size courts installed by Sport Court and Browning Chapman,” he says. “We also have an additional half-court basketball court. Our core concept with PickUp USA Fitness is that we provide ‘A Better Way to Play.’ Beginning at 6 p.m. every weekday, you can play in refereed pickup basketball games.”

McClelland is looking forward to welcoming new members.

“We tell people to come in, log in to our Casey queue system, find out what team you are on, grab the appropriate color jersey and get in the game,” he says. “The games go for 10 minutes, and they are timed and scored in live time on our new scoreboards. The winners stay, and losing players can choose to get back in the Casey queue, or go get in a workout, or relax. Then they can hop back in later.”

The courts are also used for youth training and practice at 5 p.m. during the week.

“The youth development-league teams play their games on Saturdays,” McClelland says. “The fall league is winding down but people can sign up by Christmas for the winter league. We will also have kids camps over the Christmas holidays. We also use the courts for a men’s league on Wednesday nights. We are developing a women’s league and an over-50, half-court men’s league. We encourage people to contact us if they are interested.”

The courts are also rented when they are not being used after 10 p.m on weeknights, and on Sunday afternoons.

“We tell people to call us if you are interested in a regular court rental for you and your group,” McClelland says. “Interestingly, in my first job out of Butler

University in 1995, I worked in the commercial lending department of a bank, and my first assignment was to find a gym for the men in the department to have a regular weekly pickup game. I’ve been looking for gyms ever since. Now my family and I have one, and it is a great one.”

McClelland notes that PickUp USA Fitness has a brand-new, state-of-the-art, 4,000-square-foot weight and cardio room.

“We have top-level stuff that folks will not find in even slightly dated gyms,” McClelland says.

McClelland adds that people in the community have been excited about the opening of PickUp USA Fitness.

“Word is getting out and we love the environment going into work every day,” McClelland says, adding that the following video link, produced by the company franchiser, is aimed at other potential franchisees: youtube.com/ watch?v=JMJGL8fMKp4.

“We have a great staff in place and everyone just loves being here,” he says. “We just need more people to know about it.”

You can visit PickUp USA Fitness at 15375 Herriman Boulevard in Noblesville. For more info, call 317-316-5770, check out pickupusafitness.com, or visit the company’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.