Noblesville Magazine July 2023

THE BOMBSHELL HAIR COMPANY

The Bombshell Hair Co. has been in business since 2019.  The Salon has 12 stations and currently has 11 stylists that set their own schedules and prices. Michelle Sloderbeck is the owner of the business and manages this top of the line salon that is professional but also has a fun atmosphere.  Michelle, as well as the other 10 stylists at The Bombshell Hair Co. are committed to their clients, and their community!

OWNERS:

MICHELLE SLODERBECK

ADDRESS:

14350 MUNDY DR SUITE 1100

WEBSITE:

THEBOMBSHELLHAIRCO. COM

PHONE: 317-219-5080

RATING: 4.9 GOOGLE

SCAN

noblesvillebridgeofflowers.com

When the Logan Street Bridge renovations were completed in 2020, Noblesville residents were pleased to see the project included pedestrian sidewalks on either side. A bonus was a 150-foot gathering space that overlooked the river along the south side of the bridge. It met the need for a safe pathway from the Hamilton County Courthouse to Federal Hill Commons.

CONNECT

Today the south side of the bridge is much more than a secure sidewalk. Thanks to an idea initiated by Dick Gordon and a combined partnership between the City of Noblesville and Hamilton County, plus donations from local businesses and community members, it is now a beautiful linear park for the public to enjoy. It began when Gordon’s daughter, Sylvia, saw The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

“I thought it would be a great idea for the Logan Street Bridge,” Gordon says. “I put together a presentation book showing illustrations of what it would look like. When I showed it to the mayor, he liked it but told me the bridge was owned by the county. Getting everyone’s approval was the best way to go forward. I presented to many committees such as tourism and the parks department so we could all get on the same page.”

“In the end, the plan went from basic to spectacular,” he adds. “An engineering firm

was hired and two pergolas with vines, lighting, trees and huge flowerpots with irrigation were installed. The cost was split between the city and county. We raised around $160,000 through connections within the community. A lot of the donations came from the small businesses of Noblesville.”

After the hardscape of the design was finished in August of 2022, Peg Adams and her team of four volunteers have been responsible its continued beauty. Adams was involved in landscaping for 30 years and owned Hoosier Gardener before she sold it. The plantings on the bridge change with the seasons.

“I really enjoyed the colors last fall,” Adams says. “There was kale, cabbages and mums. One bed is in the center and there was a display of straw bales, pumpkins and pansies.”

Gordon hopes to establish a small endowment for the upkeep of the Bridge of Flowers. Plans are being made for a fundraiser to be held in September. Those involved hope the project can continue to team up with initiatives such as Noblesville Main Street, Inc.

“The intent was to beautify downtown Noblesville,” Gordon says. “It’s a place for engagement or wedding photos. People can sit, rest and look over the river. It’s the most unique bridge in all the Midwest.”

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Whitney Moore

ORDER’S UP

UPTOWN CAFE OPERATES WITH COMMUNITY AND QUALITY IN MIND

When Jonathon Smith was 16 years old, he realized he needed to find a job if he wanted to get his own car. In 1998 Smith got a job at Sunrise Cafe in Carmel, working the toaster to save up the money he needed to purchase a vehicle. Smith couldn’t have imagined that his high school job would lead to the ownership of several restaurants of his own, 25 years later.

“My parents told me if I wanted to get a car, I needed to get a job,” Smith says. “My best friend told me his uncle owned a restaurant

and that’s how I got the job. A few years later, in 2002, I helped Scott Horsfield open the Fishers location of the Sunrise Cafe.”

Smith says he enjoyed the job and the other longtime, loyal employees, and decided to stick with it. In 2013 Smith and Horsfield opened a Sunrise Cafe location in Noblesville as partners. In 2015 Smith bought out Horsfield and changed the name to Uptown Cafe.

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Sarah Browning

Asia Spencer and Jonathon Smith

Cafe, but with a few subtle tweaks,” Smith says. “At Uptown we try to make everything homemade, from our condiments, dressings and sauces, and baked items like our cinnamon rolls and English muffins. That’s why I changed the name. The Uptown Cafe location in Noblesville is actually a historical landmark. It’s been there since 1932.”

Smith has since opened two other Uptown Cafe locations in Indianapolis and Carmel.

He co-owns the restaurants with a group of friends he’s known since his days at Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) High School. Smith says he appreciates the opportunity Horsfield gave him to own and operate restaurants, and he wants to continue that tradition with others.

“I’m turning around and paying that forward by allowing them to get into restaurant ownership,” Smith says. “I want to grow this into something that can be a career for all of us. The biggest concern was keeping this

group of people together.”

The group purchased the Fishers Sunrise Cafe location in March. Smith says they will keep the restaurant’s name for now, but will start to change the menu slowly. The group will add homemade menu items and purchase ingredients from local businesses.

“I assumed the lease on the location from Scott for the next two years,” Smith says. “The name will stay the same for that period of time. After that, we will likely

TENDERLOIN TUESDAYS™ ARE BACK THIS SUMMER TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

For more than a decade, Hamilton County has celebrated the iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich each summer on Tenderloin Tuesdays™. Back by popular demand, restaurants along the Original Tenderloin Trail™ are offering discounts each Tuesday, June 27 – July 25.

Sign up for the Tenderloin Trail™ Pass,

a mobile-exclusive passport program. Customers must have a smartphone in order to redeem the offers at participating restaurants. 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 you visit a participating restaurant, simply present your phone to a staff member to redeem the

TENDERLOIN FAQS

WHAT IS A TENDERLOIN SANDWICH?

When someone refers to a tenderloin anywhere in Indiana, they’re probably talking about the pork cutlet served on a bun - but go anywhere else and clarification will be needed. Pork tenderloin is pounded thin with a mallet and then hand-breaded, fried and served in jaw-dropping proportion to a toasted bun.

WHAT GOES ON A TYPICAL TENDERLOIN?

Typical toppings include mayonnaise, ketchup and onions. Often, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and mustard are added. As for sides, most are served with chips, onion rings or French fries.

HOW DO YOU EAT A TENDERLOIN?

Devouring the tenderloin is an art all its own. While there’s no wrong way to tackle a tenderloin, you can stack it, edge it, half it or just dig in. Make sure you have extra napkins on hand, because things might get messy.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TENDERLOINS?

While the tried-and-true version is handbreaded and fried, you can go the “healthy” route and order a grilled tenderloin. Local restaurants offer different spins, like the Upland Brewing Co. seitan tenderloin, Rosie’s Place pork tenderloin eggs benedict and Woodys Library Restaurant kettle-chip encrusted or blackened version.

ARE TENDERLOINS ALWAYS AS BIG AS MY FACE?

Don’t be alarmed if you can’t see the plate, and if it seems the bun is far too small for the size-of-your-face tenderloin. This is normal. For those with smaller appetites, check out Dooley O’Tooles mini option.

WHY IS INDIANA SO FAMOUS FOR TENDERLOINS?

As legend has it, Nick Freienstein added a pork tenderloin sandwich to the menu at Nick’s

available discount.

Participants will be automatically eligible to receive a Tenderloin Tuesday™ t-shirt after they redeem deals at four participating locations, while supplies last.

Download your passport and visit TenderloinTuesdays.com.

Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana in 1908 and started it all. Breaded in cracker crumbs and soaked in buttermilk, his recipe is still popular today. Restaurants all over Indiana have their own varieties of the famous sandwich, including more than 50 eateries right here along the famed Tenderloin Trail™ in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Check out TenderloinTuesdays.com for more information. Tag us in your adventures using #VisitHC and #TenderloinTuesday.

FOR MORE IDEAS ON THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON COUNTY THIS SUMMER, GO TO VISITHAMILTONCOUNTY.COM. BE SURE TO FOLLOW @VISITHAMILTONCO ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING BEFORE YOU #VISITHC.

Celebrating 150 YEARS OF HISTORY

Known as one of the best living history museums in the country, Conner Prairie is demonstrative of Fishers’ history and Indiana history as a whole. The museum was built around the home of William Conner, a prominent politician and negotiator who was one of the first white men to settle in this area.

William Conner lived an interesting life and played a significant role in the development of the land that would become Fishers. Born in 1777 near Lichtenau, Ohio, William grew up familiar with Native Americans. His family lived with Moravians, Protestant missionaries, and the Delaware Indians. The Conner family followed when the Moravians and the Delaware were forced

to move to Michigan. William’s father was a trader and established a trading post where they moved to Michigan. Following their father’s footsteps, William and his brother moved to Indiana in 1800-1801 to become fur traders.

Both of the Conner sons married into the Delaware and settled among the tribe.

Dairy Barns at Conner Prairie Farms, 1940

William and his wife, Mekinges, built a log cabin and a trading post on the White River. Despite making his family among the Delaware, William still assisted the U.S. government throughout the War of 1812. He worked as a spy, kept the Delaware loyal to the government, and even identified Chief Tecumseh’s body after the Battle of the Thames.

William became well-known for his negotiating skills. Having experience with both white settlers and Native Americans allowed him to find compromises between the groups. As the white settlers pushed further out West, William played a prominent role in convincing the native tribes to leave their homeland. His most significant impact came from his participation in the Treaties of St. Mary’s. This included six treaties with the distinct tribes controlling much of Indiana, all completed in the fall of 1818 in St. Mary’s, Ohio.

In an ironic turn of events, the treaties negotiated by William caused most of the Delaware tribe to be forced out of Indiana, including his wife, Mekinges, and their six children. Shortly after, he remarried with 17-year-old Elizabeth Chapman. Their home, the Conner house, was built in 1823 and quickly became a center for the community. William continued to increase his position and was a prominent landowner and businessman in Hamilton County. Along with Josiah Polk, William platted the towns of Noblesville, Alexandria and Strawtown.

From 1829 to 1837, William served in the state legislature for Indiana. He also helped to found the Indiana Historical Society and continued his work as an interpreter/negotiator. With Elizabeth, William had 10 other children. In 1855, William passed away, and the Conner house was left to his descendants.

After being sold by his descendants in 1871, the Conner house passed through multiple hands and was largely neglected before being bought in 1934 by Mr. Eli Lilly. Lilly was the grandson of Colonel Eli Lilly, the founder of Eli Lilly and Co. Lilly was the then president of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. and had a passion for history.

Conner House, 1905

He worked to restore the house and develop the surrounding area into Conner Prairie Farm. In addition, Lilly added a still house, a loom house and a trading post. He opened the site to the public and allowed the space to be used for historical reenactments.

In 1964, Lilly passed Conner Prairie onto Earlham College but continued to provide financial support. The college decided to expand the museum, and in the early 1970s, museum director Myron Vourax and folklorist Henry Glassie developed a living history village. The village, Prairietown, opened in 1974 and depicted life in 1836.

In 2005, the museum gained independence from Earlham College, and the two institutions split the endowment granted by Lilly. Since then, the museum has continued to grow. With the Conner house remaining as a central site, Conner Prairie has become one of the country’s largest and most successful living history museums.

The City of Fishers continues celebrating its Sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of incorporation, through June 2023! Visit ThisIsFishers.com/Fishers150 for blog posts, podcasts, historical information and details on Sesquicentennial programming.

We’ve expanded to offer more services closer to home, including clinic consultations, a more spacious, sunlit physical therapy area and MRIs. Schedule your appointment at 317.802.2000. No referral necessary.

Eli Lilly at Prairietown Opening, 1974

Conner Prairie Farms, 1970

William Conner Portrait

Paul’s circle of support.

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THIS YEAR, YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY!

Hosted in partnership with Nickel Plate Arts and the Noblesville Township Representative, this art show will showcase artists and techniques for different fabric arts. Check out heirlooms and new pieces and vote

FARMING

August 13, 2-5 p.m. Clarksville Christian Church, 16600 Lehr St Noblesville | FREE, some food for sale

Join lifelong farmers Donald and David Zeller as they discuss how farming in Wayne Township has changed over the decades. This will include a show-and-tell of artifacts. Inside the church, enjoy history displays about Clarksville and surrounding areas.

Outside, experience the Hamilton Southeastern Schools FFA “touch a truck” area with old tractors alongside new Reynolds farm equipment, and old Ford trucks and Model T’s alongside new trucks off the Don Hines dealership lot. Free refreshments, with the Wayne/Fall Creek Lions Club offering food for sale.

ALSO IN WAYNE TOWNSHIP:

August 12 | Taste Of History: Finding Your Farming Ancestors

FALL CREEK TOWNSHIP and DELAWARE TOWNSHIP will join forces and partner with Conner Prairie to create a permanent reminder of the Hamilton County Bicentennial! Attend the Bicentennial Marker Unveiling at Conner Prairie on SEPTEMBER 9. CLAY TOWNSHIP organizers present Vintage Maps of Carmel, an artistic map of Clay Township’s farms and homesteads during the early 20th century. Maps are a keepsake and will be available for free THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER

Diamonds Unveiled The Secrets of Color, Carat, Clarity, and Cut - Your Guide to Sparkling Brilliance!

Sparkling, dazzling, and breathtakingly beautiful, diamonds are every woman’s best friend. But have you ever wondered what makes these precious gemstones so valuable and unique? Let me introduce you to the fabulous world of diamonds, specifically the 4 C’s: color, carat, clarity, and cut. These four factors are like the secret ingredients that determine a diamond’s worth and overall appeal.

First up, we have color. Picture a rainbow and imagine all the vibrant shades it holds. Similarly, diamonds come in a variety of colors, from clear and colorless to fancy and fancy intense hues like yellow, pink, or even blue. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to colorless, the more precious and rare it is. So, when you’re admiring a diamond, pay attention to its color and let the magic of the spectrum enchant you.

Next, we have carat, which refers to the weight of a diamond. Think of it as the diamond’s size or, should I say, bling factor. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond will appear. But remember, size isn’t everything! Sometimes, a smaller diamond with excellent quality can shine brighter than a larger one with inferior characteristics. So, choose the carat that makes your heart sing and complements your personal style.

Now, let’s talk about clarity. Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s crust, and during their journey to the surface, they can develop some internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity grade evaluates how many of these flaws are visible under 10x magnification. From “Flawless” to “Included,” each clarity grade tells a story about a diamond’s uniqueness. Some imperfections can be like tiny birthmarks, adding character to your

diamond’s individuality. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and find a diamond that speaks to you.

Lastly, we have cut, which is like a diamond’s personality. A diamond’s cut is not about its shape but rather how well it has been fashioned and crafted by a skilled diamond cutter. The cut determines how effectively the diamond reflects light, giving it that mesmerizing sparkle. Whether it’s round, princess, or any other shape, the cut can make or break a diamond’s brilliance. So, when you’re shopping for diamonds, look for that wow factor that catches your eye and sets your heart aflutter.

Now that you know the 4 C’s of diamonds, you can confidently embark on your journey to find the perfect gemstone. Remember, each diamond is as unique as you are, and it’s the combination of these four characteristics that makes it special. So, embrace your inner diamond connoisseur, explore the dazzling world of diamonds, and find the one that speaks to your heart. Whether it’s a symbol of love, an expression of self, or simply a treat for yourself, diamonds are meant to be cherished and admired for a lifetime. Happy diamond hunting, ladies!

Discover the enchanting world of diamonds at Smiths Jewelers, your trusted hometown jeweler. Step into our luxurious showroom and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through the 4 C’s, helping you find the perfect diamond that reflects your unique style. From engagement rings to dazzling necklaces, our exquisite collection will leave you breathless. We believe that shopping for diamonds should be an unforgettable experience, which is why we create a warm and inviting atmosphere where you’ll feel cherished. Trust Smiths Jewelers to make your diamond dreams come true. Visit us today and let the sparkle begin!

Uptown Carmel 2271 Pointe Parkway (116th west of Keystone)

Uptown Noblesville 809 Conner Street (On the Courthouse Square)

Uptown Indy 6404 Rucker Road (64th & Binford)

Sunrise Fishers 9767 E 116th Street (116th & Cumberland )

Uptown Market

Enjoy our house-made items at home. Purchase breads, biscuits, muffins, rolls, salads, sauces, dressings, condiments, and more online at: www.uptowncafes.com/shop.

CREATIVITY IN BLOOM

JANUS DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES UPDATES ART SPACE

The creative space at Janus Developmental Services has expanded exponentially since January, and so have participants’ imaginations.

For more than 40 years, Janus has been providing its clients with a variety of avenues for skill development and self-expression. However, throughout the last 10 years, changes in laws related to the Americans with Disabilities Act have led to the phaseout of certain programs to allow for new solutions.

Foundation, Janus brought in representatives from Creative Abundance Consulting in Columbus, Ohio, to help rethink and revamp available space.

As a result, the small art studio toward the back of the building has expanded to include a much larger portion of the facility, allowing for bigger, better and even more creative projects.

In addition, Creative Abundance provided hands-on training for every staff member.

“We were out on the floor by day two learning to mix paint and run the sewing machines,” says Kincaid.

President and CEO Yolanda

Participants now have plenty of room and guidance to take full advantage of artistic opportunities, from painting to sewing to woodworking to collaborative multimedia creations.

“The new art experience has really generated a lot of energy,” says Mary Jane Coffing, chair of the Janus board of directors.

In addition to the upgraded space, a grant from Indiana Arts Commission Arts Project Support provided a portion of the funding for Janus to incorporate photography into the programming for participants. Janus purchased camera equipment and brought in local professional photographer Daniel Grose to offer instruction. Grose introduced participants to photography equipment, taught them how to use it and gave them tips.

“You could see their faces light up like Christmas,” says Grose.

Through the course of several months, Kincaid drove approximately 20 participants on 12 different day trips to take photographs throughout Hamilton County. The resulting open house in May celebrated National Photography Month by showcasing 100 of the prints for sale to the public, in frames built and painted by participants.

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity that has emerged when our clients are given the opportunity to create,” says Kincaid. “It’s been really great to see people blossom and engage on levels they hadn’t had the opportunity to before.”

In June, For the Love of Janus Guild held its third annual Helping Lives Bloom fundraiser at Mustard Seed Gardens. The ticketed

Writer / Amy Adams Photography Provided

event allowed supporters to learn more about the recent enhancements and how Janus participants have benefitted.

Participant artwork is available for purchase, including abstract canvases, a new line of bee baths and gourd birdhouses with updated whimsical designs. Located at 1555 Westfield Road in Noblesville, the Janus storefront is open most weekdays from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To set up an appointment for shopping, call Development and Communications Director Jerry Jamison at 317-773-8781, ext. 100.

Find out more about Janus and how you can support them at janus-inc.org.

TENDERLOIN TUESDAY

The best way to travel the Tenderloin TrailTM is with a passport. Claim yours today for Tenderloin TuesdayTM deals and discounts from more than 35 participating restaurants.

Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com.

Scan for details

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

PARTICIPANTS ARE LIKE FAMILY AT WISHES DANCE STUDIO

Wishes Dance Studio is beginning its 20th year of providing quality dance instruction and much more to the north side. Its longevity is due in part because it welcomes everyone, even if they have never danced before. A second reason for its popularity is the way it involves all members of the family.

“Wishes Dance Studio offers a lot,” says Kelley Richards, owner. “There is something for everyone - babies to adults, beginners to advanced and recreational to professional. We are family friendly. Wishes is more than a dance studio. We are a dance family. There are so many opportunities for families to come together and dance. Baby classes, where the infant sits up in the lap of an adult, are free. Our Christmas show had 30 dads, dressed like elves dancing with their daughters and mothers, dancing to ‘All I Want for Christmas Is a Cowgirl.’”

The studio offers a large variety of classes. Included are acro dance, ballet and pointe, conditioning, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, modern, musical theater, tap, and W

Crew, an all-boy hip-hop class. There are beginning classes for teens and adults. Individuals can begin instruction at any age without fear they will be placed with younger children.

Many students enjoy being part of Wishes’ performance companies. The first three companies are open to anyone who wants to sign up. Genies include grades kindergarten to four, Twilights is for grades five to eight, and Dream Catchers for grades nine to 12. An audition is required to participate in the Starlettes, which is modeled after the Rockettes. Synergy membership is by invitation.

The companies have performed at venues outside of the studio. Members can pick and choose which opportunities to take part in. Some have included sports games hosted by the Indianapolis Indians, Indiana Pacers and Indy Eleven, plus attractions such as the Statue of Liberty. Currently, a Royal Caribbean Cruise is being planned for October.

Twice per year, Wishes Dance Studio participates in competitions. This season the studio was honored to receive sought-after recognition. First place was earned at both competitions. The studio’s choreographer, Joel Flynn, was the recipient of the Best Choreography award. The achievement that made Richards the proudest was winning the Shining Star award.

“The Shining Star is given to the studio with the best dressing room and backstage etiquette,” Richards says. “Our dancers are very humble and sweet. It’s a big award and the one that meant the most to me.”

During summertime, academies run Monday through Thursday. Sessions are held in the morning and afternoon. Students can bring their lunch to eat between sessions while supervised by the instructors. Besides dancing, crafts and games are part of the fun. Sign-ups are ongoing and even if a day is missed, it doesn’t matter since something new is learned each day. Every Thursday, families and friends come in for a

Writer / Julie Yates Photographers / Ryan Friar & Amy Payne

weekly show.

The summer academies are grouped by ages 3 to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 and up. Each themed session includes plenty of dancing and lots of fun.

Summer Intensive, for ballet level seven and above, will be held July 17 to 20. This program is for ages 8 and up, but typically draws many high school students. Participants are put in groups according to their dance levels and professional dancers from all over the country are brought in as instructors. On Thursday night of the session there is an all-night sleep over, which includes games and pizza while watching videos of past performances by the studio’s students.

Another summer happening is the Synergy concert featuring the Starlettes. It will be held on July 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. at Wishes Dance Studio. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

This fall the highly anticipated Wishes Spooky Dance Studio and Trunk or Treat will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Open to the public, families travel through the studio, stopping at various intervals to be entertained by the haunted happenings. After playing games, a cabaret features dancers performing under a chandelier. Lights can be on or off to accommodate those with young children.

Next stop is the Castle Room where Nina the Ballerina, the ghost who haunts the

studio, will dance with the family. Suddenly a phantom appears on the balcony of the room. From there a fortune teller shares everyone’s future. After that, it’s on to the ballroom for a masquerade ball complete with the Sanderson sisters from the movie “Hocus Pocus” in attendance. The experience ends by leaving through the back door of the studio. Trick-or-treating is a sweet ending as candy is given out via the open trunks of cars.

On December 2 and 3 the studio will present “Christmas Wishes” at the Schrott Center for the Arts on the Butler University campus. Auditions for the program will be held on Friday, August 25 at Wishes. Each audition takes about half an hour and is done by age groups. Richards suggests

calling the studio ahead of time to see the time for each age level.

“My daughter and I designed the Christmas program,” Richards says. “I was tired of going to so many ‘Nutcracker’ performances. It is made up of individual stories where Santa makes a child’s wish come true. For instance, in one, a little girl wishes to fly and the character Elphaba from the musical ‘Wicked’ comes to teach her how. Anna, Elsa and Olaf from ‘Frozen’ will have a part in a story as well.”

Next year’s Spring Wishes Celebration 2024 is already being planned. All students will participate in the performance to be held on April 28 and May 5. There will be a fatherdaughter dance performance that could also include a big brother or grandpa. Other types of family numbers planned are waltz, hip-hop and tap.

Also in the works is participation in the 2024 Spark!Fishers festival. Members of

the studio’s performance companies will be in the parade. They will also dance on the stage.

“Wishes has been a huge blessing in my life,” Richards says. “I can’t imagine life without Wishes. I am so lucky to be surrounded by a group of instructors who are not only

talented, but beautiful people inside and out. They are my Wishes dream team.”

Wishes Dance Studio is located at 12810 Ford Drive in Fishers. Call 317-435-2541, email info@wishesdance.com, or go to wishesdance.com for more info, and also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

GABBY JELLISON STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

She believes people will enjoy examining the past and looking at its impact on the future.

Gabby Jellison, a sophomore at Noblesville High School, is serving as a bicentennial ambassador for Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary.

Jellison, a Student of the Month recipient, says she has enjoyed her duties and has been encouraging others to enjoy the celebration.

“Being an ambassador for Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary is all about being a bridge from the past of our community to our future,” Jellison says.

That entails educating people about Hamilton County’s rich and noteworthy past. So far, there have been many ways to do this.

“Mainly, we go to various bicentennial events around the county and help out, as well as having various conversations to learn about the past of our community,” Jellison says. “For example, this month we had a meeting about historic preservation. We met at the Lacy Building and talked about what historic preservation is, and why it is so important.”

The Hamilton County Bicentennial will take place during the rest of 2023. The celebration is a way for people to reflect on the county’s history, collaborate, and represent the county, according to the Hamilton County Bicentennial commission.

Learning about Hamilton County’s vibrant past has been important to Jellison. It has given her a new perspective.

“I really enjoy getting the opportunity to learn the history of where I grew up and have lived my entire life, and being able to connect with others,” she says.

Jellison has also been getting other people excited about the celebration. She tells them about how they can get interested and take part.

“People should get involved in the bicentennial celebration because it is truly a once-in-alifetime event,” she says. “There are so many interesting events.”

Jellison has also enjoyed meeting new people

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

and finding out what they are interested in.

“I have really enjoyed learning about the history of where I’ve grown up,” Jellison says. “It’s also interesting getting to interact with other high schoolers from different schools to share our history.”

When Jellison isn’t busy working as an ambassador for the bicentennial celebration, she is also active at Noblesville High School. She manages to find time for extracurricular activities.

“At school I’m involved with the Art Club and I manage girls cross country,” she says.

Jellison has already started contemplating her college plans.

“As of now I haven’t fully decided yet, but I am leaning towards Purdue University, and doing a premed track,” she says.

Jellison loves Noblesville and all it has to offer. It has been a wonderful place for her to grow up.

“I enjoy the environment downtown, where there’s so many different shops and locations you can visit,” she says. “There’s something for everyone.”

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

as one of Indy’s Best and Brightest Finalists from

Pictured left to right: Thorpe Miller, Chamber Board Chair, Foundation Board Member, IMCU AVP of Marketing; Maggie Hoppel; Jillian Cooke

The Only Name You Need To Know

13 BRANDS 10 LOCATIONS

All within 1/2 Hour Or Less from Geist!

Proud supporter of Lawrence Township, Hamilton Southeaster n Schools and the Hamilton County Humane Society.