Noblesville Magazine August 2023

The Only Name You Need To Know

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PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP ISU and Westfield-Washington Schools Join Forces to Offer MBA Program

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IU HEALTH SPOTLIGHT Women’s Health: Recommended Well-Woman Care 11

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SIP AND SAVOR Experience the Seventh Annual Noblesville Rotary Club BrewBQ

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HE’S A CATCH Warren Central Grad Julius “JuJu” Brents Eagerly Anticipating First Season With the Colts 24

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

HECK OF A HOBBY 95-year-old Ernie Taylor’s Sculptures Reflect Pure Artistic Enjoyment

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HAMILTON COUNTY LAUNCHES ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES  Streamlined information increases connection and access for residents

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT Hamilton County Tourism 26 A BRUSH WITH JOY Drink in a Fun Experience at Painting With a Twist 30

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Nolan Deer KEY

PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP

ISU AND WESTFIELD-WASHINGTON SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES TO OFFER MBA PROGRAM

In a collaborative effort to bolster education opportunities for professionals and students alike, a groundbreaking partnership has been forged between Indiana State University (ISU) and Westfield-Washington Schools.

The Scott College of Business Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a comprehensive program tailored to current professionals seeking to enhance their business acumen, as well as aspiring students looking to pursue higher education.

“This will help students with ground-level understanding by giving them a picture of all functional business areas,” says Kyle Rice, executive director of graduate programs at the ISU Scott College of Business. “When a student is at a decision-making table at any organization they are working at, no matter what their background is, they can have an intelligent conversation with anyone even though the technical language might be different. This is what the MBA is designed to do.”

Lindsay Tomamichel, the WestfieldWashington Schools director of college, careers and strategic initiatives, led the efforts in this partnership, and says the school district decided on this partnership in an effort to open the door to future education opportunities for the community’s high school students and working professionals.

“We are looking at the MBA program and partnership with ISU as an opportunity to continue to grow educational opportunities in the community,” she says. “Our hope is that we start with the MBA program and

then we are able to partner with ISU for other things as well.”

Additionally, the partnership aims to address the scarcity of local college options in Hamilton County, and provide a stimulating in-person, cohort-based learning experience.

“When you look at Hamilton County as a whole, we don’t have a ton of college options,” Tomamichel says. “Not only will this program offer the working professionals that live here an opportunity to go back to school in the community that they live in, but also to have an opportunity to attend inperson classes instead of online.”

The partnership’s vision extends beyond the MBA program to address the educational gaps within the Hamilton County area. Recognizing the limited college options available, the collaboration aims to offer local residents the opportunity to attain a professional MBA that aligns with higher education paths.

“This opportunity felt really good for our community and our adult learners,” Tomamichel says.

At the core of the MBA program lies the cohort-based learning model, a key driver of its success. Students enrolled in the program embark on their academic journey together, forming a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and camaraderie. Graduates can find lasting connections with their cohort members, which can be invaluable in their career advancement long after completing the program.

“When I went through my master’s program I was in a cohort as well,” Tomamichel says. “What was so beneficial is the relationships I made in those cohorts. I still have contact with some of the people I was in my cohort with on a professional level.”

The transformative partnership will enhance residents’ professional skills through attaining a professional MBA offered by ISU. This well-rounded and immersive program will equip students with a diverse understanding of critical business areas such as marketing, supply-chain management, accounting, finance and human resources.

Amidst the fatigue associated with online education during the pandemic, the program introduces a refreshing alternative. It will be delivered in person, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

“The program will be an 18-month program with two classes per semester,” Rice says. “Each semester, a student will take two concurrent classes for 10-week semesters. The two courses will meet weekly in Westfield, with one week for lectures and two weeks to work on assignments.”

With the program set to commence at the Westfield-Washington School District’s central office this September, professionals will come together, embarking on a journey that promises to transform their careers and educational paths.

For more, visit indstate.edu/scott-mba.

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo Photography Provided

Scott Scott ProMBA ProMBA at Westfield

TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL

CLASSROOM SETTING

Immerse yourself in a supportive and interactive learning environment with our on-campus sessions, held one night a week in the vibrant community of Westfield, IN. Our accelerated program allows you to earn your MBA in just 21 months, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to make an immediate impact in the corporate landscape.

EXECUTIVE CAREER COACHING

Our commitment to your success extends beyond the classroom Benefit from personalized guidance and career coaching from seasoned industry professionals, enabling you to chart your path to success with confidence

PROGRAM COSTS UNDER $30K

We believe in making quality education accessible. The Scott ProMBA offers exceptional value at an affordable cost, ensuring you invest in your future without breaking the bank.

AACSB ACCREDITATION

The Scott ProMBA is proudly accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious recognition only earned by less than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Elevate your career to new heights with the Scott ProMBA! Limited seats available for our upcoming cohort. Enroll now to secure your spot and unlock a world of possibilities.

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

WOMEN’S HEALTH RECOMMENDED

Women should receive regular preventative care to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.

Recommendations for screening tests vary throughout the different stages of a woman’s life. It is recommended to see your OB/ GYN once per year for a well-woman visit. Here are some important preventative health measures and screenings for women and when experts recommend you get them.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

A pap test, or pap smear, is used to screen for cervical cancer. Screening for cervical cancer can allow for the detection and treatment of precancerous conditions of the cervix. A pap test is recommended for women starting at age 21. Your pap results and pap history determine how frequently you need a pap test. If you have normal pap results, your provider may recommend a repeat pap every 3 to 5 years. The best way to ensure you stay up to date with the latest recommendations for pap testing is to see

your provider for an annual visit.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. It is recommended that average-risk women begin mammograms annually starting at age 40. For some women with additional risk factors, starting breast cancer screening at an earlier age may be recommended.

HPV VACCINATION

The human papillomavirus, HPV, is associated with multiple cancers including cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, or Gardasil, is a safe and effective way to prevent cancer. It is recommended that girls and boys receive the vaccine starting at age 11 to 12. All young women aged 13 to 26 who have not received the vaccine, should also be vaccinated. If you are aged 27 to 45 and have not received the vaccine, talk to your provider as the HPV vaccine may still provide significant benefit.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening

Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Annual screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women less than age 25. Screening for sexually transmitted infections can be appropriate for women of all ages depending on your individual risk factors.

OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density, is a condition that increases your risk of fractures which can lead to serious complications. Osteoporosis is treatable and screening for osteoporosis with a DXA scan is recommended for women starting at age 65. Earlier screening may be recommended depending on your individual risk factors.

For more information about these screenings and other recommended preventative care, please schedule an appointment with a health care provider. You can visit iuhealth.org/bookobgyn.

Dr. Taylor Sutter, OB/GYN at IU Health North Hospital

HECK OF A HOBBY

95-YEAR-OLD ERNIE TAYLOR’S SCULPTURES REFLECT PURE ARTISTIC ENJOYMENT

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Krystal Dailey

For several decades, people traveling between Zionsville and Westfield on State Road 32 have been treated to a visual extravaganza of metal sculptures and whimsical yard art. The man behind it all is 95-year-old Ernie Taylor. His wife, Dottie, who passed away in 2019, had an aversion to going far from home. So Taylor made the best of it by turning their 25-acre hobby farm into a roadside showplace.

“We’ve got kind of a museum here,” Taylor says. “My wife wasn’t a good traveler. Instead of looking at a big, beautiful valley, she would be a nervous wreck. So I stayed busy doing other things. I started using old farm machinery, and at first I made small things like birds out of old shovels and alligators from files. The only problem was, if I made one of something, I’d have to make a dozen to give to relatives. It was fun.”

“I would buy things not knowing what I would do with them,” he continues. “We would go to tractor shows, flea markets and auctions, bringing a lot of good stuff back.

Once, we went to one in Shelbyville and bought 200

spoons tied up in a bow. People said, ‘What are you going to do with them?’ I knew I’d think of something, and I ended up turning them into tulips.”

After retiring from being a welder, Taylor tackled bigger projects. Some of the most spectacular pieces on his property are the dinosaurs he crafted. He says it took him four or five years of driving around looking for parts before he got what he wanted to assemble them.

When asked which sculpture turned out to be surprising to him, Taylor says it’s a colorful globe. He was at an auction when he found a large metal framework and tank that had been used to take liquid fertilizer out to farm fields. After purchasing it for $10, he considered making it a big golf ball. Then it hit him that it would make a perfect globe.

Another of his favorites is a bird with legs made from shovels, a body from bicycle parts and a head from an old sickle mower machine. Through the years many people have approached Taylor about buying his creations. No money has ever passed hands.

other people to enjoy and I did give a lot away over the years,” he says. “If I had made them to sell, it would be work and not a hobby. Plus, people think that just because I make things out of old stuff, I wouldn’t charge much. They don’t realize what it costs in gas to bring the stuff in, and the time of welding parts together.”

Besides building sculptures, Taylor has delighted in having a couple of other hobbies in his life. One is playing the guitar. Although it was something he wanted to do most of his life, it did not come easy to him.

“I was 72 years old before I learned how to play,” he says. “I couldn’t get my right hand to do it. I couldn’t get the rhythm. One day I was listening to a friend play, and he handed me his guitar. He taught me ‘Old Rattler,’ a song about an old dog. It had just two chord changes. I hit that lick and the rhythm was there. I went out and bought a Fender guitar and for 20 years, up until COVID, I entertained at Signature HealthCARE at Parkwood nursing home every Friday.”

Another of Taylor’s favorite things to do is share poetry by reciting it when the

sister passed away, Gunn’s poem “Fretting” brought him comfort. The gist is that when the beauty of nature is seen, God, who made it, will take care of the person who is worrying.

Taylor was born in Pixley Knob, which is right outside of Henryville in Clark County. The youngest of six children, he grew up without running water or electricity. His parents instilled in him the value of hard work and, above all, friendship.

“I’ve slowed down quite a bit,” he says. “Things take more time and I don’t have as much energy. I have an idea for another dinosaur, but even though I still get around and do things like mow my own grass, it’s a big effort. The things I’ve made, I did for our friends and for people to enjoy. I still enjoy people and life is good.”

Taylor then mentions a sign on his hobby

farm with the following: “There’s a miracle called friendship that dwells within the heart, and you don’t know how it happens and how it gets its start, but the happiness it brings you gives you a special lift, and you realize the happiness it gives you is God’s most precious gift.”

Taylor’s 25-acre hobby farm is located at 10985 East State Road 32 in Zionsville.

HAMILTON COUNTY LAUNCHES ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES

STREAMLINED INFORMATION INCREASES

CONNECTION AND ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS

Hamilton County is known for being a thriving area where people want to live. One of the secrets to its success: a strong network of nonprofit organizations who believe that by working together, they can help their community and those who live in it. The power of that network collaboration has led to the launch of a new website – Help4HamiltonCounty.org – to provide residents with a one-stop resource for support services.

“Residents are more likely to seek support and be successful in overcoming challenges when resources are easy to find, understand, and access,” says Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, one of several elected officials involved in

the project. “At Help4HamiltonCounty. org, residents can access the large network of local organizations designed to provide support and ultimately increase quality of life in Hamilton County.”

Made possible by the support of the Hamilton County Community Foundation, Duke Energy, the Hamilton County Trustees Association, and Good Samaritan Network, the new web resource offers connection to services in six key areas of need:

• Aging and Seniors

• Food Assistance

• Medical and Mental Health

• Youth and Families

• Housing

• Education and Employment

The site connects users to detailed information on local organizations, as well as videos designed to provide expert insight and raise awareness, featuring interviews with nonprofit executives and clients who have received services, as well as elected officials and other community leaders.

Help4HamiltonCounty.org has included Accessibility Adjustments on the new website to remove barriers and make finding resources accessible for as many community residents as possible.  To learn more, please reach out through the ‘Contact Us’ page on Help4HamiltonCounty.org.

SIP AND SAVOR

EXPERIENCE THE SEVENTH ANNUAL NOBLESVILLE ROTARY CLUB BREWBQ

Story Provided Photography Provided

“We’re excited to formally announce the seventh annual Noblesville BrewBQ to be held on Saturday, August 19 at Federal Hill Commons,” says Carrie Dixon, president of the Noblesville Rotary Club. “This is a fun charitable event that allows the community to come together to support a great cause, while also sharing their love of barbecue and beer.”

This is not just a fun event for the community to enjoy the outdoors and music. Proceeds go to supporting local students who attend the Ivy Tech Noblesville campus with scholarship funds. There are not many scholarships available to students in technical fields of study. Organizers are passionate about providing opportunities in these fields, especially with Noblesville’s focus on economic development.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with the Noblesville Rotary and grateful for their support,” says Stacy Atkinson, chancellor for Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “The BrewBQ is a great event to support their efforts of providing scholarships for local students to attend Ivy Tech. We are thankful for the long-standing relationship that the Noblesville Rotary has experienced with Ivy Tech and look forward to many continued years.”

The BrewBQ holds a barbecue tasting contest with an opportunity for attendees to taste some of the best barbecue around. The contest will feature an immense array of unique recipes from barbecuers across Noblesville and Indiana alike. Music throughout the evening will be from local bands, with returning headliner That’s What She Said from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Beer will be on tap from several local vendors. Bier Brewery will be back this year, and has won multiple medals at prestigious brewing

competitions including the Indiana Brewers’ Cup, the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.

Primeval Brewing in Noblesville is a new addition to the event this year. “We love being part of the community and are super excited to be able to serve beer this year at the Rotary Clubs’s BrewBQ,” says Primeval Owner Tim Palmer. “Beer and barbecue pair so well together that this will be a wonderful combination to bring together.” For those who enjoy wine, Blackhawk Winery and Vineyard, located in Sheridan, and Spencer Farm Winery, will both be returning this year.

“The entire Associated Drywall Partners crew is proud to support Noblesville Rotary and this year’s BrewBQ event,” says Joe Carnevale with Associated Drywall Partners, co-title sponsor. “Great Music, mouthwatering barbecue and craft beer - what could be better on an Indiana summer evening?”

The UPS Store returns as the other co-title sponsor. Other committed sponsors include Onieal and Associates, Meyer Najem Construction, USI Consultants, Porter Roofing and Restoration, Talk To Tucker - Andy Liechty and Associates, Bell Techlogix and more. Event leaders are still accepting sponsorships, and it is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

EVENT INFORMATION

Sat., Aug. 19 from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. at Federal Hill Commons.

For those interested in participating in the cook-off, registration is available by visiting noblesvillerotaryclub.org/brewbq.

Tickets: Advance tickets are available for $55 each and designated-driver tickets are available for $40. Tickets will also be available for $65 at the gate on the day of the event. Tickets include unlimited beer, wine and barbecue from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The designated-driver ticket features water and soda instead of beer. Tickets can be purchased at event.ontaptickets.com/events/noblesvillebrewbq-2023-8-19-2023.

HE’S A CATCH

WARREN CENTRAL GRAD JULIUS “JUJU” BRENTS EAGERLY ANTICIPATING FIRST SEASON WITH THE COLTS

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

With the 44th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Julius “JuJu” Brents, a cornerback out of Kansas State University.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds, Brents is larger than the average corner. He possesses an impressive wingspan and, most importantly, a keen mind for the game of football.

He’s also a Hoosier.

Being the hometown hero has its perks. “It’s pretty easy for me,” he says. “I would say easier at least, to not have to worry about all the off-field stuff, as far as where I’m going to live at and taking care of transportation and all that. I’m in my hometown so that makes that a lot easier.”

Throughout the draft process, Brents knew the Colts were interested in him. He’d visited the Colts complex and talked briefly with coaches, but says he pushed thoughts about where he might eventually end up, or when he might get drafted, out of his mind. It’s a mindset he carried with him to the night of the second round of the draft.

“I just want an opportunity, honestly,” he says. “That’s just the mentality I had, because once you start expecting this to happen, and if that doesn’t happen, then you start doubting yourself or things of that nature. So in my head I was just like, ‘Hey, I get drafted, don’t get drafted, go early, go late, whatever.’ I just want to get the opportunity, and I’m going to make the most it.”

When opportunity came calling, Brents was at his draft party in Westfield surrounded by friends and family. Brents saw the Indianapolis area code on the ringing phone and briefly thought it might be a prank. “Bro, nobody better prank call me right now,” he remembers

thinking. When Brents answered the phone, he heard a woman say she was transferring him over to Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. “I was really just shaking,” he says. “It was a moment like I’ll never forget.”

Even a day later, Brents says getting drafted didn’t feel real. It wasn’t until he arrived at the Colts complex for the first time after the draft, and saw his practice jersey hanging in a locker next to Kenny Moore’s, that he turned to his mom and said “It’s real now.”

“It was a great feeling to be able to say, ‘I’m a Colt now,’ and have that horseshoe on my helmet,” he says.

Brents credits his mother with always supporting his dreams of playing in the NFL. “Since I was a kid I always would tell her, ‘I want to play in the NFL. I want to be

an NFL player,’” he says. “She never did shy away from my dreams. She always believed in me.” Family is important to Brents, and he’s grateful to be able to stay close to his family and take care of his dog, a cane corso. “My mom’s been getting on me about that a little,” he says.

More than an Indianapolis native who was drafted by Colts, Brents is a fan drafted by his favorite team. The Warren Central High School graduate grew up watching Colts legends like Peyton Manning and idolizing Bob Sanders, who helped recruit Brents to the University of Iowa, where Brents played before transferring to Kansas State.

He knows what it means to wear the horseshoe on his helmet. He knows what the fans and the city expect from him and from the franchise. “It’s definitely an honor,”

he says. “I’m just looking forward to being a part of this division and just taking it on full steam ahead.”

Being the hometown hero may make Brents’ transition to the NFL slightly easier. It also shines a spotlight squarely on Brents. It’s a light other rookies might find too bright. Brents embraces it. He’s proud of where he comes from and what he’s achieved. He wears his hometown hero status like a badge of honor. He’s excited to represent Indianapolis, and all the family and friends who have supported him along the way. He also knows there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“I want to earn everything that’s coming my way,” Brents says. “I want to have that chip on my shoulder I’ve always had as a child. I’m just looking forward to putting my best foot forward for the organization and doing what’s best for the team, regardless of what that is. And I’m looking forward to bringing a winning tradition back for us.”

“IT WAS A GREAT FEELING TO BE ABLE TO SAY, ‘I’M A COLT NOW,’ AND HAVE THAT HORSESHOE ON MY HELMET.”

COLTS TRAINING CAMP AT GRAND PARK TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

2023 Colts Training Camp, presented by Koorsen Fire & Security, kicked off on Wednesday, July 26 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield and runs through Thursday, Aug. 17.

Be a part of the action this summer at practices with free and open bleacher seating, a wide-range of family-friendly activities and the chance to get up close and personal with the players.

Aug. 2: Open Practice + Colts City

Aug. 1: Salute to Service Day

Aug. 3: Youth Sports Day, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

Aug. 5: Open Practice + Colts City

Aug. 6: Give Back Sunday, presented by Meijer

Aug. 8: Open Practice + Colts City

Aug. 10: Fan Appreciation Day, presented by CenterPoint Energy

Aug. 15: Open Practice + Colts City

Aug. 16: Open Practice + Colts City*

Aug. 17: Thirsty Thursday, presented by Bud Light*

*joint practice with Chicago Bears

Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Get your free tickets at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Colts. Fans are also encouraged to purchase parking for $5 in advance. Claim your free tickets and bring the whole family to Colts Training Camp.

If you are looking for a place to eat before or after Colts Training Camp, there are many local dining options. Check out Westfield restaurants including Restaurant Row on Park Street and nearby Carmel restaurants at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Restaurants.

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.

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.

A Brush With Joy

DRINK IN

A

FUN

EXPERIENCE

AT PAINTING WITH A TWIST

Story Provided Photographer / Whitney Moore

Everyone could use a night out with friends, a loved one, or just a night away from the house. Add a glass of wine, beer or soda, some music, and throw in paint and a canvas, and you have Painting with a Twist in Carmel, America’s original and largest paint-and-sip franchise brand with more than 250 locations nationwide.

“We’re an instructor-led party with paint, canvas or wood board, and a beverage,” says Kerry Sawyer, owner of the Carmel and Lafayette locations. “We have studio painting classes that are open to the public that include family classes, black light, trivia nights, Girls’ Night Out and date nights, as well as offering private parties, kids camps, team-building events, virtual classes, takehome kits, and off-site events. Guests, after reserving online, come in, have a glass of wine or soda, paint and de-stress, while in a lively environment full of positive energy.” Private parties are popular at Painting with A Twist.

“Our private parties are a great way to celebrate birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, company parties or team-building events,” Sawyer says. “They get to choose their painting from our art gallery of over 11,000 paintings. Then our instructor guides them step by step through the entire process.”

Sawyer knows from experience that team-

building events

are a great way to improve company culture and engage outside of work. Prior to purchasing Painting with a Twist, Sawyer was one of the studio’s best clients. Sawyer owned 45 haircut locations and would host her team appreciation events at the studio. She not only brought her team to the studio, but also her children, family, cheer moms, and friends.

“Every time I was at Painting with a Twist, it was always an amazing experience,” she says. “My guests and I always had a blast painting and socializing. We left happy and with a painting that we created.” After unforeseen life-changing events, Sawyer sold her haircut locations and wanted to pursue something that makes a difference in people’s livessomething she could make profitable while making her soul happy. Painting with a

Sawyer says. “When you come in for your painting experience, you can make a candle prior to class, choosing from 24 different scents and 15 different labels. Customers make their candle and while they are in their painting class, the candle cures. When their class is over, they not only leave with the painting they created, but they also leave with their candle they made.”

She found another surprising benefit of ownership - Painting with a Purpose.

“It’s a fun and creative way to give back and support the causes I love,” Sawyer says.

“Once a quarter we hold a Painting with a Purpose fundraiser at my studios, raising money for charities such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dogtopia, Prevail, and Heart and Soul Free Clinic, to name a few. One of my favorite things about our franchise is giving back to the community.”

Painting with a Twist has donated more

committed to giving back to the local community, one painting at a time.

“Painting builds self-esteem and is very therapeutic,” Sawyer says. “Painting with a Twist produces a relaxing, open environment where painters feel safe to explore their own creativity. We truly are helping people. Customers come into my studio and they literally transform in the two hours they’re here. They come in unsure, not thinking they can create the artwork chosen, or they’ve had a bad day and they leave ecstatic, relaxed and revived. We’re creating a carefree escape for people to reconnect, de-stress, rejuvenate and rekindle spirits. At the same time, I’m allowing artists that I employ to pursue their passion.”

They also offer Twist at Home kits. “With COVID, we wanted to continue to extend that sense of peace to our community by offering them the opportunity to do that

"PAINTING WITH A TWIST PRODUCES A RELAXING, OPEN ENVIRONMENT WHERE PAINTERS FEEL SAFE TO EXPLORE THEIR OWN CREATIVITY."

from home,” Sawyer says. “Our kits allow our customers to paint from the safety of their own home. Whether you choose to have a moment to yourself, plan a date night or make it into a family-fun event,

Twisting at home is a great way to shift into that imaginative mode where worries seem to fade. Inside your Twist at Home kit, you’ll have everything you need to create your very own masterpiece, including an

instruction video.”

Sawyer is planning to open more locations, with the next location being in Greenwood.

“We offer so many different outlets for people to escape from the daily grind,” she says. “It’s time to plan something fun, therapeutic and out of the ordinary. Sip, socialize and create. Come in and give your night a Twist.”

The Carmel location is at 301 East Carmel Drive, Suite A-500. For more info, call 317-810-1335 or visit paintingwithatwist.com/ carmel.

Another adventure Kerry is excited to promote is her upcoming book being released at the end of August 2023 “In A Blink of An Eye”.

Music All That Jazz &

Nolan Deer, a Noblesville High School Student of the Month, believes the valuable training he received at school has paid off. He says it facilitated his entrance into the workforce at an early age.

NOLAN DEER STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“I graduated from Noblesville High school in 2023 and have been working/learning at a construction job for a year now,” he says.

The icing on the cake is that Deer enjoys the work he’s doing.

“I’m working for Design & Build Electrical Engineering and Contractors as an apprentice electrician,” Deer says. “I got this job through Noblesville High School. Through a school program, I was able to learn at the ABC Prep Academy. I started my junior year at the ABC Prep Academy.”

Deer notes that the training he received was invaluable. “I learned my basic construction safety and tasks at the Prep Academy,” he says. “I would go to school finishing my junior year and graduating from the Prep Academy. I also chose to take on year two of

the program.”

He took the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) of Indiana/Kentucky courses his senior year, and the Year Two option of the program.

“It was a night class once a week,” Deer says. “I was able to work and go to school during my senior year at the same time. I would go to school on certain days and learn English, government, economics, and management fundamentals. On other days I would work a full eight hours at Design & Build, and learn the trade I will be in for the rest of my life.”

Deer enjoyed his schedule. “I liked this form of learning because I was working with my hands,” he says. “I got paid to do it my senior year and I got to leave school early.”

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Deer considers himself lucky because he is getting to do something that he will have a strong interest in for a long time.

“My dream is to pursue an electrical career and become a top figure in the company I work for, or to work for myself as a licensed electrician,” Deer says.

Deer’s busy work schedule kept him busy, and he says an injury kept him out of extracurricular activities.

“I didn’t participate in any high school activities due to my knee injury,” he says. “In middle school, though, I ran track and crosscountry, and played the double bass in the orchestra. I only played my sixth-grade year though.”

Deer believes Noblesville High School is a great school.

“I like Noblesville High School because it gave me the option to learn and work the trade I am in today,” he says. “It’s the only school I know where I can make money and go to school. It gave me two years of construction experience before I even graduated from high school. I was the only 17-year-old kid who had two jobs where I worked 35 to 40 hours a week. I also went to two different schools. I went to a night class once a week and the normal high school every other day, all at the same time.”