Tipton Magazine December 2023

MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2023

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN EDUCATION PATHWAY PROGRAM SETS STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS

BREW IN TOWN NORTHBROOK BREWING COMPANY IS FINDING A STRONG LOCAL FOOTING JUST MONTHS AFTER OPENING

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN EDUCATION PATHWAY PROGRAM SETS STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

T

ipton High School has partnered with Chariot Automotive Group and Ivy Tech Community College to offer an innovative program to qualifying students.

Those enrolled in the Automotive Technician Education Pathway (ATEP) program will graduate with 36 hours of college credit and a certificate in automotive technology, and will also be immediately employable. The program, which is held at Academy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tipton, was initiated by Rex Gingerich, chief executive officer of Chariot Automotive Group, and developed by Jim Woolf, administrative director for workforce development at Chariot Automotive Group.

“Basically the concept started with the stark realization that before too long, Indiana and the rest of the nation will likely encounter a huge shortage of qualified auto service technicians,” says Carrie Capshaw,

a Tipton High School counselor. “Chariot Automotive worked closely with Jim Woolf and the department of labor to develop a youth apprenticeship program where students can receive classroom instruction from Ivy Tech while also participating in hands-on work experience in the auto shop.”

“Rex’s vision is education for all employees - sales, management and techs,” says Woolf. “He wanted to take the continuing education for the company’s techs to a higher level and asked me to do grant writing for Ivy Tech tuition. Then he said, ‘What can we do for the youth in the community?’ ATEP was a couple of years in the making before the first class was implemented this August.”

A two-year program starting for juniors was crafted. Participants travel to Academy in Tipton and work both in a classroom and a hands-on lab for three hours each

school day. Besides Tipton High School, enrollment includes students from four Hamilton County high schools including Hamilton Heights, Sheridan, Noblesville and Westfield.

“Currently we have 27 students, but we expect a few may drop out as time goes along,” says Woolf. “Right now it is going excellent. It’s a robust education program with college credit courses every day, and the first week was a shock for some. The kids really seem to enjoy it and are engaged.”

“My dad and grandpa grew up around cars and have always fixed and done routine maintenance on cars in my family,” says Tipton student Jackson Money. “I help them and I recently got more into cars because of them. I have really enjoyed getting to know the people in my class and getting more hands-on experience. My biggest surprise about ATEP has been the amount

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“I like the idea of being able to start my degree and being able to use what we learn in class out in the shop. I didn’t expect the amount of time we get to spend in the shop. Having this knowledge will help in my degree.” —JT Vautaw “We got the names from the guidance counselors and then we started talking to the students and their parents,” says Woolf.

“When we talked to families, we answered the question about what this program does as far as a future job. The ‘so what’ is that Capshaw was asked to help identify possible they can become gainfully employed and have this program on their resume. It helps candidates who had a strong interest in us who are looking for good techs. It doesn’t becoming auto service technicians, as well stop with high school. If they come to work as the dedication and work ethic to begin for one of the Chariot Automotive Group college-level classes. In addition to finding dealerships, their education continues. They students interested in the auto service can start earning money and finish their program, various indicators such as grade associate degree with Ivy Tech.” point average, attendance rate, teacher recommendations and disciplinary referrals “I heard about the program through a friend were considered when determining strong candidates for the program. and it caught my attention because I have always been interested in working on cars,” of knowledge I have already gained and the material that we get to learn. I think ATEP will help me get a head start on things in the automotive industry and potentially set up a job for me after I graduate.”

TIPTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE • Class of 2023 earned $738,515 in scholarships

CLASS OF 2023 EARNED THESE CERTIFICATES:

• Class of 2023 earned 447 Dual Credit hours through Ivy Tech = $75,649 in tuition dollars

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) • CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) • Automotive Service Excellence Certificate • Adobe Certified Professional • American Welding Society Certified Welder

• Class of 2023 earned 334 Dual Credit hours through Indiana University = $100,200 in tuition dollars

GROWING EMPOWERED, FUTURE-READY STUDENTS WHO ARE PREPARED FOR A LIFETIME OF OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS.

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says Tipton student Caleb Hare. “I have enjoyed the hands-on learning from the course. I was surprised by the number of people taking the course. I thought there would only be 10 to 12 people. I would like to be a mechanic and this will give me a lot of the knowledge I will need.”

Both Capshaw and Tipton High School Principal Craig Leach have expressed their gratitude for Chariot Automotive Group, Gingerich and Woolf for their desire to help students interested in the auto service industry find a way to get an affordable education while gaining firsthand work experience. Both feel the best aspect of the program is that it allows students interested in working in the automotive industry the

JT Vautaw

opportunity to get great hands-on training and access to college credit, which will set them up for the workforce after graduation.

The fact that Chariot will also give priority to these students for a job is a major perk.

“I like the idea of being able to start my degree and being able to use what we learn in class out in the shop,” says Tipton student JT Vautaw. “I didn’t expect the amount of time we get to spend in the shop. Having

Caleb Hare

Jackson Money

this knowledge will help in my degree.”

“In the workshop there are toolboxes filled with excellent tools,” says Tipton student Mea Schambers. “There is also professional equipment that we use for our labs.

The program has given me a jumpstart on my future career after high school. I want to earn an associate degree in automotive technology. Being in this program, I should be about halfway to my degree by the

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 7

Mea Schambers

time I graduate high school. I’ve enjoyed the environment and kindness of all the dealership faculty. The faculty wants to see all of us succeed in this program.”

To learn more, visit drivechariot.com/ ChariotAutomotiveInstitute.

BREW IN TOWN

NORTHBROOK BREWING COMPANY IS FINDING A STRONG LOCAL FOOTING JUST MONTHS AFTER OPENING Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

Recently opened Northbrook Brewing Company is all about friends and fun. A long-standing dream of childhood pals, the establishment provides a gathering place for the community and a destination for people coming from surrounding areas.

The husband-and-wife team of Drew Johnson and Jennifer Longenecker, along with their partner, Michael Ringwalt, take care to make sure visitors, including children and pets, feel welcome and have a great experience.

People may be initially surprised that offerings like ales, stouts and IPAs are wellcrafted for such a new brewery. However, Northbrook Brewing Company has an

interesting backstory. Since early elementary school, Ringwalt has been a good friend of Johnson’s younger brother.

“I began brewing beer in my mom’s Indianapolis Northbrook neighborhood kitchen when I was 17,” Ringwalt says. “It all started when a friend and I got a hold of some beer. My friend didn’t like the way it tasted and he said, ‘I bet you could make beer better than this.’ I’m 100% self-taught.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I never wanted brewing to be just a hobby. I wrote a business plan for a brewery in college.”

“I came home during my sophomore year in college and Michael was over,” Johnson says.

“That’s when I found out you could make

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your own beer. We started brewing together during holiday breaks. After he graduated, Michael became a professional brewer, working as a consultant and at breweries in Indianapolis. We continued brewing together and would throw home parties such as Springfest and Winterfest. Finally, we thought if we are ever going to have a brewery, we just better do it.”

Ration Passion came from the bumper sticker on his rugby coach’s car. The popular Make Good Choices was the phrase his mother called out to him as he left the house. Cartoons and Cereal is made from lactose sugar, rolled oats and fruity hops.

The taste is reminiscent of the sweet and tangy leftover milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl.

Johnson caught sight of a posting for a location and as soon as the partners saw it, they knew it was perfect. Nothing was decided hastily, and after a lot of research the equipment of Ringwalt’s dreams was purchased. The decor inside is the result of a collaboration.

Brews are the star of the show, but a short food menu is available. A large soft pretzel with everything seasoning is served with beer cheese and spicy mustard sauce. Warm pita bread and veggies surround an ample serving of hummus. The Northbrook Salad, Italian Deli Sandwich and Roasted Turkey Ham Sandwich are also offered.

Longenecker is responsible for the live green plants, moss mural and the mustsee, uniquely wallpapered restrooms. All the furniture except for the chairs was handmade, and Johnson learned how to weld tabletops and bases together. The bar is made of wood from pallets and the top is poured concrete. Ringwalt’s artwork hangs on the walls.

What makes Northbrook a great place to meet and hang out with friends are the fun activities it holds. Each Wednesday is devoted to shooting pool and throwing darts. Thursday is Trivia Night. Patrons are treated to live music on Fridays. Saturdays are for watching college sports and Sundays are all about the NFL.

Twelve brews are always featured along with The Nickel Plate Express tracks run right briefly available seasonal offerings. Ringwalt past the brewery, and this fall two successful train rides traveled shares that often the names come first, and the recipe is developed later. Why

to Northbrook. Passengers were dropped off at the door and enjoyed a flight, some food and a tour before hopping back on the train. Both rides were completely sold out, and Executive Director Emily Reynolds is currently working with Johnson to develop more train rides for the spring season.

“We are really focused on making the taproom a comfortable and fun place,” Johnson says. “Most of our friendly staff have a connection to education. They are knowledgeable and they can help those new to craft beer find something they like. Also important to us is to source local. We use apples from Wilson Farm Market and coffee from Dark Side Roasters in Cicero.”

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing anything,” Ringwalt adds. “Any troubles are eased by that. Hard days here are not hard days.”

Northbrook Brewing Company is located at 119 West Main Street in Arcadia. For more info, visit northbrookbrewing.com or call 317-640-0208. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

NORTHBROOK BREWERY 119 W Main Street, Arcadia, IN / northbrookbrewing.com

Wed. 3:00pm-9:00pm / Thurs.: 12:00pm - 9:00pm / Fri.: 12:00pm - 10:00pm / Sat.: 12:00pm - 10:00pm / Sun.: 12:00pm - 9:00pm TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 9

Holiday Gift Guide

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THE HALF SHELL

If you’re looking for a cute, personalized holiday gift, look no further! The Half Shell specializes in customized, repurposed oyster shell gifting for any and all occasions. Company logos, family portraits, favorite quotes and so much more! We offer an assortment of oyster shell products, such as wine hangers, candle holders, picture frames, jewelry, and garland. Check us out on social media or visit us on our website. Shuck on! Now available at Urban Homestead!

HOPE JEWELERS

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Men’s Citizen Eco-Drive Watch 14k white gold necklace with 1/5 ct total weight in diamonds

Faux Pearl Bracelet for $10 where the proceeds will be donated to the community food pantry!

TIMELESS GRACE CUSTOM CREATIONS At Timeless Grace Custom Creations, we like to customize your shopping experience.

We carry everything from home decor to furniture. Our specialty is restoring furniture and custom engravings. We can restore what you already have or supply the furniture to add your custom design.

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Cascading cluster diamond pendant in 14k yellow gold with 1/4 ct total weight in diamonds

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Hometown coasters, serving boards, pillows, tea towels and framed signs. These can be customized to any town.

Pottery Pieces made right here in Tipton, Indiana

Scripture Blocks- Made from granite quarried in the mountains east of Ephesus.

Wooden Trivets and cutting boards made in Kokomo with wood milled in Central Indiana.