Westfield Magazine June 2018 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

JUNE 2018

MAGAZINE

ALL SMILES WITTLER ORTHODONTICS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

WestfieldMag.com

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Did you know National Trails Day and National Donut Day are over the SAME weekend? In celebration of these two holidays, come explore the trails with our unique Donut Trail activity! Before this deliciously fun weekend approaches, you will want to pick up a Donut Trail Passport! Each passport contains the rules, a map of all the sweet stops and participating Donut Shops to redeem your prizes! Passports will be available at a later date. Westfield Welcome

A fun night of bingo for all ages! Free to play and lots of prizes! Bingo night starts at 7 p.m. We suggest arriving 30-45 minutes early to guarantee seating. Free to play. Urban Vines Winery & Brewery 7:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

DONUT TRAIL

2,9,16,23,30 WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET

BINGO NIGHT AT URBAN VINES!

PLANT THE CITY BLUE - 2018

Plant the City Blue is an opportunity for Westfield Residents to show their pride in their community and homes. We are encouraging everyone to plant blue and white flowers to help welcome the Indianapolis Colts to their training camp at Grand Park.

The Westfield Farmers Market is back! Located in front of City Hall on Penn Street. The Westfield farmers market runs June through September on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Westfield City Market 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.

We will hold a fun competition to determine which homes, neighborhoods and apartments can show the best and bluest floral spirit. Participants will take pictures of their arrangements and submit them online before June 22. We will determine the winners and announce them on the Westfield Welcome Facebook page!

Our Touch-A-Truck event, presented by Rainbow Child Care Center provides your little one the opportunity to climb up into the driver’s seat, honk the horn and experience all the exciting things transportation vehicles can do! At touch a truck, you might see a semi, dump truck, fire engine, horse and buggy, a canoe and more! The final list of all vehicles will be posted on our “Trucks Attending” page! This event is free to attend. Westfield High School 10:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children battling brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them up with local high school and college teams, clubs and community groups. Event will include special guest Dan Dakich, silent auction items, live bands and more! Grand Junction Brewing 11:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

FRIENDS OF JACLYN FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

4 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2018 / WestfieldMag.com

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. WESTFIELD MAGAZINE

FRANCHISE PUBLISHER Brandon Baltz

Brandon@TownePost.com / 317-514-9522

PUBLISHER Tom Britt

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PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Robert Turk

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LL SMILES: WITTLER ORTHODONTICS CELEBRATES A 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Michelle Wittler established Wittler Orthodontics in June of 1998. The former chemist was always fascinated with the process of braces ever since wearing them as a teen. So when Dr. Wittler opened her practice her goal was to create more than just smiles. Her focus was on creating exceptional customer care, create a fun, relaxed atmosphere and engage in the community.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Austin Vance

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Valerie Randall

EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown

Josh@TownePost.com

JUNE WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jane VanOsdol Lynda Hedberg Thies / Matt Keating

JUNE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Payne / Brian Brosmer Ron Wise

SHOP LOCAL!

4 All Smiles: Wittler

Orthodontics Celebrates 20th Anniversary

10 A Mother’s Hope: The

O’Connor House Provides Shelter for Homeless, Pregnant Women & Their Children

14 Dad of the Year Photo Contest Entries

16 Master Jewelers Races Into

June With Pippa Mann: Social Media Contest Combines Racing & Jewelry

22 The Horsepower 500: IndyCar Drivers Race on Tricycles to Raise Money for Children’s TherAplay

Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Westfield Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

25 Student Spotlight: Molly

The Westfiled Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local Westfield area residents. Magazines are distributed via direct mail to more than 18,000 Westfield area homeowners and businesses each month.

27 Open Door: Washington

P.O. Box 36097, Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone/Fax: 317-810-0011

29 Open Communications:

For Advertising, Contact Brandon Baltz

Ruggles

TownshipPantryProvidesFood, Clothing&MoretoThoseinNeed Vicki Duncan Gardner Takes Over As Director of Communications For City of Westfield

WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 5

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Learn how to become a member or schedule your event today!

For membership information contact Justin Werkley @ 317.877.3611 or justin.werkley@harbourtrees.com For event booking information contact Timberly Orbell @ 317.877.3612 or timberly.orbell@harbourtrees.com

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Dr. Michelle Wittler

ALL SMILES

WITTLER ORTHODONTICS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY Writer / Lynda Thies Photographer / Ron Wise

a practice where patients feel genuinely valued through her dedication to exceptional patient care ensuring that her team goes above and beyond what is expected.

a quarterly drawing for movie passes. Dr. Wittler believes that “this is a great way to promote good hygiene for their patients.”

The fun doesn’t stop there, for the second “My team and I go out of our way to provide summer, they are hosting a patient appreciaexcellent orthodontic care in a fun and tion event at the Monon Center Water Park relaxed atmosphere,” Dr. Wittler says. in Carmel. Dr. Wittler rents out the park for one evening in the summer to enjoy, compete Wittler Orthodontics rewards their patients in friendly events and receive prizes. They constantly. Taking good care of your braces will raffle off gift baskets with the proceeds benefitting Westfield Student Impact. and good report cards are rewarded with “Wittler Bucks” which can be spent on gift Serving the community of Westfield has cards. If their patients bring in a cleaning card from their dentist, they are entered into been a critical part of what Dr. Wittler has WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 7

created. She lives in the community, has raised her two sons in the community and has donated countless hours and resources to support Westfield. “I live in a fantastic city and enjoy promoting the growth and vibrancy of this community,” Dr. Wittler says. “It is an honor to serve the Westfield community in many ways, from serving on the Westfield Education Foundation Board, supporting the Westfield Relay for life, Westfield, Rocks the 4th and Westfield in Lights.” Wittler Orthodontics has also been honored to receive the Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s Lantern Award for Business of the Year in 2008 and 2016. Dr. Wittler is grateful to be able to celebrate 20 years in business. “I am fortunate my job allows me to interact with so many people and bring positive change to their lives,” she says. “Whether we are correcting a bite, which allows someone to chew their food normally, or straightening teeth into a beautiful smile.” At the end of the day, their desire is the same, to create a beautiful smile that improves self-confidence. Dr. Wittler has the same passion that she did when she began her practice 20 years ago. She feels blessed to be surrounded by fun, caring and highly skilled staff. Most of all, she loves the patients who have made it possible to do the work that she loves. “A healthy, beautiful smile is a gift for a lifetime, and I am blessed to have been able to help so many to achieve this,” she says. For more information about Wittler Orthodontics you can call to schedule an appointment at 317-8963444. For more information, visit them online at wittlerortho.com. 8 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2018 / WestfieldMag.com

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Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

O’Connor House has helped more than 350 women and children.

Originally conceived by Colleen Dulac and Kris Bussick, The O’Connor House was started in 2005 to provide a Christian home to help single, pregnant homeless women improve life for themselves and their children.

“Moms often tell us that they expected this place would feel like a shelter but instead it feels like a home,” says Nancy Imhoff, Development Director for The O’Connor House. “That’s our intent.”

Because the organization helps to reduce homelessness, in 2010 they received a $500,000 grant, which enabled them to construct a multi-family living space. Since its grand opening in December 2011, The

The house can accommodate up to eight women at a time, and they are one of the few maternity homes in the country that also take a pregnant mother’s toddler. Most of the moms who come to The O’Connor House are between 19 and 10 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2018 / WestfieldMag.com

26. They’re allowed to stay for up to 18 months. During their stay, they’re supplied with food, clothing and transportation. They also receive educational support, life skills training and healing through counseling. In addition, the organization offers a formal mentoring program where mentors help the women set personal and career goals and develop specific steps to achieve those goals. “We also focus on developing positive parenting skills and healthy lifestyle habits,” says Kristi Lammers, who helps with Community Engagement.

Susan Barrett, O’Connor House Director

moms, do yard work and daily chores, perform maintenance duties and teach moms how to cook.

Research shows that 80 percent of single moms live in poverty.

ucation). So is learning how to set a regular schedule to achieve productivity.

“We’re not a band-aid. We invest deeply in each of these young moms to get them on a path out of poverty,” Imhoff says. “That takes a lot of resources and wraparound support.”

“When these women start becoming productive, their self-esteem increases,” Imhoff says. “We have local mothers and grandmothers “They’re also met with greater freedom and who come in to hold babies, so the moms opportunity.” can take time to focus on an online class or work on another goal,” Lammers says. Located between Carmel and Westfield, the organization uses more than 80 volunteers Many individuals, families and groups a week who provide transportation for the volunteer at The O’Connor House from all

Education is key (many moms are working toward a high school diploma, trade school certifications or various levels of higher ed-

WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 11

of the north suburban communities, including Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville and Carmel. They are supporting our neighbors who primarily come from downtown Indianapolis and need assistance at a time of crisis in their lives. The volunteers support the mission in so many ways by giving of their time, knowledge and abilities.

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Recently, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Share the Love” luncheon and invited The O’Connor House to participate. Local non-profits had tables to display brochures & information to raise awareness about their missions.

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Though it’s a Christian organization, they accept women from anywhere in the U.S. and from any faith. Women do, however, need to be over 18, pregnant and homeless to stay. “The O’Connor House transforms lives and impacts generations,” says Imhoff, who shares the story of a woman who had been in the prison system for a number of years. Once released, she became pregnant and was living on a park bench before finding The O’Connor House.

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“When she got here, it was the first time she felt unconditional love,” says Imhoff, who notes that through the support and healing she received from the house and the community, this woman went on to earn her college degree and now lives in an apartment with her son. “Her son’s choices, his life, his impact, his opportunities are completely different than his mom’s, and that’s all because she got this second chance,” Imhoff says. Fresh starts and second chances are what it’s all about. For more information, visit theoconnorhouse.org.

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MASTER JEWELERS RACES INTO JUNE WITH PIPPA MANN SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST COMBINES RACING & JEWELRY The unique partnership came about because Neylon, a lifelong Hoosier, has been involved with racing since the late 1980s Michael Neylon recently celebrated 20 when he began racing Formula Fords. The years in the jewelry business and combined open-wheel racing enthusiast knows just his love of jewelry with his life-long how much work and dedication it takes to passion of racing by creating a unique put a team together for the IndyCar Race, partnership with Pippa Mann. Mann, the and he also knows what it takes to start a British race car driver who competes in the business from the ground up. When Neylon Verizon IndyCar Series, is an entrepreneur was introduced to Mann, he recognized as dedicated to her vision. Neylon, the founder an entrepreneur that her vision, dedication and owner of Master Jewelers, formed a and hard work would lead to success. partnership that supports Mannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream of being the first female winner of the Indy Neylon started in the jewelry business 500, by offering a beautiful piece of jewelry on a wholesale level as a contractor for through a unique social media contest. jewelers. But his start was anything but easy. Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Photographer / Brian Brosmer

INDY METRO / JUNE 2018 / TownePost.com

Knocking on doors trying to get anyone to take a chance on his business took a while, but once he did, he was able to build one of only a few jewelers that had a full-time staff dedicated to creating custom jewelry, working on repairs and creating custom molds. Once his wholesale business was developed, he took the next step of opening up a retail store in 1998. Achieving his dream of creating a successful jewelry business over a 20-year period is what gave him the ability to recognize the hard work, vision and effort that Mann was doing to fulfill her dream. The partnership was formed and along

with it an opportunity for the public to know more about Pippa and her commitment to not just the IndyCar racing series but Indianapolis. The social media contest will result in one lucky winner receiving a $500 shopping spree at Master Jewelers. The contest was announced on Facebook and is also on Instagram and Twitter. Mann has selected seven different pieces of jewelry that she will be wearing throughout May. All that the public needs to do is “catch” Pippa wearing jewelry in the month of May and snap a photo. These pictures or videos can come from any media outlet, including news, websites and Pippa’s social media networks. The only catch is that the picture or video must have been posted or published in the month of May. Most important, the entries must include the hashtag #SpottingPippasPicks to be eligible. In addition to providing beautiful jewelry to one of the most widely recognized female race car drivers in the world, Master Jewelers is also dedicated to offering beautiful jewelry, custom and designer, along with modifying any custom jewelry that you already own. So when you are racing around looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear, need help repairing a special piece or to create custom jewelry, give Michael Neylon a call at Master Jewelers at 317-623-8692.

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To learn more about Master Jewelers visit them online at masterjewelersindiana.com. For a complete list of rules for the social media contest, visit masterjewelersindiana. com/contest-rules/. TownePost.com / JUNE 2018 / INDY METRO

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IndyCar Drivers Race on Tricycles to Raise Money for Children’s TherAplay

Writer / Matt Keating Provided photography

It was the greatest spectacle in tricycle racing.

Graham Rahal, Robert Wickens, Scott Dixon, Spencer Pigot, Jack Harvey, Conor Daly, Alexander Rossi, and Juan Piedrahita.

The drivers participated in different heat races at the #Horsepower 500 and generSeveral Indy Car Drivers jumped on their ated a lot of attention for The Children’s adaptive tricycles May 8 for a hilarious TherAPlay Foundation, 9919 Towne Road, tricycle race event. It was all to raise money Carmel, which is a nonprofit pediatric and awareness for equine-assisted physical outpatient clinic just north of Indianapolis and occupational therapies at the 2018 Chil- that serves children with special needs. dren’s TherAplay #Horsepower500.

Folks have had only great things to say.” Tickets sold out three weeks in advance for the event.

“And for an event that’s only in its third year, that says a lot in terms of how excited people are to be a part of it this,” McCarly says. Parents and kids both love the race. “I could tell you about the emails and comments we receive from the parents, about how their faces absolutely light up when “We’re always upping our game when it they talk about how special the day was The tricycle race event was held at the comes to special events at the Foundation,” for their kiddos who so often don’t have Carmel-based foundation, and the drivers says Hillary McCarly, executive director the same opportunities as other children,” who participated were Jay Howard, Josef of Children’s TherAPlay Foundation Inc. McCarly says. “It’s such a big day for these Newgarden, James Hinchcliffe, Kyle Kaiser, “And this was absolutely, hands-down, families. The fact that funds raised through Charlie Kimball, Zach Veach, Stefan Wilson, the best year yet for the #Horsepower500. this event make equine-assisted physical and 22 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2018 / WestfieldMag.com

occupational therapies possible for these kiddos. It’s such a gift all the way around.” The race car drivers also love the event. McCarly says that the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series champion Josef Newgarden literally stopped the #Horsepower500 originator, board member Anders Krohn, on the street and asked to be a part of the event. “That tells you exactly how the drivers feel about it,” McCarly says. “And every driver asks to come back each year. Considering the number of events these guys are invited to, that’s huge. Just like with the kiddos, when you see the drivers their hearts are in their eyes. It really means something to them.” McCarly adds that the event gets a little bigger each year. “I know May is all about the Indy 500, but the #Horsepower500 is quickly becoming another staple event in the month,” says James Hinchcliffe. “Everyone can see what a phenomenal program this is and being part of the event was such a blast. Outside of the [Indy 500] race itself, this has to be one of the coolest events on our calendar.” The drivers love the laughs they get during the race. “There’s also a real and very palpable sweetness between the drivers and the kiddos,” McCarley says. “It takes all of two minutes after their initial meeting for the drivers lean over, scoop the kiddos up in their arms, and off they go. How often do you get to be a part of something like that?” There are also several other activities aside from the race: face-painting, having your caricature drawn, photo booth, autographs with the drivers, games, exploring IndyCars and pace cars, enjoying the deliciousness that comes from Hot Box Pizza, Stacked Pickle, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Bru Burger and Kona Ice. It’s a fun and action-packed afternoon, a beautiful way to kick off #ThisIsMay. WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 23

Working Wonders The event also raises plenty of awareness. “We are passionate about hippotherapy because, day in and day out, we see it working wonders in the lives of children with special needs,” McCarly says. “The awareness that comes through this event helps us reach even more families, which means that even more children can benefit.” Similarly, leading-edge medical treatment comes with a price tag. Each hour of treatment costs Children’s TherAplay $183, but the average insurance reimbursement is only $101. Funds raised through #Horsepower500 help close that $82-per-treatment gap, ensuring that children with special needs will continue to have access to these life-changing therapies.

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Molly Ruggles, the June Westfield Student of the Month

fa t w m a m

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: SHEA MOLLY RUGGLES

EGGLESTON

SPONSORED BY:

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Amy Payne

Shea Eggleston, a senior at Westfield High School, is being recognized for her outstanding work at Student Impact of Westfield.

hang out and get mentorships and guidance. and extracurriculars, to be where I am today, but it has been more than worth it. With all the hard work, receiving this award is even Eggleston says she is excited to be recognized by Student Impact of Westfield. more special.”

“I feel extremely humbled and honored to win,” Eggleston says. “My high school journey has been far from easy. During Student Impact, 536 North Union Street, my freshman year, I was diagnosed with Zionsville, is a safe place where students Crohn’s Disease, and missed a lot of school from grades 5-12 can build relationships because of it. I get sick easily and miss more that bring hope and healing. It was started in school than most people. It has taken a 1999 to be an environment where kids can lot of hard work and dedication to school

Eggleston plans to study zoology in college. “Ever since I can remember, my favorite thing has always been animals, particularly of the mammal species, but still animals in general,” Eggleston says. “My dream job has always been something to do with animals, whether that was a veterinarian or a zoo keeper, I did not really know, but I knew it had to be with animals. “Once I started trying to narrow down my dream job, I knew I did not want to be a veterinarian, but that is about all I could figure out. I hope one day I can figure out what career I want, but for now, I know it must be working with animals.” Eggleston noted that Westfield has some of the best teachers.

Westfield Student Raises Awareness of Opioid & Alcohol Abuse Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Amy Payne

Molly Ruggles, the June Westfield Student of the Month, recently raised money to teach other students about the dangers of opioid and alcohol abuse. With the help of her friends, Ruggles, a senior at Westfield High School, raised more funds than she thought they would. “We raised about $860,” Ruggles says. “This was almost $400 over our pledge.”

Ruggles’ motivation was a class project from that promotes preventing opioid and “Almost every single teacher I havefurther had since her biomedical class. alcohol abuse through outreach, education first grade I have really liked. With Westfield and support). ” want every single teachers you can tell they “We were actually going to submit a grantone of their students to succeed, and they to create an opioid awareness education try to make Ruggles proud Iofhave her had school for coming thatishappen. so many program for all teens across the state, butteachers together to recognize of this inspire me, and makethe me importance want to be a better personacross and student. ” and Indiana. right before we applied for grants, D.A.R.E. epidemic America (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) stated has a favorite teacher. that they were creating a similar program,”Eggleston “I couldn’t be happier that we were able Ruggles says. “So my (fundraising) partner, to get donations from all grade levels and “One teacher thatand willI forever have that a place Lauren Zentz, and I decided to make a more teachers, am ecstatic we exceeded in my heart and will forever be my absolute local impact, and create this fundraising our goal amount,” Ruggles says. event for our high school in order to support the 525 foundation (an organization Ruggles encourages younger students to get WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 25

“ s a o c a li h t w E h

“ a s E o a d

involved in topics or events they are passionate about. She is an inspiration to her classmates and community. “Opioid awareness is one thing that I believe we really need to focus on in society today, and because of my passion for this problem, I found success,” she says. “It’s never too late to make a change.” Ruggles’ favorite subject is a four-year biomedical sciences class.

junior and senior year,” Ruggles says. “I am also Vice President of The National Honor Society. I tutor in Spanish, and I have also ran cross country, swam and ran track throughout my high school career as well.”

“As a result, I will be pursuing a degree in Biology, and another in Spanish, in hopes of going to medical school and becoming a member of Doctors Without Borders,” Ruggles says.

She loves Westfield and it’s wonderful residents.

In addition to her regular class load, Ruggles is involved in student government. “I like that people in Westfield are genuine,” Ruggles says. “We all work together to fight “I was a class officer my freshman and for a cause. We like to see each other sucsophomore year, and class president my ceed, and we push each other to reach our

fullest potentials.” Ruggles says that she “wanted to give a thank you to Becky Savage (a mother who last two of her sons to drug abuse) for telling her story and making students aware of the importance of the opioid and alcohol abuse issue. And I would like to give a thank you to my partner, Lauren Zentz, Westfield High School Vice Principal Alicia Denniston and my teacher, Lauren King, for their help, brainstorming and making this fundraising event a success.”

SMILE

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

534 East State Road 32 Westfield, IN 46074

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OPEN DOORS WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP PANTRY PROVIDES FOOD, CLOTHING & MORE TO THOSE IN NEED Writer / Jane VanOsdol Photos Provided by Open Doors

In an area like Hamilton County, you might not expect hunger to be an issue. But Bruce Watson, president of the board of Open Doors Pantry of Westfield, shares the truth. “It’s important people recognize that even though we live in an affluent community, there’s still great need to feed people who could otherwise not feed their families,” he says.

NEW BUILDING As the pantry has expanded over the years, so has the need for a bigger facility. In 2015 the board launched a capital campaign to raise money for a new building and in just eight short months met their financial goal. On July 17, 2017, Open Doors moved into its 5,000 square foot building at 19360 Tomlinson Road in Westfield next to Monon Trail Elementary School. The school corporation donated the land. The space includes a lobby, meeting rooms, food pantry and warehouse.

SERVING TO BE THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS Open Doors helps clients who live in Washington Township in Westfield. Clients must apply and meet eligibility requirements to receive services, which you can find more information about at opendoorswestfield. org/our-clients. Once approved, they can begin receiving the following assistance free of charge:

• Advocate Interview. Clients meet once a month with a trained advocate who Thanks to founders Joe and Alice Trentman, assesses the needs of the family, recomOpen Doors has been providing food, cloth- “We were concerned about the new location mends community resources and is availing and spiritual support since 1990 and because it’s out in the country,” Watson says. able for prayer if the family desires. The serves 100 families a month. Run entirely “But it’s been great.” School families have client then fills out a monthly shopping by volunteers, the ministry has no paid been a big supporter, dropping off items at list, which supplies about one week or positions. It takes about 75 to 80 regular the outdoor donation box while bringing more of food. volunteers to keep the ministry running. their children to and from school. WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 27

• S tore shopping. After the interview, the advocate passes the shopping list to the pantry volunteers who pull the items and fill the order. During this time, the receptionist gives the client an additional four bags, two of which they can use to shop the lobby area for extra food items and two for the clothing store and book area. The lobby area is open for clients to access during regular hours throughout the month when their monthly allotment runs out. • S pecial Programs. Open Doors runs several programs throughout the year to aid the community. The programs include Back to School Supplies, Thanksgiving Meals, Kids Christmas Gifts, Spring Cleaning Baskets, Books for Kids, Kids Summer Lunches and Kids Weekend Backsacks.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Open Doors is supported entirely by donations. • • • •

Core group of 11-member churches Westfield community and township trustees Citizens Grants

Additionally, Open Doors receives food donations or reduced pricing from several organizations. •H atch for Hunger. This program delivers eggs at reduced prices every two weeks. •P artnership with Gleaners Food Bank. Since Kroger is a partner of Gleaners, Open Doors can receive food directly form Kroger, which regularly donates produce, frozen meat and baked goods. • Partnership with Midwest Food Bank. Watson estimates that 95 percent of all financial donations directly support the food pantry, while only five percent goes to operating expenses. “People know when they donate that most of their money is going to help feed people,” he says. While the food pantry is helping to alleviate hunger, Watson knows the underlying issue needs to be addressed, “The biggest problem our client families face is low-paying employment,” he says. “Both parents work in service jobs like restaurants and hotels and they just can’t make ends meet. It’s a huge problem.” To volunteer at the pantry or to make a donation, visit OpenDoorsWestfield.org. The pantry is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

VICKI DUNCAN GARDNER TAKES OVER AS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR CITY OF WESTFIELD

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

A lifelong Hoosier, Vicki Duncan Gardner grew up in Greensburg, Indiana, and graduated from DePauw University. She worked for 11 years as a television journalist in Ohio, Illinois and Kansas. “People always ask me if I truly liked Kansas, and I did,” Duncan Gardner says. “It was a great job with great people. Everyone was so nice that it reminded me a lot of Indiana, honestly.”

After marrying her husband, Troy, the pair moved to Indianapolis in 1999 where she got a job at Channel 6 for 5.5 years. From there she worked for the lieutenant governor. After awhile, she was ready to try something new, so she went into the private sector and helped run a small digital marketing company that focused on documentary-style videos. “I learned a ton in that regard in terms of managing finances, managing facility, you name it,” Duncan Gardner says. “But I dove right in and stuck with it for eight years.” WestfieldMag.com / JUNE 2018 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 29

Following that, she worked in the corporate world for two years, accepted some consulting gigs and then the opportunity to become the City of Westfield’s Director of Communications presented itself and she couldn’t pass it up. “It was so enticing to me because it totally fits in my sweet spot,” says Duncan Gardner, who has been on all sides of the communications game. “Being a reporter for the longest time has given me a real appreciation for the role I’m

in now,” she says. “I get that we have stories to give to the public, but we also have to do it in a way that makes sense for all sides so I really try to take that approach into this job.” Duncan Gardner, who started in this role at the end of March, hopes to find creative ways to communicate with the public the vision the mayor has for the city as well as the opportunities Westfield has to make a mark for both its residents and its visitors. “This is an exciting time to be in Westfield,” says Duncan Gardner, noting that currently there is a palpable build-up for the possibilities that are to come in the community. To demonstrate Westfield’s exponential growth, she cites the sheer number of permits the city has had in recent years. “Every single permit is dollars and investment it the community,” Duncan Gardner says. “Not only is the trend seeing opportunity come to Westfield, but also there is a real seriousness about doing it right and doing it strategically.” She mentions Grand Junction Park & Plaza in downtown Westfield as well as Grand Park Sports Complex, a 400-acre championship-level facility that includes 31 multi-purpose fields used for soccer, football, rugby, field hockey and lacrosse. “When I look at these business developments and the excitement around these ideas that are coming to fruition, I get excited to communicate these things to others,” Duncan Gardner says. “Truly, it’s a service and an honor to do that for the people who live here.” The Gardners, Hamilton County residents since 2004, have three children: Ellen (15), Lauren (13)and Duncan (11). An active family, the couple spends their free time either exercising or watching their kids play soccer and tennis. Though Duncan Gardner (a former community theatre performer) always dreamed of starring in a Broadway musical, she’s perfectly content just where she is in life. Going forward, Duncan Gardner and her team are focused on being hyper-local and reaching communities by engaging via social media and other non-traditional means. 30 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JUNE 2018 / WestfieldMag.com

“We want to be involved in those conversations on Facebook and Twitter,” Duncan Gardner says. “We want to make sure our neighbors know about local events and opportunities.” Duncan Gardner feeds off the energy and the entrepreneurialism of her office, which has public affairs and community engagement personnel all in the same hallway. She also commends the mayor for doing a fantastic job of assembling teams of people who are passionate, energetic and professional. “We’re all about communication and thinking of ways to engage the community and the many amenities around here,” she says. Duncan Gardner is thrilled to be on the ground level of such entrepreneurial leadership as she and her team work to develop programs and strategies to share with citizens, visitors and business prospects. She also loves that the job aligns with her current priorities. “Being able to contribute to something positive that could impact people fits with who I am,” says Duncan Gardner, noting that she comes from a family steeped in community service (her mom was a state representative, her dad a high school principal). As a result, service has always been a core value of hers as she’s felt compelled to do all she can to serve others. After all, happy citizens are what make up a great city. She’s especially grateful to those who work to innovate while still preserving history — something that’s not easy to do but is truly necessary. According to Duncan Gardner, the next step is to bring together those who will make creative, economic and emotional investments while maintaining the willpower to surge forward. “Westfield is not a community that’s stagnant by any stretch of the imagination,” she says. “Just go down to Grand Junction Plaza or Grand Park or into any neighborhood, really, and feel that community spirit. Something is different here. Westfield is something special.”

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