AUGUST 2020
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AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHERS
AIMING FOR FUN: BIRDIES MINIATURE GOLF OPENS RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP BAR
Jessica and Kevin Lynch, co-owners of Birdies Miniature Golf in Westfield, are excited to open a new restaurant and rooftop bar at their establishment. “If everything goes as scheduled, we will be able to open the restaurant and the bar at full capacity on August 1,” Jessica Lynch says. “We have had a lot of excited customers asking about it, and that’s been great to hear. It makes you feel good to know that customers are excited about the restaurant and bar too.”
4 It Takes a Village: Jan’s Village
Pizza Finds Unique Way to Thrive
6 Success By Design: David Novak
Has Found His Niche as Owner & Engineer at Dajac, Inc.
8 Freedom Healthworks: Local
Company is Helping Hoosiers Access Virtual Health Care
11 Smooth Sailing: Local Couple Overcomes Obstacles as Portside Marine Owners
14 Learning to “Adult”: Westfield High School Course Offers Students Real-World Preparation
17 Aiming For Fun: Birdies Miniature Golf Opens Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
20 iBeach31: Popular Venue Is
Growing the Sport of Beach Volleyball
22 Student Spotlight: Jake Richardson
WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 3
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JAN’S VILLAGE PIZZA FINDS UNIQUE WAY TO THRIVE Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Photographer / Kerch Creative
There are many stories about businesses affected negatively by the coronavirus pandemic, but when your customers and employees are your family, you will do just about anything to find a way to keep your business open and try to make the situation positive. Kim Kercheval, owner of Jan’s Village Pizza, which is generally considered Westfield’s hometown pizza restaurant, experienced the disbelief that plagued many small store owners when a shutdown was mandated for non-essential businesses earlier this year. She found inspiration in putting her focus on her customers, and turned a challenge into a way to connect with those customers.
Kercheval and her husband Bryan have owned the restaurant since 2016, and the restaurant has existed in the same building since it opened in 1997. “When we bought the restaurant, we knew we had a great product - we did change the decor, and we invested in our community and our customers,” she says. Kercheval’s philosophy has been to treat customers and employees like family. As such, closing the dining room was more than just a loss of income. Fortunately for the staff, Jan’s Village Pizza has an established carry-out and delivery business in place. However, finding a way to convert the loss of connection with her customers inside the restaurant was hard to 4 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
overcome - but when families go through tough times they rally together and find a way to help each other. When Kercheval posted an inspirational idea online, she did not know how people would respond. That’s when she learned just how much her business means to her customers. The inspiration involved creating pizza kits for customers to make at home. She wasn’t sure what the response would be, so she decided to test the idea out with customers via social media. “Our customers overwhelmed us with support,” she says. “I went from terrified and worried, to all of a sudden excited and humbled by the response.” As a way to stay connected to her
customers, she asked everyone to take a photo of themselves with their kit, to see the joy on their faces. Each kit contains a pre-made pizza crust, sauce, cheese and toppings along with instructions. The idea was a huge success, and the restaurant continues to sell the kits. Photos began flooding Kercheval’s email inbox, after which it occurred to her why she could never figure out what to do regarding the decor in her party room. “I realized the pictures of our family were meant for those walls,” she says. Today, the wall is completely covered, and with the restaurant able to seat customers at 75% capacity, Jan’s Village Pizza feels more like home every day. “We are just so blessed by this community,” Kercheval says. Visit the Jan’s Village Pizza Westfield location at 108 South Union Street.
Owners Bryan and Kim Kercheval
For more info including details on pizza kits as well as fundraising opportunities, call 317-896-5050 and visit jansvillagepizza.com.
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Owner David Novak
DAVID NOVAK HAS FOUND HIS NICHE AS OWNER & ENGINEER AT DAJAC, INC. Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Eli Beaverson
Novak says. “I knew it would be a neat field to go into.”
Twenty years ago, David Novak began carving out a unique niche for himself within the electronic and software engineering business, while working out of his home in Westfield. Since then, Novak has considerably expanded his business, Dajac, Inc., and has had a hand in designing products currently in use across the globe.
Soon after finishing his master’s degree, Novak went to Work for Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation in Emporia, Kansas, where he helped to design headlamp alignment equipment - an experience that would eventually inspire him to launch his own company with a focus on similar technology.
“It’s been a lot of fun, and the kind of thing we do is fairly specialized,” Novak says. “We’ve written custom software from the ground up, and we’ve done systems worldwide that are in places like Mexico, China and Taiwan.” After finishing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Kansas State University, Novak stayed at KSU to obtain a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1994, with a focus on machine vision and image processing. “Coming out of high school I was very interested in electronics and software,”
Novak moved to Central Indiana in the late 1990s to work for Thomson, a consumer electronics company, where he helped to develop some of the first high-definition televisions. In 2000 he decided it was time to strike out on his own after being asked to design an inspection system for a manufacturing plant in Seymour, Indiana, and Novak spent several years launching Dajac, which now not only offers headlamp alignment and validation but also a range of additional electronics and software engineering solutions. “It was a matter of working more than one job at a time for those first several years, and building the company out,” Novak says. “A 6 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
big part of my master’s degree was focused on machine vision and image processing, so that fit right in with what I like to do.” Today, Dajac consists of three divisions including its Osprey series of headlamp alignment and validation systems, for use primarily in vehicle headlamps. The company uses a computer-based operating system for its Osprey line, in conjunction with a high-resolution camera, and the system can be used on manufacturing and vehicle assembly lines. Dajac also offers a remote I/O (input/ output) line of products for automation of various systems including electronics and machinery. “Our Expert I/O line was designed specifically for use with our Osprey systems to control switches and lamps within the machine,” Novak explains. “We also offer it as a stand-alone unit. We’re working on some new models at the moment.” Lastly, Dajac offers electronics and software engineering contract services and can
develop and design products tailored to specific needs. “It someone has an idea and they’re not sure how to make it happen, that’s where our electronics and software engineering can help,” Novak says. “We can write software. It really just depends on what the customer needs.” Dajac recently worked with Matrix Design Group on a system that measures gas levels in coal mines, to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide for the safety of those working in mines.
We like this area - it’s very similar to Kansas City where I grew up. There’s a lot of manufacturing in this area, which is a good fit geographically for us.” Dajac, Inc. is located at 17406 Tiller Court, Suite 600 in Westfield. For more info including details on products and services, call 317-6080500 and visit dajac.com.
“Most recently we also worked with a company that has ties to the Nigerian government, to track the delivery of petroleum fuel from its source to its end customer,” Novak says. “That involved cellular communications and Wi-Fi. It was a fun project.” Dajac has remained a small company through the years and currently consists of six employees working in its three divisions. “Being small keeps us nimble, and we’re very customer responsive,” Novak says. “We treat every project like it’s our own and provide a robust solution. Even though we’re smaller, I’ve incorporated a lot of the concepts I learned coming from Thomson and developing consumer electronics, with high-volume production.” Later this year, the Dajac team will relocate from Westfield to a bigger facility in Sheridan, and Novak says the decision to move stemmed from a simple realization that his company has expanded its services over the years and needs to physically expand as a result. “We’re bursting at the seams in Westfield, and we need storage space and calibration space for the headlamp alignment and validation,” Novak says. “There’s just not enough space here to do it, and we’re continuing to grow. WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 7
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Ron Wise
According to the American Medical Association, almost 75% of all doctor, urgent care, and emergency room visits could be handled safely and effectively via phone or video. Though many people use the terms telemedicine and telehealth interchangeably, telehealth refers to the use of electronic information and telecommunications technology to support long-distance clinical healthcare and health-related education for patients. It’s different than telemedicine because it refers to a broader scope of remote health care services than telemedicine, including clinical services and education. Christopher Habig, CEO and co-founder of Freedom Healthworks, says his company has been offering telehealth services for quite a while, primarily for patients who are out of town or spend part of the year in a different location. This year, the coronavirus pandemic quickly introduced many people to the concept of telehealth, and the company is helping Hoosiers access health care services virtually. Dr. Mary Pat Forkin of Westfield Premier Physicians is one of the physicians who connects with patients.
“There are a lot of health care needs people have that don’t necessarily require them to be in your office all the time,” Forkin says. “More often than not, people are using this type of telehealth for acute care, and that’s really smart.” Telehealth can be a smart option in the following scenario: A patient is feeling under the weather, and decides to go to a MinuteClinic because it seems like the faster, simpler option. If a staff member at the MinuteClinic isn’t capable of handling the situation, instead of calling the patient’s physician to see if the individual can be seen the following day, they send the patient to an urgent care center or emergency room.
Forkin says the company is cost-conscious about imaging, and will send patients to Northwest Radiology Network or the Center for Diagnostic Imaging rather a hospital, where imaging can be three to four times the cost. “Again, you are looking at saving cost, depending on the type of telehealth that you use,” Forkin says. Habig says patients who were initially wary of telehealth services are finding they appreciate the convenience and the ability to talk to a physician. “Many are shocked they get to talk to an actual doctor,” Habig says. “For many people, it’s the first time they get an MD to answer their questions, as usually mid-levels or medical assistants do that.”
“That really drives up downstream costs,” Forkin says. “Seeing them [virtually], and being able to triage if they need to be seen in person, saves money.” Plus, with FaceTime technology, doctors actually get to lay eyes on patients. Habig says one benefit of a telehealth service is that if a doctor decides a patient “It almost feels like you’re there,” Forkin needs to be seen in person, that doctor can says. “I can tell by looking at them if they invite the patient into the office for a lower are in any sort of distress, pain or having cost than many alternatives. trouble breathing.” 8 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
With the option of telehealth, many doctors were still able to offer annual exams after many facilities were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Two-thirds of the time we spend with somebody for their annual is just talking - getting their past medical history, a review of their medications - things like that,” Forkin says. However, Forkin does not minimize the importance of the in-person communication that many patients want. “Having that physical relationship from the standpoint of just being in here is important for good primary care,” she says. Telehealth can also be effective for psychological and psychiatric treatment. “It’s an excellent way for those at a distance to still get mental health care,” Forkin says.
The Freedom staff works with a community of physicians who all band together to give non-members an affordable option. “We are trying to cater to people who may not have a lot of options right now,” says Habig, noting that his company allows patients seeking medical care to video chat with a local, board-certified physician for a flat fee of $59. In addition, the company’s services are available not only to members of Westfield Premier Physicians, but non-members as well, and the company provides virtual care for patients seeking a quick, low-cost
alternative to a traditional doctor’s office. Habig says health insurance does not equal health care. “Health care is being able to talk to a doctor, whereas health insurance is a financial tool,” he says. “A lot of people say, ‘I have really good insurance. I don’t need to go to a practice.’ Not true. Also, no insurance doesn’t mean bad health care. They are two totally different things.” For more info on Freedom Healthworks, call 317-804-1203 and visit freedomhealthworks.com.
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Smooth Sailing LOCAL COUPLE OVERCOMES OBSTACLES AS PORTSIDE MARINE OWNERS Writer / Trisha Turner Photographer / Eli Beaverson
In May of 2019, Jarret Silagyi and his wife Lauren purchased Portside Marine Sales and Service in Cicero. Within a year, a fire had destroyed the boat dealership, the Silagyis were battling serious injuries from a boating accident, and Jarret no longer had his corporate job. That doesn’t count the pandemic that seemingly brought the world to a standstill earlier this year. However, the Silagyis’ luck finally turned when Jarret learned there might be a new
home available for Portside Marine. That home that would allow the boat dealership to join forces with similar business a few miles away. The two boat dealerships have been serving the Morse, Geist and surrounding areas for over 75 years combined.
And business is booming. As a statedesignated essential business, boat sales and service have been in high demand despite the coronavirus pandemic.
“A lot of people didn’t expect us to make it through the fire,” Jarret Silagyi says. “I look back and say, ‘Well, this wasn’t the easiest path, but here we are. And we’re happy to be here.’”
However, the future didn’t look so rosy to Silagyi as he raced up Olio Road from his home in Fishers on October 14, 2019. He was heading to a flame-engulfed Portside Marine at its prior location in Cicero. He didn’t have to guess what he might find when he arrived. The billows of smoke, visible in the sky even as he traveled from miles away, told the story.
In June of this year, Portside Marine moved to the Lakeview Marina property, and the Silagyis own the separate businesses located on North Hague Road in Noblesville.
“It’s been busier than ever,” Silagyi says.
“It was a gut-wrenching half-hour drive,
WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 11
seeing smoke and knowing it was the dealership,” Silagyi says. The fire, caused by a combination of an electric spark and fuel vapors in Portside’s service area, destroyed the business. Employees were safe, and Portside never closed. Another boat dealership owner, Jeff Lingenfelter, offered any help that his business, Lakeview Marina, could provide. Lakeview assisted with getting the word out about Portside’s plans to remain open, moving boats off Portside’s damaged property, providing extra tools, and even referring customers to Portside. One year prior, Jarret had ended the limousine and bus company he’d owned while also serving as chief operating officer of a paper-shredding company. In the fall of 2019 he and Lauren were battling back after seeing their business go up in flames before their eyes, but bad luck wasn’t done with them yet. On New Year’s Eve in 2019, a boating accident in Florida left the Silagyis with serious injuries that kept them in the area recovering for two months. Then, in March of 2020 - right around the time the coronavirus pandemic kicked into high gear - the Silagyis found themselves searching for a new home for Portside, when state officials alerted them that they planned to use Portside’s property as the location for a bridge. Then Jarret’s corporate job ended. A chance conversation with a friend helped the couple turn the corner. That friend said he knew someone who might be interested in selling his business. And that someone was Lingenfelter, who’d been such a good partner following the fire at Portside. Portside had found a new home. Today Portside Marine and Lakeview Marina each remain open. They both deal in new and used boats at the same Noblesville address, but the businesses are separate. Portside sells many 12 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
Owners Jarret Silagyi and his wife Lauren.
fiberglass boats, and Lakeview’s offerings include pontoons and personal watercraft. “Hopefully customers will see a benefit to our being together, all on one property,” Silagyi says. While the Silagyis own both businesses, the Lingenfelter family, who opened Lakeview in 1983, remain involved. Jeff and his wife Anita are retiring in August, but there are still five Lingenfelters among the Lakeview staff.
“Both businesses are long-tenured community businesses,” Silagyi says of Portside and Lakeview. “Both names deserve to continue on.”
“My wife and I are looking forward to having one focused, family business - something we can carry on for the prior owners and carry on to our own sons,” Silagyi says.
Silagyi hopes this focus on family continues with his own twin sons, who are toddlers. After all, Jarret and Lauren both grew up in family businesses and as boating enthusiasts - Jarret in Pittsburgh and Lauren near Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
To learn more about Portside Marine Sales and Service, visit portsidemarinesales. com, or call 317-758-5500. For more on Lakeview Marina, visit lakeviewmarina. net, or call 317-773-6885. The dealerships are located at 20901 North Hague Road in Noblesville.
Visit Our New Location 20901 Hague Road • Noblesville. IN 46062 • 317-773-6885 WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 13
LEARNING TO “ADULT” WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OFFERS STUDENTS REAL-WORLD PREPARATION Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
For seven years, Julie McComb has taught an Adult Roles and Responsibilities course to juniors and seniors at Westfield High School (WHS). McComb starts the course by asking students to create a vision board that outlines their future goals and aspirations. For some, this includes going to college. For others it involves technical training or entering the work force. “The great thing about this class is that it fits everybody’s needs,” McComb says. “We prepare our kids for the day after graduation, whatever that future may be.”
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“If students can find something that they are interested in, are good at, are passionate about, and that can bring some good to the world, you’ve hit the jackpot,” says McComb, who speaks from experience.
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For 15 years, she worked as vice president of a bank. Though she made a good living, she didn’t feel fulfilled. “Something was missing,” McComb says. “It wasn’t until I became a teacher that I truly found my purpose.” She has students complete a budget project based off of the major purchases they’ll be making once they are on their own. To personalize the exercise, McComb has students research what their first-year income would be in the position they desire.
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Based on that figure, students set up a budget for the remainder of the class. Once students calculate their average income, McComb has them determine if they can afford to buy a house or apartment. They must use funds to furnish their home with basic necessities such as a bed and dishes. They also have to buy a car, and learn about the costs of registration, plates and insurance. McComb explains the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance, and the advantages of bundling for discounts. The goal of the exercise is to avoid exceeding budget projections. Though it’s not a mandatory class, Lindsay Deck, a 2020 WHS graduate, calls it the most beneficial class of her high school career. “It taught me more about the real world than I would have ever thought a high school class could,” Deck says. The course even includes a wedding project, which guides students through a step-by-step template of what wedding planning looks like, as well as how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. “Adulting is stressful,” says McComb, who also invites guest
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speakers to the class to offer first-hand perspectives on various industries. “Knowing that I’ve prepared these kids to make some of the most important decisions in their life is so rewarding. Once they have gone through this class, they have the necessary tools to be successful.” Motivational speaker Rene Couto delivers an inspirational talk to the students that highlights the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. He speaks from experience, as he always wanted to play college football but was told by players and coaches that he’d never make it due to his small stature. Couto prevailed and landed a full scholarship playing for the University of Louisville. “Not only did he end up playing as a walk-on, but he played at the Fiesta Bowl and won,” McComb says. Daniel Lauer, a 2020 graduate of WHS, says the course taught him that becoming an adult doesn’t have to be hard. “I never knew how to balance a checkbook, weigh out different car and home insurance options, the importance of establishing good credit, what goes into buying a house, and how the bank qualifies you,” Lauer says. “After taking the class, I feel confident that I can now make educated decisions on all of these topics and more.”
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B I R D I E S M I N I AT U R E G O L F O P E N S R E S TAU R A N T & RO O F T O P BA R cheese and bacon, our signature slider, and our fried chicken sandwiches,” Lynch says. “The chicken sandwich is hand breaded and delicious. We also have great guacamole, and we have eight different ice cream flavors to choose from.”
Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Amy Payne
Jessica and Kevin Lynch, co-owners of Birdies Miniature Golf in Westfield, are excited to open a new restaurant and rooftop bar at their establishment.
Lynch says she is happy that Birdies has been able to serve food outdoors at the snack bar, as it gave patrons a preview of the restaurant’s cuisine.
“If everything goes as scheduled, we will be able to open the restaurant and the bar at full capacity on August 1,” Jessica Lynch says. “We have had a lot of excited customers asking about it, and that’s been great to hear. It makes you feel good to know that customers are excited about the restaurant and bar too.” Customers at Birdies, meanwhile, have been able to enjoy great food at the Birdies snack bar since early July. “We are already serving amazing, superfresh food such as sliders with American
“We weren’t able to open the restaurant at a larger capacity yet because of the COVID-19 restrictions, but our customers were still able to get great, high-quality food you would get at a restaurant,” she says. “It’s safe to serve food outside, and it worked out for everyone. We have had a lot of really great responses from our guests. They love the food, and can’t wait for the restaurant and bar to open August 1.”
The upstairs bar will be fully stocked with a large variety of drink choices. “We will have craft beers, mixed drinks, beers on tap, wine, and bourbon lemonade slushees, among a wide variety of other drinks,” Lynch says. “People are very excited.” Lynch says the restaurant will be a fun place to kick back after playing a round of miniature golf. “Everything here has a real casual feel,” she says. “The decor is finished. The bar is decorated with professionally-used hockey sticks in it. The restaurant is a very relaxed place with a family feel. It’s very kid friendly, and fun for all ages. We have food for kids, and straight lemonade slushees for them too.” Lynch, a Carmel High School graduate, says she and Kevin have been overwhelmed
WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 17
by the amount of support the Westfield community has given them since they opened the business. Kevin is a professional hockey player who signed a one-year American Hockey League contract with the Laval Rocket team for the 2019-2020 season. He previously played for the Syracuse Crunch. “The customers have really made the miniature golf course a success since we
started in July 2019,” Lynch says. “They have told us we are a special place where they can relax with their families and have a good time.” Many recent customers were anxious to get out of the house during the coronavirusrelated restrictions. “People have told me it’s been nice to be outside in the sunshine,” Lynch says. “They have felt safe doing something with the
family outside, and have not had to worry about doing something indoors.” Lynch says being located next to Grand Park has been ideal. “We have been very fortunate to be in a great location,” she says. “People who have been at Grand Park like to come by here after being at the park, and continue their fun. Our course is 36 holes, and it’s something we designed from scratch.”
Co-Owners Jessica & Kevin Lynch with their kids.
Lynch says she and Kevin worked with New about the unique features on the miniature Jersey-based Harris Miniature Golf Courses golf course. to design the course. “The kids and their parents love the rock “They worked very closely with us on both cave, the waterfalls, the flowing creek and the construction and design,” she says. “We everything else along the way,” Lynch spent a lot of time planning it. One of the says. “It’s a very relaxing and fun course to things people have told me they really like is play on. We also have lockers customers having a choice between playing 18 holes or love. They are memorabilia lockers with 36 holes.” professional athletes’ names on them.” Lynch has also heard many compliments
Lynch believes the restaurant and rooftop
bar will enhance an already-successful concept. “I think the whole Westfield area has become a destination for family fun, and being able to add more things such as the restaurant and bar just makes the whole experience better,” she says. Birdies is located at 632 East State Road 32 in Westfield. For more information, call 317-450-3202, or visit birdiesindy.com.
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WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 19
iBeach31
POPULAR VENUE IS GROWING THE SPORT OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL Writer / Julie Yates Photographer BriAnna Seefeldt
the obvious choice for the location of iBeach31.
Dedicated to raising awareness of and growing the sport of beach volleyball, iBeach31 offers play opportunities for all ages and levels. The facility at 17341 Westfield Park Road has six pro-level courts filled with 18 inches of white sand. From April through October, participants can take part in clubs, clinics and camps. Team building opportunities are available for businesses and organizations as well as court rentals for private parties such as birthdays and family reunions.
“Katie Conner has been in the volleyball world most of her life,” says Brittaney Bunch, co-owner and Operations Manager. “This is her dream and vision. We all decided to take a leap and do it with her. Through the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, we have built relationships with the community and it has worked out really well.”
Now in its third season, the sports venue opened in April 2018. It is owned by three couples: Katie and Bart Conner, Brittaney and David Bunch and Maureen and Kevin Griffin. Sports-minded Westfield was
The sport of beach volleyball rapidly gained popularity after being a demonstration event in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. By 1996, it was an official Olympic sport. Players trade in a large, hard-surface indoor court for a smaller, outdoor sandy area. The sand adds another dimension to the traditional skills
Co-Owners Katie Conner & Brittaney Bunch
of passing, serving and spiking. In addition, the balls used are softer, lighter and slightly bigger so they have more float time while players deal with the wind and sun. “Sand brings a different element and being outside in the sand is just a ton of fun,” Bunch says. “There are some different technical rules, but the main skills and net height are the same as indoor volleyball. At the true competitive level, beach volleyball has two people on the court at a time, so players must play every position as they rotate out.” The venue provides several different opportunities for people to play, or even just try, beach volleyball. Adults can sign up as a team or just as a solo player. Open play nights are held several times a month for teens. There are clubs, clinics and camps for school children of all ages. Tournaments for juniors and adults are held every weekend and at least once a year a pro or semi-pro tournament is hosted.
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317-446-6940
iBeach31 is also available for private parties such as birthdays or family reunions as well as team-building retreats for companies or organizations. Leadership coaches are sourced out to facilitate team-building exercises. Several area sports teams, churches and even the Westfield High School National Honor Society have participated in these events. “It really helps that we are outside, but we are still taking COVID-19 precautions like having hand sanitizer available and taking coaches temperatures,” Bunch says. “Our Friday night open play is a good time to come and check us out without commitment. I heard a mother say the best thing was that kids didn’t get on their phones, they just played and had a blast.”
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iBeach31 is located at 17341 Westfield Park Road. For more information, visit them online at iBeach31.com or call 317-530-3005. WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 21
JACOB ROBERTS
JAKE SHEARICHARDSON EGGLESTON SPONSOREDBY: BY: SPONSORED
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 Eggleston says she is excited to be the hard work, receiving this award is even recognized by Student Impact of Westfield. more special.”
favorite teacher, is Erin McKinney, a math teacher at Westfield High School. Not only was she an amazing teacher, and helped me find a new passion in math, but she also was, and still is, an amazing friend and mentor,” Eggleston says. “Mrs. McKinney has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life,” she adds. “To this day, I try and see her at least once a week just to say hello or have a conversation. It is not only Mrs. McKinney at Westfield, but there are so many teachers like her. I know so many students that have a relationship similar to mine with a teacher and those relationships will stick with the students for the rest of their lives.” Eggleston says Student Impact of Westfield has also helped her tremendously. “I attend Student Impact every Monday and Friday and volunteer as an intern/ student leader every Tuesday and Thursday,” Eggleston says. “I love everything about this organization. I love the people who run it and attend it, what they stand for, what they do for Westfield, and everything in between.
part of Student Impact since the fifth grade and will be a member until the moment she graduates high school. “I started volunteering at student impact my sophomore year, but it wasn’t until my junior year that I was volunteering on a constant basis. As of right now, I volunteer nine or more hours a week, and love every minute.”
an aggressive manner, but in the everyday ways of life.
For more information on Studen Westfield visit therockwestfield.o 317-414-6456.
Eggleston also says she loves living in Westfield. “I have always felt safe and secure while being in Westfield,” she says. “I love the amenities and opportunities available. I love that Westfield has fun things to do with friends, and also fun things to do with family.” She believes Student Impact is a big part of that. Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact of Westfield, says says she is thrilled Eggleston has been recognized.
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ENCOURAGES CLASSMATES TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE “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
Writer / Julie Yates Photography provided
When Westfield High School senior Jacob Roberts joined the Best Buddies club in middle school, he had a very personal motive for doing so. At that time, he had no idea that five years later, he would be the club’s president. The self-proclaimed shy and quiet student has become a champion for promoting inclusion and recently led a convocation to encourage his peers to respect people of all different ability levels.
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.
Eggleston is proud to say she have been a
“Shea is just an amazing young woman,” Easterhaus says. “She leads with a quiet, yet strong sense about her, despite all the issues she faces each and every day. She puts others first and displays leadership not in
“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. “Almost every single teacher I have had since first grade I have really liked. With Westfield teachers you can tell they want every single one of their students to succeed, and they try to make that happen. I have had so many teachers inspire me, and make me want to be a better person and student.” Eggleston has a favorite teacher. “One teacher that will forever have a place in my heart and will forever be my absolute
“I originally joined Best Buddies in eighth grade at the middle school. I had just Writer / Seth Johnson gotten news that my brother was going to Photography Provided be born with Down Syndrome,” Roberts says. “So, I really joined just to figure Heading into his senior year, Westfield High out how to treat him since he would be School student Jake Richardson is looking different. Throughout that year and my to make the most of his time in Westfield freshman year, I learned so much more before moving on to life’s next adventure. about Best Buddies.” We include and accept people for who they
intellectual and developmental disabilities
“The thing I’m most for with Roberts continues, “I excited learned that my regards are and simply just be friends.” are paired with a regular education peer. to seniorthinking year is living in the moment, and original was completely wrong and The club typically meets on Fridays during hopefully hanging with my I believed the wrongout mission. Thefriends mission the CORE Advisory period. Activities are Westfield High School is among of Best Buddies to last endtimes the social, physical, during some of isthe we live in organized and foster growing friendships many schools both nationwide and and economic discrimination those Westfield,” Richardson says. of “I’m justwith internationally between buddy pair.which On Oct. “Leading upthat to some current interests, lenseach reflex camera, led29, to his current offer of themy Best Buddies intellectual and developmental disabilities. excited to have an authentic experience organized and led a special program as a student activity. Students with Roberts I definitely was really big into the concept pursuits of photography and videography. where I can not be afraid to be myself, of leadership throughout middle school,” MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / WestfieldMag.com express myself and really just live it up.” 20 / WESTFIELD Richardson says. “I took the opportunity to “Throughout my freshman year, I enrolled lead some of the clubs that were offered and myself in a couple of the photography and Prior to his time at Westfield High School, some of the courses that were offered, and I videography courses at the high11/20/19 school10:54 andAM Westfield_1219.indd 20 Richardson made a concerted effort to build really tried to maximize my experiences as a fell in love with the craft,” Richardson says. upon his leadership skills, serving as the leader throughout middle school.” “Since then, all throughout sophomore and president of his school’s National Junior then into junior year, I have really honed Honor Society as well as the editor-in-chief As a freshman at Westfield High School, in on my craft by taking every opportunity of its award-winning yearbook publication. Richardson picked up his first digital single- that I can get, including starting up my own 22 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020 / WestfieldMag.com
photography business where I have been taking senior photographs and family photographs.” In addition to photography and videography, Richardson loves exploring the world and learning about new cultures. “I would consider myself an avid traveler,” he says. “I have been on numerous vision trips, mission trips and just fun vacations. I absolutely love opening up my perspectives to new cultures, new foods and new ideas about this world.” Throughout high school, Richardson’s love for both travel and visual media have intertwined. “My camera is definitely strung across my shoulder every time I travel,” Richardson says. “It’s been very,
very cool throughout high school to combine both passions for travel and photography to produce some travel photography content.” Looking ahead, Richardson hopes to attend New York University. “I definitely am a city boy and have been wanting to go to a college in New York all throughout high school,” he says. All in all, his hope is to make an impact on the world. “With whatever creative field I pursue, I want to make sure I can use my platform as a force for good because there’s so much brokenness in our world,” Richardson says. “Although I, as one person, can’t create world peace, I’m going to do my best to try and spread global awareness about all the different places that need help.”
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smile is a curve that AA smile that sets everything everything straight. sets straight. Phone: (317) 896-3444
www.wittlerortho.com 534East EastState StateRoad Road32 32Westfield, Westfield,IN IN46074 46074 534
W I T T L E R W I T T L E R
WestfieldMag.com / AUGUST 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 23
WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 116 E Main Street Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 804-3030 westfield-chamber.org
AWARD CRITERIA FOR THE WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2020 LANTERN AWARDS THESE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED ON NOVEMBER 5, 2020 AT THE BRIDGEWATER
CLUB
LANTERN AWARD
BEACON AWARD
WICK AWARD
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
• This business has enhanced the Westfield community in significant ways in the past year.
• This individual has made a significant contribution to the community this past year that is above and beyond work performed as part of their regular work/employment.
• This nominee has performed ongoing volunteer community service in Westfield and/ or Washington Township of Hamilton County.
• This business upholds and actively supports the mission of the Westfield Chamber. • This business models positive and cooperative business practices with people and businesses in our community.
• This individual has provided leadership which has enhanced the greater good of the whole of Westfield and/or Washington Township of Hamilton County
• This nominee is a “Business Member” of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce
• This nominee lives and/or works in Westfield or Washington Township
• This nominee has made a significant and positive contribution to the community as a result of his/her volunteer service. • The volunteer service as been done in addition to work that may have been done as part of his/her regular job/employment.
GLOBE AWARD
SPARK AWARD
EMERGING LEADER
OUTSTANDING SERVICE ORGANIZATION
NEW WESTFIELD BUSINESS
WESTFIELD YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
• This organization is “visible” due to their ongoing service to people in our community.
• This business began its operations after September of 2018.
•T his nominee is involved in the Westfield Community.
• This organization invites people of all walks of life into its membership as well as serves people of all races, genders, and social classes.
• This business has made strong efforts to support growth and development in the community.
• This nominee is a Young Professional who lives or works in the Westfield and/or Washington Township
• This organization is people in the Westfield or Washington Township Community.
• This business is based in Westfield and/or Washington Township.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES: MISSION STATEMENT
PURPOSE
The mission of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce is to promote a positive business environment in the Westfield community.
The Westfield Chamber of Commerce strives to enhance the business, educational, recreational, spiritual and cultural development of the community through the participation of its business, professional, and community members. This purpose is based on the desire to promote a favorable business climate and a positive quality of life.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
- In the case that no candidate fits the criteria for a particular year, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Board reserves the right to choose no recipient for a particular award. - Individual running for political office will not be eligible to receive an award for the year in which they are running for office. - Westfield Chamber Board members are not eligible to receive a Lantern award while they are serving on the Board.
