Westfield Magazine October 2022

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

When people who knew Kim Simons describe her, words such as light, sparkle and shine are often used. Also mentioned is her love of all children, and the joy she took in helping them as a teacher’s aide in the classroom. Although she passed away much too soon in April of 2022, her family and the Westfield Education Foundation (WEF) are keeping her legacy alive through the Kim Simons Memorial Scholarship.

The Kim Simons Memorial Scholarship joins a list of other WEF scholarships, but is the first one dedicated towards careers in education. The WEF, a 501(c)(3)

organization that started in 1986, invests and manages donated funds to create endowments, to ensure that scholarship opportunities will continue for years to come. In November, senior high school students graduating in 2023 can begin applying for WEF scholarships by visiting the WEF website.

“Kim battled lung cancer for 16 months,” says Larry Simons, her husband. “It was the last thing we ever thought would happen. She ran, was fit and not a smoker. Kim was a teacher’s aide at Oak Trace Elementary for more than eight years. She was assigned to a class with disabled and special-need students. She loved it. After she passed, my daughter Makenzie, who is a teacher at

Fox Hill Elementary in Indianapolis, and I talked about starting a scholarship in Kim’s “Wename.”realized that there were no scholarships geared toward students who wanted to pursue a career in education going forward,” he continues. “When we had Kim’s celebration of life, we asked for donations, and with those plus $50,000 that I put in, there is around $100,000. We wanted to make the scholarship sustainable for years to come by making it an endowment. Hopefully it can be awarded to more than one person each year.”

Holly Wheeler, an English teacher at Westfield High School, was a close friend to Kim. The two connected when Wheeler’s oldest son Dane and Kim’s youngest son Cam were on the Westfield High School football team. Although Wheeler had taught at the school for several years, she and her family had recently moved to Westfield.

“Kim embraced me as a parent new to the community,” Wheeler says. “She was very inclusive, always inviting people to activities, and she brought people together who would never have known each other. She had a great sense of humor. There was a saying that every kid she touched would glitter. She was a stranger to no one, and always so joyful and positive. When others were going through something, she would immediately comfort them by bringing a meal or giving flowers. Even at the end when she was in bed with no energy, she would say, ‘Don’t worry about me, how are you doing?’ She made me a better person.”

There is no doubt that Kim’s love of children and the joy she got from helping to educate them is inspiring. The Simons family and their friends hope the scholarship will encourage graduating seniors to pursue teaching careers. The criteria for scholarship eligibility is a true love of children and a strong inclination to be a teacher.

“The Simons family reached out to WEF for support to create a memorial for Kim,” says Ashley Knott, WEF executive director. “Donations made permitted us to establish an endowment to fund a scholarship

that will allow graduating seniors the chance to carry on Kim’s love of teaching for years to come. As a family, what a wonderful way to leave a legacy and support students.”

“Kim loved all kids,” Simons says. “She didn’t care about a child’s religion, ethnicity, whether they were rich or poor, or what their family was like. It didn’t matter to her. She thanked me for letting her do what she loved.”

Donations to the Kim Simons Memorial Scholarship can be made online

LOVING LEGACY

The Kim Simons Peppers

SOMETHING TO Lee Named to 2022 Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of

WORKING OUT Built of

Brad Neale, a former parent representative for the Peppers, a Munciana Volleyball team, says the Munciana league has been invaluable for young volleyball players.

“Munciana Volleyball, one of the oldest and top volleyball clubs in the nation, was started in 1973 by Steve Shondell, with a single team with 12 players from Northside High School in Michigan,” Neale says. “They placed seventh at nationals at Oakland College in Michigan, and then their high school team proceeded to win back-to-back state championships for Northside in 1974 and Neale1975.”notes

that Munciana thrives on training athletes from entry level to elite. The staff wants the players to compete at the highest level possible, whether that means working to make a seventh-grade volleyball team, winning a state championship,

NETTINGVICTORYA PEPPERS WIN AAU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

winning a national championship or aspiring to play in college.

“The 12 Open team from Munciana is named the Peppers,” Neale says. “Delaware County Hall of Fame Coach Steve Shondell started coaching the 12 Open team in 1999. He named them the Peppers after a most beloved family dog, and the name has now become a legacy.”

Westfield Middle School seventh-grade players from a recent Munciana Peppers championship team include Neale’s daughter, Brooke Neale, and her teammates Eva Clevenger and Eden Wise. They recently competed at the 49th Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship from June 14 to 26, at the Orange County Convention Center and ESPN Wide World of Sports

“AfterComplex.afour-day battle they went undefeated and won the 12 Open National

Championship title,” Neale says.

Brooke Neale, a two-time Munciana Peppers co-captain, was named an all-

“ThisAmerican.wasthe

first time in history that the Peppers won the AAU National Championship,” Neale says. “There were 221 teams competing in the 12 & Under age group, of which 19 competed in the Open division. The Open division is considered the best of the best, with the highest level of Thecompetition.”breakdown

of divisions for the 12 & Under age group is as follows - 12 Open, 12 Premier, 12 Club and 12 Classic.

Mallory Neale, Brooke’s older sister, a senior at Westfield High School, has also received recognition for her volleyball skills.

“She has committed to play volleyball at Charleston Southern University,” Neale

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

12 Open division National Champions- played at the ESPN Sports Center

says. “She has made the Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association 2022 Players 2 Watch List. She was also named 2022 Academic All-American at the 49th AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship.”

The Peppers were led by Head Coach Kylie Johnson.

“It was her 11th year coaching at Munciana in the 12 & Under division, and her fourth year as the Peppers’ head coach,” Neale says. “Something she stresses to her players is accountability. She says, ‘Every position has a job description. You have to be accountable and responsible for each detail of your job.’”

Brooke Neale’s sister recently committed to play D1 volleyball at Charleston Southerm University in Charleston, SC Starting next Fall. She played for Munciana Indy 17Open and currently for WHS Varsity. She was recently named an AAU Academic All American a

Eden Wise, Brooke Neale, Eva Clevenger- all Westfield residents that put in the time to be great. They traveled an hour to munciana Volleyball club 4x/week!

This photo speaks to The unity, confidence and energy this team exhibited throughout the tournament. Photo was taken during the championship game-Westfield resident Eva Clevenger with a kill and Brooke Neale as Libero

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

THROUGHHELPINGMONTHAWARENESSCANCERBREASTALOVEDONEBREASTCANCER

LISTEN MORE THAN YOU SPEAK.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making it the most common cancer in American women. In addition, one in 833 men in their lifetime will also be diagnosed. When a friend or family member is diagnosed, many of us feel helpless to know how to help. Here are a few ways you may support a loved one through this journey.

ASSIST PRACTICALWITHNEEDS.

It may be difficult for your loved one to complete all the tasks of everyday life while undergoing treatment. Offer assistance with simple activities like gardening, grocery shopping, cooking, driving to and from appointments, or dropping kids off at school. These tasks may seem small individually but will allow daily life to continue uninterrupted.

Sharing the story of your “best friend’s cousin who had breast cancer” may only increase anxiety levels for your loved one. There are many forms of breast cancer, and each has a different treatment journey. A better approach may be to ask, “Did your doctor discuss why they recommend this treatment plan?” This also helps to serve as a review for your loved one because historically, people do not remember the majority of what they are told in the office.

OFFER SUPPORT.EMOTIONAL

Breast cancer can cause a person to go through a wide range of psychological and physical changes, which may cause immeasurable emotional distress. You can offer emotional support by being present without being asked. Do not just offer help once and expect them to call on you when they need something. Every person has different needs and certainly some people

are very private; however, a phone call or visit “just to check in” will let your loved one know you are available and you care.

CONTINUE SUPPORT AFTER TREATMENT IS COMPLETED.

Many patients tell us that once treatment was completed, friends expressed, “That is behind you and you can get back to normal life”. We must recognize that breast cancer causes lifetime changes. Each time a breast cancer survivor has a follow up exam, an imaging test, or even common aches and pains, the first thought is frequently, “Is it back?” Knowing that you understand and are there to support them may make all the difference.

The IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center offers several free support groups for patients, survivors and friends and family members. Visit iuhealth.org/classes-events to learn more.

Writer / Leslie Clark, nurse navigator at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

Leslie Clark

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH AT ANY AGE

breast cancer. After age 40, mammograms can be done every 1-2 years from ages 40-50 and then annually at age 50. A bone density screening for osteoporosis is recommended at age 65 for average-risk women.

wake schedule, engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, and limiting the use of smartphones or other blue-light emitting technology an hour before bed. Spending 5-10 minutes meditating before bed can also help prepare for sleep.

Taking Charge Of Your Health At Any Age

We all know women are often so busy juggling life’s demands and caring for others, that they can sometimes put their personal health on the back burner. Taking the time to care for your health is important so you can be there for the ones you love. We spoke with Dr. Kelley Robrock of Axia Women’s Health – OB/GYN of Indiana to learn her top tips to ensure optimal wellness at any age.

1. KEEP UP WITH REGULAR PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS.

Your annual GYN exam is an opportunity to stay on top of crucial screening tests like your Pap smear, breast cancer screening, and bone density scan. A routine pap test is recommended to begin at age 21 and is completed every 3 years in low-risk women to help with early detection of cervical cancer. Baseline mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 to screen for

2. TAKE STEPS TO LOWER YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE.

Sadly, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the U.S and can happen at any age. Fortunately, it is also highly preventable. Eating a heart-healthy diet that’s rich in lean meats and fish, whole grains, healthy fats (such as olive oil), and fruits and veggies is key. It’s important to work with your provider and stay on top of regular screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol.

3. FOCUS ON GETTING QUALITY SLEEP.

In many ways, sleep is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. But with all the distractions and stressors coming at us each day, achieving a restful night’s sleep is not always easy. Some tips to practice better sleep hygiene include setting a consistent sleep/

4. DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

It’s been proven that chronic stress can lead to high cortisol levels that can trigger fatigue, weight gain, hair and skin problems, and more. Stress-relief techniques can look different for each person. For example, some women may find yoga helpful, while others may find peace in a calming activity like reading or journaling. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to speak up and seek help from a licensed mental health professional.

It’s never too late to start investing in your health! Axia Women’s Health – OB/ GYN of Indiana is here to help and is located at 380 South Junction Crossing, Suite B in Westfield. To learn more about their services, call (317) 573-7050 or visit axiawh.com.

Story & Photos Provided

Dr. Kelley Robrock

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

KRISTI LEE NAMED TO 2022 INDIANA BROADCAST PIONEERS HALL OF FAME

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

As a child, Kristi Lee had no aspirations to work in radio. In fact, the only reason she signed up for a radio class was because a classmate at Ben Davis High School suggested she do so. That one decision altered the trajectory of her life.

“I got the bug,” says Lee, who credits one of her teachers, Dana Webb, for instilling confidence in her regarding her natural broadcasting skills. Webb told her she had

“Nobodytalent. had ever said anything like that to me before,” Lee says. “Teachers are so valuable because one good teacher can

change a child’s life forever.”

That certainly was the case for Lee, who began her broadcast career the summer she turned 16, working at WNON in Lebanon. From there, she worked part time all through high school at WEIR, 1430 AM, which at the time was a country music

Beforestation.leaving for college, Webb suggested that Lee get her Federal Communications Commission license in order to make her more marketable. She did, and in 1980 her phone rang with a job offer from WRTV. She stayed there for six years, working her way up to technical director.

She began working part time on nights and weekends in 1982 at Q95, finishing her shift at 6 a.m., when “The Bob & Tom Show,” a top-rated morning program, was starting. When they decided to hire a news girl in 1987, Lee was the perfect choice, as she liked to banter with them as they chatted between their shifts. That was 35 years ago and she’s still going strong. Lee says she feels

“Inblessed.thisbusiness, longevity at one station is so rare,” she says.

Lee was chosen to be included in the 2022 Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, an exciting and humbling honor.

“This recognition acknowledges that I’m not just a sidekick,” she says. “I’ve done all of these things.” Some people may not be aware of the extent of her accomplishments in the broadcast industry. Besides being a radio personality, she has also worked as a television engineer, TV anchor, and correspondent for ESPN and ESPN2. For a while she worked full-time at “The Bob & Tom Show,” then traveled on the weekends for ESPN, catching a flight to the east coast on Friday as soon as she got off the air and returning on Sunday. For two years, Lee also hosted a podcast called “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted.” Born with an unfailing

work ethic, she worked seven days a week, including holidays, until her two children were born (they are now 24 and 20).

“A lot of people think of me as the girl that gets made fun of on ‘The Bob & Tom Show,’” Lee says. “Believe me, it was a long, arduous journey to be that person they make fun of.”

In addition to her vast body of work, the Hall of Fame honor acknowledges her commitment to community involvement. She’s on the board at Ascension St. Vincent Foundation and the Indianapolis Zoo,

she volunteers at Second Helpings, she’s participated in countless golf outings, and she has hosted events for charity galas. She even participated in Hamilton County’s Dancing With Our Stars.

“It’s hard for me to say no,” she says.

Through the years she’s worked every shift imaginable. In her 20s she enjoyed working from 4 p.m. to midnight, because she could go straight from work to Broad Ripple to socialize. Working mornings, however, gave her time with her children in the evenings. Not that rising at 4 a.m. is always fun.

“I don’t ever see the sun come up on my way to work,” she says. “Unless I

Speakingoversleep.”of sleep, she averages about six hours of shut-eye each night.

She’s gotten to meet all sorts of cool people and celebrities including Dolly Parton, who came to “The Bob & Tom Show” when Lee was eight months

“Duringpregnant.the

break, Dolly was brainstorming baby names with me,” Lee says. “She was so sweet and acted like she’d known me my whole life.”

Lee also got to meet - and befriend - her teenage idol, Peter Frampton.

“He was one of the first concerts I ever saw,” she says. “I was 16 years old at Balboa Park in San Diego, and I fell in love with him the minute he walked on stage. Now we have each other’s phone numbers. We both have goldendoodles so we get them together to play sometimes. The fact that I can call Peter a friend is mind-blowing to me.”

In her free time Lee likes to read, garden, golf, travel and practice Pilates. Though she openly admits that she can’t cook worth a darn, she’s proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the life she’s “Honestly,lived.

as I look back on my life I wouldn’t change a thing,” Lee says. “Well, except maybe to tell myself to just relax and know that everything will work out in the end.”

Not that the end of her career is coming any time soon.

“I’ll keep doing this until Tom quits, and he’s got a 6-year-old if that tells you anything,” she says with a chuckle. “Seriously, there’s no reason to leave my job. I love going to work every day. My radio family is my life. Those are my people.”

Towne Post Special!

Proud Platinum Contractor of

WORKING OUT WELL

CASEY WRIGHT HAS BUILT AN EMPIRE OF FITNESS AND FUN

Casey Wright never intended to create a gymnastics and athletic empire in Indianapolis when she purchased Wright’s Gymnastics from her parents in 2005. However, since then she’s expanded the small business with six local locations into a national brand.

“We started opening more Wright’s Gymnastics locations throughout Indianapolis, primarily to serve the community’s needs and provide more career opportunities to my staff,” Wright says. “I grew up in the gym. My parents were coaches and I was a coach, judge, manager and choreographer.”

As the new owner, Wright knew she needed to keep up with the needs of her clientele. As a mother of boys, she was looking for a gymnastics program that wasn’t gymnastics. She says there weren’t many offerings for

young boys with high energy levels at the time. She created NinjaZone in 2014.

“The curriculum is designed for young kids and is a fusion of gymnastics, obstaclecourse training, martial arts and parkour,” Wright says. “It’s great for a lifetime for character development, goal setting, coordination, athleticism and fitness. NinjaZone became such a local success that we began to license it. There are over 300 licensees around the world.”

In June, Wright’s 360 Movement Academy in Westfield opened as a corporate headquarters, gymnastics facility and preschool. Wright says including “360” in the name was significant for two reasons. She says the staff members are there primarily to create a well-rounded child.

“We’re not here to create an Olympic athlete,” Wright says. “We’re here for the everyday kid, to give them the most we can from a well-rounded athletic experience. A

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Casey Wright

Withturn.”

37,000 square feet, the building has more than enough room to house Wright’s 150 employees. Wright says her goal has always been to do what’s best for the children and her employees.

“The growth of the business is really about what the smart next move was for all of us,” Wright says. “My allegiance has always been to my staff, and helping them to succeed and achieve their goals. You have to be able to adapt quickly and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. I had to be able to give up control and hand off duties to people I trust.”

She also attributes her success and growth to the skills she learned as a coach. She says she was lucky to be in leadership positions, which led to her success in business. She says coaching provides practical experience and teaches people about themselves, communication skills and group management.

For more information including details on all locations, visit wrightsgymnastics.com.

360 in gymnastics is a complete flip or

There’s no such thing as too much teamwork.

Introducing Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center. A partnership that brings all the experience and treatment protocols of one of the country’s top cancer centers to Indiana.

A hallmark of our approach is multidisciplinary care. It means you’ll have a care team made up of specialists and subspecialists, each with expert knowledge in your specific type of cancer working together. There’s no better way to put together a treatment plan, and there’s no other place to get this level of care in the region.

Now, more than ever, we want you to remember that when you’re part of a community, you’re never alone.

Let’s start the journey together at eCommunity.com/cancer

Owner Ed Martin Automotive Group, Kathy Martin Harrison as

Women entrepreneurs like Kathy Martin Harrison are gaining power and influence, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries. As the owner and CEO of Ed Martin Automotive Group, Harrison succeeded her father, Ed Martin, and has established herself as an innovative thought Accordingleader.

to a 2019 article in Forbes magazine, “the momentum is growing for women-owned family businesses, having increased by 58% since 2007, and nearly 25% of family businesses are led by a woman CEO or president.” While the success rate is typically at 30% for second-generation business owners, Harrison is thriving.

Harrison has helped build the company into the largest woman-owned business in the Indianapolis area, with 9 dealerships representing 12 manufacturers in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Anderson.

Ed Martin Automotive Group was her father’s life and Harrison spent the better part of her childhood at the dealership. Harrison had her own plans after college, and worked in other careers before her father asked her to come into the business and succeed him when he was gone. Harrison joined him and never looked back.

“My father was my mentor and I knew he regarded his employees as family,” she says. “I made my father a promise in his final years that I would keep his legacy going. We had 500 employees and I didn’t want to let them down. We actually have 23 employees that have been with us for 35 years. We are really proud of that. What motivates and inspires me every day is my father and carrying on his legacy.”

Harrison has been committed to finding and creating opportunities for people to work for her company and in the automotive industry. She realized that many technicians were beginning to age out, so she decided

to be part of the solution. In addition to a partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, she established the Ed Martin Automotive Group Careers Training Center, to bring career opportunities to students. She then went a step further and invited academic counselors to come learn about the Harrisonprogram.

recently created a new partnership with Ivy Tech that will allow her to use a fully customized trailer, called the Dream Trailer, to help spread the word about auto careers. It will involve a realistic view of a day in the life of an auto body technician, and is expected to be operational by January of Thanks2023.to

her perseverance, ingenuity, and commitment made to her father to keep the business growing, the Ed Martin legacy is a vibrant and growing business that will be felt for generations.

Among many local charities and causes that the Harrisons support are the Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High School athletics programs. They recently presented a $500,000 check for the naming rights of their outdoor stadiums. (Photo by Darnell Scott)

FOR WOMEN WHO ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING A BUSINESS OR WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS, HARRISON THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:

1. Surround yourself with smart people who know more than you, because it is hard to run a business and you need a strong team.

2. Let your employees do their job. Don’t micromanage them.

3. Every single day, make customer satisfaction your number-one goal.

4. Follow the golden rule, and be kind to your employees. It’s not that hard.

5. Be passionate about what you do, and be all-in.

6. Support and give back to your community.

FALL FUN IN HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA

When the calendar turns to September, that means fall is nearly upon us. Picture it: crisp air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the trees showing off their seasonal colors. Find inspiration for your fall adventure with the top things to do this fall.

2. CHECK OUT THE FALL FUN AT CONNER PRAIRIE. Conner Prairie is a year-round family attraction, but it shines bright in the autumn months.

1. VISIT A LOCAL APPLE ORCHARD OR PUMPKIN PATCH.

It isn’t fall without an apple cider slushie or pumpkin doughnut. Visit a local pumpkin patch and cider mill to stock up on fall treats, pick a pumpkin and enjoy familyfriendly activities. Locations include Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill, Spencer Farm, Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fishers AgriPark.

Step into the story of historic Indiana and visit costumed interpreters in 1836 Prairietown or Civil War Journey to see what life was like in the Hoosier state. Climb to the top of the three-story treehouse at Treetop Outpost or ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage high in the sky for aerial views of central Indiana and the corn maze. In October, make plans to attend the Headless Horseman festival, complete with spooky (or not-so-spooky) hayrides. Plus, the popular Apple Store is open in September and October with delicious caramel apples and other goodies.

3. EXPLORE OUTDOORS AT STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI PARK.

Put on your hiking shoes and don’t forget to pack a jacket. Strawtown Koteewi Park is an adventurer’s dream. Be ready to soar through the air at Edge Adventures, an outdoor treetop obstacle course with ziplines. Feeling a little less exercise is in order? Then try horseback riding at K-Trails Equestrian Adventures, learn archery at Koteewi Range or hike along more than 10 miles of trails. Make it an overnight adventure and reserve a spot at White River Campground, adjacent to the park.

4. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UNIQUE FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS.

You don’t want to miss fantastic fall festivals like Atlanta New Earth Festival (Sept. 24 – 25), Carmel International Arts Festival (Sept. 24 – 25) and Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival (Oct. 1). All have free admission and dozens of arts and crafts booths to browse. For more seasonal events, check out our calendar at visithamiltoncounty.com/events/.https://www.

5. ADMIRE THE FALL FOLIAGE AT LOCAL PARKS AND TRAILS.

Fall is the season of “leaf peeping,” the unofficial term used to describe travelers who seek out fall foliage to view and photograph. Some of the best local spots to see the changing colors are Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, Potter’s Bridge Park in Noblesville and the Monon Trail.

What’s on your fall bucket list? Tag us in your fall adventures using #VisitHC, and follow @VisitHamiltonCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY

WOMEN OF WESTFIELD CONTINUES TO LIFT UP AND INVEST IN LOCAL WOMEN

Writer / Alli PhotographyDonovanProvided

Women of Westfield, otherwise known as WOW, is a 501(c)(7) group in Westfield that strives to positively impact the Westfield community by investing in women through relationships and service. The group focuses on bringing together women who either live or work in Westfield, and empowering them both personally and

Forprofessionally.severalyears,

WOW Founder Danielle Carey Tolan had the idea to develop a group specifically for the women of Westfield to connect and engage with the city. When she discovered that there were women at the Westfield Chamber with the same goal, it was a sign for her to launch a program where women could gather with no restrictionsno business requirements, no statuses, just a friendly space for women to network.

“Amazing relationships come out of our group and our events - not only business connections, but friendship connections,” she Memberssays.

pride themselves on their variety of event offerings that target and teach a range of different topics. From monthly socials to community volunteer opportunities and trainings, such as personal safety training, WOW leaders want to be sure that all members find an event that sparks an interest.

“Our whole mission is to serve Westfield and impact Westfield,” Carey Tolan says. “We want to be able to have a positive impact in the community and people of that

WOWcommunity.”hastheir

annual BE Gathering event coming up in November. This event is designed for women from every background, through every stage of life.

Together, WOW members celebrate sisterhood, strength and solidarity, while honoring the many unique roles in their daily lives. Each year has a specific theme and offers accessible, practical, inspirational and educational resources for all women. The 2022 theme is “Be a Badass.” The panel at the event will focus on how they broke their mold and found their own success. Tickets are $30 and available on WOW’s

“Iwebsite.believe

we all need a network of women in our life, no matter where we are in our stages of life,” Carey Tolan says. “It makes us stronger as women and stronger as humans.”

The group currently has 2,800 members through their e-newsletter and social events. There are no fees to join WOW. To join the group or to find out more information, you can visit womenofwestfield.com or iamwomenofwestfield@gmail.com.email

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Sarah Browning

On September 26, STAR Bank celebrated a new branch opening in Westfield. Staff members are excited to partner with the community, bringing a location closer to home for current clients and welcoming new residents as well.

Brittany Howey will serve as the Westfield branch manager.

“I’ve been in banking for over eight years, but new to STAR and Westfield,” Howey

says. “STAR has been a phenomenal place to work thus far and we’re honored to hear that clients wanted a branch in Westfield. We really listen to our customers and want to offer the best thing for our clients and the STARcommunity.”works against the in-and-out mentality associated with traditional lines found at a bank.

“We offer banking in a lively and vibrant environment, and we want it to feel like you can be comfortable to bank however you would like,” says Amanda Rubeck, vice

president and senior retail officer. “Come in and get higher personalized advice and Theservice.”full-service

bank offers personal and business banking, loan services, as well as investment and wealth management. They work with individuals and families interested in retirement planning, education planning, and estate and trust services.

Howey says her primary focus is the relationships she can build through those services.

“We offer notary services all the way up to business services and we’re encompassing any need a customer would have,” Howey says. “I’m looking forward to good conversations with our clients and helping identify those needs.”

In addition to a personal touch, the bank has also rallied around businesses and helped many through the unstable time of the “98%pandemic.ofthe

Paycheck Protection Program

loans we applied for on behalf of our business customers were approved,” Rubeck says. “I think during that time we were the bank that really showed up for our customers. We’re seeing how inflation is impacting our customers and families, and we offer personalized services to help in the budget process, not only for now, but in the future. To be able to deliver on financial advice is important to us because you’re not just another number. The emphasis is on the person, and serving the client with whatever those needs may be.”

STAR Bank started back in 1943, when, Selah Wright, Tom Marcuccilli, Arthur Hodson and Ralph Marcuccilli (the name STAR comes from the first letter of each person’s name) bought a bank branch in

TheyMarion.instilled

a long-standing company culture that required personal attention

and community engagement, supporting nonprofit organizations for nearly 80 years and continuing today.

In fact, in 2021 STAR gave more than $300,000 in direct financial support for Indiana nonprofits and logged 470 employee volunteer hours within the company’s communities.

The original goals remain, and as technology continues to grow and assist in different ways business is done, the STAR team isn’t turning its back on opportunities to help clients in an efficient and effective manner.

For those looking to get in and out of the bank as quickly as possible, STAR offers an enhanced version of self-service.

The typical ATM service is available 24 hours per day. However, interactive teller machine (ITM) services are offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, allowing customers to touch the screen and speak to a live banker. Not only does the technology allow customers to speak to a person, but they can also make payments, order checks, request new debit cards and STARmore.

currently has 62 ITM locations across Indiana, which is more than any other bank in the area.

In addition, the technology leaves time

for staff to provide personal, one-on-one services when needed - no more standing in long lines for a simple deposit or to pay a Afterbill.

using an ITM or ATM, there are still live tellers at the bank to answer additional questions or work through specific financial concerns. The features simply allow clients to bank when and how they prefer.

“It’s a partnership and an understanding of the client’s journey,” Rubeck says. “We’re taking our team and wrapping around the client, figuring out where they are and where they want to go. Whether you are looking at starting your own business or you’re planning to purchase a second home, we are ready to meet people where they are.”

STAR not only supports nonprofits, but also works to invest in the local community. STAR recently sponsored the Cuisine Connect Culture festival, and will support the Trick or Treat on the Plaza and the Westfield in Lights downtown holiday lighting celebration this year.

“At STAR you are family, and our focus is on individuals and creating that strong family culture,” Rubeck says. “We’re excited to join Westfield as an extension of our presence in Hamilton County.”

For more information, visit starfinancial.com.

BROWNSAMANTHASTUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Samantha Brown, a junior at Westfield High School, is now one of the top-ranked girls golfers in the state, thanks to her dedication to the sport, as well as the unwavering support of her coaches and teammates.

Her father, Zane N. Brown Jr., says Samantha has loved golf since she was incredibly young, and has always wanted to

“Samanthaimprove.

started swinging a golf club at the age of 6, but did not get serious about the sport until the summer before she was

in the sixth grade,” he says.

Samantha was interested in other sports at the time, and dedicated herself to getting better at those activities. “Samantha grew up playing soccer and decided to give that up after seventh grade to focus on playing golf, with the goal to play varsity golf at Westfield as a freshman,” Brown says.

Samantha also loves being part of a hard-working team with a shared goal of continuing to improve. “Samantha really

prefers playing golf as part of a team versus playing as an individual,” Brown says. “Cheering for teammates, encouraging her team, and having support from her teammates before, during and after the good and bad rounds are the highlights of her team Samanthaexperience.”enjoyskeeping busy and continually improving her golf game. She is always ready to practice more.

“Samantha has had a heavy golf travel schedule over the past few spring and summer seasons, and always looks forward to getting back to team golf in the fall,” Brown Outsidesays.ofgolf,

Samantha enjoys spending time with her two sisters, Kate, 13, and Brooklyn,

“Samantha10.has always enjoyed traveling with her family, and loves helping mom and dad plan family vacations,” Brown says.

Samantha is already planning where she will be attending college.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

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“Samantha feels very fortunate to have interest from a number of schools, and expects to make a decision on which college she will attend within the next month,” Brown says.

She is excited about having different school options. “Samantha is currently undecided on a specific major, but has interest in pursuing a business degree, probably in marketing or finance,” Brown says.

Samantha loves the support she has received from her teammates, coaches and friends. She has benefited from all of their help.

“Since moving to Westfield from Fishers five years ago, Samantha has enjoyed making new friends, and feels blessed to have found an incredible support group that includes the Westfield Washington Schools teachers, Westfield Middle School golf coaches and Westfield High School golf coaches,” Brown says.

Three reasons why a mammogram is an important part of your preventive health

1A mammogram can save your life. Early detection of breast cancer can increase a woman’s ve-year survival rate to 97%.

2It doesn’t take much time. Mammograms are a quick procedure, only taking about 20 minutes.

3Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age. The older you get, the more you are at risk of developing breast cancer. That’s why mammograms aren’t a one-and-done test.

Mammograms are vital to your health and longevity as a woman. Indiana University Health recommends routine screening mammography to improve the likelihood of detecting breast cancer early. If you have speci c questions about your level of risk for breast cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Schedule Callmammogramyourtoday.317.688.2955.

iuhealth.org/mammo