Westfield Magazine December 2023 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

DECEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

A LOOK AT HIS LEGACY

MAYOR ANDY COOK TALKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AFTER DECISION NOT TO SEEK FIFTH TERM

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6 6

Mayor Andy Cook Talks Accomplishments After Decision Not to Seek Fifth Term

RefReps Offers a Comprehensive Online Education in Officiating

A LOOK AT HIS LEGACY

8 Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

The Farmers Bank

Freeze Dried Snack Company Finds a Cool Niche

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

23 28

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AVOIDING BAD DECISIONS FOR YOUR CRUISE VACATION TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

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A LOOK AT HIS LEGACY

MAYOR ANDY COOK TALKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AFTER DECISION NOT TO SEEK FIFTH TERM Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Mayor Andy Cook

Grand Junction Plaza, and recognition by WalletHub and Business In 2005, Andy Cook Insider as the fourth-best small city in the nation. moved from Carmel to Westfield with his family and recognized the potential of a However, the numbers aren’t what Cook will remember most. growing community. “The number-one thing I’m most proud of is our Youth Assistance Program,” he says. “We looked at how citizens in this community Never one to back down take care of those that need help. How do we do it outside of from a challenge, he began traditional government programs? It requires schools, courts, asking questions and prosecutor’s office, city, police and others to all work together.” looking for ways he could get involved, and he did so The Youth Assistance Program identifies children aged 3 to 17 at by running for mayor and risk of entering the juvenile system. They aren’t in trouble at the taking office in January of time, but statistically it’s just a matter of time. 2008.

Sixteen years have gone by and Cook has decided it’s time for a new chapter, passing the baton to Mayor-Elect Scott Willis. A quick look back reminds residents of $1.5 billion in economic development, the building of Grand Park Sports Campus and

“It’s a voluntary program in which the youth’s situation is evaluated by professionals, and then we use community resources to get that child back on track to becoming a successful citizen in Westfield,” Cook says.

6 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

It’s all about collaboration. Cook says departments that have long since worked in siloed environments can create great outcomes for the community when working together.

When it comes to her banking, Katie’s a Farmer.

Cook says growth is a good thing, but it can be a challenge as well.

Katie Douglas-Poe Customer Since 2021

So far, it’s estimated that more than 100 children have changed course and stayed out of the legal system. In the past five years the number of juveniles entering the Hamilton County system has decreased by half.

“I’m proud of our residents and our employees and I think we’ve done well, keeping up with the growth,” Cook says. “Our endeavor is to become a desirable city and a destination, creating a place where people want to be.” Westfield is certainly the place Cook wants to be. With grandchildren living a few blocks away from his home and a love for the city as a whole, walking away from the mayor’s role is bittersweet. “It’s been fun,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed it immensely and I have mixed emotions. It’s hard to let go, particularly when you’re surrounded by such great people. We’re not going away and I’ll stay involved if people will have me. It’ll be different, but I think under Mayor-Elect Scott Willis’ leadership and seven new council members, the city is in good hands.” For more information on all Cook and his team have accomplished, visit westfield.in.gov.

THEFARMERSBANK.COM

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 7

thefarmersbank.com

360 Tricia Lane Westfield, IN

CONNECT

THE FARMERS BANK Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Hall will oversee daily operations, facilitate the opening of new accounts and actively engage in community events.

The Farmers Bank is opening a new location in Westfield.

Latour notes that their goal is to exceed expectations of how a community bank can serve the needs of the Westfield community, financial and otherwise.

Steve Latour, the former Westfield Chamber chief executive officer (CEO), will serve as the financial center director.

The Farmers Bank is an Indiana institution. Latour says The Farmers Bank is an esteemed community bank with a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1876 in Clinton County, Indiana.

“I’m a resident of Westfield and honored that I have the opportunity to continue to work in the community that I love,” Latour says. The new facility will offer services tailored to suit customers’ lifestyles, and their business and nonprofit needs. Latour plans to bring his extensive experience and deep understanding of the Westfield business landscape to The Farmers Bank team. From in-person service to video ATMs and virtual banking experiences, The Farmers Bank offers everything you’d expect from Brittany Hall, a seasoned financial veteran, will be the financial a bank today, with the personal service that is harder and harder center assistant director. She has two decades of business to find. Offering a secure place to deposit business or personal experience in the banking industry and is looking forward to funds, competitive CDs, mortgages, and a range of loans including working at the new bank. commercial and home equity options, the team is committed to providing clients with a one-stop destination for all financial The Farmers Bank has been familiar to Hamilton County residents, aspirations with locations in Noblesville, Fishers and Sheridan, as well as a loan office in Carmel. The Westfield branch will also feature a state-of-the-art Smartflower, harnessing solar power to contribute to the facility’s energy needs Latour, Hall, and The Farmers Bank President and CEO Chris while offering a hands-on educational experience for local schools. Cook, a Westfield resident, are eager to bring Hoosier values and the personal service only a community bank can provide to the A grand opening celebration at The Farmers Bank is planned for Westfield community. January. Latour adds that he will spearhead business development opportunities across Westfield and Carmel, and lead the team at the Westfield location.

For more information, contact Latour at steve.latour@ thefarmersbank.com.

8 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

LOCAL GIFTING EXPERIENCES MAKE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY MEMORABLE AND FUN! You’ve made your holiday shopping list, and checked it twice: but what do you get for the person who has it all? Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things, but experiences. Give the gift of an attraction pass, art class, cooking class and more ideas from Hamilton County, Indiana.

FOR FAMILIES Step into the story at Conner Prairie yearround with a membership, which includes free daytime general admission to Conner Prairie, discounted admission for select events like Headless Horseman and A Merry Prairie Holiday, and shopping and dining discounts.

Support Nickel Plate Arts with the gift of an individual or family membership, which allows guests to participate in many of its arts activities for free for one year.

adventure like kayak and canoe trips. Get a gift certificate for an excursion with White River Canoe Company.

A Center for the Performing Arts subscription offers priority access to events and retains the same seats at performances.

Who doesn’t like food? Purchase a gift card to your loved one’s favorite local restaurant – or one they haven’t been to yet.

FOR THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURER Buying a gift for a thrill seeker? A season pass to Edge Adventures Koteewi: Aerial Adventure Park is perfect for someone who loves to zipline – and isn’t afraid of heights.

FOR THE DIYER From personalized signs to seasonal décor, give the gift of picking your own project with a gift card to AR Workshop or Board & Brush. Let your loved one customize their own homemade bath and body products with a gift card to Bath Junkie. Guests can redeem in-store and mix and match scents to find the perfect blend. A gift card to Penn & Beech Candle Co. or Unplug Soy Candles, both offering wonderful fragrant blends to choose from, guests can customize to their ideal scent profiles.

FOR THE ART LOVER Get hands-on with take-home art kits from Caravan Classes, or certificates for a future art class or workshop. Purchase a gift certificate to a pottery studio, like Kiln Creations or uPaint Pottery Studio, for a future painting experience.

FOR THE FOODIE

Do you have a budding young chef in your midst? Sprouts Cooking School is Indiana’s only cooking school just for kids, and they host classes regularly for children of all ages to learn cooking and baking techniques. It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate. Purchase an at-home chocolate tasting kit for a loved one from XChocol’art. Owner Joann Hofer also offers in-person chocolate making classes, too.

FOR THE GOLFER

Koteewi Range offers private lessons for those looking to learn archery or improve their skills, as well as membership for access to the ranges. The cure for cabin fever? A gift certificate to slide down the sledding hill at Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes, open December through February. No need to wait for a snowstorm; they make their own snow! Consider Hoosier Heights for the ultimate indoor climbing experience.

For the golf lover, there are dozens of renowned golf courses to choose from in Hamilton County, home of Indiana’s Premier Golf. Stuff their stocking with gift cards for tee times and golf rentals. To keep your golfer busy during the off season gift certificates to Topgolf or X-Golf Carmel or Noblesville will help them keep their skills sharp. For more events and things to do this winter in Hamilton County, go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com and follow @ VisitHamiltonCo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor

TAG US IN YOUR WINTER ADVENTURES USING #VISITHC, AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 9

AVOIDING BAD DECISIONS FOR YOUR CRUISE VACATION Story & Photography Provided

Now that travel is exploding as a result of over two years of COVID confinement, there are some serious pitfalls to avoid when you are planning your cruise. Here are a few:

FLYING TO PORT ON DEPARTURE DAY

Flying to the port on departure day is a very dangerous move. A flight cancellation or serious departure delay (and maybe a missed connection), and you will arrive at the port just in time to wave the ship goodbye and kiss your nonrefundable cruise fare goodbye (or fly to the next port at the cost of an arm and leg to meet the ship there). Fly the day before, book a modest hotel (preferably one that has an airport shuttle and/or pier shuttle) and travel at your leisure.

NOT INVESTING IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

This is the worst decision you can make. Thinking you are healthy and don’t need it is very faulty. The medical coverage is just a tiny part of your premium. The real value comes in protecting you against trip interruptions, trip delays, lost, delayed or stolen luggage, flight cancellations, and pricey rebooking costs or having to cancel your trip. The medical coverage might come in handy if you become sick or have an accident on your vacation. Being treated in the ship’s infirmary is not free.

FORGETTING TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT

The cruise industry is moving towards requiring a passport for all cruises. Currently, for circular cruises (departing from and returning to the same port), some cruise lines will allow a legal copy of your birth certificate (with official stamp) and a federal photo ID (driver’s

license with star will do) in place of a passport. For all other cruises and vacations out of the U.S., you will need a valid passport. Keep in mind that regular applications are now taking up to four months. An expedited application (extra cost of $150) will still take over three weeks.

NOT PREBOOKING EXCURSIONS

One of the real joys of cruise traveling is seeing a lot of the ports. Some of the most enticing, ship-sponsored shore excursions fill up very fast. The safest thing to do is “do your homework.” Go to the cruise ship’s website, look at the excursions and prebook the ones you want. That eliminates the “Sorry, that excursion is filled up and there are no more vacancies.”

COMING LATE TO THE BUFFET

The buffets on a cruise ship are something to behold, and the wide variety of food can tantalize your taste buds. The later you arrive at the buffet, the longer the food has been sitting out, subject to all kinds of factors, not the least of which is germs from other passengers. Enjoy the buffet, but know when it opens and come soon thereafter, to eliminate the chance of food spoiling because it has been out too long.

DOING YOUR OWN THING IN PORT

The ship will delay departure a reasonable length of time if shipsponsored excursions are late getting back, and will get you to the next port at their expense if it must leave. If you go on your own and are late getting back, you can wave the ship goodbye and try to make it to the next port on your own while your pocketbook screams “Ouch.” 10 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Also, with unlicensed or unauthorized tour guides, you run the risk of being robbed.

BRINGING A LOT OF BOOZE ON BOARD

Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per person aboard in your sent-through luggage. If you bring the bottle to the dining room, you will be charged a corkage fee for its use at your table. It is best to enjoy it in your stateroom. Sneaking a lot of booze on board will very likely end in its confiscation (and maybe it will be returned when you disembark). Also know that soda, bottled water, some fruit juices, and premium coffees and teas are not free on most ships. An unlimited soda card typically runs about three times the cost of a soda per day. So if you drink more than that, it might be a wise investment. Some ships will allow you to bring one six-pack of canned soda aboard.

IGNORING THE EQUATORIAL SUN

Most of the Caribbean is close to the equator. Do not go out on deck without flip-flops or some other type of shoe. The pool deck can get hot enough to burn the skin off your feet with just a few steps. Also use sunscreen for the at-sea days while on the pool deck. You don’t want to spend the rest of your trip in misery with a third-degree sunburn.

FORGETTING THE ESSENTIALS

We address this in another article, but here are a few essentials. 1) Make sure your passport is up to date and not expired. 2) Bring a multiple-socket extension cord for charging everything.

3) D on’t forget your camera or high-quality camera phone, but… 4) M ake sure your SD card or your phone has enough vacant memory. 5) D on’t forget, carry-on luggage cannot have any liquids larger than 3 ounces. 6) A small sewing kit and a small roll of sticky tape will come in handy. Hopefully this information will help you make your cruise more enjoyable. Much of this article is just plain common sense, but you would be surprised at the number of people who forget common sense in the excitement of the moment. If this is not your first rodeo, we apologize if we have made things too basic. Enjoy your cruise. Seventeen years of experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction makes Stellar Travel the essential ingredient for a happy vacation. Our prices are equal to the biggest discount travel sites on the web. Call Mike at 317-490-3353 for your next vacation and travel with peace of mind.

Call or email me for superlative personal service. Call (317)490-3353 or Email mike-16215@comcast.net TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 11

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THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Chris Dickover considers himself a lucky man. He grew up in Noblesville, a community he can’t say enough kind words about, and he worked as a firefighter in Westfield, a place he also has high praise for. “My whole childhood was in Noblesville,” Chris says. “I attended North Elementary,

Conner Elementary, Noblesville Junior High School, and I graduated from Noblesville High School in 1989. I played football in high school as well.”

CHRIS DICKOVER

“My entire family is from Noblesville,” he says. “At least four generations of my family have lived and graduated from here. My great-grandmother was the first female to purchase a home in Noblesville.”

Chris was also in Future Farmers of America for three years and enjoyed meeting new Chris grew up working on his family farm, friends. Musselman Farms, during his summers off from school. He also worked for Westfield His family roots in Noblesville go back Lighting from 1990 to 2000. several generations. He later became a firefighter because it was 14 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“AT LEAST FOUR GENERATIONS OF MY FAMILY HAVE LIVED AND GRADUATED FROM HERE. MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER WAS THE FIRST FEMALE TO PURCHASE A HOME IN NOBLESVILLE.”

something he knew he would truly enjoy. He likes helping people. “I was a volunteer firefighter, along with my father, Steven J. Dickover, in Durbin from 1998 to 2002,” he says. “In 2000 I started my professional firefighting career in Westfield. I recently retired in March 2023.” Chris had different duties with the fire department that kept him busy. “I was an EMT, a basic firefighter, a member of the county hazmat response team, and a member of the county technical rescue team,” he says. Chris enjoyed working with his fellow

firefighters and spending time with them. “I really enjoyed riding in the fire truck,” he says. “I was a driver for 22 of my 23 years of service. I was fortunate to have 23 active professional years, and 27 total firefighting years of service.” Chris enjoys spending time with his family. “I love living with my wife, Lacy, and we have four boys together,” he says. “We started living in Cicero in May 2022 on Morse Reservoir, with our two dogs, Evy and Riesling.” Lacy says moving was a big change for the family. “This is the first time in 51 years

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 15

that Chris has ever not had a Noblesville address,” Lacy says. “Chris spends a lot of quality time with his parents. They are Noblesville natives, Toni and Steve Dickover.” Chris says he is very thankful for the opportunity he had to serve the Westfield community for 23 years. “As I look back through every run I went on, and I think of all the ups and downs the department has had, I still wouldn’t change a thing about my service,” he says. “I want to thank so many other Westfield Fire Department members for all of their sacrifice, past and present.”

CALL IT LIKE YOU SEE IT REFREPS OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE EDUCATION IN OFFICIATING Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

crap,’ and so they got out of it,” Baltz says. There is a massive shortage of sports officials across all sports, from youth leagues Baltz teamed up with Kyle Armstrong, who all the way up to the NCAA. got his start refereeing intramural basketball, It’s a problem that grows worse each year. and began building out an idea they’d been Fifty years ago the average age of a sports thinking about for a dozen years. “Kyle official was 24 years old. Today the average and I have been together in this space for age is 57 years old. a long time, but we knew it was going to be bad coming out of COVID,” Baltz says. Mark Baltz, who began an officiating career “So during COVID when nobody was of more than three decades officiating gym playing anything, we spent most of our time class while his teacher read the newspaper, developing this online education system blames the shortage on two factors. and the curriculum too, because we knew people would be demanding officials and The COVID-19 pandemic drove many there’d be a huge shortage.” officials into retirement, creating an initial shortage. The shortage was compounded Armstrong and Baltz hit the ground by a large influx of younger officials. Kids running. They started with developing a getting involved in officiating at a young age baseball officiating class. The response from were quickly driven back out of it because of focus groups was positive. They added a ill-behaved parents, bad sportsmanship and football class, then a basketball class, and before long they had enough courses to poor pay. “Kids say, ‘I don’t need to do this 16 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

combine them into a single educational course. Ref Reps was born. Ref Reps is an educational tool consisting of comprehensive officiating courses, including interactive training videos. Complete with instructor guides, support materials, assessments and videos, Ref Reps uses modern education techniques to teach the fundamentals of officiating, whether it be high school and college or other organizations. Ref Reps’ innovative, point-of-view video trainings allow learners to see the game through the eyes of officials, providing an opportunity to practically apply key concepts and build confidence, without ever having to step out onto the field, course or mat.

WATCH VIDEO

Kyle Armstrong

#1 Mark Baltz

Today the course consists of 15 different sports, and is taught in 400 high schools in 30 states and around the world. Ref Reps is partnered with the National Federation of State High School Associations, as well as state associations from around the country. The Ref Reps leaders are working to develop partnerships with professional leagues like the NBA and NFL.

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The founders set out to address the officiating shortage, but it’s had the added effect of giving younger kids an opportunity, teaching them a new trade in an educational environment, and an opportunity for a real paying job. “At the end of six or eight weeks of that class, they immediately can go out and make money,” Baltz says. “They don’t have to get a college degree. They don’t have to do an apprenticeship program. They’re done. They go get licensed and they get started making money.”

Visit OrthoIndy.com to learn more.

Visit refreps.com for more info.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / 17

2024 UPCOMING ISSUES

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FREEZE FACTOR

FREEZE DRIED SNACK COMPANY FINDS A COOL NICHE Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photographer / Ron Wise

says extends its shelf life to 20 years in an airtight container. Freeze drying also makes the product larger and affects the texture. The team prepares, cooks and packages more than 100 products on-site, so whether you like chocolate or fruit candy, there’s something for everyone. Besides candy, Fruit Roll-Ups, saltwater taffy and marshmallows are available. Free samples are offered in store, and several products are $5. You can also build a custom Freeze Dry cup to try an assortment of candy.

hile their products are made using freezing temperatures, business at Freeze Dried Snack Company has been red hot. Brett Lemieux, an entrepreneur, and his family saw the popularity of freezedried foods on TikTok. He bought a machine, brought in his kids and created a

commercial kitchen and retail space. “I’ve never done anything kitchen-wise,” he says. “It was all a learning experience. It’s definitely fun and entertaining, and people have been loving it.”

“Everything kind of expands, the texture and the taste kind of amplify out,” Lemieux says of the freeze-drying process. “You have a Jolly Rancher that expands pretty much 10 times and it’s crunchy now, so it doesn’t stick to your teeth. Nothing is chewy anymore.”

The freeze-drying process takes the moisture out of the product, which Lemieux The store opened in July, and Lemieux says 20 / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

they have several regulars who frequently visit. Freeze Dried Snack Company recently got its wholesale distribution license and shipping is available. You can also get snacks delivered via DoorDash and Grubhub. Two of Lemieux’s children, Maddie and Jaxson, are in college and help with the website and social media. After one Barbiethemed TikTok video featuring pink candy got 90,000 views, Lemieux says 600 orders came in one day. “If you have a good product, people will find you and follow you,” he says. “It’s basically run by 16- to 20-year-olds. The kids are always upbeat. You walk in, you can try stuff,

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and it’s fun seeing the kids and adults try things. It’s just baffling because the people who haven’t tried it, when they try it, it’s pretty cool.” In the future, Lemieux hopes to open a retail space in Hamilton County and dedicate their current space to production and packaging. As the business grows, they’re hiring more employees with a focus on high school and college students. Freeze Dried Snack Company is located at 16851 Southpark Drive, Suite 100 in Westfield. You can learn more on social media, online at freezedryit.com, or by calling 317-750-6666.

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HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Gift Cards starting as low as $10 14165 Cabela Pkwy - Noblesville 8760 E 116th St. - Fishers 2466 E 146th St. - Carmel handelsicecream.com

STRETCHLAB FISHERS

A UNIQUE GIFT FOR EVERYBODY & EVERY BODY 11679 Olio Road, Fishers, IN 46037 317-288-0166

STRETCHLAB CARMEL

2462 E. 146th Street, Carmel, IN 46033 317-689-0842 stretchlab.com Give more than a gift…give an experience they’ll love! One-on-one assisted stretching from StretchLab will help them move, feel, and live better. Gift cards available for single sessions or packs. Get a 50-minute intro stretch for only $49.

COLT MOVING LLC

1310 IN-32, Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 476-3762 www.Coltmoving.com Locally owned. Our goal is to make your move as worryfree as possible. The difference between us and other companies is our team. We attract quality movers with our competitive pay, and we make sure to take care of our employees so they’ll always take good care of you.

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COMO AESTHETICS

1525 S Waterleaf Dr, Westfield IN 46074 317-763-1381 / www.comoaesthetics.com Luxury Med Spa & Beauty Boutique with innovative products and non-invasive aesthetics services. Gift some self-care to that special person in your life. We offer a variety of services from relaxing facials, lash/brow services to injections, laser and much more. Visit our website for additional services offered.

RIVET COFFEE BAR & ROASTERY 337 Jersey Street, Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 763-0007 / www.rivetcoffee.com The perfect gift for your favorite teachers, office staff, and friends. The best stocking stuffer for the coffee lovers in your life. So, make your list and check it twice- a Rivet gift card would sure be nice!

RAHAL PIAGGIO INDIANAPOLIS

YMCA OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS Westfield Aquatics Center, 317-266-YMCA (9622) INDYMCA.org Give an experience this holiday season: Give the gift of the Y! Gift cards in any amount can be used for membership, swim lessons, personal or small group training, youth sports, camp, and more. Visit the Westfield Aquatics Center or any of our 12 YMCA locations to purchase yours today!

THE WANDERING PEACOCK

9830 N Michigan Rd, Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 939-2145 www.rahalpiaggio.com Give the gift of adventure with a new Vespa. Free storage and no payments until 2024. Now is truly the time to buy! Stop by our Carmel location or visit our website. sales@rahalpiaggio.com

317-385-0994 227 Jersey St in downtown Westfield www.thewanderingpeacock.com Explore hand-made pottery for friends and family this holiday season. Christmas ornament classes run each Friday evening in December with complementary cookies and hot chocolate served. Gift certificates are available as stocking stuffers for individual and family classes. Winter team building events offered as well as birthday parties. Happy Holidays!

ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE AT WWW.JANSVILLAGEPIZZA.COM

Santa deliveries!

ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCh bUffET

• offering dine-in, delivery & carryout • take and bake options available • lunch buffet • beer, wine and ice cream • catering available

SANTA WILL BE DELIVERING ONLY ON

December 15 & 16

call today to inquire about birthday parties and fundraisers

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YO UR LUXURY ONE- ST OP BEA UT Y EXP ER I EN C E

Give the Gift of Beauty this Holiday Season

SALON AND MED SPA

SALON • MED SPA • BOUTIQUE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

317-399-7872 / 380 E

C O L L E C T I V E B E A U T Y S A L O N S PA . C O M

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR OLDER LOVED ONES

ven loved ones can be a mystery when it comes to figuring out what gifts you’re getting for everyone over the holidays. Older loved ones can be especially hard to shop for, as they seem to have it all — lifetimes of knick-knacks and keepsakes.

To fulfill its mission of being “local, helpful and personal,” CarDon & Associates — an Indiana-based senior living management company — compiled this list of gift ideas for seniors that stand out from your typical stocking stuffers and even embrace Hoosier history. STORYWORTH: These days, most of us document our lives digitally. But many people of older generations still appreciate the feeling of flipping through the paper pages of a book or running their fingers across glossy photos. Storyworth allows subscribers to create a physical memoir that ages as gracefully as the other books on their shelves. With the subscription, they are emailed a question each week, and at the end of a year, Storyworth will bind their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. This gift is a great way to connect with loved ones across distances, engage a parent or grandparent’s memory, and preserve family stories for generations to come. Go to storyworth.com to start a book for your loved one. AURA FRAME: Here’s another gift that puts an old-fashioned spin on a digital trend, sending photos “from your phone to mom’s frame.” You can preload the frame with your loved ones’ favorite family photos and then add to them all year round. To capture and share life’s many happy moments as soon as they happen, family members can simply email photos to the frame, where they will show up in a matter of seconds. This is an especially great gift for keeping loved ones connected to festivities if they won’t be able to visit during the holidays. With a premium subscription plan, you can also include photo captions, create photo albums and send videos. Perhaps best of all, a digital frame is a great space saver for collecting memories. O, The Oprah Magazine, calls it “the perfect gift for all relatives.” High praise! Learn more at auraframes.com. THE GIFT OF TRAVEL: Catching a plane during the busy holiday season can be quite an ordeal. An alternative that allows for a more scenic route and leisurely trip is renting an RV. This year, make your family vacation an adventure on the open road! CarDon’s own Regional Director of Marketing Beth Cattoi attests that this is a wonderful idea. (Check out the photos from her own RV trip!) THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE: Are some of your loved ones just not into material gifts? Help them ring in the holidays with fun festivities — such as the Indiana Historical Society’s 10th annual Festival of Trees! (Or buy them an IHS membership so they can enjoy its many educational and entertaining exhibits throughout the year). Memberships to Conner Prairie and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library are other tasty slices of Hoosier history to which you can treat your loved ones. THE META QUEST 2 VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET: This gift combines travel and experience with exercise, allowing seniors to take their morning yoga routine to the mountains of Iceland or hike around Machu Picchu. They can also virtually immerse themselves in big stadium games, feeling like they’re sitting courtside for the Pacers or cheering on the Colts all from the comfort of their homes. This virtual reality headset enables loved ones with limited mobility or health issues to still see the world. We hope you find the perfect fit for your older loved ones this season. Happy holidays from the CarDon family to yours!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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