Westfield Magazine February 2023

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Westfield Students Join Civil Air Patrol Program

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™ Hamilton County Tourism

THE PERFECT TEATIME Tilly’s Tea Room Celebrates Afternoon Tea & So Much More

THE

COPY EDITORS

JON SHOULDERS

NATALIE PLATT

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

WHAT’S THE PLAN? Boldly Chic Events Takes the Stress Out of Wedding Planning

A FITTING EXPERIENCE The Wedding Studio Helps to Make Dreams Come True

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARK HEIRBRANDT NAMED COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR

IU HEALTH SPOTLIGHT Prioritizing Your Cardiovascular Health

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™ Community First Bank of Indiana

AND THE WINNERS ARE… Westfield Chamber Lantern Awards Recognize the Best of the Community

BOUND AND DETERMINED Kristin Hackman Authors Book Inspired by Personal Journey

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

WESTFIELD STUDENTS JOIN CIVIL AIR PATROL PROGRAM

/ Matt Keating Photography Provided

Two Westfield Middle School students, Cohen Hansel and Jack Feltz, are flying high after learning they will be studying in an aviation program in the fall at the Indianapolis Executive Airport.

Hansel and Feltz will be attending weekly classes, doing flight training, and will even get to fly planes as they reach different levels. The students are in a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program.

COHEN HANSEL

Hansel’s mother, Caroline, says Cohen, a Westfield Middle School student, is extremely excited about the program.

“This fall will be the start of Cohen’s high school freshman year,” Caroline says. “The CAP program is funded through the United States Air Force, but it is not affiliated with Grissom Air Reserve Base.

Cohen’s weekly classes are held at Indianapolis Executive Airport.

“Cohen has always had a passion for aviation,” Caroline says. “He said that when he grows up he wants to join a branch in the military and fly airplanes and go to school for aerospace engineering. Cohen became interested in the program last spring.”

Caroline noted that the classes will be something different each week.

“There will be physical training, character development, safety preparedness, aviation classes, search and rescue readiness and drill,” Caroline says. “Cohen is responsible

for completing reading modules and tests on his own time to further educate himself.”

Cohen, who also plays football at Westfield Middle School, says he is ready for the aviation program.

“It takes dedication and motivation to progress through the program and in life,” Cohen Hansel says.

JACK FELTZ

Jack Feltz, an eighth grader at Westfield Middle School, is also excited about the CAP program.

“Cohen and I are in the Eagle Composite Squadron,” Feltz says. “I became interested in CAP when I heard about it in a presentation during Spanish class that was called ‘About Me,’ by Cadet Hansen. The purpose of the presentation was to talk about himself and his interests that were outside of school. I have always wanted to fly planes in the military, and this seemed like a great opportunity to get involved at my age.”

Feltz says he thoroughly enjoys the program.

“I started into the program as a prospective in the fall of 2022 and have worked to achieve the mark of Cadet Airman,” Feltz says.

Feltz is looking forward to the flight training in the program.

“The involvement depends on the experience level you have during your orientation flights,” he says. “As you get more comfortable, you get more

Writer

SPONSORED BY:

Cohen Hansel

Jack Feltz

responsibility and more opportunities and experience different flight situations.”

Feltz loves being up in the air.

“Flying at higher altitudes is relaxing,” Feltz says. “I find flying a plane to be a peaceful experience that is incredibly enjoyable.”

Feltz encourages other students to get involved in the CAP program.

“I would encourage anyone interested in flight to come visit our program, or another one near them to see what opportunities we have to offer,” Feltz says. “Not only do you get to learn about flight and ground teams operations, but you learn responsibility, discipline, respect, accountability and leadership all while taking your experience to new heights as you work towards promotions. Friendships with those that share a similar love for flight are also a valuable part of the program.”

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

WINTER FUN

It’s time for winter fun in Hamilton County. Warm-up during the coldest season with seasonal activities.

Skate into the season with ice skating at The Ice at Center Green in Carmel. This outdoor ice skating rink offers 90-minute skate sessions. Indoor ice skating is also available at Carmel Ice Skadium, The Artic Zone and Fuel Tank in Fishers. Or take a winter hike at Cool Creek Park, Central Park, Flat Fork Creek Park, MacGregor Park, Strawtown Koteewi Park or on the Monon Trail or White River Greenway.

Take a breathtaking slide down Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes, located in Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville. Slide 700 feet down in custom snow tubes to a soft landing, and then ride the tow line back to the top for another run. If it snows, you can also take your own sled to the 60-foot sledding hill at Flat Fork Creek Park, Forest Park, Simon Moon Park and West Park.

See live concerts and performances at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Their three venues including The Palladium, The Tarkington and The Studio have a full schedule including The Mountaintop, The Dairy of Anne Frank and Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd.

What better way to wind down the day than enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends. From sweet treats to mouthwatering meals, you will find tasty menu options across Hamilton County. Or, help prepare an authentic home-cooked meal from 19th-century cookbooks during Hearthside Suppers at Conner Prairie in Fishers.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal at a local restaurant. Get cozy in an igloo at Field Brewery, Four Day Ray, Urban Vines Winery & Brewery or Vivante at the Hotel Carmichael. Hit the rails to celebrate on a train ride with Nickel Plate Express.

Find more fun things to do in Hamilton County at VisitHamiltonCounty.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

THE PERFECT TEATIME

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Sharon Moore says the story of how she came to open a modern style English tearoom in Indianapolis is a good one.

“My story is ridiculously crazy,” Moore says. It’s not so much crazy as it is magical in the way life’s pieces fell into place. In 2003, Moore moved from her native Newcastle, England, to Indianapolis to work in motorsports as a BBC television producer for Champ Car. After having her children, Max and Matilda (Tilly), she couldn’t travel as much so she began thinking about launching a new career. She contemplated what would be a good fit.

“Being from England, I was complete foodie,” Moore says, who in February of 2015 opened Tilly’s Tea Room in Fishers in a tiny house with just 35 seats. Not long thereafter, the landlord sold the building, forcing Moore to come up with an alternative plan. Fate intervened when a friend told her about an opportunity to move her business inside of Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis.

“In Indiana, everyone remembers the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, so this was a nod to tradition,” Moore says. She opened Tilly’s Tea Room & Café in July of 2016.

“In England, we have Harrods with the tearoom, so this seemed like a good fit.”

The elegant new location more than tripled the seating capacity. This means that it can host bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties and corporate events Those who are hosting parties can bring in décor or balloon arches.

“It was a blessing in disguise coming here because we would have outgrown the Fishers space so quickly,” Moore says. “Not to mention, we never would have survived COVID in that small space with the social distancing requirements.”

A lot of the bridal showers involve 30 to 50 people, birthday celebrations often have 20 attendees and networking events sometimes have 50+ people. Recently, a woman who had her baby shower at Tilly’s Tea Room last year came back to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday.

Parties typically involve an English afternoon tea complete with table runners and fine China. Guests can also partake in a full mimosa bar, champagne bar, or selection of wine. Plus, the tearoom offers a full list of hors d’oeuvres. Many of the brides will have champagne on arrival with hors d’oeuvres then seat their guests for afternoon tea.

Though there is not an official dress code at Tilly’s Tea Room, guests do tend to dress in their Sunday best.

“It’s afternoon tea. That’s what makes it special!” Moore says. “There aren’t many places you can go with a nice dress and a hat or a fascinator and not look out of place. It’s fun, elegant and stylish.”

Tilly’s Tea Room has a loyal following, with many regulars who come in with a group of friends to enjoy afternoon tea, soups, salads and paninis.

“It’s a nice, quiet place to spend a few hours and relax,” Moore says. “It’s not like a hectic coffee shop.”

Prior to the pandemic, people came in during the week for sandwiches, salads and soups with most people opting to indulge in afternoon tea on the weekends. After COVID, however, they serve many more afternoon teas than they do regular lunch menu items.

“I think people were so fed up with living in sweatpants 24/7 that they looked forward to getting dressed up and treating themselves to afternoon tea during the week and not just on the weekend, Moore says, who is currently in the process of getting FDA approval to be the only clotted cream

From left to right Debbie Bossi, Sharon Moore & Kristen Sowell TILLY’S

supplier in the U.S.

Moore laughs when she describes the process.

“That sounds disgusting, but it’s not,” she says. She explains that if you went to a cream tea, your scones come with a jam or a curd. You cut your scone in the middle, then add jam followed by a dollop of clotted cream. When Moore first opened in Fishers, she wasn’t able to order the clotted cream, so she was flying it in from an English woman that had a dairy farm in North Carolina, which was an expensive endeavor. So, Moore began the process of getting the FDA approval.

“English scones aren’t like American scones,” Moore says. “English scones are dry and crumbly with sugar on top while ours is a cross between an American scone and an American biscuit.”

Moore’s favorite part of running Tilly’s Tea

Room is helping people celebrate special moments in their lives. She’s committed to charity work as well, supporting Gleaners Food Bank, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and several cancer charities.

“It’s nice to be able to help on a philanthropic level,” Moore says. She also likes to celebrate big happenings in England. For instance, when Harry and Meghan got married, Moore hosted an afternoon tea in which guests dressed up and wore their finest hats. She’s planning a similar event for King Charles’ coronation, which happens to fall on May 6, the same day as her daughter Tilly’s birthday (the tea room’s namesake).

A ridiculously crazy story, perhaps, but also very much kismet.

Tilly’s Tea Room & Café is located on the 3rd Floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-816-0171 or visit tillystearoom.com

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Planning a wedding is daunting, even for the most organized brides. While it’s only one day in a lifetime of memories, it’s one of the biggest days of many people’s lives. So, who can you trust to help guide you through the wedding planning process?

Megan Painter, a lead planner for Boldly Chic Events, says hiring a wedding planner is essential to the outcome of the big day. She says word-of-mouth referrals are the best source for finding the perfect fit between a bride and a wedding planner.

“While some brides come to us through online inquiries, many of our brides have attended one of our previous events,” Painter says. “Some have been bridesmaids at a friend’s wedding, and they’ve seen us in action. Asking a friend or family member for a referral is one of the best ways to find the perfect wedding planner.”

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

BOLDLY CHIC EVENTS TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF WEDDING PLANNING

What about brides who think they can do it all on their own? Painter says a great wedding planner is there to assist in as much or as little as each bride wants. Some may only want assistance the month before the wedding, while others desire help with every detail.

“You want to enjoy your wedding day,” Painter says. “You don’t want to worry about setting up the guest book or managing the vendors, or finding the bridal party for photos. We’re there to handle everything behind the scenes so a bride experiences as little stress as possible. When you choose a Boldly Chic Events planner, we’re with you the whole day of the wedding. We also bring two assistants to ensure someone handles every detail.”

Painter says she’s often asked about the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner. She says a venue coordinator only handles tasks related to the venue, while a planner is the third brain

for the bride and the groom. She says she produces a highly detailed itinerary for the wedding day and mitigates any unforeseen issues before the bride ever gets wind of a problem.

“We know pricing is a huge factor in planning a wedding,” Painter says. “Many brides come to us with a budget, and we work within the budget to determine where to allocate those dollars where they’re the most important to the bride. We sit down and come up with something personalized for each client.”

Using a wedding planner is an additional cost on an already expensive day, but Painter says the price comes with years of experience and a passion for the industry. She says the Boldly Chic team never wants a bride to look back and wish they did something different.

“We spend so much time working with our clients, we end up having relationships with

them long after the wedding day itself,” Painter says. “We know it’s one day, but it’s one day you remember your entire life. That’s why we’re so passionate about creating the best weddings possible.”

Boldly Chic Events is a wedding planning service in Indianapolis and New York City, established in 2010 by Owner Lori Solomon. For more information, visit boldlychic.com.

information, contact Justin Werkley at 317.877.3611 or justin.werkley@harbourtrees.com

Beach Club Pool Golf Tennis Events

Writer / Alli Donovan

Photographer / Sarah Browning

There are many factors that go into choosing a wedding dress. Most of it is a feeling - the feeling a woman gets when she is in the gown, and she can see that it represents the beginning of the rest of her life, marrying the person she loves the most, living out her dream wedding day and beginning a whole new chapter of her life.

Adrienne Love and her team at The Wedding Studio (TWS) take picking out a wedding dress to a whole new level.

The Wedding Studio is a bridal boutique that focuses on the memory-making experience. Located in Carmel, Greenwood and Louisville, The Wedding Studio provides a very intimate experience for the bride.

“We get to be a part of this very special and very intimate moment of a girl’s life,” Love says. “We try to make it as unique, one of a kind, and memorable as possible.”

The goal is inclusion. Love and her team ensure that every single bride who walks through their doors feels like they belong there.

“We are making a change in how people should be treated, and how they should be loved in any space that they walk into,” Love says.

Every single member of Love’s team is trained and experienced in guiding the bride through the process of finding the perfect dress. What sets TWS apart? The team prequalifies brides before they even step into the studio. Extensive questions

are asked regarding budget, venue, sizing, setting up a Pinterest board and more, to give the bridal team amazing options that brides love before they arrive for their first appointment. This creates a fulfilling 90-minute session full of dresses that match exactly what the bride is looking for.

VIP options are available for an even more immersive experience. TWS has a beautiful speakeasy room for brides and their closest family members and friends, to spend a couple of hours drinking champagne, snacking and picking out the perfect dress.

“It gives the bride a little more confidence when she gets there,” Love says. “The sales associate is educated on everything we have in the store, and she now has all the bride’s information so she is ready to find the perfect dress for her. It makes it a much more fun experience for the bride.”

After purchasing the Carmel location from two women who became very close friends, Love was loved and guided by them toward the position she is in today. As a boss, Love praises and admires the associates who work at TWS. “I have girls on my team who love the way that I do,” she says. The bridal team at TWS puts their hearts and souls into every single bride, to make her the priority while she is in the dressing rooms. Nothing else matters but their bride.

In addition to an amazing team, Love also gives credit to research. Data research, market research, tracking trends, and 10 years of experience are all factors in what makes TWS a premiere shop for all brides. As a result of the information gathered, Love has compiled

a selection of gowns so the bride doesn’t have to shop anywhere else.

The ease of the process, the knowledge of the staff, and the vast number of dresses to choose from allow brides to find everything they could ever want at TWS. Shopping with TWS only requires two appointmentsone to find the dress and one to pick up the dress four to six months later.

Depending on the location, TWS could have up to 36 brides shopping in the store in a single day. Appointments are booked months in advance. After dreaming about this for years, the numbers are surreal to Love. “It’s so fun,” she says. “We want to touch the lives of as many brides as we can, to give them that feeling of, ‘You belong here.’”

So why should you include them in your wedding plans? Love and her teams in Carmel, Greenwood and Louisville are providing a place of belonging, a place of healing, and a place that gives women a feeling of self-worth and self-love. Ultimately the team credits all the success of the business to two simple words - be nice. The respect, love and kindness that the team members show each of their brides, and the lives they are able to touch, drives their passion for this work.

Visit Love and her team at The Wedding Studio in any of their three locations. The Wedding Loft is their sample bridal boutique located in Greenwood. To schedule an appointment, visit theweddingstudios.net. For beautiful gown inspiration and a peek into TWS, follow them on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

TIPS TO HELP FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Writer / Michael Durr Photographer / Jessica Strickland

Many brides and grooms might find it daunting when tasked with finding a wedding photographer. Having captured many weddings myself and having the experience of finding a wedding photographer to capture our own wedding, I wanted to provide some tips on what to look for when you begin your search.

TIP 1: CHOOSE A STYLE

One of the most important things when looking for a wedding photographer is finding a style that you like. All photographers bring a certain look to their work, and you want to be sure that your expectation matches the style of your photographer. You can look at a photographer’s Instagram account, but I would advise going a step further and browsing their website to really get a sense of the style of photography they provide. A word-of-mouth referral also goes a long way. If you know someone that hired that photographer, don’t be shy about asking how their experience was.

TIP 2: PLAN AN INITIAL MEETING

If possible, I recommend meeting your photographer in person or via FaceTime if in person is not possible. It is likely that the person you will spend the most time with on your wedding day will be your lead photographer - even more so than your future spouse. They will be at your side from the makeup chair to the sendoff and you want to be sure you enjoy their presence and that they are someone with whom you’re comfortable. During this meeting you should get a clear understanding of costs and what is included with the fees. You will also want to ask if there will be a second photographer. A second photographer will cost more but it offers an incredible value. If you are someone that likes creative angles, candid moments and incredible portraits, a second photographer is well worth it. Some look at it as an added insurance policy, so no moments are missed. There is no doubt that wedding budgets can be tight but investing in a good photographer will pay dividends for years to come. After the day is over, the images will tell the story of your wedding forever.

TIP 3: BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Not all couples want to have an engagement session, but if you are considering it, I would give you two thumbs up on making that happen. This will give you the opportunity to tryout your photographer. It provides a firsthand experience of how they work and how they interact with you and your fiancé. It is a great way spot any red flags and at the same time, provides you with some great images that can be used for a save the date, signature album or prints. It is also that first step in really creating a relationship with your photographer.

TIP 4: PLAN AHEAD

Once you have officially booked your photographer you will want to schedule a follow up meeting or conversation about the wedding day itself. The flow of the day can be challenging to plan, but your photographer’s opinions and recommendations are crucial. They will know how long certain things will take, like family photos or couples’ portraits. They will be able to spot any unrealistic time constraints and will be able to help alleviate some of that pressure that can build up on the wedding day. Having a photographer that is flexible and understanding is important and by this point, you know they have your best interest at heart.

TIP 5: ENJOY THE DAY

When the day finally arrives, your photographer will be the one to be sure you have the memories that will last a lifetime. The day goes fast and trusting your photographer to deliver on the expectations you set should make you feel at ease. Power down that cell phone and let the pros handle it. Your main objective on your wedding day is to slow down and enjoy it.

Remember not to sweat the images. Your first inclination will be to see the images immediately, but I encourage you to take the honeymoon, relax and enjoy your first weeks of marriage. The photos will come, and it is likely your wedding photographer captured thousands of images. Trust them to curate and process those images for you. Remember, that’s what they do, and you paid them for their style and their vision. They will deliver, and even if it takes some time

to get the digital album, it will absolutely be worth it. My wife and I made a pact that we would not look at the images until we were sitting together. We even hooked up the laptop to the TV, popped a bottle of champagne and scrolled though all the images together. It was a special evening seeing them all for the first time.

Finally, print your images! These days we may not think of print as important but taking the time to either work with your photographer in creating a printed album or taking the time to create your own is worth it. Having a tangible asset to keep on the shelf and pass down to the next generation is something your children and grandchildren will love to hold and thumb through someday.

All the images captured in this article were taken by Jessica Strickland. Being a professional photographer myself, I knew exactly what I was looking for and my now-wife had been following Jessica’s work for years (truthfully, we based our wedding date around her availability because we were so excited to work with her). Jessica delivered on every level, even going far above our expectations. She and her assistant were an absolute pleasure to be around, and we have remained friends to this day.

You can check out Jessica’s work at jessicastrickland.com, on Instagram at @jessicastricklandphotography or you can email her at info@jessicastrickland.com for more information and availability.

SETTING THE STAGE

Happy moments. Joyous occasions. Memories that last a lifetime. These are the simple things in life that drive Rocky Shanehsaz to operate Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center.

Set in the oldest and most established community in Hamilton County, Mill Top in downtown Noblesville offers a historic, industrial-chic venue that dates back 150 years. The building’s original purpose was for producing Kismet flour and much of the original architecture has been preserved through the years - most noteworthy, the recognizable smokestack that is part of the Noblesville skyline.

Shanehsaz bought the building in 2001, just as he finished the successful renovation of Matteo’s in downtown Noblesville. As a local entrepreneur and real estate developer, Shanehsaz then spent nearly 15 years conducting a labor of love to restore and renovate this treasured property. His idea for transforming the space into a spectacular wedding venue came to him one evening as he walked down its wood-filled, brick-lined halls.

“I commissioned an artist to put down onto paper my vision for lofty, industrial ballroom spaces and chic bridal suiteseven adopting a version of the original Mill Top name to keep the rich history alive,” Shanehsaz says.

Now in its 12th year of operation, the venue offers a mix of old-world elegance and modern decor. “We have 160 events scheduled for 2023 and are still booking,” Shanehsaz says. “Of the 160 events, 120 of them are weddings. August and December have the most availability left if you’re still looking for a venue.”

Shanehsaz suggests doing your research and making sure you have a budget in mind when you start to look at event venues, as it can quickly become overwhelming. However, when a decision is made, the team at Mill Top is ready to make the process seamless.

“We have a full planning team to help you with the process, from booking outside vendors, to layout and timelines, to day-of coordination and even breakdown,” he says. “We have larger-than-most bridal suites, and man caves that include kitchens, large dressing rooms, built-in salons, game rooms, massage rooms and so much more.”

Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided

All planning is done in-house by the Mill Top team. Every room is a blank canvas because clients get to customize it exactly how they want, and an experienced event team will help them. Various spaces inside Mill Top perfectly accommodate smaller weddings of 50 to 100 guests, while others can serve larger parties of 150 to 300 guests. Mill Top offers fullservice bar packages, as well as catering by Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, to ensure quality products and service. “I’m in the business of creating happiness in Noblesville, and it’s such an honor to see happy couples start their lives together at the Mill Top,” Shanehsaz says. “My goal is to make every couple’s wedding day the most magical and stress-free experience they could ever ask for.”

To learn more about booking a wedding or event at Mill Top, visit milltop-indy.com, call 317-219-3450 or email manager@milltop-indy.com. It is located at 802 Mulberry Street in Noblesville.

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARK HEIRBRANDT Named COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt was recently honored with a top award from the Indiana Association of County Commissioners (IACC). Heirbrandt was named 2022 ‘County Commissioner of the Year.”

His work across Hamilton County has captured statewide attention since first being elected in 2013. He has been recognized with an additional 5 statewide awards during his time on the board.

“I’m honored to continue serving the residents of Hamilton County, no matter what award I may receive. This job is critical to improving the quality of life for our community,” Heirbrandt says. “Making a difference in the lives of the people that I encounter every day is my top priority.”

Heirbrandt has been responsible for driving and completing many transformational county projects requiring extensive partner collaboration and identifying and securing major funding to

improve the lives of Hamilton County’s residents and visitors. Through Heirbrandt’s help, the county now has a taxpayer savings of $25 million over twenty-five years in new energy-efficiency initiatives and currently maintains 600 miles of roads and over 300 bridges. His work has also assisted in strengthening businesses and encouraged millions of dollars in investments for Hamilton County.

Some of Heirbrandt’s notable accomplishments so far include working to expand adequate infrastructure projects like roads and bridges as Hamilton County continues to rapidly grow. The major challenge is financing these projects while maintaining a tax neutral environment for the citizens. Heirbrandt has worked tirelessly to coordinate a county financing team to model Hamilton County’s future needs against its financial resources. These efforts produced a fresh,budget-neutral long-term capital plan for the county.

Additional priorities for Heirbrandt include a focus on public safety, road safety and infrastructure, cost savings and communication and transparency. He continues to work with Commissioners’ Christine Altman and Steve Dillinger to ensure Hamilton County is at the forefront of positive change.

Writer/ Noah Alatza Photography Provided

“I’ve always communicated consistently and honestly with residents. When people come together with new ideas and new solutions, we have a greater impact,” Heirbrandt says. “In order for our community to succeed, we need to be proactive about providing the best resources while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

Now, Heirbrandt will take his work to the next level. He was also elected to serve as 2023 president of the Indiana Association of County Commissioners during their annual conference.

As president, Heirbrandt will represent the elected county commissioners in the 92 counties of Indiana. He will be president of the IACC’s Board of Directors, which determines policies and legislative goals for the association. The elections were held during the IACC’s 2022 Annual Conference, the largest gathering of county commissioners in the state.

“I’m humbled that my colleagues have selected me to serve in this new capacity, it’s truly an honor,” Heirbrandt says. “This new position allows me to reach every corner of our great state, and I’m hopeful to use the resources at hand to continue to push county government forward not only for the residents of Hamilton County, but for all members of the Hoosier community.”

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT PRIORITIZING YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. Indiana has the fourteenth highest cardiovascular-related death rate in the country. The good news is the majority of CVD is preventable.

HOW TO PRIORITIZE YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

The first step in prioritizing your cardiovascular health is learning your family history. Ask about any heart attacks, heart failure, or heart arrhythmias in first degree relatives, especially disease onset at a young age. If you learn of a strong family predilection for heart disease, don’t be discouraged. Several of the more than 200 identifiable risk factors for the development of CVD are modifiable. The American Heart Association has identified seven of the most common modifiable risk factors. These include normal body weight, healthy diet, regular exercise routine, smoking cessation,

controlling high cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, and managing hypertension. When all seven of these factors are optimized, studies show that people will have 80 percent less heart disease. Check your weight and height to see if your body mass index (BMI) is under 25. Commit to a daily exercise routine that includes 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly. Change your diet habits to include less processed foods and salt while increasing your fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Don’t start smoking tobacco or if you do smoke find an accountability partner to help you quit. If your blood pressure is consistently greater than 130/80 or your average blood sugar is greater than 126 despite healthy lifestyle choices, talk to your doctor about the benefits of medications.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

If you have any of the risks above, do not wait to schedule an appointment with your doctor. There have been several advancements in diagnostics

and preventative therapeutics that can reduce your chances of developing CVD. Some routine screening tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG) that can screen for coronary artery disease or fatal arrhythmias. An ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram utilizes sound waves to directly look at your heart to diagnose valve disease and heart failure. Blood tests can look for high cholesterol, diabetes, and in some patients, genetic testing. An exercise treadmill test with functional capacity can provide a 5-year risk assessment for heart attack, while validated smart phone apps can estimate combined 10-year risk of both heart attack and stroke. In patients with a strong family history of CVD or borderline cholesterol, your doctor might order a CT scan of the chest. This HEART scan looks directly at the heart arteries to quantify plaque burden. Based on your total calcium score, you might be a candidate for medication or other lifesaving pharmacologic therapies.

To learn more about heart and vascular care, visit iuhealth.org/heart.

Writer / Dr. Aaron Whipp, cardiologist at IU Health North Hospital and IU Health Saxony Hospital – soon to be IU Health Fishers

Dr. Aaron Whipp

TWENTY AND COUNTING

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / John Bolinger

February 3 marks Community First Bank’s 20th anniversary. On that date in 2003, Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) made history by opening the first new bank chartered in Howard County in more than 55 years. Since then, the bank has expanded to 8 offices across Hamilton, Marion, and Howard Counties. Robb Blume (chief executive officer and president), Bea Wiles (chief operating officer), and Bob Hickman (chief credit officer) have been with the bank since its founding two decades ago.

“When we first started to formulate a plan to start a bank, everything was a risk,” Blume said. “In most cases our employees were leaving secure jobs to join the team, our directors were disrupting the status quo in the market, and investors and customers were taking a chance based on their belief in our people and a promise - a promise that we would build a community bank that would focus on local consumers and businesses while providing a stable and safe investment.”

Everyone affiliated with CFB is committed to making their communities better places to live and do business. The bank’s commitment to community was unwavering even amid a global pandemic. In 2020, CFB donated more than $96,000 to nonprofits that entrusted the bank to process their Small Business Administration Paycheck

Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP Loan provision of the CARES ACT was intended to assist small businesses/ organizations facing challenges related to COVID-19, primarily helping them to keep workers employed. Each nonprofit donation was equal to the fee the bank earned for processing and funding each organization’s PPP loan, rounded up to the nearest $25 increment.

“We know that, even in the best of times, raising funds in the effort to assist others can be a difficult task. With the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 virus, we wanted to help by putting all fees earned on not-for-profit PPP loans back into the hands of those organizations to be used for the betterment of our communities,” said Blume.

Through the years CFB has been recognized in a number of ways, not only for being a community leader, but also for making a lasting impact on the community. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce named CFB among the Best Places to Work in Indiana for eight consecutive years. The bank was also named Indiana’s Small Business Lender of the Year for 2022 by the Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation, honored with the Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) award for outstanding community service performed in 2020 during the pandemic and named the New Business of the Year by the Westfield Chamber in 2019.

“Our CFB family could not be more grateful for the support we have received from so many since our inception 20 years ago,” Blume said. “What began as a group of 16 employees, 14 outside directors and approximately 275 shareholders has now grown to encompass three counties, eight locations, more than 120 employees, and thousands of consumer and commercial customers. We continue to wake up every day with a mission to continue honoring that initial promise.”

For more info, visit CFBindiana.com. Member FDIC

CFB has two branches in Westfield

CFB’s Robb Blume, Bea Wiles and Bob Hickman

Writer / Steve Latour Photographer / Whitney Moore

For the 39th time in the organization’s 42-year history, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce gathered community leaders, residents and business owners, and recognized the community’s best and brightest.

The Westfield Chamber Lantern Awards had been an annual tradition since 1982 until the pandemic interfered with the Westfield Chamber’s plans for a 2021 ceremony. “We have talented professionals and residents worthy of recognition,” says Westfield Chamber Chairman Steve Rupp. “It was time to bring our community’s tradition back and resume the Lantern Awards.”

The three-hour ceremony was held at the new Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. The event welcomed more than 150 guests, residents, and business and community leaders. Duke Energy served as the title sponsor for the fourth consecutive time.

The following is a list of award recipients and finalists acknowledged during the evening’s program. Names in bold are the award recipient among the finalists.

Community Volunteer Award of Distinction

• Barbara Haehner, Heart & Soul Free Clinic

• Carrie Larrison, Open Doors of Washington Township

Westfield Washington Schools Award of Distinction

• Ashley Knott, Westfield Education Foundation

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

WESTFIELD CHAMBER LANTERN AWARDS RECOGNIZE THE BEST OF THE COMMUNITY

Westfield Young Professionals Hall of Fame Induction

Westfield Young Professional of the Year

• Joshua Andrews, Westfield Washington Schools

• Kayla Arnold, City of Westfield

• Thea Snelly, The Zulu Group, Keller Williams Realty

• Matt Trnian, Grand Park Sports Campus

• Brian Tomamichel, Westfield Washington Schools

Westfield Citizen of the Year Award

• Lisa Brandenburg

• Shelly Brown

• Matthew Deck

• Dr. DeLayne Lefevre

• Gina Terril

Distinguished Service Award

• Diana Peyton

Nonprofit of the Year Award

• Humane Society for Hamilton County

• Open Doors of Washington Township

• Student Impact

New Partner of the Year

• STAR Financial Bank (Large Business Category)

• West Fork Whiskey Co. (Mid-Size Business Category)

• Nori Japanese Steakhouse (Small Business Category)

Board of Directors Business of the Year

Small Business Category

• Dean Ballenger Agency

Mid-Size Business Category

• Greek’s Pizzeria Westfield

• Meijer Westfield

• Sobczak Construction Services

Large Business Category

• Abbott Laboratories

• Community First Bank of Indiana

• Heartland Growers

While the Westfield Chamber has recognized an emerging leader or young professional for several years, this was the first year the Chamber inducted young professionals into a Hall of Fame. Each young professional was recognized for their contributions to Westfield and their profession. Among the five inductees, Kayla Arnold was chosen as the 2023 Young Professional of the Year.

The other individual award of note was this year’s recipient for Citizen of the Year, Gina Terril.

West Fork Whiskey Co., the mid-size business New Partner of the Year, established a new, tourism-based facility in Westfield in 2022.

The large business New Partner of the Year, STAR Financial Bank, is celebrating 80 years of serving the Indiana community - a journey that started in 1943.

The Nonprofit of the Year, Open Doors, was able to expand on our mission of improving the quality of life for residents in the community, with the addition of the annex to the Open Doors facility.

Healthcare

Awards

of Distinction, Sponsored by Indiana Members Credit Union

• Erik Angelotti, Ella Community Pharmacy

• Hittle Floral Design

• Quack Daddy Donuts

Additional information about the Westfield Chamber Lantern Awards is available on the official Westfield Chamber website at westfieldchamberindy.com.

Bound & Determined

KRISTIN HACKMAN AUTHORS BOOK INSPIRED

BY PERSONAL JOURNEY

Having graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in communications, Hackman began blogging before she and her husband started their family, and she has contributed to HuffPost and well-known blogs.

“When my kids were born, I felt like I needed to be all in, all ‘mom,’ and I forgot about me,” she says.

In her book, she compares this all-toocommon maternal vanishing act to working hard to create “the most beautiful and delectable chocolate cake ever” and then offering a piece to everyone but herself.

Writer / Amy Adams Photography Provided

In her new book, titled “Just Breathe, Mama: Finding Your True Self After Misplacing Your Identity in Motherhood,” Westfield author Kristin Hackman opens the pages of her life with honesty, humor and hope.

Though Hackman always wanted to be a mother, she could never have imagined that her difficult road to motherhood would

eventually lead to having four children under age 3 - two-and-a-half-year-old triplets and a newborn.

However, she says it wasn’t until about a decade into her role as “mother, caregiver, nurse, chauffeur and housekeeper” that she decided to add author to her list of credentials.

While this is her first book, Hackman says “pen and paper have always been my outlet.”

Hackman felt inspired to write the book by the lessons she has learned in the process of rediscovering her authentic self.

“It was like something bigger than me saying that I needed to do this,” she says.

And so, in the autumn of 2019, she began writing a book. Although it was a bit stopand-go with COVID-19 and some editorial challenges, her book debuted on September 29, 2022.

“It’s not meant to be prescriptive,” she says. “It’s not ‘This is how you do it.’”

Instead, Hackman invites readers into her own story. She prompts them, through thought-provoking “Reflect and Receive” sections after each chapter, to find “answers from within.”

“Although I’m a father rather than a mother, I could relate to so much of what Kristin says,” says fellow author Patrick Snow.

Hackman says she encourages all who are “so busy serving others that they forget to take care of themselves” to spend more time nurturing their “inner wild child.”

“I love the word ‘wild,’” she says. “I think nurturing your inner wild child means connecting back with who you are and what you want to do. It means getting outside of your four walls and trying new things.”

Though she acknowledges that it might feel uncomfortable at first, Hackman suggests people go on solo dates to spend time discovering who they are and what they enjoy.

“My real hope in writing this book is that someone who reads it will feel seen,” she says.

You can follow Hackman on Instagram @kristinhackman and on Facebook @ kristin.richardshackman, and visit her website at kristinhackman.com. “Just Breathe, Mama” is available on Amazon.

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