Westfield Magazine July 2023

CRAFTY SOLUTIONS

CHAIRS OF HONOR HELPS TO PRESERVE THE STORIES AND LEGACIES OF MILITARY MEMBERS

Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Less than 1% of Americans serve in the Armed Forces, which means many people don’t have personal experience with a friend or family member who has served. While most Americans extend appreciation when they learn that someone is serving or has served, few ask questions about that service. As a result, when our military members retire to civilian life, they lose the opportunity to connect with people about their experiences and we lose the opportunity to get a glimpse into military service.

One local retired Army officer has discovered a unique mission to honor those who have served our country, and he hopes it will preserve their stories and bridge the gap with all Americans.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Roy Adams, who served for 20 years including two tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq, was raised by his father, an Army officer, who believed that all Americans should serve their country. Adams served his country and intended to live this motto out in retirement.

“I was born into a strong military family background that has served generationally,” Adams says. “Both sides of my parents’ family have a family member that has served in every conflict our nation has been involved with, dating back to the Revolutionary War.” Military life is all Adams has ever known, so finding a way to continue his passion for serving the country was crucial to his retirement plans.

The path to finding his calling after active duty would take him

through a stint as a private school headmaster where his son attended. Adams knew it was not his calling, but the school needed someone so he put his military training, leadership and management skills to work and served the school for four years.

Then Adams and his family embarked on an 18-month RV tour to see the country, to give him time to think about what he wanted to do next and where he wanted to live. He discovered that he had an interest in furniture making, and found a six-month, intensive course in the state of Washington. At the conclusion of the course Adams, along with his wife, Amy, and son, decided to settle down in Westfield to start his furniture-making business, Adams Custom Woodworking.

He began posting on social media about his new woodworking business, and customers were not the only ones to take notice. “My retired commander called one evening and told me that he had noticed what I was up to, and he asked me if I would make him a custom rocker like the ones we sat in every evening after combat at our living quarters in Iraq,” Adams says.

“Each night, despite the long, stressful days of operations, the battalion leadership team would gather outside our [container housing units] to process the events of the day,” he continues. “They found great comfort in the handcrafted rocking chairs made by local contractors. Despite the chaotic circumstances they often endured, the chairs served as a comforting way to decompress and talk about

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Roy Adams

the day. Eventually we would end up talking about our lives and loved ones. These were good memories.”

That is when he had a profound realization, and wondered what would happen to their stories after they are gone. That was the moment Adams knew he had found a way to continue serving the country. The power of those stories shared while sitting in chairs brought it full-circle.“I could honor veterans through preserving handcrafted, heirloomquality chairs that would be uniquely tied to their stories for generations to come,” he says.

Adams got right to work and established Chairs of Honor, which became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in January of 2022. Adams has two veterans making chairs now, in Kentucky and Colorado. His intention is to establish a network of makers in every state to impact more veterans, which in turn will help more Americans get to know the veterans living in their communities.

While it is a charitable organization, Adams intends to run it like a business. He formed an advisory board and quickly mobilized.

His first chair was naturally for his commander, who inspired this mission. He delivered the chair personally and recorded his story, returning with a clear sense of purpose.

“I have learned a lot about the making of these custom chairs,” Adams says. “The craftsmanship and attention to detail is fitting of military duty, which relies on careful attention to detail. Knowing that we are preserving the craft of chair making, which dates back to the 17th century, is also very gratifying. Hand-carving a chair can take anywhere from 60 to 80 hours to complete and each chair is self-funded, so the need for donations is great.”

The Chairs of Honor process matches a furniture maker to a veteran, to create a unique chair and provide a storytelling experience

to preserve that veteran’s individual story of service and sacrifice.

Adams says the challenge is for veterans to accept that being nominated through Chairs of Honor is meant as a way for veterans to preserve their stories, which he hopes will bridge the gap in the public’s perception of military service and inspire more Americans to serve their country. Adams believes that if we can encourage more men and women to listen to veterans about their service, experiences and stories, we will rely less on the images we see and more on the faces and voices of the stories we hear.

To learn how you can support Chairs of Honor, go to chairsofhonor.com, and follow Chairs of Honor on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, where Adams will document the entire process of the next nominated veteran.

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHER BRANDON BALTZ Brandon@townepost.com 317.514.9522

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

FOUNDER/CEO

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

TONI EADS

VAL AUSTIN

COPY EDITORS

JON SHOULDERS

NATALIE PLATT

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117

Fishers, IN 46038

Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

AMY ADAMS / JULIE YATES / KRYSTAL DAILEY

LYNDA HEDBERG THIES / MATT KEATING NATALIE PLATT / SARAH BROWNING

CARDIO QUEEN

CHRISTI DEE IS REACHING MONUMENTAL MARATHON MILESTONES

It turns out that people really can catch the “running bug.” Just ask Westfield resident Christi Dee, an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher. The longtime runner has competed in 39 marathons held not only in the United States, but also in several foreign countries. The sport wasn’t always a passion in her life. Initially she had to be coaxed into doing it.

“In 2006 I had a group of eight friends who wanted us all to run the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon together,” Dee says. “I thought they were insane, but in the end peer pressure won out. The feeling I had at the finish line made me want to chase it again. It all started from there.”

In 2008 Dee ran her first marathon in Chicago. Today, entry is through a lottery system, but at that time, if an individual was one of the first to log into the site, they had a place at the start line. It was then that Dee heard about the Abbott World Marathon Majors. She was intrigued by the idea of having a bucket list of events to run.

Sponsored by Abbott, a health care company, the World Marathon Majors Six Star race series is a set of some of the most famous marathons in the world. According to Dee, below .001% of marathon runners ever finish them all. The three held in the United States are the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services New York City Marathon and Boston Athletic Association Boston Marathon.

“On Monday, April 17 I ran the 127th Boston Marathon, which completed my Six Star journey,” Dee says. “This achievement is something less than

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

12,000 people worldwide, and less than 1,300 American women, have done. The Boston Marathon is the strictest to get into. Unlike the other marathons with a lottery system, it has a time requirement. It is the Super Bowl for runners. People train for a lifetime to qualify for it. If you get in, you feel like you have made it.”

The three other marathons in the series are the BMW Berlin Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services London Marathon and Tokyo Marathon. Even though the drastic time changes were a challenge, Dee didn’t let that deter her from participating. She acclimated herself even when first getting on a plane by sleeping when it was nighttime at her destination.

“The time change in Tokyo affected me most because it’s such a dramatic difference,” she says. “But I thrive off any marathon setting and the vibe. You are surrounded by people that you share something in common with. You have all worked hard at a training cycle to get there.”

Dee hopes that the discipline and dedication she has shown toward accomplishing her goal, even when setbacks occurred, is a good example to others. She has found ways to give back to the running community by participating in Ainsley’s Angels, recently pushing a stroller for an individual with Down’s syndrome across a race finish line. In the future she would like to complete marathons in continents she has not visited.

“Running a marathon is so humbling,” she says. “It can break you down, yet make you feel on top of the world when finishing. I don’t know if I’ll ever get any faster, so I am finding fulfillment in other ways. I love to volunteer at smaller races. For me it’s the camaraderie in supporting other runners by inspiring and encouraging them.”

For more information on the Abbott World Marathon Majors, visit worldmarathonmajors.com.

Follow Dee on Instagram @this_blonde_runs.

$20.00

TOP LOCAL Nominations Now Open!

HOW TO QUALIFY

NOMINATE YOUR TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES

To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!

Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher

Listing on TownePost.com

Supports Local Charities

Locally Owned

|

TENDERLOIN TUESDAYS™ ARE BACK THIS SUMMER TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

For more than a decade, Hamilton County has celebrated the iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich each summer on Tenderloin Tuesdays™. Back by popular demand, restaurants along the Original Tenderloin Trail™ are offering discounts each Tuesday, June 27 – July 25.

Sign up for the Tenderloin Trail™ Pass,

a mobile-exclusive passport program. Customers must have a smartphone in order to redeem the offers at participating restaurants. Enter your name and email address and a link to the mobile passport will be texted to you. Save it to your smartphone home screen or bookmark the link for easy access. When you visit a participating restaurant, simply present your phone to a staff member to redeem the

TENDERLOIN FAQS

WHAT IS A TENDERLOIN SANDWICH?

When someone refers to a tenderloin anywhere in Indiana, they’re probably talking about the pork cutlet served on a bun - but go anywhere else and clarification will be needed. Pork tenderloin is pounded thin with a mallet and then hand-breaded, fried and served in jaw-dropping proportion to a toasted bun.

WHAT GOES ON A TYPICAL TENDERLOIN?

Typical toppings include mayonnaise, ketchup and onions. Often, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and mustard are added. As for sides, most are served with chips, onion rings or French fries.

HOW DO YOU EAT A TENDERLOIN?

Devouring the tenderloin is an art all its own. While there’s no wrong way to tackle a tenderloin, you can stack it, edge it, half it or just dig in. Make sure you have extra napkins on hand, because things might get messy.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TENDERLOINS?

While the tried-and-true version is handbreaded and fried, you can go the “healthy” route and order a grilled tenderloin. Local restaurants offer different spins, like the Upland Brewing Co. seitan tenderloin, Rosie’s Place pork tenderloin eggs benedict and Woodys Library Restaurant kettle-chip encrusted or blackened version.

ARE TENDERLOINS ALWAYS AS BIG AS MY FACE?

Don’t be alarmed if you can’t see the plate, and if it seems the bun is far too small for the size-of-your-face tenderloin. This is normal. For those with smaller appetites, check out Dooley O’Tooles mini option.

WHY IS INDIANA SO FAMOUS FOR TENDERLOINS?

As legend has it, Nick Freienstein added a pork tenderloin sandwich to the menu at Nick’s

available discount.

Participants will be automatically eligible to receive a Tenderloin Tuesday™ t-shirt after they redeem deals at four participating locations, while supplies last.

Download your passport and visit TenderloinTuesdays.com.

Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana in 1908 and started it all. Breaded in cracker crumbs and soaked in buttermilk, his recipe is still popular today. Restaurants all over Indiana have their own varieties of the famous sandwich, including more than 50 eateries right here along the famed Tenderloin Trail™ in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Check out TenderloinTuesdays.com for more information. Tag us in your adventures using #VisitHC and #TenderloinTuesday.

FOR MORE IDEAS ON THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON COUNTY THIS SUMMER, GO TO VISITHAMILTONCOUNTY.COM. BE SURE TO FOLLOW @VISITHAMILTONCO ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING BEFORE YOU #VISITHC.

Celebrating 150 YEARS OF HISTORY

Known as one of the best living history museums in the country, Conner Prairie is demonstrative of Fishers’ history and Indiana history as a whole. The museum was built around the home of William Conner, a prominent politician and negotiator who was one of the first white men to settle in this area.

William Conner lived an interesting life and played a significant role in the development of the land that would become Fishers. Born in 1777 near Lichtenau, Ohio, William grew up familiar with Native Americans. His family lived with Moravians, Protestant missionaries, and the Delaware Indians. The Conner family followed when the Moravians and the Delaware were forced

to move to Michigan. William’s father was a trader and established a trading post where they moved to Michigan. Following their father’s footsteps, William and his brother moved to Indiana in 1800-1801 to become fur traders.

Both of the Conner sons married into the Delaware and settled among the tribe.

Dairy Barns at Conner Prairie Farms, 1940

William and his wife, Mekinges, built a log cabin and a trading post on the White River. Despite making his family among the Delaware, William still assisted the U.S. government throughout the War of 1812. He worked as a spy, kept the Delaware loyal to the government, and even identified Chief Tecumseh’s body after the Battle of the Thames.

William became well-known for his negotiating skills. Having experience with both white settlers and Native Americans allowed him to find compromises between the groups. As the white settlers pushed further out West, William played a prominent role in convincing the native tribes to leave their homeland. His most significant impact came from his participation in the Treaties of St. Mary’s. This included six treaties with the distinct tribes controlling much of Indiana, all completed in the fall of 1818 in St. Mary’s, Ohio.

In an ironic turn of events, the treaties negotiated by William caused most of the Delaware tribe to be forced out of Indiana, including his wife, Mekinges, and their six children. Shortly after, he remarried with 17-year-old Elizabeth Chapman. Their home, the Conner house, was built in 1823 and quickly became a center for the community. William continued to increase his position and was a prominent landowner and businessman in Hamilton County. Along with Josiah Polk, William platted the towns of Noblesville, Alexandria and Strawtown.

From 1829 to 1837, William served in the state legislature for Indiana. He also helped to found the Indiana Historical Society and continued his work as an interpreter/negotiator. With Elizabeth, William had 10 other children. In 1855, William passed away, and the Conner house was left to his descendants.

After being sold by his descendants in 1871, the Conner house passed through multiple hands and was largely neglected before being bought in 1934 by Mr. Eli Lilly. Lilly was the grandson of Colonel Eli Lilly, the founder of Eli Lilly and Co. Lilly was the then president of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. and had a passion for history.

Conner House, 1905

He worked to restore the house and develop the surrounding area into Conner Prairie Farm. In addition, Lilly added a still house, a loom house and a trading post. He opened the site to the public and allowed the space to be used for historical reenactments.

In 1964, Lilly passed Conner Prairie onto Earlham College but continued to provide financial support. The college decided to expand the museum, and in the early 1970s, museum director Myron Vourax and folklorist Henry Glassie developed a living history village. The village, Prairietown, opened in 1974 and depicted life in 1836.

In 2005, the museum gained independence from Earlham College, and the two institutions split the endowment granted by Lilly. Since then, the museum has continued to grow. With the Conner house remaining as a central site, Conner Prairie has become one of the country’s largest and most successful living history museums.

The City of Fishers continues celebrating its Sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of incorporation, through June 2023! Visit ThisIsFishers.com/Fishers150 for blog posts, podcasts, historical information and details on Sesquicentennial programming.

We’ve expanded to offer more services closer to home, including clinic consultations, a more spacious, sunlit physical therapy area and MRIs. Schedule your appointment at 317.802.2000. No referral necessary.

Eli Lilly at Prairietown Opening, 1974

Conner Prairie Farms, 1970

William Conner Portrait

Paul’s circle of support.

We never stop searching for ways to move cancer treatment forward. You'll have access to advanced therapy options for oncology — including select Phase I clinical trials. With leading-edge cancer care, your circle of support just got stronger.

Learn more at eCommunity.com/cancer

THIS YEAR, YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY!

Hosted in partnership with Nickel Plate Arts and the Noblesville Township Representative, this art show will showcase artists and techniques for different fabric arts. Check out heirlooms and new pieces and vote

FARMING

August 13, 2-5 p.m. Clarksville Christian Church, 16600 Lehr St Noblesville | FREE, some food for sale

Join lifelong farmers Donald and David Zeller as they discuss how farming in Wayne Township has changed over the decades. This will include a show-and-tell of artifacts. Inside the church, enjoy history displays about Clarksville and surrounding areas.

Outside, experience the Hamilton Southeastern Schools FFA “touch a truck” area with old tractors alongside new Reynolds farm equipment, and old Ford trucks and Model T’s alongside new trucks off the Don Hines dealership lot. Free refreshments, with the Wayne/Fall Creek Lions Club offering food for sale.

ALSO IN WAYNE TOWNSHIP:

August 12 | Taste Of History: Finding Your Farming Ancestors

FALL CREEK TOWNSHIP and DELAWARE TOWNSHIP will join forces and partner with Conner Prairie to create a permanent reminder of the Hamilton County Bicentennial! Attend the Bicentennial Marker Unveiling at Conner Prairie on SEPTEMBER 9. CLAY TOWNSHIP organizers present Vintage Maps of Carmel, an artistic map of Clay Township’s farms and homesteads during the early 20th century. Maps are a keepsake and will be available for free THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER

Diamonds Unveiled The Secrets of Color, Carat, Clarity, and Cut - Your Guide to Sparkling Brilliance!

Sparkling, dazzling, and breathtakingly beautiful, diamonds are every woman’s best friend. But have you ever wondered what makes these precious gemstones so valuable and unique? Let me introduce you to the fabulous world of diamonds, specifically the 4 C’s: color, carat, clarity, and cut. These four factors are like the secret ingredients that determine a diamond’s worth and overall appeal.

First up, we have color. Picture a rainbow and imagine all the vibrant shades it holds. Similarly, diamonds come in a variety of colors, from clear and colorless to fancy and fancy intense hues like yellow, pink, or even blue. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to colorless, the more precious and rare it is. So, when you’re admiring a diamond, pay attention to its color and let the magic of the spectrum enchant you.

Next, we have carat, which refers to the weight of a diamond. Think of it as the diamond’s size or, should I say, bling factor. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond will appear. But remember, size isn’t everything! Sometimes, a smaller diamond with excellent quality can shine brighter than a larger one with inferior characteristics. So, choose the carat that makes your heart sing and complements your personal style.

Now, let’s talk about clarity. Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s crust, and during their journey to the surface, they can develop some internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity grade evaluates how many of these flaws are visible under 10x magnification. From “Flawless” to “Included,” each clarity grade tells a story about a diamond’s uniqueness. Some imperfections can be like tiny birthmarks, adding character to your

diamond’s individuality. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and find a diamond that speaks to you.

Lastly, we have cut, which is like a diamond’s personality. A diamond’s cut is not about its shape but rather how well it has been fashioned and crafted by a skilled diamond cutter. The cut determines how effectively the diamond reflects light, giving it that mesmerizing sparkle. Whether it’s round, princess, or any other shape, the cut can make or break a diamond’s brilliance. So, when you’re shopping for diamonds, look for that wow factor that catches your eye and sets your heart aflutter.

Now that you know the 4 C’s of diamonds, you can confidently embark on your journey to find the perfect gemstone. Remember, each diamond is as unique as you are, and it’s the combination of these four characteristics that makes it special. So, embrace your inner diamond connoisseur, explore the dazzling world of diamonds, and find the one that speaks to your heart. Whether it’s a symbol of love, an expression of self, or simply a treat for yourself, diamonds are meant to be cherished and admired for a lifetime. Happy diamond hunting, ladies!

Discover the enchanting world of diamonds at Smiths Jewelers, your trusted hometown jeweler. Step into our luxurious showroom and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through the 4 C’s, helping you find the perfect diamond that reflects your unique style. From engagement rings to dazzling necklaces, our exquisite collection will leave you breathless. We believe that shopping for diamonds should be an unforgettable experience, which is why we create a warm and inviting atmosphere where you’ll feel cherished. Trust Smiths Jewelers to make your diamond dreams come true. Visit us today and let the sparkle begin!

Uptown Carmel 2271 Pointe Parkway (116th west of Keystone)

Uptown Noblesville 809 Conner Street (On the Courthouse Square)

Uptown Indy 6404 Rucker Road (64th & Binford)

Sunrise Fishers 9767 E 116th Street (116th & Cumberland )

Uptown Market

Enjoy our house-made items at home. Purchase breads, biscuits, muffins, rolls, salads, sauces, dressings, condiments, and more online at: www.uptowncafes.com/shop.

CREATIVITY IN BLOOM

JANUS DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES UPDATES ART SPACE

The creative space at Janus Developmental Services has expanded exponentially since January, and so have participants’ imaginations.

For more than 40 years, Janus has been providing its clients with a variety of avenues for skill development and self-expression. However, throughout the last 10 years, changes in laws related to the Americans with Disabilities Act have led to the phaseout of certain programs to allow for new solutions.

Foundation, Janus brought in representatives from Creative Abundance Consulting in Columbus, Ohio, to help rethink and revamp available space.

As a result, the small art studio toward the back of the building has expanded to include a much larger portion of the facility, allowing for bigger, better and even more creative projects.

In addition, Creative Abundance provided hands-on training for every staff member.

“We were out on the floor by day two learning to mix paint and run the sewing machines,” says Kincaid.

President and CEO Yolanda

Participants now have plenty of room and guidance to take full advantage of artistic opportunities, from painting to sewing to woodworking to collaborative multimedia creations.

“The new art experience has really generated a lot of energy,” says Mary Jane Coffing, chair of the Janus board of directors.

In addition to the upgraded space, a grant from Indiana Arts Commission Arts Project Support provided a portion of the funding for Janus to incorporate photography into the programming for participants. Janus purchased camera equipment and brought in local professional photographer Daniel Grose to offer instruction. Grose introduced participants to photography equipment, taught them how to use it and gave them tips.

“You could see their faces light up like Christmas,” says Grose.

Through the course of several months, Kincaid drove approximately 20 participants on 12 different day trips to take photographs throughout Hamilton County. The resulting open house in May celebrated National Photography Month by showcasing 100 of the prints for sale to the public, in frames built and painted by participants.

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity that has emerged when our clients are given the opportunity to create,” says Kincaid. “It’s been really great to see people blossom and engage on levels they hadn’t had the opportunity to before.”

In June, For the Love of Janus Guild held its third annual Helping Lives Bloom fundraiser at Mustard Seed Gardens. The ticketed

Writer / Amy Adams Photography Provided

event allowed supporters to learn more about the recent enhancements and how Janus participants have benefitted.

Participant artwork is available for purchase, including abstract canvases, a new line of bee baths and gourd birdhouses with updated whimsical designs. Located at 1555 Westfield Road in Noblesville, the Janus storefront is open most weekdays from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To set up an appointment for shopping, call Development and Communications Director Jerry Jamison at 317-773-8781, ext. 100.

Find out more about Janus and how you can support them at janus-inc.org.

TENDERLOIN TUESDAY

The best way to travel the Tenderloin TrailTM is with a passport. Claim yours today for Tenderloin TuesdayTM deals and discounts from more than 35 participating restaurants.

Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com.

Scan for details

JAZZERCISE CARMEL/WESTFIELD

Jazzercise is the original dance party workout!  Our classes combine cardio and strength for a total body workout in 60 minutes.  We have 29 classes per week and a variety of formats to meet your fitness goals including interval cardio, HIIT, strength and stretch classes.  Our community is consists of members of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels.  We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming, fun environment.  Dance your cares away and leave with a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

REVIEW:

OWNERS:

SUSAN DOBBS

ADDRESS:

13642 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, CARMEL IN 46032

WEBSITE:

JAZZERCISE.COM

PHONE: 317-867-5305

RATING:

5 GOOGLE / 4.6 FACEBOOK

Jazzercise reliably gives me an efficient, fun workout with both cardio and strength training in a 60 min class. Instructors and participants are always friendly and welcoming.  The choice of class times work with my busy schedule. I always leave class feeling better physically and mentally than when I started! ~

Joanne Smith

TOP LOCAL

SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE AND LEAVE THEM A REVIEW

NIGHTINGALE AND WILLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

I am a bit different than most family photographers. With storytelling photography,  you and your family will interact with one another (with my help, no worries) and I’ll be on the sidelines capturing everything with my camera. Family connection and spending time together are so important to me and I know they are important to you.  I am a wife and mother and I know painfully well just how quickly time flies.

OWNERS:

LEAH PARKS

ADDRESS:

WESTFIELD, IN

WEBSITE:

NIGHTINGALEANDWILLOW.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/ NIGHTINGALEANDWILLOW

PHONE: 463-201-2148

RATING:

5 GOOGLE / 5 FACEBOOK

I want to capture the special moments that you have with your family.  Like when your baby is playing with your hair while you are rocking him. Or how your toddler grabs your cheeks when she kisses you. I want to get THOSE moments - those MILESTONES  captured so you can be reminded of this special time for years to come.

TOP LOCAL

Asher Galan, an eighth-grader at Westfield Middle School, was recently recognized by Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness for his work with students with special needs. Galan’s father, Alan, says Asher enjoys helping other people.

“In seventh grade, Asher signed up for an elective called Peer Facilitation, which he thought was an office job,” Alan says. “To his surprise, he walked into a special-ed classroom full of students. Most of these kids he had only seen a few times in the hall, so he was a little nervous at first.”

Alan says Asher learned quickly that the students were very accepting and kind.

“They didn’t care what skin color you had

ASHER GALAN STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

or what religion you belonged to,” Alan says. “They didn’t even care what you wore. They were just happy that you were there spending time with them. From then on, he was motivated to help them to the best of his ability, and he loved every minute of it.” Alan says Asher was lucky enough to participate in the program for two years.

“In addition, Asher was asked to join the Joseph Maley puppet troupe in eighth grade,” Alan says. “As part of the puppet troupe, he went to different elementary schools and used the puppets to teach kids about disabilities.”

Teachers and parents took note of how well Asher worked with the special-ed students.

“One of the moms of the students in the special-ed classroom was having a conference with their child’s teacher and asked about Asher, since her daughter talked about him all the time,” Alan says. “She happened to be the chairperson of the Westfield Mayor’s Council on

Disabilities. She asked the teacher to give Asher her number so that she could find out more about him. She was struck by the simplicity of his kindness to others, so she recommended him to be recognized by the Westfield mayor at the City Council meeting on March 13.”

Asher, who will be a freshman at Westfield High School in the fall, has a great perspective on getting recognized.

“I didn’t know that such a simple decision would have such a big outcome for me, especially being recognized by the mayor,” Asher says. “It gave me a real boost of confidence that people really believe in what I do. I also met some really nice people that are working to make the lives of people with disabilities better.”

Asher, a Student of the Month award recipient, says he enjoys school.

“I love Peer Facilitation and algebra,” he says. “I’m pretty sure that I’m going pursue the path of special education, but for my

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

SPONSORED BY:

first year in high school there are no specialeducation classes offered, so I’m going to start with computer science. In my sophomore year I hope to do Peer Facilitation again. In the meantime, I am going to join Unified Track and Best Buddies.”

When he isn’t in school, Asher keeps busy with different hobbies.

“My hobbies are gaming, baseball, animals and, of course, working with special-ed students,” Asher says. “I also foster animals, mostly cats, but I have helped puppies and a rabbit.”

Asher credits his family for always being there for him. He has an older sister who also attends Westfield High School, and two younger siblings at Westfield Intermediate School.

“The people that helped me the most are my mom and dad,” he says. “They help me make connections and pursue important stuff in life.”

FRIENDSHIP SPEAKS VOLUMES

FRIENDS FROM FOUR DECADES HOST A PODCAST

Writer / Amy Adams Photography Provided

Early last fall Suzi Lundergan, 64, attended an event at Urban Vines.

“I would go to these events and I was looking for other ‘gray hairs’ to be friends with,” says Lundergan, who moved to Westfield to be closer to her adult daughter.

She had no idea that within a few months she would develop an authentic friendship with three other women, none of whom she had met, and all of whom were born in different decades.

Faron Luce, 36, had joined the parentteacher association and every committee she could, just to try to meet friends when her daughter started school.

Jenn Foster, 51, realized when her younger daughter left for college that a lot of her adult friendships had revolved around her kids’ activities.

“Now my kids are gone,” Foster had said to herself. “What do I do?”

“You make three amazing new friends,” says Kimmy Kercheval, 45.

And that’s precisely what happened.

Luce, Foster and Kercheval started hanging out at events planned through a Facebook group called Women Building Friendships in Westfield. Then Luce met Lundergan that night at Urban Vines, and recognized a kindred spirit despite the 30-year age gap. Friendship blossomed.

“We would go to the Wine Vault and by the end of the evening, everyone would have joined us in our conversations,” Luce says. “I thought, ‘Maybe other people want to hear what we have to say.’”

Thus the “4 Generations of Friends” podcast was born, with the first episode, titled “Making Adult Friendships Is Hard,” released on December 13, 2022.

Now with more than 20 episodes and a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts, “4

Generations of Friends” has nearly 1,200 listeners, about 30% of whom are men, with listeners as far away as Ireland and Thailand. The women don’t shy away from covering taboo topics like money, sex and religion.

“We talk about things in a very open and honest way,” Luce says. “That’s how our friendship was forged, so we just put it out there. We don’t hold back.”

“But we are all respectful of each other’s opinions,” Lundergan says.

While recording an episode in January, the women realized that, despite all having been married since their 20s, none of them ever had a bachelorette party. So in early April, they took a trip to Las Vegas to rectify that.

“We all wore veils and sashes and shirts that said ‘Bride,’ and people would stop us and say, ‘Congratulations!’” Luce says. “It was just so much fun.”

On June 23 they hosted a bachelorette

party for women in the area. Starting at Jan’s Village Pizza, where Kercheval is the owner, they made local stops for drinks, games, prizes and swag. They have plans to offer a similar celebration in August or September.

“We’re not a closed circle,” Kercheval says. “We want to include everyone and hope they have as much fun as we do.”

Lundergan says they want to encourage other women to keep putting themselves out there until they find the friendship they truly desire.

“People need to find a tribe,” Foster says. “And if their tribe doesn’t build them up, they need to find a new tribe.”

You can listen to “4 Generations of Friends” on your favorite podcast app, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Reach out to 4generationsoffriends@gmail.com with topic ideas and feedback.

TEE-RRIFIC

FORE THE GIRLS BRINGS STYLISH GOLF APPAREL TO THE LINKS

According to the National Golf Foundation, the percentage of women on the golf course rose to 25% in 2021, up from 19% a decade ago. Westfield natives Cailyn Henderson and Margaret Wentz are capitalizing on the increase with their new business, Fore the Girls.

Fore the Girls enhances the experience of golf for women and young girls by spreading endless positivity, and creating stylish, flattering and comforting clothing for all ages and sizes. The brand currently sells the Fore the Girls Blossom Bucket Hat in three different colors, and it is a top seller. It’s popular because it contains a hidden magnet for your ball marker, is washable and adjustable, and can be worn in two different styles.

The company’s motto, “Be the Light,” stands for being a positive influence in every aspect of life, whether someone’s light is motivated

energetically, religiously, athletically or spiritually. The goal is to bring out the best version of their customers through the game of golf with the Fore the Girls branding and clothing.

The brand, built in the beginning of 2022 and officially launched and open for business in March of 2023, is co-founded by Henderson and Wentz, both of whom have extensive golf backgrounds.

Wentz started playing when she was 7 years old, and played in local Hamilton County and Indiana golf tournaments. Later she played for Westfield High School and in college at Sewanee: The University of the South, where she studied international global studies (she’s visited 42 countries). She credits her travels for helping her cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit.

“Cailyn and I came together to plan, organize and create Fore the Girls,” Wentz

says. “We work very well together because we both bring different talents to the table and have similar visions for the company.”

Henderson started playing golf when she was 3 years old and has loved the game ever since. After playing in tournaments since she was 7, Henderson also went on to play at Westfield High School, and then continued on a full-ride scholarship playing for the University of Indianapolis. She doublemajored in graphic design and business, and decided to leave college after three years, noting it was the best decision she has ever made.

“I started Fore the Girls with Margaret, got my real estate license and am pursuing professional golf,” Henderson says. “It is a lot to manage at times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am still trying to pursue professional golf, but I decided to create other jobs for myself so I wouldn’t feel as much pressure. When professional

Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / Sarah Browning

golf is your only thing, it creates too much pressure because you are living paycheck to paycheck.”

The driving factor for Wentz and Henderson to start a business was knowing how small of a selection there is for women and girl golfers. “We have spent our whole life golfing, so we know what is comfortable and what isn’t,” Henderson says. “We know what functions and what doesn’t. There needs to be more flattering clothing options for women and young girls, so we want to fill that gap.”

Wentz and Henderson stress that they also want to put forth a positive, encouraging and uplifting brand.

“Golf can be a stingy sport, so we want to make it fun for women or young girls just getting into the game,” Henderson says. “Knowing the difference we could make in the industry was our aha moment.”

In three to five years, both co-owners see their company evolving with more products like golf dresses, polos and skirts. Additionally, they want to teach the game of golf through social media.

“Coinciding with our future products, we also plan to help women and young girls learn the game of golf through social media,” Henderson says. “It’s a great long-term sport where you can be outside, walk a couple of miles, connect and bond with people, network, appreciate nature, and challenge yourself. It’s a great sport for everyone, and you feel a sense of fulfillment when you’re outside playing with your best friends.”

Locally, you can find Fore the Girls bucket hats at the Bridgewater Club, Crooked Stick Golf Club, Lancaster Country Club and Sycamore Hills Golf Club. You can also see Fore the Girls products at forethegirlsgolf. com, and on Instagram and TikTok @ forethegirls_golf.

Margaret Wentz and Cailyn Henderson

Look what just cropped up.

Here’s a kernel of advice, stop by the Westfield Farmers Market this Thursday for some sweet, sweet corn and so much more. Veg out and enjoy live music at Grand Junction Plaza every Thursday through October 5.

EVERY THURSDAY MAY 25-Oct 5 from 5-8PM at Grand Junction Plaza