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This summer, we’re celebrating Tenderloin Tuesday’s Sweet Sixteen! Over 50 Hamilton County restaurants will offer special deals and savory spins on Indiana’s favorite sandwich on Tuesdays from June 24th to July 29th. Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com to redeem deals at your favorite tenderloin spots. Let’s celebrate 16 sweet years of Tuesday tenderness!
TAKING CENTER STAGE
SISTER CITIES YOUTH EXCHANGE RETURNS THIS JULY
Writer / Alli Donovan
This July, the City of Noblesville will once again open its doors—and its hearts—to international guests through the Noblesville Sister Cities Youth Exchange. For 10 days, Noblesville families will host students, chaperones and dignitaries from Cittadella, Italy, and Nova Prata, Brazil, in an exciting cultural exchange that has spanned nearly three decades and three continents.
Rooted in the mission of promoting peace through mutual respect and understanding, the Noblesville Sister Cities program builds lasting relationships across cultures — one student, one conversation and one connection at a time.
A WEEK OF CONNECTION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
The 2025 exchange begins Tuesday, July 15, as Brazilian and Italian delegations arrive in Noblesville. What follows is an immersive schedule full of iconic Indiana adventures
and meaningful local experiences. From a mayoral welcome and downtown scavenger hunt to hiking the Indiana Dunes and exploring downtown Indianapolis, students will see what it’s like to live — and thrive — as a teenager in Noblesville.
Highlights include attending the Noblesville Farmers Market, a tour of Grand Park, visiting monuments in downtown Indy, volunteering at Teter Farms and enjoying a lake day on Morse Reservoir. But what makes this experience unforgettable isn’t the sightseeing — it’s the friendships.
“These students arrive as strangers, but they leave as friends,” said Michelle Busalacchi, president of Noblesville Sister Cities and longtime advocate of the exchange. “Experiencing daily life in a new country gives them a broader perspective — and memories that stay with them forever.”
A MURAL TO REMEMBER
This year, the program will dedicate a special gift to the City of Noblesville — a new downtown mural commemorating the Sister Cities program. Designed and painted by Frank Hindes, an architect and artist who has chaperoned, hosted and championed the program for years, the mural is being created across three large panels in his garage and will be revealed to the public during a special dedication on Monday, July 21.
Hindes’ contributions underscore the spirit of the program: a deep commitment to building bridges through creativity, hospitality and civic pride.
A GLOBAL LEGACY WITH LOCAL IMPACT
Since its founding in 1996, Noblesville Sister Cities has flourished through partnerships with Nova Prata, Brazil, and
Cittadella, Italy. What began with mayoral agreements and cultural exploration has evolved into youth programs, medical collaborations, economic roundtables and enduring personal relationships. Over the years, Noblesville has even donated a firetruck, an ambulance and essential medical equipment to its sister cities — and this year, the city will continue that tradition with a donation of fire safety gear and uniforms to Nova Prata.
The Youth Ambassador Program continues to be the heartbeat of that mission. Open to Noblesville residents ages 16 to 19, the program offers students the opportunity to represent their hometown abroad every year. In 2026, Noblesville students will travel to Nova Prata, Brazil, followed by a visit to Cittadella, Italy, in 2027.
Applications for the next student cohort will open in early 2026. “It’s incredible to see these students — who come from completely different parts of the world — form real friendships in just a few days,” said Busalacchi. “They realize quickly how much they have in common, and it changes the way they see the world.”
GET INVOLVED
Want to learn more or explore how your child can get involved in 2026? Visit noblesvillesistercities.my.canva. site or reach out to Noblesville Sister Cities President Michelle Busalacchi at noblesvillesistercities@gmail.com.
Because when we build global friendships at home, we help shape a more compassionate, connected world.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SYD’S FINE FOODS
Writer / Emily Whitcomb
Photographer / Kiera Brehm
Syd’s Fine Foods has been a part of Noblesville’s community for nearly 80 years. The newest addition to Syd’s has been there since mid-March of this year, and his arrival marks a turning point in the restaurant. But don’t get too worried — the atmosphere of Syd’s is going nowhere.
David Crutchfield is the new executive chef at Syd’s and The Bulldog, both owned by Crutchfield’s longtime friend Brian Knoderer. Knoderer and Crutchfield want to make Syd’s known not just as a beloved dive bar, but for having the best
“We started making some small changes, making more things from scratch, and hopefully by fall our new menu will be a little bit more reflective of that so that we can start that evolution of the kitchen here at Syd’s,” Crutchfield says. “I don’t think we’re gonna change the type of food, because again, it’s a dive bar and we want to embrace that culture,” Crutchfield says. “We’ll never have a $40 steak or $50 steak.”
Crutchfield assures patrons that classics like the pork tenderloin aren’t going anywhere, and that there will be more additions than subtractions. One such addition is the express lunch menu, meant to get patrons their food within 10 minutes of ordering. Its unique, quick items include the pork tenderloin slider, quarter-pound cheeseburger and (Crutchfield’s personal favorite) the buffalo chicken grilled cheese
Another addition is Syd’s catering option. Food options include spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, charcuterie board, beer buckets and much more.
“But again as we grow and we get the word out, hopefully people will see that hey you know what, I can get a nice $18 steak at Syd’s and it’s good,” Crutchfield says.
The business is about the food, but the atmosphere comes from the people. With Syd’s long history comes employees who’ve worked at Syd’s for over 20 years.
“This is truly one of the funnest jobs I’ve had. Going from structure, structure, structure to Wild West,” Crutchfield says. “I can’t say enough good things about the employees here. I mean I really can’t, and I hate to be nice, but that’s just the truth.”
“I mean this is the restaurant business, don’t overthink it. Let’s make it simple. Let’s make it about the food because that’s what this is all about. It’s about the food. It’s not about Dave, it’s not about Brian — it’s about the food,” Crutchfield
To celebrate Syd’s 80th birthday, Crutchfield will be pulling out old menus from decades past and bringing back some old menu items. Crutchfield has partnered with Banter’s Butcher Shop to provide locally butchered steaks for the celebration. More festivities will come out on Syd’s website as August approaches.
To keep connected with Syd’s, check out the website sydsfinefoods.com, follow Syd’s on social media or call 317-773-6132. Visit Syd’s at 808 Logan St., Noblesville.
CONNECT
808 Logan St., Noblesville sydsfinefoods.com
HELPING PAWS
HUMANE SOCIETY OF HAMILTON COUNTY HOSTS CHARITY 5K
Writer / Renée Larr
Since 1984, the Humane Society for Hamilton County has been a beacon of hope, providing abused and abandoned animals a soft place to land. Last year, HSHC achieved a remarkable 94% placement rate for the 3,836 animals it received—a testament to the community’s compassion and support. The team at HSHC has been instrumental in saving lives, educating communities and building families. However, there is still more work ahead, and the continued support of Hamilton County residents is crucial.
Community Engagement Manager Emma Nobbe says the current needs of the shelter,
along with its most urgently needed items, are updated weekly on its Amazon wish list via HSHCwishlist.com.
She says the shelter continues to be over capacity, specifically for dogs, and is now battling the mental and emotional decline of many animals—more than 50—who have been in the shelter for over 200 days. Finding adoptive homes for some of its longest residents is not just a need, it’s a critical mission. Every day they spend in the shelter is a day they could be spending in a loving home. Your decision to adopt could be their second chance at life.
HSHC’s annual Woofstock Survivor 5K & Dog Walk is approaching on August 9. Nobbe says it is the largest fundraiser for the shelter’s Survivor program, which funds all life-saving medical care, as well as the costs associated with rescuing hundreds of animals at risk for euthanasia each year in Indiana’s kill shelters. The Survivor program is a crucial part of the mission, providing a second chance to animals in need.
For more information on animals available for adoption and to see how you can help, visit hamiltonhumane.com.
TARTAR SHIELD®
INNOVATION WITH TEETH
Photographer / Abbie Willans
A LOCAL LEGACY IN SCIENCE-DRIVEN PET CARE
Headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana, Tartar Shield® has spent nearly 20 years advancing the science of pet oral health. Founded on a belief that daily dental care should be effective, accessible, and grounded in clinical rigor, the company offers a complete line of at-home preventive dental solutions—including its flagship Soft Rawhide Dental Chews, toothpaste, water additives, food toppers, and crunchy treats for both dogs and cats. Every product is developed to meet real-world challenges with formulations backed by research, trusted by veterinarians, and loved by pets.
TURNING A CHRONIC COMPLIANCE GAP INTO DAILY SUCCESS
More than 80 percent of dogs over age 3 and 70 percent of cats over age 2 already show signs of periodontal disease, yet fewer than one in 10 pet parents manage to brush their pet’s teeth every day. The industry has accepted this gap as inevitable;
Tartar Shield® refused to.
PRO CARE Natural Pet
Toothpaste is the first pet toothpaste engineered and clinically proven to meet the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) performance standard, a benchmark of efficacy recognized by veterinary professionals, without a toothbrush.
BREAKTHROUGH CHEMISTRY THAT FITS REAL LIFE
PRO CARE is applied once daily by smearing a small amount along the pet’s gumline. No toothbrush. No struggle. Just daily care that works. Its highly palatable formula is designed to spread with the pet’s tongue and saliva, drawing solely on proven and trusted chemistry to deliver therapeutic benefit. This intuitive method removes the friction that makes daily brushing unachievable for most pet parents, dramatically expanding real-world adoption of preventive oral care.
GOLD-STANDARD RESULTS WITHOUT BRUSHING
In a 28-day randomized, controlled canine study designed according to VOHC standards, PRO CARE demonstrated statistically significant improvements across key indicators of oral health, without the use of brushing or mechanical abrasion. The formulation was well-tolerated by all dogs in the trial and was broadly accepted during administration. These early findings exceed the performance thresholds required by VOHC for plaque and tartar reduction, offering strong evidence that PRO CARE works through chemistry alone. A second confirmatory study is underway, with
VOHC submission planned for 2025. If accepted, PRO CARE is positioned to become the first toothpaste to earn the Seal of Acceptance without reliance on mechanical delivery.
Rooted in Science, Built for Scale
The PRO CARE formulation uses only ingredients that are human-grade, safe to swallow, and selected for antiplaque activity. Its proprietary blend is composed entirely of natural and nature-derived ingredients designed to break down biofilm, suppress plaque-causing bacteria, and reduce odor at the source, without brushing, synthetic foaming agents, or other synthetic additives.
INDEPENDENT PILOT DATA CONFIRMS COMPETITIVE SUPERIORITY
At the 2024 Veterinary Dental Forum, PRO CARE was presented alongside leading pet toothpastes in a Plaque Glycolysis and Regrowth Model (PGRM) pilot study, a laboratory-based assessment used to simulate real-world plaque regrowth and acid production. In the absence of brushing:
• PRO CARE showed 10% plaque regrowth over 4 hours, vs. 175–204% in competitors
• pH remained buffered near neutral, limiting acidogenic activity linked to gingivitis
Most competitor products, across both retail and veterinary channels—including some of the most widely distributed veterinary and retail brands—performed no better than water alone under these specific in vitro no-brushing conditions, suggesting their effects may be more dependent on mechanical action than formulation chemistry. PRO CARE, by contrast, delivers clinical benefit through formulation alone.
DECADES OF SCIENTIFIC PEDIGREE
The development of PRO CARE was enabled by the company’s roots under Dr. George K. Stookey, a central figure in the early stannous fluoride research that contributed to the development of Crest® toothpaste. He later founded Therametric Technologies (an Indiana-based, leading
independent dental research institute) and served on the founding board of the Veterinary Oral Health Council. His legacy of peer-reviewed research and regulatory foresight continues to shape Tartar Shield’s evidence-first ethos.
FROM ASPIRATION TO ACTION: REAL-WORLD IMPACT
• For veterinarians: Finally, a home-care option clients can follow with greater ease, reducing disease progression and the frequency of anesthetic dental procedures
• For pet parents: A guilt-free path to daily care that requires 30 seconds, no tools, and can be enjoyed like a treat
• For pets: Measurable reductions in pain, tooth loss, and systemic inflammatory burden linked to oral pathogens
COMMERCIAL READINESS
PRO CARE is fully commercialready, supported by scalable domestic manufacturing and robust inventory planning. Co-branded education, in-clinic training, and digital awareness campaigns are in development to support launch through veterinary and specialty retail channels. As part of this effort, Tartar Shield is proud to welcome Dr. Emily King, founder of All-Star Veterinary Clinic and host of The Veterinary Roundtable, as its inaugural Veterinary Ambassador.
CLEAN-LABEL LEADERSHIP
Consumers increasingly demand natural, transparent formulations. PRO CARE contains no artificial colors, foaming agents, animal by-products, peroxide, or synthetic enzymes, and is manufactured in an SQFcertified, FDA-inspected U.S. facility.
A CATEGORY-DEFINING FIRST
If awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, PRO CARE will redefine expectations for home-care protocols. Brushing will remain ideal, but no longer the only evidence-based path. By aligning efficacy with behavioral reality, this innovation can shift preventive dentistry from a recommendation few follow to a routine many can embrace.
LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUING A LEGACY OF EVIDENCE-FIRST PET CARE
For nearly two decades, Tartar Shield has remained steadfast in its commitment to science-driven oral health innovation. As Dr. George K. Stookey’s foundational research continues to influence every product—from Soft Rawhide Dental Chews to PRO CARE—our mission remains clear: to deliver safe, effective, and easy-to-use dental solutions rooted in rigorous clinical validation.
Today, pet owners and veterinarians trust Tartar Shield not merely on the basis of claims but because our products are backed by peer-reviewed studies, undergoing VOHC recognition, and tied to authentic scientific and regulatory heritage. Still proudly 2nd- and 3rd-generation familyowned and operated, the company continues to build on Dr. Stookey’s legacy with a long-term commitment to evidencefirst innovation.
Our dental care line is available online through tartarshield.com and widely stocked at central Indiana veterinary clinics, ensuring convenient access whether you’re shopping from home or visiting your local vet.
We believe every pet deserves a clean, healthy smile. Tartar Shield is proud to make that vision an everyday reality—one bite and one brush-free solution at a time. That is innovation with teeth.
REFERENCES
• American Veterinary Dental College. Periodontal Disease. Accessed June 2025. avdc.org/periodontaldisease
• Logan, E.I. “Periodontal Disease: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 2002;19(1):7–13. PMID: 11885288
• Innes, J.F., et al. “Owner Compliance and Clinical Outcomes in a Home-Care Regimen for Canine Periodontal Disease.” Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2014;113(4):584–591. PMID: 24485742
• American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet Dental Care. Accessed June 2025. avma.org/resources-tools/ pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care
PUPTOWN GIRL
KEEPING CANINES COIFED IN HAMILTON COUNTY
Writer / L.S. Miller
Say yes to new places, new possibilities, new people — in short, life opens up when you do. It’s a mantra that Noblesvillebased business owner Christy Smith has lived personally, and one that has led to the creation and sustainability of her now notably successful dog grooming business, Puptown Girl.
“I went to grooming school while I was in college at Ball State,” she said. “I definitely was not pursuing that in my college classes — I have a major in insurance. But I saw a sign up to attend dog grooming school. I loved dogs, and we had dogs as a family growing up, so I thought, OK yes, now that sounds like fun. And I went. It really was a fun thing to try out, and I was able to do it in the summer between my college semesters. So it was a win-win for me. Honestly, back then grooming was not such a big thing — basically, not as many people did it. So I finished, loved it and went back to Ball State after that summer.”
She did, however, work grooming jobs in the interim.
She moved to Lawrence but decided to join a gym in Fishers. It was there, she said, that
she met an entire community of people who made her feel welcome.
“I basically just quit my job and opened up our Riverview storefront,” she said.
“It was just me and my sister, and my mom helped me a few days. That was 2018. I honestly figured it would be just years and years before I’d have to hire someone.”
But it didn’t take long for Puptown Girl to outgrow its workforce — it soon outgrew its physical location.
On Halloween 2022, the business officially opened in its current location. To date, they have 12 to 13 full-time employees ready to attend to your pet’s grooming needs.
“We truly are a full-service grooming,” Smith said. “We can do walk-in nail trims, we do bath and blowouts, haircuts — the whole nine.”
Now 15 years in the business, Smith said that two things stand out as most memorable.
“My little dog is the logo of Puptown Girl.
She’s my first dog — I was in grooming school when I got her. She is 14 years old now; she’s a Boston terrier.
“The logo idea … it was just kind of like I wanted something to always have her around. I still love it. And even though she prefers to nap at home, I do bring her to work with me sometimes. She’s just an old girl.”
Smith attributes much of Puptown Girl’s success to its community.
“We have Noblesville Chatter on Facebook,” she said. “We have tons of clients there saying our names — sharing our business and contact info. So that has been so supportive to our business. We really do have the best pet parents.”
Interested in Puptown Girl’s services for your pooch? You can make an appointment by calling 317-674-8338 during normal business hours or messaging through their Puptown Girl Facebook page.
Smith can also be reached at puptowngirlLLC@gmail.com. Puptown Girl is located at 1155 S. 10th St., Noblesville.
HAPPY PAWS MOBILE SPA 317-599-9971 happypawsmobilespa.com
NOBLESVILLE PET GROOMING
317-770-0450 noblesvillepetgrooming.com
PAW PARTNER DOG TRAINING
800-915-7282 pawpartnerdogtraining.com
PEACEFUL PET FAREWELLS 317-691-7130 peacefulpetfarewells.com
PET SUPPLIES PLUS 317-770-1707 petsuppliesplus.com
PETCO 317-703-1127 petco.com
PETSMART 317-770-0301 petsmart.com
PUPTOWN GIRL 317-674-8338 puptowngirlllc.com
HERMANN VETERINARY CLINIC
317-313-8760
hermanveterinaryclinic.com
LOW COST SPAY
NEUTER CLINIC
317-706-0537
lowcostspayneuterindiana.org
NOAH’S ANIMAL HOSPITAL NORTH
317-818-8554
noahshospitals.com
NOBLE WEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
317-218-3731
noblewestanimalhospital.com
NOBLESVILLE PET WELLNESS CLINIC
317-674-1635
petwellnessclinics.com
NOBLESVILLE SQUARE
ANIMAL CLINIC
317-773-7112
noblesvillesquareanimalclinic.com
NOBLESVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC
317-773-3283
noblesvillevetclinic.com
VCA STONEY CREEK ANIMAL HOSPITAL
317-770-0399
vcahospitals.com
VIP ANIMAL CARE
317-773-3232
vipanimalcare.com
Our apologies if we missed any locations. Please contact us at townepost.com to be included in 2026.
The Sweetest Sandwich of the Summer is Back –TENDERLOIN TUESDAY™
This summer, celebrate Tenderloin Tuesday’s Sweet Sixteen! Over 50 Hamilton County restaurants will offer special deals and savory spins on Indiana’s favorite sandwich on Tuesdays from June 24th to July 29th. Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com to redeem deals at your favorite tenderloin spots. Let’s celebrate 16 sweet years of Tuesday tenderness!
Customers must have a smartphone to redeem the Tenderloin Tuesdays™ offers at participating restaurants. Visit TenderloinTuesday.com and 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 visiting a participating restaurant, simply present your phone to a staff member to redeem the available discount.
After four check-ins, participants become eligible to receive a commemorative t-shirt,
while supplies last.
In honor of the promotion’s sixteenth year, Hamilton County Tourism will also host a Sweet Sixteen celebration at West Fork Whiskey in Westfield on Tuesday, July 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. party favors and live giveaways.
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 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.
Check out TenderloinTuesdays.com for more information. Tag us in your adventures using #VisitHC and #TenderloinTuesday.
