Westfield Magazine July 2020

JULY 2020

MAGAZINE

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Jon Shoulders

JULY WRITERS

Christy Heitger-Ewing / Jon Shoulders Julie Yates / Matt Keating

JULY PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Payne / Eli Beaverson Whitney Williams

SHOP LOCAL!

TRUE BLUE: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS MASCOT TREY MOCK SHARES HISTORY & LIFE OF BLUE When Trey Mock attended freshman orientation at Auburn University, his eyes immediately gravitated to Aubie the Tiger, the university’s mascot who was both athletic and entertaining.

4 ProTeam Tactical Performance 7 Grand Old Flag: Westfield Native

16 Finishing Touches: Sean Sheppard

10 Queue Saver: New Smartphone

19 Student Spotlight: Ava Henson 21 Getting Cheesy: I Heart Mac &

Launches Business Crafting Custom Wooden Flags

Application Monitors Physical Capacity for Businesses

13 True Blue: Indianapolis Colts

Mascot Trey Mock Shares History & Life of Blue

Talks Art Journey & Turning Homes Into Masterpieces Through Silver Crow Studios

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PROTEAM TACTICAL PERFORMANCE Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Jim Sorgi, co-founder of ProTeam Tactical Performance and a former Indianapolis Colts football player, helps police officers and firefighters get the same excellent injury treatment that professional athletes receive.

ProTeam provides durable medical equipment, priority physician access, personalized recovery solutions and preventative fitness initiatives.

“Firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line for us every day, so it’s an honor to work with them to help them be at their best,” Sorgi says. “We initially “ProTeam Tactical Performance was a partnered with the Indianapolis Fire business started by Joey Vandever and Department, placing a dedicated location myself about a year and a half ago,” Sorgi within their headquarters. We have since says. “As former professional athletes, myself added a location in the Pacers Athletic with the Indianapolis Colts and Joey with Center at Grand Park in Westfield, where the St. Louis Cardinals, we understand we work with other municipalities, the importance of treating injuries as soon both police and fire. We are excited to as possible or preventing them before announce that additional locations and they occur. We believe that our tactical partnerships will be coming in the very professionals, like firefighters and police near future.” officers, should have access to the same quality of care as professional athletes.”

As soon as a first responder is injured, the 4 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

staff at ProTeam provides the treatment needed.

“With priority physician access and our partnership with OrthoIndy, we can start addressing an injury right away,” Sorgi says. “With all of the doctors and physical therapists on the same ProTeam Tactical team, information is quickly shared to provide the best care and the most thorough treatment plan.”

ProTeam uses a technology called DARI Motion.

“It’s the only FDA-cleared motion health solution that allows us to get a complete evaluation of the musculoskeletal data of a first responder in about ten minutes,” Sorgi says. “First responders are hard on their bodies. With the DARI Motion technology,

Finally open! we can be proactive to prevent injury and make them feel better now.”

ENJOY A SAFE AND FUN OUTD O OR ACTIVI T Y WI TH YOUR FAMILY

Sorgi believes the client treatment at ProTeam Tactical Performance is truly unique.

“Our fixed-cost model maximizes savings across the board, while reducing days lost and providing the very best care to our tactical professionals,” he says. “We have been able to help firefighters return to work an average of five days earlier, while providing an overall cost savings of over 35%.”

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Sorgi in 2004, and he served as a backup quarterback for Peyton Manning.

“I really enjoyed being part of an amazing team,” Sorgi says. “It was hard work and it was hard on my body, but it was right where I wanted to be. I think that’s why I identify so much with these men and women. They’re a part of a team and if they get hurt or injured, they just want to get back out there with their team.”

Visit the ProTeam Tactical Performance Westfield location inside the Pacers Athletic Center, at 200 East 186th Street, Suite 300 in Westfield.

For more info, call 317-804-3501 and visit proteamtactical.com.

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GRAND OLD FLAG W E S T F I E L D N AT I V E L A U N C H E S B U S I N E S S C R A F T I N G C U S TO M W O O D E N F L AG S

Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Eli Beaverson

When things don’t go as planned in life, one can either get discouraged and give up or make the most of the situation.

Corey McDole’s decision to take the latter approach during a home woodworking project led to the beginning and eventual launch of his current business, Crossed Rifles Wood Flags.

A Central Indiana native, McDole graduated from Westfield High School in 2004 and spent seven years in the Army.

He underwent two deployments during his active military service, including a trip to Iraq in 2008 as an infantryman.

Four years ago, McDole began tinkering with woodworking projects and found that the pursuit served as an effective stress reliever.

“I never did woodworking at all earlier on in my life - it was just a hobby that I picked up to fill my time after deployment,” McDole says. “Adjusting after getting back from being deployed can be an issue for a lot of people who serve. Doing woodworking was a way to keep me out of trouble and bad habits. I started to enjoy doing it more and more.”

Eventually, McDole’s wife asked him to build a wooden gate for their baby in 2017, and while the project didn’t work out, it sent him down another interesting path.

“The gate I made was too heavy for a kid to

open, so I scrapped that idea and decided to turn it into a flag,” McDole says. “I had seen wooden flags before and I always wanted one for myself. I started learning how to make them through trial and error.”

Throughout the following year, McDole developed his own approach to making wooden flags, and as he made flags for friends and family members as a hobby, word spread and he began taking an increasing number of custom orders.

“Word of mouth really helped me out, and as popularity grew with the flags I tried to get better and better at making them,” McDole says. “What started as a side business has turned into almost a full-time gig now. Most of the marketing for this is either word of mouth or on Facebook. I keep very busy now just from the way word has spread through those means.”

McDole officially launched Crossed Rifles Wood Flags as a business in 2018, taking inspiration from his time in the Army infantry for the business name, and he says custom orders for his flags have steadily grown since that time.

“Crossed rifles is the infantry badge, and I thought it would be meaningful to use that as the name, with my background,” McDole says.

McDole starts each handmade wood flag project from scratch, with a pile of lumber and a few tools. Each piece of wood is cut to size based on each customer’s desired flag size and hand-torched to achieve the desired hue. McDole can also add staining, paint, text, logos or decals to the flags based on customer preference.

Everything is crafted with McDole’s two hands - you won’t find any machines or computer-based production instruments in his garage workshop space.

“I can make almost any size as long as it fits in my garage,” McDole says with a chuckle.

“It can be challenging because everything is made to order and there’s no script to it and no template that I can just repeat.”

Customers typically reach out to McDole via phone, email or social media with descriptions and dimensions for a desired flag and will receive an estimated cost and timeline for order fulfillment.

“I can usually get an estimated price back fast and let people know if it’s something I can do or not,” McDole says. “If there are any extensive customizations I’ll let them know what any added costs might be.”

McDole has also started taking orders for wood-based tables with flags on the surface.

“The tables have become one of my most popular sellers,” he says. “I’ve done end tables and tables with drawers. Those are challenging and there’s less room for error with those. People have a certain expectation when it comes to furniture in their house, especially when it comes to a flag that they might want as kind of a centerpiece.”

McDole says he hasn’t turned Crossed Rifles into a full-time endeavor just yet, but the possibility remains strong.

“It fills a lot of my time,” he says. “With it being custom work, it’s hard getting a lot of orders done in short periods of time especially with a wife and three kids. But I do enjoy it a lot, so who knows.”

For more information on Crossed Rifles Wood Flags and to inquire about a custom order, call 317-507-6769, email crossedrifleswoodflags@gmail.com and visit facebook.com/crossedrifleswoodflags.

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QUEUE SAVER NEW SMARTPHONE APPLICATION MONITORS PHYSICAL CAPACITY FOR BUSINESSES “Back in March, we felt like our expertise could help save lives,” Ebtinger says. “Our app synchronizes two or more phones so Marc Ebtinger, co-founder of tech start-up people can count visitors in and out, and Andromeda Galactic Solutions, says his keep an occupancy count. Personally, I company has created a web application called feel a lot more comfortable when a store Queue Saver, which can monitor maximum keeps plenty of room for social distance. physical capacity in businesses. The It also helps keep the employees safer. I application can help local business owners in wouldn’t want to infect other people if I was Westfield, Noblesville and elsewhere. contagious without knowing it.”

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Queue Saver works via smartphone.

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There is no limitation on the number of Queue Saver users, and any smartphone can access the web application.

Queue Saver on three smartphones would allow this store to count customers in and out at each door, and the staff members doing this would know in real time the occupancy. The manager can use the app on his phone as well, so he or she knows the situation in real time.

either QueueSaver.com, or scan a QR code that brings you directly to the right place.”

Ebtinger says Andromeda Galactic Solutions was created four years ago to launch FlexePark, a smartphone-based parking solution that does not require any application to download.

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Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Amy Payne & the Indianapolis Colts

“I felt like I had more in the tank,” he says.

A number of former Aubies had gone on to become professional mascots so he followed in their footsteps and became the Atlanta Falcon’s mascot in 2004 and the Buffalo Bill’s mascot in 2005. Neither felt like the right fit for him, however, so he moved back home to Marietta, Georgia, and was considering going back to school “He was hilarious, and I thought that looked when the phone rang in March 2006. The like fun so I set out to learn how mascoting Indianapolis Colts had plans to launch their works,” says Mock, who, his sophomore own mascot and encouraged him to apply year, auditioned and landed one of four for the position. Mock was flattered but student slots who shared the costume. uninterested and declined the offer. They told him that if he changed his mind to “I learned a lot about how to become a submit his resume by a certain date. That mascot and performer while at Auburn,” night, he found himself sketching out Blue says Mock, who, in 2003, won the on a legal pad, and over the next few days, Collegiate Nationals Mascot championship. he felt conflicted.

Since Auburn’s rule only allows a student to act as mascot for a two-year term, when “The night before the application due date, I he finished his second year, he didn’t want had this overwhelming dread wash over me to quit. that I had made a mistake,” Mock says.

When Trey Mock attended freshman orientation at Auburn University, his eyes immediately gravitated to Aubie the Tiger, the university’s mascot who was both athletic and entertaining.

WestfieldMag.com / JULY 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 13

He shared his regret with his dad, who told him to get his resume together. He then drove his son to the Atlanta airport so he could ensure his package made it on a FedEx plane to arrive in Indy the next day.

“That’s a small ounce of the support my parents have given me through the years,” Mock adds.

Reviewing resumes and highlight tapes, the Colts narrowed the field down to 58 people, then from there cut it to 12.

They flew in their top five to perform a two-minute skit and impromptu session, followed by an interview. The next day, they offered him the position.

Mock shared his sketch of Blue with the organization and explained the type of character he envisioned.

“They initially wanted a rough, tough, mean mascot because that’s football, but I got

hidden gems in the state that many people may not be aware exist such as Amish Acres in Nappanee or the Grissom Air Museum near Peru. He’s now working on his second children’s book about Blue, an anti-bullying story scheduled to be released in 2021.

Over the past 14 years, Mock has earned a number of accomplishments, including winning the NFL Mascot of the Year in 2016 and 2019. In addition, Blue was scheduled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in June of this year. Nevertheless, Mock maintains that it’s not these accolades that mean the most to him.

In fact, he recalls how years ago, he was always chasing a thrill that seemed to elude him.

Mock still recalls running through the tunnel of Lucas Oil Stadium and seeing a mom, dad and twins and wondering which of the kids was Karen. He then learned Karen was the mom.

“Her one wish was to create the perfect day for her family,” says Mock, who spent two hours dancing and throwing the football with the family. “When I waved goodbye, I had the most amazing feeling wash over me, and that feeling stayed with me for weeks after.”

Several months later, while at a Colts game, a policeman told Mock that there was a woman in the stands who was begging to see him. Though he usually doesn’t venture into the stands for fear of creating pandemonium, something told him he “I loved interacting with fans and throwing them on board with my vision of Blue,” footballs from the upper deck and all of that, should go. When he approached the lady, Mock says. she threw her arms around him and started but after the game was over, I’d feel empty crying, then said, “You don’t know me, but inside,” he says. "It’s like I was creating joy That vision was an approachable you met my daughter Karen. I wanted you but not finding true fulfillment.” anthropomorphic horse with blue fur and to know that she lost her battle with cancer, big eyeballs. Blue was first introduced on but Blue, I’ll never be able to thank you for Then in 2010, a Make-a-Wish appearance September 17, 2006, in the Colts’ first home changed his entire outlook on life. Karen’s what you did for my family that day.” regular-season game. wish was to have access to the Colts field so Mock says that, at that moment, the her family could play on it. She added, “If People may assume Mock has little to do Blue could come down to the field and take thousands of fans around them melted away. in the off-season, but the truth is he stays a picture with us, that would be the icing on plenty busy.

“I don’t remember if we won or lost that the cake!”

“This is a 365-day-a-year business,” he says.

“We work on content creation and new promotions, not to mention community day events and schools shows.”

Through the years, Blue has presented shows about anti-bullying, energy conservation, literacy and authenticity. By next year, Mock will have performed 2,000 school shows in the state of Indiana.

He cultivates each show to be meaningful for children while still interesting to adults.

“I go for that Pixar movie vibe where there is something for everyone,” Mock says. “People mistakenly assume my demographic only serves kids but really my demographic is the kid in all of us.”

In 2016, he published “Blue’s Road Trip Through Indiana,” a story that shares all the 14 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

game, but I remember the light switch that flipped in my head when I realized that my purpose in life was not to get laughs or applause from fans but to give them my time and my love,” Mock says.

former Colts cheerleader. Now their family has grown to include two children: Tegan (4) and Gunnar (7).

He cites renowned psychologist Karl Menninger, who had stated that the best way to overcome depression is to find someone in need and do something for them.

“I love impacting other’s lives in a positive way,” Mock says. “It’s been a great life.”

He’s eternally grateful to represent the Colts as a goodwill ambassador.

Trey Mock with his wife Ali and their kids Tegan and Gunnar

“I get to do that every single day through a silly blue horse, and it’s not lost on me that that is a massive blessing and responsibility,” Mock says.

Mock, 39, says he’d like to continue playing Blue for as long as possible, though he admits that the wear and tear on his body is not inconsequential.

“I’ve had four surgeries due to Blue — both knees, shoulder, a staph infection in my right hand,” Mock says.

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Sean Sheppard Talks Art Journey & Turning Homes Into Masterpieces Through Silver Crow Studios Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

As a teenager sitting in Paul Engle’s art class at Brown County High School, Sean Sheppard didn’t know the impact that his hard-nosed teacher would have on him. The Simon Cowell of the art world, Engle didn’t sugarcoat anything for his students but rather told it like it was. One day, he asked Sheppard to point out his favorite part of one of his pieces. When he did, Engle erased it and told him to do it again.

“At the time, I thought, ‘What a jerk,’” Sheppard says. “But he told me I had to learn that nothing was precious in my painting.”

During his senior year, Engle set up Sheppard with back-to-back art classes, and he took his students to meet world-famous Brown County artists such as Bill Root, Dwight F. Steininger and Joe Shell.

“At the time, you don’t realize the incredible training you’re getting,” Sheppard says.

In fact, he says he learned more about art in high school than he did in college.

“I recall sitting in an art history class at IU thinking, ‘How is this going to make me any money?’” Sheppard says.

That’s why when he speaks at local schools, 16 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

he encourages students to study business rather than art.

“If you’ve got a talent, you’ve got it, period,” says Sheppard, who in 2000 founded Silver Crow Studios with David Studley. “But when you get out of school, you’re going to be competing with lots of other talented people. Understanding business is helpful.”

Though Sheppard considers himself a “decorative artist,” he’s a jack-of-all-trades in that he does furniture and cabinetry refinishing, carpentry work, custom finishes on walls and flooring, as well as giant murals and masterful fine artwork for people’s homes.

“In the art field, you have to always be evolving,” Sheppard says.

Recent projects include painting a storybook dragon mural at the Westfield Library when Arin Downy asked for his expertise. He got the idea after seeing the library’s Medieval theme that included a knight.

“I said, ‘A knight needs a dragon, but instead of hoarding all the gold, he’s hoarding all the books,’” says Sheppard, who was also asked

by Paul Estridge to do all of the decorative painting for the new Westfield Playhouse.

“I designed the lobby with artwork and oversized playbills,” he says.

On the heels of that project, he was also invited to paint the Holliday Park mural that features colorful trees, clouds, a fox and an owl.

“I’ve been on a roll lately, which is great because if you watch the news, it makes it sound like we’re all going down in flames, but I’m actually busier than I’ve ever been,” says Sheppard, who has created art his whole life. “I remember making little dinosaurs at my grandma’s house when I was five years old.”

Over the past two decades, Sheppard has been hired by basketball great Larry Bird, NBA All-Star Paul George, and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, whom he has done 57 items for through the years. Last year, Sheppard experienced the biggest thrill of his life when he was commissioned to create two paintings — one to be auctioned off at an Indy 500 event and the other to be gifted to Mario Andretti as a thank-you for being the ambassador for the Indy 500. He got the call on May 10 and was told they needed the paintings by May 16. Sheppard finished putting the paintings in their frames an hour and a half before the start of the event. That evening, Sheppard was asked to stand so he could be recognized for his work.

“Mario’s a living legend so I’m real nervous,” Sheppard recalls. “I didn’t know what to do so I saluted Mario like he’s a general and he saluted me back. Next thing I know, I have Mario Andretti’s arm around me and people

are snapping pictures all around us. As an artist, you dream of that situation.”

Sheppard comes from a family of artists (his mom was a writer and his dad a photographer). Tragically, his mom died in a car accident in 1994. His dad passed from cancer two years later.

“That [kind of loss] shapes you as an artist,” he says. “I have a real thick skin.

I cannot be jarred.”

His upbringing, along with all the mentors and other individuals he has met along the way, has made him into the man he is today — someone who is full of gratitude.

“Every day that I’m doing art, I’m so thankful,” says Sheppard, who plans to continue down this path for the rest of his life. One of his favorite artists, Thomas Hart Benton, passed away at the age of 86, moments after finishing a mural.

“I’m thankful to be in a career that’s got longevity,” Sheppard says. “In art, I still feel like I’ve got the potential to do something really big someday.”

For more on Silver Crow Studios, located at 611 Bucksport Ln. in Westfield, call 317-669-7229.

18 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

JACOB ROBERTS

AVA HENSON SHEA EGGLESTON SPONSOREDBY: BY: SPONSORED

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Amy Payne

Shea Eggleston, a senior at Westfield High School, is being recognized for her outstanding work at Student Impact of Westfield.

Writer / Matt Keating

hang out and get mentorships and guidance. and extracurriculars, to be where I am today, but it has been more than worth it. With all Eggleston says she is excited to be the hard work, receiving this award is even recognized by Student Impact of Westfield. more special.”

favorite teacher, is Erin McKinney, a math teacher at Westfield High School. Not only was she an amazing teacher, and helped me find a new passion in math, but she also was, and still is, an amazing friend and mentor,” Eggleston says.

“Mrs. McKinney has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life,” she adds. “To this day, I try and see her at least once a week just to say hello or have a conversation. It is not only Mrs. McKinney at Westfield, but there are so many teachers like her. I know so many students that have a relationship similar to mine with a teacher and those relationships will stick with the students for the rest of their lives.”

Eggleston says Student Impact of Westfield has also helped her tremendously.

“I attend Student Impact every Monday and Friday and volunteer as an intern/ student leader every Tuesday and Thursday,” Eggleston says. “I love everything about this organization. I love the people who run it and attend it, what they stand for, what they do for Westfield, and everything in between.

part of Student Impact since the fifth grade and will be a member until the moment she graduates high school.

“I started volunteering at student impact my sophomore year, but it wasn’t until my junior year that I was volunteering on a constant basis. As of right now, I volunteer nine or more hours a week, and love every minute.”

an aggressive manner, but in the everyday ways of life.

For more information on Studen Westfield visit therockwestfield.o 317-414-6456.

Eggleston also says she loves living in Westfield.

“I have always felt safe and secure while being in Westfield,” she says. “I love the amenities and opportunities available. I love that Westfield has fun things to do with friends, and also fun things to do with family.” She believes Student Impact is a big part of that.

Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact of Westfield, says says she is thrilled Eggleston has been recognized.

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ENCOURAGES CLASSMATES TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE Ava Henson, a member of the 2020 “I feel extremely humbled and honored to win,” Eggleston says. “My high school journey has been far from easy. During Photography Student Impact,Provided 536 North Union Street, my freshman year, I was diagnosed with Zionsville, is a safe place where students Crohn’s Disease, and missed a lot of school from grades 5-12 can build relationships because of it. I get sick easily and miss more that bring hope and healing. It was started in school than most people. It has taken a 1999 to be an environment where kids can lot of hard work and dedication to school

Westfield High School graduating class, Writer / Julie Yates is pleased that she recently received a Photography provided Hamilton County Youth Service Award nomination.

When Westfield High School senior Jacob

Roberts joined the Best Buddies club in “It felt school, very humbling bepersonal a nominee, middle he had a to very and to be toso. represent Westfield this motive forable doing At that time, he hadinno positive Henson “I take idea that way,” five years later,says. he would be staying the club’sand president.

The self-proclaimed drug alcohol-free very seriouslyshy in my and quiet student a champion life, as I have seenhas andbecome heard of the effects for promoting and recently led they can have inclusion on an individual.

I love aWestfield convocation to encourage his peers to and my school, so it was great to respect of all diff erent levels.” be able people to represent them inability this aspect.

“I originally joined Best Buddies in eighth The 27th annual Hamilton County Youth grade at the middle school. I had just Service Awards took place virtually May 13 gotten news that my brother was going to due to COVID-19 concerns. The ceremony be born with Down Syndrome,” Roberts was sponsored by the Hamilton County says. “So, I really joined just to figure Commissioners, the since Hamilton County out how to treat him he would be Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs different. Throughout that year and my (HCCOAOD), and eachsoofmuch the seven freshman year, I learned more high schools in Hamilton about Best Buddies.” County.

Eggleston plans to study zoology in college.

“Ever since I can remember, my favorite thing has always been animals, particularly of the mammal species, but still animals in general,” Eggleston says. “My dream job has always been something to do with animals, whether that was a veterinarian or a zoo keeper, I did not really know, but I knew it had to be with animals.

Eggleston is proud to say she have been a

“Shea is just an amazing young woman,” Easterhaus says. “She leads with a quiet, yet strong sense about her, despite all the issues she faces each and every day. She puts others first and displays leadership not in

“Once I started trying to narrow down my dream job, I knew I did not want to be a veterinarian, but that is about all I could figure out. I hope one day I can figure out what career I want, but for now, I know it must be working with animals.”

Eggleston noted that Westfield has some of the best teachers.

“Almost every single teacher I have had since first grade I have really liked. With Westfield teachers you can tell they want every single one of their students to succeed, and they try to make that happen. I have had so many teachers inspire me, and make me want to be a better person and student.”

Eggleston has a favorite teacher.

“One teacher that will forever have a place in my heart and will forever be my absolute

Henson was also involved in activities to help the Westfield community.

National Honors Society,” she says. “I also participated in Dance Marathon and was a mentor in the freshman mentoring program.”

“I am involved in the Northview Students Youth Group, Service Leadership, the HCC shoe drive for the Changing Henson is looking forward to the future.

Footprints Organization, and I have also an organizer the for Black “I am attending college atdisabilities Taylor University and developmental Webeen include and acceptfor people whoLives they intellectual Henson answered “I several questions Roberts continues, learned that my from a areMatter (BLM) and planning to study Sportspeer.

Management are paired with a regular education and simply just Westfield be friends.”March for Justice selection committee to earn thewrong nomination. original thinking was completely and protests,” she says. while minoring in Psychology,” Henson The club typically meets on Fridays during I believed thewinner wrong mission.

Thebymission Each school is selected their says. Advisory period. Activities are the CORE Westfield High School is among of Best Buddies is to end the social, physical, many school’s counseling department.

Henson says shenationwide enjoyed playing schools both and sports. organized and foster growing friendships and economic discrimination of those with internationally that offer the Best Buddies between each buddy pair.toOn Oct. 29, and be Henson also plans play sports intellectual and disabilities.

“I had to list alldevelopmental of the different types of Roberts organized and led a special program as a student activity.

Students with “I was a varsity hurdler my freshman and involved in college programs. extracurricular activities that I am involved sophomore year,” she says. “I also competed MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / WestfieldMag.com in, and how they relate to staying drug 20 / WESTFIELD on the basketball team all four years of high “I will be playing on the women’s basketball and alcohol-free,” Henson says. “I had to school, earning a three-year varsity letter.” team at Taylor and will also be involved in write a paragraph about what I consider the International Justice Mission11/20/19 with the Westfield_1219.indd 20 10:54 AM my greatest accomplishments. I also wrote Henson was also involved in school Office of Intercultural Programs, as I have a 500-word essay on why I believed I was activities and clubs. received the Cultural Diversity Scholarship,” deserving of recognition as Hamilton she adds.

County’s Outstanding Youth Service “I was a club leader of the Chick-Fil-A Henson says she loves Westfield and Award recipient.”

Leader Academy and was involved in the growing up in this area.

WestfieldMag.com / JULY 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 19

“What I like best about Westfield is how much we feel like a family,” Henson says.

“I love how our community will stand with each other when we are hurting. No place is perfect, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Indiana. My teachers have taught me how to be a true leader in the world and how to make a difference in someone’s life. Without those teachings and support from the community, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Henson is continually inspired by her parents and her principal.

“Aside from my wonderful parents, I want to tribute this to (outgoing Westfield High School Principal) Dr. Stacy McGuire, also known as Stacy Mac. Her words and support, since day one of my freshman year, allowed me to find myself, and just be me. When no one would notice me in the hallway, she would. Through her examples and loving heart, I became 100% me. Westfield will forever be my home.”

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Phone: (317) 896-3444

www.wittlerortho.com 534East EastState StateRoad Road32 32Westfield, Westfield,IN IN46074 46074 534

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20 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

Getting Cheesy

I Heart Mac & Cheese Opens in Westfield

Owner Matt Griffin with his family.

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Amy Payne

I Heart Mac & Cheese certainly brings a “cheesy” fast-casual dining experience to Westfield.

Owned by Matt Griffin and his wife Elizabeth, the restaurant is dedicated to providing customers with a multitude of delicious macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese combinations. Due to the eatery’s many ingredient options, everyone in the family, including the most health conscious or pickiest of eaters, will find something they love.

For the Griffins, opening the restaurant at the beginning of June was the result of a year’s worth of planning. Matt Griffin, a Noblesville policeman, discovered the franchise opportunity while he was attending training in Evansville. Elizabeth was retiring from the Westfield Police Department and the couple was looking for a business opportunity.

“A bunch of us from the police department

training went to the Evansville I Heart Mac & Cheese, since who doesn’t like mac and cheese?” Griffin says. “It is a top-rated restaurant and I was impressed. It is based in Florida with locations in several states.

Elizabeth and I flew down there in July 2019 to start the process of owning a franchise.”

Like many fellow business owners, the coronavirus outbreak was an unexpected hurdle in the couple’s opening plans.

Diners have plenty of choices. Bases are pasta, broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa or tater tots. Sauces include cheese, marinara, buffalo, barbecue, mojo, pesto, ranch, sesame ginger and mango habanero. The third step in ordering involves deciding what chopped vegetables to add, and the fourth is choosing a protein such as ham, chicken, meatballs and pulled pork. Finally, dishes are finished off with a sprinkle of a variety of cheeses.

If building a custom bowl or grilled cheese sandwich seems like too many decisions, signature chef ’s specials are always on the menu. They include Baked Buffalo Chicken with celery and bleu cheese, and the Cuban, consisting of mojo marinated pork, ham and Swiss cheese. Other options include Visitors to the restaurant can choose from Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken or Meatball a list of suggested favorites, or customize Parmesan, Pepperoni Pizza, and Alltheir own bowl or grilled cheese sandwich. American Bacon Cheeseburger.

If customers opt to build their own, the ingredients range from ultra-healthy to “Kids love our grilled cheese,” Griffin says. indulgent. Dairy-free, vegetarian and “The Best of Both Worlds is made from gluten-free diets can be accommodated, nice, thick sourdough bread with a mac and since vegan meat and vegan cheese sauce cheese, and slow-cooked short rib filling. is available.

Our Lobster and White Truffle Mac is even “We started the buildout in mid-March and didn’t know if we should continue with our plans,” Griffin says. “We prayed about it and pushed on. We’re so happy that we did. We were able to open in June and customers have had nothing but happy comments.”

22 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / JULY 2020 / WestfieldMag.com

better than what I’ve had in fancy restaurants - it’s really good stuff.”

The restaurant also has a catering menu for large portions. Varieties of mac bite appetizers such as buffalo, lobster or pepperoni flavors are available. Entrees include a build-your-own tray, classic mac and cheese, and chicken parmesan.

There are vegan options to choose from, including vegan cheese and plantbased proteins. Also available are sides such as cheesy broccoli and loaded tater tots. To finish it all off, a tray of the restaurant’s famous chocolate chip cookies is a must.

Delivery of I Heart Mac & Cheese menu items is available from four companies. Customers can use the services of Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates. Each company’s services can be accessed online and, similar to the brick-andmortar restaurant, all choices are moderately priced. Popular items ordered are Build Your Own bowls and the Build Your Own grilled cheese sandwiches. Many customers opt for the Best of Both Worlds sandwich and tomato soup for dipping.

As a police officer, Griffin feels his goal is to have a positive impact on the local community, and perhaps make a meaningful change. This held true during the restaurant’s grand opening celebration in June. The owners donated 10% of all proceeds to the Westfield Youth Assistance Program.

“We chose Westfield for our restaurant because it’s a true community, with residents where a lot of people know each other,” Griffin says. “The location is great - it checked off all the boxes we wanted, and it’s a growing community.

Elizabeth was a police officer here for 18 years so we feel we know the community well, and the chamber of commerce was really supportive.”

I Heart Mac & Cheese is located at 637 East State Highway 32 in Westfield. For more info, call 317-804-5785 and visit iheartmacandcheese.com.

WestfieldMag.com / JULY 2020 / WESTFIELD MAGAZINE / 23

WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 116 E Main Street Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 804-3030 westfield-chamber.org

JULY EVENTS JULY 9

Westfield Young Professionals 5:30-7:30pm TBD

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

July 14

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network KW Commercial - G2 Real Estate Group Mr. Right Renovations, LLC Senior Living Advisor

July 16

2020 CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF OUTING

Coffee with the Chamber 8:00-9:00am Community First bank

Luncheon 11:00-1:00pm The Bridgewater Club

July 23

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 @ THE BRIDGEWATER CLUB Please call 317-804-3030 if you would like to secure a sponsorship and register your foursomes. We have a select few left!

Email us for more info: events@westfield-chamber.org

Business After Hours 5:00-7:00pm David Weekley Homes

SWAG BAGS We need to fill 150 swag bags for our golf outing on September 16.

It’s an excellent way to promote your company so bring us what you have!

westfield-chamber.org