Westfield Magazine March 2024

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024

THE BRIDGEWATER CLUB

WITH HEART

ABBOTT LABORATORIES SPARKS STEM INTEREST AT WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo Photography Provided

In fostering community engagement and inspiring the next generation of innovators, Abbott Laboratories, manufacturer of the MitraClip device, recently visited Westfield High School, bringing their impactful STEM outreach program, One Heart, Many Beats.

This initiative not only sheds light on the groundbreaking work being done at Abbott, but also highlights the diverse career opportunities available in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to Westfield students.

“One of the things we want to do as we look to be good members of our community is interact with the youth,” says Abbott Senior Manager of Business Excellence Nolan Barr. “We want the youth to know Abbott is located within the Westfield community and that there are tremendous opportunities here.”

Abbott made headlines in 2020 with the groundbreaking of its facility in Westfield, the newest site for the company. Since then, Abbott has been dedicated to not only driving innovation in health care, but also becoming an integral part of the local community.

With over 275 employees already on-site and plans to expand to over 650 by 2029, Abbott is not just bringing cutting-edge medical technologies to Westfield, but also providing significant employment opportunities for local residents.

The focus of Abbott’s visit to Westfield High School with their One Heart, Many Beats program was to engage young minds and educate them about the transformative work being done in the field of structural heart therapies.

“It’s exciting to know that one of the leading companies in the world in this field has put a brand-new facility right here in Westfield,” Barr says. “Abbott Labs offers the opportunity

for students to grow their entire career five miles up the road from their high school and still have access to a global company without ever leaving.”

One of the key innovations highlighted during the presentations was the MitraClip device, a transcatheter therapy that revolutionizes the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

During the sessions, Abbott provided students with insights into the development and manufacturing processes behind the device, as well as other products in Abbott’s structural heart portfolio.

By showcasing real-world applications of STEM principles, the presentations not only captured the students’ interest, but also sparked their curiosity about potential career paths in health care and manufacturing.

“By spending time in the classroom, we’re able to let students know how they can get involved in these types of careers,” Barr says. “When students aren’t aware that these careers exist, it makes it difficult for

them to realize that they can be involved in them. If they can’t imagine it, they can’t pursue that future.”

By collaborating with schools and community organizations, companies like Abbott can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, empowering them to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.

“When I was a student I can remember wanting to be an engineer, but not necessarily knowing what that means,” Barr says. “Anytime a student has an opportunity to get a different perspective from someone who works in our industry, it opens up potential opportunities to students.”

As Abbott continues to grow and innovate, their commitment to community engagement remains steadfast.

Through their program, they are shaping the future of health care, and investing in the future innovators of Westfield and beyond. With continued collaboration and dedication, the possibilities for positive change are limitless.

For more on Abbott, visit abbott.com.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

THE

SKIES ALIGN FOR A SPECTACULAR SHOW IN HAMILTON COUNTY ON APRIL 8, 2024

Get ready to be mesmerized by a celestial masterpiece as the communities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns become the perfect stage for the Total Solar Eclipse, when the moon gracefully dances in front of the sun and casts its shadow across the landscape.

Witness the magic of the cosmos with friends and family at official viewing locations like Carmel Civic Square, Conner Prairie, Cool Creek Park, Grand Park Sports Campus, Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center and Strawtown Koteewi Park.

Grab your Eclipse glasses, set up your cameras and join Hamilton County in this celestial celebration—it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Eclipse

ARCADIA ATLANTA CARMEL

CICERO

THE SKY WILL BEGIN TO CHANGE AROUND 1:50 P.M. WITH TOTALITY AT 3:06 P.M.

Hamilton County is in the narrow path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse. These communities will be some of the best places to experience prime views of the epic event.

Arcadia 3m 6s

Atlanta 2m 56s

Carmel 3m 29s

Cicero 3m 15s

Fishers 3m 39s

Noblesville 3m 27s

Sheridan 2m 51s

Westfield 3m 19s

HAMILTON

FISHERS

NOBLESVILLE

SHERIDAN

WESTFIELD

ARCADIA

BREW IN TOWN

NORTHBROOK BREWING COMPANY IS FINDING A STRONG LOCAL FOOTING JUST MONTHS AFTER OPENING

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

Recently opened Northbrook Brewing Company is all about friends and fun. A long-standing dream of childhood pals, the establishment provides a gathering place for the community and a destination for people coming from surrounding areas.

The husband-and-wife team of Drew Johnson and Jennifer Longenecker, along with their partner, Michael Ringwalt, take care to make sure visitors, including children and pets, feel welcome and have a great experience.

People may be initially surprised that offerings like ales, stouts and IPAs are wellcrafted for such a new brewery. However, Northbrook Brewing Company has an interesting backstory. Since early elementary school, Ringwalt has been a good friend of Johnson’s younger brother.

“I began brewing beer in my mom’s Indianapolis Northbrook neighborhood kitchen when I was 17,” Ringwalt says. “It all started when a friend and I got a hold of some beer. My friend didn’t like the way it tasted and he said, ‘I bet you could make beer better than this.’ I’m 100% self-taught. I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I never wanted brewing to be just a hobby. I wrote a business plan for a brewery in college.”

“I came home during my sophomore year in college and Michael was over,” Johnson says. “That’s when I found out you could make your own beer. We started brewing together during holiday breaks. After he graduated, Michael became a professional brewer, working as a consultant and at breweries in Indianapolis. We continued brewing together and would throw home parties such as Springfest and Winterfest. Finally, we thought if we are ever going to have a brewery, we just better do it.”

Johnson caught sight of a posting for a location and as soon as the partners saw it, they knew it was perfect. Nothing was decided hastily, and after a lot of research the equipment of Ringwalt’s dreams was purchased. The decor inside is the result of a collaboration.

Longenecker is responsible for the live green plants, moss mural and the mustsee, uniquely wallpapered restrooms. All the furniture except for the chairs was handmade, and Johnson learned how to

weld tabletops and bases together. The bar is made of wood from pallets and the top is poured concrete. Ringwalt’s artwork hangs on the walls.

Twelve brews are always featured along with briefly available seasonal offerings. Ringwalt shares that often the names come first, and the recipe is developed later. Why Ration Passion came from the bumper sticker on his rugby coach’s car. The popular Make Good Choices was the phrase his mother

called out to him as he left the house. Cartoons and Cereal is made from lactose sugar, rolled oats and fruity hops. The taste is reminiscent of the sweet and tangy leftover milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl.

Brews are the star of the show, but a short food menu is available. A large soft pretzel with everything seasoning is served with beer cheese and spicy mustard sauce. Warm pita bread and veggies surround an ample serving of hummus. The Northbrook Salad,

Italian Deli Sandwich and Roasted Turkey Ham Sandwich are also offered.

What makes Northbrook a great place to meet and hang out with friends are the fun activities it holds. Each Wednesday is devoted to shooting pool and throwing darts. Thursday is Trivia Night. Patrons are treated to live music on Fridays. Saturdays are for watching college sports and Sundays are all about the NFL.

The Nickel Plate Express tracks run right past the brewery, and this fall two successful train rides traveled to Northbrook. Passengers were dropped off at the door and enjoyed a flight, some food and a tour before hopping back on the train. Both rides were completely sold out, and Executive Director Emily Reynolds is currently working with Johnson to develop more train rides for the spring season.

“We are really focused on making the taproom a comfortable and fun place,” Johnson says. “Most of our friendly staff have a connection to education. They are knowledgeable and they can help those new to craft beer find something they like. Also important to us is to source local. We use apples from Wilson Farm Market and coffee from Dark Side Roasters in Cicero.”

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing anything,” Ringwalt adds. “Any troubles are eased by that. Hard days here are not hard days.”

Northbrook Brewing Company is located at 119 West Main Street in Arcadia. For more info, visit northbrookbrewing.com or call 317-640-0208. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

Spring is Closer Than You Think

There are plenty of things to do with your family right here in Hamilton County. Get out of the house and take your kids on family-friendly adventures at local parks and attractions to beat the winter blues.

IKEA AND TOPGOLF

Fun fact: Fishers is home to Indiana’s only IKEA and Topgolf. Even if you’re not redesigning your home, IKEA is a fun place to explore. You could even create your own scavenger hunt or “I Spy” challenge to keep the kids entertained. Don’t forget the iconic Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria! After all that shopping, head across the street to Topgolf, a premier entertainment venue where you can challenge each other to addictive point-scoring golf games – no experience necessary.

CONNER PRAIRIE

Spring is when the outdoor grounds at Conner Prairie in Fishers come alive. Your first stop should be the Animal Encounters barn to visit with the baby goats and sheep. Take a ride high in the sky on the 1859 Balloon Voyage, as weather permits. On a clear day, you can even see the downtown Indianapolis skyline. Then, make your way to Treetop Outpost to explore a three-story treehouse, connect with nature and see stunning views of the White River.

STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI PARK

Did you know this is Hamilton County’s largest park at more than 900 acres? There’s more to explore beyond the eight miles of trails. Book a guided horseback trail ride or pony ride with K-Trails Equestrian Adventures. Or, try your hand at using a bow and arrow at Koteewi Range: Sport and Target Archery Center. If you want a thrilling adventure, visit Edge Adventures Koteewi: Aerial Adventure Park to conquer treetop trails, ziplines and your fear of heights.

PARKS AND TRAILS

Hamilton County has 600+ miles of trails and dozens of great parks. Get your bikes out of the garage and pedal along the Monon Trail, connecting through Sheridan, Westfield, Carmel and south to Indianapolis. Must-see parks in the area for families include local favorites like Central Park in Carmel, Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, Forest Park in Noblesville and Cool Creek Park and Nature Center in Westfield.

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS

Spring weather in Indiana can be unpredictable. If the forecast calls for a rainy day, take your adventure inside and visit the indoor waterpark at the Monon Community Center, The Escape Room, K1 Speed, Laser Flash or Pinheads for all-day entertainment. For more information, check

BETTER BANKING

COMMUNITY FIRST BANK OF INDIANA HAS THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICE NEEDED FOR AFFORDING YOUR NEXT HOME

In a market where housing inventories are short, home prices are on the rise, and four out of five homeowners have an interest rate of less than 5%, Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) has the resources to cushion the blow of affordability for those buyers ready to dive into homeownership.

“While rates can foreseeably be lowered in the coming months, we will not see rates at the all-time low of two to three percent as previously seen in the past,” says Richard Candelaria, mortgage junior underwriter for Community First Bank of Indiana. “Home prices, however, will be on the rise in our market.”

First-time homebuyers face the pressuring rise in rental costs on an annual basis that has in some cases forced their hand in entering the housing market sooner than

they would have anticipated. For those who have considered or are already on the hunt for their first home purchase, Community First Bank of Indiana Mortgage has the loan programs and grants at our disposal to ensure that your goal of homeownership is achieved.

HomeReady is a loan program that caters to both first-time and current homeowners. To qualify for the mortgage as a first-time home buyer, you must complete an online course provided by Fannie Mae. The course gives a breakdown of the entire home buying process in great detail, and once completed you are awarded a certificate of completion. It is a unique conventional loan that only requires a minimum down payment of 3.00% versus the traditional 5.00%.

To qualify, borrowers must be within 80% of the area’s median income. Access a median income lookup tool here: ami-lookup-tool.

CommunityMAX is a new 100% financing program that allows a borrower to loan up to the entire purchase price of the home they are buying. In this scenario, there are two mortgages that you are promising to repay: the primary mortgage for the home and a secondary mortgage for the 3.5% down payment. Each mortgage has separate terms and rates. This eases the burden of producing a down payment, and only requires the borrower to cover closing costs and prepaid items. There are no income limits on this product and you do not have to be a first-time homebuyer, but the property does have to be eligible for Federal Housing Administration financing.

Homeownership Opportunities Program (HOP) is a grant that exclusive community banks, such as CFB, have access to. It is a first-time homebuyer’s dream when it

fanniemae.com.

comes to grants. You can access up to $20,000 in funds for down payment, closing costs, prepaid items or appraisal.

To receive the funds, borrowers must fall within 80% of the area median income, based on the specified year, household size and location of the property. One of the caveats to the grant is you must put $500 of your own dollars into the transaction, which is easily met typically with earnest-money deposit. While there is a litany of qualifications to be met for this grant, the relief and hope it can provide to the right person or household is life changing. This grant will be available come the middle of May this year. It is first come, first served, and when funds run out, they are gone.

HomeBoost Minority Down Payment Assistance Program is similar to HOP, but with the emphasis on being a minority. The grant defines a minority as anyone who identifies as the following: Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or black or African American. While there are limitations to your income, it is at 120% of the area median income rather than 80% with HOP. The buyer’s contribution toward the purchase must hit the $500 minimum of their own funds and they can receive up to $15,000 toward down payment, closing costs, prepaid items or appraisal.

2023 was the pilot round for HomeBoost and it launched in early September. As of when this article was written, there are no dates announced for when it will launch in 2024.

Teaching young kids the importance of saving money is a valuable life skill that can set the foundation for a financially responsible future. With the advent of relevant technology, several online apps cater specifically to young children, making the process of learning about money engaging and interactive. Here are some online apps (some free and some that require a fee) for young kids to start saving money:

PIGGYBOT:

• PiggyBot is a digital piggy bank that allows kids to set savings goals and visually track their progress. It’s a simple and intuitive app that helps children understand the concept of saving and budgeting. PiggyBot is available in the App Store.

IALLOWANCE:

• iAllowance is a comprehensive app that not only teaches kids about saving, but also helps parents manage allowances and chores. It allows parents to set up recurring allowances, assign chores, and track their children’s spending and saving habits. jumpgapsoftware.com

MONEY MINDED

ONLINE APPS CAN HELP KIDS SAVEAND INCREASE FINANCIAL

BANKAROO:

• Bankaroo is an online platform designed to introduce kids to the basics of budgeting and saving. Children can create their virtual bank accounts, set savings goals and track their allowances. The app also provides insights into financial concepts in a kid-friendly manner. bankaroo.com

PIGGYVEST KIDS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PIGGYBANKNG):

• PiggyVest Kids is an extension of the popular savings app PiggyVest, tailored specifically for kids. It allows parents to create savings plans for their children and introduces them to the concept of earning interest on their savings. piggyvest.com

ISAVEMONEY:

• iSaveMoney is an app that caters to both parents and children. Kids can set savings goals, track their spending and understand the value of money, while parents can monitor and guide their children through the process. isavemoney.app

GREENLIGHT:

• Greenlight is a family finance app that includes a feature for kids to manage their money. Parents can set up chores, allowances, and even create savings goals for their children. The app also offers a prepaid debit card for kids, controlled by parents. greenlight.com

SAVINGS SPREE:

• Savings Spree is an educational game app that teaches kids about the value of money and the consequences of spending. It engages children in a fun way, allowing them to make virtual spending decisions and learn from the outcomes. Available in the App Store for a fee.

BUSYKID:

• BusyKid is an app that combines chores, allowance, and investment education. Children can earn money by completing chores, and parents can choose to allocate a portion of that money for saving, spending and even investing in real stock. busykid.com

THE PIGGY BOX:

• The Piggy Box is an app that focuses on the concept of sharing, saving and spending. It encourages kids to allocate their money into these three categories, fostering a balanced approach to managing finances. thepiggybox.com

MONEYTIME:

• MoneyTime is an app that turns learning about money into a game. It covers various financial concepts such as earning, saving, spending and giving, making it an engaging and educational tool for young kids. moneytimekids.com

These apps not only make saving money a tangible and interactive experience for kids, but also provide parents with tools to guide and monitor their children’s financial activities. By introducing these apps early on, parents can instill smart money habits in their kids, setting them on the path toward financial literacy and responsibility.

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE BRIGHTER with COSMO’S KIDS CLUB!

Good financial habits start early in life. Teach your children the value of savings with Cosmo’s Kids Club, a program for kids 12 and under. Cosmo’s Kids Club allows parents, grandparents and family members to help save money for a child’s future.

• Access to funds by those authorized on the account • No set-up fee

• No monthly service fee

No minimum balance required

NAVIGATING HOME LOANS AND UNDERSTANDING THE ADVANTAGES OF LOCAL LENDERS

Writer / Aaron Holland Photography Provided

When you’re in the process of buying a home, securing a mortgage becomes a crucial step. There are various lenders to choose from, ranging from large national institutions to smaller local ones. Let’s discuss why opting for a local lender may be your best choice.

To begin with, the mortgage world can be overwhelming with its numerous rules and choices. While big national lenders might seem appealing due to their size and use of technology, local lenders are better acquainted with your community and can offer distinct advantages. Local lenders are woven into the fabric of your community, understanding the local landscape and having connections with key players like real estate professionals. This familiarity makes the mortgage process more streamlined for you. They serve as the local experts, guiding you through the home buying journey.

Consider the value of face-to-face communication. Local lenders arrange in-person meetings to discuss your financial goals. This

personal touch not only simplifies the process, but also enhances your understanding of the nuances of mortgages. In contrast, larger lenders often rely on digital communication, which may not be as clear cut.

Another noteworthy aspect of local lenders is their adaptability and quick response. The mortgage landscape is ever changing and local lenders possess the ability to promptly adjust their plans to align with local trends and conditions, as well as your personal schedule.

So, when you’re deciding on the source of your home loan, you may want to consider working with a local lender. At Cross Country Mortgage, we pride ourselves on getting to know you and your home buying dreams, and turning them into a reality. With over 100 products to offer, we have the solutions, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, self-employed professional or an investor. If you have questions, please call me at 317-809-1048 or email me at aaron.holland@ccm.com.

2024 DIRECTORY & RELOCATION GUIDE

TARGET YOUR MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCAL

and NEW MOVERS

MARCH 8, 2024

Back by popular demand, our Annual Directory & Relocation Guide for will feature all sorts of local extras to make it a keepsake reference for the entire year. In addition to our regular distribution in April, we will be mailing copies throughout the year to the following people:

þ New movers: We purchase a list of new homeowners each month and mail them a complimentary copy via First Class USPS.

þ Relocation requests: Through TownePost.com, people looking to relocate can request a FREE copy.

TARGETED DISTRIBUTION

• Direct mailed to all local residents in April

• Online requests from new movers

• Mailed out to new movers monthly

• Realtors, relocation companies, and real estate developers

• Home builders and new home communities

A MILLION DOLLARS OF IMPACT

Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) recently reached an exciting milestone of donating over $1 million to local nonprofits and community partners since the bank’s inception on February 3, 2003. To mark this milestone, bank employees were all invited to share their input and vote for nonprofits to receive a celebratory donation. During a spree of check presentations on January 31 and February 1, each of the bank’s eight branches presented $1,000 to their selected organization ($8,000 in total was given).

Recipients included Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, Humane Society for Hamilton County, Westfield Youth Assistance Program, Brooke’s Place, Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Family Service Association of Howard County, and Kokomo Humane Society.

“As a locally owned and operated community bank, we’re committed to supporting and uplifting the communities that our team lives and works in,” said Robb Blume, president and CEO of Community First Bank. “Throughout the years CFB has given to local schools, hospitals, youth outreach programs, addiction recovery

programs, animal shelters, domestic violence shelters and so much more. We also make it a priority to volunteer and serve on the boards of directors for the organizations. This milestone represents our continuous efforts towards meaningful partnerships and local impact.”

This commemorative event, along with the opening of its newest branch in Fishers on February 5, wraps up the bank’s 20th anniversary celebrations that began in February of 2023. Learn more at CFBindiana.com/marking-a-million.

CFB was chartered in 2003 in Kokomo, Indiana, and is committed to keeping outstanding customer service, local decision making, and relationship building at its core. The locally owned and operated bank currently has branches in Fishers, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Noblesville and Westfield. Bank mission: We partner with you to build a better future.

Additional information can be found at CFBIndiana.com. Member FDIC, equal housing lender.

Here Comes the Sun

SUN VALLEY LANDSCAPE AND SNOW IS ON THE JOB

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Michaela Hoover

build your dreams…

yle Martyn grew up in southern Indiana, but he often tells people that he’s from Westfield because that’s the city that feels most like home to him. After earning an associate degree in horticulture and landscape design from Vincennes University, he moved to Westfield in 2008. Over the course of the next several years, he gained both field and supervisory experience by working at landscaping companies in Carmel and Indianapolis. He also started taking on additional projects on the weekends at small warehouses, day cares and other locations.

“I worked as an operations manager and account manager and really learned a lot about running a business,” Martyn says. “I finally got to the point where I needed to decide if I had the nerve to go all-in on my dream to start my own business.”

That’s precisely what he did in June 2022 when he opened Sun Valley Landscape and Snow. The company specializes in landscaping, hardscaping, and snow removal for commercial properties.

“Really we are a landscape maintenance and snow management company,” Martyn says. “That’s our bread and butter, but we do hardscapes as well.”

SUN VALLEY LANDSCAPE & SNOW

Their seasoned team, with more than 20 years of industry experience, offers excellent customer care, affordable rates and prompt service times. What truly sets them apart from other companies, however, is their ability to communicate and respond effectively and efficiently. This is because Sun Valley is a locally owned small business that purposefully develops mutual relationships with their customers.

“Yes, we are a contractor to them, but at the end of the day we want to be a friend whom they can have that open conversation with,” Martyn says. “We strive to be that contractor, provider and friend to our customers in order to make their lives easier.”

When people call, Martyn is the one who answers the phone. This means that if there’s an emergency and he needs to send his crew out to handle a situation, he can do just that - and fast. Recently a client had a huge water main break on their property. Martyn had his team out the next morning not only to clean

up the mess, but also discuss ways to make the property more maintenance friendly. They talked about making repairs to the irrigation, planting some perennials rather than annuals, and other long-term solutions.

“Since we’re not a huge ship, it doesn’t take long to pivot and make a turn if need be,” says Martyn, who is in constant communication with customers, and also meets with them regularly for site evaluations. “We know that a lot of people can cut grass, but the communication piece is what really sets us apart. Plus, we’re trustworthy and reliable.”

Commercial customers typically get in touch with Martyn about six months prior to the work they are commissioning. For instance, Martyn begins planning for snow removal season in June or July, and begins planning for landscape season in November or December.

“From an operations standpoint, we have to backwards plan so we can order in flowers or whatever supplies are needed,” Martyn says. “We want to be as organized as possible.”

Martyn is thrilled to be part of the Westfield community where he can not only offer his services to business owners in Westfield and surrounding Hamilton County, but also plug into all of the other great things that the city has to offer.

“When I moved here 15 years ago, I never would have imagined the tremendous growth that would take place,” he says. “There’s still more growth on the horizon. Our motto is ‘Build your dreams,’ and that’s what we’ve done here. We’ve assembled it, built it, and are still building it.”

He appreciates his faithful team of employees and contractors. He also appreciates the community he’s created by being a member of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce and volunteering to coach a number of youth sports teams, including baseball, soccer, cross-country and track. As a volunteer youth coach, he has found that he likes to inspire kids to pursue their dreams, just as he did.

“It can be scary at times to take that leap, but it’s worth it in the long run,” says Martyn, whose children are 8, 9 and 10. “I’m glad I did it. I love that I opened my own business.”

He’s grateful for what Westfield has given him and his family, which is why he’s so determined to give back.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to make a difference in the lives of others,” he says. “By owning my own business, I’m giving my employees the opportunity to provide for their families. I just love being able to help people out along the way as we continue our journey.”

To request a free estimate or schedule a service, call 812-5120643 or visit thesvlandscape.com.

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

Katie Douglas-Poe Customer Since 2021

LUKE FERRIS

and support from the community, the Miracle League’s goal is to construct its own facility and continue to grow and reach more differently abled athletes.”

She notes that family friends Nick and Adrienne Vollmer, Miracle League volunteer committee members, made Luke’s dream come true when they asked him to pilot the first season last spring.

certificate in his bedroom. Baseball is life in the Ferris house.”

She adds that the Miracle League has been a perfect fit for Luke.

For many years, Luke Ferris waited for his turn at bat.

His chance finally came when he joined the Miracle League of Westfield, an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities.

Luke’s mother, Kathleen Ferris, says Luke, who is autistic, loves the program.

“The mission of the Miracle League is to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play baseball,” she says. “It is a nonprofit organization held right here in Westfield. This adaptive program is currently held at Roundtripper Academy, and with continued donations

“Luke is still learning the different positions and nuances of the game, but he has the art of the grand slam down,” Ferris says.

Ferris, a seventh-grade math teacher at Westfield Middle School, says Luke was ready to play for a while.

“Luke has wanted his turn on the baseball diamond since going to his big brother Blake’s games at NYB and Grand Park the past few years,” she says. “He has always been a supportive and enthusiastic spectator, requesting to hear, again and again, his brother’s walk-up song, ‘We Will Rock You.’ He has been to a Reds game with dad and proudly displays his first game

“He gave the neurotypical team route his best shot last season, but it was very difficult for him,” Ferris says. “Being on the spectrum means that things like waiting his turn, multistep coaching, muscle coordination and sensory stimuli can be very overwhelming and challenging for Luke. We didn’t want Luke to get discouraged and turn away from the sport. We wanted him to be a part of something he loves and is good at, to be part of a team, and to share this experience with his friends and family. We wanted to see him in an after-school activity that wasn’t another therapy session. Then came the Miracle League.”

Ferris says she signed Luke up for the Miracle League the moment they entered the Roundtripper facility.

“Luke was met with acceptance, love, support and a mutual love of the game,”

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

she says. “He joined the Cubs team with Coach Nick Vollmer and his ‘Angels in the Outfield’ - volunteer peer helpers - Owen Watts and Ben Vollmer. If Luke wanted to take a break, no one asked why. If Luke wanted to run from one end of the facility to the other, Owen got his workout in and joined him. Luke looked forward to going every Sunday and had the time of his life. He got to fulfill a dream: being a baseball player. The smile was just a bonus.”

When Luke isn’t busy enjoying baseball, he attends preschool.

“Luke is in the developmental preschool program at the Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center here in Westfield,” Ferris says. “Rachel Gaspard is his special education teacher and Jennifer Montgomery is the general education teacher. He also attends Little Star ABA center in Carmel.”

Luke has recently registered for the 2024

spring season at the Miracle League, and looks forward to joining his friends, coaches and fan club in the stands.

“He can also be spotted at Carter’s Play Place in Westfield on a regular basis,” Ferris says. “It’s part of his lifestyle.”

Ferris says she and her family love Westfield.

“Our family includes my husband, Adam Ferris, our sons, Luke and Blake, a firstgrader at Maple Glen Elementary, and our daughter, Annie, who attends the TOTs program at Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center,” Kathleen says. “We are so grateful to live in a community that values all our children, and strives to provide engaging and exciting opportunities for both neurotypical and neurodiverse members. We can’t wait to see what Luke will do next.”

To find more about the Miracle League, call 317-750-2098 or go to miracleleagueofwestfield.com.

Leonard

Kevin