Let’s Go Camping
Your Guide to the 2025 Colts Training Camp
Former Olympic Executive Brings Global Experience to Indiana’s Sports and Entertainment Scene
THE BIG TIME
THE LIV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO WESTFIELD
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CHAMBER & DWA
Our 8th annual Dinner Party on Union is quickly approaching! Join us on September 13 from 6-11pm, and be seated throughout the length of Union Street in Downtown Westfield. Enjoy a delicious meal from Prime 47, live entertainment, and an incredible silent and live auction! If you live or work in Westfield, this is the event for you!
Join Downtown Westfield Association (DWA) in our mission to endow, enhance, and enrich Westfield! Proceeds for this event go toward various initiatives supporting our downtown area and businesses In years past, DWA has been able to contribute to projects like Student Impact, Grand Junction Plaza, Westfield Playhouse, and the new Westfield Washington Public Library Invite your family, friends, or coworkers, and secure your seat or table before they sell out!
If you are interested in attending or available sponsorship opportunities, please contact dwa@westfieldchamberindy.com.
Showcase & Taste of Westfield
Don’t miss our third annual Showcase & Taste on September 23, 2025, from 4-6:30pm at Grand Park! Exhibitors will have the opportunity to put their brand on display and connect with businesses & Westfield residents at one of our largest networking events of the year! This public expo is a one-stop shop to solving your household and business needs as all types of industries can participate in the event. Registration is now open for exhibitors and attendees!
About the Chamber
Westfield is a rapidly expanding community, and we want to see every business succeed Joining the Westfield Chamber helps you to gain key relationships, an awareness of new opportunities, and access to valuable resources. If you are new to the city or interested in what the Chamber can do for you, please visit our website through the QR code to learn how to get involved!
SPOTLIGHT Ryan Hunsucker
GO CAMPING Your Guide to the 2025 Colts Training Camp
THE BIG TIME The LIV Golf Championship Comes to Westfield
GROWING THE PITCH Former Olympic Executive Brings Global Experience to Indiana’s Sports and Entertainment Scene
MIRACLES CAN HAPPEN What You Can Expect from the Westfield Shamrocks Football Season
THE CIGAR BOX EXPANDS Family-Owned Cigar Business Adds Upscale Lounge Near Grand Park
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT The Rock Westfield Offers Free After-School Programs and More
PUBLISHER
BRANDON BALTZ brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
RAMSEY BALTZ DEVON DEAN
STEPHANIE DUNCAN MELISSA GIBSON
HEATHER HAAS
ROBERT JONES ASHLEY WATTERS EMILY WHITCOMB
BOOM BABY Noblesville Boom Brings G League Action to New Arena
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
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PROUD MEMBER
If anyone is living the dream, it’s Ryan Hunsucker. Hunsucker, an incoming senior at Westfield High School, is beginning his second year moonlighting as a full-time player with the Indy Eleven soccer team. And wow, does he have a full schedule.
A lifelong soccer player, Hunsucker spent his childhood honing skills on the field. Since second grade, he has been connected with Indy Eleven as part of their Indy Fire program, which eventually became the Indy Eleven Academy. From there, he continued playing with the league, learning from experienced players and developing a deeper love for the game.
Last year, his talent reached new heights, and he was quickly recruited the summer before his junior year. Fast forward to today, and Hunsucker has spent an entire year training as a goalie with Indianapolis’s professional soccer team.
So what does a day in the life look like for a high schooler gone pro? It’s busy, to say the least. Hunsucker’s day starts early. He goes to school for his first class of the day. For second and third periods, he makes his way to the training facility to train with the team. He returns to school for fourth period and finishes his day. After school, he takes online classes for the periods he missed due to training, sometimes wrapping up just shy of dinner time. Early to bed, wash, rinse, repeat.
RYAN HUNSUCKER
(Formerly Wittler Orthodontics)
Despite these very full days, Hunsucker wouldn’t trade it for anything. “Being part of the team has been a huge opportunity, but it’s changed things and made me a lot busier. Before I joined the team, I would be free after school. Now, I have to find time for training and school. It’s a fair trade-off in my opinion and has been worth it,” Hunsucker says.
Hunsucker signed a contract as a backup goalie in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has dressed for several home games and experienced the roar of the crowds in downtown Indianapolis. Currently, he has yet to join the team on the road but hopes to have that experience in the coming years. For now, Hunsucker plans to keep to his training schedule, continue honing his skills, and stay focused on the game.
As of right now, he lives for game days and loves the razor-sharp focus the team exudes as soon as they enter the locker room, prepping for the match ahead.
“One of the biggest things I see in professional soccer is how players carry themselves. It’s really inspiring to see how everyone approaches the games. From the second they arrive at the facility, they’re completely locked in, two hours before the game even starts,” he says. He hopes that same focus will keep him on the path toward future professional play.
Hunsucker will attend IU in the fall of 2026. He hopes to one day bring home a national championship for Indianapolis. “I just think that would be an amazing experience, bringing home a national win. Above all else, I’m just so grateful for this life-changing opportunity,” he says.
To learn more about Indy Eleven and view their schedule, visit indyeleven.com.
Sara H., patient
Let’s Go Camping
YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2025 COLTS TRAINING CAMP
Writer / Devon Dean
Indianapolis Colts training camp in Westfield is already underway, but it feels a little different this year. Sure, the team and fans are back out in the August heat in anticipation of what will hopefully be a successful season under head coach Shane Steichen.
But there is a noticeable absence on the sidelines.
Beloved team owner Jim Irsay passed away in May at the age of 65. Irsay’s passing has left the team with a hole in its heart and a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
“We have a lot to play for this year,” says wide receiver Alec Pierce, a fifth-year player. “We are extra motivated this year. I’ve never been in a playoff game.”
Colts fans will notice homages to Irsay immediately when they visit training camp.
The week after Irsay’s passing, team officials announced plans to honor him with a special jersey patch during the 2025-2026 season.
Those patches will also be on the practice jerseys. “The patch is a visual reminder to everyone of his presence and legacy here in Indianapolis,” says Colts Vice President of Marketing Stephanie Pemberton. “Mr. Irsay loved coming to camp.”
Irsay could often be spotted on a golf cart, chatting with fans, coaches, players, and staff, just as enthused about the start of another season as everyone else.
Pemberton says Irsay’s love for the game was second only to that of his family. “He cared deeply about the horseshoe,” she says. “We want to recognize his community impact and the thousands of lives he touched.”
Irsay’s three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson — are now at the helm of the team, with Irsay-Gordon serving as CEO, Foyt as executive vice president, and Jackson as chief brand officer and president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation. All three share ownership duties.
“To say that we love our dad and miss him terribly would be an understatement,” Irsay-Gordon said. “We are so proud to continue our dad’s legacy, beginning with carrying out his foremost wish — to keep the Colts in our family.”
“We want our fans to know that we’ve spent decades in our family business learning every aspect of our organization under our dad’s leadership. It was sometimes trial by fire, and I’m forever grateful for the invaluable experience that I’ve gained. It has prepared me and my sisters for moments like today.”
All three will be at camp to help honor their father’s legacy ahead of the season.
CAMPING GUIDE
Training camp will be held through August 14 at Grand Park in Westfield. Pemberton says tickets can be reserved via the Colts’ website. The team is hosting 13 open practices, including seven primetime practices on select nights and weekends, giving fans even more chances to catch the team up close.
“We are one of the few teams in the league where training camp is open to fans for every practice,” said Pemberton. “We want fans to be part of the players’ journeys.”
Kids 17 and under can enjoy free entry to every practice, with open bleacher seating that offers great views of the action. Fans can also explore Colts City, an interactive fan zone featuring football drills, live performances by Colts Cheer and Blue, giveaways, and more. Plus, postpractice autographs are back! Select players will toss signed footballs into the crowd, creating memorable experiences for fans of all ages.
“The Colts will host a joint practice with Green Bay on Thursday, August 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. as a camp finale,” Pemberton says. “Primetime sessions start at just $5, and all ticket proceeds benefit USA Football, helping expand access to youth flag football right here in Indiana.”
The pop-up Pro Shop will also return so fans can stock up on the latest gear ahead of the 2025 regular season.
Yes, three-time NFL Mascot of the Year Blue will also be around. Pemberton says to keep your eyes peeled for flying pies. “Blue will throw a pie in your face if you ask,” she joked.
TOP TIPS
Training camp will use the same clear bag policy as
Parking is available all over the Grand Park campus and can be purchased in advance.
Misting stations will be available at camp.
Bring sunblock — training camp is during the hottest months of
For Pierce, it’s another chance for the offense to gel as a unit. “The objective is to win the division,” he says. “Whatever we have to do to win.”
HONORING THE LEGACY
Jim Irsay will be inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor as part of the celebration of his life and legacy on Sunday, September 7, during week one of the NFL regular season.
“There was no bigger advocate for the Colts, the NFL, the city of Indianapolis, and the state of Indiana than our dad,” said Carlie IrsayGordon, Colts owner and CEO. “It’s only fitting that he now joins the other amazing Colts legends in our Ring of Honor who contributed so much to our franchise and our community over the past four decades.”
The Colts kick off the 2025 season against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1 p.m on September 7. The first preseason game will be against the Ravens in Baltimore on Thursday, August 7.
For the complete camp schedule, tickets and more information, visit colts.com.
Uptown Bakery Westfield 3204 IN-32 (formerly Pat-A-Cakes location) 317-867-9866
Uptown Carmel 2271 Pointe Parkway (116th west of Keystone) 317-564-4149
Uptown Noblesville 809 Conner Street (On the Courthouse Square) 317-214-7553
Uptown Indy 6404 Rucker Road (64th & Binford) 317-466-9631
Sunrise Fishers 9767 E 116th Street (116th & Cumberland ) 317-842-5414
The LIV Golf Championship is coming to Chatham Hills Golf Club in August.
The tournament will take place August 15 – 17, with some golfers competing for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title, and all fighting to secure contracts for next season.
Expect to see top golf players at this tournament, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson.
Team captain of the RangeGoats GC, Watson joined the LIV Golf League in 2022. He is excited about the league’s future and views it to attract new and younger fans to the game.
“We’re entertainers. We’re trying to win a trophy and beat everybody in that field,” Watson said. “But at the same time, we’re trying to get people to love the game of golf, see the game of golf, get off video games and go outdoors. We got something for everybody.”
Hosting an international sports event in Westfield is a rare opportunity, and Mayor Scott Willis hopes it will open doors for more. “Westfield has carved out a reputation for hosting sporting
THE BIG TIME
THE LIV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO WESTFIELD
events at Grand Park now for several years. But we’re now taking this international. FIFA announced Grand Park as a base camp location for the World Cup, and now LIV,” he said. The tournament is expected to draw up to 25,000 visitors and bring an estimated $21 million to $29 million in economic impact for that weekend.
Panelist Betsy Garfield of Henke Development Group, which orchestrated Chatham Hills, echoed her excitement. “When we were first presented with the opportunity, it just seemed like we couldn’t pass this up,” she said. “Professional, elite golf hasn’t been back in Indianapolis for almost a decade. This is a sports town. We rally for sports.”
LIV Golf is also working with boys and school golf teams from Westfield High School and Guerin Catholic High School, as well as representatives from the Indiana Special Olympics, inviting them to an on-course clinic with Watson.
The LIV Golf League features 54 players and 13 teams competing throughout a 14-event season for the Individual and Team Championships. The tournament begins with a shotgun start — meaning all groups tee off simultaneously from different holes.
Writer / Stephanie Duncan Photographer / Ramsey Baltz
Foltz said LIV Golf offers a supercharged fan experience that’s best enjoyed in person.
“What you’re going to notice is that everybody is in a better mood. They’re not afraid of their phone clicking at the wrong time or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don’t feel like walking around and following the big-name stars, you can stay in one place and watch every single star of LIV in a fivehour span,” he said.
A superior fan experience and festive atmosphere set LIV Golf apart from traditional golf events, but fans should still expect fierce competition. “The competition is real. We’re not goofing around,” Watson said.
He added the relaxed environment and team dynamic improve the player experience. “I’ve always been scared inside the ropes, and when it gets quiet, it’s more demons in your head. It’s just you and the golf ball. With music going on, it quiets down the thoughts in your head,” Watson said. He also enjoys
cheering on his teammates. “It’s been an amazing journey. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Chatham Hills is the last golf course designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who preferred hands-on construction over detailed plans. Garfield described the effort Dye and his wife, Alice, invested in the course. “They were out here all the time, and Pete would always bring his dog, Sixty,” she said. “Both of them actually hit inaugural tee shots on 10.”
Expect special events leading up to competition weekend, including live music and interactive fan experiences.
Three-day and single-day passes are available at LIVGolf.com, with discounts for students, teachers and first responders. Learn more about Chatham Hills at chathamhills.com.
GROWING THE PITCH
FORMER OLYMPIC EXECUTIVE BRINGS GLOBAL EXPERIENCE TO INDIANA’S SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
Writer / Emily Whitcomb
If anyone understands the world of sports, it’s Greg Stremlaw. Chief Executive Officer of Indy Sports & Entertainment and Indy Eleven, former Team USA hockey player and former president of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Stremlaw’s entire life has been embedded in sports.
Indy Eleven takes up much of Stremlaw’s time, as well as the development of Grand Park in Westfield. As co-chief executive officer of the park and a co-founder of Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, the new business that runs Grand Park, Stremlaw and his teams are working to add even more to Grand Park. Part of the plan includes a stadium for the W League of Indy Eleven to play at. Also included in the plan is a district within Grand Park with hotels and restaurants to draw even more people to the park.
“We’re excited to work with various partners, including Sports Tech HQ and IEDC from the state, to try and be an incubator of sport technology, not just in
central Indiana, but around the country,” Stremlaw says.
The excellence of Grand Park follows a long list of Stremlaw’s achievements. With a Bachelor of Commerce from Western University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maine, a Master of Science in sport management from the University of Miami, and certificates from Harvard and MIT, Stremlaw has been uniquely positioned to combine his knack for business with his passion for sports.
“There’s so many synergies when it comes to sport as an industry. You still have staff to manage, you still have legal issues, you have marketing, you have communications, you have sponsorship assets and corporate partnerships that you have to work very intimately with. And that has been, I think, a big success of a lot of what I’ve done,” Stremlaw says. “I’ve had a lot of success selling international portfolios and international rights for sports and
got to know and get close with a lot of international companies and corporate partners.”
But at the core of Stremlaw is his deep passion for not only sports, but the athletes themselves. Eight Olympics under his belt and a member of a family of highperformance athletes, Stremlaw has been able to viscerally understand the highest level of sports.
“Soccer is massive, but the fact that the Olympics are all the different sports, summer and then winter, and these are these athletes’ dreams to represent their nations,” Stremlaw says. “The camaraderie, the spirit of athleticism and humankind. It rises above everything. I mean, it’s very emotional. People spend their entire lives to get to that pinnacle.”
After five years in international broadcasting and media, Stremlaw and his family came to Indiana for Indy Sports & Entertainment in 2019 and became a part of Noblesville’s
community.
“We know what we like, and after touring around, we really fell in love with Hamilton County. Just beautiful. Great place to live, great school and educational systems, great health care,” Stremlaw says. “Still within striking distance to downtown Indianapolis, but very, very peaceful, and just love the people.”
To find more information on the Indy Eleven schedule of events and tickets, visit indyeleven.com and follow them on social media. For more information on Grand Park, visit grandpark.org and follow them on social media.
“WE REALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH HAMILTON COUNTY. JUST BEAUTIFUL. GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, GREAT SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, GREAT HEALTH CARE. STILL WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS, BUT VERY, VERY PEACEFUL, AND JUST LOVE THE PEOPLE.”
—GREG STREMLAW
Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Laundries, Pantries, Wall Beds,
BOOM BABY
NOBLESVILLE BOOM BRINGS G LEAGUE ACTION TO NEW ARENA
Writer & Photographer / Stephanie Duncan
Arena at Innovation Mile. The 3,400-seat, 120,000-square-foot facility is the first purpose-built arena for an NBA G League team and is located at 14157 CJ Way, between Interstate 69 and Olio Road.
In 2023, the city and the Indiana Pacers announced the relocation and rebranding of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The team sought a home closer to the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
“Innovation Mile was looking for that anchor tenant to kickstart development here,” said Justin Jordan, general manager of Rev Entertainment. “Everything fell into place with the arena size that was missing
to tie them to the community with a name that made sense.”
The team, which played its last two seasons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during construction, is now known as the Noblesville Boom.
The name pays homage to iconic Pacers coach and broadcaster Bobby “Slick” Leonard’s catchphrase, “Boom, Baby!”
It also reflects the high-energy style of the team and the fast growth of Noblesville. Inspired by the Pacers’ 2023-24 City Edition uniforms, the Boom’s
With the newly branded court installed, the arena is nearly ready for the 2025–26 season. The team is expected to tip off sometime after Nov. 1. With 25 home games
planned, fans will have plenty of chances to experience the new venue. The official schedule is expected in August. Fans can visit NoblesvilleBoom.com for updates and to place ticket deposits.
But basketball won’t be the only attraction.
The Arena at Innovation Mile is also positioned to become a hub for entertainment in the Noblesville and
Indianapolis areas, offering a range of events beyond sports.
From concerts and comedy shows to conventions and private gatherings, the arena is designed to be versatile. “There are so many things we could do in the building because it’s so beautiful,” said Andrea Green, director of sales for Rev Entertainment. “It’s not just a sports arena. You walk in and it feels like a boutique hotel. If you can dream
it, we can do it here.”
The facility features 3,500 fixed seats for sporting events but can hold up to 4,500 people for concerts and other large-scale productions. A 1,000-space parking garage is connected to the building for easy access.
“We’ve had conversations about hosting boxing, gymnastics, cheerleading competitions, senior proms and high-end
fundraiser events,” Jordan said. “This space is great because it can go from a ballroom-style event one night to a dirty rock concert the next.”
The arena’s design and interior were crafted to feel inviting rather than industrial. Expansive windows bring in natural light, while warm wood-paneled walls and two-story LCD screens create a premium atmosphere.
“This is very much the mayor’s and his team’s baby,” Jordan said. “They’ve seen it from the initial plans to where we are now. The finishing touches—they’re really proud of, and they should be.”
With other venues like the newly built Fishers Event Center nearby, Jordan said The Arena at Innovation Mile aims to complement—not compete with—regional event offerings.
“The overall goal is to be a driver of economic opportunity for the county,” he said.
The arena and the Noblesville Boom hosted their first event in July: a youth basketball camp. The weeklong program focused on skill development and allowed coaches and players to engage directly with the community.
The next public event is scheduled for Aug. 23, when Pink Floyd tribute band Signs of Life will perform. The show promises a full-stage production with a detailed light show and sounds from every Pink Floyd era. The free event offers residents a first chance to experience the new arena. Tickets will be available at the box office and select local record stores.
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MIRACLES CAN HAPPEN
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE WESTFIELD SHAMROCKS FOOTBALL SEASON
If you’re a Shamrocks fan, then you had better gear up for some great football. Josh Miracle is expecting to deliver a standout season as he heads into his second year as head coach of the Westfield High School football team.
Miracle is an active member of the Westfield community. Both he and his wife are native Hoosiers, and their three sons share their dad’s passion for sports. Although neither of the two trace their roots back to Westfield, the Miracle family considers it home. The family of five spends many evenings playing sports outside together.
In addition to supporting Westfield Youth Sports and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Miracle has a longstanding history with Westfield High School. He began student teaching and coaching there in 2011. With 13 years of assistant coaching experience — including 10 years as defensive coordinator — he entered his first season as head coach in 2024. That season ended with the Westfield Shamrocks taking runner-up at the state finals.
Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Robert Jones
This year, Miracle hopes to up their game by focusing on player development and building on last year’s gains. He and his staff plan to increase the team’s time in the weight room to help players grow stronger and more resilient.
“Our strength coach, Tavio Henson, is second to none! His ability to impact our kids starting early in our Rocks School Developmental program has been a huge driver of much of our success in helping each kid reach his full potential,” he says.
Miracle and his staff have been hard at work ensuring the team enters the upcoming season with the right mindset. He believes mentality and teamwork are just as important as physical prowess. Miracle and his staff are committed to their mission: Great Experience, Full Potential.
“We look forward to building upon last year’s success. Our team continues to be committed to building our family through our outwork and outlove mentality,” he says.
Additionally, Miracle believes that collaboration among staff from various levels in Westfield builds a foundation of teamwork and work ethic from a young age. The WYSI, travel, middle school and high school staff work together to ensure their values and goals align to form a cohesive team at the high school level.
Miracle also knows that great coaching is essential, but it’s impossible without great players. He has seen significant growth in the team and applauds their offseason efforts.
“The players also deserve a ton of credit this offseason. The player buy-in and leadership have been outstanding,” he says.
This year, seniors will be honored Aug. 22 for Senior Night, and Youth Football Night will take place Sept. 12.
So if you’re a Shamrocks fan, be prepared for an epic football season. Perhaps Miracle will deliver on his namesake — a miracle for the Westfield Shamrocks in the 2025–26 season.
THE CIGAR BOX EXPANDS
FAMILY-OWNED CIGAR BUSINESS ADDS UPSCALE LOUNGE NEAR GRAND PARK
In 1997, Lou Firsich and Bill Daley, two college friends in their 50s, were at a mutual friend’s wedding when they noticed the many men and women smoking cigars at the celebration.
“There was a big cigar craze in the 1990s that really broadened that audience. All of a sudden, you were seeing the rich and famous on the cover of magazines smoking cigars, and it kind of opened a door,” said Lou’s son, Michael Firsich. “They decided to open the first The Cigar Box at 75th and Shadeland Avenue, a small, 800-square-foot retail shop, and created a great following and a great store. Now, we’re standing on their shoulders.”
In 2015 and 2017, Lou and Bill passed away, and their sons, Firsich and Tim Daley, have continued to grow the business.
They opened a second Cigar Box location in Carmel in 2019 and another location in Westfield in April 2025.
This time, however, after customers routinely asked when they would start serving alcohol, they created a new concept
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Heather Haas
for the Westfield space.
“The one on Shadeland and the one in Carmel are a retail lounge. Probably 80 percent of our customers are purchasing cigars and taking them home or to the golf course. The other 20 percent are regulars that come in and sit down to smoke with the guys and watch sports on television,” Firsich said. “Westfield is a cigar bar, so it’s completely different.”
They found the perfect location near Grand Park and changed things up a bit.
“A lot of people going to Westfield are looking for an evening out. We offer a wide selection of liquor and cocktails. Our Old Fashioned and Espresso Martinis are our best-selling drinks, but we also offer nonalcoholic and mocktail beverages,” Firsich said. “We’ve received phenomenal compliments on our flatbreads, charcuterie boards and hummus plates. People don’t
often expect food at a cigar bar, but we purposely wanted to make sure we had a nice food selection too and an environment that anyone over 21 can enjoy.”
They installed a premium ventilation system, ensuring clothes and hair don’t smell when you leave The Cigar Box, and they hired General Manager Cesar Escamilla for his background, experience and leadership skills.
“Cesar is a certified tobacconist. His knowledge of cigars and the skills to help our guests select cigars are invaluable,” Firsich said. “Everyone loves Cesar. He’s recruited, hired and trained our entire staff at Westfield, and he created the training program, systems and operations there.”
With the friendly atmosphere, elevated bar experience and centuries-old cultural understanding, men and women are
enjoying The Cigar Bar as their new hangout spot in the evenings and on weekends.
“I think there’s a bit of nostalgia. If your dad smoked cigars, the smell can bring you back to a certain time. There’s an allure that successful and sophisticated people smoke them. However, you can get a cigar anywhere from $2 to a few hundred dollars these days,” Firsich said.
Most of all, the cigar bar is often a communal event.
It’s where friends and neighbors meet and share life together.
“Particularly for the guys, you can walk in as a stranger, and the next thing you know, we’re all best friends. I’ve seen the retail shops create friendships that have lasted a lifetime, and with the Westfield location, we’re creating that for couples, and men and women to enjoy,” Firsich said.
Visit thecigarboxonline.com for more information.
Michael Firsich and Tim Daley
THE ROCK WESTFIELD OFFERS FREE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND MORE
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Robert Jones
For more than 25 years, the Student Impact program at The Rock Westfield has been inviting fifth-grade through high school students to attend after-school activities, meant to become a “home away from home” for young people in the community.
Moving into the new school year, Executive Director Brittany Delph said there is a common misconception that registrations are limited or the program is expensive — and it’s simply not true.
“We don’t turn any kids away. We are a free program for the community. The only activities that have a fee are our basketball leagues and camp, and we have scholarships available for those,” Delph said.
The program allows youth to build authentic relationships, get connected with resources if needed and even inspires older students to mentor the younger ones.
“We focus on three different groups. Roughly 37 percent of our students are experiencing adverse trauma at home. The second group are those students who would otherwise go home without adult supervision, and we know when they get bored or lonely, they’re more likely to get into trouble. And the third is leadership development,” Delph said.
The junior leadership program guides older students through leading a class, mentoring younger students and building lasting relationships.
Every student receives a hot meal when they
walk in the door, focused on healthy fruits and vegetables. Cellphones are put away and the fun begins.
There are indoor games, a café to hang out in, an art room, dining space and podcast studio. When the weather cooperates, most students will be found outside.
“We have a big, beautiful backyard with hammocks, tetherball, soccer and so many things to do outside. It allows them to get those wiggles out, laugh, hang out and have fun,” Delph said. “I think it’s a favorite spot because there are multiple games going on out there and the kids are having a blast.”
Different age groups come on different days. Fifth and sixth graders meet between 3:45 and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Middle school and high school students
meet between 3:45 and 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, with the exception of high schoolers in the leadership program who come to assist the younger group.
Aside from the after-school program, there are other ways to get involved too.
“We have small group times such as G.I.R.L.S., a group of fifth through eighth grade young ladies who meet and do activities like sewing, crafting and baking. The After-Hours men’s group is for seventh through 12th grade, and they have foodeating competitions, game nights and more,” Delph said.
They have pancake breakfasts, summer camps, and this fall, the basketball leagues will begin again.
“We have about 350 young men participating in our basketball league, and last year, we started a girls league too.
We plan to do that again and really rally around these girls and give them a good experience,” Delph said.
Student Impact serves roughly 775 students throughout the school year.
The hope is, with community connection and long-lasting friendships, the youth will grow into responsible, civic-minded adults.
“This is a big, dynamic group of students. We’re getting them connected with peers, mentors and staff to build a community that many students are missing in their lives,” Delph said. “We hope they will go out into the community with support, guidance, empowerment and confidence while they build their future.”
Visit therockwestfield.org for more information or to register for this fall.
AUGUST AROUND
1
COOL CREEK CONCERT SERIES – ECHOES OF POMPEII
7 to 9:15 p.m.
Cool Creek Park
2000 E. 151st St.
The Cool Creek Concert Series is the ultimate summer hangout, bringing live music to the picturesque Cool Creek Park.
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY
Urban Apples Cidery
18326 Spring Mill Road
Join us every Friday for a night of live music, delicious cider and good vibes.
2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY
Urban Apples Cidery
18326 Spring Mill Road
Enjoy a full day of live music, cider and good vibes.
2
BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clay Terrace
14390 Clay Terrace Blvd., Suite 165
Get ready for the new school year with this fun-filled event.
7, 14, 21 & 28
LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY
Urban Apples Cidery
18326 Spring Mill Road
Weekly live music, cider and good vibes.
7
WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET – WEEK 13
5 to 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
Weekly farmers market with local goods and produce.
8
JAMS AT THE JUNCTION FEATURING THE FLYING TOASTERS
7 p.m., Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
Enjoy classic hits and high-energy music.
12
NAMELESS CATERING TASTING EVENT
6 to 8 p.m., Prairie Waters 4180 Westfield Road
Sample delicious catering options.
14
PAR-TEE AT THE MARKET –WEEK 14
5 to 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
Golf-themed fun at the weekly farmers market.
15
JAMS AT THE JUNCTION FEATURING FLEETWOOD GOLD
7 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
Midwest’s most popular Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
LIV GOLF INDIANAPOLIS CHAMPIONSHIP
11:15 a.m.
The Club at Chatham Hills 1100 Chatham Hills Blvd.
21
AUGUST CHAMBER LUNCHEON
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Bridgewater Club
3535 E. 161st St.
Join members of the Westfield Chamber and local professionals.
21
WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET – WEEK 15
5 to 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
27
MOVIES IN THE PLAZA: “STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS”
7:30 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza
221 S. Union St.
Bring blankets, chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars.
28
AUGUST CHAMBER COFFEE CONNECTIONS
8 to 9 a.m.
The Bridgewater Club 3535 E. 161st St.
Connect with community leaders over coffee.
28
CORN TO COCKTAIL
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Road
Hands-on class exploring Indiana corn’s impact on spirits and history.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER MARKET – WEEK 16
5 to 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza 221 S. Union St.
A celebration for pets and their people.
30 GOOD THINGS GATHERING 2025 Noon Wright’s 360° Movement Academy 360 E. 186th St.
Three-day event hosted by Wright’s 360° Movement Academy.
For Story Ideas or Advertising
CONTACT:
BRANDON BALTZ
