Noblesville company treats seniors to fall foliage trip on Nickel Plate Express

(From left) Dick Gordon, Kym Flannery (Gordon Marketing, Gordon Insurance, Harbour Storage, the Gordon Building, Gordon Realty, The Medicare Family), Keith Sharples and Leslie Sharples (Indiana Insurance Advisors, Gordon Marketing). (Photo provided)

On Wednesday, Dick Gordon and several associates of the senior consumer insurance division of Gordon family-owned businesses were on hand to host a contingent of residents of the Five Star Residences of Noblesville. The group went on a relaxing round trip by rail between Forest Park in Noblesville and Atlanta to the north.

Thanks to the donation of the excursion by local business benefactor Peterson Architecture to the charity auction at the 2021 Noblesville Mayor’s Charity Ball and Jubilee, Dick and Margaret Gordon’s family bought plenty of tickets for a chance at the prize and came up winners. The Gordon’s various companies have long been active in numerous Hamilton County philanthropic endeavors, with the Mayor’s Ball and Jubilee being a favorite over the years.

“I was disappointed to not be able to attend this excursion,” Margaret Gordon said. “When we won the trip, I was really looking forward to joining in.”

Keith Sharples and his wife and colleague Leslie Sharples were on hand to enjoy the outing. They had a great time interacting with the senior riders. “This kind of outing is part of the special relationship Dick and Margaret have with our community,” Keith said. “They’re always finding ways to give back.”

Emily Bradley, Activity Director or Five Star Residences of Noblesville, and Dick Gordon. (Photo provided)

Dagny Zupin, Executive Director of the Nickel Plate Express, which runs the train excursions, said this outing was one of the 300-plus rides offered annually in Hamilton County. “We see people of all ages and backgrounds from the Midwest on our train rides throughout the year,” Zupin said. “I always advise folks to get their tickets for our events early as they will sell out, particularly those near the holidays.”

Dick Gordon and his wife Margaret started the insurance field marketing organization, Gordon Marketing, in 1980. Their success enables the family and its companies to participate in numerous charitable activities in Noblesville. Dick said he thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the company. “This is a great opportunity to see my neighbors enjoying themselves,” he said. “The only thing that would have made it better is if the leaves had been more colorful.”

Gordon Marketing, which employs nearly 100 people at their ever-growing campus on Hague Road, is always looking for ways to interact with neighbors of all ages and walks of life through such events. “The Five Star Residents that joined us today really gave me a boost,” Gordon said. “We love Noblesville and its people, and want to see it thrive.”