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Experience the Magic of the Season in Hamilton County!
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Experience the old-world charm of Christmas in Germany right here in Indiana at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. This openair holiday market brings authentic German experiences. Do some holiday shopping and check out the authentic products imported from Germany, like wooden toys, nutcrackers, music boxes and ornaments. Don’t miss the collectible items like the boot mug and Bierkrüge for adult beverages. New in 2025:
• Handbrot, a German street food. This oven-baked roll stuffed with gooey melted cheese and savory meats or opt for the vegetable-filled version.
• Käsekuchen, authentic German cheesecake made with real quark, a traditional fresh dairy product that gives the dessert its distinctively light, fluffy texture and tangy flavor.
While you’re shopping, sip a hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa. Come hungry to enjoy a German pretzel, Bratwurst, Lebkuchen (German cookie), Raclette (melted cheese served on bread) and Stollen (dried fruit bread).
Pro tips: The Christkindlmarkt is a national favorite, which means weekends get busy fast. Visit during the week to skip the crowds and soak in the wonder. Also, make sure to reserve your time for skating on the Ice at Center Green.
A MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Celebrate the season with A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie, Indiana’s most beloved holiday festival. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy acres to explore, surround yourself amongst thousands of lights and capture that perfect moment with family and friends.
Enjoy a 3D projection holiday show on the William Conner Home, historic holiday experiences and of course, Elf selfies. Don’t miss a ride on the Kringle’s Carousel or get a rush zooming down the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge tubing hill.
NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS
All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a fun-filled train excursion this holiday season. Offering both family and adult-only excursions.
Nickel Plate Express is offering two, 21+ train rides this holiday season. Murder at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Ho Ho Homicide Express. These three-hour dinner rides will keep you entertained while featuring an interactive mystery murder in which you play a part.
Looking for a holiday family experience? Look no further than the Reindeer Express. Enjoy an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa himself! This magical journey takes passengers on a round-trip ride from
Noblesville to Arcadia while enjoying a sweet treat and a chance to see Santa and write him a personal letter, all while enjoying festive holiday music.
HOLIDAY SHOWS
Experience live music like no other, with plenty of toe-tapping shows on the calendar this holiday season. Get your tickets for performances of “A Motown Christmas,” “Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays,” “Indiana Wind Symphony: Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes,” “Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas,” “Christmas with Lorie Line” and so much more. Don’t miss “Indiana Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker,” “Great American Songbook Foundation: White Christmas screening,” and “Civic Theatre: A Christmas Story.” The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and resident companies offer nonstop performances that will elevate your holiday season.
Don’t miss: “Amy Grant, Cece Winans and Michael W. Smith: Christmas Together” at the Fishers Event Center, Dec. 4.
Hosting family during the holidays in Hamilton County? Checkout special offers during the season at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/holidays.
For a full list of holiday events and festivities, go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
CHEERS TO COMMUNITY
GRAND JUNCTION BREWING CO. BLENDS AWARD-WINNING BEER, LOCAL FLAVOR & A HEART FOR CONNECTION
Located in an old lumber company building near Grand Park Sports Campus, Grand Junction Brewing Co. was named with Westfield’s unique history in mind. It’s where the Monon and Midland railroads once crossed and was on the central route of the Underground Railroad. That feeling of connection is tangible in the taproom, where community is built every day.
This small, privately-owned Westfield brewery and taproom is an original to the core. Established in 2014, Grand Junction is known for its award-winning beers, scratch-made menu and welcoming gathering place. It also hosts events of all kinds and is a refreshing discovery for first-timers just passing through.
That broad appeal is intentional. Founding partner Charlie Wood says that when he and Jon Knight opened Grand Junction, “There were no bars with entertainment in Westfield at that time, no venue to meet friends, hear music or play games. It was something new. We are very family friendly here. We cater to everyone and make them feel welcome.”
The foundation of Grand Junction is creating exceptional, handcrafted beer with a heavy European influence. Known for its quality and innovation, its brews are often recognized in competitions. Recent wins include multiple Indiana Brewers Cup awards for The Mulligan – a Scottish Ale – and the 2025 World Beer Cup Gold Medal for Not Your Grandma’s Pumpkin Ale — both currently on tap. Wood is a master of the artistry behind the brewing process, having brewed beer for more than 50 years.
While outstanding beer is his passion, Wood admits (without regret) that they “are in the entertainment business.” Events help create a strong community connection, with live music from local bands on the weekends and a regular flow of games and activities during the week. Think trivia nights, themed painting events
— even pet adoptions.
Grand Junction’s indoor event space can host 60 to 70 people for personal gatherings like reunions and anniversaries, as well as charity events for veterans, families facing pediatric diseases and other causes. Rock the Junction is the brewery’s own signature music festival, which supports student trade school scholarships and draws as many as 1,500 people annually.
“It is very important to be a part of our community and for us to give back in return for all the support the people in Westfield and Hamilton County have shown us,” Wood says. “We get so much more from them.”
Stay tuned for exciting changes coming soon to Grand Junction. With the help of Managing Partner Ken Grabez, a facelift will rejuvenate indoor and outdoor spaces, along with enhancements to menus and beverages.
“I am new here, but I can tell how much this place is loved,” Grabez says. “The beers, the staff and the building here are amazing. We are just planning a few tweaks to evolve with what is happening in Westfield and enhance the experience year-round.”
The menu will expand to offer more home-cooked food and different types of beverages, including coffee and seltzers to appeal
Writer / Juli Knutson
Photographer / Robert Jones
to younger customers. The outdoor area will be redone with a new stage and sunshades, and the event space will be transformed into an indoor beer garden — bringing the outside vibe in during the cooler months.
Customer reviews have raved about Grand Junction Brewing Co.
“Amazing live music with some of the best beer I’ve tasted from an Indiana brewery recently,” one reviewer says.
“Great spot with great beers,” says another. “Lots of indoor and outdoor seating as well as cornhole, darts and games. The beers that I had were excellent, and talking to the owner you can tell that they are very passionate about brewing. Definitely worth a try if you are in the Indianapolis area!”
Grand Junction Brewing Co. is located at 1189 E. 181st St. in Westfield. For more information, call 317-804-9583 or visit gjbrew.com.
As seen on
SENIOR RESOURCE HUB Support for Seniors and Families
For CarDon & Associates, “senior living support” involves much more than finding a new home. It’s also about serving as an informational resource for anyone navigating the path of aging. That’s why CarDon created the Senior Resource Hub — a virtual space uniting seniors and their families with industry experts on topics like Medicare, elder fraud, nutrition, rehabilitation and memory loss, to name a few.
That space continues to expand, and it now includes local TV airwaves. CarDon partnered with WTHR to broadcast weekly segments devoted to advice for seniors and their loved ones. CarDon Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Kendra Edwards presents a new tip each week, which viewers can watch on the station’s streaming app. The information in these segments comes from an ongoing series of video interviews housed on CarDon’s website, within the Senior Resource Hub page.
In addition to CarDon representatives from the company’s 20 communities across Indiana, the videos feature outside experts such as elder law attorneys, registered dietitians, dialysis providers, veteran benefit providers and more. They gently guide viewers through tough questions, such as how to talk to loved ones about moving into senior living, what signs of memory loss to keep an eye on, where to look for respite care, etc.
The Senior Resource Hub maintains the compassionate, family-like feeling of CarDon’s senior living communities. Watching the videos is like chatting over a cup of coffee with a staff member. They’re designed to welcome and engage viewers of all ages and backgrounds.
As Edwards said, “We thought, ‘Let’s bring all our resources together and have casual, open video conversations that we can share with anyone, even those who don’t live in our communities or have loved ones who are residents.’”
Best of all, the Senior Resource Hub allows people to approach these sensitive topics from the privacy and comfort of their homes. Viewers and those interested in learning more can send questions for future videos to InfoCD@cardon.us. You can also find videos at cardon. us/senior-resource-hub, or tune in to WTHR on Monday mornings from 6-7 a.m. for a new tip each week.
“We’re thrilled to be able to extend our reach through WTHR,” Edwards said. “We want people across Indiana to view us as more than a company — we’re a community resource. We have been through tough decisions and conversations with our own families, and we know how difficult this phase of life can be to navigate. We’re here to listen and offer advice to anyone facing the milestones and challenges of aging. Whether it’s on TV, our website or another future outlet, the Senior Resource Hub will be around for your questions and needs.”
With the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint, several teams will once again play overseas this season— including the Indianapolis Colts. On Nov. 9, the Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons at the historic Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
For offensive tackle Bernard Raimann, the trip will be something of a homecoming. Born in Steinbrunn, a small town just outside Vienna, Austria, Raimann is only a short flight or train ride from Berlin. “About 20 members of my family will be at the game,” he says. “Half are taking the 4- to 5-hour train ride, and the rest are flying— it’s only about 90 minutes.”
This won’t be Raimann’s first time playing abroad. He was also part of the Colts’ roster in 2023 when they played the New England Patriots in Frankfurt. “I’m over-the-moon excited to go back,” he says.
FÜR DAS HUFEISEN (FOR THE HORSESHOE)
THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RETURN TO THE WORLD STAGE THIS MONTH
Writer / Devon Dean
Raimann grew up playing soccer but switched to American football at age 14, drawn to the physicality of the game. “What I love about American football is how much we have to rely on one another as teammates,” he says. “You have to be able to trust the person next to you.”
He went on to play college football at Central Michigan and was drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 77th overall pick.
The Colts take careful steps to help players manage jet lag on international trips. Berlin is six hours ahead of Indianapolis, and anyone who has flown across several time zones knows how disorienting it can be. “The staff forces us to sleep on the flight to help,” Raimann says. “It makes a big difference.”
While Raimann and his teammates are excited for the trip, it will be all business once
they land. “We’ll practice on Thursday, then fly overnight to Germany on Friday,” he says. “Once we arrive, we’ll check into the hotel and head straight to the walk-through.”
Raimann hopes to squeeze in time for dinner with his family—and to introduce them to his infant daughter, who will be taking her first-ever flight.
“We’re going to experience the whole ‘flying with a baby’ thing,” he jokes.
One thing he’s certain about? Enjoying some comfort food from home. “I’m looking forward to goulash, bread dumplings, and sausage,” he says. “All of the offensive line loved the food last time around.”
Berlin’s Olympiastadion has previously hosted NFL exhibition games from 1990 to 1994. Built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, the stadium is best known for American track star Jesse Owens’ legendary
performance, making it a fitting venue for another historic sporting event.
This will be the third international matchup for the Colts. They previously played the Patriots in Frankfurt in 2023 and faced AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2016.
Notably, the Berlin game marks the first time the Colts will serve as the designated “home” team abroad.
The 2024 NFL International Series will feature up to eight regular-season games, with matchups in São Paulo, Dublin, London, Madrid—and now Berlin. The Colts-Falcons
game will be the first-ever regular-season NFL game played at Olympiastadion.
And one final note: the Colts beat the Patriots the last time they played in Germany. Kickoff for Colts vs. Falcons is set for 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, Nov. 9.
PURPOSE IN PARTNERSHIP
HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COLLABORATES WITH NONPROFITS & LEADERS
TO DRIVE LASTING LOCAL CHANGE
Writer / Renée Larr
When Danielle Stiles-Polk stepped into her role as president of the Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF), she knew the work ahead was both urgent and deeply rooted in community. For decades, the foundation, formerly known as Legacy Fund, has invested in Hamilton County by managing philanthropic dollars, supporting nonprofits, and addressing systemic challenges.
With a refreshed strategic plan and updated
branding, HCCF is sharpening its focus on the most pressing issues facing residents today.
“Our role is to ensure that opportunity belongs to everyone who calls Hamilton County home,” Stiles-Polk says. “That means listening to the community, identifying the greatest needs, and partnering with organizations that can make the biggest impact.”
HCCF is not a direct service provider. Instead, it serves as a convener, collaborator
and funder — connecting donors, nonprofits and civic leaders around shared priorities and objectives. Through donor-advised funds, community endowments, and grantmaking, the foundation reinvests millions of dollars annually in Hamilton County.
Data guides that reinvestment. In 2023, the foundation received support from Lilly Endowment to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment. Working with Schunk Moreland Strategies, HCCF
collected both quantitative and qualitative data through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The findings, published in the 2024 Hamilton County Needs Assessment, now serve as the foundation for the organization’s new strategic plan.
The assessment revealed five primary areas of need: affordable housing, education and training, child care, social services, and transportation. While all five are priorities, HCCF’s immediate focus is on the first four, with transportation slated for future efforts due to its complexity.
Stiles-Polk says affordable housing rose to the top in every community conversation. In Hamilton County, an area often considered affluent, the challenge presents itself differently from that in neighboring counties. Here, the concern is ensuring that teachers, firefighters, police officers, and service providers can afford to live in the same areas where they work.
The new strategic plan is both ambitious and realistic. It reflects a return to what Stiles-Polk calls the roots of a true community foundation — one that is grassroots, community-led, and adaptable.
HCCF’s planning grew from dozens of conversations with residents, nonprofits, and community leaders.
“We never sat at a table and said, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do for the county,’”
Stiles-Polk says. “It was the county telling us what it needed. That’s what makes this plan so powerful.”
This vision is already taking shape through collaborative networks such as the housing and child care collaboratives, quarterly nonprofit “coffee connections,” and partnerships that span county lines. By working with the Central Indiana Community Foundation for back-office support, such as HR and IT, HCCF ensures its staff can remain 100% focused on Hamilton County.
HCCF is partnering with HAND (Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development) and other organizations to establish a community land trust. This collaborative effort brings together municipalities, banks, and nonprofit partners to preserve affordable housing stock in perpetuity. The foundation is also supporting targeted solutions, such as housing for survivors of domestic violence, through partnerships with organizations like Prevail.
According to HAND, it would take an estimated 286 years to meet Hamilton County’s current affordable housing need at the present rate of construction and funding, based on a 2022 CDBG-funded assessment. The county currently has fewer than 200 housing vouchers, although the goal is not necessarily to add more vouchers, but to think creatively about solutions that fit the county best.
“People don’t always realize it, but there are individuals in Hamilton County who are one paycheck away from crisis,” Stiles-Polk says.
United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data shows that about 26–27% of county residents fall into this category. They are families earning too much to qualify for aid
Danielle Stiles-Polk
but not enough to meet basic needs.
As the county grows, so does the demand for a skilled workforce. HCCF’s education and training initiatives center on partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and Invest Hamilton County, focusing on aligning training programs with the needs of local employers.
The foundation also works with education foundations across Hamilton County school districts, managing endowments and scholarships that provide direct support to students. By addressing workforce readiness, HCCF tackles multiple issues at once: stable employment reduces pressure on housing, child care, and social services.
Child care was a surprising but necessary area of focus that emerged from the needs assessment. In northern Hamilton County, many families rely on in-home or neighborbased care because traditional child care centers are few and far between.
To address this, HCCF has partnered with Invest Hamilton County, Ivy Tech, Child Care Answers, and faith-based organizations to identify and expand quality child care options.
According to the needs assessment, only 29% of children in the county have access to high-quality care.
overshadows its hidden struggles. Yet the needs are significant: nearly 21,000 residents are food insecure, according to the needs assessment. More than 40 food pantries operate in the county, and StilesPolk says many report struggling to keep their shelves stocked.
HCCF partners with a wide range of nonprofit service providers, including Trinity Free Clinic, Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, and Prevail, to support residents who are uninsured, aging, or escaping violence. The foundation doesn’t just fund these organizations — it invests in strengthening their efforts.
Executive director training, fundraising support, and collaborative meetings are all integral to HCCF’s strategy for enhancing the nonprofit sector.
One recent win is the launch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library across the county in July 2025. Through collaboration with libraries and county leaders, HCCF is funding this program to provide free books to children from birth to age 5.
“We were one of the last counties in Indiana to offer this resource, and now every child from ages 1 to 5 in Hamilton County has the opportunity to build a home library,” Stiles-Polk says.
While Hamilton County is known for its vibrant cities such as Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville, the reality is more complex. The county’s ALICE population represents more than a quarter of residents, and many families struggle silently with food insecurity, inadequate child care, or the inability to find affordable housing.
“Just because the county is prosperous overall doesn’t mean there aren’t people here who are struggling,” Stiles-Polk says. “Our job is to make sure those needs aren’t overlooked simply because they’re not always visible.”
For residents who want to support the foundation’s mission, there are two primary ways to engage with us:
DONATE
Contributions to the Community Investment Fund, HCCF’s unrestricted endowment, are reinvested in perpetuity to meet the county’s most pressing needs — today and in the future.
ENGAGE
Businesses and civic leaders can participate in collaboratives and invite HCCF to the table for policy discussions.
For more information, visit hamiltoncountycf.org.
Hamilton County’s prosperity often
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CHAMBER & DWA
The Lantern Awards have been a time-honored tradition of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce since 1982 The 42nd Annual Lantern Awards will take place on Thursday, January 29 from 6PM-9PM at Prairie Waters Events Center. This event will offer an opportunity for you to nominate and uplift your peers for their accomplishments in 2025.
Nominations are open until Friday, December 19 at 11:59PM! Multiple entries are allowed, but you must submit a separate form for each award category submission Winners are based on the quality of submission rather than the quantity of nominations
This event celebrates outstanding individuals and businesses of Westfield and brings the community together for an evening of recognition. Visit our website today for more information about our annual awards ceremony and to submit your nomination!
Small Business
Saturday
With the holidays approaching, we encourage you to take part in Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29! Downtown Westfield and other parts of our city have been impacted by construction this year, and we would love to show support to our local businesses. Need suggestions? Check out the member directory on our website! Westfield has an amazing small business community, so there is something for everyone!
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. We would love to connect you to our network of 450 members and counting, so please visit our website to learn how to get more involved!
NONPROFIT MEMBERS
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF CENTRAL INDIANA
2601 Fortune Cir E #103A Indianapolis, IN 46241 (317) 488-2222 bbb.org
7125 Fall Creek Rd N Indianapolis, IN 46256 (317) 813-7125 crossroadsbsa.org
CRU
18711 North Unios Street Westfield, IN 40674 317-867-0400 cru.org
HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 11810 Technology Drive Fishers, IN 46038 317-843-2479 hamiltoncountycf.org
HEART AND SOUL FREE CLINIC 17338 Westfield Park Road, Suite 1 Westfield, Indiana 46074 317-804-5782 heartandsoulclinic.org
HUMANE SOCIETY FOR HAMILTON COUNTY
10501 Hague Rd Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 773-4974 hamiltonhumane.com
JANUS DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
1555 Westfield Road Noblesville, IN 46062 (317) 773-8781 janus-inc.org
PREVAIL INC.
1100 S. 9th Street, Suite 100 Noblesville, IN 46060 317-773-6942
Crisis Line 317-776-3472 prevailinc.org
SECRET FAMILIES OF HAMILTON COUNTY
317-513-6367
secretfamilieshc.org
SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF HAMILTON COUNTY 1250 Conner St Noblesville 46060 317-674-8777
shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org
STUDENT IMPACT OF WESTFIELD 536 North Union St. Westfield, IN 46074 317-693-4366 TheRockWestfield.org
THE HALLIESTRONG FOUNDATION
1900 Pleasant Street #433 Noblesville IN 46061 halliestrong.org
THE O’CONNOR HOUSE
317-249-0479
Www.theoconnorhouse.org
TRINITY FREE CLINIC
1045 W. 146th Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-819-0772 TrinityFreeClinic.org
WESTFIELD BAND BOOSTERS
317-867-6800 westfieldbandboosters.org
WESTFIELD EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC.
19500 Tomlinson Road, Suite B Westfield, Indiana 46074 317-867-8000 wwsef.org
WESTFIELD LIONS FOUNDATION INC.
17520 Dartown Rd #545 Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 372-3444 westfieldlionsfoundation.org
WESTFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2728 E 171st St. Westfield, IN 46074 (463) 223-0311 westfieldyap.org
WESTFIELD YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
dba Indy Eleven Academy 317-500-9929 indyelevenacademy.com
WESTFIELD YOUTH SPORTS Westfieldyouthsports.org
WOMEN OF WESTFIELD Women of Westfield.com
WORK ONE HAMILTON COUNTY
300 N 17th St
Noblesville, IN 46060 (317) 841-8194 workonecentral.org
HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Writer / Ariane Haile
Walk the Noblesville Square and you can’t miss it: the stately red-brick landmark with an iron-lace porch and a simple sign that reads “Museum of History.” Built in 1876 as the Hamilton County sheriff’s residence with an attached jail, more than 30 sheriffs and their families lived here — children playing upstairs while inmates occupied cells below.
This landmark now houses the Hamilton County Historical Society’s Museum of History. But this is no ordinary museum — it’s a living time capsule where our fastgrowing county keeps its roots intact.
Jessica Layman, president of the Historical Society, still remembers her first walk
through the foyer.
“I immediately felt the magic,” she says. A longtime volunteer, Layman now balances board duties with work in the Noblesville library’s local-history center.
“Every time I’m here I learn something new,” she says. “Helping visitors piece together the puzzle of our history is incredibly satisfying.”
Museum director Sandy Lynch, a Hamilton County native, understands that sense of wonder and the challenge of sharing it.
“To be a good docent you have to be a storyteller,” she says.
Facts alone won’t hold a visitor’s attention, so she leans on anecdotes like tales of the famous prisoners once housed here, or what life was like for the sheriff’s wife and children while they lived there. When guests
leave smiling and promising to bring a sister, neighbor or grandchild, Lynch knows the stories landed.
HISTORY MEETS HOLIDAY CHEER
One of the society’s most beloved traditions sits right next door — the Santa House on the Square, a tiny cottage making spirits bright since the 1960s. The Historical Society manages it with help from volunteers and sponsors. Children visit Santa, receive a candy cane, and soak up the old-fashioned décor, while parents recall their own childhood stops. Admission is free.
Following the Noblesville Chamber Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 29, the Santa House will open on select dates through Tuesday, Dec. 24. For the complete schedule, visit hamiltoncoinhs.com. Pair your visit with the museum’s holiday open house, or stop in during the town’s classic Cookie Crawl and Holiday Home Tour held in December. Readers are warmly invited —
the more, the merrier!
A COUNTY-WIDE MISSION
While the museum and Santa House are located in Noblesville, the Historical Society serves all of Hamilton County. Board members collaborate with groups in Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Sheridan, and Arcadia to share resources and crosspromote events.
Recent exhibits have explored the Firestone plant, Lucky Teeter’s stunt shows, women in sports, and the county’s interurban rail network. The team is also preparing for the Embrace Downtown street-improvement project that will bring brick streets and wider sidewalks to the square.
“When that project is finished, we want to be finished too — with fresh exhibits and extended hours,” Lynch says.
Like many nonprofits, the society runs on volunteer energy and donations. The
museum has one part-time staff member, so volunteers shoulder everything from research and tours to decorating the Santa House and swinging a hammer during exhibit installs. On your next visit, remember “Every dollar helps us tell another story,” Layman says.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The Hamilton County Museum of History and Old Sheriff’s Residence and Jail is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. Group tours can be arranged on other days. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
You’ll find restored period rooms, countyhistory exhibits, and three floors of former jail cells — plus plenty of stories waiting to be discovered. To learn more, arrange a tour, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit hamiltoncoinhs.com or contact the Historical Society at 317-770-0775 or info@hamiltoncoinhs.com.
A RETREAT YOU WILL LOVE TO CALL HOME
M/I HOMES BUILDS LOW MAINTENANCE TOWNHOMES IN WESTFIELD
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
If you’re a person who values living in a private, tranquil setting, but also appreciates easy accessibility to shops, restaurants and other activities, there is a place where you can have both.
Bonterra is a low-maintenance M/I Homes townhome community that’s situated just minutes away from the heart of downtown Westfield. Bonterra, which offers brand new 2- and 3-story townhomes for sale in Westfield, is surrounded by mature trees, walking trails, and pond, making it a serene retreat that you’ll love to call home.
The community, which opened in May 2023, has a total of 139 2- and 3-story townhomes that feature open-concept layouts with guest suites, a bathroom for every bedroom, a home office and ample natural lighting throughout.
“We know that Westfield is a pricier suburb, but here we can offer homes in the market that are affordable in a beautifully crafted community,” says Cassian Bernard, Area President of M/I Homes who oversees the Indiana Division.
As M/I Homes enters into the final phase of sales in Bonterra, they have limited 3-story townhomes left for sale and 25 2-story townhomes available, with sizes ranging between 1,700 and 2,600 sq. ft. For the
3-story product, they offer three different plans. The 2-story townhomes, the fastest selling homes in their product line, offer two floor plan layouts. Within those particular floor plans, each of which offers a 2-car garage, home buyers can select from three and four bedrooms.
Homebuyers love the luxury lifestyle in addition to low-maintenance living because without the hassle of having to mow the lawn and shovel snow-covered sidewalks, they have more free time to enjoy leisure activities with friends and family.
“So many people appreciate this kind of low-maintenance living,” Bernard says. “Our townhomes offer a great balance between pricing, affordability, and a great lifestyle for our home buyers to thrive in.”
Boasting modern farmhouse-style exteriors, these townhomes seamlessly blend in with Westfield’s gorgeous suburban surroundings. Residents love the outdoor seating/gathering area as well as the dog park and proximity to the Midland Trace Trail, which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who like to jog, walk, and bike. In addition, homeowners can now quickly access downtown Westfield by golf cart on the trail.
The community lake and green spaces throughout Bonterra offer the opportunity
for neighbors and friends to gather for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or simply to soak up the sun. The dog park is another valued amenity because pet owners appreciate having a dedicated space for their furry friends to exercise and socialize. Plus, with direct access to the Midland Trace Trail, they can take their pups for trailside walks. Building a sense of community is one of the most exciting aspects of home ownership because it enables you to connect with your neighbors.
“We are a golf cart away from downtown Westfield, which has really grown from what it used to be,” Bernard says. “Now there are local boutiques, bakeries, breweries, coffee shops and unique restaurants.”
There are also grocery stores, parks, recreation and entertainment. For instance, Westfield is known for Grand Park Sports Campus, home of a 400-plus acre sports destination, as well as Grand Junction Plaza, which is just a two-mile drive away and includes a café, trails, amphitheater, playground, ice rink and the Westfield Farmers Market.
Bernard insists that it’s not just about focusing on a home buyer’s actual home, but also considering how the home buyer feels outside of their home as they utilize the many amenities.
“One thing I love about M/I Homes is that when we look at our land prior to making our purchases, we consider every aspect of how our homeowners will live,” Bernard says.
This means they take into consideration local schools as well as job growth in the area. Westfield is well known for having exceptional schools, with the district ranking ninth out of 380 districts statewide. In addition, Indiana has a stable job market. According to Bernard, Zillow ranks Indiana as one of the top markets in the country right now.
“If you’re on the fence, wondering if now is the time to buy, I can assure you that it is,” Bernard adds. “The programs that we offer today makes the transition to new home ownership easy.”
Bernard notes that M/I Homes is dedicated to putting their best foot forward to offer homes to families that will serve them not just today, but into the future as well.
“We protect the investment of your home, so you can be secure in the knowledge that when you purchase an M/I Home, we’ve thought about all of the details for you and your family,” Bernard says.
One such detail is the design of the beautiful streetscapes, so that when a homeowner
invites a friend or family member to visit, they are excited to show off the entrance to the community.
“Not only that, but when you drive home after a long day of work and you arrive at your community, we want you to feel a sense of belonging and joy,” Bernard says. “Creating a lovely streetscape is a valuable expense we incur, but it’s important that we deliver a product that our home buyers are going to be proud of.”
M/I Homes has more than 30 years of experience in the Indianapolis market, so they have historical knowledge and credibility about what excellence looks like and what home buyers truly want. In addition, they offer flexibility with their floor plans and customizable design options in every community. Plus, every M/I Home is Whole Home Building Certified, which means they have the highest quality products to cut down on energy cost and enhance the sustainability of each home.
The market has offered a lot of different challenges, but with M/I Financial, home buyers have access to a multitude of financing programs that can fit home buyers’ financial needs. They also give credit support to any home buyer that may be hesitant about purchasing as they are trying to fix their credit.
“There’s an array of avenues in which we can work with our community,” Bernard says.
M/I Homes offers competitive interest rates to help make payments comfortable for each and every home buyer, creating a seamless process and journey for every homeowner. Most importantly, M/I Homes offers highquality, affordable homes, low maintenance living, and plenty of amenities for home buyers. When you purchase an M/I Home, you are not just purchasing a home, but also an experience that you’ll feel confident in, both before and after the closing of your new home.
“At M/I Homes, our commitment to superior quality, attentive care, and thoughtful design ensures you get the home of your dreams in a location you’ll truly love,” Bernard says. “And with a homebuying experience that’s second to none, the journey will be just as rewarding as the destination.”
If you would like to learn more about the Bonterra community or to set up a community visit, call 317-532-5313.
Bonterra in Westfield is located at 17591 Gruner Way. For more information, visit mihomes.com/bonterra.
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EMME EGLI
Writer / Julie Yates
Emme Egli, daughter of Bryon and Ginny Egli, is a sixth-grade student at Westfield Intermediate School and is known for her leadership, empathy and kindness toward others.
An A student, she finds time to participate in sports and is active in Student Impact of Westfield, a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization that meets after school. Treating others with respect is a quality that she has possessed from a young age.
“Even when Emme was in kindergarten, teachers at parent-teacher conferences said she wants to include people,” shares Emme’s mother, Ginny. “She’s organized and loves helping teachers. She’s also strong and says what she feels. She wants to make sure people are doing the right thing but has no time for drama. Although Emme has a half-sister that lives with her mother, she is the oldest sister at home to two other siblings. She just has that oldest child attitude.
“Emme’s dad Bryon is from Evansville, and I grew up in Bloomington where she has been part of an internship program at a church there. Our family moved here six years ago and Emme has been a student in the Washington Westfield Schools since she was a first-grader. She has always been tall for her age. She’s now 5’6.” I played basketball when I was in school and her
dad was a phenomenal basketball player. She started playing both basketball and volleyball at a young age and wanted to stay with it. Currently, she is on a travel volleyball team.”
Being part of Student Impact of Westfield every Tuesday and Wednesday is an activity Emme particularly enjoys. The program provides opportunities to develop friendships, connect with others and learn skills that will serve participants
(Formerly Wittler Orthodontics)
“EMME PUTS EVERYONE BEFORE HERSELF. WHEN WE WALK TO OUR BUILDING, SHE ASKS EVERYONE HOW THEIR DAY IS WITHOUT CARING IF NO ONE ASKS ABOUT HER IN TURN.”
throughout life. Its activities take place in a renovated farmhouse at 536 North Union Street right by Westfield High School, Middle and Intermediate Schools.
Participating students walk over as a group at the end of the school day.
“Emme puts everyone before herself,” says Mac Bockage, Student Life Manager, Student Impact of Westfield. “When we walk to our building, she asks everyone how their day is without caring if no one asks about her in turn. She makes sure everyone gets served food before she does. We have so many activities for students to do: an art room, basketball,
volleyball, games, soccer, pickleball, pingpong, video games and more. She is good and finding people with similar interests and connecting them. She introduces new people to others and if she sees someone who is alone, she will initiate a game or find out what they like to do and do it with them.”
There is no question that Emme has a bright future ahead of her. Ginny shares that her daughter would like to run her own business someday. Her leadership abilities, athletic skills and kind heart will not only benefit her endeavors but will also be a help to those around her.
THE WANDERING PEACOCK
LOCAL CERAMIC STUDIO INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO CREATE, CONNECT & FIND JOY THROUGH ART
Writer / Nancy Hammerstrom Photographer / Robert Jones
The days are getting shorter, colder and a bit dreary. However, a local artist is inviting the community into her cheerful, vibrant ceramic studio, offering a warm smile and a steaming cup of hot chocolate while guiding guests to find a comfortable space to create Christmas tree ornaments with their families or craft their own coffee mugs during a company holiday party.
The Wandering Peacock, owned by Hamilton Heights High School graduate Erin O’Rear, offers a variety of
opportunities for clients to design their own creations. Options include parent/child and homeschool classes, after-school Tuesdays, individual or group sessions with friends, as well as date nights and birthday parties on the pottery wheel or through hand-building.
O’Rear, who graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in art specializing in ceramics, opened her studio in 2012. The walls are adorned with inspirational messages, hanging plants and bright paintings of animals — including an
orange cat that O’Rear was inspired to paint three or four years before an enthusiastic, full-time employee jumped into her lap.
“A community cat showed up,” O’Rear says of Shino, a friendly, ginger feline. “He wandered in, and I’m grateful that he stayed.”
Shino brings a smile to guests as he welcomes hugs, perches nearby on tables or leads them to a vast, peaceful backyard named the sharing garden, where a variety of vegetables and colorful blooms — including tall sunflowers — grow. Art exploration camps are held during the summer in the sharing garden, where children discover their inner artistic abilities while creating pinch pot monsters from clay or drawing “Charcoal Picasso” self-portraits using charcoal and markers.
“I love the joy I feel helping people to create,” O’Rear says, noting that she enjoys watching the happiness and self-worth that come from 6-year-olds crafting their first mug, as well as teens tapping into their imagination or discovering how a “mistake” can create something unexpected. For example, when an adult at the studio attempted to mold a cup from clay on
a pottery wheel, a small piece of clay unexpectedly fell off.
“No, you didn’t mess up,” she recalls saying. “Let’s see where it could go.”
That fallen piece of clay became a handle for a soup bowl instead.
“I feel like clay is a spiral, a whirlwind. I feel like that’s life, too,” O’Rear says. “It’s always moving, it’s always in the process of getting dirty. That’s a place where I can feel creative, successful, confident. It allows those resistant to change. It’s acceptance in the adaptation.”
Art can serve as therapy for many who are struggling with challenges in their lives. Guests sometimes share their stories with O’Rear while creating gifts for themselves, family or friends. For example, one adult whose mother had Alzheimer’s disease created wise old owl salt and pepper shakers for her siblings.
“She said, ‘Thank you for listening to me in making this,’” O’Rear says. “Clay is very
expressive, so I see people of all ages cry sometimes. It’s a release for them.”
O’Rear began creating art from clay while in high school after her sister passed away. “I was being healed by that clay,” she says.
The Wandering Peacock now offers private date classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6:15 p.m. (a second date class is free) and family days on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Art exploration classes are also held weekly. O’Rear says she plans to keep class prices low despite rising costs of living.
Christmas ornament classes are $30 per person and include hot chocolate, cookies and music. Gift cards are also available for purchase. Each creation made at the studio is dishwasher - and microwave-safe.
The Wandering Peacock is located at 227 Jersey St. in Westfield. For more information, call 317-385-0994, visit thewanderingpeacock.com, or find the studio on Facebook at The Wandering Peacock.
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Laundries, Pantries, Wall Beds, and more!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025
NOVEMBER
2
HOLIDAY MARKET AT URBAN APPLES
Urban Apples, 18326 Spring Mill Rd. 12-4 p.m.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season at Urban Apples! Join us November 2nd from 12PM - 4PM for our Holiday Market - perfect for finding unique gifts, festive treats, and supporting local vendors.
PAINT YOUR PET :: PAINTS & PINTS - WITH ZACH LOWE (BUY 2 TICKETS, GET 1 FREE!)
1189 E 181st St. 4:30 p.m.
Paint your pet is coming back to Grand Junction!
4, 11, 18, 25
TRIVIA NIGHT
Crate Escapes Dog Park + Bar, 18595 Carousel Ln.
7-9 p.m.
Join us EVERY TUESDAY for Trivia night at Indiana’s first and only certified dog bar! It’s free to play and prizes are awarded for the top 3 teams!
4, 20
HANDPRINT ORNAMENT MAKING
uPaint Westfield, 643 E State Road 32. 12 p.m.
We can’t stop time, but we can capture those little hands in the sweetest way! Bring your kiddo to uPaint and create a clay handprint ornament you will treasure forever.
6
HOLIDAY LADIES NIGHT
Lady Mae Hair and Skin Co., 3243 East State Rd 32. 4-7 p.m.
Save the DATE! Holiday Ladies Night! Lady Mae Hair + Skin CoWestfield. Food. Drinks. Discounts. Permanent Jewelry. Vendors. Shopping and Yapping!
LITTLE ARTIST PAINTING TIME
uPaint Pottery Studio, 643 E State Road 32. 11 a.m.
Calling all little turkeys! Join us for a story time, painting cute lil’ turkeys, and snack time. This
project is designed just for our youngest artists, making it easy, fun, and oh-so-sweet.
7
WICKED PAINTING PARTY
uPaint Pottery Studio, 643 E State Road 32.
6-9 p.m.
Grab your besties and join us for a Wicked night of pottery painting fun! Celebrate the magic of Oz by painting pieces inspired by the iconic movie.
10
BOOKS ON TAP AT URBAN APPLES
Urban Apples, 18326 Spring Mill Rd.
6-8:30 p.m.
Get ready to turn pages and chat plots at our monthly Books on Tap event at Urban Apples!
11
CITY OF WESTFIELD VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
18881 IMMI Way
7:30 a.m.
The City of Westfield’s Veterans Day Ceremony, presented by Citizens Energy Group, will take place on Tuesday, November 11 at IMMI Conference Center.
13
STATE OF THE CITY
IMMI Conference Center, 18880 North East St. 4-6 p.m.
The Westfield Chamber invites business leaders, community members, and guests to attend the State of the City address from Mayor Scott Willis.
14
HOLIDAY SIP N SHOP
Roundtripper Sports Academy, 16616 Southpark Dr.
6-8:30 p.m.
Time to get your shop on, and just in time for the holidays! Come join us for our 10th annual Sip n Shop Boutique Event (the Holiday version!).
21
JOE’S GRILLE WELCOMES BACK RHINO DOWN!
Joe’s Grille Westfield,
16156 Spring Mill Rd. Ste. A700. 9 p.m.
Your favorite band returns for the Thanksgiving Holiday 2025 Weekend!! Tons of new music with great food & drinks!
22
LISA FRANK & THE TRAPPER KEEPERS AT PATSY’S PUB
Patsy’s Pub, 17419 Suite C Carey Rd. 9 p.m.
Our debut at Patsy’s Pub! Come ready for a night of rowdy 90s rock jams!
Join us for an annual Westfield tradition and a fun way to kick off your holiday season by shopping with all the local handmade crafts at Westfield High School.
24
ROCKSGIVING
6 p.m.
29
BOURBON JESUS AT URBAN APPLES
Urban Apples, 18326 Spring Mill Rd. 7-10 p.m.
Join us for live music at Urban Apples on November 29th starting at 7pm! Bourbon Jesus will be taking the stage.
MADD HATTER BAND @ FOUR FINGER DISTILLERY NORTH
Four Finger Distillery North, 120 Camilla Court #Suite A. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Join Madd Hatter Band for their debut at Four Finger Distillery North! Fun tunes and a glass of the good stuff!
THE VILLAGE FARMS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us for Small Business Saturday at the Village Farms Holiday Craft Fair!
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ENTERTAINMENT
THE WANDERING PEACOCK
227 Jersey St Westfield, IN 46074
HEALTHCARE
CERESET
334 W Greyhound Pass Carmel, IN 46032-7007
VOLOVIC ORTHODONTICS
534 IN-32 Westfield, IN 46074
HOME SERVICES
NORTHSIDE WINDOW AND GUTTER CLEANING
15360 Herriman Blvd Fishers, IN 46038
CLOSETS BY DESIGNINDIANAPOLIS
1810 South Lynhurst Dr., Suite R & S Indianapolis, IN 46241
PETS & VETS
FOREVER ABOVE PET CREMATION
16462 Southpark Dr, Suite K Westfield, IN 46074-7406
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITEDNOBLESVILLE/CARMEL
14753 Hazel Dell Crossing, #400 Noblesville, IN 46062
