COMMUNITY FIRST BANK OF INDIANA CELEBRATES
10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HAMILTON COUNTY
(317) 496-3599
BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
Writer / April Fetz Photographer / Tom Klubens
Dog lovers have a new spot in town to hang with their furry friends while enjoying a beverage and catching some live music. Crate
Escapes Dog Park + Bar in Westfield is Indiana’s first dog bar.
The 8,800-square-foot, indoor-outdoor facility offers an off-leash dog park, a self-pour beer and wine wall, a cafe and a bar, along with a range of other amenities designed to create an entertaining retreat for both humans and dogs.
Owner and CEO Meg Schaffer, an avid animal lover, wanted space for a dog park and day care. “We thought it would be fun to have
food trucks and live music,” said Schaffer. “The more we looked into it, we thought it would be cool if we could have entertainment every day and not just on the weekends.”
With a background as a dog trainer, vet tech and even a zookeeper, Schaffer envisioned a space where people could socialize with their pets in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. “There are places like this across the country but not in Indiana,” she said. “Once we realized this wasn’t just a crazy idea, we visited other dog bars.”
Crate Escapes features a 20-tap, self-pour beer and wine wall, mocktails, Delta drinks, coffee, tea, and soda. Most of the venue is up and running, like the heated, on-leash outdoor patio spanning 5,000 square feet where guests can dine comfortably, even in the colder months. The restaurant space is still under construction and set to open within six to eight weeks. There is even a private space that can be rented for business or birthday parties.
Dogs are free to roam and mingle in the bar and off-leash park. If you don’t have a dog, there’s no need to worry about being excluded. Crate Escapes is open to dog owners and non-owners alike. “Think about the
times when you don’t want to leave your dog at home but want to go to out,” Schaffer said. “So you invite your friends to meet you at the bar.”
Additional services include a self-serve dog bathing station and a small retail section. For busy pet parents, Crate Escapes provides a drop-off service until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Beyond its core offerings, Crate Escapes has a strong focus on fostering community through events. Patrons can look forward to trivia nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations like Mardi Gras in March and a dog prom in April.
As a regular foster for Far Fetched Dog Rescue, it was important to Schaffer to give space to dogs who need homes. Crate Escapes hosts local rescues for adoption nights. Check out their Facebook page where they highlight some of the dogs currently waiting for their forever homes.
Schaffer’s own dog, Paela, a golden-coonhound mix (and her 138th foster fail), is a testament to her dedication to animals.
Schaffer created the business with her sister and brother-in-law. “What started as a small idea turned into a much bigger venture than we expected,” Schaffer said, noting her mom and even some of the seven children between the two families are part of the team. The project also involved local investors, emphasizing the community-driven nature of the business.
Whether you’re looking to relax with a drink, spend time with your dog or simply soak up the energy of a pet-friendly space, Crate Escapes offers a new kind of experience. “It’s a place for everyone,” Schaffer said. “We’re excited to share it with the community.”
For years, Pasto Italiano has been a beloved dining destination in Westfield, known for its warm atmosphere, scratch-made sauces, and rich, comforting Italian dishes. Now, the restaurant begins a new chapter under the ownership of Michael Bartalone, a Noblesville native and longtime hospitality professional.
Bartalone has spent 16 years in the restaurant industry, much of that time with Wolfies Grill. His journey to ownership at Pasto Italiano was a natural progressionone that began with a family connection.
His father, Rich Bartalone, was a loyal customer who learned that the previous owners were preparing to retire. Seeing an opportunity, Michael spent three years working at the restaurant, immersing himself in its operations and learning the ins and outs of the business. Now, with his father as his business partner, he has stepped into ownership, bringing passion, experience and family tradition to the table.
While the ownership has changed, the heart - and menu - of Pasto Italiano remains the same. “I love this community,”
Michael Bartalone says. “It’s very warm and welcoming, and the people love to support small businesses.”
Honoring the restaurant’s reputation, he has kept the core menu intact while introducing select Bartalone family recipes. Guests can now enjoy homemade manicotti and pasta fagioli, dishes passed down from both his father and his mother, Shelly Bartalone. Looking ahead, a refreshed menu featuring both longtime favorites and new familyinspired creations will debut in spring 2025.
Customer favorites continue to shine, particularly the restaurant’s famed lasagna, which has earned high praise as one of the best around. Michael’s personal favorite, the penne aurora, features a creamy tomatobased sauce served with a choice of chicken, spicy Italian sausage or shrimp. Every sauce is made from scratch, and premium cuts like filet mignon are prepared in-house.
Stepping inside, guests are welcomed by an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting. Given its cozy size, reservations are highly recommended. Enhancing the dining experience, Pasto Italiano offers half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday, along with live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The restaurant operates exclusively for dinner, with hours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to its dine-in experience, the restaurant also offers catering services, with General Manager Tom Prater available to assist customers with their catering needs.
For Michael, the transition to ownership has been more than a business venture; it’s a dream come true. “This was my ultimate goal, to own a restaurant,” he says. Bartalone also gives a great amount of credit to his family, including his parents and his wife, Shaylee, as they have been an incredible support system through this process.
Pasto Italiano is located at 3150 East State Road 32 in Westfield. To see their menu and make a reservation, call 317-804-2051.
MARCH 15 | 12 - 2 P.M.
225 S. Union Street
Join us at Shamrock Drop for a day of FREE fun! Enjoy live Irish music, games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, airbrush tattoos, and more. For just $10, you can grab a Lucky Loot Card to play six carnival games. Don’t hesitate, a lucky prize could be your fate!
Scan the QR code to learn more or visit westfieldin.gov/shamrockdrop.
The Fishers Event Center, located in the heart of Fishers, Indiana, has quickly become a premier destination for both entertainment and professional sports. This state-of-the-art 7,500-seat venue offers a diverse array of events, from high-energy sports games to captivating concerts and family shows. With its modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere, the Fishers Event Center is a must-visit for residents and visitors alike.
The Indy Fuel, a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL and an affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, brings the excitement of hockey to the Fishers Event Center. The team’s season runs through April 11, offering fans plenty of opportunities to catch thrilling matches and enjoy family-friendly promotions. The Indy Fuel’s games are a perfect way to experience the fast-paced action and skill of professional hockey.
Indy Ignite, part of the Pro Volleyball
Federation, is Indiana’s first professional women’s volleyball team. Their inaugural season in 2025 has already seen impressive performances, with the season running through May 1. The team aims to inspire and pave the way for women’s sports in Indiana, providing fans with high-level volleyball and an exciting game-day experience.
The Fishers Freight, a new addition to the Indoor Football League, brings the fast-paced action of indoor football to the Fishers Event Center. The team’s season home opener is on April 4, and they promise to deliver highenergy games and a unique fan experience. As the newest professional sports team in the area, the Fishers Freight are set to become a local favorite.
Beyond sports, the Fishers Event Center hosts a variety of concerts and cultural events. From chart-topping artists to local bands, the venue’s concert lineup caters to diverse musical
tastes. Family shows and private events also add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for entertainment in the Indianapolis metro area.
The Fishers Event Center is more than just a venue; it’s a hub of excitement and community engagement. Whether you’re cheering for the Indy Fuel, Indy Ignite, or Fishers Freight, or enjoying a concert or family show, the Fishers Event Center offers something for everyone. Its diverse programming and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that every visit is a memorable experience. Learn more at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/fishers-eventcenter.
Writer / Ashley Watters
Photographer / Robert Jones
It can sometimes feel overwhelming, navigating your health care journey when faced with illness, appointment backlogs and other difficult circumstances. It’s a struggle many Americans know well, and an unfortunate situation many often face when choosing a health care provider. Riverview Health has been on a journey of its own, working to expand health care options so that patients can make informed and confident decisions.
To help support these goals and expand gastroenterology and digestive surgical services, Riverview Health has broken ground on their new Westfield Endoscopy Center.
Dr. Timothy Imler MD, FACG, will be among the four experienced medical practitioners set to make the Westfield Endoscopy Center their new home. Joined by gastroenterologists Dr. Bohm and Dr. Sagi, and colorectal surgeon Dr. Kawak, Dr. Imler brings a wealth of knowledge and believes the new facility will help provide more timely procedures to an area in great need.
“Access to high-quality gastroenterology consultation and endoscopic procedures has been limited in our region with wait times between three and six months,” he says. “At Riverview Health we are able to provide consultation services and endoscopic procedures within weeks, and with the addition of this surgical facility, we will provide even more timely, high-quality care convenient to where people live.”
Imler chose to practice gastroenterology to help patients get the preventative screenings needed to save lives. A highly preventable disease, colon cancer is often identified and mitigated during colonoscopy procedures. With cancer rates as high as one in 24 men and one in 24 women, he hopes Hamilton County will soon be able to boast one of the lowest rates of colon cancer in the country.
“I am a second-generation physician who dreamed of caring for patients since I was a small child observing patients with my father,” he says. “I love serving my fellow
members of the community with a passion towards helping to care for their needs. Endoscopy, and particularly colonoscopy can be a lifesaving procedure.”
The new center is currently planned for completion in early fall. This addition will repurpose the 11,500-square-foot primarycare space into an endoscopy facility where patients will have access to the latest technology and medical practitioners with a combined experience of more than 40 years. The Westfield Endoscopy Center will be conveniently located at the corners of highways 31 and 32 to serve the residents of Hamilton County and beyond.
“The endoscopy center will employ stateof-the-art technology in the endoscopy
equipment, facilities and preparation techniques,” Imler says. “The goal is to be the right size, with the right care, right here in Hamilton County.”
Patients will gain expanded access to consultation services, endoscopic procedures, and surgical intervention when necessary. Additionally, the goal is to make patients feel as comfortable as possible to eliminate fear and uncertainty commonly associated with these types of procedures.
“Riverview offers high-quality services in a manner that makes patients feel as if they are being treated like family,” Imler says. “‘Compassionate care. For life.’ encapsulates what we are able to provide and offer to the Hamilton County community.”
Even though the Westfield Endoscopy Center won’t be completed until fall of this year, Imler reminds local residents that Riverview already offers reasonable wait times for colonoscopy and endoscopy services, serving patients in as few as seven days, compared to other central Indiana health systems that currently can have wait times of several months.
“We know how stressful waiting can be for patients,” Imler says. “That’s why Riverview has added staff and procedure slots to ensure we offer patients shorter wait times and faster results.”
Imler chose to join the Riverview Health team because of their smaller size, adoption of cutting-edge technology and compassionate approach, all of which help to better prepare patients for a painless and comfortable process.
The new facility will be located on the sixth floor of the Westfield hospital, located at 17600 Shamrock Boulevard.
“Look for many new and beneficial offerings in the future as we continue to grow our services for the region and our fellow Hoosiers,” says Imler.
To learn more about Riverview Health’s gastroenterology services, visit riverview. org/services/gastroenterology. riverview.org
If you feel like you could use a little color and creativity in your life, you need to check out Indy Design Week [IDW]. Indy Design Week is a city-wide festival celebrating and elevating the Indianapolis design community. The event is creating an inclusive space for designers, creators, and enthusiasts to come together, share ideas, and explore new perspectives to create a lasting impact in Indy.
Indy Design Week is a celebration of all facets of design. This year’s event returns with a bold and thought-provoking
theme: Hues. Beyond highlighting color’s impact on design, IDW is celebrating the importance of diversity & inclusion in design, business, and society by showcasing unique perspectives & amplifying diverse stories in the community.
“For Indy Design Week 2025, we’re inviting the community to reimagine how color connects us,” says Tori Witter, Executive Director of Indy Design Week. “From its emotional resonance to its role in branding and storytelling, the power of color is universal, yet deeply personal. We’re excited
to see the speakers, workshops, and exhibits amplify this theme and help bring it to life.”
The seventh annual event is happening from April 21st through April 26th and will take place all over the city of Indianapolis to increase accessibility for attendees and showcase the incredible venues the city has to offer. Attendees can expect events varying from coffee meetups and hands-on workshops to creative talks and inspiring panels, and even an exclusive VIP kickoff party for sponsors, partners, and VIP ticketholders.
“We see Indy Design Week as the intersection for all the different areas of design,” says Witter. “We want inspire collaboration.”
With an extensive schedule of speakers, attendees will get inspired by presentations from creative leaders, such as Patrick Armstrong, host of the award-winning podcasts Conversation Piece and The Janchi (pronounced: JohnChee) Show, who will be leading a special IDW edition of AIGA Indy’s “Creatives in Color” series and 2025 keynote speaker Daniel Swartz, letterpress designer and printer and Founder of Hoosier Type Company, delivering his keynote address ‘Done is Better Than Perfect’.
“Every single person you’ll hear from is a local designer and innovative leader in their industry. Indy Design Week continuously wants to highlight the amazing stories of local creators and the work being done in Indy,” says Witter.
Hands-on workshops that demonstrate diverse design principles and encourage the learnings of new design skills have become paramount to this event. Workshop Night is expanding into Workshop Day—a full day of hands-on, interactive workshops at The Stutz, thanks to sponsor Griffy’s Art Supply. After being a standout event in 2024, this crowd favorite returns bigger and better on Saturday, April 26, closing out IDW with a bang. Alongside signature design workshops, we’re adding activities for all ages, from elementary to high school students. Workshop Day tickets drop next month—stay tuned!
Partnerships are essential for this organization. Indy Design Week focuses on giving back to the community, and the
group has been very fortunate on how much the community wants to give back. Local designer, illustrator and graffiti artist, Ess McKee, is donating a piece of original artwork which will serve as the official poster for Indy Design Week. The Buckingham Foundation rewarded IDW with a grant to support the new event software launching for the 2025 event. Indy Design Week will also be working with Second Helpings to limit food waste during the event and ensure leftover, unused food will be donated back to local neighbors in need.
At the end of the day, Indy Design Week wants to elevate the incredible design community that we have here in Indianapolis “With our 2025 theme Hues,
we really want to promote conversations about the role of cultural storytelling and how we can become better creatives through the power of community.”
Early-bird tickets are on sale right now for Indy Design Week. $100 for a VIP AllAccess ticket, which includes the VIP KickOff Party on Monday, April 21, and $80 for an All-Access ticket that gets attendees access to every event happening throughout the week. Students receive 75% off allaccess tickets with a valid student ID and email. Ticket prices will increase as April approaches, so grab a ticket and mark your calendars Indy Design Week 2025.
To learn more information about Indy Design Week, see the full 2025 schedule, and purchase tickets, visit indydesignweek.com/2025.
The collaboration will create more digital and print advertising options for local BBB Accredited Businesses.
Towne Post Network and the Better Business Bureau® Serving Central Indiana (BBB) have entered a new partnership to offer print and digital marketing services for more than 4,200 BBB Accredited Businesses across 42 counties in Indiana.
Towne Post will kick off the partnership by offering a “Basic Digital Display” package to BBB Accredited Businesses with the goal of targeting customers by zip code searching for local services across the web and apps. Other services include print advertising in any of the 14 central Indiana Towne Post monthly magazines, digital display advertising, streaming TV ads, local SEO services, Google ad management, and basic website design packages.
“This collaboration is a perfect fit,” says Towne Post Network Founder and CEO Tom Britt. “As an organization, Towne Post’s core values of serving the community with transparency and honesty are in lockstep with BBB Accreditation Standards when it comes to truth in advertising.”
The standards outline the criteria businesses
must meet to maintain trust, including upholding legal and ethical advertising practices, transparency in the marketplace, safeguarding customer privacy and honoring commitments.
Britt says Towne Post will encourage its advertisers to seek BBB Accreditation to show their commitment to building trust in their respective communities.
“This partnership brings together two organizations with an aligned purpose,” says BBB Serving Central Indiana President and CEO Cathy Armour. “With more than two decades of local expertise and community support, the Towne Post Network’s dedication to showcasing positive stories and small businesses will help strengthen the resources we offer BBB Accredited Businesses.”
For more information on BBB Accreditation, visit bbb.org/get-accredited.
About Towne Post Network, Inc.
Founded in 2004 with a mission to create engaging and relevant community publications, Towne Post Network is redefining the magazine industry. With a focus on hyper-local content and an integrated print and digital marketing
approach, their magazines connect businesses and residents in communities like never before. Towne Post Network’s cloudbased platform offers franchisees flexibility and freedom, allowing them to work from home while benefiting from comprehensive support and group-vendor pricing. With an expanding network of hyper-local publishers, Towne Post Network is actively seeking passionate individuals to bring their community-focused magazines to towns across the country. For more information, visit franchising.townepost.com.
About BBB Serving Central Indiana
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2023, people turned to BBB more than 218 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at bbb. org. Regional, independent BBBs can be found across the United States and Canada, including BBB Serving Central Indiana, which was founded in 1916 and serves 42 counties in Indiana. For more information, visit bbb.org.
Writer / Renée Larr
For many individuals and families, planning for the future can feel overwhelming. From managing investments to preparing for retirement, the financial landscape is full of complexities. That’s where experienced financial advisors like Steve Meier at Innovative Financial Solutions can step in, guiding clients through the ever-changing world of financial planning.
With over two decades in the industry, Meier has built a reputation for helping clients achieve long-term financial security. Partnering with Commonwealth Financial Network, his firm manages over $1 billion in assets across four offices in Indiana and Florida. Recently recognized by Forbes as one of Indiana’s top wealth management firms, his team is dedicated to helping families and businesses make informed financial decisions.
“This is easily the best company I’ve ever worked with,” Meier says. “They are really good at what they do, and the level of support they provide to our team and clients is unmatched.”
What sets his firm apart is its multigenerational approach. Many clients first come in as they near retirement, seeking guidance on whether their savings will sustain their lifestyle. However, the relationships evolve over time, often
extending to their elderly parents and adult children.
“I’ve been in the business long enough now that we’re working with third, and even fourth, generations in some families,” Meier says. “We start with retirement planning, but soon we’re advising their parents on estate planning and helping their children with wealth accumulation.”
Financial planning looks different for every client, but the firm’s process remains the same: assess needs, set goals and create a strategy. For elderly clients in their 70s and 80s, the primary focus is preserving assets, covering medical costs and ensuring longterm care needs are met. Many are unaware of benefits they may be entitled to, such as military veteran support or Medicare strategies that can ease financial burdens.
For professionals in their 40s and 50s, the strategy shifts to wealth accumulation, tax-efficient investing and estate planning. The firm ensures clients not only grow their assets, but also protect them for future generations.
“When someone passes without proper estate planning, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take years to resolve,” Meier says. “Having the right documents in place is crucial to avoid unnecessary legal battles.”
Beyond working with families, the firm also assists small-business owners in structuring retirement plans for themselves and their employees. Many entrepreneurs underestimate the tax benefits and savings potential of the right retirement plan, and Meier’s team helps them maximize their contributions while staying compliant with regulations.
“We don’t actively seek business clients, but many come to us through referrals,” Meier says. “A well-structured retirement plan benefits both the business owner and their employees.”
In the age of online investing and doit-yourself financial planning, many individuals believe they can manage their finances alone. But as Meier says, most people don’t know what they don’t know.
“You might think you’re addressing all your financial needs, but without expert guidance, you could be missing key tax strategies, investment opportunities or ways to protect your assets,” Meier says. “A good financial advisor helps uncover risks and ensures your wealth works for you - not against you.”
Whether you’re nearing retirement, managing a business or simply want to ensure your financial future is secure, working with a trusted advisor can make all the difference.
“Anyone considering working with a financial planner should at least schedule a visit,” Meier says. “It’s worth seeing if expert guidance can improve your financial strategy.”
Visit ioms.com/team/steven-meier to learn more about Innovative Financial Solutions and how they can help you navigate your financial future.
Writer / Kimber Hercest
Do you know how a 401(k) or a money market account works? If not, you’re not alone. Research from the International Federation of Accountants reveals a lack of financial literacy among adults costs the United States nearly half a billion dollars annually. Meanwhile, teens are navigating the education system without this crucial knowledge. The research shows only 23% of American teens know how to make a budget, 45% don’t understand 401(k) accounts or retirement savings, and 28% don’t understand taxes. These gaps highlight the need for financial literacy education in schools.
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana recently shared data underscoring that teens genuinely want to learn about these concepts before entering adulthood. In collaboration with research firm Big Village, a survey of over 1,000 teens aged 13 to 17 revealed that 68% would “likely” take a financial literacy class if offered. However, only 31% currently have the
option at their schools. Additionally, 60% of teens expressed interest in courses on career readiness and entrepreneurship.
“When you ask adults what they wish they learned in school but didn’t, it usually involves topics like understanding how money works,” said Jennifer Burk, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana.
“These findings show that most teens today would like access to this information, but many may not be getting it.”
Junior Achievement offers educational experiences to students from kindergarten through grade 12, as well as young adults, with a focus on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. These programs, often available at little or no cost to schools, reach more than 4.4 million students annually across the United States.
Through initiatives like these, Junior Achievement is working to bridge the financial literacy gap and empower the next generation to navigate their futures with confidence.
68% of Teens would be likely to take classes in Financial Literacy, if offered.
*Only 31% of teens say their schools offer these courses.
Source: Junior Achievement/Big Village
60% of Teens would be likely to take classes on work and career readiness if offered.
Source: Junior Achievement/Big Village
39% of Teens say their schools offer these courses.
Source: Junior Achievement/Big Village
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When Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) was founded in Kokomo in 2003, it was in response to the efforts of a small group of local bankers and businesspeople with a clear vision; Howard County needed a local bank that understood its responsibility to help the community thrive. This same vision would soon grow to resonate in Hamilton County as well.
Most people know someone who has experienced a frustrating interaction at a big-box bank, at times finding they can be impersonal and even disappointing. However, at CFB, they make it a point to create an environment that feels like home, with helpful staff, solutions to financial challenges and an overall love for their community.
“Our definition of a community bank is one that is predominantly locally owned, led by a management team and board of directors
who deeply understand and care about the community, and operated by employees who have a vested interest in its well-being,” said Robb Blume, president and CEO.
In 2015 they brought the same concept to Hamilton County when they opened a loan production office in Noblesville. As CFB celebrates its 10th anniversary serving Hamilton County and the five local branches it has opened since then, the staff is grateful for their partnerships, support, and the relationships formed as members of the community.
One defining moment of CFB’s communityfirst approach was during the 2020 pandemic. When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was introduced to support small businesses facing financial challenges, primarily helping them to keep workers employed, CFB extended its services to both existing customers and new relationships. Blume himself set up a cubicle
alongside the commercial lending team, personally processing PPP loans around the clock with the team.
“I vividly recall a conversation with a customer who was stunned to receive an email about his PPP loan approval at 3:30 a.m. from someone named Robb,” said Scott Hammersley, commercial loan group manager. “When I told him Robb was the bank president, his reaction was a mix of shock and gratitude. It was a moment that underscored Robb’s dedication and left a lasting impression.”
CFB also took its commitment a step further by donating over $96,000equivalent to the fees earned from processing PPP loans - to every Hoosier nonprofit organization that worked with CFB, rounding up each contribution to
the nearest $25.
In addition to supporting the community when faced with unprecedented impact, locally and across the globe, CFB offers personal and business accounts, personal loans, student loans and more. They take pride in fostering a warm, people-first atmosphere.
For Bonnie Riley, executive banker, joining CFB, originally as a branch manager in 2019, felt like a homecoming.
“The culture reminded me of where my banking career began and I wanted to return to that culture of true community banking,” Riley said. “Our roles are richer because of the ways we’re encouraged to serve, both in the office and out in the community. At CFB we genuinely believe in those around us: in their businesses, in their comeback stories and in the bright future of our community.”
Not only are they making a trip to the bank positive for customers, but it’s also likely that residents will run into a CFB staff member in the grocery store, at the movies, or hosting a booth at the next community event.
CFB participates in more than 100 local events each year and supports more than 100 local nonprofit organizations.
Employees get paid for time serving on various boards and hosting branch events for the community, such as Community Shred Days in Noblesville and Westfield,
They also support community initiatives and projects meant to enrich the lives of residents. For example, CFB has been a major donor to the new Westfield library and the new Westfield YMCA. The company stays responsive to local needs, like funding necessary renovations for the splash pad at Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville. In 2024, CFB donated a total of $159,000 to its communities.
Being a relationship-centric bank and working within the community are important to the entire staff, and Blume has supported this culture of servant leadership from day one.
“When we put others first and support them to do their best, we create a place where everyone can thrive,” said Blume. “This way, we work together, innovate and build a strong sense of community, which leads to our shared success.”
Janelle Campbell, director of consumer banking, was one of the first leaders to work in the Noblesville office. Her grandmother was the first client of the bank in Howard County in 2003, and she recalls bringing in her own card table and chairs to set up shop while the team prepared for opening day at their new location in 2015.
“We’ve certainly come a long way in 10 years, but our core values remain unchanged,” Campbell said. “I’m grateful that employees are encouraged to serve and to develop relationships.”
Adrienne Riddle, treasury management manager, echoed that sentiment. “Unless you experience it, it’s hard to understand just how special it is,” Riddle said of the bank experience.
They don’t plan to stop any time soon.
CFB was named New Business of the Year by the Westfield Chamber in 2019. Since then, they’ve also received the Indiana Bankers Association’s Commitment to Community Award (2021), Large Business of the Year Award (2023), and Community Volunteer Award of Distinction (2025).
They actively collaborate with organizations such as Noblesville, Westfield, and OneZone chambers, local education foundations, and the Hamilton County nonprofit Executive Directors group. The bank extends its gratitude to Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Monica Peck, Pete Smith and Matt Murphy, who have provided valuable local guidance as members of the board of directors.
While every new customer receives a gift when opening a checking account, this spring they have something extra special up their sleeve. In April and May they’ll celebrate Community Banking Month by giving customers the option to either receive a gift card from a local business or have the bank donate to a local nonprofit on their behalf.*
Member FDIC. *Free gift may be reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC. Free gift provided at the time of account opening.
G
Westfield Chamber of Commerce s 22nd Annual Golf Outing! Presented by Abbott, Bondry Consulting, City of Westfield, Community First Bank of Indiana, and Community Health Network, we are looking forward to an outstanding day of networking and friendly competition.
This event is open to all community members and organizations in Hamilton County, with a special discounted rate for Westfield Chamber Partners The golf outing is much more than just a round on the course but an opportunity to network and discover what makes Westfield thrive in Central Indiana
Not a golfer? There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available for you to gain exposure at our most anticipated event of the year! Player spots will go quickly, so please check out our website for all registration options!
On April 3 from 9:30am-4pm, join fellow young professionals for a one-of-a-kind professional and personal development experience. The conference is open to anyone 40 and under who lives or works in Westfield and is looking to sharpen their skills and network The allinclusive cost per person includes leadership training and materials, lunch, snacks, and a ticket to the post conference networking happy hour Registration is available through the Chamber website Please share this event with your colleagues who are eager to learn or young in their professional journey!
The Westfield Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Westfield Association (DWA) proudly serve the businesses and community of Westfield, helping them to engage and connect with one another. If you are new to the city or interested in hosting a ribbon-cutting or groundbreaking ceremony for your business, please reach out and visit our website to learn how to get more involved!
Writer / Abbie Willans
In 1902, a local library was most known for having books. Today, it’s a place to not only borrow books, but also get a coffee, rent a mixer or use a 3D printer. After officially opening at a new location on June 1 of last year, the Westfield Washington Public Library has become a great place to read, learn, work and meet new people.
Erin Downey is the executive director of the Westfield Library Foundation, which was launched in 2019 to help keep pace with the growth of the city. Shortly after that, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. One of the first steps the foundation took was extending Wi-Fi from the building into the parking lot. The library was closed, but people could still use this resource to work and complete school assignments. The foundation was also able to help pay for tutors for Westfield
students during that difficult time.
“When I started here, one of the things that I really worked on was changing the image of the library, because it does so much more these days than books,” Downey says. “It’s more of a community center and a gathering space.”
clubs, from mahjongg to Girl Scouts to book clubs.
The foundation is proud to sponsor the Annie Gotwald Makerspace and STEM Lab, and honor the life of 9-year-old Ann Gotwald, who loved science and wanted to be an engineer for NASA. It includes 3D printers and a recording studio for guests to use.
Some of the amenities at the new building include a coffee shop, private study rooms, computers and printers, as well as a lactation room sponsored by the Kiwanis club. In addition to the smaller rooms available to reserve, one feature that the community requested was larger rooms for meeting spaces, so the foundation made sure to prioritize those. The library hosts several
The children’s section features a play area and a “library of things,” which contains kits and materials that kids are able to check out and take home. The foundation is working on an adult library of things, with items like tools and kitchen equipment. There is also a seed library sponsored by Community First Bank of Indiana, where visitors can get
seeds to plant in their gardens. The library is expanding its collection of Spanish books, and holds both English and Spanish story times for children.
Sheryl Sollars has been the executive director of the library since March of 2003. She’s looking forward to the spring author event that the foundation is organizing for 2025.
“I’m excited to have a big-name author come to the library,” Sollars says. “It’s been a goal of mine for many years. I always look forward to all of the wonderful programs my staff plan and execute during the Summer Reading Program.” This program is the biggest one of the year and encourages
children to read by rewarding them with parties and special events.
All of these programs are possible due to the Westfield Library Foundation and the donations from the community. The 1902 Society was started to get local businesses involved in supporting the library, and was expanded after individuals and families also
wanted to participate. Members have their names engraved on the wall and have access to special perks.
The Westfield Washington Public Library is located at 17400 Westfield Boulevard in Westfield. You can reach them by phone at 317-896-9391 or email them at librarian@ wwpl.lib.in.us.
Writer / Renée Larr
At just 15 years old, Aurora Ajiboye-Taylor, a sophomore at Westfield High School, is a student with a mission. Balancing an impressive array of responsibilities and initiatives that blend sustainability, culinary arts and education, AjiboyeTaylor is committed to a greener future for all. As a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program member, she is not only expanding her culinary knowledge, but also spearheading a hydroponics project that could transform how schools approach sustainability.
The FACS program, which includes culinary arts and life-skills courses, offers students a hands-on experience. Ajiboye-Taylor also takes Intro to Culinary Arts and Principles and the advanced Culinary Arts class. Her journey began with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), where she first met her culinary instructors. Inspired by their work and mentorship, she decided to pursue a career in culinary arts.
This year Ajiboye-Taylor and her culinary teacher, Nikki Heflin, launched a groundbreaking hydroponics program using four tower gardens to grow herbs, vegetables and edible flowers. This initiative, inspired by an older project called Presley’s Produce, started by growing herbs for culinary classes and teaching sustainability. However, it has evolved to grow lettuce, vegetables and even edible flowers, showcasing the potential of hydroponics in transforming how schools approach sustainability. The produce is
harvested, dehydrated, and packaged into seasonings sold to teachers and staff.
“Right before Thanksgiving, we sold bunches of herbs for teachers to season their turkeys and gravies,” Ajiboye-Taylor says.
She hopes to expand the project by selling their products at local farmers markets this summer. Hydroponics, which is a method of growing plants without soil, solves a critical space issue at Westfield High School.
“We don’t have much room for traditional gardens,” Ajiboye-Taylor says. “Hydroponics lets us use the space we already have while still growing fresh herbs and vegetables for our classes.”
Ajiboye-Taylor is particularly passionate about the sustainability aspect of the project. She says nothing goes to waste. She says even when the group harvests, the plants continue to grow. She says this reduces plastic waste by avoiding the purchase of prepackaged herbs every week, and any leftover plant matter is composted for the outdoor gardens.
She envisions expanding the program at Shamrock Station, a new facility for advanced classes and special programs currently under construction. The new building will include a greenhouse and outdoor gardens. She says she hopes they can involve more students in planting, creating garden beds and growing fruit trees.
Ajiboye-Taylor’s aspirations extend beyond
high school and are nothing short of ambitious. She plans to pursue a career in FACS education or special education, potentially attending Purdue University or Ball State. She loves working with specialeducation students and hopes to become more involved in that field, inspiring the next generation’s commitment to sustainability and education.
In addition to her culinary and hydroponic work, Ajiboye-Taylor serves on the FCCLA board, focusing on public policy and national programs. She’s also working on a Storybook Kitchen project, which teaches elementary students how to cook using classic childhood stories as inspiration.
Ajiboye-Taylor exemplifies how passion and innovation can intersect to create meaningful change. Whether through hydroponics or education, she is planting the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future, one tower garden at a time.
1
LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY
Urban Apples Cidery, 18326 Spring Mill Rd.
Join us every Saturday for a full day of live music, delicious cider and good vibes! visithamiltoncounty.com
MELT THE TRAIL 5K
Grand Junction Brewing Co., 1189 E. 181st St.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Help us “Melt the Trail” for our 11th annual winter 5K race! Join us as we kick off the event at Grand Junction Brewing Co.
2
PAINT YOUR PET AT GRAND JUNCTION
Grand Junction Brewing Co., 1189 E. 181st St.
4:30 - 7 PM
Buy two tickets and get a third for free. eventbrite.com
6
LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY
Urban Apples Cidery, 18326 Spring Mill Rd.
Join us every Thursday for a night of live music, delicious cider, and good vibes! visithamiltoncounty.com
7
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY
Urban Apples Cidery, 18326 Spring Mill Rd.
Join us every Friday for a night of live music, delicious cider, and good vibes! visithamiltoncounty.com
8, 15, 22, 29
WESTFIELD WINTER MARKET
PRESENTED BY: DUKE ENERGY
West Fork Whiskey 9 AM - 12 PM
Vendors throughout the season offer fresh, local produce, locally raised chicken and pork, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, honey, coffee, homemade baked goods, dog treats and more. westfieldwelcome.com
13
The Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St. 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Join us to learn more about the state of the workforce in Hamilton County from both a national and local perspective. eventbrite.com; business. noblesvillechamber.com
15 SHAMROCK DROP AT GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA
12 - 2 PM
20
MARCH CHAMBER LUNCHEON
Location TBD
11 AM - 1 PM
Join us for an enriching experience at our upcoming Chamber luncheon, where Westfield Chamber members and others in the community are invited to converge for an afternoon of business. westfieldchamberindy.com
28
MARCH MURDER MYSTERY AT URBAN APPLES
18326 Spring Mill Rd. 6 - 10 PM
Join us for another Murder Mystery Dinner Party on March 28. This one is taking you back to the ’90s! eventbrite.com
brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522
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