PLATINUM LIQUORS BRINGS MODERN APPROACH FOR CUSTOMERS
+ Warriors at Work
Bee Free Bakes Empowers Young Adults With Autism Through Job Training & Community Impact Tracks
Shaped Carmel
Discover the Magic of Hamilton County with the Holiday Adventure Pass
As the holiday season approaches, Hamilton County, Indiana, transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive activities and enchanting experiences. The Holiday Adventure Pass is your ticket to exploring the best of what the county has to offer. Visit pass locations to earn exclusive holiday prizes. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Step into a traditional German Christmas market at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Located on Carter Green next to The Palladium, this market features charming wooden huts offering unique gifts, handmade ornaments, and delicious German treats. Enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink, sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine and soak in the festive atmosphere with live music and entertainment.
CIVIC THEATRE
Experience the magic of live theater with Civic Theatre’s holiday performances. This season, the theater presents a lineup of heartwarming and entertaining shows that are perfect for the whole family. From classic holiday tales to modern favorites, the Civic Theatre brings the spirit of the season to life on stage.
CONNER PRAIRIE: MERRY PRAIRIE HOLIDAY
Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Conner Prairie during the Merry Prairie Holiday event. This interactive history park offers a unique holiday experience with candlelit paths, historical reenactments, and festive activities. Meet Santa Claus, take a ride on the Kringle’s Carousel and enjoy the beautiful light displays that illuminate the prairie.
NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS: HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES
All aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a magical holiday train ride! These themed excursions offer a nostalgic journey through the scenic landscapes of Hamilton County. With festive decorations, holiday music, and a visit from Santa himself, the Holiday Train Rides are a delightful experience for passengers of all ages.
THE PALLADIUM
The Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of holiday concerts and performances that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. From symphony orchestras to popular music acts, the Palladium’s stunning architecture and acoustics provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday show.
ICE SKATING
Glide into the season at three festive outdoor ice skating rinks, each offering its own unique winter atmosphere—from the Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield to the charming rink at Carter Green alongside Carmel’s authentic Christkindlmarkt or the community favorite at Noblesville Ice Plaza at The Commons.
With the Holiday Adventure Pass, you can enjoy all these wonderful events, make magical memories and earn prizes. Make the most of your holiday season by exploring the best of Hamilton County’s festive offerings. Claim your free Holiday Adventure Pass at VisitHamiltonCounty. com/holidays/holiday-pass/.
For a full list of holiday events and festivities, go to VisitHamiltonCounty.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
PUBLISHER DYLAN LEWANDOWSKI dylan@townepost.com 317-552-8605
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
STEPHANIE DUNCAN
RYAN GABBERT
RENÉE LARR
BRENDAN WHITE A. J. WRIGHT
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR JOSH BROWN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1
FOREST BATHING HIKE
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025
DECEMBER
Cool Creek Park > Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street. 9-10 a.m.
2
1, 3, 10 THE NUTCRACKER: 4 MAGICAL PERFORMANCES BY 4 BALLET GROUPS
Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St,. 10:30-11 a.m.
Join us on four special occasions to watch the enchanting story of The Nutcracker as told by the beautiful dancers of area ballet groups.
JOYSWING JAZZ ORCHESTRA | HOLIDAY BIG BAND SERIES
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N College Ave.
7 p.m.
Featuring 18 highly trained instrumentalists and vocalists, the JoySwing Jazz Orchestra creates a Big Band experience unique to today’s modern jazz clubs.
3, 10, 17, 24 BINGO!
Northside, 3720 East 82nd Street. 7 p.m.
Every Wednesday at 7:00pm. $4 PBR and $5 New Holland Drafts.
FREE YOGA WEDNESDAYS
Billericay Park, 12690 Promise Road. 10-11 a.m.
Join us for a free yoga class that’s open to all skill levels!
Each session will be guided by Roots & Wings Yoga and Wellness. No registration required. Participants must bring their own yoga mat.
3 FRESHLY BREWED A CAPPELLA WINTER CONCERT
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W 46th St.
7:30 p.m.
Come share the joy of a cappella and join the upper-voice ensemble of Freshly Brewed for their Winter Concert!
PARKS 101
Cool Creek Park > Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street.
3-4 p.m.
4-6
4 X’MAS
The Mud Creek Barn Theater, 9740 E 86th St. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (Dec. 4) / 8-9:30 p.m. (Dec. 5) / 7-9:30 p.m. (Dec. 6)
Four heart warming Holiday plays and one monologue. Included in this collection are: The Office Party, Santa’s Clara, The First Noel, Balls, and Santa Comes to The King David.
5-7, 12-14, 17-21, 23-24, 26-27
A CHRISTMAS STORY
The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. Times Vary
5, 12, 19, 26
FINAL FRIDAYS IN CARMEL: DINNER WITH STRANGERS
Restaurant of the Day, Carmel, Carmel, IN 46032.
8-10 p.m.
Join us for a fun night out with new friends in Carmel. Build your community in the city through our socials and make connections!
5, 12, 19, 26
KEYSTONE FRIDAY NIGHTS
Northside, 3720 East 82nd Street. 9 p.m.
Get here for our KEYSTONE FRIDAY NIGHTS series! Every Friday from 9:00pm – 12:00am we’ve got DJ Lanky live in the house!
5
KRAZY KRAMPUS 5K
Pike Red Devil Cross Country Course, 7625 New Augusta Rd. 5-6 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays by outrunning the mischievous Krampus. If he catches you he may swat you with his branches or worse yet take you to the underworld!
6
BETHLEHEM FARM WINTER BENEFIT 2025
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church of Carmel, 10655 Haverstick Rd. 4 p.m.
You are cordially invited to the 2025 Bethlehem Farm Winter Benefit! We are so excited to get together and conclude the celebration of our 20th birthday, and we want YOU to be there.
SANKT
NIKOLAUSTAG
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, 10 Carter Green. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the beloved German tradition of Sankt Nikolaustag! Bring the kids to the East Patio of the Winter Pavilion for a special meet & greet.
9, 11
PALLADIUM PUBLIC TOURS
The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. Dec. 9: 10:20-10:30 a.m. / Dec. 11: 10:30 a.m. thecenterpresents.org
10
SAMANTHA FISH, CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND JON SPENCER: SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN TOUR
The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable night featuring three artists who define the present and future of blues-rock.
11-14
MIDWEST BEARFEST
2025
The host hotel in Westfield, 18592 Carousel Lane.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Midwest Bearfest is our premier December event of the Midwest Bearpack. Founded in 1996, Midwest Bearfest will celebrate it’s 28th event!
13
19TH ANNUAL DONUT 5K HOLIDAY RUN WALK
Clay Terrace, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd Ste 165. 9 a.m.
The Donut 5K is moving back to December in Carmel!
All of the great fun is back including: Jack’s Donuts on the course and at the Finish Line!
COOKIES & COCOA WITH A COP AT FASHION MALL AT KEYSTONE
Fashion Mall at Keystone, 8702 Keystone Crossing.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, indulge in delicious cookies and engage in casual conversation with the officers who protect and serve.
14
PUPS & PINTS
Clay Terrace, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd Ste 165. 3-6 p.m.
Get ready for some paw-sitive holiday fun at Pups & Pints Holiday Edition presented by CityVet Carmel!
19
DEFENDER - ALBUM RELEASE SHOW W/ CROSSFIRE, KIRITSIS & IDIOT
Black Circle, 2201 East 46th Street.
7 p.m.
Doors 7 Show 8 $15 ALL AGES (no presale)
19-21
FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green. 8 p.m., 3 p.m.
Central Indiana’s favorite holiday concert tradition returns, with familiar favorites and exciting new works to capture the joy of the season.
31
FORTY5 PRESENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH ROD TUFFCURLS & THE BENCH PRESS
The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N College Ave. 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve with Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press at The Vogue on Wednesday, December 31, 2025!
14 HOLIDAY WINE TASTING AT GOLDEN HOUR BOOKS Golden Hour Books, 5208 North College Ave. 6:30 - 8 p.m.
A festive night of wine with UVA Tasting at Golden Hour Books.
MONON COMMUNITY CENTER
Liquor stores often spark mixed opinions. For some, they conjure images of dimly lit, rundown spaces, but that perception is rapidly changing as a new generation of liquor stores emerges.
Founded in 2024 by Barjinder “Sunny” Bath and his partners, Sam and Anil, Platinum Liquors was built on a simple but powerful idea: redefine what people expect when they step into a
RAISING THE BAR
PLATINUM LIQUORS BRINGS MODERN APPROACH FOR CUSTOMERS
liquor store. With a focus on cleanliness, customer experience and community connection, Platinum Liquors brings a fresh, modern approach to retail that combines quality and sophistication.
“Cleanliness is a big thing for me,” Bath says. “I want the store to smell nice, look
inviting and feel comfortable when you walk in. You don’t want to go into a liquor store that smells bad or feels dirty. That’s just not a good experience. I’m not saying all stores are like that, but I’ve seen a few that could use some work. My goal with Platinum Liquors is to offer something completely different, an upscale, welcoming space
where people actually enjoy shopping.”
This is one of the best spots in Carmel, maybe even in the whole state.
“I wanted to build a liquor store that felt different, clean, elegant and welcoming. I didn’t want it to feel like your typical liquor
Writer / Ryan Gabbert Photographer / Stephanie Duncan
store. I wanted it to have a great atmosphere, even the smell and layout, something that really reflects the Carmel community.”
Located at the corner of Westfield Boulevard and 116th Street, Platinum Liquors offers an exceptional selection of beer, wine and spirits, from classic favorites to premium and rare finds. There is something for every customer and palate. Beyond its extensive drink offerings, the store also carries a wide range of tobacco products and lottery games such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
For those with refined tastes or specific requests, Bath and his team go above and beyond to ensure every customer finds exactly what they’re looking for.
“As more people find out about us, we’re
getting great feedback,” Bath says. “One thing we’ve really focused on is carrying certain high-demand and allocated brands that you can’t always find at other stores. We’ve had quite a few of those products, and they sell out fast. I’ve been surprised by how passionate people are about those bottles. We’ll have customers showing up right at 9 or 9:30 in the morning just to see what’s new.”
Beyond its impressive product selection, Bath’s goal is for Platinum Liquors to become a true part of the Carmel community, hosting events, tastings and gatherings that bring people together.
“We host tastings regularly, and enjoy sharing new spirits with our customers,” he says. “We host many tastings around the holidays all year long to keep customers engaged and connect more with the community here in Carmel.”
With the store’s first anniversary approaching, Bath and his team are gearing up to celebrate in style. The event will feature food, music and a special collaboration with the Indiana Pacers, the Pacemates and the mascot, making it a can’t-miss occasion for local customers. It is slated for 2026, with more updates to come on its website and social media.
In addition to the anniversary festivities, Platinum Liquors is offering several holiday promotions. With the festive season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to stop by, explore their latest deals and pick up a unique gift for someone special.
“We’ll have discounts running throughout the holiday season, starting around Halloween and continuing through the holidays,” bath says. “We’ve been handing out flyers for some of those deals, and people can bring them in for special offers.”
Like many industries, liquor stores are evolving with the times. They’re no longer the dim, uninviting places people rush to leave. Instead, stores like Platinum Liquors are redefining the experience, offering clean, welcoming spaces with extensive selections and friendly, knowledgeable staff that make customers want to return.
Platinum Liquors aims to be more than just the best liquor store in Carmel — it strives to be a community hub, a place where people can come together to share good times, great conversations and a sense of connection.
If you would like more information about Platinum Liquors, visit them online at platinumliquorscarmel.com, follow them on social media or visit the store.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
CELEBRATING AVRIEL SHULL’S MID-CENTURY LEGACY
Writer / Brendan White, Carmel Clay History Museum
After taking a year off to open the Carmel Clay History Museum, the Carmel Clay Historical Society is bringing back a beloved annual tradition in the Holiday Home Tour. On December 5 and 6, attendees will tour mid-century modern homes in the Thornhurst Addition designed by Carmel native Avriel Shull.
The Thornhurst Addition was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 due largely to the work of Connie Zeigler, who is the foremost expert on Shull’s life and work. Tickets for the home tour can be purchased at carmelclayhistory.org.
Avriel Shull was born in 1931 to Don and Genevieve Christie in Carmel. Avriel showed early signs of artistic brilliance, and her parents supported her passion. She graduated from Carmel High School at the age of 16 and briefly attended the John Herron Art Institute. However, she was eager to begin a career, so she quit school and started her own business, Avriel Art Associates, in 1948. One of her early projects was a promotional booklet for a homebuilder. Shull’s interest in architectural design was piqued, and she read a builder’s manual to learn how to make her own home designs.
In 1954, she designed and constructed her first house. It was located on Beechwood Drive in Carmel and featured clerestory windows, vertical cedar siding and a shed roof. She placed a unicorn at the front entrance of the house, which she called the “Golden Unicorn.” The modern design of the house was a hit, and 600 people attended the open house held after its completion.
The following year, Shull laid out the 17-lot Thornhurst Addition to build a neighborhood of mid-century modern houses. The boundaries of her plat consisted of Main Street on the south and present-day Guilford Road on the west. A second addition extended Thornhurst Drive to the north and east and Rogers Court to the south in 1957.
Shull sought to make well-built homes affordable for veterans purchasing homes through the G.I. Bill and got three of her designs approved by the Federal Housing Administration. Her designs were unique compared to the typical small revival and ranch-style houses that were popular in the post-war era. She drew inspiration from the work of Joseph Eichler in California. Her designs featured post-and-beam construction, vaulted ceilings, glass doors, large windows extending from floor to ceiling, built-in cabinets, fireplaces, stainless steel kitchen appliances and other unique features.
Over the next two decades, she designed houses and commercial buildings throughout the country. In 1960, Frederick J. Capp hired her to design an apartment complex in a modernist style in Indianapolis. The result was
Ladywood Estates, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Shull worked steadily until her death at age 43 in 1976. Since her passing, her designs have gained a cult-like following. Her homes have been featured in books and magazines, such as a Bantam/Hudson plan book titled 200 Most Popular Home Plans (published in 1978).
This December, you will have an opportunity to see her brilliance for yourself at C.C.H.S.’s Holiday Home Tour.
Brendan White is the archivist at the Carmel Clay History Museum. He also works at Sheridan Historical Society and volunteers at Westfield-Washington Historical Society, Hamilton County Historical Society and Fishers Historical Society.
TRACKS THROUGH TIME
HOW THE INTERURBAN RAILWAY SHAPED CARMEL
Writer / A. J. Wright, Carmel Clay History Museum
Have you seen the Indiana Historical Society’s exhibit on the interurban railway?
The exhibit opened last winter and will run until August 1, 2026. It’s a fascinating look at a robust transportation system that has been almost completely erased from the landscape. The interurban was a network of electric streetcars that connected cities and towns across the state, and it had a large impact on the growth of Carmel.
In February 1902, Carmel’s town board granted the Union Traction Company a franchise to construct an interurban line
through town. By April, Union Traction had secured the right-of-way from Indianapolis to Kokomo, and work on the line began in the summer.
Carmel resident William Kinzer wrote the following diary entry on September 7:
“A great many teams are coming to Carmel and work will commence on the electric railroad tomorrow. This will mark a great event in the history of this community. This work has been talked of a good deal, and now it looks like the work would be
vigorously put through to completion.”
The interurban line entered Carmel along Willow Street, now Veterans Way/First Avenue NW. It then veered northeast at Smoky Row Road, passing through the community of Gray on the way to Noblesville. After a year of construction, the first Union Traction car rolled through town on October 30, 1903. A passenger and freight depot was built on the southeast corner of Main Street and Veterans Way in January 1906. Kate O’Donnell was the first station agent, and she held the job until 1913.
Residents appreciated the ease with which they could now travel to the capital and the county seat, as Union Traction ran 17 cars north and south each day. Louis Symons told the Hamilton County Ledger:
“I can hardly realize how convenient these interurbans are. I left home with a load at two o’clock this afternoon and drove to Carmel. I had no intention of coming to Noblesville, but it was so handy I just boarded the car and came up. I looked after some matters in less than an hour. It would have taken nearly a day to have made this trip the old way.”
The interurban spurred the growth of Carmel, as it allowed city workers to move to the small towns in the surrounding country and commute to their jobs each day. The town’s population increased by about 30% over five years after the line opened.
The interurban also gave rise to a new community. Orin Jessup envisioned a small village at the Pleasant Grove stop located at 106th Street and College Avenue. In 1914, he platted the 30-acre town of Home Place on the southeast quadrant of the intersection. Home Place was designed to be a neighborhood of modern bungalows with driveways, garages and yards big enough to keep chickens. Sidewalks lined
every street, and electricity was supplied to every home by the Union Traction Company. It was a country town with the conveniences of the city nearby.
One aspect of the electric railways that does not get enough attention was their impact on the rise of sports during the early twentieth century. Soon after the interurban lines were constructed, baseball grew in popularity, as communities across the state fielded teams and expanded their schedules. There were even interurban leagues composed of clubs along the same rail line.
The interurban also enabled the rise of high school sports.
Football was the only sport offered at Carmel High School at the turn of the twentieth century, but the team only played a few games each season. However, the same year that the interurban went under construction in town, the Hamilton County High School Teachers’ Association, led by Carmel Principal John Teter, formed a committee to sanction athletic contests in anticipation of the growing demand for organized sports.
Basketball was added in 1903, and the rapid growth of high school athletic programs across the state led to the founding of
the IHSAA that same year. Before long, thousands of student-athletes were traveling by streetcar to games in cities and towns across the state.
Unfortunately, interurban railroads suffered as the use of automobiles became more prevalent in the late 1920s. The assets of the Union Traction Company were purchased by the Midland United Company of Chicago at a receiver’s sale in the summer of 1930, and a new company, the Indiana Railroad Company, was organized to operate the line. However, the Indiana Railroad Company could not make the line profitable and went into receivership in June 1933.
The line through Carmel continued in operation until September 11, 1938, when the last streetcar passed through town. Imagine how convenient travel across the Midwest would be if the interurban still existed today. Sadly, it is just a distant memory.
A. J. Wright is a historian at the Carmel Clay History Museum. He has written several books on the history of Carmel that can be found on the museum’s website, carmelclayhistory.org/books.
$20 OF HOLIDAY FLAVOR, ON US
Bring this ad and receive $20 off your $50 holiday dining experience.
Our way of saying thank you.
Carmel | Greenwood | Ironworks | Zionsville | Fishers
MEALS ON WHEELS
SPONSORED BY COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
This year marks a significant milestone for Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. For 50 years the 501(c)(3) organization has been providing healthy and nutritious food for individuals who are physically or mentally unable to prepare a meal for themselves regardless of age or income. As a private charitable endeavor, it receives no state or federal funding.
Over the years, as the need for its services has grown, it has been sustained
by donations, fundraising efforts and community grants. To celebrate and ensure another 50 years, a campaign, “Plant a Seed for the Future” is currently ongoing.
In 1975, Mary Bray, a volunteer at Riverview Hospital, saw homebound patients struggling and had a need for delivered meals. She joined forces with Reverend David Garrigus of Christ United Methodist Church in Westfield. The kitchen at Riverview Hospital stepped up to provide
meals to a small number of recipients in Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers.
“Today we work with three meal providers: Ascension St. Vincent Carmel, Riverview Hospital and Trio Community Meals in Muncie,” says Beth Gehlhausen, Executive Director. “We run 19 routes Monday through Friday with an additional eight routes on Fridays. We deliver an average of more than 5,700 meals each month. Although a large amount of the individuals
we serve are seniors, we also provide meals for people with varying disabilities. Some fully pay, others might partially pay, be on a Medicaid waver or participate in the Medicaid Pathways program.”
“The meals are medically tailored meals to the elderly or those with disabilities, facing food insecurities, or those unable to prepare food for themselves, for both short- and long-term needs in Hamilton County,” adds Lisa Thornton, Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “The meals are prepared in state-approved health care facilities and designed by a certified registered dietitian under a physician’s prescribed supervision according to the recipient’s specific dietary needs.”
Examples of doctor-prescribed meals include foods for individuals on low sodium, soft or diabetic diets. Each typically includes a protein, starch, vegetable and a dessert. According to Gehlhausen, the people served by Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County have an increasing need for more food. The meals that get delivered on the additional Friday routes are designed to help those who need it get through the weekend.
The campaign, “Plant a Seed for the Future” is an initiative to ensure Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County will be able to continue for the next 50 years. The goal is to raise $50,000 by seeking 50 individuals, organizations or civic groups to donate $1,000. Each donation of $1,000 will be
recognized on the on-line donor wall on the organization’s website in honor of its 50th Anniversary.
“We absolutely could not do what we do without the support we receive from the community,” Gehlhausen says. “We are so grateful to our meal providers, Riverview, Ascension and Trio who prepare the food. Our more than 400 volunteers are rock stars and include individuals as well as corporate partners.”
To donate, volunteer or get information about enrolling for services, visit Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County online at mealsonwheelshc.org or call 317-776-7159.
GOODNESS GRACIOUS, KITCHEN & CUPBOARD
FEATURING PICNIC SEASON & NEWLY OPENED GRAB & GO OPTIONS!
We preserve the past with food and tradition by making picnics effortless. Easy online ordering, with delivery or pick up. Also, you can choose from our compostable picnic boxes or elegant, reusable insulated baskets— perfect for a charming outing.
Visit our full-service restaurant where we offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Or just enjoy coffee or a cocktail.
Stop by our little retail shop, tucked away in the picnic pick up area. We offer many picnic goodies, books, snacks, knick-knacks, and Carmel inspired gifts.
Our signature Chick(HEN) & Waffles is a local favorite along with Gigi’s Bloody Mary with a 5 oz. beer back of Bier Brewery PDG.
Writer / Renée Larr
WARRIORS AT WORK
BEE FREE BAKES EMPOWERS YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM THROUGH JOB TRAINING & COMMUNITY IMPACT
When doctors diagnosed Jennifer Wiese’s oldest son with autism in 2007, she and her husband researched how nutrition might help.
“We started looking at food as medicine,” Wiese says.
After learning about gluten-free diets at a conference, they tried store-bought options but found the food tasted terrible. Unwilling to settle, Wiese experimented in the kitchen, reimagining her son’s favorite foods with real, wholesome ingredients. Their efforts transformed not only their household—they changed lives.
What began as homemade gluten-free treats for family and friends soon evolved into Bee Free Bakes, which expanded from local farmers’ markets to become a national brand available in stores like Kroger, Costco, and Meijer.
Yet Bee Free Bakes has always represented more than food for Wiese’s family. As her son grew older, a broader mission emerged, especially when he began seeking employment.
“We watched the challenges young adults with autism face, from preparing for interviews to getting and keeping a job,” Wiese says.
“That’s when I realized our business could fill that gap.”
Building from this understanding, Bee Free Bakes now operates a nonprofit training initiative called Warriors at Work, a 10-week
paid program that helps young adults with autism and other disabilities gain practical job experience.
“Our trainees earn a paycheck while they learn,” Wiese says. “It reinforces that their time is valuable and helps them build confidence in real-world skills.”
The program combines classroom sessions with hands-on experience. Over the 10week program, trainees rotate through three main areas: in Bee Free’s Noblesville fulfillment center, they manage inventory and warehouse tasks, in a commercial kitchen, they gain skills in food safety and packaging, and at partnership sites such as local hotels, they focus on hospitality and housekeeping. This structure exposes trainees to a range of real-world job settings.
To maximize impact, Bee Free has forged deep community ties, partnering with Janus Developmental Services, Invest Hamilton County, and the Hamilton County Community Foundation. These partnerships expand opportunities and raise awareness.
“They not only support us with funding but also help share our story,” Wiese says. “Storytelling is everything. If people don’t know what you’re doing, you can’t create change.”
Through these efforts, the impact of Warriors at Work becomes tangible: many graduates move on to jobs in food service or retail with Bee Free’s commercial partners, including Costco and Meijer.
“We want our trainees to go straight from
our program into meaningful employment,” Wiese says. “No one should go home and sit on the sofa after working this hard.”
Looking ahead, Wiese hopes Bee Free’s greatest legacy will be reshaping perceptions.
“I want people to see individuals with disabilities differently and to look beyond limitations and recognize their strengths,” she says. “When employers open their eyes to new possibilities, entire communities become more inclusive, more compassionate, and more connected.”
To learn more, get involved, or help shape a more inclusive future in the community, visit beefreebakes.org and join Bee Free’s mission to make lasting change.
S E R V I N G
C E N T R A L
I N D I A N A
S I N C E 2 0 0 1
RELATIONSHIPS
" B U I L D I N G L O N G T E R M O N E P R O J E C T A T A T I M E
DECEMBER
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1. Spanish fleet
5. Draw in (air)
7. Stale
8. Dingy
9. In the area of
10. Volley of bullets
ACROSS DOWN
1. Stomach
2. Leisurely walk
3. Accumulate
4. Set apart
5. Like-meaning word
11. Crowd brawls
13. Have (to)
14. Caught in the act
18. Entangle
21. Unnatural sleep
22. Library user
6. Meteor impact holes
12. Before (poetic)
15. One good turn deserves ...
16. Crowed
17. Formal arguments
24. Actress, ... Kelly
25. Bully
26. Take nap
27. Happening
28. Electricity supply network
29. Moves furtively
19. Maiden name indicator
20. Horse restrainer
22. Hires out
23. Contributed
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
HEALTHCARE
CERESET
(317) 922-7588
160 W Carmel Dr, Suite 186 Carmel, IN 46032 cereset.com/centers/cereset-carmel
HOME SERVICES
ADKINS DRAPERY & BLINDS
(317) 896-3833
3162 E. St. Rd. 32, PO Box 1073 Westfield, IN 46074 adkinsdraperymakers.com
CLOSETS BY DESIGNINDIANAPOLIS (317) 766-9001
1810 South Lynhurst Dr., Suite R & S Indianapolis, IN 46241 indianapolis.closetsbydesign.com
HOME SERVICES
HOMETOWN WINDOWS
(317) 659-6293 1754 S 10th St Noblesville, IN 46060 hometownwindowteam.com
NORTHSIDE WINDOW AND GUTTER CLEANING
(317) 966-0212
windowguttercleaning.com
PERSONAL CARE
CARMEL EYE CARE
(317) 843-2020
14560 River Rd Suite 120 Carmel, IN 46033 carmeleyecare.com
PETS + VETS
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITEDNOBLESVILLE/CARMEL (317) 334-1883
9873 N Michigan Rd, Suite 130A Carmel, IN 46032 carmel.wbu.com
RESTAURANTS
FORK + ALE HOUSEKITCHEN & BREWERY
(317) 669-2686
350 Veterans Way, Suite 150 Carmel, IN 46032 forkalehouses.com
HANDEL’S ICE CREAM
(317) 705-1855
2466 E 146th St Carmel, IN 46033 handelsicecream.com/store/carmel
MENOPAUSE JOURNEY.
Menopause isn’t the same for every woman. That’s why Community Health Network offers personalized care from a team of dedicated experts. Whether you need perimenopause or menopause care options — for hot flashes, mood shifts, sleep changes and more — Community’s comprehensive care team ensures you get the care you need. Because your concerns, thoughts and feelings deserve to be heard during every step of your journey. Find a provider who listens at eCommunity.com/menopause
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS TO OUR NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR - FREE!
CONTACT:
DYLAN LEWANDOWSKI
dylan@townepost.com 317-552-8605
Join us for food, learning, inspiration & connection
Hear Lindy Thackston, Fox 59 anchor, share her inspiring journey through cancer and healing. Gain expert insights on menopause, lifestyle medicine, mental health and more from Riverview Health’s all-women physician panel of experts.
You won’t want to miss it! Register: riverview.org/women4women Cost: $10*
February 5, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. The Bridgewater Club Scan to register