+ Bocado Brunch & Te’kila
Tulum-Inspired
Dining Comes to Noblesville +
THE HOUSE OF STYLE
A&B FARMHOUSE OFFERS CURATED DÉCOR AND A PERSONAL TOUCH
Home Services
Special Section
Schedule their well-child visit at riverview.org/locations , scan the QR code or call 317.565.0565
Monday – Friday to schedule at any location.
6
PASSION AND PASTA
Joelcir Antunes Brings Heart, Heritage, and Hard Work to a Beloved Noblesville Eatery
8
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
Noblesville Chamber of Commerce
10 CASTING CREATIVITY
The Indiana Flybrary Project Connects Art, Conservation and Community
12
BOCADO BRUNCH & TE’KILA
Tulum-Inspired Dining Comes to Noblesville
14
ARTISTIC EVOLUTION
Noblesville Creates a Vibrant Arts Scene in Hamilton County
18
SWITCH-RITE
SIMPLIFIES LIGHTING
Indiana Father-Son Duo
Redesigns Light Switch Plates for Function and Style
21
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Hometown Window and Door Company
22
POOLWERX EXPANDS TO WESTFIELD New Location Offers
Comprehensive Pool Services
26
THE HOUSE OF STYLE A&B Farmhouse Offers
Curated Décor and a Personal Touch 28
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Vaibhav Patel
PUBLISHER
BRANDON BALTZ brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522 KEY CONTRIBUTORS
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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
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Passion and Pasta
JOELCIR ANTUNES BRINGS HEART, HERITAGE, AND HARD WORK TO A BELOVED NOBLESVILLE EATERY
Many in Noblesville know Joelcir Antunes as the friendly and inviting owner of Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano. But his path to owning the beloved eatery is one marked by dedication, resilience and heart.
Writer and Photographer / Stephanie Duncan
“Everything I am today I devote to my family,” he said. “When my team needs help, I go, and I cook like everybody else.” That dedication to family drives his professional life, too. “The number one thing I brought from home is honesty. I do not wanna lose
experience in a restaurant came at age 18— working, not dining. He left his family’s farm to work at a Brazilian steakhouse in São Paulo, starting as a dishwasher and eventually becoming a manager.
“Growing up, I had never been to a restaurant,” he said.
Antunes is a near-constant presence at
bartender. I am here every day. Guests come in and ask, ‘Who is that crazy guy?’ That must be the owner,” he said, laughing.
His guiding principle is simple: “Love what you do.” That mindset informs his leadership, his service and the food Matteo’s
“Because I love what I do, whatever I am doing, I do with pleasure.”
Antunes’s first
His career took him to Chicago and later Indianapolis to help launch new locations. In 2015, the chance to buy a restaurant of his own presented itself—and he took it.
“Coming from a poor family, I was happy to buy a restaurant. It was a big deal,” he said. He credits his success to mentors, hard work and his values.
“Do things right the first time, always be honest and surround yourself with the right people.”
Antunes’s wife, Mislene, now contributes delectable desserts to the menu. Their daughter, Mylena, joined the family
business as a teen and, even though she now works at a law firm, continues to support the restaurant’s marketing and cocktail development.
To stay connected to his Italian roots, Antunes leads annual group trips to Italy. These excursions help him discover new recipes and deepen family bonds. The next trip is planned for October, with Venice on the itinerary.
Matteo’s offers more than just dinner. The restaurant regularly hosts wine dinners, featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings and live entertainment. In the summer, the events are held outdoors in the restaurant’s adjacent alley, offering guests a cozy, memorable experience.
Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano is located at 40 N. Ninth St. in Noblesville. For reservations, call 317-774-9771. Visit matteosindy.com or follow the restaurant on social media for updates on catering, carry-out and upcoming events.
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CASTING CREATIVITY
THE INDIANA FLYBRARY PROJECT CONNECTS ART, CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY
Writer / Alli Donovan Photographer / Tom Klubens
When Noblesville resident Jeff Pass first picked up a fly rod, he didn’t realize it would lead to a statewide art and conservation movement. But just months after brainstorming his initial ideas, Pass is building a network of communal fly-fishing art installations, known as Flybraries, with a mission to connect Hoosiers to their parks, waterways and each other.
Launched in late 2024, the Indiana Flybrary Project is the brainchild of Pass’s own journey
through healing, creativity and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. After serving 17 years in the military and facing mental health challenges following his medical retirement, he turned to fishing as a form of therapy. Weekly trips to the water became a grounding routine - one that soon intersected with his other passion: making art.
“I was dealing with a lot of mental health issues, so I started prioritizing my mental health by fishing at least once a week,” Pass
shares. “It gave me clarity, and it gave me a new way to think about how we connect with each other.”
Inspired by the original Flybrary Project created by Tailer Trash Fishing in Florida, Pass began crafting a localized version for Indiana in November 2024. By December he had already started prototyping the first box. Fast-forward to this spring, and his first community fundraiser is now behind him, with a long list of cities and parks lined up to
Jeff Pass with on of his prototype "Flybrary" painted by Noblesville artist Liz Hamstra
bring Flybraries to life - including right here in Hamilton County.
At its core, the Flybrary Project is simple but powerful: small wooden boxes placed in public parks, each stocked with handcrafted fishing flies and designed as communal “Take-A-Fly, Leave-A-Fly” hubs. But these aren’t just tackle stations; they’re public art pieces, designed and built by local woodworkers, decorated by Indiana artists, and engraved with messages about conservation, licensing and how to get involved in the local arts scene.
Pass envisions each Flybrary as a permanent fixture in its park - a way to highlight local talent, promote sustainable outdoor recreation and remind visitors that conservation is a shared responsibility. “I would really like to see people continue getting involved in our local conservation,” he says. “Flybraries are a creative and community-driven way to do that.”
The project is already in motion with confirmed and potential locations across Indiana, including Noblesville, Bloomington, Marion, Brookville, Monroe Tailwaters and Fairfax Beach. Pass is especially excited about collaborating with Indy’s creative community to bring ecofriendly woodworking and artistic design to future boxes.
Each Flybrary will serve as a collaborative community hub, spotlighting the contributions of local artists, guides and conservation groups to inspire deeper connection and involvement. As new Flybraries are completed, they’ll be added to a national registry, drawing fly-fishing enthusiasts and curious travelers who often go out of their way to visit these unique community landmarks. Ongoing fundraising efforts will support the longterm maintenance and restocking of each installation.
Pass’s vision goes far beyond the act of
casting a line. It’s about building something lasting and inclusive, something that invites people to connect with nature, creativity and one another.
Pass is actively seeking artists, woodworkers, donors and community partners to continue bringing the Flybrary Project to life across Indiana. To learn more or get involved, visit jeffpassdesigns.com/ indiana-flybrary.
BOCADO BRUNCH & TE’KILA
TULUM-INSPIRED DINING COMES TO NOBLESVILLE
Writer / Emily Whitcomb
A pocket of Mexican cuisine is now awaiting customers in Federal Hill Commons.
Inspired by the city of Tulum, Mexico, Bocado Brunch & Te’kila provides the city of Noblesville with a unique experience and flavor palette. From the moment a customer enters, they’re met with a beautiful, bright interior, eye-catching Mexican vases lining the wall above a line of tables, and boppy background music enveloping the whole dining area. Bocado is the sixth restaurant owned by Hugo Zavala.
“Everything you see here came straight from Mexico, custom-made,” Zavala says.
Zavala wants the entire restaurant to be welcoming yet elevated, with the vibe subtly shifting from chill during the week to a party vibe on the weekends. But no matter the vibe of the atmosphere, Bocado’s Mexican roots are always front and center.
“We already have Los Agaves, which is a Mexican restaurant. I also have Mornings Breakfast and Brunch, which is a breakfast restaurant. So I figured, why not combine the two concepts and make it into one, which is why we’re open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” Zavala says. “You can have eggs benedict for dinner, and tacos and tequila for breakfast.”
The word “bocado” means bite, and Bocado’s logo, a round-edged diamond with an x at its center, comes from Tulum’s Mayan roots, meaning “food.” Their restaurant philosophy is “quality, love and flavor in every bite.” Zavala says this
Photographer / Kiera Brehm
is a running theme through each of his restaurants.
Beginning with opening Los Agaves in McCordsville in 2017, Zavala was met with success and subsequently opened Mornings Breakfast and Brunch. Mornings has locations in Fishers, Indianapolis, and McCordsville. Visit their website morningsbb.com for further information. Los Agaves has locations in McCordsville and Westfield. Visit their website losagavesgrill.com for further information.
Already fond of the Federal Hill area, Zavala was further encouraged by the owners, Old Town Companies, who were already customers of Zavala’s, to open Bocado there.
At Bocado, Zavala has assembled a dedicated and specialized crew to elevate every aspect of the meals, including an executive mixologist and coffee connoisseur.
With no big freezers, few made-in-advance ingredients, and a distinct homemade flavor,
Bocado has put its focus on bringing quality hot and tasty food to the table, according to Zavala’s business partner, Jonathan Altamirano. With each day open, the team is getting feedback, taking it into account, and preparing to adjust the menu according to the carefully watched reactions of guests.
Being able to order anything from the menu at any time, guests may be faced with the dilemma of overwhelming options. Zavala recommends some of his personal favorites to help guests find a starting point.
“Mezcal goes with anything. You know, our bartender, mixologist executive, he makes amazing drinks. And to me, the mezcalita is good. It goes perfectly for dinner,” Zavala says. “Chamorro is really good. I love seafood, so the camarones zarandeados are amazing. And as far as breakfast, I love the eggs benedict.”
Zavala also strongly recommends the Tres
Zavala is looking forward to the customers brought in by the events in Federal Hill Commons this summer, including the farmer’s market and summer concerts.
Bocado Brunch & Te’kila is located at 188 Westfield Rd. Their phone number is (317) 764-2922. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday–Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You can visit their website bocadobt.com or connect with them on Instagram or Facebook.
Leches French Toast.
ARTISTIC EVOLUTION
NOBLESVILLE CREATES A VIBRANT ARTS SCENE IN HAMILTON COUNTY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
There’s no question that art in public spaces is desired by many communities across the country. It defines cultural districts and recognizes what local artists bring to their communities.
Leaders in Hamilton County have set out to make a difference in the artistic arena.
Founded by Hamilton County Tourism in 2012 as a way to support art organizations, Nickel Plate Arts was rebranded in 2024 as Noblesville Creates, signaling the belief that Noblesville is set to be the next creative environment where artists thrive.
“We have two historic buildings in Noblesville with two gallery spaces and seven artist studios between the two buildings,” said Executive Director Ailithir McGill. “We hold events, classes and workshops on campus, and in addition, we run two gallery spaces in
Fishers and assist with their Art in City Hall program.”
Their passion and partnerships with the Indiana Arts Commission and artists across the state prompted a regional aim to influence conversations throughout Indiana.
“We offer a service to cities to help them develop an art plan, like a master plan for your community,” McGill said. “We want to look at how to engage and find ways to put public art into your long-range comprehensive plan.”
According to McGill, studies show large areas of growth in the creative middle class and a generation of young professionals will be looking to launch creative businesses. In turn, they’ll be looking for the right location to do so.
“Indiana wants to position themselves to be competitive in that market,” McGill said. “Carmel, for example, is internationally known for being a growing suburban community and the arts have been used effectively there. Big companies no longer see outdoor spaces, trails and art opportunities as amenities. They see it as necessities.”
Closer to home, the City of Noblesville recently asked Noblesville Creates to update the Master Arts Plan. The last time they did so was to develop the cultural district downtown. This time they’re looking at other districts to discover what is still missing.
“It’s a good time to take stock of what’s next, and look at how can we use a new vibe or the arts in different ways so we can build in other areas of town,” McGill said. “It’s really exciting that our elected officials and city staff recognize how important this is going to be for our future.”
The writing is on the wall. McGill said every single day, Noblesville Creates receives a phone call from a local artist, asking how he or she can get plugged in to all the creative things happening in the area.
“They are going to be seen as culture drivers - really valuable assets,” McGill said. “They are going to define what it means to be from Westfield or Noblesville, and it’s going to be so cool to watch the next five to 10 years as it transforms.”
SWITCH-RITE SIMPLIFIES LIGHTING
INDIANA FATHER-SON DUO REDESIGNS LIGHT SWITCH PLATES FOR FUNCTION AND STYLE
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Robert Jones
If you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb or VRBO rental, you’ve likely spent several minutes figuring out the lights — which switch goes to which room or lighting source.
In homes with open floor plans, it’s not uncommon to see four or five switches to control three connecting rooms. In the past, we’d break out the masking tape and mark which switch worked for what, right?
Tom Cox and his son, Chris, have an alternative for this.
“I’ve been a home builder since 1999 and a carpenter before that, and I’ve always had an interest in mechanical things. It’s a rewarding process to put together a project with all of the trades involved,” Tom Cox said. “One of the silly little problems we’d encounter was when a customer has meticulously labeled all the switches, and one time, I was asked if there was any better method. To be quite honest, the answer was ‘no.’ Even the best labeling attempt looks a little goofy compared to this nice, new home you’ve built.”
Cox was convinced there must be a way to create a switch plate that included an identifier, and seven years ago, he started the tedious process of drawing, sketching and brainstorming.
“My son was exiting the service and getting married. He moved back to Indiana and wanted to work with me, so I thought, maybe now is the time,” Cox said. “We started with the patent attorney, then the engineering process and met with mold manufacturers. We were able to utilize
resources right here in Indiana from design, engineering, mold production, testing and adjustments.”
Switch-Rite provides light switches with a label or plastic insert flush with the plate, identifying what room or device the switch operates.
Customers have the option of choosing inserts like “Living Room” and “Office,” but also “Fireplace,” “Ceiling Fan” and “Stairs.”
They even improved the classic light switch plate to solve more problems than just the
labeling itself.
“When I would turn over a new home to the customer, I’d walk through it with a very detailed list of things, and you want to provide something that’s new and aesthetically pleasing,” Cox said. “We made these switch plates slightly deeper than what you normally find because a conventional plate is about 30/100 of an inch from meeting the wall. It used to drive me nuts. The solution to that was to caulk, but when we developed this, we also made sure we had plenty of room for our label and everything to fit properly.”
As of August 2024, the Switch-Rite product has been made available to homeowners, but they’re concentrating on new builders, hotels and rental companies too.
“Our main goal is to create awareness. I think a lot of people simply don’t realize this is available yet. It’s something that’s always intrigued me. If we turned this or moved this over a little, it would look so much nicer, so we’re just tweaking things to make it a little better,” Cox said.
Visit lightswitchlabels.com to order or for more information.
Writer / Emily Whitcomb
A house is always more than just a house. It’s where people raise their kids, where they eat, where they gather to socialize with friends and neighbors, and where they live so much of life. Peace of mind for the state of a home is always desired, but so often the required repairs are unable to be made, and that little extra piece of peace gets lost.
Chelsea and Peter Kopelman were able to get some of that peace with Hometown Window. From the purchase of their home in Carmel seven years ago, the Kopelmans knew the 28 original wood windows would eventually have to be replaced. This was easier said than done. In addition to affordability, the Kopelmans took into account that the back of their house faces a golf course and is very visible. They wanted black, no-seam windows inside and out, which made the search even more difficult. For two to three years, they vetted companies that would be able to provide everything they needed.
A neighbor’s referral to Hometown Window was the game changer. The Kopelmans got the look and the quote they were looking for. From the beginning, Chelsea Kopelman says, the Hometown team was doing their jobs well.
“We live a busy schedule with three kids. I run my own business. My husband works
full-time. So we don’t have a ton of time to sit down with window salespeople for two hours to do the whole heat lamp test, and all the things,” Kopelman says. “We communicated that with the Hometown crew before they came over for the estimate, and they were really efficient with our time and respectful of our time, which was a nice surprise.”
“THEY WERE REALLY EFFICIENT WITH OUR TIME AND RESPECTFUL OF OUR TIME, WHICH WAS A NICE SURPRISE.”
—PETER KOPELMAN
Kopelman was impressed by the respectful conduct and interaction with the Hometown crew, especially when the Kopelmans’ recently refinished deck was scratched by a ladder.
“We brought [the damage] up to them, and they completely fixed the issue, no charge to us. A lot of contractors would just say, you know what, you gotta find somebody else to fix that, that’s not in our scope,” Kopelman
says. “[But Hometown] just completely took care of it, which was fantastic.”
The quality of service throughout the entire project has encouraged Kopelman and her husband to pick Hometown for their future project of replacing their front windows.
“I’m getting so many compliments anytime anybody sees them. We’ve just been getting a lot of compliments, people saying that it looks like a brand-new house.”
In addition to replacing and selling windows, Hometown also replaces and sells doors. Though Hometown offers the national brand Andersen Windows & Doors, the team is made up of entirely Indianapolis-area employees. Any project is customizable. They have a certified white-glove installation team, whose years of experience guarantee a good installation process and end result.
For more information on Hometown Windows, visit hometownwindowteam.com or give them a call at (317) 659-6293 for a free quote today.
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317-659-6293
hometownwindowteam.com
POOLWERX EXPANDS TO WESTFIELD
NEW LOCATION OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE POOL SERVICES
Writer / Natalie Platt
Poolwerx, the globally recognized pool service and retail franchise, has recently expanded its footprint to Westfield, marking a significant milestone in its strategic growth beyond traditional Sun Belt markets. The largest pool service franchise in the world, with a vast network of franchise partners and mobile techs, has now added a retail location at 222 W. 161st Street in Westfield.
The newest Midwest location offers a comprehensive suite of services, including in-store water testing, weekly maintenance, equipment repair and replacement, liner installations, leak detection and hot tub services. The move into Westfield addresses a growing need for reliable pool maintenance solutions in the Midwest, as the original Poolwerx store in the greater Indianapolis area was started in Noblesville by a local native.
Jessica Thomas, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and Indiana native, leads the new Westfield franchise, along with the Noblesville franchise that opened in 2024. Born and raised here, Thomas moved back to the area
over a decade ago after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.
“I have wanted to own a business for years,” Thomas says. “I just did not know what I was good at that was worth turning into a business. I initially looked into opening a franchise coffee shop, but when those plans fell through, I was connected with a franchise consultant who helped me find Poolwerx.”
Thomas was immediately impressed by the Poolwerx brand, its proven track record and the promise of support. Within a week of visiting the support center in Dallas, she was already reviewing the agreement to start the Noblesville location. Now, as the franchise partner and owner of Poolwerx Noblesville and Poolwerx Westfield, Thomas finds fulfillment in providing a positive experience for all her clients.
For residents in Westfield and surrounding areas, Poolwerx offers a trusted solution for maintaining healthy, sparkling pools and spas. As the brand continues to grow,
its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of its operations. Known for their friendly customer service, Thomas emphasizes employee training with a focus on customer satisfaction.
“We really try our best to focus on customer satisfaction and have been able to hire some great people with good communication skills who understand the importance of customer service,” Thomas says. “Those are things you can’t train—I can teach you how to clean a pool, I’m proof of that. But the other things, you just can’t—and we really want our customer service to shine.”
Poolwerx goes beyond servicing pools or selling chemicals; the team is available to offer advice and support to ensure customers have a healthy pool to enjoy. After all, a pool is an investment and deserves the utmost attention. Poolwerx clients don’t just value clean water, they value clean, healthy water.
“Caring for your pool is our passion,”
Thomas says. “You can trust the team at Poolwerx for quality service and products, so you can experience the healthy pool lifestyle you love with family and friends all year long.”
“It has been rewarding to open a business in the town where I grew up, and a town I didn’t know had so many pools,” she says. “It is fun to feel like we are making a difference where we live. My parents both live close and help out, as well as my kids. My fiancé, Jason, is my business partner and my biggest supporter in and out of work.”
The Poolwerx Westfield grand opening party last month had close to 100 friends
and family members in attendance, a testament to Thomas’ hard work and the Poolwerx brand.
“Coffee and my family keep me going day in and day out,” Thomas says. “I really want to build a business here that has a great reputation and serves the residents of Noblesville and Westfield well.”
The newest Poolwerx is located in Spring Mill Commons at 222 W. 161st St., Westfield, IN 46074. You can learn more at poolwerx.com/locations/indiana/ poolwerx-westfield or by calling the store at (317) 376-3428.
Jason Bunker and Jessica Thomas
THE HOUSE OF STYLE
A&B FARMHOUSE OFFERS CURATED DÉCOR AND A PERSONAL TOUCH
When Andy Stone would have friends over for dinner or game night, it wasn’t uncommon for guests to ask him where he bought a specific lamp or where he found that beautiful rug.
They loved the décor in Stone’s home, and his lifelong passion for finding the perfect thing for his home gave him an idea.
“I wanted to create a store that felt like a home. I really had a vision of what it could be and wanted to create an experience for customers,” Stone said.
At the big-box stores, Stone said, it can become overwhelming — rows and rows of products with no idea how to pull them
together for that specific project.
Walking into A&B Farmhouse, customers can shop for a variety of home décor, including furniture, pillows, wall decorations and more. It looks like Stone’s living room or dining room, and you can see how the items pull together or might fit in your space.
All products are new, except one vendor who provides repurposed and gently used wood furniture. Stone looks at it like he’s shopping for you and your future project when making the selections.
Most recently, Stone has been growing the faux floral side of his business.
“If I don’t believe in it, I won’t put it in the store, but these faux flowers are amazing. There are tulips and roses and others that feel real to the touch. You can put them in that family heirloom vase, and they take zero watering. No one will know the difference,” Stone said.
Though he doesn’t go into customers’ homes for interior decorating, bring him photos, measurements and your questions, and Stone is happy to help.
“I love to sit down with someone and figure out what to do with a particular room. People often come in unprepared. They’re asking for something that would go on the fireplace mantel or the right paint color to use, but that depends on a lot of different things,” Stone said. “Take a few photos, and we’ll talk it through.”
For Stone, he knows that additional assistance and passion for helping you find something special makes the difference.
“To me, it’s all about the experience. In this day and age, you can go on Amazon and order anything. People enjoy coming into this beautiful store, and even if they don’t purchase something that particular time, hopefully the experience will have them finding me when they are ready,” Stone said.
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Robert Jones
After all, a beautiful home should be available to all. He’s keeping price points affordable and staying competitive with the online market, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the experience.
Some already have, because it’s not his first store.
Stone originally opened A&B Farmhouse in Brazil, but in March 2025, he moved to Noblesville. And though some have dreams of large franchises and multiple locations, Stone is happy where he is.
“I wanted to move closer to family and friends, and I’ve always been attracted to the Hamilton County square,” Stone said. “I love this location. There’s this downtown charm to it, and many people shop local and support local when they can because they take great pride in that. I, in turn, take great pride in being a part of a community like this.”
Visit abfarmhouse.com for more information.
VAIBHAV PATEL
Writer / Renée Larr
At Noblesville High School, senior Vaibhav Patel has built an impressive leadership, community service, and academic excellence legacy. As one of only two students from Noblesville to receive the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, Patel had an incredible opportunity ahead of him—one he ultimately declined to pursue his dream school, Johns Hopkins University, where he
received a full-ride scholarship.
Patel’s academic career is a testament to his dedication and excellence. He is actively involved in multiple student organizations, serving as the president of the Asian Student Union, vice president of Bring Change to Mind, and senior class president.
His work with the Asian Student Union has been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among students.
Bring Change to Mind, another of his initiatives, focuses on raising awareness about mental health and breaking its stigma.
Through the student government, he has played a crucial role in advocating for his peers and ensuring their voices are heard.
In addition to his leadership roles, Patel is a member of the National Honor Society and has consistently maintained excellent academic standing. His academic
achievements are a testament to his dedication to his education and being a lifelong learner.
Patel has made a significant impact through his community service efforts. He originally became involved with Serve Noblesville through the Mayor’s Youth Council, where he now serves as chair. He says his passion for cultural awareness and inclusivity led him to establish the Noblesville Culture Fair during his sophomore year.
Each year, the Culture Fair brings students together to celebrate diversity by showcasing their cultural backgrounds through food, artifacts, and traditional attire. Last year, Patel successfully partnered with Serve Noblesville’s FUN Fest, expanding the event’s reach and deepening its impact on the community.
His dedication to service extends to his work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where he is leading a fundraising
campaign intending to raise $15,000 to support cancer research and patient care. In just the first few weeks of fundraising, he has already raised $3,000, demonstrating his ability to mobilize people for a cause greater than himself.
Patel’s leadership and service efforts have been commendable, but his academic interests lie in studying the brain. At Johns Hopkins University, he plans to major in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in bioethics, following a pre-med pathway. His ultimate goal is to become a neurosurgeon.
His interest in neuroscience began in middle school when he first explored different career options. Inspired by his teacher, Dr. Tomczuk, Patel became determined to pursue a medical career to contribute to neurological research and improve healthcare access.
At Johns Hopkins, he plans to engage in
cutting-edge research in neuroscience and behavioral health, further expanding his knowledge and preparing for a future dedicated to medical advancements.
Patel’s journey is just beginning, but his impact on Noblesville High School and the surrounding community will be felt for years to come. Whether it’s through his leadership, service, or academic pursuits, he exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student and innovator.
CarDon
Cares Homes Heart with
When Dr. Randy Schroeder arrived at CarDon & Associates’ senior living community in Pendleton, Rawlins House, he was in a rough patch. Severely weak from fighting the lifethreatening condition of bacterial meningitis, he needed maximum assistance with basic movements and daily tasks.
Thanks to the community’s dedicated team of rehab therapists, Randy can now walk up to 200 feet with supervision, climb stairs with minimal help, and manage daily activities on his own. Upon graduating from rehab, he called the community “a gift from God,” praising the staff across all departments.
While Rawlins House helped Randy return home, other CarDon communities have become home to seniors because of the skilled, compassionate care they provide.
STRENGTH & COMFORT IN CARE
Like many seniors, Donald Wilson was initially hesitant to enter senior living and accept assistance. Now, he’s been living at CarDon’s Altenheim community for more than six months and feeling right at home.
“My dad is an old-fashioned, do-it-himself kind of man, so he sometimes has a hard time asking for help or embracing it,” Robert said. “But the nurses here make him feel comfortable with that. I trust that he’s in good hands when I’m not here, and that’s the best feeling for a family member to have.”
As with the majority of CarDon’s communities, Altenheim provides independent and assisted living as well as rehab, memory support, on-site dialysis and 24/7 long-term care that not only fulfills residents’ daily needs with dignity but keeps them active and engaged. For example, Donald loves building puzzles and attending the community’s music therapy classes, which CarDon offers on the basis that music is scientifically proven to improve memory and overall cognition in seniors. During these classes, the instructor encourages residents to sing and dance to favorite tunes from their past.
Of course, CarDon’s rehab programs keep residents spry as well. With state-of-the-art gyms and highly trained physical, occupational and speech therapists equipped to guide residents through recovery, CarDon’s communities see daily success stories.
Delivering rehab therapy and long term care is more than a job for CarDon team members — it’s their passion.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PLACE
Mary Delaney also spoke of the relief she felt knowing that staff would always be around to assist her mother at CarDon’s Carmel Health & Living.
From the nurses safely positioning her mother’s wheelchair to a cafeteria employee always being ready to serve her decaf coffee, Mary said every member of the community’s staff made a positive impact every day.
From the moment Mary stepped into Carmel Health & Living, she was welcomed with open arms, which she didn’t expect when she spontaneously decided to schedule a tour of the community on a Sunday afternoon. From that first moment, she knew her mother would be in good hands.
Mary elaborated: “Other senior communities are appealing on a surface level. They have the gourmet meals, the nice tile, the flowers on the tables. But they don’t have the level of care that CarDon has.”
The people here make all the difference.
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pecial is on the way.
In late 2025, IU Health Saxony in Fishers will begin offering expanded services and maternity care designed with your comfort, care and convenience in mind.
We’re Expecting...
Maternity Care Close to Home
Here’s what you can expect:
■ 12 modern Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum rooms
■ 2 dedicated C-section suites
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■ 6 Specialty Care Nursery rooms
■ Integrated OB/GYN space for seamless care before, during and after delivery
Plus, we’re adding Riley Children’s Health pediatric emergency medicine services, and nearly doubling the size of our hospital to better serve growing families like yours.
Because when you’re expecting, so are we.
Find an OB/GYN near you: iuhealth.org/bookobgyn