Century of Heritage: Celebrating 100 Years of Family in Westfield

Isaiah House 117: Offering Comfort to Children in Crisis For children taken away from their families by the Department of Children’s
Services (DCS), the experience can be incredibly traumatic. Many times, these children are brought to a DCS office, spending the night on cots while waiting to be placed with a foster family. Thankfully, Isaiah House 117 is providing a more compassionate alternative.
Isaiah House 117 began in Tennessee with a powerful vision. In 2014, Ronda Paulson and her husband Corey were training to become foster parents when they saw firsthand how sterile and unwelcoming these spaces could be for children in crisis. Moved by their experience, Ronda felt called to create a safe, loving place where children could go after being removed from their homes—a place with clean clothes, warm beds, and caring volunteers.
Guided by the Bible verse Isaiah 1:17 (“defend the cause of the fatherless”), Ronda’s vision became reality in 2017 when Isaiah House 117 was founded. Since then, the organization has been transforming the way foster care begins, offering a nurturing environment for children in need. Several months ago, Jim and Maureen Sulkowski of Chatham Hills discovered Isaiah House 117 and felt compelled to get involved. Reflecting on the organization, Jim shared, “I personally cannot imagine the trauma these children experience, but Isaiah House seeks to ease their struggles by offering love and compassion.” When children are removed from unsafe environments, they are typically brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, during which the children are often scared, hungry, lonely, and wearing dirty clothes. Isaiah House 117 provides a comforting alternative—a safe space with caring volunteers who offer clean clothes, warm blankets, toys, and smiles. This nurturing environment allows children to feel secure while child welfare workers handle the necessary paperwork and arrange foster placements. The organization’s mission is threefold: to reduce trauma for children, ease the burden on child welfare services, and facilitate a smoother transition for foster families. In 2023, Isaiah House opened a new home in Zionsville, offering children the
safe, welcoming space envisioned by founder Ronda Paulson. As trained caretakers, Jim and Maureen have already cared for three children and have witnessed the profound impact the organization has on young lives. One experience that stands out to the Sulkowskis involved a 17-year-old boy who arrived with tape holding his shoes together. When he was given a brand-new pair of Adidas sneakers, he broke down in tears and called his grandmother, unable to remember a time when he had ever owned new shoes. It’s moments like these that show the power of Isaiah House in restoring dignity and hope to children in crisis. As the holiday season approaches, Isaiah House will host a special Evening of Thanks concert fundraiser on November 14th to raise awareness and support for this vital work. Jim and Maureen invite the community to attend, not only to raise funds but also to help spread the word about Isaiah House’s mission to care for children during their most vulnerable moments.
For more information or to get involved, please visit https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseboonecoin. Jim and Maureen Sulkowski are also happy to share more about the life-changing work being done at Isaiah House 117.

A Cornerstone on the Move: The Enduring Legacy of Pickett’s Cafeteria Nestled on the corner of State Road 32 and South Union Street in Westfield, “the green building” has been the subject of much conversation in recent months. While it currently stands wrapped and awaiting rejuvenation, its history is deeply rooted in the town’s development and community spirit. For over four decades, this unassuming structure housed Pickett’s Cafeteria, a cherished institution that became synonymous with delicious food and warm hospitality. The building’s story predates Pickett’s by over a century, however. Constructed sometime between 1837 and 1842, it first served as The Old Corner Drug Store, catering to the basic medical needs of Westfield’s early residents. Over the decades, it transitioned through various purposes, reflecting the town’s evolving character. It would serve the town as a grocery store for over 60 years of its existence, as the town’s post office from 1873 1877, then evolved into Patterson’s Store, Hetherington’s Store, then Funderburgh’s Grocery. On Friday, Nov. 28, 1958, the building embarked on what is probably its most iconic chapter. Bernard and Mary Pickett, a couple with a dream of creating a bustling cafeteria, purchased the space and christened it “Pickett’s.” Mary
had never worked in a commercial kitchen before, and she never measured anything when cooking at home, so it took months to translate recipes to written form and using ‘spoons and cup measurements.’ At first, they had a third party make pies sold in the cafeteria but eventually made them in house – Bernie made the fruit pies while Mary made the cream and meringues. The restaurant quickly became a local phenomenon. Mary’s home-style cooking, featuring mouthwatering classics like roast beef, mashed potatoes,
and fried chicken made in iron skillets, attracted diners from all corners. The cafeteria’s warm atmosphere, coupled with its friendly waitresses and staff, fostered a sense of community and belonging. The restaurant’s remarkable success evolved from an opening day of fifty patrons to an average of 409 daily meals served. On Sundays, 500-600 meals could be served and 60 – 80 pies sold, while Mother’s Day saw 620 guests. Pickett’s Cafeteria thrived for over four decades, becoming the backdrop for countless celebrations, family reunions, and everyday meals. Mary’s commitment to quality shone through in every dish. They started small, with a single woman handling all the cooking, but Mary’s unwavering standards for fresh, homemade food propelled their success. They never advertised, relying solely on word-of-mouth and the undeniable allure of a delicious home-cooked meal. Its central location along US 31 also aided its success. Mary Pickett recalled that the restaurant was a true family affair, with Bernie overseeing the prime rib and hams, while Mary skillfully orchestrated the rest. Their adopted daughters and even grandsons joined the team, further solidifying the restaurant’s family-oriented spirit. Bernie and Mary sold the restaurant in 1972, serving their last meals on November 30 and moving to Venice, Florida on December 1 for a well deserved retirement. However, the building’s story continued. Over the next few decades, it housed various restaurants, each offering its own unique culinary experience but keeping the iconic name. In 1994, the owners were Janet and Ron Passwater, who eventually rediscovered Mary Pickett’s original recipes and reinstated them, much to the delight of Westfield’s citizens. Thursdays saw pork and dressing on the menu; Fridays offered catfish and beef with homemade noodles, while Sunday’s guests delighted in cast-iron fried chicken once again. Biscuits and pies were very popular, too, with the coconut cream pie most requested. The building later housed Jan’s Italian Village Restaurant, Keltie’s Restaurant,
Queso Blanco Mexican Restaurant, and Erika’s Place until 2020. Its most recent incarnation was as Dance Innovations, a dance studio, before being purchased by INDOT in November, 2022. The building’s significance extends beyond its role as a much-beloved restaurant. Located within the Westfield Historic District, it stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Recent discoveries revealed hand-hewn timbers made from trees dating back 300-400 years, offering a tangible link to the town’s early days. The building’s continuous commercial operation for over 185 years underscores its enduring value to the community. Today, the building faces a new chapter. With the impending construction on State Road 32, it will be relocated to a new site south of the Westfield Basile
Theater sometime this winter. This move reflects the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage and is a testament to the time and efforts dedicated to the cause. The Westfield Preservation Alliance and Indiana Landmarks have championed the building’s preservation, recognizing its symbolic importance and historic status. The story of the building that housed Pickett’s Cafeteria is a testament to the enduring power of community, family values, and good food. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving past stories and honoring the places that have shaped the lives of generations. As the building embarks on its next chapter, it carries with it the echoes of laughter, the aroma of delicious meals, and the unyielding spirit of a community that cherishes its past while embracing its future.If you have photos, stories, etc from your experiences at Pickett’s, the Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum would love to see and hear them. Please submit via email to president@wwhs.us.

Welcoming Market District to Westfield: Thank You for Being Rock Strong! Westfield Washington Schools is excited to welcome Market District as our new community partner. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their remarkable support of our students, staff, and families. Market District’s generous contributions and active involvement have significantly impacted our educational environment, and we are thrilled to have them as part of our Westfield community. A Generous Partnership From the moment Market District became involved with Westfield Washington Schools, their support has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past year, Market District has donated over $15,000, playing a pivotal role in several key events and initiatives that have enriched our school community. Their contributions have helped us kick off the school year with enthusiasm and have provided vital resources to both students and staff. Katie Otte, Executive Store Leader at Market District, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are happy to partner with Westfield Schools. As they grow, we look forward to growing alongside the community and supporting their continued success.” Celebrating Community Spirit One of the highlights of Market District’s involvement was their support for the annual Rock The Block event. By providing boxes of oatmeal, free hot dogs/buns, and chips, Market District ensured that this community celebration was enjoyable and well-supported. Their generous donation helped set a positive tone for the event, reinforcing the importance of community in fostering student success. Market District’s contributions didn’t stop there. At the WWS/WEF Sponsor Night, their donation of a delicious meal and a Rocks-themed cake created an inviting and festive atmosphere, perfect for cheering on our team. This event honored our valued sponsors and provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and connect with our partners. Nourishing School Spirit Market District also played a crucial role in hosting the season-opening pep rally. By providing meals for the Band, Cheerleaders, and Football Team, they significantly boosted school spirit and celebrated the dedication of these groups. Their support at this event underscored their commitment to fostering a positive and spirited school environment.
The company’s generosity extended to our Career Fair and Alumni Night, where their contributions helped make these events successful. By supporting these important gatherings, Market District provided valuable opportunities for students to explore career paths and reconnect with former classmates, further demonstrating their dedication to our community’s growth and success. Food as a Catalyst for Connection Market District’s support has shown how food can serve as a bridge to stronger community connections. Their involvement in various events has created spaces where individuals can come together, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. This sense of community is essential for creating a supportive and enriching educational environment.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we reflect on the positive impact of Market District’s & Get Go’s contributions, we extend our sincerest thanks for their ongoing support. Their dedication to our students, staff, and families exemplifies the power of community partnerships and their ability to drive positive change. Market District’s generosity has played a crucial role in enhancing our educational initiatives and fostering a sense of unity within our schools.
We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership and are deeply appreciative of Market District’s commitment to Westfield Washington Schools. Thank you, Market District, for your incredible support and for helping us create a thriving and connected school community.

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