Zionsville Magazine - December 2020 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

DECEMBER 2020

MAGAZINE

Christmas in the Village

Cherished Zionsville Tradition Returns for the Holidays

LONG-STANDING TRADITION

Variety and Quality Customer Service Abound at Watts Christmas Tree Farm

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Brick Street Bridal Celebrates Grand Opening on Main Street

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LONG-STANDING

TRADITION Variety and Quality Customer Service Abound at Watts Christmas Tree Farm

Writer / Shelly Sack Photographer / Kelli White

trucks from North Carolina and Michigan, and Watts says his most popular size is 8’.

David Watts still remembers knocking on people’s doors as a 6 year old while his dad’s truck, filled with Christmas trees, idled nearby.

Watts began at a family farm, first moving to an empty lot in the village and then to a spot at Traders Point Creamery.

More than half a century later, Watts is selling trees during the holiday season, and has moved Watts Christmas Tree Farm to a space on the property of Traders Point Creamery.

With a few additions and departures through the decades, Watts still has about 10 seasonal employees whom he considers friends first.

Watts, 61, grew up on a family farm located on Hunt Club Road with his two older Watts has ordered 1,150 trees, sized from sisters Deb and Janice. He graduated tabletop dainty all the way up to 16’ from Zionsville High School in 1977 and behemoths. His bestseller is the Frasier fir, attended Purdue University for two years, with strong branches to support ornaments but returned home to help after his father and a silvery underside that makes the tree experienced a cancer scare. The trio of blue-green in color. siblings lost both parents in the past two decades and sold the farm after being He also offers Scotch pines, concolor threatened with foreclosure for financial fir (also known as white fir), and the reasons. The farmland was in the family traditional Douglas fir. The trees come in

atZionsville.com / DECEMBER 2020 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / 5

from 1961 until 2010. Watts says a longtime family friend, Dr. David Brokaw, stepped up to help out financially during this period. He counts Brokaw as one of the many special people that have helped to keep his operation going for so long. His seasonal workers during tree-selling time are all longtime friends who either worked on the farm when they were kids - like local attorney Scott Quick, who did so when he was just 15 - or simply enjoy helping out. “These people are like family,” Watts says. “I’ve made these friendships that are lifetime friendships - many memories.” After the farm sold, Watts and his sister Deb leased a lot from a local business in the village, but a zoning change forced him

to reconsider his options. That’s when Watts called up Traders Point Creamery owner Fritz Kunz, who had always said the door was open to use his property if Watts ever needed it. “He always said I could use his place if it made sense,” Watts says. “I told him, ‘I’m in.’ I’m very thankful for all that.” Watts counts his blessings in friendships. “Dr. Brokaw kept the family at the farm until mom passed,” Watts says. “One girl at the creamery has worked with us for 30 years seasonally. It’s amazing how many friends we have.” Through the years Watts has piled up memories, such as his dad bringing him to a mostly Jewish neighborhood to sell trees before realizing their mistake. Another year, a local doctor chose a 13’ tree and upon delivery, Watts realized she had 9’ ceilings. Her solution, Watts says, was to cut off the tree from the top because the

bottom was “too pretty.” The woman’s husband came home and wanted the top of the tree placed directly above the tree on the next story of the home, as he felt it would make for entertainment during house tours around the holidays. This is the fourth year for Watts Christmas Tree Farm at the creamery. It offers garlands, centerpieces, and of course trees big and small. It’s the oldest tree supplier in the community, and the staff members continue to pride themselves on top-notch service to the generations they have served, as well as those new to the experience. “Come pick out a tree,” Watts says. “We trim and give a fresh cut, put it through the netting machine, and tie it atop your car or put it in your trunk.” They’ll even deliver and set up trees in homes, and remove them after the holidays, all while sweeping up tree needles for those weary from 6 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atZionsville.com

merrymaking. Watts sums up why he continues to operate the business while working at a separate day job. “They go hand in hand,” he says of the two jobs. “I enjoy it, so I do it. It’s the people, the families who come out, as well as the people I work with. Working hard alongside others is rewarding. What’s more fun than selling Christmas trees?” Payment can be made with a card reader scanned from 8’ away, with receipts emailed. The staff wears masks, and signs will be posted for customers as reminders for mask wearing. Cash and checks are accepted. Watts Christmas Tree Farm is located on the Traders Point Creamery grounds at 9101 Moore Road in Zionsville. For more information, call 317-873-2365 and visit watts-christmas-tree-farm-and-sparkleshop.business.site.

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8 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atZionsville.com

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Amy Payne

When Natalie Miller was growing up in Zionsville, she hoped to someday own a store in the Village. This October, her dream came true when Brick Street Bridal opened on North Main Street. As owner of the shop, Miller uses her background in fashion and design to create a memorable shopping experience for each bride who visits. “I loved living in Zionsville,” she says. “Walking down the street with all its shops gave me almost a fairy-tale feeling. After I graduated from Zionsville High School, I went to Savannah College of Art and Design and earned a degree in fashion design. I was working in the clothing and tailoring industry when I went wedding dress shopping with my sister. Then I realized, ‘This is the kind of store I want to have.’” Miller searched for a space to open her shop last fall, and felt lucky to land her Main Street location. “I saw the building was available and I looked inside,” she explains. “It had so much charm, with chandeliers and crown moldings. Even the doorknobs had intricate designs. I’ve kept the old features, but gave it a modern feel.”

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Brick Street Bridal Celebrates Grand Opening on Main Street

Brick Street Bridal is a private bridal boutique. Appointments can be booked online or by calling the shop. During an appointment, the store is closed to the public. Total attention is given to the bride, to ensure that the 60 to 90 minutes spent exploring options are joyful and stress free. Up to eight family members and friends can accompany the bride and share in her special time. “Even before the shop opened, I had appointments on the books,” Miller says. “I worked to get the word out on Facebook and Instagram. I also put up posters in the building with our phone number,

email and website. One mother of a bride surprised her daughter who was visiting from Chicago by inviting her friends to the appointment.” Brick Street Bridal carries six different dress lines, including a line with curvy selections for full-sized figures. Accessories needed to complete the perfect look are available as well, and Miller is able to secure sought-after brands due to her degree and employment background. “Trying on gowns is a very beautiful moment,” Miller says. “Sometimes people know exactly what they want. Other times the first gowns they try are to see if they like a certain style, or to rule it out. Traditional A-lines seem to be the most flattering of all shapes.” The shop has two price-point levels. Gowns from the Bridal Collections group are $1,000 to $4,000. The Couture Collections group includes dresses that range between $5,500 and $9,000. “Someday I hope to design my own gowns,” Miller says. “Right now, I hope to give all brides an experience they will enjoy and remember.” Brick Street Bridal is located at 40 North Main Street in Zionsville. For more info and to book an appointment, visit BrickStreetBridal.com or call 317-344-0116.

10 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atZionsville.com

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Christmas in the Village

Cherished Zionsville Tradition Returns for the Holidays Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography / Amy Payne & Zionsville Chamber of Commerce

Earlier this year, when the pandemic prompted the cancellation of one event after another, one couldn’t help but wonder what would be next. The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce leaders immediately began thinking outside the box in order to revive local restaurants and shops. They launched “Night on the Bricks,” which was a huge success in the summer. When they began to look towards winter, they knew it would be necessary to make adjustments to Zionsville’s “Christmas in the Village” tradition in order to maximize safety. “There have been a lot of spitball conversations in this office as we threw ideas out,” says Rachel Vining, event manager for the Zionsville Chamber of

Commerce. One idea that stuck was the “Inside Out Sale” in November, during which merchants along Main Street and side streets sold merchandise on the street.

effective way to do that.” Another way to help out local merchants is the “Adopt a Business” program, for which individuals or organizations choose a local business to adopt for $100.

“For those still a little leery about entering a shop or being inside a space with people who are not part of your own family, this was an opportunity to shop locally for the holidays and do so in an open-air setting,” Vining says.

“Think of how many times people have asked these businesses to donate something for a raffle or a silent auction,” says Allyson Gutwein, the Chamber’s executive director. “Now it’s time for us to pay back that favor and make sure they stay in business.”

The event also included 30 vendors that usually participate in the “Brick Street Market.” “COVID-19 has hit everybody hard this year,” Vining says. “We are always looking for opportunities to boost our local businesses and give back, especially since our entire mission is supporting local businesses and members. This was an

Those who adopt will receive a handmade wooden ornament from A.J. Schnell Wood Works that commemorates the adoption. In lieu of the traditional holiday parade on November 28, the town revived the Victorian tradition of the “Hanging of the Greens.” Those who adopted participated in a procession down Main Street, and presented a green garland to the business

atZionsville.com / DECEMBER 2020 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / 13

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We have to find a balance and a way to safely live in the current climate that we are in. OK, so we have to create a new tradition this year. So be it. That’s how traditions start. Allyson Gutwein, Zionsville Chamber of Commerce

they adopted. The event culminated with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Additional info on the event is available on the Chamber website. This year Santa will be around plenty throughout weekends in December, but kids won’t be able to sit on his lap or enter his house. Instead, the house will be shielded by a plexiglass barrier. The door will be open and kids can stand in front for a photo. On December 5 and 6, the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce is offering free gift wrapping for anything purchased locally. Bring gifts to Sotheby’s on Main Street between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. December 10 is “Ladies Night” in Zionsville. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., shops and restaurants will offer specials, giving ladies the perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done. On December 12 the “Snowflake Seek-andFind” event will be replaced by a family chalk art competition, which will take place on assigned squares spaced at least 6’ apart behind the Santa House at Cedar and Main streets. The art will be judged by Palette Art Studio, and winners will receive prizes. “We ask that folks bring their own chalk,” Vining says.

On December 17 locals can enjoy “Toasty Toddy Night” in the old PNC Bank lot. The Chamber has obtained approval to place six fire pits (distanced appropriately) around the parking lot so folks can stay warm. “We’ll have special drinks that evening from local restaurants, and Hotel Tango will be onsite offering different varieties of toddies,” Vining says. Gutwein says offering these fun activities is important both for business health and mental health. “We have to find a balance and a way to safely live in the current climate that we are in,” she says. “OK, so we have to create a new tradition this year. So be it. That’s how traditions start.” Many members of the community are thrilled that “Christmas in the Village” is still happening. “The business owners are more excited than ever to see people’s smiling eyes,” Vining says. For more information on “Christmas in the Village” in Zionsville, including safety protocols, visit zionsvillechamber.org.

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ONCE UPON A CHILD Customers Buy, Sell & Save Money

yesterday, so it must have value,’” Burtner says. But she explains that they can only purchase so many items in a certain style Having children is an expensive endeavor because their storage capabilities are often given all the clothes, shoes, toys, and at full capacity. “I probably have 4,000 The store has a sorting process in which paraphernalia that is required. Kim Burtner items are assessed and, based on condition, totes in my warehouse with items that get recognized the financial strain that many switched out seasonally.” style, brand, and demand, determines families face and in 1990, she opened her whether they are suitable for resale. The first Once Upon a Child store on 86th employee then enters the brand and size Burtner is interested in purchasing items Street to help ease the burden. Her shop is into their point-of-sale system and that, in that are like new and ready to sell, which different than consignment because here turn, generates a quote for the customer. means they are freshly laundered and customers don’t have to wait for their item folded. to sell before they get their money. They “A lot of the guesswork has been taken simply bring in gently used clothes, shoes, out through using the computer system,” “I think a common misconception is that and toys and receive cash right on the spot. Burtner says. “The staff does have to be I have a laundromat in the back, which I sure they look at every toy and piece of do not,” Burtner says. “The second we pay “Customers love it because they can buy equipment for potential recall and to cash for something, unless we’re backand sell items all in one day, all in oneensure they have all pieces and parts. stocking for another season, we put a tag stop,” Burtner says. “We call that a trade, Butner acknowledges that the buying and a hanger on it, and it’s on the sales when the customer sells and buys. The process can be initially confusing to the floor by the end of the day.” difference of whatever they purchase from customer who doesn’t understand why the us goes together and eliminates sales tax.” Once Upon a Child has grown very store may choose to pass on purchasing popular. In fact, Burtner has opened two some items. The merchandise at Once Upon a Child is additional locations as well (one on 96th 70% off retail, depending on the brand. To “They assume, ‘My child wore this Street and the other on US 31 South). the folks who point out that their prices are Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Ron Wise

similar to Walmart, Burtner reminds them that Walmart doesn’t offer customers the opportunity to make money.

atZionsville.com / DECEMBER 2020 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / 17

Though they offer promotions throughout the year, as well as coat sales and clearance blowouts, they tend to be busiest when the seasons change. “We see the biggest bump in clientele when the weather turns hot or cold,” Burtner says, who has four children of her own. “We tend to clean out the closets when we can’t find a coat that fits or when we see the pants are too short,” she says. “It’s panic and then everybody comes here at the same time. It gets really crazy.” Burtner says, though, that she has amazing employees who are great at handling those crazy times.

Owner Kim Burtner

They’ve also expanded their shoe section, tripling its size over the last eight years. “The shoes used to be a small section and now it’s a whole wall of cleats and shoes and seasonal boots and sandals,” Burtner says. For the most part, they keep only seasonal items on the floor. They may keep a small selection of out-of-season items out, but typically things such as swimsuits, tank tops, shorts, sweaters, boots, and sandals go to the warehouse and come out as the season unfolds. They do always keep some costumes out, year-round, which they call “playwear.”

Even though clothing sells well, used toys make up the store’s highest percentage of sales.

“My son wore his Power Ranger costume to preschool single every day for four months so, believe me, I have a great appreciation for our dress-up section!” Burtner says.

“There is lots of trading with toys as parents prepare for that next developmental stage to stimulate their child,” Burtner says. “We are always in need of toys and equipment.”

Once Upon a Child is located at 7325 East 96th St, Suite B and has two other locations off of 86th Street and in Carmel. For more information, visit them online at onceuponachild.com.

Owner Tracy Dull

Owner Ron Hopwood

Zionsville Community Development Corporation Awards Grants to 8 Local Businesses social media efforts to drive people to the website.

Story & Photography Provided by the Town of Zionsville

The Town of Zionsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) has awarded grants to eight Zionsville businesses to help ease the burden of unplanned expenses and lost revenue incurred due to COVID-19. The total amount of grants awarded is $73,500. The most recently approved grants are: • Blooms by Dragonfly - $10,000 grant. Owner Wendi Louks will use the grant to assist with income loss from rented space on the second level and from cancelled weddings or weddings that are downsized. The grant will also be used to replace or maintain the business’s delivery vehicle. • Casalini Portraits - $10,000. Owner Tom Casalini will use the grant to offset costs for lost revenue of commercial and corporate work and portraits, to replace printers utilized in the creation of portraits and to assist with social media efforts. • CV Art and Frame - $10,000 grant. Owner Barbara Jennings will use the grant for marketing, to direct people to the website and to pay the salary of an employee assisting with

• Frances+Parke - $6,000 grant. Owner Tracy Dull will use the grant to create a formal marketing plan, website updates, a partnership with Restored Creations out of Wheeler Mission to create gift tags and labels and to add advertisements in local publications. • Hopwood Cellars - $10,000 grant. Owner Ron Hopwood will use the grant for marketing purposes and to update the website. • Village Antique Mall - $7,500 grant. Mike Gogis said the grant money will be used to offset costs incurred during the shutdown, for various exterior enhancements and to create a website. • zWorks - $10,000 grant. Executive Director Vickie Hall will use the grant to cover lost revenue due to a decrease in membership and in-kind donations and to cover vacant startup office space.

Previously, local retailer Lesley Jane received a $10,000 grant from the CDC to update and enhance the business’s website.

atZionsville.com / DECEMBER 2020 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / 19

Owner Barbara Jennings

Owner Tom Casalini

Executive Director Vickie Hall

Owner Wendi Louks

To help local businesses impacted by COVID-19, earlier this summer the Town of Zionsville launched the CDC grant program. This funding option is available to businesses located in the 106th Street Tax Increment Finance District (area bounded by Poplar Street, Elm Street, 96th Street, Michigan Road and Zionsville Road). “With the launch of this grant program this past summer, we have been taking action to support the economic sustainability of Zionsville’s local businesses,” says Mayor Emily Styron. “We are committed to helping lift up this vital sector of our local economy.” Funding for businesses in this district remains available but is diminishing if to be disbursed in 2020. For more information on the CDC grant, contact communitydevelopment@ zionsville-in.gov or call Wayne DeLong, Director of Planning & Economic Development, at 317-503-6170.

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EYE FOR DESIGN Matt Goodin Fashions His Own Custom Design Business

Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Amy Payne

Matt Goodin is on a mission to redefine the meaning of custom design. “I think we all have a perception that custom has to mean expensive, and that’s not the case,” Goodin says. “Custom just means you get to make it what you want, and because it’s custom, you get to control a lot of the cost.” After starting out with projects around his home, Goodin has since launched his own design business, specializing in custom, handmade furniture and artwork. Working out of his home workshop in Zionsville,

Goodin has crafted items such as custom trim, accent walls, small furniture and more.

pandemic, Goodin decided it was time to pursue his design work more seriously.

“I was kind of joking with someone the other day,” he says. “I’m almost 40 years old, and it took me that many years and losing my job about six months ago to find out what I really wanted to do with my life. I’ve always done some things on the side. “I live in a production home, and my wife Once I lost my job with COVID, I was works for a production builder,” he says. talking to my wife and we figured, ‘If you’re “You’re always looking for some way to ever going to give it a go and try to do this separate yourself and make your home as a full-time business, now is the time to unique. With Instagram, Etsy and Pinterest, do it.’” I think there are just so many of those ideas out there.” Thanks to social media, Goodin says word has gotten out organically about the work After losing his job due to the coronavirus he does. Having lived in Zionsville for three years, Goodin and his wife reside in a production home, which led to Goodin’s fascination with custom woodwork and design.

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“I started with an Instagram account, and that’s where the business side took off,” he says. “I don’t have a website. It’s really just all word of mouth, where I post things I’ve done in the past at my house.” When an interested customer approaches Goodin with a design proposal, he likes to maintain an open and honest dialogue, in hopes of creating a great product at a reasonable price. “I talk to a customer and get a feel for what they like,” he says. “With social media, they’ve tagged things on Pinterest or Instagram that they like. We either come up with an idea that is recreating something, or we take an idea that they like, but maybe they want to change the colors or the design - something that makes it custom to them.” Goodin says he couldn’t be happier to call Zionsville home for his business. “The town has done a really great job of developing Zionsville in a responsible way, where it’s grown but they haven’t sold out the character of the town,” he says. “I really hope that never changes.” Those interested in contacting Goodin can reach him on Instagram @mattgoodindesign, or via email at mattgoodindesign@gmail.com. 22 / ZIONSVILLE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atZionsville.com

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