Zionsville Matters - February 2021

e ll i v s on i Z

MATTERS A T OW N OF ZIONS V IL L E P UBL IC AT ION

THE

KINDNESS

ISSUE

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SPECIAL INSERT

20 21 FEBRUARY/ MARCH

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hind Town Hall, whether it be our

headed to the State Championship

staff, the members of our boards,

game. We seriously leaned into

commissions and committees, our

being Zionsville Strong!

I also recognize that this is a

police officers or our firefighters.

For this first issue, we’re focusing on

time of great stress, anxiety and

the theme of kindness—being kind

hardship for many. In challenges

to yourself, being kind to others

like we are facing, our town has

and being kind to our Earth.

shown its support, cooperation and

Acts of kindness and compas-

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

W

in our neighborhoods, in our part-

community. Last year, we showed

nerships with community groups,

kindness to each other and our re-

in our traditions (both old ones

siliency in many ways—we masked

and new ones) and in the way we

up for each other, supported our

govern at the local level. characteristics showing up in

during Night on the Bricks. The

every corner of our experiences.

Bike to Be Heard event brought

Health, economics, relationships

together nearly 500 people on a

all benefit from building stronger

ride promoting social justice. And

social networks and a greater sense

elcome to the inaugural issue of

last November, residents and com-

of community belonging. If we can

Zionsville Matters. This bimont-

munity leaders lined the streets of

start this year focused on kindness

lhy publication will bring Town

Zionsville and joined in a parade to

as the first priority in all situations,

governance news and updates

support the Zionsville High School

then we are most definitely off to a

Eagles Football team as they

good start.

ZIONSVILLE

TOWN HALL QUICK HITS Community composting is coming to Zionsville!

Interested? Let us break it down for you…

The Town of Zionsville has partnered with a trusted local service, Earth Mama Compost, to recycle your household’s food scraps (and more) rather than wasting them in a landfill. They’ll bring everything you need to get started and swing by your house every other week for contactless pickup.

SIGN UP NOW AT: EarthMamaCompost.com

Sign up for just $10/month: EarthMamaCompost.com

Everyone can help contribute to our Town’s sustainability.

LEARN MORE about Zionsville’s NEW Climate Action Plan and more everyday ways that you can make a difference at www.zionsville-in.gov/ClimateActionPlan.

TO HELP FULFILL OUR

Zionsville Fire

While Heritage Trail

Department was

Dog Park memberships

selected as one of

are currently sold out,

250 fire departments

interested Zionsville res-

nationwide and only

idents can sign up for the

one of four in Indiana

waiting list by visiting the

to participate in the

dog park website at www.

second phase of the

zionsville-in.gov/dogpark.

National Fire Protec-

Beginning on March 15,

for curbside compost pickup for

tion Association pilot

names will be randomly

a discounted rate. The Town of

program to build a

selected from this waiting

Zionsville has partnered with Earth

digital community-risk

list via a lottery system. If

Mama Compost to offer residents

assessment tool. This

your name is selected, you

special pricing for curbside com-

tool will enable leaders

will be notified and can

post pickup ($10/month). Sign up

to make data-informed

complete your application

through the Earth Mama website at

decisions around fire

to begin utilizing the dog

earthmamacompost.com.

prevention and more.

park on April 1.

What You Need to Know This Month

You can also help grow our impact by gifting this service to a Zionsville friend/neighbor.

Resiliency depends on these

businesses through carryout, shopped online and dined outside

to your homes, sharing the stories of the people be-

Diverting waste through composting is cheap, easy, and impactful. PLUS, in the spring, you will receive a bag of the organic soil you helped create!

resiliency. This has been reflected

sion energize and support our

Zionsville residents can sign up

The snake, turtle and other animals and exhibits at the Zionsville

Applications are open for the Community

Nature Center (ZNC) are on the move a few blocks away to the

Enrichment Grant Program. Eligible nonprofits located

Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. ZNC and the library

in Boone County and serving Zionsville residents and

have entered into a shared agreement to combine resources and

businesses may apply. Find out more about this program

temporarily house the nature center within the library.

and eligibility at zionsville-in.gov/communitygrant.

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR:

MONISHA MITCHELL Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

of death among young athletes, and I think it’s important for people to be aware of it. When you get a diagnosis like mine, one of the things you need to know is that you’re not alone.”

Throughout February, Mitchell has been raising awareness through a few unique and multipurpose initiatives.

“I kicked off a good old-fashioned bake sale,” Mitchell enthused. “I thought it would be great to do it for first responders, so while the proceeds go to ACHA, the treats have been going to your favorite first responders or local health care provider.”

Garnering support from small businesses, Mitchell had T-shirts created for Heart Month, and those

You may have seen this remarkable lady about town wearing a few different hats and always working to help keep our community informed and inviting to all who live, work and play in Zionsville.

proceeds have been going to ACHA as well. And local jeweler, Robert Goodman Jewelers, commissioned beautiful hand-fabricated heart-shaped pendants in sterling silver for Mitchell’s advocacy efforts and is selling these pendants for $55 each, at their store until they run out. All of the proceeds

T

are also being donated to ACHA. “For the education piece of this, I blog for

his month, Monisha Mitchell has been advocating for people who

Indianapolis Moms Blog and have posted about

suffer from congenital heart

advocacy and specifically how women and peo-

defects and spreading aware-

ple of color should advocate for themselves. Going

ness about the Adult Congenital

back to what I shared about having symptoms all

Heart Defect Association (ACHA). Mitchell was

my life but only being diagnosed two years ago, if

diagnosed two years ago with a type of extremely

I was a white male—it [her defect] would’ve been

rare congenital heart defect: anomalous right

caught a long time ago. I spent nearly a lifetime try-

coronary artery intermurial inter-arterial. She

ing to figure out what was wrong, and I’ve learned

has suffered symptoms of this defect that went

a lot of tricks and tools for how to navigate the

undiagnosed since she was 16 years old.

health care system and advocate for myself. My nurse practitioner once said to me, ‘I am so glad

Part of Mitchell’s advocacy is to not only shine women and people of color—specifically—to be

“My move to Zionsville was intentional,” Mitchell

you wouldn’t be here.’”

Empowering others is important to Mitchell

their own advocates when it comes to health

shared. “I have two adult children and a grand-

care-related issues and to be good to our hearts.

daughter. I also have a 5-year-old son. My middle

and is what continues to drive her passion for

child graduated from Zionsville Community High

advocating and raising awareness for all of the

School. And I wanted my little guy to have the

causes with which she is actively involved.

MEET MONISHA MITCHELL Mitchell is a licensed therapist with a bachelor’s

[Zionsville] experience—from the beginning—of

“Last year, I wrote a blog for the Zionsville

degree in criminal justice and a graduate degree

having the same classmates and growing up togeth-

Moms Group and had a mom reach out to me,”

in public management. She attends Traders Point

er. I want a strong sense of community for him.”

Mitchell said. “She shared with me that her mother was complaining of stomach aches, and she told

Christian Church, volunteers at Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis and serves on the board of the Zionsville Moms Group. She is proud to call Zionsville home, where she lives with her 5-year-old son, not

ADVOCATING FOR HEART HEALTH AND UNDERSERVED PEOPLE After her diagnosis, Mitchell began researching

her mother to ask the doctor to check everything because it could be a symptom of heart attacks. I was like, ‘Yes!’ The fact that this mom had retained

far from her adult children and granddaughter on

her type of congenital heart defect. Frustrated

the information that I shared and took it to some-

the north side of Indy. Mitchell is a member of the

from the lack of available research, Mitchell

one else is what’s impactful to me.”

Zionsville Police Department (ZPD) Use of Force

discovered the Adult Congenital Heart Defect

Board and of the Zionsville Diversity Coalition.

Association, where she found not only a plethora

ell’s efforts are just ramping up. Join her team at

of information but a strong support system as well.

Team Take Heart at https://shar.es/aoYUtf and fol-

In her youth, Mitchell would come to Zionsville for horseback riding lessons. A few decades

“I was looking for answers, and almost all of the

Heart Month might be wrapping up, but Mitch-

low her social media awareness and fundraising

later, her work in health care brought her up to

research that I found was postmortem,” Mitchell

page: instagram.com/teamtakeheart2021. Also, be

Zionsville to meet some of her clients, and she fell

stated. “I know my specific congenital defect is

sure to check out her blogs online at Indianapolis

in love with the town all over again.

very rare, but it’s also the second-leading cause

Moms Blog and Zionsville Moms Group.

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that you fought for yourself because if you didn’t,

a light on this specific defect but also to remind

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Committing to Social Justice and Unity:

“All in This Together for Social Justice” Writer // Amanda Vela • Photography // Submitted

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A message of social justice, unity, diversity and inclusion for all people told through the viewpoints of four Zionsville students—that is what is at the heart of the traffic control box at the northwest corner of Main and Sycamore streets.

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he project, “All in This Together for

A winner was selected from each Zionsville school:

Social Justice,” is the brainchild of an

elementary, middle and high school.

8th-grade Zionsville Middle School

The traffic control box features the words “All in This

student, Phoebe. Inspired by the

Together,” transgender symbols, a raised fist symboliz-

Black Lives Matter murals, Phoebe

ing unity and solidarity with our community figura-

organized an art contest as part of a Girl Scout silver

tively standing up for social justice and lifting up those

award. Phoebe raised all the funds to accomplish this

who are made to feel unequal, as well as other imagery

project.

that brings awareness to social justice and unity. As the

Phoebe worked in collaboration with the Zionsville

Town of Zionsville continues to be engaged in honest

Cultural District, the mayor’s office, Palette Art Studio

community dialogue around social justice, diversity

and Robert Goodman Jewelers. Art entries were

and inclusion, this art project is indicative of the stu-

submitted, and a panel of judges selected the winners.

dents’ perseverance and their generation’s willingness

Judges included Phoebe, Sen. J.D. Ford, Zionsville

to become engaged in supporting human rights at a

artist Cynthia Young, Zionsville business owner Lolly

young age.

Mahaney, Zionsville photographer Tom Casalini and Zionsville Diversity Coalition member Monisha Mitchell.

Making art is often a form of self-expression, a way for the artist to paint, draw, sing or form what they or

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Artist Statement: Phoebe, Zionsville Middle School “All in This Together”

others feel strongly about. Artwork can move people to look more closely at their own emotions, at social issues and at the environment that surrounds them. Thanks to these young students, the topic of social justice is being discussed, opposed, considered,

The “All in this Together” themed

supported and impacted here in Zionsville.

social justice box was inspired by oth-

“I think there are a lot of really strong young leaders in this community, and it’s exciting the way that they want to make a dif-

er street art around Indianapolis and

ference,” said Mayor Emily Styron. “This is our message that social

around the country. I feel that art is a

justice matters and that these are part of our values as a town.

beautiful way for students to express

We’re committed to the meaning of the message.”

their vision of social justice for all.

My panel reflects the theme through

“Zionsville enjoys a rich history of supporting the arts, which continues to underscore our uniqueness as a community,” said

representing everyone. I included

Zionsville Town Councilor Brad Burk. “Public art is especially

symbols of physical disabilities,

important because it helps illuminate our past—and all we hope to

LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter, alongside images of peace and love

be. Art can also encourage us to think, discuss and learn. Believing

in the world. I believe that only if we are all in this together, we will

in dynamic and strong community values and encouraging diver-

make it through.

sity, our future is in good hands. We should be proud of our young artists and their timely message of togetherness.”

Artist Statement: Audrey, Zionsville West Middle School “Hope”

The art on this traffic control box created a safe space for our town’s youth to share messages of social justice and unity and for self-expression. As a community, we are opening our eyes to the topics of diversity and inclusion and letting our students’ voices

My art is supposed to represent

for positive change to be heard. In doing so, we will become a

unity and equality among everyone,

destination for people from all walks of life.

no matter race, religion, sex or body

“This artwork serves as a beautiful and resilient representation of social justice in our community. Let the voice of these young

type. I tried to represent many differ-

change-makers ring positively in our Zionsville community,” said

ent groups of people because I wanted

Mayor Emily Styron.

the minorities of Zionsville to have a piece of art they could look at and

If the artwork has moved you, the Town of Zionsville encourages you to keep the momentum going and ask for ways to continue

know they are beautiful and loved.

to have a dialogue around social justice. Projects like this help

The woman in the middle is supposed

define and shape the quality of life in Zionsville. They speak to the

to represent all of Earth.

is engaged in.

Artist Statement: Nina, Eagle Elementary “Together”

Artist Statement: Grace, Zionsville Community High School “Unity Over Division”

My artwork shows all kinds of people protesting together for peace and justice. Social justice means to me that

My artwork reveals that despite our

things are fair for everyone, no matter

many differences, at the end of the

who you are, where you live or come

day we are all human and have loving

from, how much money you have or

hearts within us to spread love and lift

what you look like.

one another up. We should come together and take a stance and promote the diverse nature of our world. My intention was that the fist be transparent because I didn’t want it to be labeled by a color but instead a raised fist that symbolizes unity and solidarity. My hope is that my artwork will inspire others in Zionsville to lift up high those that are treated as different so that they can feel the strong support and know that WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Oct. 25, 2020.

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important, although sometimes difficult, conversations our town

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A study by University of East Anglia states: Living close to nature and spending time outside has significant and wide-ranging health benefits.

A new report reveals that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress and high blood pressure.

Unplug and Refresh Mindy Murdock, director of recreation services, shared some thoughtful recommendations on ways to “unplug” and “refresh” throughout the winter and develop new or enforce existing habits as we move further into the year.

“Our parks are there to really help support you, not just physically but mentally too,” Murdock

The Month of

YOU Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

expressed. “There’s no reason why we can’t meet up outside—social distancing—in parks. The parks provide a place for families and/or friends to safely meet up with each other and let the kids blow off some steam and not be in a confined space.”

If you’re looking for a socially distanced way to engage in a group activity such as a meditation group, outdoor yoga or “Boot Camp” type of class, Murdock reminded us that there are plenty of park spaces throughout Zionsville to conduct those types of mentally/physically beneficial activities.

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Raise your hand if you feel like this has been the longest winter—ever! It’s not that we’ve had the coldest season on record or the most treacherous weather conditions in our area, but throw in the pandemic-related restrictions and it stands to reason why most of us have a case of the “winter blues.”

And as warmer weather prevails, the more opportunities for those kinds of engagements will arise.

“If I’m working in the office and I need to get away from the cell phone ringing and the emails blasting, I can get up and go take a walk on the [Big4] Rail Trail,” Murdock stated. “Or I go down to the nature sanctuary and clear my head. Another benefit of having parks in our community is that there are places that you can go and close your eyes, meditate and take in a few deep breaths. Let go of the anxiety and stress that you might be holding

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Antidotes to Cabin Fever and Healthier Living ur town boasts some remarkable

in or if you’re just having a really bad day. You can relieve some of that depression and anxiety.”

So, take 15–20 minutes in your day to take in the

parks and pathways that are per-

beauty and convenience of any one of our remark-

fect for a brisk stroll or bike ride

able parks or pathways that provide some respite

and taking in some much-needed

from the day-to-day stresses and pandemic-relat-

fresh air. You can practice social

ed restrictions that afflict us all. And breathe a little

distancing outdoors simply by maintaining the 6-feet rule and wearing your masks while enjoy-

easier and feel lighter afterward.

Visit the Zionsville Parks Department page for

ing a change of scenery and getting OUT of your

a complete list of parks, trails and amenities at

house or office.

zionsvillein.gov.

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and dropped off at GreenCycle where they are transformed into soil-enriching compost.

“One of the questions that I have fielded is how much does this cost the town,” Mayor Emily Styron shared. “It literally costs the town nothing. The town is a broadcaster for the program, and we want to promote the success of it because it aligns

A Few Easy Ways to Be Kind to Our Planet

with our Climate Action Plan goals.”

Visit earthmamacompost.com for more information.

ZIONSVILLE’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN:

BE KIND TO OUR EARTH

Offering Residents Environmentally-Friendly Options The mayor’s executive assistant, Carol Johnson,

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Pack a WasteFree Lunch—Swap out disposable items with reusable or recyclable ones.

is spearheading the town’s Climate Action Plan efforts. In addition to the curbside compost program, Johnson is currently reaching out to the community’s homeowners associations to discuss rooftop

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solar options and encourage them to touch base with their homeowners and property owners to

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted

get their input and level of interest in rooftop solar.

While the Town of Zionsville is working on its initiatives related to the Climate Action Plan that outlines steps to take to reduce the town’s contribution to climate change, we, as residents, can assist in these efforts in our homes and offices as well!

who recycle and have inquired about a weekly re-

Additionally, Johnson is encouraging all of us

Pick Up Litter— Don’t just walk around it.

cycling service to contact Ray’s Trash Service and request a second recycling bin for your home.

“Another strategy of the Climate Action Plan is a recycling education campaign,” Johnson stated.

“Mindy Murdock, director of recreation services, did an interesting and informative webinar on recycling that’s posted on the town’s YouTube site. In [Mindy’s]

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Unplug One Thing—Unplug your phone chargers when they’re not in use.

video, she discusses what you can and can’t recycle,

Composting Made Easy As part of the Climate Action Plan, the Town

Johnson made the point that adding a second bin to increase one’s recycling efforts, at no cost

of Zionsville has partnered with Earth Mama

the homeowner and no additional impact on the

Compost—a local woman-owned business that

environment, is a good compromise for those who

provides fee-based curbside compost to residents.

are interested in weekly recycling.

Zionsville residents can sign up for this ser-

Styron added, “We’ve had people ask about

vice for $10/month, a discount of 50%. Sign up is

weekly recycling, but there is a cost to the environ-

available through the Earth Mama website. If 300

ment in doing that. Those automated trucks are

households participate and compost just 25%

fantastic, but they get about three miles per gallon.”

of their solid waste weekly, the community will divert 86 tons of waste from landfills annually.

Those who sign up will receive a starter kit from Earth Mama Compost that includes a compost

The other issue, as Johnson pointed out, is the cost of recycling services would be raised and every single resident would have to help foot the bill.

“If the town goes to weekly recycling, then ev-

bucket, an 8-gallon compostable liner, a small

erybody has to pay that price and you don’t have

countertop bin to keep in the kitchen and a roll

a choice to opt out,” Johnson said. “So, what Ray’s

of 3-gallon liners. Earth Mama will replace the

is offering is a second recycling bin at no cost. You

compostable liner and provide a complimentary

can double the amount that you recycle every two

bucket of compost in the spring. All compostable

weeks if you need it.”

kitchen scraps are picked up by Earth Mama Compost every other week (contactless pickup)

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Use a Reusable Water Bottle or Coffee Mug—we all have a favorite mug/cup in our cupboards.

To contact Ray’s Trash Service for more information on their recycling services, visit raystrash.com.

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BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags)—Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store.

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where you can recycle electronics, etc.”

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BOARD/COMMITTEE/COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT:

ZIONSVILLE PARKS BOARD

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he Zionsville Board of Parks

RECENT AGENDA ITEMS

and Recreation oversees the development and maintenance

• Program cost recovery – At the January

of parks and recreation in town.

meeting, Parks Superintendent Jarod Logsdon

It is responsible for the su-

presented the Parks Board with a cost-recovery

pervision and policies concerning its approx-

plan. The Zionsville Parks Department is grow-

imately 20 parcels (about 500 acres) of parks

ing and expanding programming to breathe

in Zionsville, including setting policy for the

more life into our parks based on public input.

maintenance of and use of parks and park-re-

By collecting user fees, the Parks Department

lated equipment and working with the super-

will be able to reinvest those fees right back into

intendent in preparing/proposing park-related

programming and sustainably expand recre-

budgets, long-range plans and financing for both.

ational opportunities. This sustainable fee mod-

The Parks Board generally holds title to park

el will allow the department to support this new

lands and properties, holds limited bonding

initiative without redirecting resources from

and taxing authority to finance its operations

other facets of park operations. In addition to

and necessary acquisitions, and can apply for

sustainability, to keep programming accessible

and secure certain state and federal park-relat-

to all, the department is working on a scholar-

ed grants.

ship program, sponsorship policies, resident/

The Parks Board is comprised of seven mem-

nonresident pricing and more. Free educational

ZIONSVILLE

bers. Four are appointed by the Town Council,

opportunities and programming will continue

one by the School Board, one by the Library

to be offered as well. The Parks Board voted to

Board and one is appointed by the mayor. The

approve the 2021 fee schedule. Next, this plan

term of service is four years for Town Council

will go before the Town Council.

appointments and one year for mayor, School Board and Library Board appointments.

• Eagle Creek Bank Stabilization Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) Grant – In 2013, a study was conducted to identify project sites

MEMBERS

and ways to mitigate and stabilize the bank erosion on Eagle Creek within Starkey Park.

The Parks Department is proposing to update the study to capture any changes along the

• • • • • • •

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Tim Casady – President John Stehr – Vice President Erin Bidwell Sarah Moore Jill Pack John Salewicz John Wollenberg

existing project sites and gather data on the adjacent shoreline for additional sites now that the department owns Overley-Worman Park.

The 2021 updated Eagle Creek restoration study will cost approximately $46,000. With the LARE Grant, which is an 80-20 match, there would be a $9,006.59 cash match (10% minimum). The Parks Board voted to approve this study.

2021-02-16 5:09 PM