Boone County Magazine December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

A DASH OF LEARNING SPROUTS COOKING SCHOOL IMPARTS KITCHEN BASICS AND MORE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TownePost.com

GREATER GOOD

CFBC’S ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING BACK ACHIEVES LARGEST DONATION AMOUNT TO DATE

Story and Photography Provided

thank you all and look forward to being able to make a greater impact as we continue to grow.”

This year marked the largest Day of Giving Back for the Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC), awarding a total of $60,000 In less than six hours, the CFBC poured $60,000 into Boone County nonprofits to help them better serve others. The following to 10 Boone County-serving nonprofits! organizations received a grant: Ben’s Ranch, Center Stage Community Theatre, Habitat for Humanity of Boone County, On November 17, the CFBC board of directors and staff traveled ILADD, Inc., Jamestown Community Partnership, Safe Families for throughout Boone County and surprised 10 nonprofits with Children, The ARC of Greater Boone County, The Caring Center, unsolicited grants. The awards ranged in amounts from $5,000 to $10,000 each. It was the fifth annual CFBC Day of Giving Back, and The Refuge, and Zionsville Alliance for Mental Wellness. was the largest to date. With the entire day dedicated to giving back, As we approach the holiday season, we encourage you to find a local the CFBC team focused on the importance of continually giving nonprofit and make a donation of either time or treasure. Every back to help others. dollar amount counts, no matter the size.

“Local granting is made possible by the many people who have To learn more about the CFBC, go to communityfoundationbc.org. supported and continue to support the work of the community foundation,” says Julie Reagan, CFBC chief executive officer. “We TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 3

A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION PROUD MEMBER

For advertising information, contact:

IN THIS ISSUE

DECEMBER 2023

14

PUBLISHER BRANDON BALTZ Brandon@townepost.com 317.514.9522

A DASH OF LEARNING

Sprouts Cooking School Imparts Kitchen Basics and More

16

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau

14 18

ALL TOGETHER NOW

3

ZYFL Cheer Program Builds Confidence and a Sense of Teamwork in a Fun Environment

GREATER GOOD

CFBC’s Annual Day of Giving Back Achieves Largest Donation Amount to Date

6 The Pub at Anson Thrives on a Neighborhood Feel

8

Brian Miller

24

The Willow Center

10

FANNING THE FLAMES

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT: ELMER PARKS

Elmer Parks Named 2023 Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award Recipient TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

22 THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT™

Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

COUNTY KUDOS

Boone County Named Indiana Chamber of Commerce 2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year

CHEERS TO TWO YEARS

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER

20

Backroads BBQ’s Success Is Due to a Variety of Flavorful Factors

26 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY ADAMS / KRYSTAL DAILEY / MATT KEATING MICHAELA MARSHALL / MICHELLE KAUFMAN / RENEE LARR

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CHEERS TO TWO YEARS THE PUB AT ANSON THRIVES ON A NEIGHBORHOOD FEEL Writer / Amy Adams Photographer / Krystal Dailey

The Pub at Anson recently celebrated its second anniversary.

“We are very much a neighborhood pub - a place where locals hang out,” says Owner Marcus White.

Not only do locals hang out at The Pub, but locals work there as well. The Pub at Anson currently employs around a dozen full-time local Zionsville and Whitestown residents.

Unlike some pubs, The Pub at Anson team has chosen to remain a 21-and-older establishment. White says the way it’s built just isn’t conducive to creating space for families.

“Our kitchens are outsized because we scratch-make all of our food,” White says. “We have a small outdoor patio that’s dog friendly, and we put water out for the puppies. We’re at capacity most nights, so if you want a seat for dinner it’s best to arrive early.”

White says the menu tends to include dishes that incorporate international beers that he has liked as he has moved around over the years. That holds true at the bar as well.

The Pub typically has eight beers on tap, including a mix of domestic and international beer, with two of those usually being craft beers that rotate in and out. A 3 Floyds brew is almost always available, often Gumballhead or Zombie Dust, which are both pale ales. Right now a couple of fall beers are featured in the mix.

The Pub always has Peroni on tap because White developed a fondness for it in northern Italy during his time in the U.S. Army.

White retired from the infantry after 35 years of service, both as a noncommissioned and a commissioned officer, and both on active duty and reserve. Those years included stints in Korea and Africa, as well as multiple trips to Iraq and Afghanistan.

6 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

ZIONSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION Upon retiring, White moved with his wife and son to Indiana to be closer to family. His wife graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis. The Whites have lived in Zionsville for more than six years.

“We just love the town and the schools,” White says.

Their son graduated from Zionsville Community High School and is currently in his third year at Tufts University in Boston.

In addition to serving in the military, White has been in the business of neighborhood pubs for 25 years off and on, in a variety of ways. He is currently working on establishing his second pub in the area, Zionsville Public House on Zionsville Road, which he hopes will open in December or January.

“Different name, different menu - same neighborhood pub feel with a little more space for live music, darts and pool,”White says of the new project.

The Pub at Anson is located at 6585 Whitestown Parkway in Zionsville. Check it out online at thepubatanson.com.

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515 N. Green St., Suite 402 Brownsburg, IN

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THE WILLOW CENTER NURTURING RECOVERY THROUGH CONNECTION Story and Photography Provided

There is no human health condition worse than the deep, dark tunnel of addiction. It is life-paralyzing for the victim and the families who suffer equally. It brings unrelenting despair, pain, anxiety and many other devastating emotions to the victims of this insidious disease. It can be fatal. Eradicating this horror is the daily goal at The Willow Center

Founder Ashley S. English, herself in long-term recovery, has made a personal commitment to extract others from a miserable life of substance dependency. This drives The Willow Center team’s resolve to make life better and substance-free for everyone who walks through the door seeking a better life, free from the bonds of chemical compulsion.

life change that brings pride and joy to them and their families.

Whether through therapeutic sessions, personal counseling and/or group activities, clients find a network of peers and professionals all committed to the same outcome - a better, happier and healthier life.

“We want everyone to know that they are not alone in their personal struggles,” English says. “The Center is here to help each individual recognize his or her personal worth, and boldly and proudly walk forward with renewed purpose.”

Recognizing that each person got to where they are in their own way, the Center’s treatment philosophy is to design a program for each individual. The vision is to ensure recovery, followed by a healthy future and lifestyle.

“The Willow Center provides an experience by redesigning the treatment space,” English says. “We don’t just give our clients the tools to recover. We become part of the toolbox. We are the catalyst to a new life, a new way, a better way of living.”

“Some of my important formative years were spent in Zionsville,” English continues. “I have always had a desire to give back to Zionsville and to Boone County. They were very good to me. A “It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do things differently and natural calling for me is to improve, in every way, the lives of our we understand that,” English says. “We don’t trivialize the experiences clients and their families, and by doing so, make our community all of someone seeking help. We are humbled that they choose us, yet the more safe and stronger.” recognize our responsibility to meet their expectations. It is our privilege to be the provider of choice for our clients.”

What can we do for you and your family? Our agenda is your agenda. Our one and only purpose is to improve the lives of those The Willow Center therapists function independent of who benefit from our services. In the end, it is simply working judgment. They meet clients where they are in life. It is the staff’s together to get the people who choose us as a resource healthy, focus to offer clients a uniquely better experience, individually happy and productive, and to remain so. Call us, interview us, come designed to ensure a future of good health, happiness and positive in and see our office and meet our partners. We look forward to that.

8 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Substance Use Treatment & Mental Health Counseling The Willow Center Team is here to listen, to welcome, and to encourage you.

We are passionate about what we do. We are committed to providing highquality treatment using the most up-to-date, evidence-based, effective practices. We believe in the power of change, and we believe in you!

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Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for Substance Use (Adults) Outpatient Treatment Program for Substance Use (Adults) Outpatient DBT Program for Mental Health and/or Substance Use (Adults and Adolescents) Mental Health Counseling Restorative Justice Programs – Drug Court Aftercare - Recovery Management Prevention Education Urine Drug Screens Community Workshops

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 9

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT

ELMER PARKS ELMER PARKS NAMED 2023 AARON STOOKEY SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD RECIPIENT Story & Photography Provided

Established in 1996, the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award is named after Aaron Stookey to recognize individuals or businesses in our community who are exemplary in their philanthropic activities.

For years, Stookey dedicated his only night off to hold monthly fundraising dinners for Boone County needs. Stookey not only donated his restaurant for fundraising events, but also purchased the food and supplies, supervised preparation, coordinated volunteer servers and donated all proceeds to the beneficiary charity.

When this fund was established, those involved wanted the Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) to continue his legacy by recognizing Boone County residents with a broad base of charitable activities. Each year, the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award recognizes someone who has a broad base of charitable activities - someone who demonstrates a long-standing commitment to local charities, setting a positive example for others by their volunteerism, as well as, but not limited to, financial support.

Community residents submit nominations and the CFBC grants committee determines each year’s recipient, whose name is then added to a plaque hung in Stookey’s restaurant in Thorntown. The recipient then pays it forward by selecting a local nonprofit organization to receive a grant, from the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award fund.

The 2023 recipient is the late Elmer Parks, who becomes the 18th recipient of this award. Parks was an active member of the New Hope Christian Church, the Lebanon Kiwanis Club, the Salvation Army, the

10 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY

Boone County Chamber of Commerce, the Boone County Mentoring Partnership, the Boone County Cancer Society, the Ulen Town Council, and many other local organizations.

As one nominator said, “Elmer spent countless hours leading others, counseling employees and friends in times of trouble, pain, and suffering, mentoring young people who just needed a friend, and giving generously in ways that made a difference in many lives. Elmer never pursued fame or notoriety but lived life joyously.”

Parks’s family chose to award the $300 grant from the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award fund to the Boone County Mentoring Partnership, in his honor. Parks left a legacy in Boone County that will never be forgotten.

“Thank you to the Community Foundation for letting his legacy live on and embodying what being a Boone County resident means,” says Craig Parks, son of Elmer Parks. “Thank you for spreading the worth, the wealth and the love, through this community we all love.”

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 11

Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Boone County has granted more than $29 million from its various funds to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. Through the generosity of donors, the Community Foundation currently holds over $30 million in net assets. In the past 30-plus years, it has worked with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving. The establishment and growth of permanent endowment funds will strengthen Boone County for generations to come.

Holiday Events 2023

Small Business Weekend

Friday - Sunday November 24th - 26th Spend Black Friday and Small Business Saturday in Zionsville. Receive a Chamber Tote Bag while supplies last.

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday November 25th Santa arrives during our Holiday Parade! 5pm: Holiday Parade followed by tree lighting at Pine and Main Streets. Santa then available for selfies until 8pm.

Santa House Selfies

Saturdays and Sundays November 25th - December 24th Visit Santa in his house on Main Street for selfies from 11am-3pm Saturdays and Sundays. Note: Saturday, December 9th hours are Noon-3pm. Make your family memories all month long.

Makers Market with Zionsville Parks Dept.

Saturday December 16th Teaming up with Zionsville Parks and Recreation! Shop local makers, crafters, and artisans for one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays. Vendors will be set up near Pine and Main Street on the bricks. 9am-Noon.

Ladies’ Night

Thursday December 14th Get your friends together and head to Zionsville for an evening of shopping and dining. 5pm-9pm.

Christmas Crawl

Thursday December 21st Gather your jolliest friends and come to Zionsville for the Christmas Crawl! Visit shops and restaurants for seasonal specials.

This is an event geared toward the big elves, 21 and older! Ugly Sweater contest at 8pm at participating locations. 5pm-9pm.

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A DASH OF LEARNING SPROUTS COOKING SCHOOL IMPARTS KITCHEN BASICS AND MORE Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Michaela Marshall

three children. To her dismay, she quickly realized such a camp didn’t exist.

“I have my degree in elementary education, but I had been staying home with my kids,” Drewry says. “I love working with kids, so I just decided to take a spare bedroom and turn it into a one-room cooking school called Sprouts Cooking School.”

Studies show teaching children how to cook at an early age helps with reading comprehension, fine motor skills and essential math skills, in addition to learning about nutrition and food safety. In 2015 Carmel resident Stephanie Drewry was looking for a cooking summer camp for her

The cooking school grew in popularity so quickly that Drewry realized she would need more space outside her home for the classes. In 2017 she moved Sprouts into a 1,400-square-foot storefront in Carmel.

She says the location was ideally situated to be convenient for her clientele. As demand grew, she realized she needed to expand again. In 2022 Drewry opened a Sprouts location in Zionsville.

“The design of our storefronts is built with kids in mind,” Drewry says. “All of the appliances are residential appliances. The islands are slightly lower than normal to accommodate their height. I wanted it to feel like them cooking in their own home.”

Classes vary by age and are geared toward kids aged 3 to 13. Younger kids might make cookies while older kids are cooking spaghetti and meatballs. There are also themed classes like Harry Potter or Winter Wonderland Baking. Sprouts also offers birthday parties and summer camps.

“Birthday parties are fun because they can accommodate up to 16 kids for an hour and a half,” Drewry says. “Parties are facilitated by a teacher and a teacher’s assistant. The kids can take home whatever they make or

14 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

eat after the party. Our summer camps are extremely popular and sell out very quickly.

We try to be very creative with our offerings and what is trending with kids currently.”

Drewry says she’s a big fan of gifting experiences rather than tangible items.

Sprouts classes make great holiday gifts. She says it’s a great way to give a gift a child can

look forward to in January and February, and make memories.

“Teaching kids to cook is definitely a life skill, but it’s also about releasing your children into the world with a skill they’ll need as an adult when they’re no longer in their parents’ care,” Drewry says. “It’s great for creative kids too. Many of our clients

love art, and that translates to cooking too. It also helps with picky eaters because they’re more inclined to eat something they made themselves.”

MemberChef subscriptions are available in a variety of prices and benefits. For more information, visit sproutscookingschool.com.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 15

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

The Holiday Season is always extra festive in Boone County as our towns host their own special celebrations and events throughout the month of December along with our many one of a kind local shops and restaurants.

COME CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN BOONE COUNTY

locations that include a luminary walk, ornament crafting at the Nature Center, a Christmas in the Park event and an open-air Maker’s Market.

furniture and home décor.

Visit the Art in Hand co-op gallery filled with paintings, pottery, glass pieces and crafts by local artists, or take in the many styles of fine art at CV Art & Frame, including one of the Midwest’s largest collections of breathtaking works by Thomas Kinkade.

The Heart of Lebanon’s annual Christmas on the Square happens on December 2nd “Whether it’s a fun family Christmas outing, with a holiday parade that ends with the a holiday get together with friends or a crowning of the Snow Flake Princess, local yearly visit with Santa Claus, December in groups singing carols, and the lighting of the Boone County will definitely get you in the Christmas tree.

For something completely different, head holiday spirit.” Says Boone CVB Executive to Thorntown on weekends for a visit to Director, Allyson Gutwein, “Boone County Whitestown has a brand-new holiday event Wyld Roots Mercantile, a lady’s boutique communities love visitors this time of year.” - Merry at Main – to be held at Main Street with a fashion twist in western style clothing Park on December 9th with local artisans’ and accessories. Or stop in Samson Family Zionsville’s annual Christmas in the Village handcrafted items, a variety of seasonal Leather on the Square in Lebanon where begins November 24th with a parade treats, food vendors, North Pole reindeer, this family-owned business focuses on bringing Santa Claus to his special cabin and live entertainment. A holiday parade creating high-quality leather goods like bags, where he’ll welcome good boys and girls will also be part of the festivities. And watch clutches, wallets and more. with their Christmas lists on weekends. out for the Grinch!

The Zionsville Chamber hosts the popular “Boone County knows how to celebrate Ladies Night Out Shopping event where When it comes to holiday shopping, there’s the holidays with so many special events, stores stay open late for gift seekers, and nothing better than spending a crisp winter memorable shopping experiences and groups of friends gather for the annual day strolling Main Street Zionsville with deliciously fun dining.” Says Gutwein, “The Christmas Crawl of local restaurants and its locally owned shops featuring unique holiday season truly is a great time to come taverns. gifts like the freshest olive oils and balsamic and visit us!” vinegar, that perfect jewelry item, the latest The Zionsville Parks Department has clothing styles at Duo and Vintage Charm, Discover Boone County holiday events introduced a month-long schedule of and specialty shops like five thirty home at www.boonecvb.com or follow us on Winterfest activities at various park with their large selection of re-purposed Facebook.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.BOONECVB.COM OR FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK.

16 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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ALL TOGETHER NOW ZYFL CHEER PROGRAM BUILDS CONFIDENCE AND A SENSE OF TEAMWORK IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT Writer / Michelle Kaufman Photography Provided

Nearly 200 members of the Zionsville Youth Football League (ZYFL) cheerleading squad recently wrapped up their season on the sidelines. Each weekend, the girls showed off their skills and supported their peers on the football field.

For the second year in row, several of the girls had the option of extending their season and competing. On November 4, two ZYFL cheer teams took first place and a third team took second at the Indy CrossRoads competition held at Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS).

“Cheerleading is a really amazing sport where we don’t have a bench,” says Director

Liz Morehouse. “Everybody has a role, everybody has a job, and I believe because of that, we have a place for everyone. With the girls, we’re really trying to coach from a positive place and make sure that they are having fun, because cheerleading is fun.”

ZYFL is open to kids entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Volunteer coaches help the cheerleaders learn about teamwork, spirit, memorization and more, while also making time to be silly.

“Ten of our teams practice on the same night at Mulberry Fields,” says Assistant Director Angela Jones. “It is loud. There’s a lot of giggling. It’s come one, come all. We want all girls in the community to have this experience and gain that confidence.”

18 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Cheerleaders do not have to try out and are placed on squads based on age. This year they got the chance to perform at ZCHS’s tailgate, Eagle Fest, and the Fall Festival parade.

“Parents who have volunteered to coach also have to learn the material in order to teach the girls, and not a lot of them have a background in cheer,” Jones says.

“Having moms dancing for the first time in many years creates friendships. The overall atmosphere is just a lot of fun. We’re trying to make sure that we are empowering the girls within themselves, but also within the community.”

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Jones, a ZYFL mom and former cheerleader, coaches the fourth-grade team, while Morehouse coaches the first-graders. The coaches have seen cheerleaders grow in confidence and skills such as cartwheels.

This year they brought in ZCHS’s cheerleading coach and a stunt team for a clinic to help build the coaches’ confidence in teaching the girls.

“The ones who stayed on to compete with us, they really started to realize how fun stunting can be when we started trying some arabesque stunts in an early competition practice,” Morehouse says.

“Now, that’s in their competition routine and they’re super proud of it.”

10:32 AM

Nearly 100 girls are in kindergarten or first grade, and both women say they’re excited for what the future holds, both through ZYFL and at Zionsville schools.

“I can’t wait to see what we’re able to do,” Morehouse says. “We’re just trying to provide a foundation that the middle schools and the high school can build on so they can eventually win state just like the football side of the house can.”

The team’s next season will begin this summer with a camp in mid-July. After camp, practice is once per week. For more information, go to zyfl.net/cheerleading or email zyflcheerleading@gmail.com.

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COUNTY KUDOS

BOONE COUNTY NAMED INDIANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2023 NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided

Boone County is attracting small and large businesses alike to the area. The monumental growth is one factor for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce naming Boone County the 2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year.

“The Indiana Chamber of Commerce made the announcement back in September, and we received the award at the Indiana Chamber’s 34th Annual Awards Dinner in November,” says Molly Whitehead, executive director of Boone County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC). “It’s a huge event, which just adds to the honor of being chosen among all these other fantastic communities around the state.”

Whitehead says larger Boone County communities like Zionsville, Whitestown and Lebanon play a considerable role in economic development, as do smaller communities like Advance, Jamestown and Thorntown. She says potential residents moving to the area can experience small-town, rural living, or the smaller communities or multimillion-dollar homes in the Zionsville area.

“Each and every community has something unique and special to offer,” Whitehead says. “Since 2018 Boone County has landed expansion deals totaling nearly $800 million. I think there is also something I call the ‘stickiness factor’ that is especially important. A key component of BCEDC’s economic development strategy is business retention and expansion.”

economy. She says the county offers a microloan program for entrepreneurs.

Some of those expansion deals include the following:

As a Boone County resident, Whitehead says she’s proud of the award because it ties all residents together. She says it reflects all of the hard work going on throughout the county.

Ken’s Foods in Lebanon - $30 million NewCold in Lebanon - $150 million REGO-FIX in Whitestown - $3.6 million GR Brands in Zionsville - groundbreaking of new headquarters FTIC in Jamestown - multiple expansions A significant focus for Whitehead is cultivating those relationships and ensure a solid business climate. She says that’s where the “stickiness factor” comes into play.

Whitehead says both small and large businesses play a role in the economic development of the area. She says small businesses make up 80% of the local

“We’ve worked with an investment platform to try to provide a variety of tools to our small businesses because they comprise the bulk of our economy locally and nationally,” she says. “We must focus on them and ensure they’re adequately supported.”

“What better way to spend your time and meet your neighbors but in small businesses like coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants,” Whitehead says. “I think this award will elevate our image as a community. People often think of Boone County as only rural areas, but we are so much more than that.”

For more information, visit betterinboone.org.

20 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Brian Miller, a captain with the Zionsville Fire Department, has enjoyed being a firefighter and considers it an outstanding job. He has felt this way since he began as a volunteer.

“As a volunteer I held several different ranks including the president of the volunteer board for several years,” Miller says. “For the first 14 years as a career firefighter, I served as the deputy chief of operations. For the last two years I have served as the Station 91 house captain on the A shift.”

Miller has treasured every year he has worked as a firefighter.

BRIAN MILLER

“I was a firefighter for a total of 26 years,” Miller says. “I spent 10 years as a volunteer and 16 years as a career firefighter.”

“Over the years I have had the chance to work with several different members of the department, and be able to watch the department grow and change from an allMiller was first inspired to become a volunteer department to a high-performing, firefighter when he was young. professional department today,” Miller says.

“Having the chance to work alongside Chief “Living and growing up in the community, I [ James] VanGorder to help build and shape watched my father serve on the department the department over the years has been a for 16 years,” Miller says. “As a kid my great honor. Coming back to the companies friends and I spent several summer days these past few years and working with the following the fire trucks and hanging amazing A shift crews in Station House 91 around the fire station on Cedar Street. My has brought me back to where I started, grandfather also served the town for years as taking runs and living with my family away the director of the town’s water department.” from home every third day.”

Miller is continually impressed with the Zionsville Fire Department.

Miller says there are measures that home and business owners can take to prevent fires.

22 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“Remember to check your smoke detectors and alarm systems at least twice a year,” Miller says. “Follow the recommendations on all electric appliances and cords.

Remember to have your furnace dry vents and chimneys cleaned and inspected.”

Miller loves Zionsville.

“Working and living in the same town you grew up in is an amazing opportunity,” he says. “Even though the town has more than doubled in size, being able to still call people by name and know so many of the families makes it even more special to be able to help them in their time of need. It is overwhelming, the support we receive from the town. The number of people that stop by to say thanks and share the outcome of their medical emergency or reasons for calling 911 makes coming to work each day more and more worth it.”

When Miller isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

“I have been married to my best friend and amazing wife for 24 years,” he says. “She has been the rock behind my years at the fire department. She is always ready to listen and be by my side through the good and bad times of my 26-year career with the department. She has always been supportive of the hours that are required by this type of work. I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Luke, 20, and Megan, 16. These two kids are always waiting patiently for me to come home, especially when the department was much smaller and it required its members to respond from home and leave family events. My years serving the town could not have been done without my family.”

“Being able to be a firefighter is truly the best job in the world,” he adds.

(TP1023)

October Special $10.00 off Leather Items

Your hometown, locally owned and operated full service dry November Special 15% off Tablecleaner Linens

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December Special $4.00 off Coats & Jackets Must present coupon with incoming order. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 12/21/23

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Convenient Home Pick up and Delivery • 317-577-5752 11100 N. Michigan Rd • 317-875-8244 3199 S. US 421 • 317-659-5644 5650 W. 86th St • 317-824-1144 December Special $4.00 off Coats & Jackets 6846 Whitestown Pkwy • 317-942-0844

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 23

FANNING THE FLAMES BACKROADS BBQ’S SUCCESS IS DUE TO A VARIETY OF FLAVORFUL FACTORS Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Michaela Marshall

Jennifer Imes, director of marketing for Backroads BBQ, says she believes the restaurant has been successful because of its employees’ commitment to the Lebanon community, and to serving great food.

She says Backroads BBQ, which opened in April of 2020 and is managed by Kendall Canal, has also been a success because customers love the large menu and comfortable atmosphere.

“We are a casual-dining barbecue restaurant with a nod to traditional, Texas-style barbecue,” Imes says. “We offer our

signature smoked meats including brisket, pork, turkey, chicken wings and smoked chicken quarters, as well as our famous hand-breaded catfish and chicken tenders.

We also make all of our sauces and rubs from scratch. If barbecue isn’t your thing, we offer our twist on burgers, wraps and sandwiches.”

Backroads BBQ’s smoked sausage, chili, salads, desserts, nachos, bacon cheese fries, and baby-back ribs are also big hits.

Imes notes that Backroads BBQ’s side dishes are also highly popular with customers.

“We have traditional, southern-style sides like white cheddar mac and cheese and green beans,

24 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

with a few surprises like our potato cakes and roasted apples,” Imes says.

Imes adds that the drinks garner a lot of positive feedback from loyal customers.

“We serve beer, wine, bourbon and our special seasonal cocktails,” Imes says. “This fall we are featuring our Caramel Apple Kiss and our Pumpkin Pie Smash, both made with our homemade syrups. We also have traditional cocktails like our old fashioned and our house margarita. Our pulled pork is our most popular menu item, followed by our brisket, but our smoked wings are becoming a new favorite, and we get people who travel from all over for our fried catfish.”

Imes has her own personal favorite menu items.

“I love our smoked wings, dry rub, and our turkey club sandwich,” she says.

Imes believes Backroads BBQ has been such serve several food brands that are made right here in Indiana including LocalFolks a success because of a variety of reasons.

Apple Butta’, Indiana pork, Copper Moon Coffee’s coffee and tea, Glover’s Ice Cream, “It’s a mix of a few things, but mainly we Wick’s Pies and Triple XXX Root Beer.” love our customers and being a part of this community,” Imes says. “We strive Visit Backroads BBQ at 1404 West South for exceptional service and excellent food Street in Lebanon. For more information, call that keeps people coming back. One fact 765-764-0070 or visit thebackroadsbbq.com. that might surprise people is how much we support our local food community. We

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 25

Holiday Gift Guide RAHAL PIAGGIO INDIANAPOLIS

9830 N Michigan Rd, Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 939-2145 www.rahalpiaggio.com Give the gift of adventure with a new Vespa.

Free storage and no payments until 2024.

Now is truly the time to buy! Stop by our Carmel location or visit our website. sales@ rahalpiaggio.com

HAND AND STONE ZIONSVILLE 11100 N Michigan Road, Suite 150 Zionsville, IN 46077 463-666-2092 www.handandstonezionsville.com Give the gift of relaxation this Holiday season! Stop by Hand and Stone Zionsville for exclusive gift card offers that anyone would love to receive! Come try out our signature hot stone massage and classic facial today!

WITHAM FAMILY YMCA

2791 N. Lebanon Street 317-266-YMCA (9622) INDYMCA.org Give an experience this holiday season: Give the gift of the Y! Gift cards in any amount can be used for membership, swim lessons, personal or small group training, youth sports, camp, and more. Visit the Witham Family YMCA or any of our 12 YMCA locations to purchase yours today!

MOXIE MAVENS BOUTIQUE

110 N Main St, Zionsville, IN 46077 765-357-8119 Moxiemavensboutique.com Zionsville’s newest women’s clothing boutique! Show this ad for a $25 gift card with $150+ purchase now through 12/31.

26 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

WEST FORK WHISKEY CO.

WEST FORK WHISKEY (BOTTLES) 10 E 191st St, Westfield, Indiana 317-763-4500 westforkwhiskey.com This year for the holidays don’t forget about the gift that keeps on giving...(local) whiskey!

We have bottle bundles year round for shoppers and gift cards available in store or online. Cheers from West Fork!

10 E 191st St, Westfield, Indiana 317-763-4500 westforkwhiskey.com Stop on in and try some food at the Mash House, buy a bottle to go, grab some merch, maybe enjoy a signature craft cocktail in the lounge, or try out a thieving experience where you can extract whiskey straight out of the barrel to taste! We have a lot of options here at West Fork!

KEY CAR WASH GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Purchase $100 & receive a free $25 gift card.

Purchase $50 & receive a free $11 gift card.

Exp: 1/15/2024

Free use of vacuums for customers.

BOONE COUNTY CAKE CO.

(765) 335-3944 / 222 E. Main Street Lebanon, IN 46052 / www.boonecountycake.com At Boone County Cake Co., we specialize in scratch baked desserts, pastries, and cakes.

We offer custom cakes for weddings and special occasions as well as locally roasted coffee and craft cocktails. Connect with us on IG or Facebook @boonecountycake!

Visit our Pet Wash facility.

1800 N Lebanon Street, Lebanon IN www.keycarwash.com

Redeem this gift card for

10% Off your purchase of $50 or more.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 27

2024

UPCOMING ISSUES

Senior Living

Health & Wellness

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Banking and Financial

Directory and Relocation Guide

MARCH

APRIL

Contact Brandon Baltz, Publisher for more information brandon@townepost.com / 317-514-9522 28 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR OLDER LOVED ONES

E

ven loved ones can be a mystery when it comes to figuring out what gifts you’re getting for everyone over the holidays. Older loved ones can be especially hard to shop for, as they seem to have it all — lifetimes of knick-knacks and keepsakes.

To fulfill its mission of being “local, helpful and personal,” CarDon & Associates — an Indiana-based senior living management company — compiled this list of gift ideas for seniors that stand out from your typical stocking stuffers and even embrace Hoosier history.

STORYWORTH: These days, most of us document our lives digitally. But many people of older generations still appreciate the feeling of flipping through the paper pages of a book or running their fingers across glossy photos. Storyworth allows subscribers to create a physical memoir that ages as gracefully as the other books on their shelves.

With the subscription, they are emailed a question each week, and at the end of a year, Storyworth will bind their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. This gift is a great way to connect with loved ones across distances, engage a parent or grandparent’s memory, and preserve family stories for generations to come. Go to storyworth.com to start a book for your loved one.

AURA FRAME: Here’s another gift that puts an old-fashioned spin on a digital trend, sending photos “from your phone to mom’s frame.” You can preload the frame with your loved ones’ favorite family photos and then add to them all year round. To capture and share life’s many happy moments as soon as they happen, family members can simply email photos to the frame, where they will show up in a matter of seconds. This is an especially great gift for keeping loved ones connected to festivities if they won’t be able to visit during the holidays. With a premium subscription plan, you can also include photo captions, create photo albums and send videos. Perhaps best of all, a digital frame is a great space saver for collecting memories. O, The Oprah Magazine, calls it “the perfect gift for all relatives.” High praise! Learn more at auraframes.com.

THE GIFT OF TRAVEL: Catching a plane during the busy holiday season can be quite an ordeal. An alternative that allows for a more scenic route and leisurely trip is renting an RV. This year, make your family vacation an adventure on the open road! CarDon’s own Regional Director of Marketing Beth Cattoi attests that this is a wonderful idea.

(Check out the photos from her own RV trip!)

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE: Are some of your loved ones just not into material gifts?

Help them ring in the holidays with fun festivities — such as the Indiana Historical Society’s 10th annual Festival of Trees! (Or buy them an IHS membership so they can enjoy its many educational and entertaining exhibits throughout the year).

Memberships to Conner Prairie and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library are other tasty slices of Hoosier history to which you can treat your loved ones.

THE META QUEST 2 VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET: This gift combines travel and experience with exercise, allowing seniors to take their morning yoga routine to the mountains of Iceland or hike around Machu Picchu. They can also virtually immerse themselves in big stadium games, feeling like they’re sitting courtside for the Pacers or cheering on the Colts all from the comfort of their homes. This virtual reality headset enables loved ones with limited mobility or health issues to still see the world.

We hope you find the perfect fit for your older loved ones this season.

Happy holidays from the CarDon family to yours!

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 29

30 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

INSIDE THIS NEW ISSUE!

NEST EGG STRATEGIES FOR YOU

HOW TO GROW MONEY!

Nathan Melchi

Dean Gourley

Vice President Zionsville Retail Business Development Manager

THE BOONE COUNTY CREW

Jon Marley

Compass Investment Services

Vice President Commercial Banking /Ag Lender

•Boone county resident •Manages Investment Accounts

•Boone County Resident •Farmer

for High-Income Earners •Licensed Insurance Producer •Former Wabash Football Player

•Experienced Ag Banker •Member of Boone County Chamber •Purdue University-Agriculture

Economics Degree

•Boone County resident •Zionsville Lions Club •Member of Boone County Chamber

and Zionsville Chamber •Ball State University

Angela Upchurch

State Bank Business Development Specialist •Boone County Resident •President of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce •Member of Boone County Chamber •Member of Women of Impact •Indiana University

Corey Kutz

Vice President Lebanon Market Manager •Born and Raised in Boone County •President of the Heart of Lebanon •President of the Lebanon Redevelopment Commission •Advisory Board of the Lebanon FFA •Indiana University – Kelley School of Business

Congratulations Boone County. It’s not every day you get chosen as the Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber – well done! We would also like to thank Boone County for allowing us to be part of its success. Generation after generation, we have served small businesses and families in Boone County and like to think we helped make our community great. We take great pride in our employees who live and work in Boone County. If you haven’t had a chance to meet them, stop by, share a cup of coffee, and learn why these folks are outstanding in their field.

866.348.4674 | StateBank1910.bank TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 31