Boone County Magazine May 2022

MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

DREAM DESIGNS A CUSTOM EXPERIENCE AWAITS AT MJ BROWN RENOVATIONS

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

Texas Margaritas Quickly Becoming a Favorite In Boone County

LIFE OF DANCE

Village Dance Studio Holds Rich History

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Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Brandi Caplinger

Skilled trade careers offer steady work because people will always need plumbing, heating and cooling in their homes and offices. In addition, many people love to work with their hands. The team at Peterman Brothers recognizes this, and in October of 2020 they began Top Tech Academy, their own internal trade school that offers both HVAC and plumbing courses. Offered twice per year in the spring and fall, Top Tech is a five-month accelerated program where students undergo a mix of classroom learning, hands-on training and field

experience. Applicants who are accepted into Applicants must be 18 or older, with a high the program choose to study either plumbing school GED or equivalency. or HVAC, depending on their area of interest.

The most common feedback they get from applicants is that they’re seeking job security.

During the academy, students ride with technicians for job shadowing. They also partner with other students to do inspection “We also hear, ‘My dad was a plumber,’ or, ‘I helped my grandpa work out in the garage,’ calls. Over time they graduate to having or, ‘I really like working with my hands,’” their own van and doing customer calls.

Wernert says.

This month they will open the application process for next semester, which will start After applying, candidates complete a phone the first week of September. Currently screen with the recruiting team. Wernert they take 12 plumbing students and shares a recorded video that outlines expectations of the students as well as what 15 HVAC students per semester. It’s a the students can expect from the program. highly competitive program, and as word has spread, interest has grown. The first semester, 600 people applied. Last semester, “That’s got a lot of critical information that can make or break their decision on that number doubled. whether to accept an offer,” Wernert says.

“We take the top 2%,” says Dani Wernert, In-person interviews follow. Applicants will learning and development specialist. either get accepted into the program, put on a If you think you don’t have a shot of making wait list or be asked to apply the next semester. it because you didn’t graduate in the top 2% of your high school class, think again.

One huge draw to the program is that Peterman Brothers pays students.

“Applicants need not have experience in the trade specifically,” Wernert says. “We’re “While they’re in school with us, they’re looking at personality and behaviors. We getting paid an hourly rate,” Wernert says. “It’s want to know that you’re going to treat our a full-time job. They are Peterman Brothers customers right.” employees with us on day-one of school.”

They study Patrick Lencioni’s book, “The Ideal Team Player,” which focuses on three factors - being humble, hungry and smart.

In addition, students graduate with a guaranteed job. They make an 18-month commitment to Peterman Brothers and if they fulfill that commitment, tuition is paid as well.

“It’s like a three-legged stool,” Wernert says.

“If you have two of the virtues but not three, “We’ve found that it’s absolutely worth the that stool is going to fall over.” investment,” Wernert says. “Every new class impresses us.”

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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ZIONSVILLE FARMERS MARKET 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

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Peterman Brothers

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SAVOR THE FLAVOR

Texas Margaritas Quickly Becoming a Favorite In Boone County

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STANDING THE TEST OF TIME Advance Barber Shop Enjoys Long History

Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

Village Dance Studio Holds Rich History

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Watch Us Weave Helps Special-Needs Individuals Thrive

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LEBANON MAY EVENTS

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LOCAL LORE

New Book Focuses on Boone County History

DREAM DESIGNS

A Custom Experience Awaits at MJ Brown Renovations

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MAN OF STEEL

CAPABLE HANDS

WHITESTOWN MAY EVENTS

LIFE OF DANCE

BARNS AND BREWS REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

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COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

ZIONSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EMBRACING THE OPEN ROAD

Local Teacher Competes in Ironman Triathlon Despite Injury

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SAVOR THE FLAVOR TEXAS MARGARITAS QUICKLY BECOMING A FAVORITE IN BOONE COUNTY

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Whitney Moore

When working to make a family-operated restaurant successful, it helps when each team member takes on the jobs they are comfortable and familiar with, to help the business flourish.

Luis Scheker, Jr., an employee with Texas Margaritas in Zionsville, enjoys working behind the scenes.

picked a great location.”

Scheker says Texas Margaritas has been welcomed with a warm and enthusiastic response from the Zionsville community.

“We are in the Maple Grove retail area, and my dad and Saul thought this was an ideal location to be in, because it is always continuing to grow,” he says. “What makes this location unique is that it is prospering, and attracting more families who like the homes and schools in the area. It’s very special. People are really building new homes and businesses here, and we wanted to be a part of that growth.”

“I really like doing the office computer and paper work,” he says. “It’s what I’m good at, and I can help the restaurant run more smoothly that way. My father, Luis Scheker, and his business partner, Saul Ramirez, are Texas Margaritas already has regular the co-owners. They really focus on the customers who return often. high quality of the Mexican cuisine and running the business. I think they have

6 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

“Not long after we opened, we had a lot of people tell us they love the food, and were planning on coming right back, which they did,” he says. “They have been bringing their friends, and that’s great. People are talking positively about us. It means we are giving them delicious Mexican cuisine at a good price. What brings people back is one major thing - the food. You can talk about other stuff, but it all comes down to the food.”

Scheker’s family is passionate about the restaurant industry.

“Our first Texas Margaritas was started a year ago in Indianapolis,” he says. “That location has been successful because there was a lot of effort to make sure all of the food is very fresh and served fast. We use fresh ingredients. We focus on making sure

everything tastes delicious. We don’t have any plans for a third restaurant right now because we are busy enough making sure the restaurant and the food continue to be outstanding.”

Scheker’s personal favorite dish at Texas Margaritas is the pork.

“Everything here is really good,” he says. “We have a Favoritos Mexicanos menu, which includes our Pollo Favorito, a grilled chicken breast topped with several ingredients. We also have a Three Amigos, which is three burritos, and Pollo Fundido, two deep-fried flour tortillas.

Those are just a few of the items from our big menu. We are always looking to meet new customers, so we ask our regular customers to keep telling their friends about us.”

Texas Margaritas is located at 7151 Whitestown Parkway in Zionsville. For more information, call 317-769-0163 and visit texasmargaritaswhitestown.com.

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Amanda Mitchell

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

ADVANCE BARBER SHOP ENJOYS LONG HISTORY Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Jon Ellegood

Amanda Mitchell, owner of Advance Barber Shop, is proud to be running a business that has been around for more than a century.

“Advance Barber Shop first opened in 1917,” Mitchell says. “It’s always been called Advance Barber Shop. That’s a really long time for one business to have the same name. We are really well-known in the community.”

The business has a rich history according to Mitchell.

“Men used to come to the barbershop on their horses, tie them up to a post, get a shower, and then then get a haircut for nine cents,” Mitchell says. “It was a big tradition.”

The shop also has a connection with the hit 1986 film “Hoosiers” starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey and Dennis Hopper.

“A lot of the equipment in Advance Barber Shop was used in ‘Hoosiers,’” Mitchell says. “There is a barbershop in the movie, and our barber chair, mirror, benches and even our fly swatter were all used as props in the movie. People still get a very big kick out of that.”

Mitchell took over the business from the previous owner, Ron Rolston.

“I was very fortunate to know him,” Mitchell says. “I was able to work with him for a few years. He saw a lot of potential in me and I learned a lot from him. He died of COVID-19, but a lot of people in Advance and the nearby areas still remember him and have a lot of kind things to say about him.”

Mitchell has kept much of what people love about the business, but still found a positive way to modernize it.

“I bought it and renovated it,” she says. “I had a lot of help from my grandpa, Don Starcher, when I took over the shop. My grandpa and I still take Ron’s wife Sharon to Dover Christian Church. She’s a good friend. The barber’s chair that my grandma sat in as a kid is still here.”

Mitchell enjoys working with her clients and getting to know them.

“I’ve had a lot of return customers, which means a lot to me,” she says. “They are very loyal. There was once a lot of work being done on the water lines out in front of the shop, and people just walked over boards to get in here.”

8 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

Mitchell says she has been doing hair for 15 years.

“I went to Aveda cosmetology school, which is one of the top-10 cosmetology schools in North America,” Mitchell says. “I wanted to learn as much as I can. I used to work in downtown Indianapolis, and I still have a lot of the same clients from Indianapolis, and from around the state of Indiana, who come to see me. I still do women’s hair, and I’ve been able to make people very happy when they are here and when they leave.”

Mitchell, who also serves on the Advance Town Council, does a lot to promote the town.

“We have a great area here, with Jawbone BBQ next door, and a lot of the WAM of Advance after-school program kids do a lot to help the area,” she says. “They are all helping our old town come to life. People care about the generations of families here and do what they can to make things better for everyone. We all have a motive and desire to help this town. I love being a part of it and seeing all of the great people here.”

To find out more about Advance Barber Shop, located at 106 Main Street in Advance, Indiana, call 765-577-1182.

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Life of Dance VILLAGE DANCE STUDIO HOLDS RICH HISTORY

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Jon Ellegood

Village Dance Studio has many motherdaughter connections. Founded by Annette Pettigrew in 1977, it is now owned by her daughter, Traci Broman. Several members of the faculty have mothers who also owned dance studios. Second- and even thirdgeneration students come to take classes, just as their moms did.

Village Dance Studio was founded in 1977 by Pettigrew. She majored in ballet at Indiana University, and took classes in major U.S. cities as well as internationally.

Throughout the time she has been affiliated with the studio, she continued her training as a ballet teacher. Besides managing the business and teaching, she has shared her talents by choreographing high school

musicals and being a visiting teacher within the Indianapolis community. Pettigrew sold the business to her daughter in 2017, but she continues to teach, manage the ballet program and assist whenever help is needed in any role.

to start taking classes. She is 3 and potty trained, so now she can.”

Today the studio has 400 students. Classes include point (ballet), hip-hop, modern dance, musical theater and more. Attendees range from preschoolers to adults. Some “The first year the studio opened, there were students focus on learning techniques to be the best dancer they can individually be.

78 students,” Broman says. “My mom was the only teacher and there were two classes Others come from musical theater, show choir, ice skating, cheer and gymnastics, in - ballet and creative dance with tumbling. order to pick up some skills to embellish Later she added jazz and tap. There wasn’t email. Everything had to be done by phone. their performances.

When I was growing up, in the evening In a competitive world, Village Dance I could never get on AOL because my Studio has always been somewhat of a mom needed the phone. As a little girl I respite. It exists solely to give students a remember looking through the glass as strong and extensive foundation of dance older girls were taking a class. I tried to do every movement just like they did. My own principles. Without the pressure and daughter, Elizabeth Broman, is just about expense of a competitive dance team, its 10 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

students can focus on the joy of dancing while encouraging each other.

at Zionsville Community High School in the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center.

Students perform for their families and the community every year, alternating between a showcase and a recital. Showcases are more relaxed and the costumes are usually homemade, which keeps the cost down.

Recitals are more involved, with several performances scheduled for different times and days. Both showcases and recitals are held

“Very few studios in the whole Indy area are not competitive,” Broman says. “We never competed and we never will. It helps keep our environment warm and like a family.

The families of the students do so much to support us, from props to costumes. The moms are show-dance moms, not like on television, but in the best ways. We are

relaxed, kind and forgiving, and our families are like that too. I think the atmosphere goes from the top down.”

Village Dance Studio’s showcase will be held on Saturday, May 21.

Village Dance Studio is located at 6290 Central Boulevard in Whitestown. For more info, visit villagedancestudio.com or call 317-769-2223.

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County, a t the center of Indiana lies Boone past. The seemingly quiet place with a colorful helped to start stagecoach along the Michigan Road it as new transformed the county, and then the railroad Some of these towns were created along the routes. a few buildings and towns are now gone, leaving behind Local vagabond a sign marking where they once existed. residents with his Thorntown Cyrus entertained area and “hers” tractors accordion, one couple touted “his” Mysteries surround true stories such demise. and the Cragun twins met a tragic a a community and why a butcher attacked as a rogue monkey seen wandering Lusk brings these stories and more to prominent citizen. Author Heather Phillips unique. life to reveal what makes Boone County

A

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lusk

such as their “Hidden History” series of books. Lusk notes that local historian Joan Lyons had already written about Zionsville specifically, but nothing really existed for Boone County within the last 100 years that included a summary of county history along with stories from each area.”

Lusk says there are many great stories from Boone County.

“My absolute favorite story is about a dog,” Lusk says. “I’m completely enamored with this bit of history. In 1943 a dog named Ace from Zionsville enlisted in the military’s Writer / Matt Keating new Dogs for Defense program. Ace was Photography Provided gone for more than a year. Right after he returned, his owner, teenager Donald Spees, Heather Phillips Lusk, author of “Hidden History of Boone County, Indiana,” says local was sent to serve in the Navy.” readers will be delighted with stories about Based on everything Lusk was able to their county that they haven’t heard before. find and all the people she interviewed, it appears Ace was the only dog from Boone “I’m involved with the SullivanMunce County to serve.

GhostWalk, and the museum was contacted

by The History Press for a book about “If I’m wrong about that I’d love to know haunted stories from Zionsville,” Lusk says. about it,” Lusk says. “I’ve been trying to find “I spoke with the publisher, but they were where Ace was stationed, but unfortunately seeking personal encounter, versus the type the National Archives has been so of fact-based local history that we use in the backlogged the past two years that I’ve been GhostWalk. That started the discussion with the publisher to realize maybe our GhostWalk unable to access the file. I am still hopeful I can procure that information even though stories would fit with a different series.” the book is complete.”

The History Press is known for books on Another of Lusk’s favorite stories is about a local and regional history and culture, 12 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

A

t the center of Indiana lies Boone County, a seemingly quiet place with a colorful past. The stagecoach along the Michiga n Road helped to start the county, and then the railroad transfor med it as new towns were created along the routes. Some of these towns are now gone, leaving behind a few buildings and a sign marking where they once existed. Local vagabon d Thorntown Cyrus entertai ned area residents with his accordion, one couple touted “his” and “hers” tractors and the Cragun twins met a tragic demise. Mysteri es surround true stories as a rogue monkey seen such wandering a community and why a butcher attacked prominent citizen. Author a Heather Phillips Lusk brings these stories and more to life to reveal what makes Boone County unique.

$21.99

man named Thorntown Cyrus.

“I first learned about him researching stories for GhostWalk,” Lusk says. “He was a vagabond, a resident of Thorntown, who performed in many communities all over the state. Despite his reported intellectual disability, it sounds like he was an incredible engineer, capable of recreating things after seeing them once or simply hearing how they operate. I learned as much about his life from newspapers in surrounding counties than Boone County. There’s an excellent picture of him at the Tipton County Historical Society.”

Lusk says Howard School is a special place.

“This little schoolhouse was falling down, with a tree growing inside,” Lusk says. “A group of residents worked together to restore it, and now they host field trips and events there. These amazing people did most of the work themselves and still manage to keep it going. I’m so impressed with circumstances like these when residents take it upon themselves to ensure our history isn’t erased.”

Lusk was surprised to find out exciting new facts about Boone County during her research.

“I thought I’d come across many of those stories, and my plan was to include all of the locations on the National Register of

lusk

NEW BOOK FOCUSES ON BOONE COUNTY HISTORY

Robert Tanzilo

Uncover forgotten gems of local history

Hidden Hist o r y of b o o n e county, ind iana

Uncover forgotten gems of local history

a of b o o n e c o u n t y , i n d i a n Hidden History

L O CA L LORE

Heathe r Phillip s Lusk

Heat he

Historic Places, simply for information since they’re important facets of county history,” Lusk says. “What I didn’t anticipate is how many of them are about to disappear. The church at Oak Hill Cemetery is slated for demolition. Scotland Bridge is slated for demolition, though the county has tried to salvage it and there are many still trying.”

Boone County who are fighting to save our history, but sadly it feels like the desires of developers come first.”

The first chapter of the book focuses on the Thorntown Reserve.

“It was officially created by the government in 1818, but members of the Eel River band, Lusk adds that The Simpson-Breedlove a sub tribe of the Miami Indians, were living House was also beautifully restored, and in the area for decades,” Lusk says. “The was promised protection when it was sold as reserve covered the northwestern quarter part of a housing development. of the county, and overlapped into Clinton County. The native people were tragically “Now its future also appears tenuous,” she forced from the land in 1828.” says. “Even buildings that are fighting to remain open and vibrant, like the Strange Lusk notes that the book will be available Cragun House, are in dire need of financial at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, and support after two years of limited events eventually at CVS in Lebanon, because and thus no income. There are many in those locations already partner with The

History Press.

“It’s also available at Barnes & Noble, and the publisher is working on other locations in the county,” Lusk says.

Lusk believes much of her work wouldn’t have been possible without the various historical groups and past historians throughout the county.

“Ralph Stark did so much research on the native people from the county,” Lusk says.

“His files are located at Lebanon’s library in the Ralph Stark Heritage Center. One of my biggest resources was also the original Boone County Magazine that existed until 1986. I hope that this new Boone County Magazine can help people 50 years from now in the same way that it helped me.”

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BARNS AND BREWS MAY 5, 19 & JUNE 2, 16 • 6:30 - 9:30 pm • Maplelawn Farmstead, parking at Mulberry Fields Park 9645 Whitestown Road • Ages: 21+ • Registration Required to Attend – Tickets go on Sale Friday, April 15 • Ticket: $14.50/person

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beautiful Maplelawn Farmstead. After the evening presentation there will be time to mingle with friends around the fire, enjoy a few beverages, and tour the historic barns and homesite. The evening includes photo opportunities, yard games, and great conversations. Ticket sales open April 15! Visit www.zionsville-in.gov/ specialevents for more information.

Ticket Sales Open April 15 ess TTicickkeett SSaalle O p e n A p r i l Open April 1155 14 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

Ironman, since he was already doing triathlon training, so he did. That was in July of 2015, and his goal was simply to finish, which he did. After a month passed he felt the itch to try it again to improve his time. He signed up the following year. When he wasn’t too sore following the competition, completing a full Ironman became his new goal.

Training for an Ironman requires a huge time commitment. A typical training week involves swimming three days a week, running four days a week and biking three days a week. Closer to the race date, he does long runs and bike rides on the weekends, sometimes biking for four or five hours.

MAN OF STEEL LOCAL TEACHER COMPETES IN IRONMAN TRIATHLON DESPITE INJURY Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Amy Payne & FinisherPix

because it offers a lot of time for reflection and conversations with God.”

Kyle Beimfohr played baseball, football and basketball as a kid. Once he got to high school and college, however, other activities took precedence. As a digital learning coach for Zionsville Community Schools, it wasn’t until he began his teaching career that he realized it would probably be wise for him to start exercising again. He took up running and ran the local Mini-Marathon, but after logging lots of mileage, his knees began to bother him so he started cycling and fell in love with the activity.

One day a friend suggested he sign up for a triathlon. Beimfohr shook his head.

“Biking is my happy place,” says Beimfohr, an Avon resident. “You see the world at a different pace. I like doing long rides

“I’m not a swimmer,” he said at the time.

However, the seed was planted and he was up for the challenge. After doing a couple of small local races, he was hooked. Then his buddies upped the ante, this time inviting him to try an Ironman competition. Again, the idea initially seemed too daunting.

After all, a full Ironman race is a 2.4-mile swim followed by 112 miles of cycling, then capped off with a 26.2-mile run.

His friends suggested he try the Half TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 15

“I try to mix it up so it’s not too monotonous,” he says. He has also gotten better at listening to his body. For instance, during the last few years he has battled shin splints, especially after passing the six-mile mark, so he started doing shorter runs. While he loves biking back-country routes, springtime road conditions can be dangerous because of all the salt and sand that gets put down, not to mention the prevalence of potholes.

Beimfohr signed up for an Ironman in Louisville in October of 2017.

“I was probably in the best shape of my life then,” Beimfohr says. “I felt comfortable with all three disciplines and I was excited.”

Then, two and a half months before the race, he was out on a long training ride with his teammates when one of them fell down in front of him, causing Beimfohr to flip over him, thereby breaking his clavicle and ribs.

My buddy was like, “Kyle, you’ve got a hole in your shoulder,’” he recalls.

The doctor put metal in Beimfohr’s shoulder to keep it stable. His first question following surgery was, “Will I be able to race?”

The doctor informed him that he was done for the year.

“I had tears in my eyes when he said that,” Beimfohr recalls. “To have that pulled away just killed me.”

Though his friends, family, and teammates all promised him that there would be other races, Beimfohr was obstinate. When he found out that he had missed the deadline to get a refund of his $800 Ironman registration fee or defer to a later race, he had a fresh goal.

“There were definitely tears when I crossed the finish line and heard on the loud speaker, ‘Kyle Beimfohr, you are an Ironman,’” he says.

“I started doing physical therapy,” he says. “I decided that as I tried to recover I was going to see where I got. I figured worst-case scenario, I could always go down to the race, pick up my shirt and backpack and call it a day, but really I hoped that I could finish the race.”

“There was a lot of ibuprofen involved,” he says. “You’re exhausted. Your body has been spent because you’ve actively raced for more than 13 hours.”

He began training five weeks after surgery, but on the bike he couldn’t lean forward with his shoulder. He also realized just how much he used his arms to run. Aqua jogging in the pool was the best place to be. He didn’t begin swimming until mid-September. His friends, family and girlfriend, Sara Hunter, were all supportive even though they thought he was a little crazy.

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Following the grueling race, Beimfohr was extremely sore.

After completing any big race, Beimfohr takes a much-needed break from training to recover and rejuvenate, both physically and emotionally.

“I find something else to do that does not involve biking, swimming or running,” he says.

One of those things is decorating sugar cookies.

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“I’ve always liked drawing and painting so this edible art feeds my creative side,” he says.

After the first Ironman he completed with the broken clavicle, he got the itch to train for another so he could do one in good health. As soon as registration opened up, he signed up for the Louisville race again.

The following year, in February of 2018, he was out running the rail trail in Zionsville on a beautiful warm day. He went under a bridge and stepped on what he thought was shade but turned out to be black ice. The slip tore ligaments in his foot and broke a metatarsal bone.

“I had to have screws put in my foot,” he says. “I made sure to defer my race.”

Though he endured four surgeries in one year, thankfully things have been on an upswing, health-wise, ever since. In fact, he has completed two more Ironmans. Next on the agenda is competing one in Arizona this

November.

“I like that that will be a river swim,” Beimfohr says. “I tend to stay away from the ocean swims. It’s hard to train for ocean waves when you live in Indianapolis.”

He appreciates the camaraderie of triathlons. Although it’s an individual sport, he feels there is a great sense of community.

“I’ve got a great group of guys and gals that I train with, some of whom drove down to Louisville just to cheer me on,” Beimfohr says. “So in those dark moments when struggling in training, even when you’re not injured, it’s great having people who will encourage you like that. That’s one of the things I love about triathlons.”

Beimfohr often shares his training stories with his students because it’s a great way to connect with them.

“When I’m wearing my Ironman jacket at

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school, kids always ask, ‘Have you done one of those?’” he says. “They love to hear all about it.”

ZIONSVILLE FARMERS MARKET

2022 HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAYS, MAY 21- SEPT 24 @ 8-11:30AM • This will be the market’s 25th anniversary season! We are planning a few special ways to celebrate this milestone, including an anniversary party at the market on Aug 13th.

• The market’s location on Zionsville’s historic Main St bricks was a huge success for our vendors and community last season, and you will find us there again this year, between Pine and Hawthorne.

• We are expanding the size of the market with 11 additional vendors. These new vendors will include 2 new produce vendors, along with more baked goods and food based vendors, so no one goes hungry while shopping or enjoying the live music sitting on our new benches!

ZIONSVILLEFARMERSMARKET.ORG

• We will have tons of special events and a new dedicated event booth space! Follow ZFM on IG and Facebook, or checkout our events calendar on our website, for weekly event details..

Events to include: anniversary party, kids crafts and activities, food giveaways, puppies/ponies to pet!

• We will continue to impact and serve our community this year by donating a percentage of all shirt sales to a local food pantry. We will also continue to host service organizations each weekend at our Community Service Booth. We will be offering a limited edition 25th anniversary shirt and hat this year - stop by the market booth to purchase.

• We look forward to continuing to partner with our local Main St Merchants to sponsor our “Bring your Bag to Market” giveaway... come by the booth every weekend to get your raffle ticket to win amazing prizes for bringing your reusable bag.

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• Introducing our new Zionsville Farmers Market Mascot, “Cornelius”, who will be hidden somewhere in the market each weekend for kiddos to seek and find!

• IU Health will be present monthly to provide expert insight on a variety of topics, including mental health, women’s health and creating a healthy lifestyle.

• Volunteers Needed! Three volunteers are needed for each of our two shifts every market day. Sign up on our website and invite a friend/neighbor/kiddo (great volunteer credit!)! Saturdays 7am-9:30am or 9:30am -Noon.

18 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

ZIONSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 112 N 9th St / Zionsville, IN 46077 (317) 873-3836 / zionsvillechamber.org

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

™

GETMARRIEDINZIONSVILLE.COM Did you know that the Zionsville Chamber has a website and social media pages dedicated to weddings? GetMarriedInZionsville.com was created to bring boutique style weddings to Zionsville! If you are looking for a venue, catering, flowers, rings, dresses, spa services, party opportunities and more, we have the place to find them!

Host your big day in our beautiful town. Follow us! @getmarriedinzionsville on Facebook and Instagram Did you get married in Zionsville? Share your photos with us on social media!

ZIONSVILLECHAMBER.ORG | (317) 873-3836 | INFO@ZIONSVILLECHAMBER.ORG | 112 N 9TH ST • ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077

TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 19

CAPABLE HANDS

WATCH US WEAVE HELPS SPECIAL-NEEDS INDIVIDUALS THRIVE Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Jon Ellegood

Janice Agarwal is a busy woman these days.

As executive director and co-owner of Watch Us Farm and Watch Us Weave, Agarwal runs both businesses.

“Watch Us Farm, with our gardens, greenhouse and main office, is located on our farm,” Agarwal says. “Here, adults with special needs are growing hydroponic produce. We just harvested our first crop of butter-leaf lettuce, which is a lovely sweet lettuce we will be selling on Saturdays at our greenhouse and at the Zionsville Farmers Market beginning Saturday, May 21.”

Watch Us Farm has also started growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, radishes and herbs, and soon will have alpine strawberries, potted flower starts, and cut flowers.

“All our produce is grown by adults with special needs, and team leaders,” Agarwal says.

“I took a few courses, purchased a loom, and worked with one of our interns who had gone to a weaving camp when she was in middle school, to set up Watch Us Weave in our home,” Agarwal says. “While Watch Us Farm was up and running outdoors, the two of us spent several months learning all of the ins and outs about a weaving program.”

In 2019 Agarwal and the intern were introduced to a wonderful young woman who had learned to weave at Carmel High School.

“She was our first employee in our weaving division,” Agarwal says. “Since then, we have brought on five more adults with various special needs who never cease to amaze me with their abilities. Interestingly enough, each of these men and women have their own strengths.”

Agarwal says some people at Watch Us Weave like the very fine detail of scarves, or thin threads and designs.

“Here, adults with special needs are weaving on restored looms to create handcrafted textiles,” she says.

“Others like a bit more relaxed weave to make dish towels or rugs,” she says. “Some like to do several things. Not wanting our employees to become frustrated and dislike their jobs, we have found it is really important to hire people into positions that match their skills. We have a wait list, with two more adults with special needs who are interested in coming on board once we have more opportunities.”

Agarwal began weaving after visiting a facility in Germany where adults with special needs were creating beautiful textiles.

Watch Us Weave is set up with looms all around, and has shelves with ready-made textiles and colorful yarn for new projects.

Agarwal notes that Watch Us Weave, which she co-owns with her husband David, is their new shop in downtown Zionsville.

20 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

“Our workers can make custom pieces,” Agarwal says. “You can come in, choose your design and colors, and then let us make personalized table runners, rugs, scarves, throws and baby blankets. We would love to start working with homeowners or designers to add fun pieces to their new spaces. We make dish towels from 100% cotton, and these would make fantastic housewarming gifts. Our shop hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and soon we will be offering appointments to come in and weave something yourself.”

Agarwal also recommends bringing a friend or two, and making a fun evening out of it.

“We are also planning to host weaving camps at our shop during the summer,” she says. “We really want this to be a great place to develop relationships with our community. Get to know our team and come weave with us.”

Agarwal notes that Watch Us Farm officially started in 2018.

“During the next year we began employing adults with special needs in our organic gardens, our pumpkin patch and for service projects around Zionsville, like painting the curbs downtown and maintaining walking paths in our parks,” she says. “Indoors, we partnered with Seeds of Hope services to make prewired electrical outlets and a variety of other electrical components, to help electricians on large Indianapolis job sites like hotels and warehouses become more efficient.”

Over time, as they learned about the individual strengths of their employees, they added their weaving service line, and then a customized greeting-card service line.

“Off-site and indoor projects ended during COVID,” Agarwal says. “Then as we began building our greenhouse we learned about zoning restrictions affecting the number and type of employees we could employ in our house, and began looking for a larger space.”

The funds raised during their first “Dinner at Dusk” gala dinner allowed them to complete construction of the greenhouse, and purchase their hydroponic system.

“We are also working on a small high tunnel for our tomatoes and peppers,” Agarwal says.

One of their highlights is their one-acre pumpkin patch.

“Each year on the first Saturday of October, we host a Fall Festival for families with children with special needs and their

P A V E R

siblings,” Agarwal says. “Families come out to the farm, pick and decorate pumpkins, play games, win prizes, have lunch and pet tame animals, all for free in a very low sensory atmosphere.”

Watch Us Farm represents a simple idea and mission - to provide adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn and work on a farm.

Agarwal notes that her son Alex is a highfunctioning adult who requires a special environment to be successful.

“When visiting relatives in Germany, we visited several locations that had been around for three or four generations, finding jobs and providing housing in communities using the model we would like to create here,” she says. “We saw that high-functioning adults with special needs were successful doing repetitive jobs with amazing quality control, on machines and equipment provided by large companies like Miele, Audi and other manufacturers. This

R E S C U E

model can work here too.”

Agarwal would love to find a new farm in the area.

“We would create a place where our community could come for walks and fresh produce, to volunteer or to work,” she says.

“Until then, we invite you to come by for our upcoming events. We will be at the Zionsville Brick Street Market on Saturday, May 7, and at the Zionsville Farmers Market on Saturdays beginning May 21. Our ‘Dinner at Dusk’ fundraising gala will be at The Sixpence on Sunday, August 28. Last but not least, our fourth-annual Fall Festival for families with children with special needs will be on Saturday, October 1.”

Watch Us Weave is located at 45 South Elm Street in Zionsville. The Watch Us Farm greenhouse and farm is located at 9906 East 200 South in Zionsville. For more info, visit watchusfarm.com.

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TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 21

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WHITESTOWN MAY EVENTS

14

SUPERHEROES IN THE PARK Put on your favorite costume and head to Anson Acres Park on Saturday, May 14 for a fun Superhero Training Camp! Meet Superheroes, enjoy group games, and learn super-secret special moves. Tickets are $10 per person.

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22 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

LEBANON MAY EVENTS

1

PRINCESS PARTY Herr Cabin at Memorial Park / 1pm-4pm

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SAVOR LEBANON 2pm-6pm

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COURTHOUSE CAR CRUISE-IN Downtown / 6pm-8pm

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BOONE COUNTY BIKE NIGHT & LIVE MUSIC Downtown / 6pm-8pm

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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SUMMER WITH SOUND!

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Purchase date-specific tickets at:

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Melissa Etheridge, The Spinners, and Three Dog Night

TRIBUTES TO:

ABBA, Queen, the Beatles, and more!

SUNSET LOUNGE PRESENTING SPONSOR:

TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 23

DREAM DESIGNS A CUSTOM EXPERIENCE AWAITS AT MJ BROWN RENOVATIONS 24 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Jon Ellegood

The team at MJ Brown Renovations is in the business of helping people fall in love with their homes all over again. The luxury renovation and design firm, whose custom work is unique and beautiful, specializes in high-end finishes and excellent customer care.

“From concept to completion, we are your one-stop-shop,” says Matt Brown, president of MJ Brown Renovations. “We’re there to hold your hand through the entire process.”

Clients call to set up a consultation. At that meeting, clients share their wants and needs. The team then tailors their state-of-the-art designs and 3D renderings to fit those specific desires.

TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 25

“WE ARE A WHATEVERIT-TAKES OPERATION WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING THINGS DONE AND DOING THEM RIGHT FOR OUR CLIENTS IN A TIMELY MANNER. I TELL MY TEAM, ‘IF YOU CAN DESIGN IT, WE CAN BUILD IT,’ AND WE DO.” —MATT BROWN

“What separates us is not what we do, but how we do it,” Brown says. “We listen carefully to our clients and involve them throughout the entire process.”

The construction management team assigns every client a field superintendent who acts as their communication liaison throughout the project. In addition, project consultants maintain continuous communication with clients, and the team is always striving to ensure that expectations are met.

MJ Brown Renovations, a faith-based organization, has been open since 2016, though Brown has been doing renovations his entire life. The team consists of like-minded individuals who are passionate about their craft, work well together, and love to serve their clients. They work with a multitude of vendors, suppliers and master craftsmen to ensure that each project is a tremendous success for their clients.

Before

By utilizing only the very best craftsmen, they ensure that their finishes are always to their clients’ satisfaction.

“We’ve all seen a kitchen reno where they patch drywall and it looks horrendous,” Brown says. “We make sure that every renovation looks deliberate, like the home was built that way. We think through the process, so we don’t have afterthoughts. We have forethoughts.”

Their goal is to create a culture of raving fans, and, to that end, they have been successful. In fact, the team once had a client describe what they do as “craftsmanship with heart.”

“That really resonated with me because we put our heart into it,” Brown says. “It’s not just a project for us. It’s a relationship we’re cultivating with our clients and our community.”

More than once, clients have told the team that their renovation work changed their lives. For instance, for two decades a couple

After 26 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

lived with a bathroom that they despised before calling MJ Brown to change it.

“The client was literally dancing in the driveway when we were done because she was so excited,” says Brown, who also did a kitchen renovation for a couple that completely changed the dynamic of their relationship. Prior to the reno, when the wife cooked, the husband would hang out in the other room watching sports, but with the new, open design that incorporates a welcoming gathering space, the two sit together and talk over coffee every day.

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“We believe that your home is not only your biggest investment, but it’s also your safe place,” Brown says. “Plus, your environment dictates how you feel about yourself.”

MJ Brown Renovations is always refining and learning from their experiences in order to better serve their clients.

“What we do is not a one-size-fits-all,” Brown says. “Every client is different. Every project is different. Every household is different. We custom tailor our approach for each individual client to ensure they know that they are heard, understood, and valued.

They do this in order to protect the customer experience, because, in the world of construction, unforeseen hiccups may arise. “We turn hiccups into opportunities to shine and to ensure our clients know they are in competent hands,” Brown says.

“We are a whatever-it-takes operation when it comes to getting things done and doing them right for our clients in a timely manner,” Brown adds. “I tell my team, ‘If you can design it, we can build it,’ and we do.”

MJ Brown Renovations is located at 154 West Carmel Drive in Carmel. For more information, call 317-623-0444 or visit mjbrownrenovations.com.

TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 27

THE 4 HATS OF EFFECTIVE EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT LEAD Boone County is a quarterly initiative dedicated to empowering leadership throughout the Boone County community. This wonderful quarterly initiative provides attendees valuable insights to improve their leadership techniques, become a more effective communicator, and develop strategies to take on new leadership challenges in their company, organization, and community, as well as advance professionally and personally.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN In this interactive session, Shad Tidler, Consultant, Lushin and Associates, will help us identify the common challenges in 4 key areas of managing people and why they occur.

Attendees will gain insight on tools, processes, and practices they can put in action to avoid these challenges and positively contibute to the development and growth of people and businesses.

FULL NO BLEED

Shad Tidler, Presenter

ATTENDEES WILL TAKE AWAY

IMPACTFUL LEARNING OBJECTIVES LEARN WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO BE SELFSUFFICIENT AND ACCOMPLISH COMPANY GOALS GAIN TOOLS AND PROCESSES TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT TRAINING THAT STICKS

ACQUIRE BEST PRACTICES THAT MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN MANAGING PEOPLE

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SERIES SPONSOR

EVENT DETAILS WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 11:30 AM-1:00 PM $20 MEMBER / $30 NON MEMBER

ZIONSVILLE TOWN HALL 1100 WEST OAK STREET ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077

28 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

FIND MORE INFO + RSVP AT WWW. BOONECHAMBER.ORG

In Observance of National Police Week 2022 When: MAY 10TH, 2022 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Where: BOONE COUNTY COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Meet and Greet Event (5:30 PM): Law Enforcement agencies who serve and protect in Boone County, IN will be on location (Eastside of the Boone County Courthouse) to meet and greet with you, the Boone County Community! Bring the kiddos down to get their law enforcement badges, balloons, and take a photo with a Law Enforcement Officer.

FREE food and drinks will be available to ALL during the meet and greet event.

Law Enforcement Ceremony (6:30 PM): This portion of the evening’s events is a ceremony, that will take place on the Northside of the Boone County Courthouse, to honor those officers who laid down their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice, in the line of duty, in Boone County, Indiana.

Come and take pictures, eat FREE food, meet a new friend, and most importantly, have a great time!

TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / 29

EMBRACING THE OPEN ROAD WOODLAND AIRSTREAM REMAINS WIDELY POPULAR

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Daren Short

When the COVID-19 first began circulating around the country, events got canceled, businesses shuttered, sports took a pause, and a chunk of the population began working and schooling from home. During this time, something else happened too.

Many families bonded. Rather than running 100 miles per hour from one commitment to the next, families slowed down and broke bread - some even made bread from scratch.

They played games. They hung out. And… they hit the open road.

“During COVID-19 the recreational industry boomed,” says Adam Coley, general manager of the Lebanon Woodland Airstream dealership. This even surprised many in the industry.

“Usually during tough times, the first things you see go are the recreational items because people tend to hang on to their money more,” Coley says. “In this case, however, the surge of recreational items just took off, and I think that’s because families had more free time together so they wanted to get out and explore.”

If exploration is what you’re looking for, the Woodland Airstream is perhaps the most iconic and sought-after travel trailer on the market. The Airstream is not a campground trailer. It’s meant to travel.

“It’s sleek, clean, aerodynamic and efficient,” Coley says. “Plus, it’s easy to haul and easy to unhook and set up.”

Airstream trailers were first created in 1929 by Wally Byam. Woodland Airstream originally started in 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2020 the company expanded into the Indiana market, opening the Lebanon dealership in 2021 as the only Airstream dealer in the state.

According to Coley, one of their most popular models is the Basecamp 20X - ideal for those who are into kayaking, biking, fishing and getting off the beaten path.

“It’s more of your boondocking, outdoorsytype travel trailer,” Coley says.

People also love the Globetrotter 27, which boasts a European style.

“It’s your more traditional glamping trailer as it’s got high-end details like handcrafted Italian Lite Ply laminated cabinetry, LED interior lighting with dimmer, and panoramic front windows with blackout shades,” Coley says.

Airstream recently collaborated with Pottery Barn and Tommy Bahama to come up with some lines that offer unique twists to their designs. The Airstream Pottery Barn includes custom Pottery Barn cushions, a solid oak dining table, Corian countertops, handcrafted custom cabinetry, 30 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

smart-control technology, extra Pottery Barn accessories, a solid walnut cutting board, and Pottery Barn sheets, pillows and blankets.

“Everything is designed with Pottery Barn in mind as far as dishes, silverware, throw blankets and all of that,” Coley says. “It’s Pottery Barn inspired when it comes to colors and palettes.”

It also includes a special-edition outdoor folding table and armchair set.

Coley, who worked the 2022 Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, says 95% of the women who saw the Pottery Barn trailer were blown away.

“They absolutely loved it,” he says.

Another fan favorite is the beach-themed Airstream Atlas Tommy Bahama, which includes handcrafted cabinetry, a built-in bottle holder, Tommy Bahama accessories such as beach towels, and a wet bar on the back side.

“This touring coach with a beachy vibe appeals to a different crowd,” Coley says.

Whenever customers see the Woodland Airstream, many stand in awe of its style and the fact that it’s all aluminum on the inside and outside. Not only are people impressed by all the nice features, but they are also captivated by how comfortable and roomy

the trailer is considering it doesn’t have slide-outs for expansion.

“People are amazed that an 8.5-foot-wide trailer has so much space,” Coley says. Not having a slide-out eliminates potential problems. “It’s one less leak point that you have to worry about, or motors going bad or anything like that.”

These days a lot of customers are seeking solar panels and a lithium upgrade to help them boondock so they can stay out on the road a

bit longer without having to charge back up.

Woodland Airstream is an exclusive dealership, focusing solely on Airstream, a top-of-the-line product. They are also a Five Rivet dealership, which is an exclusive market as only the leading Airstream dealers who have successfully met the highest standards in both sales and service are recognized for their accomplishments. At the Woodland Airstream dealership, the sales team doesn’t take a sales approach when interacting with their customers.

Instead, their focus is on educating customers and helping them through the process.

“Recreational sales are supposed to be fun,” Coley says. “You’re buying a trailer to go travel the country so we try to make the buying experience as enjoyable as possible.”

Woodland Airstream is located at 955 Lasley Drive in Lebanon. For more information, call 765-484-8535 or visit woodlandairstream.com.

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Information is subject to change without notice. See Sales Representative for details. ©2022 NVR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

32 / BOONE COUNTY MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com