Boone County Magazine November 2022

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHER

BRANDON BALTZ Brandon@townepost.com 317.514.9522

IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2022

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

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

JOSH BROWN

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

TONI EADS

VAL AUSTIN

COPY EDITOR

JON SHOULDERS

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

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

9

HIT THE BRICKS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Longstanding Event Raised More Than $25,000

13

THE VOICE OF THE HOOSIERS Don Fischer Embarks on 50th Year as Radio Voice of IU

16

ZIONSVILLE CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

18

PAMPERED POOCH

Dogs Are Treated in Style at the Pampered Pooch Resort & Spa

20

LITTLE BLACK BOX THEATRE Teaching Character to Build Character

22

SPEED CENTRAL

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Brings Headquarters to Zionsville

26

DONALDSON’S FINER CHOCOLATES SPREADS SWEETNESS

Family-Owned Local Favorite Enjoys Its 56th Year

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

CRAFTED WITH CARE

Samson Family Leather Specializes in Individually Fashioned Items

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

JULIE YATES / JON ELLEGOOD / REBECCA WOOD RENÉE LARR / RYAN KENNEDY / SETH JOHNSON / SHELLY SACK

A

POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

D

C H R I S T M A S I N T H E C A B I N

S W E E T M A R K E T

T R E E L I G H T I N G

C H R I S T M A S P A R A D E

C E L E B R A T E T H E S E A S O N I N

M B E R 3 R

HIT THE BRICKS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

LONGSTANDING EVENT RAISED MORE THAN $25,000

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

Hit the Bricks, the major fundraiser of the Zionsville Optimist Club (ZOC), celebrated its 40th anniversary on Oct. 1. The weather cooperated as serious runners, families with strollers and groups of friends enjoyed the 5k run/walk and 3k walk along the Zionsville Rail Trail into the quaint village of downtown Zionsville. Participants enjoyed the experience even more by knowing the funds raised by the event benefit Boone County youth programs.

The start and finish of this year’s race was at Zionsville Town Hall. As in past years, event t-shirts were given to each registered participant and top 5k finishers in each age category were awarded prizes. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, there were raffle prizes including gift cards to local restaurants and businesses.

The ZOC began in 1981 and is a chapter of Optimist International, an organization over a century old. The service club is dedicated to aiding area organizations and programs that provide positive experiences for young people. Money raised from Hit the Bricks has quietly funded several worthwhile programs since it began in 1982.

“Running took off in the ‘70s and ‘80s and the idea of holding a combination race and walk was an effort to raise money and spread it around the county. Mayflower Moving Company sponsored it that first year. They made a $5,000 contribution which was quite generous back then,” says Tim Ottinger, outgoing President.

This year, Hit the Bricks raised over $25,000 thanks to a combination of support. There are three levels of sponsorships: bronze, silver and gold. For the last three years, members have also reached out to family and friends and invited them to become A Friend of Youth by contributing to the event. This group of contributions accounts for almost 35% of the total amount raised.

“Once people hear about all the things that we give money to, they are surprised. Some are one-time things that pop up and others turn into something annual. We try to keep our ear to the ground to find out who is doing what, and then help if we can,” says Ottinger.

Every spring, members work with a Zionsville Community High School speech teacher to host the first level of competition in The Optimist International Club Oratorical Contest. Winners receive medals and a cash award plus the chance to advance to the next level in competition. District winners are awarded scholarships ranging between $1,000-$2,500.

The club also works with Zionsville Community Schools in other ways. Each year a $1,000 scholarship is given to a student pursuing a four-year college degree as well as a one scholarship for a student pursuing an associate degree or vocational study. The organization also sponsors the Third Grade History Program which finishes the year up with a walking tour of downtown Zionsville and a visit to Sullivan Munce Cultural Center. Additionally, the club is involved with the high school afterprom program.

There are multiple other partnerships that the ZOC is a part of. They include Boys and Girls Club of Boone County, Zionsville Food Pantry and Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home among others. Sports programs are also sponsored.

A recent project funded by the organization was installed at Overley-Worman Park. In a partnership with Zionsville Parks and Recreation, a water fountain, bike racks and a bike repair station were purchased. Money raised from the 2021 Hit the Bricks made this substantial investment something that promotes getting outside and exercising possible.

The ZOC has a membership of about 35 people, but they would like to grow the organization. Members want to welcome people who are interested in promoting youth and can offer a bit of their time. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at Cobblestone Restaurant in downtown Zionsville. Dues are $70 per year.

“Children are our future. Our goal is to bring out the best in community youth by disbursement of the funds we raise. We’ve given out over $350 thousand over the course of four decades. We want to keep doing it,” says Cara Fausset, incoming President.

The Zionsville Optimist Club can be reached by email at zoptimistclub@gmail. com. For more information, visit www. zionsvilleoptimist.org.

Health Coverage Made Easy

your health insurance broker, we can help with all of your health insurance needs including Medicare, individual coverage on or off the Health Insurance

small group plans, dental and vision coverage.

services cost you nothing and are available to you anytime of the year.

here to help.

us today.

Angie Mercer

Matthew Kubal Matthew Mundy

THE VOICE OF THE HOOSIERS

DON FISCHER EMBARKS ON 50TH YEAR AS RADIO VOICE OF IU

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

Legendary radio broadcaster Don Fischer begins his 50th year as the radio voice of Indiana University football and basketball this season, but he almost didn’t make it through his first game.

“To tell you how much of a fool I was the first game that I did for IU, because I was from Illinois and I’d always heard ‘the University of Illinois’ - I wasn’t even thinking about Indiana University, and that would be the only thing you could call it because obviously that’s what Indiana University is,” Fischer says. “They don’t want

to be called University of Indiana three times in the first half of the first game that I did for IU. I called them the University of Indiana, and the phones at our radio station lit up like a Christmas tree. It was that bad. I thought, ‘There’s a chance I might get fired after my first gig here.’”

A native of Rochelle, Illinois, Fischer, by his own admission, wasn’t a great student. It’s not that he wasn’t smart - he just didn’t like school. College was out of the question. After he graduated from high school, Fischer wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. He had several jobs. In the eight months after graduation, Fischer says he worked five different jobs. Finally, he got a job as a ticket

clerk for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in Mendota, Illinois. He worked the night shift.

One night, about seven months into working for the railroad, Fischer was flipping through a Sport magazine during a break at the depot when he saw a full-page ad for a home correspondence course from a broadcast school out of Wisconsin. “I looked at that and I went, ‘You know what? I may not have been a great athlete, but I got to play a lot of sports from the time I was about 8 years old on up, and I think I can become a sportscaster,’” Fischer says. He signed up. Records of the lessons, a workbook and a tape recorder arrived in the mail, and Fischer’s journey to becoming a legendary play-by-play announcer began.

Fischer got his first job in radio at a small station in Butte, Montana. Fischer heard from a friend who’d already gone out there that the station was hiring. Despite being only halfway through his correspondence course, Fischer sent the station one of his tapes. The station called him a week later. “They said, ‘If you can get to Butte, Montana, for an interview, there’s a good chance we can hire you,’” Fischer says. He took a 48-hour train ride to interview for the position. A week later they hired him.

In Butte, Fischer worked the night shift as both a radio DJ and the station’s janitor. He worked there for about 15 months. Fischer returned to his home state, where he got his first shot at doing playby-play, calling games for local high schools in Ottawa, Illinois. From there, he got a job at a radio station in Terre Haute, Indiana. Fischer says he called 175 games per year at every level of sport. “We did football, basketball, baseball, Babe Ruth baseball,” he says.

“We did softball games. I was doing play-by-play almost every night of the week.” He was even calling junior football games out of the back of a pickup truck, with a blind color analyst. “It got me rolling as far as my play-by-play career was concerned, and I just had a great time with it,” he says.

When Indiana University granted exclusive broadcast rights to WIRE radio station in Indianapolis, Fischer got a call from a friend telling him that the station was looking for someone to call play-byplay for IU football and basketball games. Fischer, along with 270 other hopefuls, sent the station a tape and a resume. A few weeks later he got a call to interview for the job. Soon after, he was named the first official voice of Indiana University football and basketball, a title he still holds five decades later.

Fischer has broadcast more than 2,100 Indiana University games. Included in that number are 12 bowl games, five NCAA basketball Final Fours, four NCAA championship games and two NIT championship games. He’s won Indiana Sportscaster of the Year 27 times by the National Sports Media Association, and four times by the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. He was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010. Indiana University awarded him the J.W. Bill Orwig Medal, an award given to non-alumni for distinguished service to the university.

When Fischer started calling IU games, they were broadcast over a telephone line. Now, everything sounds like it’s recorded in a studio. “It’s just a totally different business than when I started out, but the truth of the matter is, the games haven’t changed that much,” he

says. “Style plays and things like that change a lot over the years, but the game itself is still football. The game itself is still basketball, and from that perspective, that much has not changed. That’s why I love doing what I do, because I’ve been able to do my style of football and basketball broadcasts for the last 50 years.”

Fischer says he developed his style listening to the likes of the Chicago Cubs’ Harry Caray and the St. Louis Blues’ Dan Kelly. Much like an athlete watching tape of a previous game, Fischer listens to his broadcasts, noting what he did well and what needs improving. He pays special attention to make sure he’s not repeating himself. Play-by-play is spontaneous. Fischer doesn’t think about what he’s saying while he’s saying it, but he takes care to avoid using the same terminology for certain types of plays.

Preparation is key. Fischer reads everything he can get his hands on leading up to a game. He learns about storylines and stats, as well as stars for opposing teams and how they’re playing. He talks to sports information directors to get the correct pronunciations of players’ names. All of this is in the service of providing the audience with an objective, informative and entertaining listening experience. “It boils down to just knowing your product, being prepared to utilize the experience that you have, and you get into a groove with it,” he says. “Once you get into it, it’s not that difficult at all, but it takes a while.”

Fischer’s voice is the soundtrack to some major moments, not just in Indiana University history, but also in the history of college sports. Fischer says he doesn’t have a favorite call, but the 1976 national championship basketball game, when Indiana University won the title to finish the season undefeated, holds a special place in his heart. “It was emotional for me,” he says. “I was 29 years old at the time, getting the job when I was 26 here. I had tears running down my cheeks. It was so emotional in that sense. I don’t think you could tell that I was bubbling up with tears on the radio, but it was just a fun thing to be a part of. It’s always been a vivid memory for me.”

Fischer claims his memory isn’t as good as it used to be, as he breaks down Keith Smart’s famous game-winning jump shot with six seconds to go in the 1987 NCAA national title basketball game, and recalls the wind changing directions in the third quarter of IU football’s win over the University of Michigan that same year. “I’ve had so many opportunities to call some broadcasts that turned out to be kind of historical performances, so I can’t pick out just one,” he says.

Even after 2,100 games, Fischer says he still gets nervous before the season starts. He compares it to the butterflies athletes get before they play in a game. He says he goes into every season optimistic, even if a team is coming off a disappointing year. “That’s certainly the way I feel this year too,” he says. “So my 50th year doesn’t feel a great deal different than it did back in 1973 when I started in Indiana.”

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE 2022

SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND

November 25-27th

Tote bags are provided for Zionsville shoppers throughout the holiday weekend. Come and shop Zionsville to get a free tote, coupons and look for free items inside the totes!

PARADE DAY

November 26th

Streets close at 4pm to allow the man in red to arrive during the parade at 5pm! Tree lighting following the parade and photos with Santa available!

GIFT WRAP WEEKEND

December 3-4th 11am-3pm at Sotheby’s 76 S. Main St.

Any gift purchased from a small business in Zionsville can be wrapped free of charge during this weekend!

LADIES NIGHT

December 8th 5-9pm sponsored by Copper Trace. This is a great time to spend time with your girlfriends and try beverages and treats as you shop around town!

CHRISTMAS CRAWL

Sponsored by NK Hurst and will take place on December 15th from 5-9pm. Bring your friends for a fun evening of dining and special beverages!

FAMILY WEEKEND

December 10th 11a-3p

In the downtown business district we will have the “Game of Gnomes”, a seek and find event for kids that ends with cookie decorating at Zionsville Underground.

In Boone Village we have Grinchmas, an event that welcomes the Grinch and where we have a ‘reindeer races’ course set up for people to race against friends and family in blow-up reindeer suits. Fun for all ages!

SANTA

November 27th -December 24th Santa is available in his house on Main Street for photos from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays November 27th -December 24th. Professional photos are available through registration on the Zionsville Chamber website at www. zionsvillechamber.org in timed slots on Saturdays- $20, photos emailed later in the week. Sunday you are free to take Santa Selfies (no charge, no photographer on site, no registration times).

PAMPERED POOCH

DOGS ARE TREATED IN STYLE AT THE PAMPERED POOCH RESORT & SPA

Writer / Shelly Sack Photographer / Jon Ellegood

When Tricia and Doug Phillips were talking three years ago about their future business goals, they discussed the idea of a dog day care and grooming facility, and even began searching for spaces. They had always used a place in Carmel for their two dogs, 8-year-old Lulu, a cavapoo, and 1.5-yearold Penelope, a miniature standard poodle, noting the lack of locations in the Zionsville community where they live.

Little did they expect COVID-19 to hit in the spring of 2020. Tricia found herself furloughed from her sales position and Doug chose to retire, spurring the couple forward to make their joint dream a reality.

They opened the doors to Pampered Pooch Resort & Spa this spring, just in time for spring break, and found themselves booked with happy dog owners heading out of town, pleased to have a local option for their furry family members. They chose the former Hook’s Drug Store location, which had also been a dog day care, adjacent to Hotel Tango on Zionsville Road. They liked the 8,000-square-foot indoor area and

6,000-square-foot outdoor space, and they also love that their neighbor is dog friendly and has the same passion for community involvement.

“The funny thing is that when we got Lulu, we brought her to day care in the same building we selected for our business,” Tricia Phillips says.

As for the name, “that was so easy,” she says. “We call our own two dogs pampered pooches.”

Already familiar with day cares because of their own dogs, Phillips says they also toured facilities in Florida and Kentucky while doing research.

Business has been brisk, and Phillips says the phones never stop ringing. She also says the dogs seem to stop barking as soon as a staff member picks up the phone.

The decor is fitting to the business name, with artwork and a community postings board at the entry, a crystal chandelier in the lobby, and even soundproofing panels in multiple colors. Glass windows give visitors

a peek into the puppy area and training room, as well as the grooming room.

Outdoor runs have play areas with tunnels and slides, and each pet’s leash colorfully lines the wall outside the small-dog and large-dog pens inside. Staff members accompany the dogs in each of the pens to monitor their activity, and are equipped with radios for easy communication. The rear of the facility has more than 40 kennels with circular water and feeding stations installed at the bottom of the door framing, to allow the staff easy access at feeding time.

Understanding that some dogs just need a break from the others for nap time, there is a break room for tired or overstimulated dogs as well. This is just one example of how the staff members at Pampered Pooch strive to go above and beyond for their furry guests.

Services include day care, boarding, training and grooming. Initial visits begin with a meet and greet to familiarize a potential client with the facility, and for the staff to assess the dog. For training, there is a free evaluation and plan established, which is individualized to the needs of the client

Owners Trisha and Doug Phillips opened Pampered Pooch Resort & Spa this spring.

and dog, along with a daily report, video of training, and homework for the family to do in between visits to reinforce newly learned skills.

Grooming options include any combination of a full groom, bath only, and nail trim. All groomers are employees and not contracted out, in order to maintain quality control and operate within business hours. For people needing boarding services, kennels are available in little, standard, king, royal and super-royal sizes.

“We are a little different in that we include the day-care indoor and outdoor play in the service,” Phillips says.

Recently, just like spring break, fall break saw a full boarding house once again.

“Overall, we create a portal and call the veterinarian to make sure all vaccinations are up to date, and have a meet-and-greet assessment, which 99% pass,” Phillips says.

“It’s so important and when they board with us, they go in day care. We have a separate area for dogs that don’t get along with others, to ensure a safe environment for all. Once we accept the dog, they are getting trained and exhausted.”

Both of the Phillips’ dogs stay at the day care often, and Penelope participates in the training program. All dogs are fed or receive medication, at the owner’s suggested schedule, in a separate kennel area, and dog beds and treats are welcome for those who choose boarding options.

The Pampered Pooch team prides itself for going “above and beyond” for clients, Phillips says, adding that they are happy to take pets to regularly scheduled veterinarian appointments. The Pampered Pooch recently co-hosted a “Howlaween” event with Hotel Tango in the parking lot, and the event included photos, door prizes, food and drinks, and plenty of pups in costumes.

“Right now we’re in a grooming crisis,” Phillips says. “There is a nationwide groomer shortage, and through the COVID-19 epidemic people adopted dogs, especially doodles because they are hypoallergenic. What people didn’t know is they need to be groomed every four to six weeks and brushed daily. Matting leads to parasites and skin rashes, and then the dog needs to be shaved.”

“We really want to educate our clients,” she continues. “When adopting, we suggest they research dogs, including appetite and grooming routine, because we have seen so many re-homed. One of the great things about our Facebook page is that we show rescues and work with other rescues. We have a lot of fun and treat them like royalty. That’s why we’re Pampered Pooch.”

Pampered Pooch Resort & Spa is located at 10617 Zionsville Road in Zionsville. For more info, call 317-342-3500 or go to pamperedpoochresortandspa.com.

LITTLE BLACK BOX THEATRE

TEACHING CHARACTER TO BUILD CHARACTER

Writer / Renée Larr Photography Provided

For more than 10 years, the Little Black Box Theatre Company’s mission has been “Teaching Character to Build Character.”

The not-for-profit youth theatre provides youth instruction for children and young adults of all abilities in Boone and surrounding counties.

“The idea is to provide a space for kids no matter their talent level or ability to explore, gain confidence, build camaraderie and learn a little about themselves and others through a safe acting environment,” says Emily Wolfgang, artistic director.

The organization was formed in the summer 2012, received its not-for-profit status in 2015 and is celebrating a decade of introducing the arts to area children.

Wolfgang says a little black box can have anything inside it, just like the children at Little Black Box Theatre Company. She hopes the company reminds students that we are all unique and significant in this world and that they, too, have a voice and ideas that deserve to be heard.

Programming includes private lessons in

singing, acting, audition prep, ukulele, dance, movement, tumbling, and sewing.

The Black Box Bozos are the largest Jr. Joey clown group in the U.S. The Bozos spend class time learning and practicing circus skills such as juggling, unicycle, slackline, tumbling, lyra and comedy routines. The Conservatory at Black Box is a program geared toward high school students looking for more professional experience and who want to take their skills to the next level.

Students are already gearing up for holiday shows. A Christmas Carol will play Dec. 1618 at The Little Black Box Theatre and the production will star children in grades five through eight.

“We have two different shows for two different age groups,” Wolfgang says. “This means we have younger children playing roles that would normally in other theatre organizations go to older teenagers.”

Wizard of Oz is the spring production and includes children from pre-K through eighth grade. Early bird registration begins on Dec. 6 and standard registration begins on Dec. 20.

“The spring production is a little different,” Wolfgang says. “We have about 100 kids

who participate in that show. There are different ensembles based on age level. There is a cost to participate, but the cost reflects the amount of rehearsal time.”

Since the theatre is a not-for-profit organization, scholarships are made possible by community sponsors so any child who wants to participate and learn is welcome. While many students are Lebanon residents, the theatre also has attendees from Zionsville, Western Boone, Traders Point, and homeschools.

“Over the last ten years, it’s been so wonderful to see the community of kids grow,” Wolfgang says. “Some attend college and major in musical theatre or perform in musical theatre. Some take our classes to gain confidence and learn about themselves, which is also wonderful. I’m extremely proud that our program takes kids of all talent levels and anyone with any disabilities, as well.”

The Little Black Box Theatre is located at 392 Mt. Zion Road Lebanon, IN 46052. For more information about tickets or registration, you can visit blackboxtheatreco. com or call them at 765-335-2333.

B O O N E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

C h i c k e n N u g g e t & G a n g

E s t . 2 0 1 6

In January 2016, founder Keir Schutte visited the pet rescue A Critter's Chance with intentions of fostering a few bunnies She ended up meeting a Bantam Rooster named Chicken Nugget and they both were drawn to eachother immediately Although Keir had never had a chicken or desire to have one, she fell in love with him That's when Keir decided to take Chicken Nugget home as well as the bunnies she had planned on fostering

Since that day, it was a quick slide from one chicken to ten From chickens, to bunnies, and other small domestic animals, Chicken Nugget's Gang has gotten bigger and bigger "It was never my intention to start a pet rescue, but once I saw how many animals needed help, I felt like I needed to do something," said Keir

Rockstar (Rock) is Keir's Great Pyrenees Therapy dog that always comes along for the ride Both Keir and Rock volunteer for several different kinds of senior facilities, schools, and other special projects together. He goes with her to trade shows, events, and community organizations Rock always knows how to cheer people up and make their day

Keir has many goals for Chicken Nugget & Gang. She plans to find a new location in Lebanon to be able to have the adoptable animals in a public place Keir would also like to start hosting community events as they used to Keir and the Chicken Nugget Gang really appreciate their "Friends of Nugget," (https://chickennuggetandgang com/friends and sponsors of nugget/)

To donate, visit https://chappyandfriends.networkforgood.com/projects/76886-chicken-nugget-and-gang-inc

Writer / Seth Johnson Photographer / Jon Ellegood

After previously operating out of two separate facilities in Brownsburg, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio, the team at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) has now consolidated its headquarters into one stateof-the-art site in Zionsville.

Located at the northeast corner of Creek Way and 106th Street, the new, 100,000-square-foot facility serves as

the home base for RLLR’s IndyCar and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) programs. Several years in the making, the new building features office and event space, as well as automotive research and development and light manufacturing operations, to support the dynamic functions of RLLR’s racing teams. Currently, RLLR has five total entries in the NTT IndyCar Series and IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, including Christian Lundgaard, Graham Rahal and Jack Harvey of IndyCar, as well as John

Edwards and Phillipp Eng of IMSA.

According to Co-owner Bobby Rahal, the RLLR team first began looking for a new headquarters location several years ago, in hopes of consolidating all of their operations under one roof.

“We’d had discussions with Mark Miles and the Hulman-George family regarding the parking lot across from the entrance to the Speedway, and also where the office buildings are for IndyCar in the strip mall

RAHAL LETTERMAN LANIGAN RACING

HEADQUARTERS TO

across the street,” Rahal says. “There’d been a plan from the city of Speedway and the Speedway itself to extend the rejuvenation of Main Street further east, so there had been discussions about us building our facility directly across from the entrance to the Speedway. That probably started in 2014 or thereabouts. Those discussions ended when Roger [Penske] bought the Speedway and IndyCar.”

The RLLR leaders then began searching elsewhere and were eventually drawn to

Zionsville.

“As the discussions continued, that area really became very attractive to us because of the site and where it’s located,” Rahal says. “It’s not in an industrial park. It’s in an office park. Most race shops you see are in industrial parks. That caused us to look at that area in general for the site of our building. That’s what led us to have discussions with the mayor and her team.”

After deciding on the location at the

northeast corner of Creek Way and 106th Street, the RLLR team got to work on designing the perfect facility for their needs, before beginning construction in 2021.

“There were a number of variations on design based on what we thought our needs would be,” Rahal says. “We finally came to a conclusion on that, and in May 2021 we turned over the earth for the first time.”

With their IndyCar and IMSA teams under one roof, Rahal says RLLR can be much more efficient overall.

“This building is the first time in 15 years where we’ve had both programs under one roof, and that’ll be great,” he says. “There are inefficiencies to having two different headquarters, with people traveling back and forth and what have you. We’ll all be under one roof. We’ll have close to 125 people working full time there.”

In bringing the headquarters to Zionsville, Rahal says the team has already been creating new jobs in the area.

“We already have [created jobs] to a large degree,” Rahal says. “Some of our people from Columbus moved over, but most of them remained in Columbus, so we’ve certainly brought a lot of people in from the local community. The nature of the jobs that are being filled right now are more technically based. Motorsports is

Bobby Rahal, Owner

more digitally driven in terms of the capabilities and the capacities of these facilities. Our demand over time is definitely going to be towards the mechanical engineering and electrical engineering side of the equation, because that’s where the growth is happening in racing.”

As the RLLR team continues to strive for success on the racetrack, Rahal believes they’ve created a facility that’s equipped to serve them in the long term.

“The building is designed in such a way that it really is a building of the future, in terms of its technical capabilities,” Rahal says. “It’s more than just repairing and maintaining cars. There’s a lot of technical sophistication that the building provides our team with, which will allow us to be very competitive in the years to come.”

While RLLR continues to bring new jobs to the Zionsville community, Rahal hopes the team can make a difference in other ways too.

“We are part of the community, so we anticipate that we’ll be making our facility available for charitable activities,” Rahal says. “We have a professional kitchen so we have the capability to feed over 100 people at any given time. We have the ability to hold meetings for up to 100 people. I anticipate that our facility will be made available for charities throughout central Indiana. We look to do what we can to help the community, and hope the community will do what they can to help us.”

To learn more about the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team, visit rahal.com.

DONALDSON’S FINER CHOCOLATES SPREADS SWEETNESS

FAMILY-OWNED LOCAL FAVORITE ENJOYS ITS 56TH YEAR

Writer/ Rebecca Wood Photographer/Jon Ellegood

Those who visit Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates in Lebanon may remember the famous saying that “life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get.” Except at this family-run chocolate store, patrons to this chocolatier know exactly what they’ll get: high-quality, handmade chocolates that have charmed customers for more than 50 years.

Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates sits on State Road 39 off I-65 in Lebanon. The business, which operates out of a former farmhouse, welcomes visitors through the front door with the sweet aroma of chocolates. Display cases laden with butter creams, truffles and caramels fill the room. Within the space, visitors can gaze through glass windows and view employees handcrafting treats.

A guest book rests on the counter with entries from customers visiting from across the nation and globe. The store’s proximity to the interstate and reputation as a premium chocolate shop draws patrons from near and far.

“Our shop remains a place people recognize,” says owner Bob Donaldson. “It’s a privilege to serve customers locally and around the world.”

Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates has operated as a family business for 56 years. Bob Donaldson co-owns Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates with his wife Kathy. The couple took over the helm of the business from Bob’s parents, George and Peg Donaldson. George and Peg opened the store in the fall of 1966.

The store was originally located in an old, two-room schoolhouse north of Lebanon. In 1972, the Donaldson’s moved the store to its current location. Then, the structure underwent several renovations to arrive at its present space. The business was initially named Donaldson’s Country Home Candies, but the name was changed to Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates in 1989.

Peg Donaldson passed away in 1994 and George continued to run the business into his 90s until his passing in 2019.

“My dad loved the joy his business gave people,” says Bob. “He was a people person and chocolates were his route to connections.”

While Bob contributed to the business as an adolescent, he entered a different profession as an adult. However, Bob returned full-time to Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates in 2010. His wife, Kathy, a former critical care nurse, joined the business in 2013.

Other family members also contribute to

the business, including Bob and Kathy’s daughter-in-law and a cousin.

“This is an important family business,” Bob says. “We are proud to carry on my parent’s legacy.”

In Donaldson’s 56 years of operation, many of the well-loved products have stayed the same. In fact, all the recipes remain a family secret. Bob names the caramels as customer favorites. The pecan caramel delights and sea salt caramels are popular among guests. The buttercreams appeal to many visitors.

Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates only produces chocolates. “We are a chocolate company, and we focus on what we do best,” Bob says.

Customers have an array of chocolate choices at Donaldson’s including chocolate barks, nuts and chews, truffles and fruit pieces. Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate treats are offered. Bob and Kathy have developed a dark select line of chocolates which features a rich, 64% cocoa dark chocolate. Donaldson’s continues to increase its product line and offerings while retaining favorite products.

Customers can purchase Donaldson’s chocolates at its Lebanon store or online. Chocolate boxes can be shipped “anywhere north of the equator,” Kathy says.

Owners Bob and Kathy Donaldson

Bob conveys that Donaldson’s is a gift business and the company is gearing up for a busy holiday season that includes the period between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Corporate holiday gifts are in high demand during this season, as well. Donaldson says the store provides corporate holiday gifts for 100-150 businesses

Donaldson’s handles high customer demand well because of its staff of 15 employees. “It’s a great atmosphere and a fun place for employees to work,” Bob says. “We are a family.”

Bob and Kathy Donaldson have strong ties to Boone County. Both grew up in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School. They met when Kathy worked at the chocolate shop while still in high school and still live in the community.

“We love working in Boone County,” says Bob. “We have so many roots and connections. Our store is a social gathering

for people and a fun place for people to reconnect.”

Looking towards the future, Bob says Donaldson’s needs to plan for the anticipated growth in Lebanon and Boone County. With the scheduled addition of a sports complex and Lilly distribution centers in Lebanon, Donaldson’s predicts an increase in customer demand. The family is preparing for those changes in the community and how it will impact their business.

The Donaldson family expresses gratitude for its loyal customers and eagerly looks forward to serving new visitors. Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates will continue doing what they do best: making fine chocolates and spreading joy with their sweet treats.

Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates is located at 600 S State Rd 39, Lebanon, IN 46052. You can also visit them at www. donaldsonschocolates.com or contact them at 765-482-3334.

317.344.2715

FEATURE SERVICE

(REGULARLY

HARMONY POOLS

Give the gift of Water Feature Service (applies for Swimming Pool, Spa or Fountain). Visit our website to view our Holiday Gift Guide, Seasonal Sales, and more details! 4833 W 106th Street 317-863-9455 www.SwimInHarmony.com

YMCA OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Give an experience this holiday season. Give the gift of the Y! Gift cards can be purchased in any amount and used for membership fees, swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, and more. Visit any YMCA of Greater Indianapolis location to purchase yours today! INDYMCA.org

Cereset® helps your brain relax and reset itself, enabling you to achieve higher levels of well-being and balance throughout your life.

worry & anxiety

hope & happiness

“stuck” stress

learning & memory

restful sleep

energy & performance

RESERVE NORTON

Blackhawk Winery’s Reserve

Norton is a special treat for dry red wine lovers. Aged 2 years in American oak, fruit meets balanced tannins in a robust dry red.

SEYVAL BLANC

Enjoy the light citrus of this delightful Seyval Blanc. Vinted from grapes grown in our vineyards, a truly special, local treat.

SHERIDAN

Blackhawk Winery is the only winery in the world selling Sheridan wine! A fruity rose with notes of cherry and watermelon - versatile and pairs with cheeses and poultry! Perfect partner to the holidays.

LEMON

Find out why Blackhawk Winery’s Lemon is the most popular wine in the tasting room. Made from pure lemon juice, this wine brings liquid sunshine to the colder days.

Crafted With Care

SAMSON FAMILY LEATHER SPECIALIZES IN INDIVIDUALLY FASHIONED ITEMS CRAFTED WITH CARE

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Jon Ellegood

Samson Family Leather is the definition of a family-owned and -operated business. Casey Samson’s grandfather started the business in downtown Lebanon in 1982. The business sells handmade, high-quality leather products.

“My grandfather started it with my father as a small, leatherworking hobby business,” Samson says. “They had a few shoe repair shops in the area. The business eventually transitioned to my dad and transitioned to me. I became the owner in 2011.”

Samson Family Leather sells handcrafted leather items such as purses, wallets, clutches, keychains, coasters, mousepads, toiletry kits, drinking vessels, knife sheaths, pot holders, jewelry and more. A team of five artisans including Samson and his wife design and make each unique item by hand. In addition to the pieces they sell in-store, the crew travels to 20 to 30 different events each to sell their wares.

Recently, Samson acquired the space next door to Samson Family Leather and opened

The Craft Room by Samson Leather. The 48-person event space is used for hosting craft classes for needlework, felting, painting and even ceramics. The Craft Room is also available to rent for private events.

“The Craft Room has been so well-received by people that we’ve actually had to cut back on some classes because so many people want it for their own events,” Samson says. “We expect it to be bustling during this upcoming holiday season.”

Speaking of holidays, Samson says Samson Family Leather will host several events for the public throughout the holiday season. The family will host a Santa Claus event in December. A professional photographer will be on hand for photos with the old, jolly guy himself. Each child can take home their very own gift from the store.

The family has spun off another company called Leather Ornaments by Samson Family Leather. Each ornament is made one by one, by hand, in the store. Styles include alphabet letters, Christmas silhouettes such as bells, stars, candy canes, stockings, Santa and his sleigh, as well as historical buildings or monuments around Lebanon in various

colors.

“Each year we do a different, special ornament,” Samson says. “We choose a different building or historic spot in Lebanon to create in leather, so shoppers can collect a new piece each year. We’ve done these for the last six or seven years.”

While the business does not take custom orders, they do specialize in leather repair.

Matthew Williams running the leather press

Shoppers can find items in-store, on their websites, and through their Facebook page.

Samson Family Leather is located at 119 North Meridian Street in downtown Lebanon. For more information, visit samsonleather.com, sflcraftroom.com, and leatherornaments.com.